The doomsday saga, p.1
The Doomsday Saga, page 1
The Doomsday Saga: Shield of Virtue
First edition September 2024
© Dean Hodsfry 2024
Dean Hodsfry has asserted his moral right to be identified as the author of this work in accordance with the copyright, Design & Publications Act 1988
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any method electrical or manual including photography or any information storage and retrieval system without express permission from the publisher or author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Also by Dean Hodsfry
The Doomsday Saga
The Doomsday Saga: Shield of Virtue
Standalone
The World According to Dean
Watch for more at Dean Hodsfry’s site.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Also By Dean Hodsfry
The Doomsday Saga: Shield of Virtue
The Doomsday Prophecy
Chapter 1: | A Brief History
1
Chapter 2: | Meeting Of The Races
1
2
Chapter 3: | The Hands of Fate
1
2
3
4
5
Chapter 4: | A Nocturnal Quest
1
2
3
Chapter 5: | The Hindwell Affair
1
2
3
4
Chapter 6: | An Arresting Issue
1
2
3
Chapter 7: | The Revenants
1
2
3
Chapter 8: | The Defence Of Hindwell
1
2
3
Chapter 9: | The Aftermath
1
2
3
Chapter 10: | The Festival Of The Free
1
2
Sign up for Dean Hodsfry's Mailing List
Further Reading: The World According to Dean
Dedicated to my wonderful wife Katherine and my beautiful daughter Alyssia and all the people who have supported me.
The Doomsday Prophecy
'The end of time is soon upon this earth the four horsemen will ride out War, pestilence famine and death to cleanse this land and make way for the second coming. Abandon all hope and be ready to despair'
By Vincenzo Halstead, Philosopher & madman 1313 AD
Chapter 1:
A Brief History
1
TWENTY YEARS AGO...
'Let me tell you a story' Said old Nan to the young boy. She really loved it when Horus came around between his teachings. Horus was three years old, he had Blonde/platinum hair cropped short, with the lightest blue eyes. Horus was going to be the next High Mage of the Albion Isle. Although he had an old head he was far too young so his Mother Alarielle Martinessa ruled by proxy as his father was missing presumed dead.
'What story Nan?' asked Horus
'The story of the first war; she said rubbing her hands with glee.
'Aww not again, Nan I have heard it millions of times before'
'Come on it will be fun; you need to know and remember your history young man especially when you rule' She grabbed the boy and placed him on her lap and began the story in earnest. She wiped a stray Blonde hair out of Horus' face.
"In the world of Rezidor, only two things the mortal man feared Evil and Magic. They think both are connected and are taught no different. According to the Annuls back in the dawn of time, the old gods were magical beings they could, lift the seas up, rip mountains asunder and cast massive spears of lighting to the ground.
'Oh Nan not again please...'
'Let me finish young man'
In this pantheon, there were five. Deidamia was the goddess of the harvest and Love. Alarielle was the goddess of Justice and judgement, Khornesh was the god of Mysticism and joy, Qilthar was the god of War and prosperity, Last but not least we had the king of the gods Alarith. He was the king of the gods and of everything else.
One day in the court of the old gods they were discussing what to do with the new pets Deidamia had created. Humans, she called them. Khornesh wanted to share his knowledge, but the others did not care to give this knowledge of magic to the humans, it was reserved for the gods only. Khornesh being the weaker of the gods wanted to share his knowledge to gain strength, so he became the first Mage and taught the first of man, which slowly increased his power and strength to a strength which started to rival Alarith. What Khornesh did not count on was the humans corrupting his teachings and starting to become evil. So, the power Khornesh was being fed was an evil corruptness. This was much stronger than the power the other gods received so this fuelled his strength, even more, twisting this kind playful god into something more sinister. The other gods cast him out and he became known as the Heathen one, but the wrath of Khornesh was to be feared. Khornesh decided he would make the first men gods in themselves to rival the old gods. He gave one of them the power of Famine this goddess he named Gahena, he gave another dark sister Katris, the power of Pestilence, he named Tusnas the god of War as a rival to Qilthar and he named Udite the god of death. Khornesh tasked these horsemen to go and spread his beliefs. If the old gods did not want him in their pantheon, he would carve out his own.
Fearing their strength swaying the remaining old gods had to do something. To try and quell the corruption of magic Alarielle was tasked by Alarith to purge the memories of Khornesh however this did not work, Qilthar tried to kill all of the magic users but unable to kill humans himself he whispered into the ears of people who he perceived as Champions these were vehemently charged with killing all magic users. This all came to a head several millennia ago and this was the first of the Sundered Wars. Many thousands and thousands of men, women and children died since the dawn of time. Friends became foes and brothers became enemies. It was the time of darkness, but the king of the gods had to do something. Alarith had to get involved and caused a massive volcanic eruption this is what stopped the first war and happened every millennium since. Khornesh was beside himself with rage, seeing his pets fail he cast them out. But each of the gods thought it was not their fault and started to fight amongst themselves. It is a tireless battle but one that must be. These days this is a sad cycle which happens every thousand human years."
