Serenity
07-01-2003, 10:26 PM
The Order of the Light
Part 1 The beginning
The dark elf leader Safra laughed to himself as he looked out onto the valley below. “Today will be a good day. The night shall be our friend as we attack the lights. They will either be slaughtered or retreat like cowards.” He turned and looked Graminon, his second in command. “That’s what they always do!” This truth was hard on the spirits of the soldiers of the light guild camped in the valley below. It had been great once, but over time the old leaders and soldiers died or were seriously wounded, and a greedy nobleman named Lord White took over the guild. He drafted anyone that could fight, anyone who lived near the light kingdom, regardless of race or age. Fortunately some volunteered, hoping to make a difference. Lord White wasn’t a very strong leader and would rather send his soldiers out and watch from a safe distance. All this Safra knew and was taking full advantage of it. One thing he didn’t know was that a new face had been brought into the guild, a brave that was no stranger to war and already had a reputation for being heroic and a natural leader. His name was Kalico. He had been summoned by Lord White to boost the morale of his soldiers, unbeknownst to Kalico himself. Back on the mountain, Safra readied for the attack. “Charge!” he screamed, and hundreds of dark elves ran down to the sleeping camp.
The watchmen at the camp spotted them and screamed, “We are being attacked!” just before an arrow pierced his heart.
The soldiers gathered their weapons and ran outside, waiting for Lord White’s orders. He stepped out of his tent and realized they were very much out numbered. “I’m getting out of here!” he screamed and mounted his horse and rode off.
“Coward!” screamed Kalico.
He turned back around to see the soldiers in a panic; he knew then what he had to do. “Soldiers, get in you positions! Archers, get ready for my command! I know I’m not going to die without a fight!”
With their newfound courage the soldiers positioned themselves and waited for the elves. “Fire!”
The archers fired and took out some of their charging enemies. The clash of steel against steel then came and the fighters now tested their swordsmanship skills. Kalico jumped in and took out a few himself, but it seemed that the elves were slowly winning. “Ahhh!”
He heard a cry coming from the right of him and turned to see three elves had ganged up on one of his soldiers. He ran over and killed one of them. They then turned to Kalico and started attacking him. The soldier regained his bearings and cracked the two remaining elves’ heads together instantly killing them. Kalico looked at his soldier in amazement. The soldier took off his helmet. “Thank you, sir. I owe you my life.”
The soldier standing there in front of him was a half troll! “Come now, you would have done the same for me. Put your helmet back on. The battle isn’t over yet!” said Kalico.
“Yes, sir!” the half troll shouted.
They went back to fighting and Kalico could see that the soldiers were tiring. He scanned the area and spotted Safra. Then he got an idea. He ran over to two archers that were on top of some dodos, snipering some elves. “Quickly, I have a mission for you.”
“Yes, sir.” said the smaller of the two.
They dismounted and followed Kalico behind a tent. “I want you to aim for the leader there, and you for the other one next to him.”
“Yes, sir.” they said in unison.
They both pulled back their arrows, ready to fire. The smaller archer shot first. His target was Safra and it hit him right in the chest. Shock filled the dark elf, but before he could say anything he fell and died. Graminon turned to try to help, but the second archer had already hit his target and Graminon fell. With both of their leaders dead, the dark elf soldiers started to retreat, taking their dead with them. Kalico patted the smaller archer on the back. “Good job, men.”
The archers took their helmets off. “Thank you, sir, but we are not men. My name is Gwulf and I’m a wood elf.” said the smaller one.
“My name is Jibba, sir.” said the taller one.
“You’re a troll aren’t you?” said Kalico.
“Half troll, actually.” said Jibba.
“Oh sorry. Thank you both all the same. I’m glad that’s over.”
They walked to the center of the camp and started hearing cheering and the chanting of Kalico’s name. The remaining soldiers surrounded him and were laughing and singing. He raised his hand to quiet them. “There is no need to thank me. We ALL did our part to defeat the dark elves.”
The half troll he had saved earlier stepped forward. “Lead us, Kalico. Under your leadership our guild will be unstoppable!”
The crowd cheered again and the half troll continued. “And, sir, I would be honored if you would let me be your bodyguard.”
Kalico smiled. He didn’t think he needed one but he could tell he was sincere.
