The Horse riding Hascarl

The Horse Riding Hascarl

By: Dark Raven 510

Richard’s Horse moved along the Dirt Road, with every step being making a large muddy sound from the mud from the rain. Richard was tired of this long road, and wish there was some village or ale house, so he could at least put some food in his belly as he continued to towards his plan stop. He didn’t care if he was in the Azlexi Land of Pretora, and that it would be full of Azlexi, at least the meat and ail would be of very fine quality.

And low and behold, he soon saw the light’s of a small village, and a large fire coming from the middle of it.

“Ask and ye shall receive.” He said, now with more cheer. Indeed it was good timing for the man. It was the Hallow Eve, a Azlexi holiday in on the last evening of October, in which they claimed the barrier between the Realms of the Living and the dead where weakest, and spirits would come across, an do many a tricks or spooks on people, and communicate with those of their clan. And the celebrations where fantastic. At every town and village large fires, made from the trunks of trees, where places in the center of the settlement. And around it there was music, and dancing, and food and drink that where determined to be the best of the harvest.

To this, Richard was thankful. Such food and Ale was served that would be better then any other. And despite the, being Azlexi, he enjoyed the company of the townsfolk and of nearby hunters. And he heard stories, of ghosts and demons, and vengeful spirits. And one of these was taken very seriously in the village, as Richard soon learned.

“So Traveler,” one of the villagers started, “You planning to head out by morning?”

“No,” Richard responded, Taking another gulp of the refreshing Ale. “I’m heading out in a few minutes.”

The Villager laughed, “Your crazy to go out tonight. The Horse Riding Hascarl will get you for sure.l

Richard roled his eyes. He didn’t believe in spooks and spirits, and doubt anything would get him. But he was entreaged. “What is this, Horse Riding Hascarl?”

“The most feared thing in this area.” A woodsmen said, joining the conversation. “A restless spirit that comes out on the Hollow Eve. As legend goes, he was a soldier serving a Varnland king. While camping out in the woods, just a few miles to the east of here, they were attacked by a pack of orcs, lead by the Half-Troll Maalik the dreaded. During the fighting, he fled on the hirse of his King, leaving him to die. And so with final breath, the King called upon the Gods to curse the deserting man, who broke his oath and fled his post. And so they did. They struck the Man with bolts of fire, and layed on him a great curse. And to this it is said,

On the Eve of wind and Shadow,
When the divided is small and hallow,
Ye shall return to these lands,
And fulfill your King’s commands,
By killing those that cross your path,
Till the sun does rise, you’ll unleash your wrath.”

“Ha!” Richard laughed, “Nothing but child’s tales and stories to tell the easily scared! There are no ghosts, nor will there every be any!”

“You shouldn’t speak light of such tails,” The villager said, “Such things are more then myths.”

“Yes,” The Woodsman agreed, “I live out in those woods, but till dawn shall come, I’m staying here.”

“Well, I shan’t let such legends keep me here. And when I return, if i need come again to this town, I shall show you that your superstitions are of no true things.

And indeed he did set of from the village. And through the woods he went, past leafless trees and dead bushes, and with the crunch of leaves that covered his path. Richard only thought of getting to his own two, in the Kingdom of Verson. He did think any of spirits or Horse riders, and when he did he shoved of such ideas.

But the wind howled, and the forest was filled with noise. Rustling of leaves, branch’s scrapping against one another, and Animals in the distance in speech with on another. And a feeling a great cold crept onto Richard, and he soon had feelings of being watched, as if a pair of eyes where starring at him, watching his movement. And he began to look around him, searching for onlookers. And at that time, he began to hear what sounded like hooves, moving along the hills.

And that’s when he saw it. Upon a nearby hill, there was a horseman. His body was tall, and all covered by chain mail. In his hand was a Large ax, and from his eyes and that his nightmarish stead, glowed flames, flames like those of the underworld, and of Unimaginable suffering. And from him came a laugh, a laugh more chilling then the coldest wind, which echoed across the woods endlessly.

Richard didn’t need a second look, nor did his horse need an order or motion to move. If they had waited a second the Rider, who had sped down the hill with great speed, would have sliced Richard’s head off. They moved faster and faster, as fast as the horse could go, only barely out of the swings of the ax. Richard could feel the hot breath of the Black horse, and the endless laughter of the Rider. He dared himself to look, and he regretted it. The Eyes of the rider where more then a blazing inferno. They where blood shot, yet showing signs of maniacal, sadistic joy.