'Wow, Nan is that why we can't go to the mainland?'
'Yes, my boy, its is' Old Nan placed Horus gently on the floor, now you go and play while I whip something up for lunch.
'Nan after lunch can you tell me the story about the stone dog, Crixus says that is what started the war between mages and the mainland...' This conversation was cut short. In came Alarielle face flushed with the rushing. A crisp wind followed her in bringing the smell of salt and the chill of a winter's day. Horus saw the look of fear on his mum's face. He knew something was wrong as when his mum came in the first thing she did was to come and sweep Horus up in her arms and whoosh him around like the flying horses the family bred. This time was different Nan had shooed him into the parlour and pulled the door closed. He crept to the floor and opened it ever so slightly pushing the door ajar. He caught snippets of conversation as his mum and Nan were barely audible.
'......have to go...' His mum said
'Why....... Coming...' Nan said
'Yes, Mum....... Horus has to...' The conversation stopped suddenly 'Hello little man, what are you doing?' His Mum said whilst grabbing him and holding him close.
'Are you ok Mum?' Horus said
'Yes, phhhf, I'm fine.' His mum said whilst a sorrowful look came across Old Nan's face.
'Nan was telling me the story of the first war. She says it is why we can't go to the mainland cos the Niet-tovenaars hate us.'
'Really love. We do not use that language, do we? They have their own beliefs’
'Yes Mum, I am sorry'
'Anyway, little man we are going on a holiday so go and get some of your toys hey' Alarielle said whilst pushing him to the parlour.
Chapter 2:
Meeting Of The Races
1
TWO YEARS AGO...
'Silence,' Called out Lord Khazak. His voice boomed across the meeting hall.
'Welcome to the meeting of the races. I am Lord Elbert Khazak and I am representing the Dwarven Clans of The Sonud Heights. I also name Henry Fennisson of Barak Dul as an envoy to act in my name.'
'I am Aethis Fireblade Lord High Commander of the Elvan Lands of the Therian Dynasty. I name Tyrion Miacaryn from Ulthuan as an envoy to act in my name.
'I am Alba Whiteheart High Mage of the Albion Isle and I name my brother Keller Whiteheart also of the Albion Isle to act in my name' 'I am Anton Babel Lord of Rafterwurst and I name Micah Tamis Commander of the Kings guard as an envoy to act in my name.'
'Very well thank you to all. I have an apology from Lars Mickledon of Hindwell, naming Garratt as his representative. Sir, please announce yourself.'
'I am Garett Rostock from Kidstock and I act in the name of Lars Mickeldon of Hindwell' Garret answered 'My lord has advised there is no further info he can provide and due to the outbreak of a plague in the region he is unable to attend' Lord Khazak sighed, he
ALBA LOOKED AROUND the hall it was magnificent even by Dwarven standards. No matter where he looked, a light gleamed everywhere, but the hall was only lit by one large moon door and the dwarven architecture was amazing. His nostrils were assaulted by various scents, as well as the stench of sweaty and fat-stained dwarves, it was mixed with wondrous smells of bread and meat, it made Alba's mouth water. Alba continued looking up and down the length and breadth of the hall there were fine tapestries and the statues were exquisite. Rudi Stonegrater, Gotrek Handissen and dozens he did not know about. He was delighted he had finally been able to meet Lord Khazak the fabled high commander of the Dwarves. He would have to request an audience, maybe to try to bring the Dwarven and Albioni together. He learned with relish dwarves were weapon-smiths and creators and Alba knew how to get it. Alba was also delighted with the Dwarven Thanes well he thought they and hoped were female dwarves serving the ale, there was one thane who kept shyly looking in Alba's direction. This thane came over and offered the tray of ale to Alba this thane had emerald eyes, that is the one thing that stood out. Alba took a flagon but did not partake his tastes were more grandiose he preferred wine or mead. He looked across at Anton Babel and he was disgusted this cretin's bloodline killed so many mages these feelings compounded when Anton raised a flagon with a smug smile. This wound Alba up. Alba was brought back to reality by Lord Khazak's loud booming voice.
'May I remind all parties these are peaceful talks, wouldn't you agree with me High Mage Whiteheart and Lord Babel?'
'I have no issue with a heathen joining this convention?' Babel replied nonchalantly
'I wish your ancestors, had the same courtesy Lord Babel' Alba quipped followed by murmurs of disproval from all parties.
'My lord, my brother, do not rise to it' Keller said quickly followed by 'That is enough as Chairman of this meeting I demand common courtesy from all parties, or you can leave.' Lord Khazak boomed and instant silence in the hall
'Right, thank you where were we.'
The rest of the meeting was a bit of a daze for Alba, there was a lot of talk about the four items that will defend the world. It was purported that the four items The Sword of Truth, The Shield of Virtue, The Book of Ages and the Helmet of Justice, were located all across the world each party had their views, the dwarves thought the Book of Ages was in Mount Bane and that it had a guardian or was guarded by an unknown enemy. Nothing was confirmed it was also thought by the elves that the Sword of Truth was in Ravenhill it was held in a museum, whilst others said it was held in The Vanishing Archipelago and the current Queen of the Bellatrix Gabrielle was using it. The meeting dragged on and on, it was only interrupted by an old and grizzled dwarf with purple loose robes his hair was long, and it was tied into three prongs that dragged along the floor. This dwarf went up to Lord Khazak and whispered something in his ear and Lord Khazak was hopeful. This went on for a few minutes.