“What is your name, soldier?”
“Keodos, sir.”
“Well, Keodos, I accept both of you offers. We shall no longer be ruled by a greedy noble! This will be our guild, and we shall run it! No longer will you be forced to fight. All those who want to return to their families and no longer be a soldier can do so. But, remember this, the guild fights so that you CAN return to them. We keep the peace. All that wish to stay in the guild are welcomed. Now that we have stopped the elves, let us return and tell our families of our victory!”
The soldiers returned home and a huge celebration was held. Other light guilds joined them in the celebration and couldn’t help but to ask what this new guild would be called. Kalico stood up and the people fell silent. “We are The Order of the Light!”
Part 2 New Members
Lord White had been driven out of the kingdom and Kalico had been given his home and wealth by the people. Kalico by no means was greedy and gave some to the needy or rewarded brave soldiers. He welcomed all into his home and was well loved by the people. Good times never last long and new news given to him by his scout SneakyxJesus, had warned him of another attack by the dark elves, but this time they had some orcs on their side. Kalico sent word that he needed volunteers to help fight in this battle, and he wouldn’t be disappointed. Days later, the first of the volunteers arrived. Kalico was sitting in his living room, Keodos beside him, when an elf walked into the room. Keodos immediately stood up ready to attack. “Wait!” Kalico said. “What brings you here my good elf?”
“Kalico, I heard of your request and I wish to join you.”
“Alright then, friend, so what is your name?”
The elf, stone faced, simply said “ I will retire now. I’ve had a long journey. Good day.”
Keodos turned to Kalico and said, “Well he’s talkative.”
“Dear friend, its not his social skills we want, it’s his fighting ability. Hopefully that is far better.”
* * * * *
Later that day another came to call. This time Kalico was out shooting his bow at some targets while members of the guild stood around and watched. “May I join you?”
Kalico turned to see an elf, bow in hand, smiling at him. “Sure”
Kalico waved him over. “So what is your name my friend and for what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”
“My name is Annadrew and I have journeyed from the Forest of Sorrow to join you I the fight against the dark. I am skilled at the bow and arrow. Do you need a demonstration?”
Kalico placed his hand on his shoulder. “No, Annadrew, your word is enough. You have a warrior’s spirit. Welcome to The Order of the Light. Make yourself at home. My home is your home.”
Annadrew smiled. “Thank you, sir. I will.”
Kalico looked around at the men standing around watching him. Kakon, Vahdroks, Reon, Morrigann, Dare2b, Gwulf, Jibba, Kciroj, and of course Keodos. “Could one of you show Annadrew to a room?”
Kakon stepped forward. “I will, sir.”
“Well, it’s nice to see more and more allies joining us.” said Kalico.
* * * * *
Noon the next day was when they received their next visitor. Everyone sat around the large table and feasted on the tasty lunch; even the quiet elf that had still not yet revealed his name. The door opened and a man popped his head inside. Everyone stopped eating and stared at the man, Keodos jumped to his feet. The man stepped out from behind the door. “Is this the home of Guildmaster Kalico?”
Kalico stood up. “Yes, may I ask the name the person inquiring?”
He bowed deeply. “Master Kalico, I have traveled here to join your quest to eliminate the dark. My name is Aragorn, and you have my sword!”
“Well, Aragorn, you….”
Just then SneakyxJesus burst through the door behind Aragorn. “Kalico, the dark army is headed this way!”
Kalico laughed. “I guess you showed up at the right time Aragorn. Let us defend our homes, my friends!”
All of them shouted and jumped from the table. Aragorn was the first out, and the others followed. Kalico watched his soldiers with satisfaction. They were all great warriors. But wait! Someone remained at the table. It was the nameless elf. He was looking at Kalico, his face stoic. “I guess now is time we’ve waited for.”
“Um..yes.” Kalico said a bit puzzled.
The elf stood up, pushed in his chair and headed for the door. “Are you coming?”
It took Kalico a while to realize the elf was talking to him then said, “Yes, I coming.”
* * * * * * *
The Order of Light positioned themselves for attack as the elves and orcs came closer and closer. Kalico stood on a small hill to get a better judge of how far they were from their position. To his surprise, the elf had joined him and Keodos on the hill. ‘I have to break this tension’ Kalico thought. “So are we going to see a demonstration from you today?”
