Chapter 67: 67 Eyes drawn towards Brettonia
[Three days later]
The carriage was now going uphill on the grey mountains as Mark sent some pigeons that were bought in the system's bestiary to scout the mountains full of cliffs and dangerous roads. Despite being quite expensive to purchase in the shop, the between the animal and Mark once he has purchased them is very useful. Being able to see through the eyes of the pigeons made gathering info faster and easier for Mark.
Yet the castle of the Great Enchanter has not yet been discovered, Mark was indeed right in his speculations as he could somehow find some of his birds instantly change views meaning that they too are affected by the charms and spells the creepy bastard left to protect his castle. He did have some of the vampires seek some magical tools able to help in his situation but none has been found yet also.
But he was not in a hurry, because he knew that Drachenfels might have a hard time making a new body. From what he remembered, when the creepy dude schemed to assassinate the emperor in original lore. He made a body using the body parts of the heroes that had partied to slay him, the heroes gathered by an ambitious noble of the empire wanting to take the power.
So there is a chance that a minion of the Great Enchanter already went to seek revive him. But Mark was sure the dude has not taken to account Mark actively seeking to rob him on his castle where an army serving him lay waiting on its deamonic castle. It was then he had learned that no one had any information to enter but somehow everybody knew where the castle of the psycho immortal.
He also had his men take a rest as his scouts now found the largest lair of the Skaven in the Black Chasm. HE was not sure his forces could handle the amount of enlarged rats which were about up to 5000+ in population. As weak as they may be it was still a large odd to overcome, his men are improved indeed but not to the extent they are an undefeated force.
He had lost 30% of his men during the sudden attack of the Great Enchanter which means that even with improved stamina and slight increase in regeneration doesn't excuse the fact that there are going to be more battle in the future.
Thus he had then relax and rest for a week but somehow the energetic men of his went on a recruiting spree making him dumbfounded to know he got about an extra 126 recruits. He did find some spies on the midst but they were only a few, surprisingly though most of the recruits came from herrimaults. The 'Robin Hood' group of justice fighters who travel all around Brettonia to enact justice when the law has failed.
It was a surprise but a welcome one at that; these were men who had steeled themselves to help the ones in need of justice. Some joined to seek revenge and even after they had done so they went out their way to help others as well. These men were also great hunters which increased the amount of meat being taken in the town.
It also replenished the lost man power in his personal army, and even with a small Territory, Mark is allowed to raise an Army to about 400 due to his Earl status. But he did not fill the numbers as Mark wanted quality more than quantity as he wanted loyal soldiers to the end. But including these new recruit to his operations is not time yet. He would need to be present for three months to indoctrinate them and slowly hypnotize them to trust him with their whole lives.
But since he was currently occupied in finding the Castle of Drachenfels then he slowed most of his activities in the light. Those in the dark like his merchant business in just listed as sending goods from Mousillon but with the doors and the instant delivery of various items; made Mark's business boom in Erengrad. But he knew when to stop as it would be detrimental for people to get nosey on his operations.
His operations for now were mostly focused on the town as the ones near castle Rachard and the other towns or Hamlets in his territory were focused on growing crops. Since winter was almost over Mark had given a schedule to the peasants on what to plant on certain time in the summer and a rotational schedule so the land won't be overly taxed from farming.
His subordinates also found some talented farmers who had extensive knowledge in planting hard to harvest crops. It was then his weird actions were noticed by some nobles who thought that maybe the rising hero has a great expanse of knowledge seeing that he had implemented a new farming system.
Some were able to find the notes given by Mark to his farmers but he did not mind, if it could increase the productivity of the whole kingdom then it would be better since famine would likely to be the last thing people would worry in the coming years. It made him also send out a book published by him about the various diseases crops have and how to cure it.
This was made after months of research done by his ministers when Mark forced them toward along with the farmers. He had them compile the knowledge that the most experienced peasants in his territory and write them on a book if what they provided was indeed factual.
This made the peasants gathered able to discuss various things troubling them and some would give out solutions which they found. Mark was surprised as the compiled knowledge was a great leap towards the road of Agriculture. He also gave a more detailed copy to his Father-in-law that was busy dealing with the Greenskin tide in Masif Orcal.
There were no drastic news yet from any sides for now, as the situation is in a uneasy place since the new fame brought in by Mark. Many young knights even roamed to challenge him but could not get past his most skilled men. Some even started to gain popularity that some nobles were thick skinned enough to offer them to leave his domain to serve for them.
But since his men were now semi-fanatical about him they looked at the nobles in disdain. And since popularity is high he had implemented a small plan to increase the rumors of him being a god. A scene has been planned which was not known by any of his men as they were just slowly putting the pieces in place.
[A Hedge Knight's POV]
It happened on a bright day when winter's cold was not biting the people of the realm at morning's rise. Some visitors were taking in the sights of this thriving town where new culinary experiences were found, various knowledge and products that were rare sold on small shops. Security is tight as people do not want to offend battle ridden warriors who patrol the lands of this famed hero of Brettonia.
