A hero's past (Deadeye Dan) Updated 4/26

[Stoner]

Chapter 1
Orders

The burning hot Valhallan sun was rolling beads of sweat down the tanned face of Dan Maverick, or ‘Deadeye Dan’ as he was called. A native of a po-dunk town called Lead South Dakota, he wasn’t used to the unbearable heat of the Valhallan summer. He shut his eyes and let his mind drift. There wouldn’t be any attacks near his outpost, especially at this time of day. He brought his wide brimmed hat down to cover his eyes and leaned back in his chair. Memories flashed in his mind. One or two were good, but they were few and far between. Dan had led a hard life up to now, and it didn’t look like that life was going to change any.

As a boy Dan had grown up in Lead South Dakota, as the only son of the local doctor. As with most young boys he was expected to follow in his fathers footsteps. He did of course, getting a strong education in Chicago, and becoming twice the doctor his father ever was. However, Chicago left scars in his mind and heart. The story he never told his parents was the ghost of his past he often referred to when he was talking to Morsbane. That was the ghost he would never let see the light of day.

“Dan!”
Dan woke from his trance and searched for who had called his name. A tall robed elf stood in front of him, a bow slung behind his back. It was Syvarris.
“The counsel wishes to speak to you.”
With that the elf turned and started to walk down the long path from Dan’s small outpost. Dan was about to ask who was going to take his place when he saw three elven archers passing Syvarris. With reluctance Dan shouldered his rifle and followed Syvarris down the forested path. He wondered what could be so important that Morsbane would call him from his precious solitude. Whatever the news, it couldn’t be good.

Syvarris led him to a back door, hidden in the castle wall. The elf called out a password in a strange language and the door slid back to allow them in. They entered quickly and the door was shut just as fast. Amazingly there was still light despite the lack of windows in the castle wall. Syvarris led him to the counsel’s chamber and opened the door, allowing Dan to enter, but not entering himself. As soon as Dan walked in the room he shut the door behind him, leaving him with the counsel.

Dan removed his hat revealing a head of dirty blonde hair reaching just past his ears. He bowed slightly to Morsbane and saluted the 3 venoc generals that were seated on either side of the old wizard. Morsbane bowed back as he was accustomed to and motioned Dan to take a seat in a chair placed conspicuously in front of the long stone table.

Morsbane was the first to talk. His deep voice had a way of soothing raw nerves. And Dan’s nerves definitely were raw.
“We understand you are an excellent shot with the weapon you carry. Are we correct?”
Dan shifted in his seat, he was somewhat relieved that he wasn’t in any kind of trouble, but then he saw where this was going. They wanted to send him somewhere else.
“Yes. I can shoot a fair bit.”
He said with reluctance. Morsbane smiled. Dan knew he saw right through him. It was the reason Ullar made him the chief of his Eastern provinces. It seemed the old wizard could see to your very soul. Even to the soulless.
“And how long have you been under the command of our chief?”
“It’s been about 4 months since I was taken from Lead sir.”
Morsbane leaned back in his chair and spoke again.
“And Lead is a province on earth is it not?”
Dan didn’t say anything, he just nodded his head.
Morsbane motioned to the Venoc General on his right. The viper leaned forward and started to hiss words that were barely intelligible to Dan’s unlearned ears.

“You human, are to be assigned with a small force of our elite, to the eats border of Ullar’s kingdom. Einar has broken his alliance with the evil one, and is now sending troops to our landsssssss.”
Dan hung his head. He knew what this meant. More war. He had just gotten back from a 2 month long battle with Utgar. He had been stabbed in the fight and was sent to the peacefull east. Now even this safe haven was to become war ravaged.

The Venoc hissed again.
“You will accompany Syvarris, his three brothers, and a band of Venoc warriors. We will send you word of your missions once you journey there.”
Dan nodded and rose to his feet. But Morsbane rose with him. The wizard walked around the table and walked Dan to the door. He pulled the hardened man closer and murmered to him.
“There is one man who is leading a guerilla type squad in the jungle only 2 miles from where you will be stationed at. He goes by the name Guilty McCreech. He is a danger to the cause of Ullar. If you ever get the chance to kill this man, don’t hesitate.”
With that Morsbane opened the door for Dan and motioned him out.

When Dan was out of the room Syvarris reappeared from the shadows. His eyebrows were furrowed once he saw Dan slowly walking forward, dragging his feet as he did.
“Whats wrong my friend?”
Dan walked by the Elf without a word. But Syvarris didn’t have to have word to know what was happening in the mans mind. He saw the sad eyes. This man was filled with sorrow. Syvarris pulled in a lung full of air and let it out in a deep sigh. This would be a long assignment.

