Erica Olafson Rise of the Dark One Vol 10 Chapter 15 Ice Demons
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More than two-thirds of First Fleet, including the Devi, was far away. In another galaxy for a matter of fact. Captain Harris was leading that mission into the Leo II galaxy. To make sure the Crucible was indeed completely destroyed and that there weren’t any other sources of Y’All warriors. The other reason for the trip was to reinforce the recently established GateHouse and make sure everyone in the vicinity knew, that the Union took control over the Ancient Gate.
A significant number of science corps researchers had descended on the Gate Control world.
This was Captain Harris’s official last mission after it the highly respected CO of the Devi was to take command over the Lyrec battleship refit project and enjoy his recent promotion behind a desk at Arsenal IV.
Stahl knew this was a bittersweet moment for any real commanding officer. Being promoted and losing the command of a starship. In this case the most famous ship of them all, so he decided to leave Harris in command on his own,
The rest of the First Fleet made sure the Or-Ghe understood that it was not a good idea to start a war against the Union. The 100th and the 101st fleet had joined this effort. Admiral David M Nielson, aka “Bulldog-Nielsen” was in charge of that and didn’t need any help.
That meant, Stahl was not aboard a ship but stuck behind his desk at Arsenal IV where he, among many other things oversaw the completion of the Dominator’s refit.
He had taken her out, to meet a potential Y’All attack but she wasn’t far from ready.
The Supergiant had been transferred to Ross Torus, where a special docking facility had been created. It was decided to limit the Dominator’s planetfall as much as possible. Most ports weren’t simply big enough.
While there was many hundred lightyears distance between Ross 128 and Arsenal system, thanks to GalCom it meant little.
The eternal warrior interfered very little, the engineers knew what they were doing and didn’t need an admiral breathing down their necks.
Oh, there was always plenty to do, but in 3000 years he never learned to like administrative work.
That his wife never really used doors, despite her promise to do so, was something he has gotten used to, and he always knew when she arrived.
The person that suddenly stood in his office, however, was not Alycia, it was a shrouded figure.
Stahl knew instantly who it was and got up from behind his desk.”Narth Supreme what an honor and surprise.”
“One is equally honored, Eternal Warrior.”
“While I hope there will be the time you simply come for no particular reason, I am certain it is not now.”
“One will never appear for no reason. One needs motivation to do so, but I will find more trivial reasons. Your senses, however, do not betray you, Richard. The time of the decision draws near. Many individuals have delusional convictions that they must be present because only a few must be present indeed. You, Richard Stahl, have been chosen long ago, your presence is paramount.”
“Supreme Narth, you know I respect you but I know nothing of this affair. I am a simple man.”
“You knew nothing of other sentient civilizations and yet your name is spoken with respect far beyond the reaches of this galaxy. You are the first human, all Narth respects. You are the one I declare to be my friend.
Stahl sighed.”You would not seek me out if this was trivial. Where do I need to go and what is it I have to do?”
“We must travel to Avondur, and you simply need to be there.”
“Avondur?”
“The Planet at the Center of the Universe, in the Avondur Galaxy. Too far for even a Narth Sphere to travel,”
“Then how can I hope to get there?”
“We will use a Transspatial step. I will accompany you, and perhaps your wife and her Netherworld companion will be there as well.”
“It is about Erica and that Dark One entity?”
“Yes.”
“Erica is somewhere in the Spinward region.”
“She and the Dark One will be there.”
“Alright, I take a leave of absence, show me the way,”
--””--
The person arriving at Avondur, planet was as much Rex Schwartz as he was Invictus Rex. The transformation was complete.
The immortal human and the essence of the Nnnth had become one.
What the expelled Nnnth unsuccessfully attempted billions of years ago, had mow occurred successfully.
The expelled Nnnth wanted to evolve just like the other Nnnth and ascent to the next tier of evolution. It eluded him, as he was seeking for an entity like the Arth. Instead, he had become like the Arth and now entered a symbiosis with a human being.
Rex Schwartz matched the essence of the Nnnth to the last aspect. Kindred minds and spirits and now a new entity with power that reached those of the Narth Supreme.
