Refuge

A week has passed after the abrupt assault from the Army of Manick, and thankfully enough, the Dwarves had the better geographical location which led to an ultimate massacre of Manick's Beastmen Legions. But it was also due to the part's warning that had given the Dwarves enough time to man the defenses and come to the rescue, to discover the attack from this long forgotten ancient tunnel.

"The Dwarves dig too deep...too deep for their own good" Captain Wincor ponder thoughtfully.

The Imperial Officer had been performing his adminstration and offical role of a Captain after the bloody battle. Staying in the Imperial Consolate in Karak Kadrin, he has tended to his Grimmigkopf and updated himself with the happenings far north. Predictably, the Armies of the Imperial Counts had all but lost to the tide of darkness in the first advance deep into the depths of the Northern Wasteland, and it has left the heavy burden upon the Imperial Guards and the Emperor to lay and even more fragile defense up North than it already has been

A heavy sigh was all the Captain could manage upon hearing the cataclysmic result of the campaign. It saddens him even more as he watch the party of his dissolves to nothingness.

After the battle, the distraught Bretonnian Lord and his Damsel Sorceress took their ;eave from the group, still wielding the sorrow of losing a close comrade-in-arms, a son and a student, such was the depth of the wound that was left on Lord Bromric by the Late Sir Jared Wilcox.

The Ogre's spirit for the unfound artifact, the Leranorak, was not dampen in contrast to the Lord. It seems like the gem has given him the bloodthirst to surge on with the quest. Preparations were already made by his fellow Gnoblars and on top of that the Ogre Warlord has already seek for more reinforcements from the Ogre Den in Kislev where his warband resides.

The Arrowmerchant accompanies the Ogre as his interest grows more as he realise more about the prophesy and the artifacts. Lithir and his brother had a suspicion that they were working for dark clients but the artifact was of growing concern to them due to the power it holds and so they continue their pursue.

"The Ogre may very well hold the gem that will herald the doom of all goodkind." said Lithir in a sullen tone, as he scrolled through the archives on old artifacts. ***

In the streets of Karak Kadrin, with the heat of the forge causing him to sweat, Caravon Alastar wanders about the bustling street. it seems as though the battle have not affect the morale of the citizens. "Perhaps it is a daily lifestyle to come across invasions and attacks from enemies everyday" Caravon Alastar thought. But much more was on his mind that day, as the Captain put him on his test to rise as a noble knight. Much would depend on his character and qualities, and furthurmore, his men loyal to him will look to him for guidance. Much responsibility is weighed on him as he strives to reclaim the rightful command of the Jade Vanguard...

Admist all this, The Gathering lays in a shatter, the storm is brewing.. brewing near...

The Duel

Lord Bromric and Sir Jared gathered their strengths and a burst of light emerged from within them as they charged towards the enemy. Running with adnormal speed, the hulky knights drawed their weapons to strike the first blow at the enemy..

The Bloodthirster landed with a loud crash infront of the Knights, but that didn't stop the knights from launching a flurry of attacks. The blazing Swords all hit home, but they were but mere scratches to the Lord Daemon and it was not long before the Daemon retaliated. The Axe of Khorne glided swiftly on the Knights, its inhuman speed stunned the Knights. It was almost as if the Axe weighed nothing to the Daemon. Lord Casta had the experience to take it on, but the Daemons flurry of attack was ceaseless and all the Lord could do was dodge from its fatal swing. Looking on his left, he saw how Jared was struggling against the deadly arcs of the Axe. So much concentration was the Paladin on parrying the blows he did not realise the Daemon had his other hand free. With a sudden lurch he grabbed the paladin by the head and crushed him to the ground. Death was instant.

"NooooOOooo!!!" yelled the Lord of the Army of Tempest. He charge forth again..

In the midst of it, Captain Dinishere realised that it be bettter to cause disarray to impede this showdown. Taking out his pistol, he shot the Exalted Champion of Chaos, the bullet pierced throgh the thick armor of Manick, but the Champion did not flinch and only glanced at the Captain with Eyes of Terror that caused the Captain to stumbled and trip on his feet in fear.

Despite his amusement of the duel and his hatred for the Knights, he knew that the battle between both parties would end up in a worthless bloodshed that will lead to the death of everyone in his party

"Enough!!! You came for me Human. Your matters are with me and me alone! I challenge you in a duel to possess the Gem! If I win, you leave with your armies and be gone from our presence. If you win, you can have your way!" roared the Ogre, defiant, stubborn and arrogant all the same.

"Steel Yourself..."

It was this very phrase that stunned the Ogre, for even when injured, the Warrior accepted the duel even when he was aware that the Ogre wielded the Snake's Eye.

The Champion surged forth, charging towards the Ogre, Ogren met the Champion with a clash of steel and sidestep to give himself more room to launch his attacks. Manick overshot the Ogre and was amazed at the Big Hulk's speed. The champion turned to defend his position, but he realise it was no used against the power of the gem.

Like an etheral ghost, Ogren's weapon went through the Champion's parry and only metamorphosize when it came in contact with the Champion's Armor. It was a mad rage that had been unleashed by the Ogre. So much power and fury in it, it was as raw as chaos itself. The chaotic incense in Manick churned in agony as Ogren weapon slammed into him. Somehow or another, the chosen of the gods was being favoured as blow after blow he stood his ground, and even the Ogre was shocked and feared that the man was unstoppable. But before long, it was too much for the Warrior to bear and he collapse on the ground.

His counsel and the Bloodthirster recovered their fallen Champion. There was a pause for a moment as duelists met eye to eye again... Though half conscious, Manick's eyes burnt with fury.

'We shall meet again.. Ogre. And the next time.. it will be inevitable"

And so the army retreated, while the Chaos party dissipitated.

The dwarves gave chase slaughtering and butchering the remnants. The entire battle lasted 3 days straight and resulted in the lost of 1500 Dwarves and about 18000 Beastmen.

The cost of the Gem was worth this much... Ogren thought. With a shudder, he grasp it with his hands tightly, as the party and the remaining Slayers proceeded back to the fortified fortress of Karak Kadrin and permanently blocking this old path to the World's Edge Mountain.