Sanctuary of the DarkLight: Night Crusaders Series Episode 3: History of Draegahn Part 2

By Eric B

The alien invasion is over, and the province of Draegahn is FREE! Or so it seems.

Now is late summer of 2461, more than two years since the last of the aliens departed the province of Draegahn and, in fact, planet Earth.

Fight for Right has assumed provincial rulership, to help the cities and towns of Draegahn to repair themselves, rebuild their localities and establish new customs and culture for their everyday lives. But within this struggle lives a population that has lost faith in its appointed leaders, believing their motives to be in the service not of the people, but of themselves and the despotic alien rulers who had recently held the province under their boot.

For this reason, above all, the people have decided to seek new leadership.

In the midst of this era of science and technology — the late 25th century — lives 27-year-old Darius, young wizard leader of an avaricious, amoral cult of dark magic practitioners known as the DarkLight. 

Darius stands center-stage in order to widen the eyes of countless spectators with his mind-boggling performances emanating from his mastery in the art and craft of spellcasting. The culminating result of years of this is Darius becoming an unwitting icon and leader in the eyes of the people

At first merely fun-loving and somewhat narcissistic, a personal tragedy arouses within Darius a desire for vengeance which, in turn, develops into a thirst for power. And this hunger may, in turn, lead the DarkLight to bring upon the people the darkest era of the history of Draegahn!

Darius charms the provincial masses with his genuine mystic arts demonstrations, and as his popularity with the masses grows, anarchy and dark religious practices spread, and Fight for Right has an increasingly difficult time maintaining law and order in cities and towns throughout Draegahn.

Fortunately for Fight for Right, a crop of light magic practitioners rises out of obscurity to aid them. And, of course, as always, those clad-in-black superheroes known as Night Crusaders come to their aid as well. 

However, as Darius grows increasingly powerful while he charms the masses, turning them toward the dark side, do even these allied forces of Light stand a chance against Darius?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Release date: Sep 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9781977269492

Eric B

Eric B is an enthusiast of action, adventure and superhero drama, and considers himself observant of human nature. Aside from episodes one and two of this series, he has published two books, about volunteerism and public transportation. Eric B lives in the Midwest, loves to travel and experiments with passions and hobbies.

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Sanctuary of the DarkLight

Night Crusaders Series Episode 3: History of Draegahn Part 2

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2023 Eric B

v2.0

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher. The author has represented and warranted full ownership and/or legal right to publish all the materials in this book.

This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

NIGHT CRUSADERS SERIES EPISODE 3:

SPECIAL THANKS

The people who helped make the publishing of this book a reality are too numerous to count. But a special thanks goes to Henry S. Dolecki, John Anderson, Marcia Banks, Vincent Tulipani and Lester J. Marks. Without you amazing people, this episode of the Night Crusaders series would have remained collecting dust on some desktop and/or lost in the limbo of cyberspace.

Every single one of you — as well as everyone else who made a contribution in one way or another — are greatly appreciated, and I hope you realize what a tremendous difference your contribution has made!

HISTORY OF DRAEGAHN

He has come and invaded YOUR world…he has written himself into YOUR history!

NIGHT CRUSADERS

Four clad-in-black, hovercycle-riding superhuman warriors who have taken an oath under the Higher Way—the Ultimate Power of the universe—to fight for liberty, justice, and the greater good throughout the North American continent. In a time when the continent has been devastated by avarice, war and the self-servitude of the powerful and morally reprehensible, these four warriors of the night have come to lead and inspire the people back to the ways of nobility and integrity and prove that the right—the principled—is the stronger force of the universe, condemning evil to the dark pit from which it arose.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Problematic Emergence

