Dark Rising, Trials & Tribulations, Book I

By Christopher Lapides

Nothing stays buried forever.

For centuries, the dwarves of Thoriddon have lived in relative peace. They work without fear, drink without care, and toil happily in their underground kingdom. If only they knew what lay beneath their feet.

Most of them have no knowledge of the ancient evil that is plotting against them, of the vile threat that has planned for generations to bring revenge down upon their heads. Imprisoned by an ancient king, this new threat needs only freedom to bring death and destruction to those whose ancestors had it shut away from the world of Terrial. It has waited. It has hungered. It has learned. And now, it is free.

When the dwarven kingdom is besieged from all sides by both friend and foe alike, two companions–one dwarf, one human–must calm the flames of chaos before they consume millions of lives. If they are to have any hope of saving their friends and repairing an already damaged relationship, they must shed light on what is causing the rising tide of darkness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christopher Lapides
• Release date: Sep 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463493670

Christopher Lapides

"Daddy, you're the coolest daddy in my life." Those are the words of my oldest daughter when she was only two years old. I would like to think that everyone has this view of me, except the daddy part, but reality is often very different from the mind of a child. I was born in Anaheim, California in 1979. I created my first design with the ever reliable pencil when I was five. I have been designing ever since, though the medium has changed throughout the years. Now the keyboard, mouse, and occasional drawing pad are my tools. In 1989, I moved to Georgia, where I continued to doodle, dream, and get in trouble for sketching while the teacher was talking. I attended Brookwood High School in Snellville. After graduating, I went on an exploratory quest, trying out Georgia State and Perimeter College before finally settling on UGA, where I graduated in 2001 with a degree in Journalism/Advertising. I was immediately hired by a bridal magazine as an Art Director. From there I went to a small catalog company based in Stone Mountain where I worked as a graphic designer. After that it was onto Progressive Lighting where I worked as a graphic designer for four years. Now, I am currently the Creative Services Production Manager for Acuity Brands Lighting, while also doing some freelance work when time allows. During those precious moments of free time, when my children allow it, I like to draw, sketch, and write. I currently live in Dacula with my family. We spend the days as all families should, playing and laughing as if nothing else in all the world matters.

Book preview

Dark Rising

Trails & Tribulations

Book I

by Christopher Lapides

Smashwords Edition

Books by Christopher Lapides

www.cal-productions.com

The Slayer Series

Dragons Plight

Town Shadows

Kingdoms Peril

Heritage Lost

Identity

Lineage

Destiny

Dark Descent

Seeds of Virtue

Seeds of Doubt

Seeds of Malice

Trials & Tribulations

Dark Rising

Crucible

March 2020

New Dawn

September 2020

DARK RISING

Copyright © 2019 Cal Productions

This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or artwork contained herein is prohibited without the express written permission of Cal Productions.

All characters in the book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. All characters, character names, and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks owned by Cal Productions.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Fer me boy. Third time be a charm.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BOOKS BY CHRISTOPHER LAPIDES

* * * * *

PROLOGUE

A long time ago...

The wall cracked and large chunks of rock fell away as the demon’s bulging arm slammed into the surface. Dozens of shards crashed to the ground, filling the tunnel with dust and choking debris. A thunderous crash would have also filled the narrow opening if not for the bellowing roar of the red-skinned creature as it saw that its attack had missed. That did not deter the beast, however, as it pulled its arm from the wall and prepared to rip apart the tiny, pitiful thing that dared stand in its way, but the creature that stood in front of it was not as weak as the demon thought and it had no intention of moving out of its path. In fact, it had plans of its own that involved turning the demon into a pile of blood and flesh.

Dressed in gleaming platemail armor, stained with blood and sporting a thick helm topped with two razor sharp horns, the mighty dwarf that stood before the demon let loose a roar of his own. Though he was old and his beard was as white as bone, he was strong and powerful and the sound that emerged was just as loud, just as punishing as the demon’s own and it cut through the air like a ballista bolt. As the yell filled the air, the dwarf rushed forward with rage in his eyes. He raised his large war hammer–a giant weapon whose head was almost two feet wide–and swung at the demon’s chest. The hulking fiend, taken by surprise at the speed of its opponent, failed to react in time to block the strike. Just as it started to swing its clawed hand to cut the leaping dwarf to ribbons, the hammer slammed into its chest with the force of an avalanche.

Flesh blew apart like water, bones crumbled like kindling, and organs ruptured as if made of glass. The demon let out a strangled gasp as it was driven to the ground by the devastating swing. Its problems only escalated from there as the dwarf rode it down to the earth, shouting like a wild beast.

As soon as they landed, the old dwarf pulled his weapon back. The hammer made a nauseating slurping sound as it was wrenched free of the wound, but its wielder did not seem to notice. He only raised the powerful weapon high above his head. A loud shout escaped his lips–a prayer to Barhak Anvilfist, the dwarven god of war–and then he brought the hammer down, right on the demon’s head.

