The sun had beaten down upon Dorgon's tired body. It had all been a few hours since his encounter with Eric, the leader of The Vampire Hunters. However with no sleep for the last two days, Dorgon was nearing the end of this rope. The sandy desert of the Melchian land was merciless to all those who crossed her field. What was once a vision of topical paradise had now been turned to a barren wasteland, which was littered with hundred and hundreds of bleached bones. 
           The dry bones were the remains of travelers, hunters and vampires alike. The valley of the bones laid as a testament to cruelty Nosgoth unleash upon the in land, in the retaliation to Kain's refusal to die. Nosgoth seemly smiled a fatal smile, knowing that all who tend this land will soon share in her fate. Kain was the cancer; there was no doubt about that. However it was the least of Dorgon's problems.
          Starved, tired and thirsty to the point of collapse Dorgon pushed on: climbing down canyon walls, taking shelter from the hot, hot sun and fighting vampires who await in the darkest of shadows for their mid-day snack. Finally Dorgon could push no farther. After sending a small group of vampires to meet their death by sunlight he dropped to his knees and crawled into the shade in which his attackers had so recently occupied. There in the cool shade sleep had finally come.
           Slap! Slap! Slap! Dorgon was wide-awake now there was no mistake about that. With sleepy eyes he peered up at he who dare to wake him. It was an old man with a long white stringy beard, pale blue eyes and a long thin face. He wore tattered clothes that were patched together. Apparently sown together from the clothes of dead travelers. In his right hand the old man held a fine crafted staff with a small axe blade forge to bottom half.
            "What are you, old man?" Dorgon asked looking up at the tired old man.
            "I am your only hope of getting out of here alive." The old man responded in a soft wheezing voice.
            "Old man I have no need of your help. I can survive out here on my own. I have for these past weeks and will for the weeks to come."
            "Ah, I see. You are a Hunter then, are you not?"
            "I used to be."
            The old man nodded, then turned and kneeled behind him. Dorgon stood to his feet and watched the old man carefully. The old turned back to Dorgon this time holding a wineskin in the left hand. 
           "Care for some water."
           "Yes, please." Dorgon said as he took the wineskin and began to drink.
           "Take as much as you like, I have more where that came from."
           With that said Dorgon held the skin straight up letting the water pour into his mouth and over his heat exhausted body. 
            "Thank you old man." 
            Dorgon wiped his mouth off and licked his fingers clean. The Old man chuckled. Dorgon smiled at the kindly old gentleman. 
            "Thank you sir. I am called Dorgon. That is all I truly know. I awoke one morning and have forgotten all there was to know about me. I am on a quest through Nosgoth to learn of my heritages."
            "You may call me, Ian. I am a hermit in these mountains. There isn't a place I don't know, or a vampire who doesn't know me. I keep away from them if they keep away from me."
            Dorgon laughed. "I sure you'd give them what coming to them. Judging by that axe blade of yours I most definitely lose in a fight with you."
            "Bah! You are a nice kid. You haven't a clue to what you're talking about, but you’re nice."
            "You say you know every place within these mountains?"
            "Yes."
            Dorgon opened up his pack and took out his journal. Dorgon scrabbled to find the last entry he had placed in just a few hours ago. When he found it he showed it to Ian.
           "I am looking for these glyph's shrines. I found one several hours ago. I believe that they may give me insight in my quest. Do you know if there is another near by?"
           Ian looked up at Dorgon with a look fear. "Yes, I know where is one. But why look for danger? Don't you know that these shrines houses forbidden magic. I don't know what help that they may be of to you."
           "Please, help me kind sir. I need to know where is this other shrine." Dorgon pleaded. 
           Against Ian's better judgment he agreed to tell Dorgon. "Okay I will tell you. Beyond the region of Melchiah's factory lies a small-secluded lake. Though I fear in time it will flood this land. In this lake is small but forgotten shrine. It is sealed with an iron gate. Passage should be easy however since the gate itself is rusted beyond repair, a kick should allow you entry. Once inside swim up the stair until you reach an air pocket."