2. Aimless Traveler Makes New Friends

3. Dinnertime

4. Exploitation and Belligerence

5. Sacrifices of Retribution

6. Darius Goes Underground

7. Getting Away From It All

8. Greg the Genie

9. Darius Rises To Prominence in Draegahn

10. The Ultimate Magical Spectacular

11. Bat Attack

12. Call for Reinforcements

13. Darius’s Pet Dragon Demonstration

14. Prospective New Allies

15. Dragon Spawn

16. The Disciples of Donovan Simpson Join The Rebellion

17. The Rebellion Resolves To Utilize Destinia

18. Tamarah’s Quest

19. Death of Tamarah

20. Mourning of Darius

21. The Genetically Altered Fruit of the Dragon Seed

22. Darius Prepares His Dragon To Strike

23. The Rebellion Reacts as the DarkLight Pursues Total Dominion

24. The Rebellion Enacts Missions of Rescue

25. Attack of the Serpent Babies

26. The New Rebel City

27. Demonic Terrorism and the New City

28. Strike Against Destinia

29. Darius Meets Donovan Simpson

30. The Stalker Gets Stalked

31. Night Crusader Layla Confronts Sara the Enchantress

32. Wastelandia

33. Pursuing a New Course

34. The Rebellion Invades Tamarah City

35. Final Victory

36. Imprisonment

37. Migration & Departure

38. ONCE THE GREAT UNREST WAS OVER…

39. Fight for Right Chapter Reformation

Conclusion

Part 2:

Sanctuary of the DarkLight

1

PROBLEMATIC EMERGENCE

Two years and then some had passed since the aliens made their departure from the province of Draegahn and, in fact, planet Earth. The people were beginning a new life, starting a new culture in Draegahn. And by this time, the provincial rulership of Fight for Right had already been firmly established.

Cleaning up the mess left in Draegahn cities and towns from the last years of the Invasion required hard work. But there was good reason to be optimistic because just about everyone was enthusiastic about the cleaning and rebuilding efforts.

In Draegahr City, the capital city, the Great Tower was completely renovated and appeared new.

There were people, businesses and organizations that moved their locations and branches and divisions and chapters and other bases of operation into Draegahn. The jobs they brought to the province made opportunity ripe to revive Draegahn’s economy. Yet there was a hidden motive behind a great many of the additions and relocations: to seize possession of some of the alien technology. But during those days, under the provincial rule of Fight for Right, the vast majority of the alien technology was kept under the proverbial lock and key.

Many business tycoons and large investors expressed their willingness to pay big money, even fortunes, for some of the alien technology. But Fight for Right still refused to sell the technology to them, for fear that someone may try to use it for self-serving villainy and evil. Fight for Right was simply unsure that this generation, jaded and wrecked as a result of a lifetime of persecution and/or slavery, was ready for this alien technology. It was centuries – in some cases even millennia — ahead of Earth’s technology.

Even so, there were a small number of people who already had access to some of the leftovers from the alien invasion. One woman in particular had been part of a team of scientists who were experimenting with the bodies of dead aliens during the last years of the Invasion. By the time the aliens departed, she’d developed a miracle anti-aging regime that took decades off of women’s appearances. Her biggest seller was a 62-year-old to whom she gave the face of a 20-year-old.

With all the cleaning and rebuilding efforts throughout the province, no city or town could boast as could Draegahr City. It was the one city to which the greatest amount of money and resources were allocated to renew the city again.

And over the course of the first two years following the alien departure, Destinia — Draegahn’s newest city, built especially for Fight for Right — had grown in population from 37 residents to 174…all Fight for Righters, as well as friends and close supporters. Yet this very city had the capacity for a much larger population. Destinia was considered sacred by members and supporters of Fight for Right because the city had been dedicated to the Higher Way a couple of years earlier. However, despite the fact that the population of Destinia was so small, the residents there created centers and organizations for Fight for Right spiritual ceremonies, festivities and general communions.

But even after two years, there was still fear all over Draegahn that the aliens would return to reacquire the province.

