Black Lily, White Rose
This fortress, known as the Tower of Dharmaraja, was built by Venus Solanas, the founder of the Solanic Knights, during the Age of Power. This fortress guarded the West Gate Pass, leading to one of the largest cities on Anselon, Palansus City.
After the Great Calamity, many people blamed this terrible disaster on the Solanians, so the Spellking's Tower was completely abandoned by the fleeing knights. During the Spear War, the knights reoccupied the tower and made full use of its strategic position to defend Palansus and the surrounding villages. Asterius recorded the heroic actions of the knights who defended the fortress. You can find related records in the great library of Palansus City, in a book titled " The Dragon of Winter Night ".
In that book, you will see the heroic sacrifice of Stone Brightblade, who faced the dragons single-handedly. The following was what happened:
Shi Dong faced east. Dazzled by the sun's rays, the dragon was a black shadow in Shidon's eyes. He watched as the creature continued to dive below him, and he realized that the dragon was preparing to fly up from below to give its master enough space to attack. The other two dragons kept their distance, waiting for their master to finish off this bold knight.
For a moment, the sky was empty, and then the dragon flew up from the wall. Its terrifying cry tore through Shidon's eardrums, giving him a splitting headache. He walked a few steps in a daze, but his feet were still standing steadily. He swung his sword for the second time. The ancient blade struck the dragon's left nose. Black blood sprayed in the air as the Blue Dragon roared in rage.
However, the price of this attack was too great. Shidon didn't have time to recover his defensive posture.
The Dragon Knight raised his spear, the tip of which was bathed in the blazing sunlight. He bent down and stabbed the spear deep into his armor, flesh, and bones.
Shi Gang looked at the two people following him with disdain. He observed the impact of the records he had silently recited on the two of them.
Oh my god. His uncle's jaw was about to fall off. The big man's round, somewhat stupid face (Shi Gang thought so contemptuously) looked completely stunned. The half-elf looked at the Dark Paladin in front of him gloomily.
You have a good memory, Tanis judged.
" This is what Ariakon taught us. A warrior must understand his enemy," Shi Gang replied. He did not mention that it was Sarah who had first told him the story when he was a child.
Tanis 'gaze shifted everyone's attention to a high wall near the central tower. Your father died in that position. If you climb up, you can see that his blood is still on the stone slab.
Shi Gang looked up curiously. These days, the high wall was not as empty as before. Knights patrolled the high walls, and although the Spear War had ended, Solania was not peaceful. However, when Shi Gang raised his head, all the knights suddenly disappeared. There was only one knight left standing alone. He knew that he could not escape death, so he accepted his fate. Because he hoped that his death would wake up the fallen and demoralized knights to continue fighting.
Shi Gang saw the flames and the sun, and saw the dark red blood flowing on the silver armor. His heart beat faster, and he felt proud of himself. One of the reasons why he could recite the story so accurately was that he loved it very much. Was it because the story had a deeper meaning that only the blood flowing in his body could understand?…………
Shi Gang suddenly realized that two men were standing quietly beside him.
Of course not. 'Don't lie to yourself,' Shi Gang told himself. Don't fall into their trap. This was just a story, there was no other meaning.
He shrugged. I saw a wall. Let's continue.
They walked down the hill and arrived at the edge of the Guardian King's Tower. When they were only a short distance away, they hid behind a bush. Nearby was a main road that led to the Guardian King's Tower. Beneath the entrance of the Tower of Dharmaraja was the Paladin Sanctuary, where Stone Brightblade and the other knights who sacrificed themselves to defend the place were buried.
All the Takhisis knights and candidates would spend a long time studying the configuration of the Guardian King's Tower. This detailed map was provided by Ariakon, who was imprisoned here.
However, studying the floor plan was one thing, and actually observing this place was another. Shi Gang was shocked. In his mind, this fortress was not so magnificent and shocking. However, he quickly pushed these feelings of awe out of his mind and began to count the number of soldiers patrolling between the camp and the gate sentry. This information would be helpful to his lord.
This road was usually full of people, and this morning was no exception. A knight, his wife, and several beautiful daughters slowly rode past them. All kinds of merchants were pulling carts of food and barrels of ale and beer to the fortress in an endless stream. A regiment of knights with their attendants and knight apprentices rode out of the gate. They might be going to fight against the pillaging Earthen Emotions or the Drakonid Bandits, or they might just be parading on the streets of Palansus City to show off their strength. Shi Gang tried his best to observe the size of the weapons and supply convoy they were carrying.
The ordinary citizens entered and left as usual. Some came to do business, some came to seek relief, and others came to complain about the evil dragon wreaking havoc in their village.
A group of Kande people had their hands and feet bound together (but the smiles on their faces didn't fade) and were escorted out by a group of knights with serious expressions. The knights first searched the belongings of these indignant professional loaners before bringing them out of the Guardian King's Tower.
You didn't see Tessie, did you? Caramon looked carefully at the Kanders who were running past them, giggling.
Oh, God would not allow this to happen! said Tannis with a headache. We have enough trouble.