[deadeyedan42]

Very nice work! An 7.4 out of 10.0, I auplaud you spelling, [wich I can't do to myself.] I also like the original story line, but in hasbro's article about deadeye, he's from SD, ad Guilty is from St. louis. [or is it Hannable?] Any way, I' m not telling you to change it, ubt I normal prefer officail story line works dependng on how good it is. Your's passes. :D

[Stoner]

Ah thats poop. Ive never read hasboros official crap about the characters so maybe I should. lol.

[Stoner]

Chapter 2
A Voice in the Wind

The sun wasn’t even beginning to rise when the eight warriors rose from their beds. Morsbane had been considerate enough to let them sleep that night, instead of assigning them guard duty as he was notorious for. The eight geared up for a long travel. The elves carried extra arrows and large grey woolen cloaks. The Elite Onyx Vipers carried extra food rations, their weapons, and each carried a lead box. Syvarris carried nothing but his enchanted bow, the quiver of arrows to go with it, and a canteen of water. Dan wore a back pack filled with extra ammunition, food rations, extra water canteens, and a rolled up mat to sleep on. They began their journey with the blessing of the Warlords and Morsbane. But for some reason Dan felt like he was out of the loop, because all three of the vipers wore a smirk and were speaking to each other with their eyes. That was when Dan noticed the mysterious lead boxes hidden in a cloth. Each Viper had one, and each Viper concealed it, as if it carried a terrible secret.

Only 2 hours into their long journey the sun came up and began to heat the jungle around them. The Onyx Vipers led it the front, hacking away at the vegetation as they went. The elves followed behind, while Dan and Syvarris took the rear. Neither spoke a word, but they rarely did. Syvarris was a proud elf who often felt it was below him to speak to mere humans. Being a leader in Ullar’s army hadn’t done his ego any favors. He was as cocky now as he ever was. He often annoyed Dan with his attitude of constantly having to be in charge. But Dan learned to push that emotion behind him.

The jungle around them was beginning to come alive with the sun rising above them. The dew that had collected on the leaves was beginning to evaporate. And once again Dan began to sweat from the humidity and the beginning fatigue of keeping up with the vipers and elves. Even with his long stride it was no small task to keep up with the beasts. They slithered along at speeds that were hard for even the elves to keep up with.

They continued at this pace for hours before they stopped to eat. One of the vipers let his pack slip and he carefully took out a bundle wrapped in a dark green cloth. In it was a loaf of bread. The elves and Dan quickly grabbed chunks of the bread before the Viper returned it to his pack. The vipers didn’t eat anything. Dan remembered that they didn’t eat bread. They preferred a live rodent, or something equally disgusting to him. They got up again and began at the pace they were at before.

Dan let his mind wander now. He had plenty of time for it. They were going to be on a 3 day march at this rate. His mind went back to his child hood. Days of doing nothing but swimming in the river that ran just a mile north of his family’s home. Days when he was happy. It seemed like those days were centuries behind him now. They were nothing but a memory. It wasn’t too long after that that he learned the true meaning of life, pain, loss, and despair.

He woke from his trance when he felt Syvarris put his hand on his shoulder firmly. All of his companions were quiet around him, soon he found out why. All around him he heard a noise. It was almost like wind blowing through the trees. The noise carried a deep under tone that sent chills down Dan’s spine. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and attached it to the barrel of his rifle. He extended his gun as far into the air as he could, but the handkerchief didn’t move. There was no wind in the air. Something was in the forest, and whatever it was it was angry, because the sound was getting louder.

Comments on this appreciated as always. Even if they are negative comments.

[Stoner]

Chapter 3
The howling wind was making the hair on the back of Dan’s neck stand up. The ghostly noise was beginning to sound more like a scream then wind. Dan looked around at Syvarris and the Aubrien Archers. They were fitting arrows into their bows. Syvarris took two arrows out and placed them side by side on his string and pulled back, ready to fire in any direction. The Onyx Vipers were taking off their heavy packs and making ready their huge blade like arms. Dan knew his rifle would be of no use in the thick jungle. So he took off his pack and drew a pistol from his belt. He rarely used it, but certain times called for it. He also pulled a long bowie knife from his boot.

The sound of the screams got louder and louder until Dan could feel his eardrums pulsing. Then all at once the screaming stopped. That only put Syvarris and his brothers on the edge even more. Dan followed suit, not releasing his grip on either of the weapons in his hand. Who knew what kind of games were being played on them. But they were already more then half a day into the dense jungle. They could safely rule out the thought of their comrades from the castle playing pranks on them. Not to mention Morsbane didn’t allow his soldiers to jest in ways like that.