Many of the Fight for Righters who lived in Draegahr City were informed of the rumors and conspiracy theories circulating the cities and towns, specifically designed to place Fight for Right front and center. Fight for Righters who lived in other cities and towns of Draegahn discovered that many people throughout the entire province believed that Fight for Right was appointed by the aliens to rule Draegahn in order to preserve their alien power base, until the aliens would return to rule and enslave the people again. What was most closely tied to Fight for Right, such as the Great Tower, was being restored with the greatest meticulousness and promptitude. This did nothing to dispel these rumors. Nothing in all of Draegahn had been more thoroughly restored than the Great Tower.

There were those who tried to convince the people that the rumors were nonsense, but the swiftness of the rebuilding of Draegahr City provided the supposed proof of the paranoid claims. On top of that, Destinia — the Fight for Right city, as well as the city with the smallest population — was better guarded and protected than any other city in Draegahn.

Over the course of the two years, trust in Fight for Right had been on a slow but steady decline. In 2460, there were even people who harbored a deep animosity for Fight for Right, denouncing it in public forums and other gatherings.

While Draegahr City’s Fight for Righters did very little to protect their reputations, Fight for Righters almost everywhere else in Draegahn occasionally tried to defend Fight for Right by telling the people that progress and rebuilding takes time, support, commitment and patience, and cannot happen overnight. However, people walking and riding in and around rubble almost daily did not see much if any of the claimed progress, and thus stood fast to their developing resentment of Fight for Right.

As long as considerably small and meek, relatively insignificant individuals were spouting hatred for Fight for Right, their claims could be dismissed as personal bitterness, resentment or jealousy. But starting in the summer of 2460, Fight for Right was gaining critics throughout the province who were esteemed and influential within their towns and communities. A growing number of prominent people via public forums were telling the people that Fight for Right was concerned about themselves and their power base, not the commonfolk of Draegahn. These charismatic speakers tried to encourage the people to seek new leaders to rebuild their communities and towns, and the province as a whole.

Little did the commonfolk at the time realize, the one soon-to-be object of their allurement was closer to any of them than they thought.

2

AIMLESS TRAVELER MAKES NEW FRIENDS

On the near north side of Draegahr City, there was a lightly forested, heavily grassy area. A curious fellow was wandering about, soaking up sights and taking in the sweet fragrances of nature.

During the Invasion Era, this place was part of the Royal Forest. But since the Invasion ended, it had become a campground for cityfolk to get away from the city to relax, collect their thoughts and commune with nature.

One Monday afternoon in late August of 2461, the curious wanderer found a small party gathered and seated upon individual towels laid in a circle formation upon the grass. Only one was standing: a thin, very fair-skinned fellow with dark hair and wearing all black clothing who was performing fun little feats with the magic wand he was holding. The people seated on the grass observing his performance were mystified. So the wanderer decided to approach the party.

As the performance was coming to an end, the wanderer stepped forward and presented himself to the group.

Sorry, he said, I don’t know any of you, but by any chance, may I join you?

Yeah, go ahead, man, one in the group said.

Indeed, the entertainer added with vigor, by all means, come and join us!

You guys really don’t mind? the wanderer asked. Because I definitely could use some relaxation!

No trouble at all! the entertainer said enthusiastically. We welcome all kinds of folks, even strange wanderers like yourself.

Not all of us came here together either, dude, said yet another.

So what’s your name, my man? the entertainer asked the wanderer.

Greg, he replied as he accepted the offer of a seat on the towel that was placed on the grass for him to sit upon. Gregory Talbert. But I prefer to go by ‘Greg’.

My name is Darius, the fair-skinned entertainer said, then pointed toward one of the campers and said, And this dark-skinned lovely you see here is Tamarah, my favored apprentice and love of my life.

Tamarah smiled slightly and said, Stop, Darius, you always embarrass me!

As Greg prepared to sit down, Darius whispered to him, Not to mention she can be a handful sometimes!

Tamarah, who was seated on the grass, slapped the back of Darius’s knee and said, I heard that!

