The Northern Ward

When asked where the Darkness comes from, people reply 'The North', for it was from the North the Darkness first Rose, shattering the Old Kingdoms. The First Rising drowned humanity in a tide of blood as the Darkness slaughtered indiscriminately, viewing humans as mere playthings. Some men refused to accept their fate and the Kingdom of Klynsheim was born from the defiance of humans willing to pay the price for victory. Yet victory remained elusive. Centuries have passed and Klynsheim maintains an uneasy co-existence with the Darkness, holding the enemy beyond the frontier with the power of Blood, Iron, and Ward Lines - or so Klynsheimers thought. No one ever considered the Darkness might be waiting, watching their prey grow stronger...worthier. The Darkness wants to be challenged. Galeb is an Itinerant Warder Mage. He spends his days walking the Northern Ward Line, repairing the Ward posts and using his magic to breathe life into the defenses. Nearly a decade of service has given the man a wealth of knowledge about the Darkness. He knows the creatures' patterns, he knows when to avoid the Darkness and when to strengthen the Line. Above all, Galeb knows to be careful. As long as he doesn't directly challenge the Darkness, he has a chance of surviving another day. But what Galeb knows and what he does aren't always in accord. Galeb knows better than to challenge the Darkness. Faced with an impossible decision, he challenges them anyway.