Chapter 4

[Raistlin]

Building An Empire

The road is always longest to those who have some place to go. For a long time it's been of no concern to these two men in the carriage. Now as SForce looks out the window he can't help wondering what's waiting for him when they stop. He looks to his friend next to him, the warrior known as MadScientist, whom saved him from wandering aimlessly for the rest of his days. This warrior next to him is also now the leader of a two man clan called Demon Guardians. There's just one question still on the mind of the curious elf, SF.

"Where are we going now?"

"Driver," MS shouted as he smiled at SF, "take us to tkdthedevil drive off of 42nd proboards road."

"Aye, sir"

SForce was excited now. They had some place to go and it was a mystery to him. Th excitement grew as they passed other estates going down the road. The carriage turns off the main road to a side lane. Their new home lay just ahead. SF's eyes were wide. His sight then went grim. Their castle was a dank and empty hovel. They exited the carriage and SF continued to stare at the building.

"What is this place?" SF gave a befuddled look to MS.

"Oh come on. Every great kingdom starts from the ground up. We've just got a bit of work to do."

SF sighed and went in the castle. Looking around he saw nothing. The walls were bare, no place to sit, the chambers were all empty. It looked like there was too much work to be done. Then MS clapped SF on the shoulder.

"Good thing we have many companions to call on."

SF realized he was right. They each had about eight servants that they had acquired over the years. They continued their tour of the estate. The stables were empty and clean, but without horses it would be difficult to go to town for supplies. The sound of a bell came ringing out across the courtyard. It came from the front gate. They both went to see who it was to find a group of familiar faces. Their followers were already there. SForce was approached by his good friend, DannyTanner.

"Evening, good sirs. We got here as soon as we could. We brought supplies too."

The two men welcomed their friends into their kingdom. From here they would build their empire and accomplish their goals. DannyTanner was the speaker of SForce's followers. He stepped aside to speak with SF about what was to come next.

"SF, we have been friends for a long while now and I just thought you should know that I am looking forward to this. As soon as you give us the word we will petition to this clan and be official members."

"First of all, DT," SForce began to explain, "I thank you for the encouragement and support. Although I have a special assignment for you."

DannyTanner looked at SForce puzzled and asked, "My services are at your disposal. What deed do you wish of me?"

"I have left Seek & Destroy, but you have not. You would be doing me a great favor to hang around there and be my eyes and ears inside the S&D walls. Just let me know if there is any new news about their search for me. I can't be the reason for our clan to be attacked so soon after being created. You understand, don't you?"

"Of course." DannyTanner said with a smile. He stretched out his arm and SForce took it in with his own. A warrior's hand shake. "I would be honored to do you this service. Just as I helped with MS and yourself regain relations at SOIA back in the day. I will look out for you now as well."

"Oh, man. Let's not bring that little issue back up again. Hahaha!"

The two shared a laugh together. Then MadScientist joined in on the conversation.

"We're going to need supplies. We have enough to get this place looking good, but it won't do us any good if we starve to death by night fall."

"Good point, MS." SForce searched himself for his coin purse. Finding it her shook it checking the contents. "I might need a bit more if I'm to feed the masses. I'll have to stop by the bank on my way."

MadScientist surveyed the area. Seeing their comrades hard at work cleaning up and decorating he turned back to SForce.

"I'll stick around here and keep at this place. I think we can make it up really nice. Here. Might as well help to pay for everything while I'm at it."

MS tossed a coin purse to SForce. SF shook it a bit, smiled and turned to DannyTanner.

"I'll be on my way." DT picked up his pack and slung it over his shoulder. "I'll report any new findings to you in a couple days."

SForce was ready to go and gave a nod to them two. DannyTanner went out the door and mounted a horse. He was riding off a moment later. SForce gathered up what he needed for his trip and went on his journey. It was an interesting feeling riding out of a castle that he was a major part of. There wasn't a large number of members, but it was his home now.