The elf continued to stare out toward the enemy. Kalico sighed then went back to watching. He noticed that the orcs headed the formation, heavily armed and looking pretty angry. That’s weird. They’re on the sides too. They must be guarding the elves inside, like a living shield. He looked back at the elf. He knew that he saw that too. “You should tell your archers to aim high.” the elf said.
“Yes, you’re right. Archers aim for the sky. We must get over those orcs! Fire!”
They shot on command, but it was no use. The dark elves just raised their shields to block the arrows. Kalico could see the new dark elf leader laughing in the distance. The orc line finally reached the Order’s front and Kalico watched as his soldier, Reon, gave an orc a hard blow. The sword bounced off the armor and the orc gave no reaction. The orcs pushed themselves right through Kalico’s men, not touching one of them! The elf whipped his head towards Kalico. “They’re coming for me,” said Kalico. “I killed their leader now all they want to do is kill me.”
The soldiers of the Order looked around at each other in amazement. Keodos stepped in front of Kalico. “I’ll die before they get to you, sir”
“Don’t be a fool.” Spat out the elf.
Keodos and Kalico looked at him. The elf walked out in front of Keodos, facing the enemy. He lifted his staff and spoke in the language of his people, words Kalico didn’t understand. “Tuula nya aire mahtar!”
Suddenly they heard yelling and screaming. The orcs and elves stopped dead in their tracks, even the soldiers of the Order stopped and stared at the top of the ridge. Behind them thousands of soldiers with the crest of the Order appeared. The orcs started to break formation and run for the woods. The dark elf leader agreed with them and yelled, “Retreat!” to his men.
Kalico could not believe his eyes, and when the last dark elf was out of site, he said, “That was a miricle!”
The elf waved his staff again and the soldiers disappeared. “No, Kalico, it was an illusion, and my name is Absolution.”
“The men and myself owe you our lives.”
“I am a member of this guild right?”
Kalico nodded.
“Then nothing is owed.”
Kalico walked over and stood next to Absolution. “Friends, today was a good day. We have defeated our enemies, and no lives were lost. Gother smiles down on us. No one shall defeat The Order of the Light!”
Part 1 The beginning
The dark elf leader Safra laughed to himself as he looked out onto the valley below. “Today will be a good day. The night shall be our friend as we attack the lights. They will either be slaughtered or retreat like cowards.” He turned and looked Graminon, his second in command. “That’s what they always do!” This truth was hard on the spirits of the soldiers of the light guild camped in the valley below. It had been great once, but over time the old leaders and soldiers died or were seriously wounded, and a greedy nobleman named Lord White took over the guild. He drafted anyone that could fight, anyone who lived near the light kingdom, regardless of race or age. Fortunately some volunteered, hoping to make a difference. Lord White wasn’t a very strong leader and would rather send his soldiers out and watch from a safe distance. All this Safra knew and was taking full advantage of it. One thing he didn’t know was that a new face had been brought into the guild, a brave that was no stranger to war and already had a reputation for being heroic and a natural leader. His name was Kalico. He had been summoned by Lord White to boost the morale of his soldiers, unbeknownst to Kalico himself. Back on the mountain, Safra readied for the attack. “Charge!” he screamed, and hundreds of dark elves ran down to the sleeping camp.
The watchmen at the camp spotted them and screamed, “We are being attacked!” just before an arrow pierced his heart.
The soldiers gathered their weapons and ran outside, waiting for Lord White’s orders. He stepped out of his tent and realized they were very much out numbered. “I’m getting out of here!” he screamed and mounted his horse and rode off.
“Coward!” screamed Kalico.
He turned back around to see the soldiers in a panic; he knew then what he had to do. “Soldiers, get in you positions! Archers, get ready for my command! I know I’m not going to die without a fight!”
With their newfound courage the soldiers positioned themselves and waited for the elves. “Fire!”
The archers fired and took out some of their charging enemies. The clash of steel against steel then came and the fighters now tested their swordsmanship skills. Kalico jumped in and took out a few himself, but it seemed that the elves were slowly winning. “Ahhh!”
