Ragash
It was always an interesting thing, for many, when a spectacle such as this took place - to look into the sky and see nothing other than a bright ring casting a dim and pale light, a far cry from the Sun's usual radiance. But this was a time unique from others, one that persisted and even caused havoc. All across the city and no doubt the whole empire, a horror was taking place. It was seemingly harmless to the flesh but scarring to the soul. Countless apparitions had been made visible to the naked eye, and returned only to be slain for all to see. Children ran to their mothers, and wives clung to their husbands, all in trembling fear of what they saw, unsure if this was a fate they would merely bare witness to, or also suffer themselves.
But even after it appeared that no direct harm would come to anyone, it was only a matter of time before the city shut down. The disturbance was enough to incite enough panic that measures were required to be taken to ensure the comfort of the people. Word was sent out, and all were told to return home and leave only if necessary for the duration of this... event.
Most were more than happy to comply, but those who did not were free to roam about with the spirits if they chose. There were even a few businesses and vendors who were happy to remain open for those who did choose the venture out.
Ashuanar was not one such individual. He had chosen to remain indoors for now, as there was plenty of business for him to attend within the confines of the palace. But he had taken some time out of his morning to step outside onto a balcony, and look up into the sky. He was told it was unwise to look into an eclipse, but this one was in no apparent hurry to pass. And while he gazed up into it, he wondered just what it was fueling this tremendous of a thing, and why it had caused the visions that terrorized the land. It was something far beyond his understanding, at any rate, and he was content to leave the pondering to more informed minds.
He turned back inside, and was met by his lieutenant, Al'Daim, and together the proceeded to the main hall.
"It is strange how quiet this place has become," the captain said. There were very few present this day. Many were too fearful to venture out, and others simply preferred the opportunity to rest when given the chance. "Even the torches seem dimmed by the eclipse."
Ashuanar only grunted in response, but he too had noticed the eerie dark in spite of the fire light. But he brushed it off as little more than a trick of the mind, and carried on in relative silence as Al'Daim uttered his anxious observations. The Vizier tolerated it, as it was far from Al'Daim's usual demeanour. This was a strange time, after all. He could appreciate that... for a time.
As they rounded the corner, the found the corridor was unlit. A dreadful cold seemed to come from it, but it was one he could not feel on his skin. Al'Daim reached for his sword, and Ashuanar raised a hand to stay him. A soft breeze came through, followed by a quick gust, and Ashuanar determined it was little more than the wind that had caused the darkness. Al'Daim likewise eased, and moved forward with Ashuanar, speaking quiet incantations and reviving the torches. Then, in the distance, the sound of a loud crash rang out. Both of them paused and looked - it was in the direction of the main hall, and so without further hesitation the two of them began with haste to it to investigate the sudden sound.
It was always an interesting thing, for many, when a spectacle such as this took place - to look into the sky and see nothing other than a bright ring casting a dim and pale light, a far cry from the Sun's usual radiance. But this was a time unique from others, one that persisted and even caused havoc. All across the city and no doubt the whole empire, a horror was taking place. It was seemingly harmless to the flesh but scarring to the soul. Countless apparitions had been made visible to the naked eye, and returned only to be slain for all to see. Children ran to their mothers, and wives clung to their husbands, all in trembling fear of what they saw, unsure if this was a fate they would merely bare witness to, or also suffer themselves.
But even after it appeared that no direct harm would come to anyone, it was only a matter of time before the city shut down. The disturbance was enough to incite enough panic that measures were required to be taken to ensure the comfort of the people. Word was sent out, and all were told to return home and leave only if necessary for the duration of this... event.
Most were more than happy to comply, but those who did not were free to roam about with the spirits if they chose. There were even a few businesses and vendors who were happy to remain open for those who did choose the venture out.
Ashuanar was not one such individual. He had chosen to remain indoors for now, as there was plenty of business for him to attend within the confines of the palace. But he had taken some time out of his morning to step outside onto a balcony, and look up into the sky. He was told it was unwise to look into an eclipse, but this one was in no apparent hurry to pass. And while he gazed up into it, he wondered just what it was fueling this tremendous of a thing, and why it had caused the visions that terrorized the land. It was something far beyond his understanding, at any rate, and he was content to leave the pondering to more informed minds.
He turned back inside, and was met by his lieutenant, Al'Daim, and together the proceeded to the main hall.
"It is strange how quiet this place has become," the captain said. There were very few present this day. Many were too fearful to venture out, and others simply preferred the opportunity to rest when given the chance. "Even the torches seem dimmed by the eclipse."
Ashuanar only grunted in response, but he too had noticed the eerie dark in spite of the fire light. But he brushed it off as little more than a trick of the mind, and carried on in relative silence as Al'Daim uttered his anxious observations. The Vizier tolerated it, as it was far from Al'Daim's usual demeanour. This was a strange time, after all. He could appreciate that... for a time.
As they rounded the corner, the found the corridor was unlit. A dreadful cold seemed to come from it, but it was one he could not feel on his skin. Al'Daim reached for his sword, and Ashuanar raised a hand to stay him. A soft breeze came through, followed by a quick gust, and Ashuanar determined it was little more than the wind that had caused the darkness. Al'Daim likewise eased, and moved forward with Ashuanar, speaking quiet incantations and reviving the torches. Then, in the distance, the sound of a loud crash rang out. Both of them paused and looked - it was in the direction of the main hall, and so without further hesitation the two of them began with haste to it to investigate the sudden sound.
Something is amiss within the palace of Ragash,
and it would seem to be more than harmless ghosts.
and it would seem to be more than harmless ghosts.