The old entities of the Netherworlds were obsolete, carryovers of conditions and realms that came before. He was a new entity of this Universe, not serving the old conditions, not relying on fading Nether realms but being of this reality.
Rex Schwartz had created an army. The new core that would grow and restore the First Empire. Twenty thousand perfectly cloned beings and 50,000 Seenian Sentmacs utterly devoted to him. Equipped with the finest and most advanced technology.
Now he had arrived at Avondur and was ready to take the mantle of the Dark One, open the Imperial Vault and equip his horde with forgotten Nnnth and Imperial technology.
His advance forces had secured a building complex in the city of Sandakaar on Avondur, planet.
His arrival was noticed and made the Seven Circles weary.
The rumor that the Black Hoods were in cohort, was spreading fast.
--””--
Lumis and his companion had reached the peak of the pass and had found the path that branched off to the Stronghold of the Yellow.
They were well past the treeline. It was cold and there were patches of snow everywhere.
Yet the hiver flyer negotiated the small path without problems,
The Stronghold of the Yellow circle was an impressive collection of wall enclosed buildings and towers. The main gate was lit by covered lamps and its sturdy wings apparently made from solid timber and iron.
Lumis had stepped out the flyer, the long mantle he wore over his armor tugged on by a strong and cold wind.
He estimated local time to be near the midnight hour, but that this might have been an inappropriate hour for a visit did not cross his mind. His inherent haughtiness was not affected that much. He still considered himself to be the most important being alive. Especially his most recent thoughts had improved his mood considerably. If everything and everyone had to abide by the laws of physics while on that road, would that not affect the Dark One as well?
He pounded his armored fist with considerable force against the sturdy gate. His efforts created only muffled sound. So he added much strength, repeated the knocks and called out loud.”Open this gate, I demand access. Refuse and I tear it down.”
In response to his demand, the gate did swing open and revealed a towering being of at least eight feet. The being appeared humanoid in shape underneath the Safran colored cloak, the face underneath the cowl, however, was not human. It resembled the rough cut features of a lantern-jawed Oghr.
The guard of the gate was armed with a sturdy club of war.”The Yellow Robes are compelled to answer a visitor’s call. However, a visitor threatening to violate the sanctity of our abode ceases to be a visitor. State your business, Lumis.”
Uritel by now had reached the gate as well and hastily spoke to prevent Lumis to answer.
“By the decree of the Circle, seekers of destiny can not be denied answers. We are not associated with any Circle but we are Seekers indeed. Our destiny is clear and our quest is just.”
“Your quest is just in your opinion only, but your arrival before our gates has been foreseen. Do you abide to honor the sanctity of our walls or is the threat issued by the envoy of Crea the motivation?”
Lumis sensed the veiled counter-threat and was about to teach that creature a lesson when Uritel again answered. “We abide by the rules.”
Uritel made an angry gesture towards Lumis to remain silent.
The Gatekeeper seemed satisfied and stepped back to grant access.”Then you might proceed and speak to the Yellow Wizard.”
Uritel grunted under his breath as they entered the Stronghold.”By Crea’s mighty will, hold your sharp tongue and return to the more reasonable ways. Return to your old ways and I shall no longer follow you.”
“You be careful who you threaten Uritel. I realized that I am more than an equal to this Dark One while we are on Avondur. It now makes sense to me, while the last conflict must be here, for now, I see benefits in your companionship. However, it is I who Crea chose, not you.”
“And I am glad she did.”
The two Knights of Light were met by a normal-sized humanoid, but otherwise dressed just like the Gatekeeper.”Follow me then, the Yellow Wizard is granting you an audience.”
Both men followed the guide through long corridors, and climbing several wide staircases reaching a sizeable hall decorated in gold and amber, with heavy fabric curtains before walls and between columns. The sweet smell of incense in the air, light issued from gilded chandeliers gave the place a tranquil character.
The floor was polished wood, covered for the most part with elaborately patterned rugs. It all centered on an elevated gilded, high backed armchair, upon which a bearded man sat, wearing a black robe with wide golden lapels.p
The man somehow managed to look truly ancient, without really looking old or fragile. He had bushy eyebrows that matched the long well-groomed white beard, reaching almost to the beltline.