He heard a cry coming from the right of him and turned to see three elves had ganged up on one of his soldiers. He ran over and killed one of them. They then turned to Kalico and started attacking him. The soldier regained his bearings and cracked the two remaining elves’ heads together instantly killing them. Kalico looked at his soldier in amazement. The soldier took off his helmet. “Thank you, sir. I owe you my life.”
The soldier standing there in front of him was a half troll! “Come now, you would have done the same for me. Put your helmet back on. The battle isn’t over yet!” said Kalico.
“Yes, sir!” the half troll shouted.
They went back to fighting and Kalico could see that the soldiers were tiring. He scanned the area and spotted Safra. Then he got an idea. He ran over to two archers that were on top of some dodos, snipering some elves. “Quickly, I have a mission for you.”
“Yes, sir.” said the smaller of the two.
They dismounted and followed Kalico behind a tent. “I want you to aim for the leader there, and you for the other one next to him.”
“Yes, sir.” they said in unison.
They both pulled back their arrows, ready to fire. The smaller archer shot first. His target was Safra and it hit him right in the chest. Shock filled the dark elf, but before he could say anything he fell and died. Graminon turned to try to help, but the second archer had already hit his target and Graminon fell. With both of their leaders dead, the dark elf soldiers started to retreat, taking their dead with them. Kalico patted the smaller archer on the back. “Good job, men.”
The archers took their helmets off. “Thank you, sir, but we are not men. My name is Gwulf and I’m a wood elf.” said the smaller one.
“My name is Jibba, sir.” said the taller one.
“You’re a troll aren’t you?” said Kalico.
“Half troll, actually.” said Jibba.
“Oh sorry. Thank you both all the same. I’m glad that’s over.”
They walked to the center of the camp and started hearing cheering and the chanting of Kalico’s name. The remaining soldiers surrounded him and were laughing and singing. He raised his hand to quiet them. “There is no need to thank me. We ALL did our part to defeat the dark elves.”
The half troll he had saved earlier stepped forward. “Lead us, Kalico. Under your leadership our guild will be unstoppable!”
The crowd cheered again and the half troll continued. “And, sir, I would be honored if you would let me be your bodyguard.”
Kalico smiled. He didn’t think he needed one but he could tell he was sincere.
“What is your name, soldier?”
“Keodos, sir.”
“Well, Keodos, I accept both of you offers. We shall no longer be ruled by a greedy noble! This will be our guild, and we shall run it! No longer will you be forced to fight. All those who want to return to their families and no longer be a soldier can do so. But, remember this, the guild fights so that you CAN return to them. We keep the peace. All that wish to stay in the guild are welcomed. Now that we have stopped the elves, let us return and tell our families of our victory!”
The soldiers returned home and a huge celebration was held. Other light guilds joined them in the celebration and couldn’t help but to ask what this new guild would be called. Kalico stood up and the people fell silent. “We are The Order of the Light!”
Part 2 New Members
Lord White had been driven out of the kingdom and Kalico had been given his home and wealth by the people. Kalico by no means was greedy and gave some to the needy or rewarded brave soldiers. He welcomed all into his home and was well loved by the people. Good times never last long and new news given to him by his scout SneakyxJesus, had warned him of another attack by the dark elves, but this time they had some orcs on their side. Kalico sent word that he needed volunteers to help fight in this battle, and he wouldn’t be disappointed. Days later, the first of the volunteers arrived. Kalico was sitting in his living room, Keodos beside him, when an elf walked into the room. Keodos immediately stood up ready to attack. “Wait!” Kalico said. “What brings you here my good elf?”
“Kalico, I heard of your request and I wish to join you.”
“Alright then, friend, so what is your name?”
The elf, stone faced, simply said “ I will retire now. I’ve had a long journey. Good day.”
Keodos turned to Kalico and said, “Well he’s talkative.”
“Dear friend, its not his social skills we want, it’s his fighting ability. Hopefully that is far better.”
* * * * *
Later that day another came to call. This time Kalico was out shooting his bow at some targets while members of the guild stood around and watched. “May I join you?”
Kalico turned to see an elf, bow in hand, smiling at him. “Sure”
Kalico waved him over. “So what is your name my friend and for what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”
“My name is Annadrew and I have journeyed from the Forest of Sorrow to join you I the fight against the dark. I am skilled at the bow and arrow. Do you need a demonstration?”