When he arrived at the market it was bustling with activity. The Market Place was the only place to get the kind of supplies he would need to stock u for an entire clan. He placed his order with ease and asked that it be delivered to the Demon Guardians castle. It was exciting to think that he was preparing for the arrival of people he had never met.

Just as he was heading back he saw the Clan Hall. Many questers were reading a board with many memos hanging from it. SForce stopped his horse and took a look for himself. After a while he started to think about the significance of these advertisements. The majority of members come here looking for what clans are active and looking for new members. He knew what he had to do next. Taking a quill in hand he composed a message about the new and family oriented clan, Demon Guardians. When he was finished he posted it on the board and went back to his horse to head back to the castle. He looked back one more time proud knowing he took the first step in broadcasting the clan.

In his journey home his mind wandered with thoughts of what to do next. They could rally a demonstration to show the force of their clan. Others have gone out and talked with people individually about joining. How would the Demon Guardians go about recruiting? Since his thoughts were not where they should be he didn't notice the castle till he was nearly at the gates.

A large banner was strung across the gates with a fire sewing beast decorating it. Next to the beast was a menacing looking text that said, "Demon Guardians Clan."

The gates were already opening for him and he continued on. Inside the court yard it was a complete change. The grass was colorful, the fields tended to, the stables stocked. Even the tavern looked up and running. It was almost like they had taken over some other building and slapped their name on it. It looked nothing like what it started like. Flames decorated the walls. Suits of armor lined the halls. Even now there were watch guards standing posts on the battlements. It was starting to look like a castle already.

As SForce made his way to the center of the building he was greeted with smiles and salutes from everyone he passed. The center of the castle was a vast chamber that was accessed through two large, wooden doors. A single guard stood a post there. Upon seeing SF approach the guard opened the door and gave the elf a salute. He just looked at the guard and went in. When he entered the room he saw that this one seemed untouched mostly. There was just one piece of furniture, an old oak desk nicely decorated and adorned with symbols. At that desk was MadScientist who looked up and smiled at his friend.

"SF! I was beginning to wonder if you'd ever find your way back." MS got up from his seat while speaking to go over to SF and shake his hand strongly.

"What do you mean by that, MS? I was only gone a few hours."

"Are you kidding me? You've been away almost the entire day. I was wondering where you went for supplies. Azteka maybe?"

"No, no. Just made a quick stop on the way for something. Didn't realize I spent so much time there. You were busy while I was gone."

"We all kept busy. We also found an interesting shop near by that helped us to decorate quickly. The Paint Bucket I think it was. Lots of paintings and such to choose from."

"Looks great. Anything left on the agenda for tonight?"

"Sleep. Lots of it. We can all use some. The guards are kinda thin. We'll need to bring in some new guys to man the gates and patrol the grounds."

"Agreed. I'll get to that in the morning. Speaking of which that is what took me so long. I made a post for the clan at the Clan Hall."

"That's great. I've been up to my helmet with requisitions for equipment and supplies. You wouldn't believe how many permits you have to get when you start building an empire."

"I can imagine. Better you then me I guess."

MadScientist looked at SForce and sighed. Going to the desk he made one last signature before putting his quill away. He put his hand on SF's back and walked him out.

"It's about time for me to turn in." MS said as they left the large chambers.

"Hey, MS," SForce had one last question, "I was just wondering what was with the guys around here saluting me and calling me sir?"

"What would you expect them to do to the clan Co-Leader? You are an admin officer now by the way."

"What? Really? Why?"

"Think about it. It's just us running this place with some servants running around and standing watches. Who else would I get?"

He had a point and SForce was too tired to argue anything with him.

"None the less I will be up early to stand watch. I just can't be the type of officer in a clan that expects everyone to work except me."

"As will I, SF. More of a reason to get to bed."

