2236
Penance
SapphireShard
In the far away, Verdantly swathed lands of Alamere, there was once a Knight. The Stories say he was honourable, brave, and a stalwart companion. But Stories only tell you the truth the writer believes... So, Intrepid Readers, here is a full truth, not a paled half-truth or thinly veiled lie.  The Knights name was Kramble Albermott. He was a vile man, a hero only in his own heart, which itself was black from corruption and indulgence.  He hurt everyone around him, whether meaning to or not. Everywhere he treads, misery and pestilience would follow in his shadow.  But do not think this man deserves your pity. He deserves his Penance.  This is why.  One day in the Kingdom of Alamere, a great shadow covered the land.  But it was a proudly displayed shadow, by a enemy which was willing to fight fairly. Not a selfish backstabbing deviant like Kramble.  The King called for Kramble, the much-despised Commander of the Royal Armies, to gather a Army capable of stopping the Evil Threat.  So Kramble, who very much liked the deadly sin of Sloth, decided he would do as the King asked.  He would gather a Army. But this Army would not be composed of Honourable Knights and Devout Followers. This would be a Army of Scoundrels, Beggars, Mercenaries and Thieves. For he has access to the King's Coffers, and what he did not use for his own selfish deviances, he used to bribe and buy as many soldiers as possible.  Finally, Kramble had assembled the Army, and marched upon the fields of Amok'shan, where generations of courageous men had fought and bled for Alamere. He cared not for the Desecration he was about to commit. He only thought of how richly the King would reward him for his imminient victory.  Two Armies stood to attention, facing each other. One composed of Proud Undead and Evil-doers. The other a motley band of the scum of the Kingdom. The Undead Overlord stood, upon his ebon throne. :: He laughed. :: "Is this the BEST the King of this proud Kingdom can send against me?" "You DO NOT DESERVE to be killed by my followers!" :: He laughed again. Kramble's army collectively shuddered, the idea of all the gold they could carry shaken from their minds - replaced with only one thing - primal fear of Death. The army turned tail, and ran for their lives. :: The Overlord, stood from his throne. He held up a hand, and the world seemed to stop. Kramble stood, suddenly, without seeming to have moved, a sword-length from the Overlord. :: The Two men stood facing each other, so alike, yet also so very different. :: Finally, the Overlord spoke. :: "Now, Kramble." :: "I am a fair man, despite my heinous intentions." :: "I shall give you a chance, one which you do not deserve." :: "A Quick Death." :: Kramble stood, petrified, with a look of despair on his face. :: He tried to move, but he seemed to be rooted in place by a immovable force. :: He cried out in fear and anguish, as the Overlord raised his sword high above his Head. The sword came down, reflecting the last rays of the day's sunlight. :: As the sword fell, Kramble did something he had never done, or even thought of doing before. :: :: He Prayed. Not to a God, or a Idol. But to Death himself. :: "Spare me" :: He heard his heart hammering in his ears. One beat. :: Then Another. And another after that. :: He took a breath, the air entering his starved lungs. :: Then, he looked up. :: The Overlord stood above him, outlined with the Scarlet rays of the dieing sun. His hand was outstretched. Then, he spoke. :: "I offer you a Quick Death." :: "To all those who oppose us." :: "Join me, Brother. Join me, and crush all who oppose us." :: "You Prayed to my Master, and he has Answered!" :: Kramble took the Overlords hand, and hauled himself to his feet. :: The Overlord pointed at the fleeing Army, and intoned; :: "It is time to finish what you started, Brother." :: The two men, stood upon the shattered hill, and raised their swords, which glistened as if wet with blood, although Kramble's blade was now clean. :: Quietly, the Overlord whispered to himself; :: "Two men, so different, yet so alike. We will be worthy of our Master now, for sure." :: The two brothers charged, towards the roaring slaughter of the unclean evil.  title Penance