Thunder echoed throughout the surrounding tunnels as the thing’s skull was smashed flat against the stone. Blood, bone, teeth, and brains splattered all across the ground. The muscled body went stiff and then went limp, the bulging arms falling to the ground, never to rise again. The aging dwarf hoisted his weapon from the bloodstained ground, spat on the body he stood on, and then hopped off, intent on finding another victim for his hammer. Unfortunately, there were no shortage of candidates.

King Gundark Brawnwall peered down the nearby tunnels. Though almost four hundred years old, his eyes were as sharp as ever and they easily pierced the darkness of the underground surroundings.

Thousands of his brethren filled the passageways around him, fighting for their lives. He heard their shouts of rage, yells of anger, and battle cries of courage. But he also heard their screams of pain and suffering. This was no simple battle and he knew that he was losing dwarves every second. Every loss pained the ancient king and made him angry, but his anger was somewhat dimmed by the knowledge that the enemy was losing soldiers as well. For every dwarven cry of agony, there were three demons screaming as dwarven blades, hammers, and magic found their flesh. Still, this war needed to end if he wanted his kingdom to survive. First, he had to find the leader of the demon legion that had dared attack his home. Thinking about the foul creature brought his mind back to how this had all started.

About two years ago, the dwarves of the young kingdom of Brawnwall had unearthed an ancient artifact deep beneath the earth. Immediately knowing that this item–a deep blue globe glowing with power–was magical, the dwarves turned it over to their wizards and priests, hoping to discover its purpose and function in the world. It took over six months of research and spells, but they eventually discovered that the globe was crafted by a powerful human wizard by the name of Arinashi. About Arinashi, the dwarves discovered little for he died hundreds of years ago, shortly after creating the globe and very little was known about him, but the dwarves, using various spells of divination, discovered what powers the man had imbued within his most powerful creation.

The Globe of Arinashi, as the dwarves called it, amplified the powers of those who used it. For wielders of magic, it made their spells more powerful, increasing their effects five to tenfold. For those that used steel as their tool, it made them stronger and heightened their skills in battle. For everyone else, the magical power increased their abilities and made them experts in their craft almost overnight. It truly was a powerful device and the dwarves used it to their advantage.

At first, Gundark had reservations about using the artifact at all for the dwarves were hard working and patient and could continue to work and expand their home without such magical assistance. He only relented when his wizards assured him that many lives would be saved by using the globe to help in the construction. Gundark, knowing all too well the perils of working underground, reluctantly agreed to let them use the artifact. As he found out sometime later, he came to regret that decision.

The dwarven wizards had indeed used the globe well in that first year. What should have taken years to create took only months. Grand halls, elegant corridors, large columns, and other works of stunning beauty were created using the magical powers of the globe. The kingdom was poised to rise to new heights of greatness in little time, but soon after that first year, the fighting started.

Dwarves began to bicker about its use. They fought over who should use it and when. They argued over what to use it for and about what was best for the kingdom. Fights broke out, simple conversations disintegrated into violent altercations, and weapons were eventually drawn. Brother turned on brother. Luckily, no one was killed, but hundreds of dwarves were hurt and many had to be restrained, both physically and magically, to prevent them from murdering their friends and loved ones. Seeing this, Gundark ordered the globe to be hidden away, never to be used again. Tempers rose and many threatened violence, but as time passed and the influence of the globe waned, the kingdom calmed and the dwarves came back to their senses. But the peace did not last.

Six months ago, a small number of dwarves came to Brawnwall, seeking refuge. They claimed their clan, from the Dagger Mountains, was decimated by giants and all but eradicated. Though many dwarves had never heard of such a clan, Gundark, never willing to turn away brethren in need, granted them entrance into his kingdom. The lost dwarves, as they were called, immediately integrated with the other dwarves and soon came to be seen as family, but it was a family soon to be broken.

Dwarves soon began to disappear and fights once again started to break out in the kingdom. Gundark thought that the globe was once again spreading its influence throughout his halls, but his wizards found that the globe’s magical aura was still subdued by their spells. Unconvinced by their words, Gundark ordered the globe destroyed. That was when the true nature of the discord was discovered.

Just a week ago, one of the lost dwarves was caught trying to steal the globe. When confronted, the dwarf unleashed powerful magic upon those who sought to stop him, magic that the dwarf should not have been able to command. Many were killed in the confrontation, but with the combined might of the wizards and priests of Brawnwall, they managed to bring down the dwarf. After his death, the triumphant dwarves watched in horror as the body of the dwarf transformed into a vicious red-skinned demon. The confusion and bafflement lasted only seconds as the rest of the lost dwarves, really demons in disguise, shed their illusions and immediately started to attack. All appeared focused on one thing: retrieving the globe. It was a vicious battle and one that cost many lives, but the dwarves managed to suppress the demon uprising, but that had only been the beginning.