The guard at the door was asked to take SForce to his room. The halls were long and lined with rooms. Each member had a place to sleep and room to move around. There was even an armor stand for each person who slept in the rooms. Everything seemed to be provided for. The room SF was taken to was lavished. More space and a great view of the mountains. Unfortunately it wasn't the view he was hoping for.

"I'll have to do something about this." He thought to himself as he sized up his room. "For now I'll have to deal with it."

He was too tired to fight it. He needed sleep. He put his sack in the corner and hit the bed as if he'd been struck over the head that very instance. This night his dreams were not of fire, but of hope.

By the time the morning sun could cast it's rays through the stained glass window of the audience chambers, MadScientist was already at the desk there in doing more paper work. Requisition, requests, memos from the neighboring clans, but what was this? A petition for membership! Their first ever. This was very exciting. He immediately used his leader powers to peer the potential member. Satisfied of what he read about him MS granted his first petition. Just then he heard the door being opened. It was SForce. He approached the desk and smiled at his friend. MS stood up to lean in and talk to SF.

"Do you know what I just did?" He asked in a low tone.

"Not sure." SForce looked back at the clan leader. "You didn't eat a whole calf for breakfast again, did you?"

"Not at all. Besides I have yet to eat anything. I just granted the first petition for the Demon Guardians."

"That's great," exclaimed SForce with shock, "but to whom?"

"His name is Vampire77. I hope to see him accept the grant by tonight." As he said this he was waving over his squire. He handed him a stack of mail to be sent out. One letter in particular he asked to be taken extra special care of.

The stack of papers on the desk was far from empty though. SF looked at it then back to MS.

"Looks like a lot of work to do in such a short time as clan leader."

MadScientist looked at his friend and sighed. " You are right of course. I'm a warrior, not a scribe. Yet I find myself getting more pain in my wrist from signing my name so much, then I have from a whole night of sword play."

"Have you heard from AntonyJC yet?" SF ask with a sidelong look to MS.

"I got his petition the other day. I hope he got the grant and used it. I have not seen him here though. He must have passed out in a tavern somewhere. We've just been too busy to go looking for him right now."

SForce agreed and went about his day. He talked with MadScientist briefly before going out back to tend to the archery fields. MS sat at his desk alone now. The great hall seemed so much smaller with the weight of leadership weighing down on him.

The day went well and uneventful. Again SForce came to the audience chamber to find MadScientist already there working on parchments. While the two of them discussed the condition of their home they heard a ruckus come from the gate. Moving quickly they decided they had to see what it was and headed there. The front doors burst open before they got to them due to a guard being thrown against it. From the blinding light of the rising sun it was hard to see who was the cause of this. Then a distinctive voice could be heard from just outside the doors.

"Ignorant slackers. Don't they know who I am? They should be glad I didn't attach my axe to the back of their heads."

The stern, gruff voice was unmistakable. SF and MS ran to the door to great the stout dwarf.

"JC! About time you lazy bum." SForce said in jest.

"Yes, JC," said MS as he kept his joy hidden behind his cold look of authority, "I was expecting you to show SF the way here not send him off on his own. What happened?"

"Well," as JC started to talk he looked around the halls, "I like how it looks in here. Kinda cozy and well warm I'd say. Can we talk somewhere else?"

SF and MS led him to the audience chambers that they just came from. MS made sure to advise the guard there that AntonyJC was to be allowed access to this room. JC was impressed by the detail of artistry in the room.

"Nice place you got here. Yours huh?" JC said with a smirk. "So you wanted to know what happened? That damn Evil Fred is what happened. Asking me some stupid question. How am I supposed to know what goes through an apple, points, sits in a bow and in a target?"

"An arrow. " SForce was quick to answer it for him.

"Oh, haha. Well how is a dwarf supposed to know that. You darn elves have arrows on the brain. It would have been easy to answer that if I was a dirty, filthy elf." He looks at SF staring at him. "No offense to you of course."

"Well of course not. You wouldn't want to see me express the elven bow skills you yourself were just referring to." SF chuckled as he threatened his friend.

