Account of Idan Rentwever, Historian. The castle rumbles with the fury of the Black King. He began the siege on Graavenblaze castle four nights ago. Riding with his army of dead. His Majesty’s soldiers have held the main part of the castle, where we all await death now. The outer walls were taken after the first night. No one knew how to combat the spectral army, and many a soldier lost his life, or his sanity before the mages discovered that the could aid in the combat. A particular spell used by the mages (which can be found in their archives) would turn a specter to stone, but only for a few seconds, giving the solider who acted quickly, just enough time to remove its head.

If only they had known this sooner. The castle shakes and rumbles. The fury of the Black King seeps through the very walls. My long time friend and fellow historian Johannes was just killed, as the ceiling loosed a large block on top of him. We shall either be crushed to death or killed by the Black Kings army. The mages and clerics protect us from the now only with powerful spells. As I sit in witness, the King His Majesty Darian Du Graaven and his wife the High Cleric Constance are conferring with the clerics and head of the Order of Mages. They appear to have reached a decision. Following are His Majesty’s words: “ My people, I fear we shall not live to see the morrow, you have all fought with hearts of lions but now we must prepare to die. But in the preparation we will defy the Black King one last time, and hopefully assure that one day he will be defeated! (Nods of agreement from all who remain, I can even feel my own determination that he shall not win)

Through the power of the Mages and the Clerics, working as one we shall send my daughter Emily to a different time and different place far from the reaches of the Black King. When he rises again, when people are threatened, she will be returned to our land again, she will bring power to the people, and hope to those who have none. Through this act the Black King will win the day, but not the war.” Now there is cheering, the King is strong and steadfast, though the look of grief on his face is unmistakable. The chamber falls silent as the tiny baby Emily is brought in, and laid, wrapped in swaddling on a alter in the middle of the room. The King and High Clerist are saying their goodbye to the child. Little Emily does not cry, her father fastens an amulet around her neck, while whispering in her ear. The High Clerist speaks in the prayer language of the Clerics and the amulet glows red. The head of the Order of Mages, a woman who’s name is not known to anyone but those of her order steps forth and weaves their words of magic, while drawing strange, glowing symbols in the air. (I am not certain if what she is saying will be recorded in the Mages archives) The amulet again flares bright red. Still the baby does not cry. The High Clerist speaks. “ This amulet has been enchanted and blessed, it will remain with Emily always, and will hold the power that shall bring her back when she is needed.” Now the Clerists with the High Clerist at the baby’s head make a circle around the alter (King Du Graaven has moved far from the alter, and likewise the soldiers and common folk are backing away).

Now all the remaining Mages, with the exception of ones set to protect the chamber, are making a circle behind the Clerists. Oh! What an amazing event to bear witness to! The Clerists have began prayer in their prayer language, such a humbling sound, the voices of so many praying in unison, in perfect harmony. Their words sound almost like music. Now the Mages begin, there is an eerie glow come to the room from the strange symbols they draw. Their voices too, in unison sound as the hushed whisper of a foreboding wind before a fantastic summer storm. Everyone in the room, along with myself is in awe. The magic the weave is almost palpable, the hairs on my neck stand, and I must admit to fear. The castle rumbles more violently then before, the Black Kings fury grows! He must be aware of what is transpiring, the King has motion for more soldiers at the door. The chants and prayers grow louder, a hum, a slight buzz has filled the air. The Mages draw their strange symbols much faster now, and they glow with more brilliance. Such a strange sight this is!

The King is shouting, I can see this though I cannot hear his words for the room is filled with the sound of the buzzing of millions of bees. It is a struggle for me to write… I shall continue my witness for this event must be known. The light from the mages drawing has become to bright to look at, and the room has become uncomfortably warm though I do not know if it is the magic, or the Black Kings doing. Faster they chant and pray, louder the buzzing, and brighter the lights! The door! The door has been broken in! We are doomed! Now there is silence, and my eyes must be deceiving me, but no the child is gone! She is gone!  They triumphed! I must move where I can better observe. Yes the child is gone; many of the Mages and Clerists have collapsed including His Majesty’s wife. I fear them dead. My account here is nearly finished, I see that the soldiers are falling, I do not see the King anywhere, but his sword lays near the fray. I believe our King has fallen, yet still the soldiers battle, as his majesty said, with hearts of lions. Let it be said again, and a Prophecy stand thus, Emily Du Graaven, daughter of King Darian Du Graaven and High Clerist Constance Du Graaven will return and bring power to the people when they are again threatened by the evil malice of the Black King.

Let it also be known that When the Black King awakes, bring he will an army not of flesh and blood but death and hate. Their touch means death, their stare much worse, look them in the eye you lose your worth. To join his ranks you need only to hate, and you sell your soul to his Black estate. Heed this warning! Time grows ever so short, I see that the Mages that did not fall are holding the door, but I feel the anger of the Black King. A Cleric has come to me, she is dying, she is trying to tell me something about a boy, I do not understand, and alas she is gone. I must put this account in a safe place before it is too late. This record must survive. For this is the account of the end of the kingdom of Graavenblaze, and of the prophecy of the Daughter of the King. As witnessed by Idan Rentwever, Historian and faithful servant of his Majesty.

