released September 14, 2013

I. The return of the Lang-Sword sparked the memories long forgotten in King Earl II’s mind. Although only a boy at the time, he recounted all of the pain and anguish that he had felt from the loss of his father with the discovery of the forgotten blade. While battling as brothers in the Crusades, Sir Roger of Ravenhurst, King Earl I’s most trusted knight and companion, stumbled upon an ancient book of Egyptian spells, promising power and immortality. Inexplicably, the text required no translation, and thoughts of treason and rule over the Kingdom of Ravenhurst soon crept into Sir Roger’s mind.

II. Still lost in his Crusade flashback, Earl II recalled how Sir Roger had turned on the king and sought to overtake the throne, while still on the battlefield. King Earl I’s knights, Sir James of Gordon and a young seminarian named brother Brownhead, realized what was afoot and turned to face this new, unexpected foe as guardians of the king. But their efforts could not withhold the knight-turned-wizard’s newfound supernatural powers and the sight of his father’s murderer flooded Earl II’s mind …

III. “Earl II slowly drifted back into consciousness, as the pangs of memory surrounding his father’s death gradually melted away, like a slow icicle digging into his heart. For so long, he had buried the painful remembrance, and all at once, this shard of the Lang-Sword used to kill King Earl I made it all come crashing back. Sir Roger of Ravenhurst, a man of virtue he had once so fondly referred to as “Uncle Roger,” left Earl II with nothing but a lasting impression of his father's death. He had suppressed the memory, but all at once he recounted the look on Sir Roger’s twisted face as he ran the king with his own sword. Seeking to help Earl cope, Sir James of Gordon hid the weapon responsible for the King's death in a secret chamber. His hope was when the boy found it, he would be old enough to face his father's demise and forgive his tormentor. But it was clear the time was not right, for the return of the memory did nothing but throw Earl into a fit of rage, hellbent on enacting his revenge on the one that had robbed him of his childhood.”

IV. His anger uncontainable, Earl thrashed about the newly discovered chamber. Godfrey, the king’s trusted companion, and Muckle John, the king’s jester, had been by Earl’s side as he discovered the broken blade and spiralled into a world of memory. Godfrey did his best to calm the king, but in his anguish, he seemed inconsolable. All Earl wanted was Uncle Roger to feel the pain that he felt from losing his father.

V. The only thing that offered some promise of consolation to his misery was that King Earl discovered a letter placed beneath the Lang-Sword. It was from Sir James of Gordon, his father’s head knight and friend. The note clarified that it was Sir James’ intention that by finding the sword, it meant he was ready to face his pain. It also stated that Sir James had built a tunnel from Ravenhurst to Gordon, and that Earl should come see him at once, should he still be alive. The note gave directions of finding a secret door in the wall, which would be Earl’s only means of escape; from his pain, and escape from his bloodlust towards Uncle Roger.

VI. King Earl II and Sir Godfrey raced through the secret passage heading towards Gordon, with Muckle John doing his best to keep up with them. They ran past a variety of creatures that had remained undisturbed for years in that tunnel, until finally they reached the other side.

VII. As soon as Earl, Godfrey and a very winded Muckle John burst through the hitherto-unused passage from Ravenhurst, Sir James knew instantly what had happened. Now an old man, he still exhibited all of the charisma and courage that Earl remembered from his childhood - fighting alongside him in battle, seeing him slay a dragon - all memories that reminded him of James’ great strengths and abilities. Now, more than ever, he needed his guidance. Sir James invited them to his tower chamber and offered the wise words of an old man, at peace in his state in life. He pleaded with King Earl to release his hatred, and forgive Roger, no matter how painful it may be. Deep down, Earl wanted to listen to the peaceful wisdom of his mentor, but his vengeful pride could not allow him to let the old memories go. Furious, he commanded Godfrey to follow and stormed out to begin his journey back to Ravenhurst. Sir James of Gordon was left alone … or so he thought, until he realized a shadow was lurking...

VIII. Muckle John emerged from behind the curtain as the king made his exit. He moved towards the old and frail knight menacingly. Sir James ordered that he identify himself. Muckle John laughed maniacally, and indicated that if there was any suspicion in Ravenhurst as to a guilty party in league with Uncle Roger, he would certainly have to bear the blame. Muckle John had been feeding critical information about Ravenhurst to Uncle Roger for some time, and acting as his main stooge. He performed a well rehearsed song and dance for Sir James, recounting his history of deceit. At the climax of his routine, he stabbed Sir James in the chest. Laughing with insanity, he swirled about the room, intoxicated with his own conceit. His self-involved performance carried him to the window, where he stumbled and fell to his death from the tower.

IX. Startled by the clamour from Muckle John’s death, Earl and Godfrey rushed back to the chamber where they found Sir James near his maker from the stab wound inflicted by the jester. With his final words, James bade King Earl promise to forgive Roger, no matter how evil and twisted he had become. Unable to deny his dying friend’s last request, Earl’s heart softened, and he promised to forgive the man that had killed his father. Closing his eyes and smiling peacefully, Sir James breathed his last, and committed his soul to heaven.

X. The peace of Sir James’ death shattered as an unearthly, beastly cry came from the direction of Ravenhurst, followed by an explosive blast. Godfrey and Earl rushed to the window. Uncle Roger had conjured a dragon to attack the Kingdom of Ravenhurst.

XI. King Earl and Sir Godfrey mounted two horses from Gordon, and rode like the wind towards their castle. Upon arrival, they rallied the troops of Ravenhurst and called them to arms. Spears were distributed, catapults were manned, and they readied themselves for the dragon coming around for the next attack. Showing the bravery embedded in centuries of Ravenhurstian blood, they showed no mercy to the evil beast and brought it down from its winged vantage point. Once grounded, they rushed it with spears, until the creature breathed no more. All of Ravenhurst rejoiced. Shouts of victory were exclaimed and the ale of celebration flowed readily through the kingdom.

XII. The king took part in the celebration, but eventually withdrew with Godfrey and Friar Brownhead to the place he believed most important. They went to his favorite shrine, dedicated to Our Lady of the Forest, which was more commonly known as, simply, the Ruin in the Wood. With the help of his companions, Earl took a moment in prayer, then they unearthed the statue overgrown with foliage and carried it towards Ravenhurst. It was Earl’s intent that his Lady would have a place of great honour in the hallowed halls of Castle Ravenhurst. But as they walked, they noticed a cloud formation in the sky like nothing they had ever seen. It circled above them like a great cyclone, shining with unknown light. They put down the statue, looked up to the sky and were swept upwards into the great unknown …

TO BE CONTINUED ….