"None the less it's good to see you, JC." MadScientist was enjoying the friendly quarrels they always have. The three of them had a good laugh before MS continued the conversation. "So how did you get past Evil Fred then?"

"Well," JC looked at them kind of sheepishly, "I decided to go back to town and clear out my storage. After I petitioned to the clan I headed for the portal again. When he appeared in front of me this time he saw something shine from my pouch. He quickly reached for it and took out a time crystal. He just said thanks and vanished. The portal opened and I went in. I wish I knew about that earlier."

SForce had to use the wall to hold himself up due to laughter. He wiped tears from an eye and said, "are you kidding me? Every adventurer knows about that. Those crystals are coveted by him and gain you immediate entry to the portal. How could you not know that?"

"Shut up, you pointy eared peasant. I just forgot at the time is all. I'm here now and that's what matters."

"Of course you're here now," MS chimed in, "because all the work is done here. All there is to do is recruit new members. The place is all clean and ready to move in."

"Great," says JC, "then where's the pub around here?"

They shared some more laughs at the bar and watched the time drone on. JC and SF went to bed a bit light headed. MS didn't drink much as to give him the time to stay up and finish off some paperwork.

Outside the castle walls a dark figure loomed in the shadows. Darkness cloaked the kingdom and made the figure feel much more in his environment. None of the guards saw him scale the wall in two leaps, nor did they see him float through the window to the Great Hall. Keeping to the shadows the figure slunk through the corridors unseen and without a sound.

Inside the Audience Chamber MadScientist was scrawling through some forms when the front door made the slightest creek. He looked up for a brief moment and went back to his forms. After a couple seconds he spoke without looking away from his papers.

"You do know where you are right?"

The figure emerged from the shadows to reveal himself. A pale faced man with a power about him like none other. MS didn't seem all that intimidated. The intruder smiled and simply said, "I know who you are. Are you aware of the simplicity of the guard detail you have around here? I was able to slip in here without having to attack any of the soldiers. You are in need of better fortification."

"Well then," MS spoke as he rose from his seat, "are you putting in your request to train more men, or just stating the obvious?"

With a slight smirk the intruder extended his hand. "I'm Vampire77."

"MadScientist. Clan Leader of the Demon Guardians." MS took his hand by the wrist and gave him a strong, warrior's hand shake. The two of them were up all night talking about everything that came to mind.

Before day broke SForce was up as always. He went to the Audience Chamber as usual. This time he didn't find MS buried in paper work. There were parchments on his desk, but he was sitting at a side table having a drink with an unfamiliar person. As soon as MS saw SF he introduced them.

"Vamp here," MS said as here signaled to the man standing now across from him, "is the newest member. We've been talking about the guards and fortifying the perimeter. He's quite versed in this stuff."

SF shook hands with Vamp and began to size him up. He seemed to be a respectable gentleman. He carried himself with determination and a sense of command. His elf like senses detected the dark forces within him though. This being was a master of dark arts. A perfect fit for their clan.

"I wish to get to know you better," said Vamp as he saw sunshine creeping up through a window, "but I must get a room. One that is untouched by daylight preferably."

Understanding his wishes they summoned a guard to escort their new member to secluded chambers near the center of the complex. MadScientist went back to his papers as he told SForce all about the conversation he had with the new recruit last night. The staunch warrior was showing signs of fatigue though.

"MS, why don't you get some rest. The papers won't go anywhere so get to them later."

"That's the problem, SF. If I don't do them now then they will just keep getting piled up. This clan doesn't just supply itself automatically. The leader has to put in requests, orders, file tax legislative and look for prospective new members. I don't have the time to sleep. Besides reading isn't one of my strongest abilities."

"You got that right. Tell you what to do. Get some sleep. I'll look over some of this stuff and leave it out for you to just sign when you get up. That way I'll read it and make small notes describing each notice before you sign. Seem good enough for you?"