Kalico placed his hand on his shoulder. “No, Annadrew, your word is enough. You have a warrior’s spirit. Welcome to The Order of the Light. Make yourself at home. My home is your home.”
Annadrew smiled. “Thank you, sir. I will.”
Kalico looked around at the men standing around watching him. Kakon, Vahdroks, Reon, Morrigann, Dare2b, Gwulf, Jibba, Kciroj, and of course Keodos. “Could one of you show Annadrew to a room?”
Kakon stepped forward. “I will, sir.”
“Well, it’s nice to see more and more allies joining us.” said Kalico.
* * * * *
Noon the next day was when they received their next visitor. Everyone sat around the large table and feasted on the tasty lunch; even the quiet elf that had still not yet revealed his name. The door opened and a man popped his head inside. Everyone stopped eating and stared at the man, Keodos jumped to his feet. The man stepped out from behind the door. “Is this the home of Guildmaster Kalico?”
Kalico stood up. “Yes, may I ask the name the person inquiring?”
He bowed deeply. “Master Kalico, I have traveled here to join your quest to eliminate the dark. My name is Aragorn, and you have my sword!”
“Well, Aragorn, you….”
Just then SneakyxJesus burst through the door behind Aragorn. “Kalico, the dark army is headed this way!”
Kalico laughed. “I guess you showed up at the right time Aragorn. Let us defend our homes, my friends!”
All of them shouted and jumped from the table. Aragorn was the first out, and the others followed. Kalico watched his soldiers with satisfaction. They were all great warriors. But wait! Someone remained at the table. It was the nameless elf. He was looking at Kalico, his face stoic. “I guess now is time we’ve waited for.”
“Um..yes.” Kalico said a bit puzzled.
The elf stood up, pushed in his chair and headed for the door. “Are you coming?”
It took Kalico a while to realize the elf was talking to him then said, “Yes, I coming.”
* * * * * * *
The Order of Light positioned themselves for attack as the elves and orcs came closer and closer. Kalico stood on a small hill to get a better judge of how far they were from their position. To his surprise, the elf had joined him and Keodos on the hill. ‘I have to break this tension’ Kalico thought. “So are we going to see a demonstration from you today?”
The elf continued to stare out toward the enemy. Kalico sighed then went back to watching. He noticed that the orcs headed the formation, heavily armed and looking pretty angry. That’s weird. They’re on the sides too. They must be guarding the elves inside, like a living shield. He looked back at the elf. He knew that he saw that too. “You should tell your archers to aim high.” the elf said.
“Yes, you’re right. Archers aim for the sky. We must get over those orcs! Fire!”
They shot on command, but it was no use. The dark elves just raised their shields to block the arrows. Kalico could see the new dark elf leader laughing in the distance. The orc line finally reached the Order’s front and Kalico watched as his soldier, Reon, gave an orc a hard blow. The sword bounced off the armor and the orc gave no reaction. The orcs pushed themselves right through Kalico’s men, not touching one of them! The elf whipped his head towards Kalico. “They’re coming for me,” said Kalico. “I killed their leader now all they want to do is kill me.”
The soldiers of the Order looked around at each other in amazement. Keodos stepped in front of Kalico. “I’ll die before they get to you, sir”
“Don’t be a fool.” Spat out the elf.
Keodos and Kalico looked at him. The elf walked out in front of Keodos, facing the enemy. He lifted his staff and spoke in the language of his people, words Kalico didn’t understand. “Tuula nya aire mahtar!”
Suddenly they heard yelling and screaming. The orcs and elves stopped dead in their tracks, even the soldiers of the Order stopped and stared at the top of the ridge. Behind them thousands of soldiers with the crest of the Order appeared. The orcs started to break formation and run for the woods. The dark elf leader agreed with them and yelled, “Retreat!” to his men.
Kalico could not believe his eyes, and when the last dark elf was out of site, he said, “That was a miricle!”
The elf waved his staff again and the soldiers disappeared. “No, Kalico, it was an illusion, and my name is Absolution.”
“The men and myself owe you our lives.”
“I am a member of this guild right?”
Kalico nodded.
“Then nothing is owed.”
Kalico walked over and stood next to Absolution. “Friends, today was a good day. We have defeated our enemies, and no lives were lost. Gother smiles down on us. No one shall defeat The Order of the Light!”