Finally after what seemed to Dan an eternity, the elves let their weapons rest and they continued on their journey. This time they continued with more caution. Neither the Elves nor the Venocs muttered a single word. No one dared to speak, for fear the shrieking would begin again.

The party stopped in a clearing one of the Venocs found, about a quarter mile off the path they were on. The sun was almost down in the jungle, and it was dangerously dark. They didn’t have the freedom to give up their position in any way, so they couldn’t use torches to guide their way in the dark. They ate a meal of bread, and a little bit of cheese that the cook in the kitchen at the time, was thoughtful enough to pack. The Venocs left the party momentarily to find prey in the jungle. They were famished after the long days march on an empty stomach. When they returned they all ate in silence.

When they were through with their meal they packed up the bread into the Venocs pack and all rested except for Syvarris who volunteered to guard until morning. They all had an uneasy sleep. Dan’s dreams consisted of greenish white ghouls, floating through the jungle making that terrible scream. Each one stared at him with malicious hate as they chased him, growing closer and closer with each moment.

“Dan wake up!”
Dan woke from the whisper of Syvarris. The elf was standing above him with his hood over his head, with his helmet still on. His bow was ready in his hands as he motioned Dan up. Dan rose, instinctively picking up his rifle as he did. In the dark he could faintly make out Syvarris motioning him to listen in the direction he was pointing. Dan could faintly hear a sorrowful moan in the distance. It sounded like a wolf, only sadder and more mysterious. His heart sped up when he heard two more voices chime in with the first cry. Now there were three. And his blood chilled when he heard the moans turn to laughter. Cold, loud laughter. Then there was silence. Syvarris motioned Dan to go back to sleep, but Dan stood in his place. In the distance he saw a small light, growing brighter.

[justin]

Sweet

[Stoner]

Chapter 4
Battle in the Dark

Syvarris lost no time in waking his fellow elves. The Venocs, sensing danger rose by themselves and made ready for the worst. The air was full of a foul noise. Everywhere around them they heard the screaming laughter, mingling with the sorrowful shrill cries of pain. It made the hair on the back of Dan’s neck stand straight up. He put his rifle to his shoulder and looked down the barrel at the lights, now just 200 yards in front of the small group of travelers. Syvarris strung his bow in a flash, and the Aubrien archers followed suit, quickly stringing arrows to their bows. The Venocs hissed in anticipation. The light was getting closer and closer. It wasn’t the light of fire, nor the mysterious daylight that occupied Morsbane’s castle. This light had a green hue, like looking thru a glass of swamp water. The lights were growing brighter and brighter, and the noise was growing louder and louder. Then, suddenly, they saw the source of the noise.

Dan saw only a hundred yards ahead of them, three ghostly figures. He couldn’t see if they were floating or running. But whatever they were doing, they were gaining on the band of Ullar’s warriors with speed that seemed unnatural. Dan tried to distinguish between the pale, almost translucent skin of the ghosts and their tattered clothes. At last he saw the face of on of their attackers. It had deep black holes for eyes and a mouth. But in those dark eyes, Dan saw the most hate he had ever seen. He lined his crosshairs up and aimed them between the ghost’s eyes. With a flash and a bang that made his ears ring, the ghost fell to the ground and disappeared. Dan looked in the dark and thought he saw a thick smoke rising from the spot where his enemy fell. But they didn’t have time to analyze the remnants of their mysterious enemy.

Suddenly a cold glow surrounded the small band of warriors, and their enemies were upon them. Two ghosts emerged from opposite sides of their camp. With a shriek they fell upon them. Dan reached for his pistol as he saw a ghost coming for him. His pistol caught on the holster. With a cry he fell to the ground. He didn’t feel any force push him, he just lost his strength and fell. He saw the cold green glow all around him. He felt spindely fingers grab his neck and squeeze. With a frightening mix of a laugh and a scream he felt his life being sucked away. Dan thought he saw the ghost becoming more faint, but maybe it was just his imagination playing tricks on him in the final moments of his life. His vision went black and he lost conciousness.

Syvarris sent the two arrows in his bow flying into the figure emerging from the thick jungle. They found their mark as always. The terrible shriek of pain was heard from miles around. But the figure didn’t stop. If anything Syvarris only fueled it’s hate and desire to destroy the small band. It rushed forward, slowly gaining on the retreating elf hero. Syvarris felt himself fall to the ground with dismay. He felt the cold glow all around him, but it was gone just as soon as it had come. At his feet he saw a pile of ashes and three arrows. A slight breeze was blowing the ashes to the east. 10 feet behind him he saw one of his brothers standing with his bow ready with another arrow. He nodded in thanks and rose to his feet. The ghostly shrieks still filled the air all around him. He found the reason why. 15 yards away one of the creatures stood over Dan. It appeared he was choking him, but at the same time, the ghost was starting to disappear. The Venocs appeared from the thick jungle from every direction. With their huge, blade like arms, they swung at the ghost. From the cuts they had given it, ash started to pour out. Then the captain of the Venocs took one last swing at the ghostly head. With one last scream the ghost disappeared into a pile of ash at their feet.