The Rider chased them, on and on, through the forest. Anything that the Hascarl’s ax went through, whether Tree or Bush or Rock, sliced like butter. On and on they went, Richard shacking like a mad man. The only thing that kept him trying to stay on was trying to avoid the Rider. Then suddenly, as they came towards a field, the Rider fell back. At first Richard thought the Rider was giving up, but as he looked around, his faced turned inhumanly pale, as he saw the Hascarl’s ax, flaming with the heat of twenty dragons, flying towards him.

And the Rider Laughed, with a voice as loud as thunder, echoing for miles.

The Stories Of Awlndreion: Part 6

The time had come. Awlndreion, and those that had come to aid him, were going to attack the fortress of Eynalken, defeat Almisier, and save Aefled. Almisier was not alone in his fortress, having gathered many neraby tribes of men and orcs to his aid, and even terrible men like that of Roland Coldheart, and the Orc Cheftess Melgora, Orcish for ruthless. And for a long time the forces of Awlndreion and Almisier fought, eaching holding victories and defeats. Bows twanged, shields splintered. Swords shattered as they fell weak. Mages caste spells, while Direwolves bit at each other. At one point, a melting man was upon Awlndreion, and would have devoured him if the King of Carolin, Fenrir Omenbairer, defeated it with a flaming arrow. When Almisier learned how close he had come to killing Awlndreion, he cursed Fenrir, stationg that one of his decents would overthrough his dynasty.

Yet as the weaks and months wore on, the lines of Eynalken grew weary, and finally grew so weak that Awlndreion’s force were able to siege the fortress. Soon the Great Giant Cheftain, Agmo, who’s name in Jagniri ment Fist, broke through the front gate, and went upon the castle’s inner rooms and chambers. Awlndreion came upon Almisier, killing the Melgora. His final defence, a skin changer named Erik, but who killed himself over attempting his skill, trying to change into the mighty Cralgelgora.

When Awlndreion came over Almisier, Almisier stated, “Do not kill me, my father is Winexer, who is the god of judges, and will make sure you are sent to Helrard.” Awlndreion then said, “If so then let him come forth, and judge what should be done of you. And indeed, the god did, and he Appeared before thetwo, and those near them, in a terrifying form. And whie Almisier was his son, he did not stop that from the carrying out of justice. He ordered the Almisier would serve as a servant of Awlndreion and Aefled, and had his left hand removed. At the same time he gave his son more sense, and Almisier realized how terrible he was, forgiving Awlndreion and Aefled, willingly taking his punishment.This was seen as fair, as even family ties, can not stand in the way of justice.

But still there was effects, Fenrir and Agmo had both died, and Alw had lost his leg. And even though Aefled was now free, will captive she had gave birth to a son, that of her and Almisier. Yet Awlndreion warmed to the infant, and allowed him to remain alive, as there was no need to kill a child over the actions of their parents.

And so the alliance departed, and Awlndreion and Aefled both became officially married, with Almisier serving them, and Alw staying near to them, and ready to overcome anymore adventures that where bestowed on them.

The Stories of Awldreion: Part 5

The marriage between Aelfled and Awldreion was going well. Many had come from all walks of life, from Great Kings to poor farmers, having heard of Leofwine’s great feats, and came pay respects to the great hero, and to bring gifts of silver, furs, and other wonders. Yet there was one guest, who’s reasons of coming were not of good intentions. This was of the Dark Mage Almisier, who name means Stone-Heart, for he was cruel, and malicious. He had come, desquised as a poor beggar, and went up to Awldreion and Aelfled. He said, “Great hero, oh how i am below seeing you in flesh. Though it not of tradition, and of great disrespect, i ask that of one of your many things, i may take one, for i am poor, and and though i may feast today at your table, i must find way substane myself for many a more years.”

Awldreion showed kindness. “Indeed, chose anything of mine to take for yourself.” Then, with a great flash of purple light, Almisier revealed himself before Awldreion and his guests. “Then great hero!” He said with great delight, “I shall take from you your new wife! Aelfled!” This was out of order or costum, as Aelfled, being that of a sentient being, could not be made a gift, nor was Awldreion‘s to give, and non gift ahould be given, as Almisier used tricker and lies to ask for a present. Yet before any could protest, Almisier sucked Aelfled into a a amulet of a purple gem, and in a flash of light, was no longer present, having fled now to his fortress of Eynaklen, or Cold Dungeon, to have his own way over her.

Such even grew anger in Awldreion  He swore on Weivilin, and on Adtrix, that he would do anything to try and free Aelfled. And his friend, Alw, his father, Kenelm, and a many a guest of his wedding, made the same vow, and agreed to lead their forces against Eynalken, and of those that served Almiesier.