I have traveled far and wide the realm challenging great swordsmen of the kingdom and I have some to test my mettle upon the brave warriors of the small Duchy. Many say it is the incarnation of Landuin reborn on the lands to regain the lost glory it once has but others also speak that a god has descended on mortal lands to guide the lost souls of the poor realm.
But I have not expected to see a sight such as this, I have been guided to go to the place where the duel would take place but curiosity took hold of my mind as a scene so ethereal appeared in front of me. A one armed warrior kneeling in front of the famed hero, so I hid in the bushes to see what is the matter.
"Hans, for the time you have serviced me it has been apparent that you have sacrificed many things. But don't despair as I have seen your dedication thus I have made a gift for you." I could see the famed hero who was as gallant as they said in the tales sung by the bards.
"Your words alone are rewarding enough my lord." The old one armed knight said which I realized to be the famed one armed troll knight that was serving for the famed hero. It was then I saw a magical scene as lights coalesced into a hand-made of unknown metal. Yet years of my experience elude me as I have no knowledge of what metal the hand is made of.
"That is not a reason enough Hans, you are a warrior fitting to wield this 'Hand of the Titans' so receive it and spread the courage and will you have shown me to the people of Brettonia." The hero said which even made me a stranger peeking in the bush feel like I want to rush in battle for the name of the Hero.
Then another magical and phenomenal event happened in front of me as a light was seen flashing on the hero's hand and passed through his servant. It blinded me for seconds but the light was not painful at all, rather it was gentle making me feel the need to lie down and embrace the comfort.
But the moment I opened my eyes made me want to start and worship the hero of Mousillon. The one armed old warrior is no more, he was now replaced by a gallant looking man with a left hand glowing with magic and strength. The hand was not what surprised me but the fact the old man gained his youth back. I can feel magic on the hand but there is no magic felt at all on the now robust warrior.
"Rise, Hans of Rachard, as I dubbed you a Champion of Nature. The spirit of the forest has chosen you and you shall be its guardian till your life still breathes." I can see a silhouette of a great Oak behind the knight as he stood up saying an Oath that I could not understand. I can hear his voice yet the words spoken seems to leave my mind.
I should leave, so I slowly crept back to the path and forgot about the duel as I went to the tavern to tell the things I have seen. Maybe the hero is indeed a god in mortal flesh sent here to guide us.
[Third Person's POV]
Mark smiled as could feel the person leave after he had given a show to give Hans some power-ups, his last hand was not that advanced as it just let him hold the reins but it did have strength on it, just not enough dexterity to handle complicated motions. Thus he made a complicated hand that he felt might rival the Winter Soldier's own, coupled with the Compound V Tank type he had injected on Hans during the light show but he hid it well making the process painless.
He had chosen a rather famed hedge knight that has a good track record and got some reliable reputation. He was a knight coveted by many nobles also but due to his straight forwards manner sometimes acting out, making most not want a servant that does not show proper respect to the nobility. The only unlucky thing about the knight as he was born a merchant's son, though not disdained like the peasants, a commoner still to the eyes of the nobles.
This was one thing Mark wanted to ensure he gets prayed by devout people, he must lessen his public appearance and perform this kind of bestowal events that might be 'accidentally' observed by a third party. Good thing the believers of the Lady of the Lake did not go at him as he had at least shown that he is not competing against the cult of the Lady.
He did gain more fame too with the Statue as the devout believers of Lileath forgot to even get mad at Mark's rising religion as they now treated the Temple here as a sacred ground. Good thing he also gave the preaching job to hunter father and daughter that were the first to serve him as they were the most fanatical after Hans in believing he is a God. Mark also got a fortuitous encounter on a large warpstone boulder he dug up on a unnatural cave in the Black Chasm making his progress up to.
[87/100]
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[????]
"I see, hero has risen…. A god in mortal form is it? Interesting…"
"He gave someone power like those of the Grail Knights?"
"Is this information true?"
"Haha, I see. Maybe this would serve well for me, I can use this person and make a prophecy of the future."
In a dark place, a silhouette of a large being can be made out in the shadows, eyes that seemed to burn the souls of the damned and a voice that strikes fear to those that listen. That being is not talking to an orb where a follower of his reported a hero in the rise on the Kingdom of Brettonia.
"Send word to the horde, let them march to the Kingdom of Brettonia and wreak havoc. I'll meet this hero myself and see if he is worthy to enact my plans." A dreadful laugh was then heard as the air itself stilled at the power of this being.
"One day, it will come. The day those gods kneel before me for denying what is rightfully mine, they will see. Even young gods die under my arms hahahaha!!"
[Somewhere in Ulthuan]
"Have you found what causes the Eternal Flame to act as such?" The Phoenix King still inside the chambers where the Eternal Flame rest, asked the seers that had been tasked to find out the reason.
"Your Majesty, we have not found who exactly is the reason but our visions have told us of a young God would lead the way to survive the 'End Times'." An old elf kneeled before the Phoenix King as he reported but he did not add the fact that dozens of Seers died just to get a glimpse of what the Asuryan Gods said of their query. But the words he said did surprise the Phoenix King as prophecies of the End times were recorded but never anything about how to avoid it.
