The Hills Were Alive........
By: Kilashandra
it started just like any other day. A group of civic minded adventures banded together to bring the joyous news of Kiel's bid for a seat on the council to the brave defenders at Fort Salma. No sooner did we arrive and finish our first tale of how Keil managed to thwart the recent Atherblade attack, did word of trouble arrive by messenger. It seems that wherever I go, the chance for glory and adventure follows. Much to the disappointment of several station troops, Our adventuring group decided to venture forth and lend aid, diverting us from our noble quest to ensure Keil attains her rightful place on the Lion's Arch council.
The trouble seemed to be centered at a campsite to the west, centaurs were in the midst of attacking this outpost, and the Sereph stationed there were in danger of falling before their advance. It was then that i noticed that humans can be a difficult lot to understand at times, for with the speed of Snow Leopard, Kestrel rushed forward ahead of the group intent on single-handily quelling the centaur onslaught. The rest of us raced to catch up and aid her, lest she run into an enemy she would not be able to defeat. I should have seen Bear and Wolf Running beside her sooner, for by the time i arrived at the camp, Kestrel had already defeated several enemies, and turned back the remaining centaurs. As i arrived, she stood at the gate shouting a challenge to the for-legged creatures, and shouting something about retribution for her sister. No sooner had we ensured the safety of the camp did we receive word of another centaur army amassing to the south. Undaunted, and with a curse, Kestrel once again set off in search of centaur blood - Although why she would want to wear a crown of centaur teeth is beyond me....
As we traveled towards our trial by combat, we heard a great roar come from the Northeast. With A fiery challenge, cloud of dust appeared to be coming at us. As the cloud approached it soon became apparent that victory was all but assured - Dozer the Norn had arrived to join in our adventure. Upon his mighty shoulders rode the Asuran Jadgek, shouting a hearty "Hi-yo Dozer". Soon they were joined by a regiment of heroes, warriors, and general adventurers. we fell upon a large centaur camp, and made short work of the 4-legged creatures. Area by area we mowed through all resistance, despite boulders launched from nearby catapults and trebs. The sounds of the rocks colliding with the earth, along with the cries of victory and the screams of the dying encompassed me. A short interrogation of a centaur prisoner revealed the location of a centaur boss hiding in a cave nearby. With a shout, the troops arriving with dozer ran headlong towards this location, heedless of the danger, (or perhaps they had managed to get on Jedgak's bad side, or owed him money). So great was their determination to distance themselves that they almost ran past the boss we were searching for.
There are few times i feel a creature of evil did not meet his just end in combat, but I was truly added to see the fate that befell this centaur. It seemed that he was dead before i could fire my 4th arrow. We quickly setup a perimeter, and checked for anything that could give us an indication of the centaurs plans.. suddenly, walk the talk informed us of a danger to the south - the undead had risen. We rushed to the south to combat this new menace, and were met head on. Not event he sheer size of our army would slow our opponent. a battle quickly began. The stories you have heard about battling the undead are all true. They attack mercilessly, heedless to danger or pain. It would have been better for them had they known either of them. One of our company was soon in danger of falling before these minions of the dragon. With a shout that seemed to shake the very swamp, Dozer, Kestriel and dejgak cut a path through to our endangered ally. We quickly pulled her to her feet, and out of danger. this was the turning point of the battle. between Dozer's terrifying and savage attack, and Walk's unyielding resolve, and use of illusion, the undead in the swamp were felled. peace was restored to the forest, and a nearby Sylvari outpost was declared safe.
We decided to continue north, spreading word of Kiel everywhere we went. Soon, word reached us of a danger to the nearby farmers and the Quaggan known as the Blood Witch. Donning our masks, we dove into the water and made short work of this witch in her own lair, slaughtering dozens of krait along the way. after securing the area, we swam north to the shore, and saw signs of a new centaur advance. forming up near a broken bridge, we drew battle lines, and formed groups. the battle seemed endless, as several centaur champions rode up to challenge our legacy, and to seek bloody vengeance against us. the fight was long, the centaurs came prepared, but they should have known the futility of their actions. wave after wave of soldiers and veterans fell before us faster than Thackery's abandonment of Destiny's Edge, all those years ago. After what seemed like hours, the last centaur fell. Our team quicly surveyed the damage, and tended the wounded. it was then that either Dozer or Jedgak grew tired of the presence of their followers, or simply told them their debt was repaid. either way, they set off to the south at a quickened pace, now much better trained to deal with the dangers the land has to offer thanks to the presence of our group. The day had been won, the people of Kessex were safe. On this day, the valiant soldiers of the land had a day of rest, free of battle. Gaiscioch had arrived in the hills, and i doubt that there was a centaur in the land who did not hear of our legacy that day.
We were given a heroes welcome at the fort, and a banquet was held in our honor by the residents of nearby claypool, who had come to hear tales of our legend. We resumed telling stories of our adventures that day, (although much work had to be put forth to keep Dozier's stories believable - even children seemed to have their doubts). After many hours regaling our audience, we received word that our work was needed in the lands of Ascalon, far to the east. Not only that but we were to be joined in our journey by two member of the Legendary Destiny's Edge! Even more troubleing was the notice that not only did Kiel need our aid, but she feared that our adventuring group had been infiltrated by a supporter of Evon Gnashblade!
But that, dear readers, is a story for another day.......