            "Thank you Ian. I shall not forget this."
            "Hold you thanks until the end. I have only been in there once. It was apart of the Mentalist Nupraptor retreat that is long forgotten. But before dealing with the untold powers of the glyph shrine you must past through the very lair of Melchiah himself, and he does not take kindly to visitors. I will show you part of the way. After of course I give you food, water, and rest before your journey."
            Dorgon sighed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Ian." 
            "Now come with me boy, we got lots to do before you head off."
            The air-hung heavy over Dorgon as he made his way through the damp moss invested canyons. After spending the day with Ian resting and restoring his strength Ian showed him to this place. The water was stagnating polluted with the leftovers from Melchiah's children. The stench was beyond what Dorgon could ever take. Yet he knew wading in the waters was his only hope to survive this far into Melchiah's territory. 
            Like all the vampires in Nosgoth the Melchiams were burned by water. That which brings life to humans brings death to the vampires. If any vampires should sense his presence the water would shield him. However there is a limit to what a man can endure. With the heat of the mid day sun combined with the humidity and smell of rotting carcasses, Dorgon was pushed beyond reason. 
            "Just a little further, I am almost there." He kept chanting to himself, motivating himself to win the prize. It would be worth it, even if he were to find nothing in the shrine it would be worth it to know. After a long time of enduring the torture of the waters if finally reached the entrance to Melchiah's factory. 
            It was here that Kain had begun work upon his most insidious plot. Kain was going to block out the sun's light using the abandon ruins of the Dark Eden just North of the Dumahian territory in the heart of his second born son, Turel's, domain. Kain had ordered the building of a factory that would turn out the much-needed coal. The coal produce here would then be burned to create a shield of smoke to protect them from the sun. 
            The entrance was heavily guarded due the interest the factory held to both the vampires and the hunters. Dorgon climb out of the river and hid behind a large pillar. Dorgon took off his pack and hid it in a small hole then covered by a rock to keep it safe until he returned. Then Dorgon spotted the vampire guards. By Dorgon estimation there were five units patrolling the entrance.
            "Ten against one, it's a little more than I am used too, but nothing impossible."
            Dorgon moved slowly towards the entrance. Then he stopped, for just before him laid canal. It must have been used to drain the water by Nupraptor's Retreat. The canal had been obviously the work of human slaves to open up passage for the coal mining efforts. But Dorgon could use this as a means for entry. For the canal must lead inward towards the mining shafts, and if he was lucky enough maybe even into the lake where the next glyph shrine lay. 
           The only problem was how to get pass the vampire guards? Dorgon knew full well the minute he’s discovered that most of them would attack him, while others would run to warn Melchiah. Dorgon searched the grounds. It was too late in the day to use the gift of mist, for all the fog had evaporated now midday. Even if he could use the gift, with so many guards he would run the risk of eye contact and breaking the spell. 
           No, Dorgon had to find another way. His eye caught a glimpse of something interesting. Up in the left-hand side of the entrance a wooden plank was used to brace several large boulders in place. If Dorgon could get his aim and timing just right he could use his gift of telekinesis to collapse the structure creating the distraction he'd need to get in the canal. 
            The guards moved in a synchronized pace of two and two going in opposite direction. His chance would be when all the guards turned facing the front of the factory. There would only be a second to react. After destroying the brace some of the vampires would be crushed then the others would run to their aid given Dorgon a few seconds to hurry into the canal and begin swimming against the current in the factory.
            With the plan set Dorgon was ready for action. Dorgon removed his tunic to prepare for the swim and placed it by the rock where he had hidden his pack. When the timing was right he stood and fired. Then it happened one of the guards saw him. The guard began charging him. But before the others could help, the landslide occurred crushing half the guards. It would hold them but not for long. The rouge vampire that spotted Dorgon had no time to think. 
            He turned to run inside to tell his master of the intruder. Dorgon instigated pursuit after the rouge vampire. The fiend stopped at the edge of the canal preparing itself for a jump across. Dorgon dove in at vampire taking the demon in with him into the canal. The vampire burned alive in the canal while Dorgon safety entered the inner workings of the factory. 
