Throughout legends and scary tales told to children, these beasts have been called the Val`nothe. The deities have also dubbed them as "god-killers". These shadowy creatures, once trapped beneath the Eternal Lake on Arthuran, have been released due to the high increase in temperature that cracked the lake.
The first Val`nothe took to the ground and headed towards Chaliceton. Reports have come in that despite the city's best defenses, half of it was demolished in this attack. If it weren't for Elysia and the efforts of Chaliceton's militia, the beast may very well have never backed off until the city was a pile of dust and ashes. Elysia herself was seen running off and leading this beast away until it was trapped under the lake again. For how long though? Of course the heat hasn't given in, so it could be days or hours before the Val`nothe is free again.
And let's not forget about the second one. The other Val`nothe came out of nowhere, like lightning, and struck Grand City. This beast, more serpent-like than the other, unleashed all its fury upon the castle and city. Some people have reported that they saw the God of Autumn try to intercept the Val`nothe. There was a battle going on in the sky, but something happened between god and beast. I am unsure yet, but it seems much like Tempesturo, that in the aftermath of this fight, Galenous is now missing as well.
Since the Val`nothe was not stopped by Galenous' efforts, the castle has been nearly destroyed and the city is in flames. I am writing from one part of the castle that has not been ruined, but I'm not making myself comfy. I'm getting ready to leave as soon as possible. At this point, where are we safe?
Fortunately, there has been a very temporary relieve in the attack from the serpentine Val`nothe. A black dragon swooped down and pushed the Val`nothe away towards Hinewai Harbor. Though much smaller in size, it was able to blast some dragony magic at it and knock it into the water. So far, the Val`nothe has not surfaced, but I have a feeling this sleeping dog is not ready to lay down yet.
This has given the city some time to prepare though. It's been said that everyone is doing their part to get ready for the next attack - from healing, to sharpening weapons, to securing battle stations, to prepping mages and archers. Even people not part of Grand City's army - like Maxim Redmont, Quinn Redmont and Deanna DiCorvino - are lending a hand. Alerion, quite the busy many right now, has his eyes everywhere and is currently sending a fleet of soldiers and catapults down to Hinewai Harbor should the Val`nothe eventually come up for a breath of air. Thankfully, we're down to about three or four feet of tidal water within the city, so it's a little easier to manage these defenses.
In one of my previous articles I wrote that, "Hope may very well be right around the corner, though it sure is making its way slowly towards us." Lately I have been feeling like I was wrong about what I wrote. Everything suddenly seems very dismal. Nevertheless, watching the people of Aleris fight back sure does give way to inspiration and hope.
Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 10:53 am