Demons, devils, fiends, and other creatures of darkness emerged in the tunnels and caverns surrounding the dwarven kingdom. They attacked with savage ferocity, trying to reach the globe. The dwarves managed to hold them back, but the demons never seemed to tire and Gundark knew it was only a matter of time before they broke through. Knowing this, he ordered his magic users to find out who was behind the assault. It did not take them long, for the instigator of this war made himself known as soon as the dwarves started to look for answers.

The creature, a demon of great power, called himself Vagborar the Cruel and demanded that the globe be given to him. He promised the annihilation of every dwarf in the kingdom if his orders were refused. Never one to take a threat lightly and knowing that this demon would kill his kin regardless of his actions, Gundark brought the battle right to Vagborar.

For days, King Brawnwall had been leading his people straight toward the demon lord, killing anything in his path, determined to end the threat to his kingdom once and for all. Many of the dwarves thought they should hold up in the castle, use the thick walls and maze of tunnels to their advantage, but Gundark knew that Vagborar would never stop coming for the globe. Nothing short of total extinction of the dwarves would curtail the demon’s lust for such power, so Gundark rallied his most hardened fighters, wizards, and priests and went straight for the vicious creature. He left only a few hundred behind, to guard the vault that housed the artifact their enemies so desired. If they fell, it would be up to those dwarves left in the castle to guard the globe.

The journey took them deep below the Heldonrock Mountains, miles away from their home, but many of the dwarves figured that if they did not stop this threat now, there would be no home to return to, so they fought, and killed, and died, all in the name of their king.

It not be enough, the ruler of Castle Brawnwall said to himself in anger and annoyance, watching and listening to his kin as they battled the dark creatures filling the passages around him. They made it far against the demons and knew that Vagborar was close, but just as the dwarves hoped to use the tunnels near their home to confuse their enemies, the demons were doing the same to the dwarves now that they were closing in on their own hideout. The dwarves may have known the caves and tunnels around Castle Brawnwall like the back of their hand, but they were far away from their homeland and had no idea where the target of their anger and hatred could be hiding.

Me king! came a rough voice as Gundark was trying to figure a way to find the illusive demon lord. He turned to see one of his generals, Nrok Stonefighter, running toward him. The barrel-chested dwarf was covered in dark blood and he carried a vicious gash over his right eye, but he seemed unfazed by the injury or the sticky fluids covering his armor. The majority of the blood did not appear to be his.

Nrok, Gundark said, be we makin’ more progress? The fighting had recently ground to a standstill, with neither side pushing any further. The demons were much more numerous than first anticipated.

Nay, me king, Nrok said. They be dug in deep. Lost almost twenty tryin’ to dig ‘em out. Them nasties be ‘oldin’ strong.

Aye, Gundark said with frustration, that they be. What ‘bout the goblin squishers and the orc flatteners? They be ‘avin’ no luck?

Aye, Nrok said with glee as he thought about the terrible destruction the dwarven war machines had caused, but his look of elation quickly turned sour. They be workin’ early but them tunnels be too small the closer we be gettin’. Nasties only broke a few and we managed to smash a good number o’ the scum, but we no longer be able to move ‘em. Not be enough room.

King Brawnwall turned his troubled look to the stone floor, trying to think of a way to get around the demon’s blockade. He stroked his long bushy beard, deep in thought. He had never been the best strategist. That he left up to some of his more intelligent generals, but many of them had been killed or injured during the initial assault back in the castle. Those that were left were scattered throughout the tunnels, fighting for their lives, and for his. If only he could get those damned beasts out in the open.

A sudden thought raced through Gundark’s head. His eyes widened and he looked up in shock. Hells, he thought to himself as he grabbed onto the idea. Couldn’t hurt to try.

Nrok, Gundark said. His head snapped to the side so fast that Nrok took a startled step backwards.

Aye, me king? the surprised dwarf responded.

Send a runner, Gundark said. We be goin’ to–

His words were cut off by a gut-wrenching screech that cut through the corridor in which the two dwarves stood. It was as if a thousand needles were suddenly being stuck into their skulls. Nrok went down to one knee as he grabbed the sides of his head in an attempt to shut out the noise. King Brawnwall managed to stay on his feet, but pain still managed to surge through his body and into his brain. Though painful, his helm made it bearable and he turned to see what had made such a sound.

A creature out of his nightmares strode into the corridor. It looked like a large human-sized skeleton, but it was all black and sported veins of glowing red power, coursing over its bones. Foot long spikes covered its body and its eyes were glowing red with infernal power. Its mouth, blazing like a dwarven forge, was filled with jagged teeth and as the screeching slowly died, the thing closed its mouth and flexed its claws.