The prominently situated man did not get up and greeted them by name before they even introduced themselves. There was a detectable tone of disapproval in the old man’s voice.
“Lord Lumis and a member of the old Klavin species, who became known as Uritel. I am the Yellow Wizard.”
Lumis stepped closer, rested his right hand on the hilt of the restored sword named Brilliance.”So you know who I am, my reputation is the reason no doubt. Now don’t waste my time, Yellow mortal, speak all you know and do it quickly.”
“Your reputation is well earned indeed, and it is clear that the reports speaking of your recent change towards a more reasonable individual were incorrect. It is you who came here and it is you wasting my time. I will answer Uritel’s questions. You are free to leave.”
Lumis knew he lapsed into his old ways and did not want to jeopardize things any more than he already had and gave Uritel a nod,
The other Knight of Light said.”Our quest is after the WEAPON, and we were told this place is, where the one that carries answers is to be found.”
“This is indeed true, she who has taken the WEAPON from the Urd has been granted shelter here.”
Lumis brushed Uritel aside. “Then have her brought before us immediately.”
“Old agreements must be upheld, but it must be done by all sides. Are you retracting the agreement?”
“I never made any agreements, I am Lord Lumis.”
“Goddess Crea has been part of that agreement, did she give you authority to retract?”
“She is above such petty things. Now present us with that woman and I will mention you favorably to her.”
“I can not do so, I informed her about you and she has left this place.”
“You lying fool. The WEAPON will be mine and I will not be denied.”
--””--
Angela had always known that her sanctuary among the Yellow Robes was temporary, but she had no place to go. While she was a formidable fighter and due to her father was not without powers that elevated her above the average humanoid, None of this was enough to prevail against those sent against her.
The words of the Yellow Wizard were clear, she needed to go and right away.
In her chambers she hastily packed a few things, not knowing where to go when a Yellow Robe entered.”Quick Angela,
Angela was not invulnerable and could be killed. This became quite clear to her as she balances across the narrow ledge away from the window of her former quarters and inched towards the old staircase at the far side of this ledge. She almost slipped and with fear of falling into the darkness let go of her bundle of things.
She finally reached the open balustrade and climbed over it and onto the icy stairs.
She heard angry voices from her old room, to distant to make out actual words, but she was certain the voices belonged to those hunting her.
The stairs had been used by those who built this stronghold so long ago and if she remembered correctly led to a narrow path hewn into the side of the mountain.
She was agitated, confused and afraid and when she noticed a person standing there at the end of the slippery stone steps she drew her sword. The only thing her father had left for her and steeled herself for a fight. Angela was close to giving up, but she rather died in a fight than ending up in the hands of whoever was after her.
The person brushed back the hood of the obscuring cloak and revealed Guhn, an old member of the Yellow Robes. She had always liked that old man who had taught her to read old texts and to use her sword more effectively. “Angela shed your blade. The Yellow Wizard allowed me to volunteer and help you to escape.”
She relaxed a little but was near tears. “Good Guhn, I am hunted and do not know where to go, let me pass before they find my trail.”
“Angela this is Avondur, no place has more gates and rifts. There are places you can go, let me help you find a gate that takes you to a safe place.”
She sighed deeply and was deeply thankful not to be completely alone. “Lead the way, Guhn I am out of options.”
--””--
Egill and his friends were aboard the Jolly Blue and on their way to enter Freespace to make their way to N’Ger from where they hoped to find a trans-spatial connection to Avondur, or even better catch up with the Saresii scholar, The man they hoped knew the identity of the thief of the document.
Egill had found a soft recliner in the small lounge of Phil Decker’s private spacecraft and made himself comfortable. Just as he was to drift into sleep, he suddenly heard a familiar voice in his mind.”Old friend, I am awake. The authority that made me sentient urged me to contact you.”
Egill no longer felt like sleeping and sat up.”Tyr!”
“It is I indeed. Your companionship is missed, and I look forward to your next visit. I am seeking you out because of the little fish, that soon transforms into the biggest fish in the Mega-Verse.”
“Erica is in trouble?”
