The Kingdom of the Emerald Hills

Part 1:

Forest arrived late in the night, but earlier than expected. Tanglewood Forest was buzzing with people and activity. Forest was happy to see that his summons for help had not gone unheeded. A small army was ready to stand with him and defend the Emerald Hills. As they split up to surveyed the area, Forest noticed people from the northern Barony of Finder’s Keep gathering together.

As they approached the crowd, they noticed a faint chanting and then the realization hit them. These people had been tainted by Mallibus. They were chanting a magic spell to raise the obelisk needed to summon the demon lord into existence. Forest and the small band with him quickly approached and challenged the crowd. “Step away from the obelisk! We are here to destroy it and all who try to serve the demon lord Mallibus!”

The crowd did not move, the fire in their eyes let Forest know that the hold over them was complete, they would die defending the obelisk. Even Torian, a new member of Eagleshire, stood ready to defend the demon lord’s shrine. There was no choice, the greater good must be served. The Emerald Hills army that was with him launched into attack. But they had underestimated the demon lord’s power. Assassins came from the shadows behind them and daggers flew, striking true and wounding many of the EH army.

After an initial loss, Forest and his army re-grouped and launched a new assault. This time, the crowd scattered and the few remaining defenders were quickly dispatched. However, as they tried to approach the obelisk, Forest realized they would not be able to destroy it. The area around it was enchanted with ancient magic that would kill any who approached. For now, the obelisk would have to remain, and forest instead focused on routing the remaining forces of Mallibus…

_________________
Forest Evergreen

Puppet Master of the EH

"Of course you are Forest. You're like the Mr. Burns of EH." - Finn

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Part 2:

The night had brought vengence. Chaos had been brought to justice for his crimes againt the Crown, but the Obelisk had yet to be dealt with.

As the sun rose in the morning, Forest gathered the whole of the EH armies. This was a force to be reckoned with. No Demon, no Obelisk, no assassins from the shadows would sway them from their course. And yet, still there was no answer on how to destroy the obelisk. No way to stop the demon lord Mallibus from coming forth. No way to free Don Wolvie from it's spell. Forest had a mighty army behind him that could lay seige to cities, but had no answer for a piece of rock that could destroy his home. Then, hope came...

Priestesses of the White Temple, dressed in flowing robes and seeming to shine with an inner light, came to the encampment. They explained that the Obelisk was the key to it's own destruction. The armies of the EH had scattered the cult before the ceremony was complete. And thus the Obelisk was not attuned to Mallibus, but merely a portal by which any creature of the heavens or hells could be brought forth. This was good news indeed. For if the Priestesses could summon a celestial being to aid the Hills, then perhaps they could destroy the Obelisk after all.

Forest gathered his army and began to set his plans in motion...

_________________
Forest Evergreen

Puppet Master of the EH

"Of course you are Forest. You're like the Mr. Burns of EH." - Finn

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Part 3 (final):

The army was ready, the plan of attck was made. All that was left was to crush the forces of evil and claim glory for the Kingdom. But things never seem to go as planned. As the assault force started to advance, their movements seemed to be hindered by magical forces they could not break. One of the Priestesses stepped forward.

"The will of Mallibus is strong. He is on the verge of conquoring this world. He has used what power he has gained here to force the final confrontation. No one may move but down the path he has created. The path that leads to the Demon Prince and his armies."

"So we are being led into an ambush. Is there nothing we can do?" Forest questioned.

"We can restrict the movements of Mallibus' worldly minions in the same way. Such a conflict of forces will cause a weakening of both enchantments. This will allow a few of your army to move freely, in spite of Mallibus' power, but his minions will have the same freedom against us." the Preistess replied.

"So be it." Forest said, and picked Sir Logan, Sir Ice, and Sir Rath to move outside the Demon's forces. The Paladin's would be best suited to move within the enemy's domain without harm.

The army advanced on their pre-destined path. Upon reaching the clearing with the Obelisk, there was no resistance, no sign of the enemy, but Forest was cautious. He knew at any time the assassins could rush in. Quickly he motioned for the Priestesses to work their magic and they stepped past the deadly barrier.

The army continued to advance to a small bridge that the enemy must use to approach, and waited. The battle would soon be here. Forest was ready to lead the army forward, when a voice called to him.

"I am here to push back the forces of evil, but I require a vessal. I require a body to give me form that I may aid you. Grant me this permission, give yourself to the powers of light." the voice said.

Forest knew it was a Celestial's voice, and submitted to its will. With a sudden rush of elation, the power of the holy light poured through him. His skin began to glow, wings sprouted from his back, and his senses became attuned completely to the world around him. Sadly, there was no time to enjoy the pure rapture of being bound to a Celestial. The sounds of war were behind them, and they turned to face the enemy.

The dark forces had approached slowly, through the shadows, and were now on the other side of the bridge. Daggers and arrows flew between the armies and men fell wounded. But the tide of battle was about to be swayed.

"We are here." The Forest/Angel announced "Mortal weapons can not harm us lest they be enchanted by magics. Follow us to victory."

With that the Forest/Angel advanced on the shadows. Daggers, arrows, and swords could not bite its flesh. Standing in the crowed of the awed forces of Mallibus, the Forest/Angel shouted "Servants of Mallibus, your time is at an end."

With that the Being brought forth the fury of the heavens. The shadow forces cried out in vain for help from their Demon Prince general, but it was for naught. The rallied forces of the EH sprang forth, cutting down the enemy in front of them and advancing towards the enemy encampment.

Soon it was over. The forces of Mallibus were dead or scattered, his Priestesses lay chared at the foot of the Obelisk where Sir Larin had smote them down with fire as they attempted to summon their master. Only one thing remained to be done.

The Forest/Angel approached the Demon Prince, Don Wolverine, who was held captive by the three paladins. The power of the celestial drifted in wisps from the Being's outstreched hand. "Light does not deek to destroy the darkness, but to keep it at bay. For without dark, there is no need for the light. We release you from the spell of unending slumber. Awake Demon Prince, from this spell, and be again your own."

With that a white light shone all around Don Wolverine, and in seconds, the change was apparent. He looked at the Forest/Angel "Is it destroyed? Is His power broken?"

"Yes." the Being responded "We have seen that the Obelisk is destroyed and Mallibus may never again taint this world. Our job here is done, and we leave you now."

With that the Angel withdrew, leaving Forest as himself again. He stood looking at the face of his comrade in arms. "Don Wolvie, there is still much to do. If you will join me, we can set things right."

Don Wolvie smiled "I will aid you as you have aided me. But I am now my own master."

With that, the two warriors headed back to reassemble the army. There was a task left to be done.

(continued in The Rise of the Queen)

_________________
Forest Evergreen

Puppet Master of the EH

"Of course you are Forest. You're like the Mr. Burns of EH." - Finn

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