Gundark said nothing. He simply shook his head to clear his mind, hoisted his hammer, and rushed the unearthly monster. Behind him, Nrok did the same, though it took him a little longer to clear his mind and climb to his feet. When he did, he gave a shout to the dwarven gods and joined his king in battle.

The bone demon gave a great roar and charged. Luckily, the noise was much different from the previous screech it had bellowed earlier and the sound rolled off Gundark as if it were water. He just growled and raised his mighty hammer. As he closed in, he swung with all his might, aiming for the pelvic bone of the beast, hoping to chop it down to his size.

Amazingly, the creature dodged to the side at the last moment, moving with such speed that it caught the dwarven king off guard and his hammer flew by harmlessly. The demon, with victory shinning in its malicious eyes, growled and rushed forward, thinking it had King Brawnwall at its mercy, but with what the mighty dwarf lacked in strategic knowledge, he more than made up for in battle prowess.

He let the momentum of the missed strike twist him around. As he rotated, he kicked off the solid ground, adding force to the already powerful swing. Just as the demon reached him, his hammer came back and smashed into its rib cage. Now, if King Brawnwall had been holding an ordinary hammer, the weapon most likely would have bounced off the thick bone of the magical creature, but this was no ordinary hammer. This was a powerful magical weapon, created neatly a hundred years ago and imbued with dwarven magic. When it connected with the side of the rib cage of the bone demon, half of it was instantly turned to powder. The other half cracked into a million fragments.

The force of the impact slammed the demon into the nearby wall and it howled in agony, but it did not stay down for long. Recovering quickly, so fast that Gundark was still being pulled over from his attack, it pushed itself off the wall and flung itself forward. King Brawnwall was slightly turned and had no time to right himself for a proper defense. The demon knew this and let loose a wicked laugh that sent icicles down the dwarf’s spine.

Me king! came an anguished cry just as the demon’s claws were about to reach the King.

Nrok threw himself forward, literally flying over his king’s head. As he reached the demon, he swung at its head. His hammer, carrying a magical enchantment just like the King’s, collided with the beast’s face. Bone cracked and shattered and half the thing’s face fell to pieces. As it fell back, pushed away from Gundark by the force of Nrok’s attack, it gave another yell of pain, but once again, it recovered quickly and clawed at the dwarf clinging to its chest.

The two combatants tore into each other. The demon’s claws ripped through the back of Nrok’s armor and dove into his flesh. The frenzied dwarf didn’t seem to notice and just pounded on the creature with his hammer, smashing through thick ebony bone. He was in such a rage that the wounds did nothing to him. He even ignored the spikes on the demon’s body. They cut into him as he hammered on the skeletal beast, but he did not care. As his blood painted both the demon and the ground, his only thought was to protect his king, by any means necessary.

Me king! he screamed again as his hammer once more connected with the demon’s face. This time, the attack shattered its jaw. It roared in pain and jabbed its shoulder forward. The spikes covering it plunged into Nrok’s neck, severing one of his arteries. Blood squirted into the air and splashed across what was left of the demon’s face.

Nrok! Gundark yelled as he ran to help his friend. The enraged dwarf did not seem to hear his king’s yell, nor did he appear to feel the split in his neck. He just continued to pound on the creature before him.

Anger and rage coursed through Gundark as he reached the demon. He swung his hammer and the large weapon smashed through the creature’s femur. The bone monster screamed and tipped over, no longer being able to stand. As it fell, both dwarves continued to slam their large weapons into its body. Much to their frustration, the demon continued to fight, even when Nrok had destroyed its other rib cage and left arm. It only stopped moving when Gundark smashed its head to shards. When he did, the veins covering its body flashed brightly then went dark.

Gundark pulled his hammer from the shattered remains of the demon’s head and turned to Nrok. The wide dwarf stood motionless with blood pouring from his neck. When the demon stopped struggling, the spike slipped from Nrok’s neck, but by then, the damaged had been done.

Nrok? the King said, looking at his brethren with concern. The stout dwarf only offered his king a gleeful, respectful smile. Then his hammer dropped to the ground and he tipped over.

King Brawnwall ran over and caught Nrok before he hit the ground. His back was torn to pieces and blood gushed from his throat and from the dozens of cuts on his body. It flowed over Gundark’s arms and chest, but the King cared nothing about the mess. His only thoughts were for his friend.

Nrok, he said in almost a whisper.

Me...me king, the dying dwarf said, struggling with every word. Are ye...are ye...well?

Aye, Gundark said. Ye saved me life. Rest now. All be well. He wanted to tell him that help was coming, that he would live to fight alongside him another day, but he knew that would have been a lie. He knew the wounds his friend had sustained were fatal. He was amazed that Nrok had not already passed. His resolve truly impressed the King.