How do you think we should get in? Shi Gang said coldly. He and the two people behind him noticed that the guards at the door were interrogating every citizen who wanted to enter.
They let the Kander in, Caramon pointed out.
No, they didn't, Tanis replied. You know what they say, if the rats can enter, so can the Kande people. And you won't be able to squeeze into the hole the Kander made, Caramon.
This is true, the burly man said indifferently.
I have an idea, Tanis said. He handed the blue cloak to Shi Gang. He draped the clothes over the armor. He walked behind Caramon. I'm responsible for talking to the knight at the gate. You two take the chance to slip over there…
"I don't want it," Shi Gang said.
What do you mean? Tanis was enraged.
I don't want to hide it. I would never sneak in like…like a Kander. Shi Gang's voice was full of sarcasm. If Knight Solania doesn't accept my identity and position, then there's nothing to talk about.
Tanis suddenly became expressionless. Just as he was about to argue, Caramon's laughter interrupted him.
I don't think it's funny, Tanis said angrily.
Caramon accidentally choked and cleared his throat. I'm sorry, Tannis, but, my god, Shi Gang sounds too much like Shi Dong, I can't help it! Do you still remember that time at the inn, when we found the blue crystal staff, a large group of gnomes and guards rushed up to catch us and burn us alive? We all ran for our lives, hoping to escape from the kitchen, except for Shidon.
He sat at the table and calmly drank his ale. Escape? He said when you told him to run. Escape from this mob? The expression on my nephew's face when he asked the knight to let him in reminded me of Shidon that night.
" Your nephew's expression reminds me of a lot of things," Tanis said solemnly. For example, how many times did Shidon's sense of honor and stubborn temper almost cost us our lives?
That's why we like him, said Caramon softly.
Yes, Tanis sighed. Yes, you're right. However, sometimes, like now, I really want to break his neck.
" Think of it this way, half-elf," Shi Gang said mockingly. You can take it as an oracle from your great Paladin. If Paladin wants me to go in, she'll find a way to get me in.
Very good, young man. I accept your challenge. I believe in Paladin. Perhaps, as you said, there will be a divine prophecy. However, Tannis raised a finger as a warning. No matter what I say, you are not allowed to speak. Don't do anything that will cause trouble.
" I won't." Shi Gang's tone was as cold as ice, filled with disdain and pride. My mother is still on that hill with the Blue Dragon, remember? If anything happens to me, Ariakon will blame her.
Tanis looked at the young man carefully. Yes, that's why we like him. he said in a low voice.
Shi Gang pretended not to hear him. He turned to the Guardian King's Tower, walked out from behind the bushes, and stepped onto the main road. He thought that his uncle and half-elf would definitely follow.
Tannis and Caramon walked on both sides of the Dark Paladin and walked along the main road to the main gate of the Tower of the Law King. Caramon held the hilt of his sword with a serious and vigilant expression on his face. Tanis studied the people passing by them, waiting for someone to scream in fear and fear and summon a whole horde of knights.
Shi Gang walked upright, his handsome and proud face expressionless. If he had the slightest bit of nervousness in his heart, then he hid it very well.
However, almost no one looked at them. Most of the people who walked on this path had their own worries and thoughts. Who would notice a few armed men in this large group of armed forces? The only one who noticed them was the beautiful daughter who had come to the Guardian King's Tower with her father. They admired this young knight, and they were just short of jumping out of the carriage to attract Shi Gang's attention.
Tanis was very confused about this. Could it be that the emblems of fear and death on the Dark Paladins had no effect on these people? Did the Solanians forget the terrifying power behind the darkness? Or were they just absent-minded fools?
Tannis glanced at Shi Gang and saw his lips curl up slightly in disdain. He found it funny.
Tanis quickened his pace. They still had to walk through the gate.
The half-elves had already thought of some reasons to let the Takhisis knights enter Paladin's fortress. He was forced to admit that there was no reasonable explanation. If he really had no choice, he was already prepared to use his reputation as a hero and his position as a widely respected official to force his way in.
Tannis wished he was wearing a full suit instead of some old but comfortable clothes. Tanis put on a face that said you better do as I say and walked toward the knight guarding the gate.
Caramon and Shi Gang followed a step away. Shi Gang was expressionless. His dark eyes seemed to be surrounded by thick fog as he raised his head proudly.
A knight on sentry duty walked over to stop them. He scanned the crowd with friendly curiosity.
Gentlemen, your names, the knight said, bowing. Please state your purpose.
I'm Tannis the half-elf. Tanis was too nervous, and it seemed like he was shouting. He forced himself to calm down and said softly,"This is Caramon Malzeri..."
Half-elf Tannis and the famous Caramon Malzeri! The young knight revealed a respectful expression. It's an honor to meet you all, sir. He lowered his voice and told the deputy sentry that it was the half-elf Tannis. Run and find Sir Wilham.
Perhaps it was the leader of the knights in charge of guarding the gate.
" It's okay, there's no need to make such a big deal out of it." Tanis hurriedly stopped him, hoping that his tone sounded modest. My friends and I are here on a pilgrimage to Paladin. We just want to pay our respects to these heroes. We have no other intentions.