Footnote: King Travon Utley when renovating the Chamber of the Last Stand found this record. The King has asked a few notes be made to clarify some points. The body of the great King Darian Du Graaven was found with the body of his soldiers and the sword he had was not his own, let it be noted that the King died in combat, a hero. The Queen Mother, High Clerist Constance Du Graaven’s body was found bearing no wounds of battle so it is assumed that she died in the magical transportation of the child. Also the body of the Historian was found, with much surprise with a sword in hand and near the door where a large number of casualties in the Chamber were. It is surmised that after hiding the Account, Idan Rentwever took up sword and fought. One last point to be noted, the Black King fell that day, all believed he had won the day, but let this show that he was not victorious, witnesses say that when the Black King entered the Chamber to find the baby gone, he was filled with wrath and defeat. He disappeared in that very Chamber along with his Spectral army, but not before his promise, to return again. Marvin Accostes, Head Historian in faithful service to His Majesty Travon Utley.

Chapter 1. Another Day
       "I'm only going to tell you one more time, get your ass out here before you're late again!"

 "I'll be out in just one more minute!" Emily looked at her self in the mirror again. Every morning it was the same thing. She could quote the whole speech now word for word. Her aunt was on her usual morning tirade. "And I don't know why I even bother, you know you're not even my child". Emily laughed quietly to herself as she made her best Auntie Sara face and said to herself "you worthless little brat."

 "Come out of there now or I’m coming in to get you!" Sara bellowed.
     Sighing Emily unlocked the door and stepped out to Sara's disapproving glare.

"Honestly Em, I don't know why I bother." Emily ducked past her aunt, who in all reality was not related to her but by Emily's, ever bad luck, they were stuck together.
 Seven o'clock Friday and it was time to go once again to another place she hated. These days it seemed like that was all there was for her, place after place she hated. Now it was time for school. She had been at this school longer than any previous one, and she would finish high school here. Being a senior at West Vale Catholic High was less than wonderful. She had only a couple of friends, teachers she couldn't stand and to top it off, since she had moved so many times, graduation was out of the question. Why even bother, the only reason she could see was to get away from her Aunt Sara.

     They walked out to Sara's car in moody silence. Sara had decided it was her god given duty to drive Emily to and from school, ever since Emily decided it was her god given right not to go.  They drove the whole way in silence, which was also part of the morning routine. Soon they would pull up to the front of the school and as always before getting out:

"Emily I know it is a lot to ask from you but maybe you could stay the whole day and actually pay attention?"

To which Emily's standard reply "Sure Sara, whatever you say". Slam of the car door and she was free, at least for the next fifteen minutes until the signal bell for class rang. As she approached the door she could already see her two and only friends in the whole world Alan and Maria. Alan waved as she got closer and Maria gave the customary middle finger, which Emily was only too happy to return.

"Well, hey Em. We were beginning to think your aunt finally killed you and ground your body up in the disposal." Maria snickered. Maria was not allowed at aunt Sara's anymore. According to Sara Maria was a bad influence on an already bad kid. Sara decided that Maria was partly to blame for Emily’s bad behavior, when one afternoon Sara came home from her Relief Society meeting to find Emily and Maria smoking a cigarette in the backyard. Emily had been grounded indefinitely, Sara called Maria’s parents, who also was grounded and forbid Emily from seeing Maria. Sara had told Emily that if she’d just try a little harder she could be in the “in crowd”, she could date a football player and be on the cheerleading squad, but that would never happen as long as she “ran around with the likes of that Maria girl”.

 "Yeah well she would have but god didn't tell her how to turn it on." they all laughed.

"Well you girlies, ready for another fun filled day at Hell High?"

  “Don’t you mean, ‘Satan’s Tabernacle’?”  Maria replied sarcastically.

 "Aw come on Maria, Em, it'll be fun"

 "Sure Alan, just let me get my noose"

They walked in together. Now today was no ordinary day at school, it was the day before homecoming, which meant the annual pep rally. Which also meant no first period, to bad Em wouldn't have to see Mrs. Granger’s wrinkled old face.

"Hey Em," Maria said, " It's jock appreciation day!"

"Oh wow Mar, let's find our nearest athletic supporter and give him a big ol' kiss" No sooner had the words come out of her mouth but who would appear, captain of the football team and probably the biggest ass in the world Dave Austin.

       "Well well well, if it isn't the freak and geek patrol." he laughed at his own joke.
Annoyed, Emily said, " Well well well if it isn't the local jock-strap". Alan and Maria both broke out in hysterical laughter. Dave glared and pushed past.

   "What a dweeb" Maria said. "So you guys really want to go to the pep rally?"