Rest now, Gundark repeated. Barhak be waitin’ fer you. Go to him and worry no more.

Nrok tried to say something, but the words failed him. He offered only a friendly nod and closed his eyes. Seconds after, Gundark felt the last breath leave his body.

Gundark rose to his feet, his eyes never leaving Nrok’s now lifeless body. Looking upon the corpse of his friend, he felt anger, rage, frustration, pain, and sadness. He cursed himself for being sucked into such a battle, to be goaded into leaving the safety and security of his home. Staying in Castle Brawnwall probably would not have staved off the war, but the loss of life may have been much less. Instead, he had marched out from behind those protective walls and brought the battle to his foes. The action was foolish and now his kin were paying the price. It made him mad and he wanted nothing more than to take up his hammer and run back into battle, to destroy those creatures that had caused him such trouble. Unfortunately, he knew that course of action would do nothing to alleviate his feelings or help the situation. He had to retard his emotions and be smart about his tactics. That would be the only way to end this fighting and save his kingdom, and his people.

He lifted his hammer and moved away from the corridor that would lead to more fighting. Instead, he headed away from the battle, to where his wizards and generals were posted. He wanted to take Nrok’s body with him for he hated to leave it to be ravaged by the dark creatures in the surrounding tunnels, but that would only waste precious time. If his idea was to work, he had to act now.

Me king? said one of the dwarven wizards in surprise a short while later. His tone and look told Gundark that he was the last person the wizard expected to see in such a place. The others looked up at hearing his words and wore similar expressions.

There were seven generals and four wizards posted at the rear of the battle. All were gathered around a pile of rough maps and drawings of the surrounding tunnels, trying to figure out how to break through the demon blockade. The rest of the commanders and magic users were on the front, using their skills to battle back the demon horde. Those generals that were posted at the rear were only there the relay orders. The wizards were there to send those orders via magical messaging.

Order the retreat, Gundark said without breaking stride. He strode right into the middle of the circle, walking over the maps and ignoring the stunned expressions of the surrounding dwarves.

Me king? one of the generals said in shock.

Ye be ‘earin’ me, Gundark said. Retreat.

But me king, one of the generals said, a large dwarf by the name of Thrack Gravelcutter. We just be pushin’ the nasties back. Aye, it be slow, but they finally be movin’.

And with every step, Gundark growled, we be losin’ good dwarves. We be losin’ enough already. Enough I say. Move ‘em back, to Domerock.

The circle of dwarves suddenly went silent and looked at one another in confusion. Domerock was a huge open cavern, surrounded by dozens of open tunnels. Many of them were dead-ends, but many more led deep into the ground, in the direction of Vagborar’s forces. There were also a number of deep chasms spread throughout the chamber. If they retreated to that area, they would have little room to fight and the demons could very well surround them. At least here, they only had to cover a handful of tunnels and could adequately defend their flank.

Aye, Gundark said, seeing their expressions and understanding their fears. I know, but I be ‘avin’ an idea.

Me king? Hurtal Flamesmiter asked. By Barhak, Gundark thought to himself. Is that all they can say?

Send a runner, Gundark said, pointing to one of his wizards. Send ‘em home and tell ‘em to bring it to Domerock. Tell ‘em to be runnin’ as fast as they can, as if the fire o’ the forge be under their feet.

Ye be wantin’ to bring it ‘ere? asked another general. So close to ‘im?

Aye, Gundark said with a malicious grin and a glint in his eye. And I be wantin’ ‘im to be knowin’ it as well.

* * * * *

He sat on a pile of bodies, dwarven corpses stacked to create a throne of flesh, blood, and bone. A puddle of dried blood and broken weapons lay at the base of the twisted mass, adding to its malignant nature. If not for the magic that had solidified the dozens of carcasses into a substance that was as hard a stone, the small, decaying mound would have long ago collapsed under his almost ten foot, seven-hundred-pound frame. Instead, it stood as rigid as a mountain, serving as a gruesome seat for the demon lord known to his minions and foes as Vagborar the Cruel.

Dark, coarse hair covered the great beast’s head, neck, and shoulders and it flowed down to the middle of his chest, forming a V. It also coated the backs of his forearms and completely covered his goat-like legs and thick midsection. The rest of his body was deep, red skin, almost the color of blood, dotted with flakes of what looked like gold, which shimmered in the dozens of torches that lined the room. The great beast of the Infinite Hells had no use for the small flames that surrounded him. He could see in any type of light or darkness and the warmth of the fires were wasted on his ever-burning skin, but he wanted the light so those pitiful creatures that were doing his bidding could see him in all his glory, might, and strength. He wanted them to see his burning green eyes, his thick, powerful muzzle filled with sharp teeth, and the two large, curling horns that sprouted from the side of his head. Vagborar wanted these cretins to know that to cross him meant death at his deadly, clawed hands. If he had been up on the surface, he would have had his black wings fully unfurled as well, adding to his aura of fear and malice, but because he was underground, in the narrow tunnels of rock and stone, he had to keep them tucked away, folded close against his back least he damage them. How he longed to be away from this place and start his pillage and plunder on the world above, but those cursed dwarves had dared defy him. They had the gull to keep the globe from him. Now, instead of feasting on the souls of millions, he had to waste time fighting against peons, peons that had become much more of a hassle then he had planned.