MS was too tired to argue it. He hardly even understood what SF was saying anymore. He just nodded his head and stepped out. SF began to skim over the papers and scrawl small notes at the top of each. Making short work of the long statements these forms try to convey. Hours later MS awoke to see SF making use of the archery range he had just finished setting up.

"I knew he would give up on those forms," he thought to himself. "It was just too much for him."

MS sat down expecting to have a bunch of forms to go through still, but to his surprise they were not as he expected. Each form had an attached note explaining the long memorandum in just a few short lines. All they needed was his signature. MS smiled under his helm. This was just what he expected of his Co-Leader. It only took him an hour to go through papers that would have taken him all day to do. When he finished he joined his friends in the tavern for a drink. He was finally able to know how enjoyable the clan could be.

The day was full of laughter and progress for the development of the castle. Through the day they had a couple visitors, but none that made their homes there. When night fell the newest member, Vampire, joined the three of them in the Audience Chambers to help put the guards in more appropriate positions around the battlement. He was fitting in well at his new home.

The next couple days went just as smoothly while spending some time out in town. After a while they were visited by a friend they didn't expect. DannyTanner had returned with news from Seek & Destroy. He met with SF, MS and JC in the Audience Chamber.

"I had to let you guys know something," stated DT not waiting to get to the point. "Viper was asking around about where you might be and was even trying to get me to lure you out for him, SF. I told him I hadn't seen, or heard from you since you left. He didn't seem to believe me, but he let me go for now."

"I fear he may not be done with you, my friend," SF responded grimly. Before he could say anything else a call was coming out from the watch on a tower. Vampire was relaying the message to the leaders.

"We have a stalker in the trees nearby," was the announcement from Vampire. They all left the Audience Chamber to go to the tower and see for themselves.

In the cloak of the trees there crouched a loan figure. The leaves barely fluttered, but the keen eyes of an elf in the corner tower noticed. When the figure looked up and saw a group of men appeared on the tower 'l he needed to see was SForce in the group. A dark and sinister smile could be seen by the eyes of the two elves on the tower. The figure leapt from the tree, but didn't land on soft grass. He was pushed back by an unknown force.

"Watch what the hell you're doing," said a dark mass in a snarled voice. A towering figure grew from a pile that appeared to be leaves and branches. It was a makeshift shelter for a large man. When he spoke it was as a bass drum was being pounded. "You broke my tent, prick. Now you'll have to make me a new one."

"How dare you?! I am Lord Viper of Seek & Destroy. I do not answer to some sad little commoner in the woods."

"How dare I? I wasn't the one foolishly leaping into the dark. You landed on me! If not my shelter then I will take retribution from your throat."

The large being lunged at Viper with his sights set on taking his head off in one move. Viper was too quick for him. He dodged, but didn't expect the beast to have a tail. The tail grabbed Viper's leg and whipped him against a tree. The beast then took that moment of Viper being disoriented to strike hard, punching Viper through the tree. The beast then thought to have some fun by using the fallen tree as a club. While he was picking it up Viper regained his footing and drew his twin shadow blades just as the tree was being swung at him. Viper diced it up quickly then lunged. His sword pierced straight through the beast's abdomen. It was just then that SForce and the rest arrived to see Viper withdraw his blade and resheath them.

"His blood is on your hands," Viper spoke while pointing at them. "I wouldn't have even been here if you would have done what you were told, SForce. Live with this on your conscience." Before they could even try to advance on him he vanished into the shadows.

SF and MS rushed to the fallen body to find it still breathing. They summoned the guards to help carry the body. The wound was closing on it's own. As soon as they got it through the gates the body changed shape and was no longer a beast, but a man. He still had minor wounds so they rushed him to the infirmary to be treated. After a couple hours the man was fully healed by his own abilities somehow. He began to regain consciousness. Before he could speak Vampire entered.

"The scouts have searched the area and found no," but before he could finished he looked the wounded man dead in the eyes. "What is that doing here?"