Syvarris rushed to Dan’s side and felt his neck for a pulse. One remained but it was very faint. The elven champion ordered for water to be brought. He gently poured it into Dan’s mouth and let his head rest on the ground again. Dan’s seven companions watched, anticipating his awakening. But it was an awakening that would be delayed. For deep in Dan’s mind, he battled the still living soul of the ghost that had sunk into him.

[player_of_volleyball]

nice story! This looks like it's going to be a pretty good story. I like how you used the shades ability. Keep up the good work!

[Stoner]

Chapter 5
A hero’s struggle

Deep in the shadows of Dan’s mind his enemy lashed out. He had heard tales of these creatures. They were half soul, half body. They were the lost souls of the undead. The Shades of Bleakwood as they were called, didn’t fight for any particular side. They tended to attack Ullar, Jandar, and Einar more often then anyone though. It was rumored the ghosts were nothing more then loose cannons for Utgar. He had an attraction to beings that seemed evil, and these creatures would definitely fit in his evil army.

Dan slipped into a deep sleep, haunted by unearthly shadows and screams. Deep in his mind a battle was taking place, but would he be able to win? Only time would tell.

Syvarris and his companions stood around the fallen soldier. His mouth was open and he let out a groan every once and awhile. His sleep was deep but restless. He tossed and turned on the ground, moaning cries of help, but knowing only Morsbane, Acolarh, or Ullar himself could help him. Syvarris knew that if they stayed in this spot for too long they would eventually be found by someone, be it friend or foe. The elven champion decided to continue on, even with a fallen comrade. One of the Aubrien Archers shouldered the man and they continued their journey through the jungle

After a few hours of lumbering through the jungle with Dan on his shoulders, the archer passed Dan on to one of his comrades. They continued like this until sundown. Dan never stopped groaning, and he never woke up. They continued traveling for two days.

In Dan’s mind, he was nothing but a scared child, running from the screaming shadows in his mind. They took all kinds of shapes and forms. He never knew when they would come, and who they would come as. Once it was his mother, once it was the preacher from his childhood. And once it was his love. His great love. These were what scared him more then the shadows.

A road through an abandoned town sat in front of our hero. On both sides of the small lane stood wooden buildings. Doors were ripped off hinges, and there wasn’t a full pane of glass to be found. Wood and glass littered the street, and a strong wind carried the light brown sand through the air. At the other end of the street he saw a woman, standing alone. Her dark brown hair whipped around her face in the wind. Her features were undistinguishable from where he was, so he walked down the abandoned street to get a closer look at the woman. Her head was turned so he started to walk around her, to get a better look. She kept turning, making sure he didn’t see her face. Dan was forced to step closer to the mysterious woman. Against his better judgment he put a hand on her shoulder. She turned around, seeming surprised that anyone was there. He saw her face and almost collapsed from surprise. Standing in front of him was the only woman he had ever loved. He knew this was a dream. Valentine had died, years ago. He hoped this would be a good dream though.

“What are you doing here?”
The woman asked, as if she didn’t even know him. She turned and ran down the street and into one of the abandoned buildings. Dan followed behind her but when he entered the door, she was nowhere to be found.
“VALENTINE!!!”
He screamed her name but no one answered. He fell to his knees and tears poured down his face. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked at it and it was her slender hand. When he turned he saw her face again. This time it was distorted beyond belief. Her eyes were replaced by deep black holes, and her mouth was twisted into a grin. Her clothes turned to rags, and her skin turned translucent. He heard the all too familiar scream of the banshee. It sent chills up Dan’s spine. After a few moments of the high pitched scream Dan yelled in desperation for the noise to stop.
“GET OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUT!!!!!”

Dan looked up and the noise subsided. There was no one in the room, in fact, there was no room at all. He found himself in the hot humid jungle, with elves and vipers sleeping all around him. He was awake. He didn’t dare fall asleep again. He exhaled a sigh of relief. He thought he saw a plume of white smoke come from his mouth. It raised in the air, then disappeared. But he didn’t care. For the first time in days he felt calm again.

[justin]

:jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop:

I surrender to your creative skills :surrender: