Axe and Thunder

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Yes...this is the result of an over-imaginative mind...a spin-off from my Shura stories. The main character appears in the 2nd part, From Darkness to Light and back again. I will try to update this regularly.

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Prolouge

My name is Dlevkias, also called the Hell Forger, for I have forged countless weapons of great power for the denizens of the infernal. With my axes and swords, the demons drank deep of celestial blood in the eternal war between good and evil. My armor withstood the flaming swords of angels and paladins alike and my shields could deflect the wrath of the heavens.

I have lived for three hundred human years upon this plane of existence, hiding in the kingdom of Gryloas. My talents were much sought after here, for the mortals enjoyed slaughtering each other as much as the otherworldly agents of good and evil did. Here, I found a measure of acceptance and a place where I could…slake my appetites once in a while, despite my daily struggle against the darkness within.

My people are known as the Grundians. Broad of shoulder and thick of muscle and beard, the tallest of us stand at four feet by human measures. In some worlds, we are known as Dwarves, a degrading term used mostly by the Humans and Elves. The Grundians dwell upon Ezahar, an elemental plane aligned with the Earth Prince, the Balancer. The Grundians burrow deep into the stone and away from the glare of the sun, they built subterranean cities of great architectural beauty. Even though my heart is black and tainted with my crimes, I still long for the beauty of my old home and thoughts of it frequently bring tears to my eyes. Many other life forms dwell upon Ezahar as well, most of them hostile. Giant burrowing reptiles known as Earth Devourers raid Grundian settlements, killing and consuming any Grundian in their way. A race of green-skinned, malicious humanoids my people call the Goblins wage war upon us frequently. The only allies were the Stone Trolls, slender, pacifistic people that were useless in any confrontation, making them more of a liability than an asset.

In such an environment, every Grundian was an able warrior, familiar with axe and hammer and comfortable in heavy armor. My people did not denounce the Earth Prince despite his refusal to aid them against their enemies, for such was the way of the Balance, the Earth Prince’s eternal duty. Ever matter-of-fact, the Grundians fortified their settlements and led a militaristic lifestyle. Justice was granted as best as it could be granted, impartiality was enforced and practicality was praised above all else. It was a harsh life the Grundians led, but it was ultimately a good one.

My twin brother Mlevkias was the greatest warrior amongst my people. With Zeinkar, the axe I forged for him, and Varkuum, a hammer also of my design, Mlevkias could destroy entire armies of Goblins and take on Earth Devourers single-handedly. He was mighty and he was terrible, for in battle, his eyes burned with a reddish flame and he screamed in a language beyond Grundian comprehension. This tale is about him and the legend he carved upon Ezahar. And it is also a tale of how the taint in his soul warped me as well, for twins bear an affinity to each other.

Through sin and fire, I bring to you the legend of Mlevkias the Destroyer.

[ January 12, 2003, 11:18: Message edited by: Shura ]

 

Seriously Shura, you shouldn't take on so many stories at once, you'll never end up finishing all of them.
I wondered a bit about that guy, it seemed very strange that some uber smith should suddenly appear and give Shura an uber weapon for free. Not much to say about it yet...

 

Not much to say yet, but sounds like another good story.

 

Akinaro is right, you are taking on too much, but sound like a good beginning, kind of like The Cask of Amontillado, but not so creepy.

 

I for one am happy about another of Shura's writings, but they are right, you may be over doing yourself. Having said that all men should know there limits, and you probably know yours, so keep on posting.

[ January 29, 2003, 16:30: Message edited by: Morningstar ]