"Do you know him Vamp?" SF asked.

"Not him, but his kind. He is werewolf. Our species have been at war since our existence. He has no place here."

"That's enough," MadScientist was sensing the tension rising in the room. "We will hear him speak first."

"Yes," spoke the werewolf. "I just came in search of the Demon Guardians. I have no quarrel over you, blood sucker."

"Just get to the point before I give you mine," was the warning of Vamp.

"I have no place to go. I'm not with any pack because I didn't agree with some of their choices. So they kicked me out and would have killed me, but I was able to fight them off just long enough to flee. I'm strong, but not strong enough to take on an entire pack. I just wanted to make a new pack and that's when I saw the post in the Clan Hall. It seemed promising so I set out to see them."

MS approached him and stared at him intently. He simply asked, "what's your name?"

"Dees," was his simple answer.

"I am MadScientist, leader of the Demon Guardians. We welcome you to the clan." He extended his hand and Dees took it in for a shake. He began to smile till Vamp stepped in front of him. Vamp simply looked him up and down, then dead in his eyes again.

"I too was an outcast of my people," he explained. "If you can stay out of my way we'll get along just fine. Welcome, brother." Then Vamp turned and walked away.

SForce then came to Dees' side as he got out of the bed. SF realized he had some explaining to do. "Just to let you know that guy who stabbed you is not a friend of ours."

"I think I gathered that much from his remarks to you."

"You heard all of that?"

"Of course. I wasn't dead after all. It takes more then a blade to cut me down."

"Well I just think you should know that he's after me. He has a problem with me and it looks like he isn't planning to stop. If you stay here there might be more problems like that."

"Are you kidding? You think I'm worried about some coward like that? I'll make sure that next we meet things won't end up the same."

SForce just smiled at Dees' remark and patted him on the shoulder. He suggested they all get some rest and retreated to his chambers. He had changed rooms to one that gave him a view of the forest. He looked out his window now and could imagine seeing Viper's eyes in every tree he saw.

A few days went by as the leaders of the clan were assembled to discuss their forces. MadScientist was explaining their management.

"Right now we have just the 5 of us. Vamp has been great with helping us out with guard placement. Dees has been in the fields training our footmen in sword play. Even JC has been helping to gather gear to equip our men. Bottom line is we need to focus on recruitment."

"I'll get on that." SForce spoke up and all looked at him. MS was concerned though.

"SF, you are the main target here. We can't have you running through town talking to others and putting yourself in possible danger. Someone else can go out and do that."

"I'm not the type to be confined and you know that. I'll be careful and be back in just a few days. Trust me."

If anyone else had said those words he would not have taken them on those words alone. With a nod of his head SForce had his go ahead and went to pack. He was out the gates and on his way before MS could get to him and give him a boring speech as if they were going into battle. He got to town before night fall and went straight to the tavern. When he entered he noticed a majority of the men wore the emblem of the S&D knights. SF pulled his hood over his head and made his way to the inn keeper. Silas greeted him with his usual cheerful grin.

"Need a room?" His quick to the punch attitude was one of the things SForce enjoyed here.

"That's alright. I just want to check out the chat room. See who's around" SF went to the back and looked around. Nobody was around except a couple new adventurers and a few veterans. None would be able to help in the time he had. He knew he couldn't stick around for too long. He went to the Clan Hall forums to check on the clan invite he posted there. He found a couple questions that he answered and a request to join. It was from a warrior who calls himself AxeHappyLoser. SF was pleased to see that. He included instructions to the Demon Guardians kingdom and a message of thanks.

While there SF decided to look through other posts to see what the other clans were offering. He found the person who just requested membership on his post had posted in another clan's post. He decided to read it and found it to be unpleasant. This guy was bad mouthing that clan's taste in music. This disturbed SForce.