For six hundred years, Vagborar had been searching for the globe that Arinashi had created; an artifact forged using power that Vagborar himself had provided. It enraged the great demon lord that it had taken this long to find the globe after its disappearance. His rage only grew as the dwarves continued to hide away what should have been his all those years ago.

Over six centuries have passed since the pitiful human had trapped Vagborar with his magic and forced the demon to reveal secrets that would help Arinashi construct a device that would make him greater than any other being on Terrial. Having no other choice, Vagborar complied and in little time, the wizard, already an extremely powerful wielder of magic, finished his globe and started to unleash his enhanced wrath on his rivals. Vagborar had hoped to take advantage of the fool’s pride and foolish vanity to break free, kill him, and take the globe as his own, but the wizard proved smarter than he looked and banished his summoned pawn back to his infernal home for centuries. Since then, the demon lord had been waiting for a chance to exact his revenge. That chance came a year and a half ago, when Vagborar felt the signature of the globe.

Somehow, the Globe of Arinashi, as the feeble dwarves were calling the artifact, had fallen into the hands of the short mountain race. Once it had, they started to experiment on the device and activated its magic. That magic, born of the Infinite Hells, reached across the planes and found Vagborar, rekindling his hopes of taking his vengeance on the filth that had him banished. Since his awakening, Vagborar had done everything in his power to find the globe.

In two months’ time, Vagborar had sent out his minions to coerce some foolish wizard into summoning him. Once he was back on Terrial, after he had ripped the wizard to shreds and taken his soul, he set out to find the globe and his former captor. Much to his dismay and irritation, Vagborar soon discovered that Arinashi was dead, perished centuries ago when dozens of rival wizards united and came against him. The battle was long and brutal, but they eventually succeeded and buried him and his evil creation under tons of rock, hoping to seal the globe away forever. Some wanted to take the globe for themselves, but the other wizards would have none of it, fearing a repeat of Arinashi’s destruction, so they hid it deep inside the world. Little did they know that only a handful of centuries later would a renowned and heroic dwarf make those rocks his home and start a kingdom for his people.

Robbed of revenge, Vagborar fumed and raged, cursing the gods for stripping him of his right to exact retribution. Once he calmed, he realized that even though Arinashi was dead, it did not change his plans for the domination of every living being on Terrial, so he set his sights on those that held what was rightfully his and started to make plans to retrieve his prize.

Realizing his power was not yet as great as it would be and knowing he could not yet afford a full out war with the dwarves, he took a subtle approach to procure the globe. He summoned a dozen lesser demons to his side and disguised them as dwarves. After he sent them to assimilate into the young kingdom, he summoned more demons and dark creatures to serve as his generals in the army he would soon build. Unfortunately, his plan of death and destruction soon started to crumble.

The plan to steal the globe fell apart as his minions’ true nature was discovered. Furious at the failure, he immediately attacked the dwarven kingdom, attempting to use brute strength where strategy had failed. The dwarves were much stronger and better prepared then he suspected and they successfully turned back the first assault, which consisted of a few thousand orcs, ogres, dark elves, and other evil creatures. They turned back the second as well, which contained many of his demons, showing they were indeed strong and resilient. Then they started to push the demonic army back. They even followed them all the way back to their origin. Immediately knowing the fallacy of their tactics, Vagborar let them come, using the dark, narrow tunnels and unfamiliar terrain to his advantage. Though the dwarves were making progress in reaching him, his slaves were slowly whittling them down, picking them off one at a time. In no time at all, the dwarves would be dead and he would have the globe.

Usually, the great demon lord would be out with his minions, ripping the defiant dwarves to bloody pieces, but with victory now so close, Vagborar sat on his throne of death, contemplating what would be his first move once the globe was his. He had slain a good share of pitiful creatures since coming back to Terrial and he would do so again, but now he had much larger plans to worry about.

The world had changed since he has last set foot upon the surface and he had to gather information if he were to be successful in his conquests. Kingdoms constantly rise and fall. He knew the landscape and powers could have changed since his banishment. It would have been so much easier to rule when Arinashi had first summoned him. With the magic and power the now deceased wizard had in his tower, Vagborar could have taken over the surrounding regions easily and started a kingdom of his own. Now, he had to be careful, gather information, and strategically plan his assault. He had waited too long for this moment and he was not going to let it slip away.

