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[Talon Skyfire]

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The ringing of steel thundered in the deceptively tranquil forest nestled on the dark continent of Malas. The screams of the dying permeated the crisp fall air like darts. The forest floor was awash in the dead and dying; unidentifiable mounds of black, gold, and red.

The second coming of the Skull was nearing its end, so the Sanctians had hoped. Their forced battle was a desperate attempt to finish it once and for all, as they failed to do in the past.

The hatred of the Skull that Talon possessed was very uncharacteristic of a paladin. The Ebon Skull were the mortal enemies of the Skyfire family, and of Sanctus. The unyielding hatred in his gut threatened to consume him.

Necromantic and arcane incantations seared the air, leaving behind an acrid smell as they wrought havoc upon the recipients. White and black magic were erupting on all sides as each force sought to crush the other once and for all.

Talon grunted as he witnessed one of his knights being dismembered by several hellspawn.

A thunderous crashing to the rear made him turn about. One of the largest Molochs he had ever witnessed lumbered towards him, tree in hand. The paladin managed a quick roll as the huge makeshift club cleaved a ditch in the spot he until so recently occupied. Scrambling back to his feet, he ran as fast as he could as the beast lumbered after him. Barely managing to lift Ice in time, the tree splintered into a thousand shards as the holy blade bit into the wood. Unscathed, the daemon snatched the human up in a huge mailed fist. Talon felt the life draining from him as the beast began to crush him to pulp. Gripping the hilt of Ice, he flung the sword with what little strength remained. Only the light could have helped him, as the sword buried itself deep within the Daemon’s armored chest. The monstrosity collapsed with an earth shaking thud as the paladin fell to the ground.

Disoriented and severely injured, Talon stumbled haphazardly to retrieve the sword. The sounds of battle were now far removed, indicating that he had wandered far away from the main body. He extended a bloody mailed fist to remove the weapon as a searing pain caught him in the back, sending the blade flying.

The sword struck the earth a short distance away. Blinking with dazed eyes, Talon made out two black clad figures on either side of him.

“And this is where your story ends, Lord of Sanctus,” chuckled Lord Bailos.

“Very poetic, if I must say,” intoned Lord Azrael, the notorious Vampire.

Talon staggered to his feet, shambling towards the closest of them. The futility of the effort was well documented by the smug expressions of the two dark lords.
“The –mighty- Talon is not so strong without the backup of his men,” laughed Bailos.

“No worries, it will matter little at his destination,” taunted the kindred Lord.

“To hell with both of you,” Talon coughed as he tried to grab Ice.

The two dark lords mumbled incomprehensibly as the ground beneath Talon gave way..and he fell.
*********

How much time had passed? Hours? Days? He did not know. The cold, gloomy, and grey surroundings of this place seemed to be without end. The sun did not rise here, nor did the nights ever end.

“Where am I? Am I dead? Is this the void?” he asked the emptiness around him.

“No, and Yes.”

The sudden response came out of nowhere and nearly startled Talon out of his wits.

“Who goes there!” he yelled.

A figure stepped into the dim light, his gold robe as worn as the hammer and shield at his side. The properties of this realm seemed to have no effect on his stance and demeanor though. The man was definitely a paladin.

“Cyrus...it cannot be.”

“Aye, indeed it is. And such a long time it has been my old friend.”

Talon went to embrace his lost companion, but his arms passed through him.

“So I am dead afterall. This must be the Oblivion we fought so hard against,” Talon said with a resigned tone.

“This is the void, the netherrealm, oblivion….limbo….call it what you will,” spoke Cyrus. “You are not yet dead, but not quite alive either. Your body was cast into the sea of stars after they struck you down. It lives, but who knows where it is. Ice is also in the possession on the Skull now.”

“Then why am I here?” inquired Talon.

“The fates have decided that the people of Sanctus have risen too high. They must learn to survive on their own, without your leadership. The results of this battle were tragic. The forces of light were shattered like glass and sent running on their heels,” Cyrus informed him reluctantly. “The people will manage to overcome this and rebuild. As for you, only the light can decide if you are to die and remain here, or be sent back to the mortal realm.”
*************************
“This time it will be finished,” a familiar voice said.

The King gasped audibly as he set up in his bed. The familiar surroundings of his chambers greeted him as the moonlight penetrated the narrow windows. He instinctively reached over the bed and found comfort in the hilt of Ice. Said’he mumbled slightly and turned over, unwaking.

Pulling his black and gold emblazoned cloak around him, he crept down towards the children’s chambers. He found the young twins peaceably asleep. Lord Gailan had the watch of the royal quarters this night, ever faithful at his post.

“Is everything alright Sire?” asked the grizzled paladin.

“Just the dreams again. We must find a way to help Molly. I cannot fail again. My contact with the evil that plagues her has brought on terrible dreams and memories. I cannot sit idly by while she is resigned to a similar fate.”

“As you say, your Grace. I have heard a lot of noise from the Prince’s room tonight, I think he is still up.”

Talon nodded and made his way down the hall. As he opened the door, the sight that greeted him chilled him to his very bones. The eldest prince lay stiff as hardened steel as a featureless shadow hovered over him, extending a black hand to grab him by the throat.

The King charged the being, barely missing as the sword bit into the marble wall of the castle.

The shadow laughed and turned crimson eyes to the paladin.

“We come again, and this time it will be finished…starting with the Duchess.”

The shadow vanished as suddenly as it has spoken, leaving only the Father and bathed in the pale moonlight.

(Participation in this post highly encouraged)
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~Lord Talon Skyfire
King of Sanctus
Lord Protector of Malas