'Thank you, wise and old master,' the old dwarf bowed and shuffled on out of the room. 'I have confirmation of the prophecy and I know where one of the items is! The Book of Ages is currently with the Baneish clans of the dwarves in Mount Bane. The oracles advise it was placed with them for safekeeping. Are there any volunteers to go and retrieve it?
'I will if I may, Lord Khazak' Henry shouted
'Anybody opposed to this?' Lord Khazak said. He knew that nobody would contest Mount Bane the infamous pinnacle of the entire endless wastes. The wastes themselves were inhospitable, rumours flew like old wives' loose tongues that it would drive any man, woman or beast crazy from mystical mirages to shifting dunes, coupled with snowdrifts and finally, there were alleged beasts that walk on two legs, that can dismember anything in a matter of seconds. Lord Khazak shuddered he was glad that somebody else was offering rather than him.
'I propose a vote,' Lord Babel said interrupting Khazak's thoughts. The vote was overwhelming all parties accepted Henry's request.
Many discussions floated around and Lord Khazak was getting irritable, the constant disrespect of the rules of the council between Rafterwurst and Albion. It was common knowledge there was bad blood between them but Khazak did not know how bad it was. This was due to the whisperings of somebody advising the current High Mage that his daughter was kidnapped whilst on a peace envoy to Rafterwurst. It was this unfounded rumour that started the war again after four generations of peace. Khazaks mind wondered again, a sign of his age. Nothing else was decided, despite many attempts at getting confirmations of parties that were willing to find the items the meeting ended as many before it, with little resolved. The one saving grace of this meeting was that at least they knew where one of the items was.
'Before you leave, we need to confirm where the next meeting is going to be held.' Khazak said
'I propose the Albion Isle!' Alba requested
'What where you can assassinate us all' Lord Babel quipped
'That is enough' Khazak shouted everybody was instantly stunned to silence 'I second that notion' he added.
'I agree, let us all make use of the closeness to Altrusia. With respect to Lord Khazak as the Sonund heights are miles from anywhere.' Aethis said with murmurs of agreement. Everybody looked at Khazak not sure what he would say, as disrespecting dwarves in their halls is frowned upon by all races. Khazaks face screwed up and he let out a hearty chuckle, which then eased the mounting tension in the halls. 'ah, the dazzling obvious wit of the elves. I think that concludes the meeting.' Khazak said coughing.
'Excuse me, my lord Khazak, we need to vote on the next meeting' Babel said. The tension started to build again
'Why do you have an alternative venue, Lord Babel? You are unable to offer Rafterwurst as that is where the last meeting was held.'
'I propose Hindwell, my Lord' Babel looked at Alba and smirked.
'Do we have a second?' Khazak looked around the room and saw that only Garret stuck his hand up. This irked Khazak as he knew this was a deliberate snub at the Whitehearts 'Very well, all parties voting for Alb City say aye' The elves and the Whithearts voted
'And the parties in favour of Hindwell' Babel and Garrett voted and it was apparent that the dwarves had the casting vote. ' The dwarves vote for Alb city' Khazak said with a stony stare at Babel. Khazak wanted to dare him to say something, Khazak never really liked the Rafterwurstians. They were so far up their arses that they did not consider the plights of the other minor races.
'With that vote, I conclude this meeting' he stabbed a stave at the floor
'My lords please feel free to make use of our hospitality. Gretchen, bring us some ale by Grungi's beard we need it.' He muttered
All parties made their goodbyes and despite the dwarves offering their hospitality, everybody except Alba left that same evening. Henry, Lord Khazak, Alba and the serving thanes were the only ones left in the hall and they started chatting and drinking ale.
'Henry, do you understand how difficult this quest will be?' Lord Khazak said whilst gesturing for ale.
'Aye, I do my Lord.' Henry replied.
'One other thing the elder said to me was that he sees a Human adorned in all the items of the prophecy. I think you had better find this human before the prophecy is picked up by any other races... um apart from the Albioni' Lord Khazak hastily added briefly forgetting they had company.
'My Lord, could your elders be mistaken?' Alba asked.
'What a bunch of grizzled old dwarves, who were around when the Sundering started?' Henry chuckled.
'As far as we are aware, they have never been wrong,' Khazak added.
'Ah, I see. Onto another matter, may I request a meeting with you Lord Khazak in private?'
'Let me finish with my kinsman first. Egret please show High Mage Whiteheart to my quarters.' Khazak said whilst gesturing to a youngish-looking thane, Alba was surprised and delighted to find it was the thane with the emerald eyes. She meekly smiled. The conversation was at a standstill Alba left knowing the dwarves did not want Alba to know anymore.