            Once Dorgon passed under the walls of the factory he immediately arose from the water to breathe. The vampires of the factory scuffled out the doors to attend the collapse outside. 
            "It worked better than I planned," Dorgon thought, "with the vampires outside it can allow me to move freely inside." 
            The Factory was filled with the mechanical noses and huge metal crates used to dig out the coal. The human slaves were chained to their post like dogs working endlessly pushing the crates of coal to and from the mining shafts. Being cautious enough to not even let his presence be known to the human workers, Dorgon swam through the canal. Time to time Dorgon found he had to come for air, but it could only be for a split second. 
           Soon Dorgon found himself outside again. The canal had ended at a small pool of water with a stone standing up from the middle. Straight ahead of Dorgon was a natural water fall, one of the few remaining since the formation of "The Abyss" or as the humans call it "The Lake of the Dead". Dorgon trended the water up the pool, then notice that the pool went suddenly downward. Upon closer examination Dorgon realized that this must be the lake Ian was referring to. 
           Dorgon got out of the canal and studied the depths of the waters. With the debris sent down by the waterfalls it was hard to determine the distance down. He needed just to go blind faith. The from behind him voices came. They spoke in the vampiric language, however Dorgon could understand.
           "What do you mean there is an intruder?" Bellowed the first voice. 
           “I didn't mean to upset you Lord Melchiah. However there was a landslide at the gate and we found a vampire in the canal. We have reason to believe a hunter of some sort did this." The frighten fledgling answered back.
           "We must go deal with this problem before it is too late. Come child let us find this intruder." 
           Dorgon was in a panic. They knew he was here and with the Lt. Melchiah only yards away there was no time to think. Dorgon took a running dive into the lake and hoped that he found what he came here looking for.
           Hitting the waters was a rush in itself. For this lake unlike the other bodies of water was fresh. Dorgon after a few moments could see clearly in all directions. In the lower corner of the lake there was the Iron Gate in which Ian had spoken of. Dorgon swam right too it and grabbed hold. The gate was black covered in moss and rust. Using his gifts of telekinesis Dorgon blast the gate right off it's hinges. Swimming up the submerged stairwell Dorgon could see a light glimmering above the surface of the waters. Dorgon surfaced and slowly walked up the remaining stairs. There in front of him stood another statue this time of the Mentalist Nupraptor.
            The room had remained untouched for centuries. The humidity had caused large amounts of water damage, making the murals difficult to read. Dorgon approached the inner chamber slowly. Soon he came to three pillars arranged in circle encompassing an image of a human brain. Dorgon drew close to the effigy of Nupraptor. The eyes and mouth were made to look sown shut. In Nupraptor’s grief over the lost of his beloved, the guardian of the pillar of the mind in an ironic twist went insane. 
            It was here, Dorgon discovered, that Nupraptor had received some of his darker powers. Along the back wall of the shrine described in with the faded murals Nupraptor’s servants told the story. Long before the death his beloved Ariel and the fall of the Circle of Nine, Nupraptor, had stumbled upon this shrine, which was hidden deep with the mountain of his retreat. Here he discovered the Glyph magic. The long forgotten dark magic. Nupraptor found out how to use this magic to increase his own mental capabilities.
          Nupraptor began a search for more of this forbidden magic. Using the power of the Glyph Nupraptor became more and more powerful. The murals told of the mental unraveling of the Mentalist had begun long before he poisoned the minds of the circle. 
         Dorgon had read enough. He knew now that the Glyphs were not forces to be toyed with. Yet for some reason the image of the priest from the last shrine, stayed with him. Dorgon began to search the room for more answers. Looking above the entrance from which he came, he found them. The image of the Priest from the last shrine was engraved across the top. Though badly damaged Dorgon could make out his face. Within another hundred years these ruins would be totally destroyed, Dorgon thought.
          Out of the corner of Dorgon's eye he saw another interesting mural. Painted upon the left-hand side of the walls, were little enigmatic symbols. Each of the symbols placed strategically atop another larger canvas. Dorgon's eyes bulged upon realizing that which he was looking at. 