"A new God? There is no new gods within Ulthuan or even at Nagaroth if I remember, a how does a new god appear?" The Phoenix King asked as he looked skeptical of how to proceed with this information. He felt that maybe the Eternal Flame is trying to send a message of what will be the fate of the High Elves.
"Your Majesty, the Old World also has their own gods…" the old elf said but the meaning was clear, if not here then the lands far from home they will search. They had to look for this new god in far lands, the Phoenix King was in contemplation as he stood in front of the Eternal Flame.
"Send word to the Everqueen, tell her that we might need the help of whatever cult that serves this new god." Said the King as he did not know that the god was in the mortal world, since to seek the god them to find one them you find the followers who pray to said God.
"Yes your majesty!" the old elf left in a hurry as he too was feeling uneasy from the vision they received.
"Survive huh? Even the Phoenix Kings of past eras tried to find a way but the vision is still the same, desolation and ruin. By the Asur I hope we find a place to stay in the end." The Phoenix King looked solemn as he felt Fate plays them like fools for people similar to him in power. Being able to live for centuries is a curse also knowing the world you live in will end in flames, but hearing this new god gave hope to the dwindling fire within the Old King.
"Asur guide us."
[Silver Pinnacle]
"I see, he is a god they say?"
"A statue carved with the likeness of 'The Lady of the Lake'? So they don't admonish his sudden appearance? I see."
"Your sisters seems doing fine, it seems my plans in that place did not bore anything for us."
"But I am getting curious about this 'God' as he proclaims to be, I want to know how he knew of my hand behind all of mortal affairs. Yet he did not even spread word of it, even the Duke of the poor Duchy knew but he also did not spread a word of the matter."
"Where was he last seen?"
"Rachard and Helmgart?"
"Two places at a time, huh? Curious."
"Prepare my carriage, I would like to meet this interesting young lad."
"I want to know how he learned of this Queen's presence."
Within the dreary halls of the once mighty Dwarven Hold, the ruler of the Known world in the Shadows appeared and showed her face again for the world to witness. It was then a horse drawn carriage with luxurious design rode forth towards the nearest place the rising hero was last seen.
[?????]
In a mysterious Realm full of life, fairies fly in peace as they danced through the air, Unicorns gallop through a vast plain of green grass with carefree spirit, birds sing songs of nature's feelings and maidens play within the fields of flowers.
Within this mysterious realm stood a ivory castle made of the finest of marbles and stood tall that even the clouds were pierced through by its towers. Inside its halls is a throne made for its inhabitant, a woman of indescribable beauty and elegance.
But now she frowns as she felt the sudden change in her followers as they become more devout to the point their faith got her notice, she was then able to see the reason why as she watched through the eyes of her most devout follower present to where they stood.
A statue so real it felt like it was alive, she could feel her connection to it strengthen as her face cleared showing an identical face carved on the statue. She was shocked as she had never thought a true face has now been bestowed upon her making her stand up her throne.
Without a second later she waved her hand as her divine power passed through the vast expanse of space and time. Making the statue blur its appearance once the beholder's eyes takes his/her vision away from her image.
She felt surprised as she had been witness at the development of mortals within the mortal plane and she knew there was no one born yet that could express such sophisticated way of art. Not yet at least, and it was fated to appear in Tilean lands where a prophesized person would appear making the course of war change throughout the history of Mankind.
Yet it was not time yet, so she tried to listen to what her followers here near the place of the statue. It then made her open her eyes wide as it was apparent to her a mortal is now being worshipped. Would something similar to Sigmar appear again in human lands? Would another deity be able to bring another era of prosperity in the mortal world?
She pondered hard on many questions important to the future of the world; it then hit her as the things bothering the gods were made clear. The month of blindness that no one was able to see the future or predict its outcome. Before the End times were always seen as clear and sure to happen, but now when the visions came back it was all a blur.
But one thing made clear to the various pantheons is that something changed the world, something made the Fates unclear and unpredictable. It made most gods feel hope as they had taken a passive stance since they were not able to find ways to see past the End times. But no one was able to find the cause of all of this, so when she heard of another mortal getting worshipped then it might be the reason of all the trouble.
She and the others did find someone interesting but since then they were not able to see him do much so the gods looked for new things to find. All they saw was a monotonous life of being a noble handling his land. But somehow something important eluded her and the others, all she knew though was that the large Rodent in the Chaos Lands got weakened to a certain degree if not for that Hoshut interfering.
(Skill: Hidden variable is in effect in this moment, most gods use visions and watch through their believer's eyes to know the affairs of the mortal world. But due to the skill, the gods themselves seem to forget who Mark is. Thus they will find him familiar but never seem to see what he really is through their visions, meaning some gods would take notice of some actions made by Mark due to some embodying certain aspects like battle, war, martial honor, lies, mercy, life , death and many others.)
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