Mephisto’s Last Stand
Here we are. The end of the backstory of AURORA MORTIS. Seems like just yesterday I had started talking about it. Without further ado, here is the track story for Mephisto’s Last Stand.
“As they traveled by day to the grand city of Lior, the Count told Erdinus what he knew of the Dire Prophecies’ most pertinent verses. Soon, if the scrolls and songs of old were to be believed, an invasion force would strike the capital, bringing death and destruction to countless innocents.
When at last the mortal—with the old man as his guide—arrived at the Capital of Lior, they found its once magnificent walls and spires and chapels blackened by malice. The armies of the Demon Prince Mephisto had beaten them to their destination; he would not leave without collecting souls to take back with him to the under-dark, least of all without a good fight. And Erdinus would not stand by while the young and infirm suffered at the hands of this vile creature. To hell with redemption or an old man’s knowledge, he told himself. I shall lead this city to salvation.
“Man is flawed, Erdinus,” the devil proclaimed, relishing the sight of the destruction and desolation around them. “Evil will reign for ever, you see, because darkness lives in the hearts of all mortals. Your desires, your ambitions—so many different names for that beautiful key which unlocks the human soul. Opens it up to corruption.”
“I’ve seen that darkness,” said Athelard, unswayed. “Within myself. In times of war and otherwise. In the loveliest of the Sirens, in my own kinfolk, and in the tormented eyes of those who dwell in the Depths for all of time. But I’ve seen, too, the strength of the spirit to overcome it. The sword, the soul—I have seen all manner of evil shatter against them. You’ll fare no better, imp.”
The clash between Erdinus and Mephisto, between the citizens of the Realm and the Demon Prince’s armies, was long, brutal. The soul collector was relentless, and he took on a multitude of ungodly forms as he drew more and more power from the capital. But Athelard wielded purpose, righteousness, and something otherworldly besides.
Blow by blow, the ferocious mortal fought back the hideous devil at the city’s heart. And once he had Mephisto’s back against the cobblestone wall of the donjon-keep, his trusted sword found its mark, delivering a fatal blow. The creature let out a deafening roar of defiance as his heart exploded, and what remained of his flesh pierced reality itself, retreating to the foulness of Depths.
A light rainfall found the capital, at first, but it was followed not long afterward by the warmth of the sunshine. And—for the briefest, most triumphant moment—Lior shone like a dwarven betrothal ring.
Count Visalius placed a hand on Erdinus’s shoulder, a rare smile on his weathered face. “
“Well done, m’boy. You’ve proven that even the darkest of forces are no match for the human heart.” He placed his other hand on Athelard’s chest, just then, and his smile faded to a look of mingled confusion and concern as he felt the jewel that still hung there against the younger man’s armor: the auld amulet known as the Duskheart.
Too tired to appreciate the full gravity of the occasion, Erdinus simply nodded, hoping he’d returned the old man’s smile, too. The Battle of Lior marked his most legendary victory yet; the people of the capital would celebrate for weeks, even months to come, penning songs in his honor.
Of course, his quest was far from over, he realized. But he had made a difference in a world beset by darkness. He took a slow breath, looked to the horizon, and felt the sorrow drain from his heart, if only for to-day.”
This may be the end of the story, but it’s far from the end of AURORA MORTIS. I got some dope things in the pipeline that I can’t wait to reveal to you soon. Until then, appreciate you reading.
Peace,
-Sam