          "A map of Nosgoth?" He whispered. "Yes, this is where I started at Nupraptor's retreat and this is where I am now. By the gods I can't believe this exist. My quest has been laid out before me."
          There it was as plain as day, the map of Nosgoth, showing the location of each and every Glyph shrine. The Map was sorely outdated, however Dorgon knew enough about the land to know where to head off too. Now only one problem remained. Dorgon had to get out of Melchiah’s factory. It had been some time since he swam down here, but that could mean anything.
          Quickly Dorgon left the shrine and dove back in the water. He swam fast, yet as he neared the surface he could see the vampires above him. At first he thought he had been discovered and that they were now waiting for him. However as he got closer he found that they were not paying attention to him, they were watching something else. Dorgon swam to the far end of the lake to get out of their view. 
           Only after surfacing did Dorgon know what was going on. The vampire's had caught a prisoner, that which they believed to be their intruder. Dorgon gasped at the horror of realizing whom they were executing. It was Ian. Dorgon was out numbered thirty to one. There was no way he could reach Ian in time. 
           Just when Dorgon was about to give up hope, he heard a fledgling moan in pain. Look over to see what was the matter the poor vampire was standing mist, being so young had not developed a tolerance for it. In fact the whole ground was covered in mist. 
           "Oh course!" Dorgon thought, "It was now late evening, the mist had settled for the night."
           Wasting no time Dorgon used he dark gifts of mist. Quickly and silently moved his way through the crowd. No one looked his way all eyes were fixed upon the doorway. Dorgon knew that soon their Sire would be coming through that door. He had to hurry. Dorgon moved quickly up to the stake where Ian was tied. He moved up behind Ian and covered his mouth. Ian's eyes went wild in fear.
           “Don’t make sound Ian it is I Dorgon. I have come to rescue you." 
           Ian then relaxed. "It was I who came to rescue you," Ian whispered. "You were gone for so long I thought you needed help. I should have known better."
           Dorgon untied Ian and was ready to move him out, and then the doors opened. Out came the leader of the clan, Melchiah. With great elegance Melchiah came forth and greeted his children. There was much cheer and glee as they greeted their master’s presence. Then a sudden hush fell over the crowd. 
           "My children, you are all gathered here to witness the end of this pathetic human life." Melchiah begun.
           Ian pretended to still be tied up whispered over to Dorgon, "What are we going to do?"
           "I don't know Ian. But were going to have to fight our way out of here. Do you have a weapon?"
           "No they took my staff from me." Ian gestured to the center stage where Melchiah stood. "It's over there."
           Dorgon rolled his eyes, "Of course. Where else would be?"
           Dorgon got close to the ground and started crawl slowly to center stage were Ian's staff laid. Dorgon prayed that no one would see him. He kept his eye close to the ground to keep from eye contact. Soon Dorgon's hand gripped the staff and stood to his feet behind Melchiah himself. Then he came out of his mist spell. Dorgon confidently tapped upon Melchiah's shoulder.
            "What the..." Melchiah said taken by surprise.
            Dorgon took the staff at hit him in the center of his stomach, causing Melchiah to double over. Then in a single swing of the staff Dorgon swept Melchiah off his feet on to his back.
            "What is the meaning of this?" Melchiah Bellowed.
            "Pay back." Dorgon said as lifted the blade of the staff above his head. "No one messes with my friends." 
            Dorgon swung the blade to strike the final blow. Melchiah then rolled away just in time to avoid the blade. Melchiah stood and ordered his children to attack. As the hordes of vampires rushed to their master’s aide Dorgon threw the staff over to Ian and begun to use his telekinesis powers to blast away the demons.
Dorgon move quickly back over to Ian.
            "Can you swim old man?" Dorgon asked.
            "Do I have a choice?" Ian responded
            Dorgon shook his head and grabbed Ian by the arm. The two ran through the crowd and dove into the canal. The exiting went twice as fast as the entering. For this time Dorgon and Ian was going with the flow. Reaching the now ashed corpse of Dorgon's entry the two emerged from the canal. They ran over to the boulder where Dorgon had hidden his tunic and pack. Quickly putting his shirt and pack back on him and Ian began to run.