“Erica is completely separate now. I speak of Eric. He managed to obtain more of the tokens. Omni-symbolic items created by the One Behind it All, representing aspects of the Dark One. The entire Omniverse became aware that the Dark One is here indeed. An entity known as the JUDGE is just an aspect of the Dark One.”
“I know you are more than a talking fish, with remarkable psionic abilities. I am no longer the same closeminded hermit, I am best friends with a Saresii and a Narth, but most of the concepts you convey, remain beyond my abilities to understand.”
“The time for the decision draws near, and the place it will occur is now known. It is Avondur, the planet at the center of the Universe,”
“This is where the Saresii scholar is headed. We think there is a passage to Avondur. We are on his trail,”
“Egill you must come to Nilfeheim, a very important element of this event is waiting here and must be brought to Avondur.”
The old hermit of Nilfeheim exchanged a few more thoughts and then went to the command deck, where he found Phil and the Narth playing chess.
“Mr.Decker can we make a detour to Nilfeheim? I am certain now, that we have to go to Avondur, It will be there where we find our answers.”
Decker reacted by giving his NAv System new instructions. “You saved my life by suddenly wearing Viking garb and swinging a sword, we are now on course to Nilfeheim. I am around long enough that there is much more to this case than meets the eye.”
Alegar who had entered just behind Egill said.”I too know there is a layer of events and developments that are above that of our standard reality. The Saresii Gray Cat society kept records and knowledge from a time we call the First Age of Knowledge. Galactic history reaches further back than most contemporaries can imagine.”
He pointed towards Egill.”Your sudden appearance in traditional Nilfeheim gear to save our lives is a clear indication that there is much more going on than we know.”
Phil agreed.”The theft of a document that contains information about a meta-physical event that has no bearing to the common being. I am certain the entity behind this theft is connected to that prophecy.”
The Narth still studying the chessboard said.”The events that are prophecized will be of unrivaled importance to every living organism in all the realities of the Omniverse. The Narth Supreme agree we must go to Nilfeheim and meet with the Guardian of that world.”
--””--
Circuit hit the emergency release that cut the physical connections to the alien wreck. It had too much mass for only tractor beams. Alarm sounds echoed through the ship,
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“You are not a god, Luc.” The super tycoon wearing the armor of Invictus said with a calmness that made Luc wonder. Luc slowly drew his sword. “No, perhaps not a god. However, I am beyond you, human. This is your only warning.” A blast of tremendous energy hit Luc, burned much of his wings and swept him off his feet. “Why is it, you self important entities always talk so much?” Rex said with an amused tone, while he still held out his right arm. A second blast ripped the rest of Luc’s wings...
Circuit checked his readouts.”The towing connectors are holding, but we are crawling despite our engines almost running past Red Line, Captain,” I acknowledged as I watched Roghor come onto the bridge.”Everyone with med-training is assisting Cateria and her team. We triaged the liberated slaves, but there are a lot of them.” “They are contained though, right?” I asked.”I am sure not all of them are friendly toward us.” “Yes, Captain. They are all on deck eight and every access point is...
I ordered my friends and crew back to the ship. Malmoru had instant and unquestioned authority and no one asked any questions. The word was, that the White Innocent Fur had indeed prevented the darkest spirt from causing the demise of all Togar. The dark spirit, so the word among the Togar had manifested itself in the High Priestess. Something that fits well with the believes and also apparently resonated well with the rebels and dissidents. The demise of the queen, by the hand of that dark...
UPWARD The NAVINT commander had her Avatar established in the secure conference room underneath the surface of Richter 4. Also present were Cherubim, Algear Moansti, Admiral McElligott and now the Avatar of Admiral Stahl blinked into existence. The little group was made complete by a massive alien. The large alien, the Nul All Leader was here the first time by invitation. I was the Commandant of NAVINT that opened this top-level meeting and after she acknowledged the ones present she went...
The USS Braddock swung into orbit around one of the most mysterious worlds in the entire Universe, Narth Prime. She was the first Non-Narth vessel ever to do that in over a thousand years. Captain Mike Anderson was very aware of that. No active scanning was done. He gave strict orders not to activate any probing rays or scanners other than the passive ones needed for spaceship operations. The planet was as unusual as its inhabitants and reputation. It had no visible surface features from...
