Lord of the Planes

Merlynar and the haunting stranger

For the last two occasions in the Elenorian forest a mysterious stranger has visited Merlynar. In a quiet grove the high priest meets the man once more but this time a score of shadowy semi corporeal shapes accompany him. Not undead, more like projections from the stranger’s mind. All races are represented; elf, human, giant, dwarf, orc.

            “It was necessary to hide our true identity from the enemy,” the stranger says calmly and gestures to the images around the grove. “Take a long look at your brothers and sisters, Merlynar, the last that remain from our quest. Though not connected by blood we all have one thing in common, one bond that cannot be broken. In the beginning there were thousands of us, specially selected for our ability to blend into this new plane and settle as indigenous citizens amongst the Grayhawkians.

            “That was many decades ago. Now we are scant few and our enemy is still not dead. If the last of us die then our quest fails and the Murderer will remain unshackled and alive. Technically of course you are Grayhawkian, your father placed you well but was unable to return to reveal your heritage before the Murderer took him like the rest.

            “Your father was from Echeron.

            “The king sent thousands of us to track the enemy…in a way your adopted parentage was quite apt – the son of a demon hunter! How close you are to the truth of it. But our target has proved more resourceful, more cunning and more brutal than any of us could have anticipated. But in you Merlynar I see a chance. You have risen above the rest of us – you are more powerful than any of the hunters and you are connected – both royally and with the gods. I see how the godchild stares into your eyes!

            “Your father would burst with pride!

            “My name is Ferreziel and I too am from Echeron. We are now but a handful of assassins and our foe has gone back into the shadows once more. I talk, of course, of Muziel. He must be stopped Merlynar and I believe you are our only hope of saving Echeron…of saving its people…of saving our souls! This plane is the centre of all planes, the fulcrum upon which the whole universe pivots – Muziel is reaping rich rewards here and if we do not stop him then the Grayhawkians will suffer the same fate as Echeron…he will devour souls and neuter them like castrated pigs.

            “These people have no idea of the danger they face! It is up to us to protect them and the best way to do that is to face him and defeat him. I feel his power grow Merlynar; inexorable, indomitable and it is getting closer. Whatever his designs I believe they centre around the child of the Valinar…where Runesabre and Korven have failed I think Muziel will not.

            “But that will give us an opportunity to get close to him. Stick close to the Valinari Merlynar, take her into your arms if you have to but be assured that our Echeron killer will show before long. Draw whatever favours from your goddess that you can – for Muziel is abroad and he is waits. It may not be today or even the next day but it will be soon…my soul vibrates with fear! Look inward and you will see the truth of my words high priest…commune with whatever powers you can but do not deny me this.

            “When it comes to the fight I will be at your side Merlynar of the Echeron…and together we will bring down this universal foe…this much I swear!”