"Why would he say something like that?" SF thought to himself as he began to compose a message to attach to the one he read. "If he is gonna be a member of DG he needs to know where we stand on these issues. We don't discriminate others and respect clan's beliefs. I'll let that clan know that I'm sorry for what he said." He wrote a response based on his thoughts. Afterwards he started his journey back home.

The castle was all a bustle. SF found Dees near the gate to find out what was going on. Dees was instructing the archers to post up on the wall.

"Dees, what's happened," SF questioned.

"Oh, good. Go see MS in the command center. We had a visit from a commander from S&D."

SF acknowledged him and headed inside. The war room was busy with people going in and out. MadScientist was giving battle plans to AntonyJC and Vampire77. SF stepped up and joined in on the planning.

"Good to see you made it, SF." MadScientist nodded to him. "I'm sorry that you've come back to this bad news. It seems Viper was quick to dispatch a large battalion against us and is ready to storm the castle tonight."

"I'm not that shocked," remarked SF. "While I was in town I saw many S&D soldiers at the inn and was worried that this was coming."

MS continued the battle planning before everyone headed out to man the walls. They stood at the ready and by evening time there came a sound of thunder down the road. The S&D banner could be seen poking up from the hill. The battalion was now marching in rank by rank. SF could see Viper on his high horse with a deep scowl on his face. As soon as his soldiers got in arrow range he gave a mighty yell.

"CHARGE!!!"

The soldiers came screaming down the road. The Demon Guardian soldiers held their ground. From the castle walls SF gave the orders to the archers to fire. Arrows soared through the air and landed on target. Soldiers fell in pain as arrows pierced feet, legs and arms. None were fatally injured, but they were stopped from advancing. SForce looked at his friends with concern.

"MS, JC," he sighed as he collected himself, "we should go down there. I don't know what Viper told them of this mission, but I can see confusion on their faces. If we confront them they might not attack us."

"Might not?" AntonyJC wasn't so sure about this plan. "I'm not so sure about this plan. The members may not know what is going on, but Viper will have free range on your hide down there."

"That may be so," SForce looked stern and unwavering, "but I refuse to attack these men without due cause. If they are not aware of the issue they shouldn't be a casualty of it."

SF turned and headed for the gate. The guards opened it on his command. He stood before the soldiers of Seek & Destroy awaiting their attempt to kill him. The soldiers looked on him as AntonyJC and MadScientist joined him outside the gate. With his friends by his side he had nothing to worry about.

"What is the hold up? What are you waiting for? Lay siege on this building quickly."

There was no question who's voice that was. The spectral form of Viper blurred its way through the soldiers to face the three men standing at the gate. He smiled his sinister smile.

"Thanks for making this so much easier then I thought." Viper said as he turned to his soldiers. "Now finish him off. He's the one that disrespected our clan. S&D will not stand for traitors like these getting away. We must crush them now."

The soldiers gave grumbled expressions. Some were even heard to comment about having drinks with them, or fighting alongside the. Some were even trained by SF and respected him too much to fight him. One by one the soldiers lay down their arms and walked away. Viper was enraged. After shouting many profane insults he turned to SF with a slight smile on his face. Anytime Viper smiled something bad was on its way.

You think I would come to a battle without a backup plan? I thought there might be a need for some extra arms, so I picked up a few on the way here."

Viper gave a loud whistle and shouting could be heard from the forest. A large number of mercenaries stormed out onto the road.

"It's surprising how cheap a merc is when you tell him the target is a half blooded, filthy elf. That is when you know where to look for them."

Elves and humans have had their fair share of wars, but SF was of neither one side. He guessed a good number of them were survivors of some of those battles. Viper was raising his had about to give the command to attack. From the back of the group a roar shattered the skies. Trees vibrated from the sound. The earth quaked. Fear choked many as screams were heard from the mercs in the back of the group. A towering beast erupted from the group as bodies flew to the sky. The demonic beast thrashed at the mercs and they scattered back into the forest they had been hiding in.