After we had triaged the wounded and contacted the Union Carriers, the news spread fast. There was an intense but very short space battle. The Na tribe and their closest allies had used their ships to bring the non-Dai troops to Thana Shoo, with many Muta-Kerr and Shiruti still in the ships. They were intended to take over the mothers and battleships of the non-compliant tribes. The Dai were fired up with anger and flew their fighters with a merciless vengeance. However, the true difference...
Shea tried to catch her breath, her suit was in restore and repair mode and the system assured her that it would be fully functional in less than an hour. Krabbel was not so lucky and her Archa friend was missing a leg. Hans and the Y’All and the marines were unharmed, except for a few bruises. The island was destroyed, and the shaft leading into the deep had collapsed. Hans was sitting by Krabbel who assured her that the Auto-Doc of his suit kept him pain-free and that losing a leg was not...
Lord Lumis regained some of his old composure, the remaining knights affirmed their allegiance. He had just traveled back to Avondur and was greeted by Uritel at the gates of Sandakaar the old city. Uritel had not been recruited by him but joined the Knights of Light. Crea herself hinted that Uritel was perhaps as powerful as Lumis and was an entity that came to the Prime Universe from an Upper realm. The creature certainly looked very impressive in his segmented armor of a metal that...
Everything was right as snow to me. I sat in a command seat surrounded by many of my friends. We were in Union Space inside a very fast and very well armed ship and were on our way to meet the rest of my friends and crew. I was really looking forward to my ship, my own quarters and whatever mission lay ahead. I reclined comfortable, had my legs crossed and almost dozed off, looking at the soothing sight of deep space displayed on our main viewer, some stars showing as Quasi streaks of...
Tobaia the magnificent had ascended upon the highest spire of her palace. The Seventh Claw spire had never seen a queen before. She stood there, her arms wrapped around her body and just below her breasts. Below her the sprawling city of Hi-Togr, the very heart of the mighty Togar empire. Malmorus, the sun had just disappeared behind the crests of the Kreigha mountains in the distance, but Torgu the largest of the planet’s two moons was soon to rise and provide its magnificent cool...
“How?” TheOther yelled. “Restore the main energy feed to this system. It has been severed. This system no longer has physical controls.” A holographic image established itself. It was a representation of the Chamber he was in, and a big console not to far was highlighted. “Proceed to the panel indicated and restore the energy feed to the Yah-ha Al drones. They will obey me and restore what must be restored.” TheOther was about to do exactly that, but he stopped. “These drones will also...
The thing didn’t move. Narth said. “I am holding it. It is strong but not unmanageable. “SHIP called. “The asteroid has revealed previously unknown weaponry. It is taxing our shields to almost 20 percent. ““Are you in danger?” “Oh, no captain. That tech is quite advanced, and I think it is Orlan but Mao took those weapons out with kilo loads. I was just reporting. “I dialed my TKU to 10 and said. “It’s going to get mighty hot in here. Narth your shields are on, right?” “No, captain. I...
Our ship had settled down on its landing gear and Shaka powered down the Arti Gravs. Har-Hi pointed at a large number of tanks and artillery pieces that had been assembled around the vast empty plane, that was designated to us as a place to land. “I don’t think those are all for military honors. I think they are still quite nervous about us.” Narth agreed with my XO. “To describe the entire planet’s population, the terms anxiety and fear would be on top of my choices.” Mehdi occupying a...
From the open door, Dusty stepped into the room.”I am containing the Dai.” The living dust cloud flowed like a sand storm around me and engulfed both Dai. The Dustcloud said.”Captain, they are riding on electromagnetic waves. They infiltrated us as we set the shields transparent for radio waves.” Both Dai looked like living statues. Now Orthbeer passed through the deck plating. I could not hear what he was trying to say, then he came closer and closer and his greenish hand passed into my...
The Dragon stood in his cargo bay and his eyes glowed as his pirates dumped loads of Iridium and other highly valuable goods only to return to get more. He cursed himself for not remembering the right planet. He was so sure he had been here before and now he could not remember any details. He was so certain the suit told him these coordinates. Of course, he had not kept any files on the coordinates but his suit knew where it was and now it was silent and did not respond to anything. All there...