"You got a better idea?" Emily didn't even need to ask she already knew the answer. The three friends ditched their backpacks and headed towards the east exit of the school which would aim them in the direction of the freeway, and across that a small field that opened into the foothills. They walked quietly no one really in the mood to talk. They had met as juniors and all from different places. Being branded, as outcasts didn't really bother any of them. They didn't fit in anywhere they went they only fit together so they stuck together. The only one of them who would graduate was Maria; she was definitely the brain of the three.
     They crossed the freeway, which was never ever busy even when it was supposedly rush hour. Reaching the field Emily plopped down and Maria sat next to her.

"So what did everyone do yesterday?" Maria asked.

“Same old same old.” Emily sighed. “I got to spend a nice Sunday listening to Aunt Sara bitch at me about everything from my looks to the way I fold my clothes, then to top it off she made me fold fliers for that stupid church she goes to.” Alan groaned and made a gagging noise. “It gets better, when I went to bed she came in my room all teary eyed and tells me that she just doesn’t know what she did, for me to end up like this, she said ‘you’re a very special girl, I just thought you’d be better behaved’ then she says god bless you and leaves and I get to listen to her bawling all night long.” Maria burst into laughter and Alan shook his head puzzled.

“She’s on medication right?” he asked with a straight face, which sent the girls into more fits of laughter.

“My Sunday was even better.” Maria began “ My morning started off with the world’s quietest breakfast, my parents weren’t speaking to each other and so I didn’t get spoken to either.”

“Would you rather they were talking to you?” Emily asked.

“Uh duh, no Em.” Maria said crossing her eyes. “But it’s weird sitting there with everyone pretending they are the only ones there, anyways so I went up to my room and they started fighting again something about “why do you always have to analyze our relationship John” and then mom “because if I don’t figure out why you’re such a goddam bitch I’m going to lose my mind Ilene” so then a couple hours of that and it was my turn, they went over ALL of my homework, made me redo everything, I even had to redo a book report we did on a stupid short story. So that’s what I did until almost eleven last night, my homework over and over and over.” Emily put her arm around Maria’s shoulders.

“Well next time, keep all the copies and sell them, at least make some money off your misery.” Maria smiled. Emily hated living with Sara and all her quirks, but whenever she heard about Maria’s family life she felt like she didn’t have any right to complain, she felt this way even more so after Alan’s tales. Emily and Maria both glanced at Alan, neither of them wanted to pressure him into talking about what went on in his household, sometimes the things he told them horrified the girls, honestly neither of them wanted to know those things, but they always listened whenever he spoke.

“Well I had a pleasant night.” Alan started, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “I guess dad had a lousy day at work, something about the principle saying he has to let girls play on the lacrosse team, I don’t know it was pretty stupid thing so he comes in “hey looser want a beer”.” Emily cringed, all Alan’s horror stories started off with this line, it was as if it was his dad’s catch phrase for “I’m gonna beat the shit out of you”. “He insisted we go out and play catch, he said some father son time, well I threw the ball a little hard one time and he caught it with his gut, which pissed him off, he threw the ball at my head then chased me back in the house, where we played a game of baseball.” Alan smiled sadly.

“Baseball in the house?” Emily asked confused.

“Yeah.” Alan said biting his lower lip. He lifted up his shirt, across the left side of his ribs was a long purple bruise, in the tell tale shape of a baseball bat. “I was the ball.”

“I wish we could do something.” Emily said and Maria nodded in agreement. “Find a way to make him stop or something.”

“There isn’t any way to make him stop.” Alan said miserably “Actually there is, but I just can’t play football.”

“You have to do something Big Al.” Maria said scooting closer to him and putting her arm around his broad shoulders. “You can’t just let him keep doing this ya know?”  Alan nodded.

“We all need to do something.” Emily said, “I think we’re probably the three most miserable people in this stupid place, we need to go.”

“What do you mean?” Maria asked. Alan was looking at Emily thoughtfully.
 

       “I don't know, I'm sick of everything I hate this place I hate this school I hate Sara, I would give anything for a change. You know just get the fuck out of here." everyone nodded in agreement. Then Alan spoke up:

"So why don't we do it, why don't we just go?"

  "Go where?" Emily said. Alan pointed to the foothills. They were nice this time of year it was late summer and they were lush green. The weather was more than warm.  Past the foothills was Carmike Reservoir, Emily had never been there but she had always wanted to.

           "You think our parents, your aunt, would actually let us?" Maria asked.

"I didn't say anything about asking them, look I hate my dad and I'm not graduating anyways. I don't have anything here I hate my life and I've thought about leaving for a long time." He looked wistfully towards the hills.

     “Where would you go?" Emily asked getting more excited. She had longed to get away from her aunt and her life she too hated. She had always felt that here was something more for her.

     "I don't know, into the hills maybe to the reservoir I don't know just away from here as far away as I can get." he suddenly stood up, " and I'm going tomorrow with or without anyone. Emily stood up too.

    "You aren't even going off and having fun without me!" she was excited now. They both looked at Maria.

     "Well, someone’s got to watch you two idiots." she stood up as well.  They made plans to meet at school as always and go from there to each one's house and pick up some things that had been prepared that night. They grudgingly went back to their last day at Hell High, and unknown to them their last day of anything resembling the life they knew.......
 

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