The first thing he would have to do once he had the globe was to summon an army of powerful demons. They would assist in gathering other creatures to him and building his legion of horror. There were plenty of orcs, ogres, and other goblinkin in the mountains around him, but they were stupid creatures and could not be counted on to lead. They would need generals and powerful creatures to command and control them. As soon as his army was built, he would take the small dwarven castle as his own and begin his conquest. Then he would extend his claws over the rest of Terrial and slowly, methodically, take control. It would be glorious and as soon as his empire was complete, he would turn his power onto the other demon lords of his homeland and expand his domain, bringing the Infinite Hells under his rule. Once his brothers and sisters fell under him, he would turn their combined might onto the other planes. He would become a god and everything would be his.

My lord, came a deep, scratchy voice from the darkness leading into his chamber. Vagborar had been so engrossed in his thoughts that he never heard anyone enter. He looked up to see one of his leading generals slithering into the room.

Gorgroth, the great demon lord said, meeting his general’s multifaceted eyes. His voice was like rocks rolling down a mountain of crackling lava.

The balewhip demon, a snake-like creature with four arms and a head like a disfigured spider, lowered its eyes in respect and fear. Though powerful in its own right, it was no match for the likes of Vagborar. What is it? the demon lord asked in annoyance. All his generals should be on the front lines, slaying the dwarves as they foolishly triedto reach him.

Master, Gorgroth said with a little trepidation. He was clearly nervous, and for good reason. His commander was known for receiving bad news poorly. They are pulling back.

What?! Vagborar said, his eyes flashing violently. He sprang to his feet, his teeth bared.

The...the dwarves, the balewhip said, shrinking back from the powerful demon lord. They are retreating. Back to the place they call Domerock.

At the mention of the large cavern, Vagborar paused and narrowed his eyes. Domerock, he thought to himself. The demon lord knew it well. He also knew it was filled with tunnels and chasms, passageways that all lead deep into the bowels of Terrial. With all those open tunnels, the dwarves could be easily surrounded and outnumbered. Vagborar knew that the young dwarven king, while pitiful and inferior, was not stupid. He would not willingly let himself be overrun by his enemies. Perhaps a last stand? Maybe an ambush? Vagborar scoffed at the idea at being taken by surprise by the tiny, bearded maggots.

What are you up to? he growled to himself.

Master? Gorgroth asked in nervous confusion, thinking his master was addressing him.

Without raising his eyes, Vagborar swept his hand at Gorgroth. A powerful force suddenly slammed into the snake-like beast and sent him into the nearby wall. He hit so hard he cracked the stone. He slid down to the ground, a bloody mess. Life still filled him, but he had been knocked unconscious.

Silence! Vagborar said as he stood thinking on King Brawnwall’s strange maneuver, caring little for the fate of his pawn. Why would he so brazenly put his forces in harm’s way? Unless...

Vagborar closed his eyes and quickly recited a spell. When he finished, his awareness spread out from his body and flew through the surrounding caverns. Everywhere he went, he saw demons battling dwarves, staining the drab gray stone with blood and entrails. He saw war machines flinging stones, wizards casting spells, and demons roaring in anger, rage, and bloodlust. He ignored all of these things and urged his sight onward, to Domerock, where he found thousands of dwarves gathering in the huge cavern. Few of his demons had yet to reach the chamber, but they were on their way, ready for battle. Vagborar had yet to decide whether to let them through or call them back. He first wanted to see what the dwarves where planning.

When he first entered the cavern, he could see nothing but a mass of armor, weapons, and bodies. He quickly forced his sight upward, looking for the young king. He found him at the front of the army, directing dozens of wizards and priests into a circle around him, with the rest of the dwarven army on the outskirts, ordering them in defensive positions. After only a few seconds, when everyone seemed to be in position, King Brawnwall motioned to a single dwarf, dressed in deep blue robes. The ancient dwarf shambled forward with something in his hand. Vagborar was too far back to see what it was, so he forced his sight forward. When the object came into view, his heart skipped a beat.

The Globe of Arinashi rested in the dwarf’s wrinkled hands as he carefully carried it to the center of the circle of magic users. The King calmly watched his ancient brethren as he walked forward, chanting in a soft voice. When he reached the center, he let go and the artifact hovered above the ground, suddenly pulsating with magic.

Vagborar quickly realized that until this moment, until the dwarves actually activated its magic, he had not felt the signature of the globe for a few days. Even when they had tucked it away, hoping to hide it from the world, he had felt a faint trace of its power. After the war started, after he had become so absorbed with destroying his enemies, he never noticed the globe’s feeling disappear. Now, after seeing it firsthand, for the first time in hundreds of years, he realized that the dwarves had somehow masked its presence from him. Now, after seeing the globe and watching as its power was activated, Vagborar could feel it once again, and it filled him with a fervor he had seldom known. This was true power. This was the key to his triumph. This was the reason he existed. All he had to do now was take it. But what were the dwarves doing?