The young knight's expression immediately turned serious and sympathetic. Yes, of course, my lord. He turned his eyes to Caramon, who seemed to be ready to take down the fortress alone, and then to Shi Gang.
Tanis 'body tensed up. He could almost imagine what would happen next. The young guard's surprised expression turned into anger. The clear horn sounded to warn all the knights. The iron gate was lowered, and the knights surrounded them with swords drawn...
" Sir, you are a Crown Knight like me," the young knight said. He was talking to Shi Gang! The Solanian knight touched his breastplate, which was engraved with the emblem of the lowest rank of a knight. He saluted Shi Gang with a hug and raised one hand to the edge of his helmet. I am the knight Regina. You look strange, Lord Knight. Where did you receive your training?
Tanis blinked, not understanding what was going on. Could it be that recently, the Knight Regiment would allow short-sighted people to join? He looked back at Shi Gang and saw the emblem of the Queen of Darkness: Lily, Axe, and Skeleton's black armor. However, the Solanic Knight in front of him treated him like a colleague.
Did Shi Gang cast a spell on the knight? Was that even possible? Tannis looked at him shrewdly, then breathed a sigh of relief. No, Shi Gang was clearly as confused as Tanis. The rebellious expression had disappeared from his face, and he looked a little dazed and dull.
Caramon's mouth was wide open. Sparrows could build their nests in it, and Caramon probably didn't feel anything.
Where did you train, sir? The knight asked again in a friendly manner.
Kan-Candmore, Tannis said the first thought that came to his mind.
The young knight immediately showed a sympathetic expression. Ah, I heard that it was a very difficult task. I'd rather go patrol at Fuluoshen. Is this your first time visiting the Guardian King's Tower? I have an idea. The knight turned to Tanis. After you pay your respects to the spirits of the Paladin Temple, you can leave your friend to me. I'll be on sentry duty in half an hour. I can show him around! Look at the defenses and positions here.
I don't think that's a good idea! Tanis was shocked. His entire body was trembling, and his body under the leather armor kept sweating. We…we still have to go to Palansus. Our wives are waiting for us there, aren't they, Caramon?
Caramon understood the hint. His mouth snapped shut and he managed to mutter a few words about Tika.
Maybe next time, Tanis said regretfully. He stole a glance at Shi Gang, thinking that he might seize the opportunity to mock him.
Shi Gang's face was pale and his eyes were wide open. He seemed to have difficulty breathing.
Tannis thought that this was the result of going against God.
Sir Wilham immediately took control of the situation as soon as he arrived at the scene. Tannis noticed with regret that he was an outdated knight who should be displayed in a museum. People like him would let the Knight's Code and the Knight's Creed guide all his actions without using his brain. He was the kind of knight that Stone Brightblade had always hated. Fortunately, such knights had been much fewer in recent years. He did not know which god or which goddess had arranged for him to meet Tannis and the others.
Then, of course, Duke Wilhelm insisted on escorting them to the tomb himself.
Thank you, my lord. Tannis tried to shake the guy off. However, this is a very private matter for us. I believe you can understand. We hope that we can…
That was impossible! (Humph humph) Sir Wilhelm would never allow this. (Cough cough) The famous Half-Elf Tannis and the famous Caramon Mazelier and their friend, the young Crown Knight, were visiting the Paladin Sanctuary for the first time. How could they not have someone to accompany them? No, no,(ahem) there should be a whole team of knights accompanying him!
Sir Wilhelm gathered six fully armed knights and arranged them into a neat line. He led the team to the Paladin Sanctuary. The knights 'footsteps were heavy and slow, as if they were going to attend a funeral.
Maybe he really was going to a funeral, Tanis whispered. Ours.
He glanced at Caramon. The burly man shrugged unhappily. They had no choice but to follow behind.
The knights came to the iron gate engraved with a pair of Paladin symbols. Behind the door was a staircase that led to the tomb.
Shi Gang walked beside Tanis. What did you do over there? He asked in a low voice, his suspicious eyes shifting between the half-elf and the knight.
Me? Nothing, Tanis replied.
Shi Gang did not believe him. Are you some kind of weird mage?
No, I'm not, Tanis answered cautiously. They had yet to escape, so it was probably still too early. I don't know what happened, I only know that you should have received the oracle you needed!
Shi Gang's face was extremely pale. Awe and fear were clearly written on his face. Tannis found himself sympathizing with the young man. What was even stranger was that he actually felt that she liked him a little.
I know how you feel, Tanis told him softly. The knights came to the iron gate and began to pass torches, ready to illuminate the dark stairs leading underground. I once faced the Queen of Darkness, Your Majesty. Do you know how I feel? I want to kneel down and worship her.
Tannis trembled at the thought of this memory. Even though it had happened many years ago, he could not control himself. Do you understand what I'm saying? Empress Takhisis isn't a god I worship, but she's still a god. I am but a puny mortal. Other than worshipping her, what else can I do?
Shi Gang did not answer. He seemed to be immersed in his own world. Paladin had given him an oracle that had mocked his request. What was the meaning of this to him?
The iron door opened. The knight began to walk down the stairs in a serious manner.
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