Everyone in the group started grinning as Darius said, Aw, honey, you know I’m kidding!

Greg, Darius, shifting gears, said, allow me to introduce you to the group: this is Patrick and this is Byron…they are our resident scientists from the West Coast. And he is Doug. He grew up with us in our neighborhood back home, a small southern Draegahn town known as Colinsberg. That’s Thomas, and the lovely lady next to him is Simonia, his teacher and mentor. And he is Tamarah’s older brother, Adam. And this young southern gentleman’s name is Seth. He comes to us from the outskirts of Georgia City, Province of Kellum.

Then Darius kneeled down behind another, continuing, And this lovely brunette is known as Sara…and she’s an…Enchantress! He wrapped his arms around her, giving her a hug that was borderline smooching. Sara started giggling.

Be careful, Greg, Darius warned, you just might fall under her spell! Sara laughed again. Watching this, Tamarah was mildly perturbed.

Yeah, Tamarah said to Darius, "and if you know what’s good for you, you’d better not be falling under her spell!"

Darius released his hold of Sara as he said, Aw come on, baby, you know me and Sara just be playin’!

Byron said to Greg in a quiet manner, Yeah, they be playin’ alright…with each other’s genitals! Those in the group who overheard this started grinning along with Greg.

But Darius and Sara were not amused. Byron! Darius and Sara said in unison.

That was not nice! Darius added, but Byron kept laughing anyway. Greg, Darius said, "you’ll find Byron to be quite the acquired taste. He provides an abundance of off-color humor for us all to enjoy!"

Greg grinned for a moment, then said, Great to meet you all. And thanks again for letting me hang with you!

About a minute later, Darius started walking in circles behind everyone. No one seemed to have anything to say for the next couple of minutes, until Doug inquired, Yo Greg, man, what’s with that look on your face?

Confused, Greg asked, What look?

That look you got, Doug replied. Looks like you’re worried about something.

Something on your mind, Greg? Patrick asked.

Oh, I don’t know, Greg said as he took a deep breath that sounded very tired. I’m… kinda messed up in the head. You see, it’s been a few years and I still…aw forget it…I’m just messed up.

Sara had look of concern as she said, No, c’mon man, don’t be like that! What’s the problem? You having nightmares or something?

Naw, replied Greg, I just…feel like I’m still living like a slave. Take this morning for instance. Most people wake up and brush their teeth or use the bathroom or get some breakfast or browse the Net. Darius had a slightly confused look on his face as Greg continued, I woke up wondering if my Master wishes anything of me!

Oh no, Simonia reacted, you were born and raised that tyrant’s slave too, weren’t you?

First thirty years of my life! Greg replied while nodding his head. Don’t get me wrong; it’s not like I don’t know or understand that I’m free. Because I do. I just forget sometimes. I’m too wired to think like a slave.

Well, that’s normal, considering how you grew up, Patrick pointed out. Don’t you know that?

Yeah, Adam added, I mean haven’t you gotten any psychological counseling or therapy to help you deal with the problem?

I don’t believe in psychology, Greg adamantly replied. Psychology is not science: it’s witchcraft.

As Greg continued, Darius’s attention was noticeably captured by these words. One time when I was a teenager…during one of the rare times we were permitted to indulge luxuries like entertainment – I saw a…hypnotherapist? Or some kind of head doctor, perform on stage. One of his subjects was changed into a silly little monkey…mentally, of course, not physically.

Tamarah burst into a brief laugh, as Greg concluded, Then the therapist snapped his fingers and the man was back to normal again, like nothing happened.

Everyone in the group started laughing while taking note of the serious look on Greg’s face.

Darius joined the conversation: "You are absolutely right, my friend. Psychology is witchcraft. Darius tapped his palm with the tip of his wand, causing fire to emerge from the center of his palm. Greg was startled and frightened. Yet those witches have not quite perfected their craft…to a science, if you follow me."