Hans due to his size and strength was often seen as a bruiser with tremendous strength but little else. This was not the case since he was with the Olafson gang. He was asked about his opinion about other things. The woman across him was about as opposite as a being could be to a Saturnian, she was a Delicate. While Brana was certainly not a member of the original gang, she like the rest became like family. She had just stepped into his security office and without any hesitation floated...
A muscular being covered with a brown shroud came running our way. It had a nonhuman snout sticking out from under his hood. What was exposed of him was covered with a short gray fur. In his right, he held an elegant looking weapon. It appeared to be an energy beamer of sort, he had fired it twice into the direction he was coming from. Now he turned and with it his weapon and he aimed at me. Lucky for me I was close, unfortunate for him, I had already drawn the Dai blade. I moved fast into...
About ten armed Trontigmakader entered the tavern, led by an insectoid in a flashy bright blue and white armor of some kind. “The four Masters declared martial law until we can determine who released the Cleanser beasts from their hold. This place has been identified as a meeting place of the Discrepant Element. You are all considered potential collaborators, perhaps even supplying weapons to these criminals. You are...” A high pitched humming voice screamed from somewhere else. “The Four...
Har-Hi had left over two hours ago with the first twenty and reported the city was orderly. The crew members with him had a good time and the locals were used to visitors and merchants from other places. He also reported that there was a market and Circuit excited. I warned him not to buy any more eggs. Even though I had to admit Fenris had turned out to be liked by the crew and more or less fit right in. Two of the minis were out near the Red Dragon watching I suspected the Red Dragon...
Har-Hi was led to a Wisdom keeper, who was without question an old Dai. The revelation that there was a Dai was quite a surprise for Har-Hi. He had not expected that, but since he had become a Union officer and traveled with Erica, he had met and seen the unthinkable. Living dust clouds, planet surface covering creatures and a planet-bound, desert scavenging Dai. He had met Dai that were born in captivity and knew a Dai tribe leader was engaged in selling Dai Than as slaves. Meeting a Dai...
The Dai Nest so I learned a week later, was a huge space station in an otherwise empty star system. It was deep in Union space. The star had been named Dai-Core. The station was made of several Gigamon stations, interconnected with girder-like structures that acted as docks and mooring arms for Dai ships and the humongous Dai Mothers. The system and the station were busy. From my visually unaided vista, a simple viewport I counted eleven Dai Mothers, I was sure there were many more outside...
Prelude Part 4: Volund 4999, OTT The crumbling walls of Olafson Burg were no longer on his mind. Volund was now the steward of Ragnarsson Rock. Erik Gustav had kept his word and had given him the stewardship and rule of all that was Ragnarsson on this world. There were tanneries in the extensive basements, several Nubhir farms on the permanent ice of the southern polar region, and large Fangsnapper herds. Best of all, there were five modern and well-kept fishing boats and three hunting...
Mr.Flensburger was now gone for a week and we had a new teacher. Mr. Walters was his name and he was much different to the jovial and gentle Mr. Flensburger. He was stern and had a no nonsense approach. This Monday morning, right by the main doors I saw Yngve Lofdahl waiting for me. He had a busted; bleeding lip and his left eye was swelling. Like me he was wearing a fur vest over a linen tunic that reached halfway to the knees, linen breeches and boots. Usually he always looked like he wore...
TheOther was injured. The wounds he received from the relentless attacks of these smaller Y’All versions were too deep and too severe for his incredible healing abilities to cope with. He regretted the fact that he opted to forego the AutoDoc adjustment, Cateria recommended for months now. The original factory-issued unit, requested a species update because this amazing piece of Union technology was deploying medical nanites and his own bodies defense mechanisms fought the nanites and...
This situation reminded me of my first visit to Sin 4. I did not know where I was, brought here against my will. Abducted, stripped of everything I owned. I was once again bare feet, had several blisters and burn wounds. My hair was a mess, at least In didn’t have to go pee. Darn it thinking about it, made realize I actually did. I was still running across that landing field, not knowing where I was going, but I knew I still stuck out like a sore thumb, being the only pin skinned human. The...