Viper drew his blades and readied himself. The demon lunged at him, but Viper dodged and slashed at it's wrist. The demon thrashed about and Viper quickly evaded the attack. Angry the beast gave a roar that nearly threw everyone outside the gates against the wall. A reddish glow surrounded the demon then fire of hellish heat extended from his hands capturing Viper. He tried to escape the grasp by phasing into a shadow form, but just flickered a bit and remained in the demon's hold.

"Having trouble with your shadow powers," the demon spoke with a mocking tone. "My flames banish all shadows. You can't get away. For what you did I will eat your head."

His jaw opened wide and flames flicked from his teeth. As the demon moved Viper closer to his mouth SF saw Viper struggle and, for the first time ever that he could recall, SF saw what he could only identify as fear and panic stricken on Viper's face.

"No! Stop!"

At the command of SForce the demon stopped. Lowering Viper from his mouth he looked down upon SF and saw concern.

"What does it matter to you," the demon questioned. "He is your enemy and would have delighted in your demise. Why give him mercy?"

"Because," and SF had to think for a moment before he could answer. "Because that's what the Demon Guardians Clan is all about. We are not here to exact vengeance, or take joy in the suffering of others. Put him down so that we may negotiate the terms of his release."

The demon did as was asked of him. He kept the fires burning as to keep Viper from vanishing into the shadows. SF approached him and began to express his regret that any of this had happened.

"Viper," SForce said solemnly, "too many have been harmed today because of your vengeful heart. Go back to S&D and think things over. I don't want anyone killed. No matter what you think of me I care about others before myself."

Viper looked SF in the eyes the whole time. He searched for deceit, but only found sincerity. Viper approached SF and said, "Maybe, so I'll leave for now. In respect of you sparing the lives of these men I see you do have somewhat of a heart. I'll just have to sit back and see what comes of your new clan."

When SF heard that he motioned for the fiery beast to extinguish the flames. Once the fires died down Viper vanished.

"Good riddens!" JC said with a sigh. "Now what's with this guy?" They all looked to the massive demon for an answer. The monster roared up and burst into flames. As the fires died down the demon appeared to be gone. Instead a man of average build and general features stepped from the flames.

"Hello, everyone," the man spoke to them. "I am AxeHappyLoser, or AHL is easier to say. I was looking for the clan known as the Demon Guardians. I wish to speak to the leader about membership."

MadScientist stepped forward, put his arm around SForce and said, "You're looking at him right here." SF looked at MS with puzzlement. MS leaned in and told him, "We'll talk later."

AHL was introduced to everyone and SForce welcomed him into the clan. The council met in the leader's council chambers for the post battle meeting. With everything looking back to normal MS made his big announcement.

"I want to let you all know that as of tomorrow SForce will be the clan leader, that is if you accept it."

"I'm not sure what to say though." SF thought for a moment about what this would mean for him. Can he handle that kind of responsibility?

"SF, I picked you because you look more comfortable in that position then anyone else in this clan. The men here follow you and listen to you. You have a better time dealing with the paper work then I could ever. You know as well as I do that I'm not right for that kind of job. I belong on the battle field, not behind a desk."

They looked at each other intently. SF began to smile and said, "You're right. You are terrible at forms. I guess for the betterment of the clan I'll have to take your offer."

All the council members, Vamp, JC and Dees, cheered for him. They were shaking his hand and patting him on the back. After a couple drinks to celebrate they retired to their rooms. In the morning he would wake to his first day as clan leader.

The next morning SForce awoke to find MadScientist had already made all the necessary changes to switch leadership. Go figure. When it comes to paperwork to relieve him of duties he has no problem completing them quickly. When SF entered the leader office he found a fresh stack of parchments to go through. Well it's time to get started, he thought. Taking the first form off the stack he read through it.

"You've got to be kidding!" The first paper he picked up was a collection notice for a bar tab. The name on it was SForce. SF just chuckled and slid the notice into a desk drawer. His first action as the clan leader.