The group shared a few chuckles at the remark. Even Greg started grinning, once he looked around and saw no one else shared his reaction to the fire. Darius then closed his hand for two seconds, and when he opened his hand, the fire was gone.

Upon first impression, Greg found Darius to be a rather queer fellow because he was so restless, always dancing around as though he were unable to enjoy even a moment of stillness. Yet something inside of Greg made him aware that he’d be loyal to Darius for the rest of his life.

Still standing in the center with everyone gathered as a circle around him, Darius stopped dancing around and moving about, and simply stood still. He had a look on his face as though his mind were entering a state of reflection.

Did I ever tell you guys about my father? Darius asked the group without waiting for an answer. "Yes, my father. The travelling showman. The one-man magic show. He was on the road far more often than at home. Always a man who could attract big crowds.

My father was a very powerful man who was seasoned in ancient magic spellcraft. These words brought a smile to Simonia’s face.

Most people thought all he did was for entertainment, Darius continued, "yet no one was able to explain how he did the mysterious things he did.

"When I was a young child, my father was already training me in wizardry and spellweaving. Oh how Dad abhorred that term ‘magic tricks.’ ‘Tricksters are not magicians,’ Dad used to say, ‘and magicians do not perform tricks.’ He said that ‘true magic is never meant to trick anyone’."

Then Darius grinned and spoke softly, "Yeah, Dad was one hell of a magician. Not too many people who knew him…let me rephrase that: not too many people who thought they knew him realized how powerful he was. And I was Dad’s favorite pupil!

"Of course, my siblings all swore he favored me because I was the youngest, but the truth is, none of my brothers or sisters took Dad’s lessons as seriously as I did. True spellcasting and spellweaving is not something you can learn by meeting one or two hours a day, three or four days a week in some convention seminar, instruction hall or classroom. Very much physical and mental and emotional commitment is involved. You must make it your life! The mystical arts are as much a science as any.

"Dad was not teaching us how to perform silly little tricks; he was teaching us how to harness the energy, the power of nature, and direct that energy to transform reality. Without the power of nature, a wand is nothing more than a stick.

Yeah, my father was a very wise man. He was on the road more often than at home; yet he always, upon his return, expected me to be a more experienced spellweaver than I was when he left.

Then Darius turned to Greg and said, "My father died when I was seventeen years old. I’ll never forget that night. Because Dad had been on the road most of my life, he was traveling all over Draegahn.

"After he came home from his last performance, Dad helped us fight our captors. One night the head tyrant ruling from here in Draegahr City sent soldiers and two of his young dragons to our small southern Draegahn town of Colinsberg, to capture more slaves. This could have been a problem, but Dad used it as an opportunity…his last chance to show the world what he was truly made of.

"Dad performed one of his great spells, causing cords of gold to emerge from his fingertips and wrap themselves around one of the dragons to capture it. But once he had that dragon right where he wanted it, the second dragon snuck up from behind and kicked my father, breaking his spell and causing him to fly many feet through the air to a devastating landing.

"Very few men could survive a dragon’s kick, but it was an especially mortal blow to my father because he was a very old man. Yet as he was dying, Dad told me something that would change my life forever. He said, ‘Son, for this invasion and captivity, I blame not the aliens, but the people of Draegahn. Their weakness, their complacency, their unwillingness to choose death over captivity is the reason we’re living in misery in our own homes every day. Son, you must promise me you will never allow anyone to destroy your spirit, or make you choose life absent your dreams or devoid your liberty!’

"Then Dad took my right hand while he was dying, and told me to hold my wand in the air with my left hand in the direction of the dragon that inflicted the mortal blow to him. I obeyed, and he shouted,

‘Powers of nature, on this dreary night,

Fill my son with your might!’

Then I felt an incredible surge of energy flowing through my body, and a beam of light shot out of my wand, encasing the dragon in a mystical binding made of diamond. After the initial shock, I looked back at Dad and saw he had already breathed his last.

Everyone in the