He watched as the old dwarf backed away and took his place in the circle. King Brawnwall said a few words to his kin next, asking if they were ready and if they were willing to make this sacrifice. After a nod from every dwarf in the circle, he left the ring and stood right behind the old wizard. Then the circle of priests and wizards start to chant. Vagborar watched intently for a few moments, unable to look away. It was only after the first tendrils of magic started to appear around the globe did he realize what they were trying to do.

No! he growled in astonishment. It’s not possible. You fools!

They are trying to destroy it! Vagborar said to himself in rage. He did not think it was even possible, but he did not know for sure. If the dwarves were successful, all his plans, all his years of waiting, plotting, and planning would have been for nothing. He had to stop this!

Vagborar went to dismiss his sight but something suddenly grabbed hold of his vision. Surprised, he watched in silence as his sight was pulled down toward the circle of wizards and priests. He tried once more to pull away, but something had him held firmly. Helplessly, he watched as the face of King Brawnwall filled his vision. Just behind him, the demon lord saw another old dwarf with glowing blue eyes, chanting a spell. Vagborar knew then that the old dwarf had him caught, but by the look on his face and the sweat on his brow, he could not hold him for long. Apparently, he didn’t have to.

Be sayin’ yer goodbyes to yer globe, the King said with delightful anger, peering right at Vagborar. Ye smelly bastard!

The old dwarf behind Brawnwall snapped his fingers then and Vagborar’s sight popped, filling his vision with blinding, painful light. The demon lord roared in pain and staggered backward, rubbing his eyes, trying to clear away the stars that suddenly filled his brain. When his sight finally returned, his head snapped around, gazing down the hallway leading from his chamber, in the direction of Domerock.

Vagborar let loose a horrible roar of rage and anger. The sound traveled for miles around, making the nearby dwarves and demons pause in terror, but only for a moment. Then they went back to fighting. Their combat, however, was once again interrupted seconds later as the great demon lord, enraged and filled with extreme violence, came smashing through the passageways, heading for a certain king.

* * * * *

He heard the roar of the demon lord, as did all the dwarves in the cavern, but he ignored the terrible sound. If they had any chance of succeeding, Gundark knew they would have to put aside everything else and focus on the globe. They would only have a few moments. Maybe not even that, the King thought to himself. He realized it may not even work and he may have practically handed the ancient artifact to the demon lord, but he was out of options. If this failed, this would mostly likely be his final battle. He was either going to die here or back in the castle. Best to perish in battle then sitting idle on a throne.

Unfortunately, the young king knew that the magic wielders he had recruited for this many not even have that choice. They may die where they stood, gathering the energy of the globe for one last assault. They had never before tried to harness this much magic and they all knew it could very well kill them, but Gundark had given them a choice. He had told them they could back away now without feeling guilty or cowardly. Like every hardened dwarf Gundark was proud to call kin, all of them willfully said they would do what must be done, death be damned. At that moment, when they had started to cast the spells that could very well save their people, or doom them forever, King Brawnwall had never been prouder of his brothers.

Defend ‘em with your life! shouted one of the dwarven generals as the chanting continued. Let none of ‘em be reachin’ the circle.

Aye! was the resounding reply. Axes, hammers, swords, and spears were raised in the air. Wizards readied their spells, priests prepared their wands and prayers of healing, and fighters readied their weapons. This was the final battle, they all knew, and every dwarf in the chamber was willing to die to defend their home and their kin. It was now or never.

Though all eyes were on the surrounding tunnels, expecting a rush of dark creatures at any moment, many dwarves glanced to the center of the circle. There, the globe pulsated and hummed with power as the wizards and priests continued to cast their spells. Every dwarf could feel the mystical energy flowing over the rock and through his or her body. They felt it in their bones and many shivered in dread, knowing that though this may help end this war, something sinister was happening. Nothing good had ever come from using the globe and using it now made everyone uneasy, but they had heard their king’s plans and agreed that this may be the only way, so they tucked away their fears and worries and readied for battle.

Protect those that be supportin’ the circle, Gundark said to Farnel Firebeard, the chief of his wizards. Their spells be protectin’ ‘em as they be usin’ the globe. If they be fallin’, so be we all.

Aye, me king! Farnel said in a strong, sturdy voice. He turned and issued orders to the other wizards. Soon, the air was alive with spells of protection. Fighters were donned with magic that enhanced their strength, armor, and speed as the priests were saturated with energy that would repel both physical and magical attacks. The spells would