            They ran through the canyons of the Melchian territory, stopping for nothing. Soon the two arrived to a locked gate. Dorgon blew the door in and then realized they were now outside the main walls that separated the territories. They were close to victory. However it was now nighttime and the vampires would be coming soon, but they kept pushing, until they arrived at the boundary of another clan territory.
            "Take hold of me Ian." Dorgon ordered as he grabbed his cross bow and grabbling hook. 
            Ian grabbed on to Dorgon as he fired. With much care and speed Dorgon carried Ian and himself up the towering wall. Once they reached the top the hidden in a small chamber in the wall. The Melchiams wouldn't be able to find them now. They would wait until daybreak to continue on. And according to Dorgon's maps they would be venturing into the Razieliem territory home of another glyph shrine and the former home to his best friend Malik.

           Dorgon tossed and turned the entire night. Ian having been awoken for the third time sat and peered into the fire. Having now been exiled from his home of thirty long years, Ian was now running for his life. It was a new experience for him, for the first time in his life, Ian, was scared. The Melchiam's rarely ever gave him trouble and the few who knew of his existence avoided him. Now that Melchiah himself was on the prowl for him things were going to change. Although he had known that since he met Dorgon just three days prior.
            Suddenly in the distance a wolf howled at the bright full moon. Dorgon jumped up from his rest and sighed upon seeing Ian.
            "You're up rather late old man."
            "You tend to keep people awake with that loud snoring of yours you know."
Dorgon chuckled, "Malik used to say to me."
            Dorgon's brief smile turned into grief and sadness. The memory of his fallen friend had to been too much for him this time. Struggling to pull back the tears Dorgon turned away from Ian.
            "What is the matter Dorgon?"
            "Nothing," Dorgon sighed again. "I just miss him. He was the only friend I remember. I have told you that as of two years ago I have no memory of my life before. He was the first that I truly trusted."
            Ian turned his head downward. He had no idea on how to respond to his friend's pain. Yet he knew he could not just sit there and do nothing. Ian gave up and spoke.
           "I wish there was something I could say, but I am at a lost. I too lost people who were dear to me. My wife and child. The monsters of Zephon’s brood attack them. It was when I had discovered this that I quit."
           Dorgon turned back to Ian, "Quit?"
           "Yes, I was a Hunter from the wall fortress of Coorhagen. Upon finding my wife's body I went mad. I single handedly brought down her killers. Soon after I put down my sword for the last time and I wondered into the wilderness, into the heart of Melchiah's land."
           "I used to be a Hunter too, as you know. I came from Meridian or rather that is where I awoke. It was there that I came to know my rival Eric. Apparently he found me and brought me into the world of vampire slaying. Eric told me of the cause, to bring down Lord Kain and his vampire sons. The nobility of Eric’s speech enchanted me. For he had told me of his Sarafan heritage, dating back to the days of the Cabal.
           Eric promised me that he would help me discover my past, but instead lead me from one crusade to the next. He used me by turning my ignorance against me. It was during a raid of the Razieliem lands that Eric purposely placed me on the front lines, then ordered a retreat, leaving me alone to face the vampires. To this day I don't know why he did that, but now it doesn't matter.
           I was wounded and left for dead. The vampire nemesis didn't see me as worthy to feed upon. So I lay there bleeding death, begging to be put out of my pain. That's when Malik came along. He picked me up and carried me to his home. AT first I thought he was going to feed upon me. I had lost so much blood by this time I was incoherent and didn't understand a word he said to me.
           I woke some days later with my wounds bandaged and found food and water by my bedside. Malik had nursed me back to health. He recounted when and how he found me. Malik among a few other vampires within the clan of Raziel were sensing a change in the air and felt it would be in their best interest to gain as many allies as possible." 
            Dorgon stopped and looked across at Ian. "It had worked. He many a friend out of me."
            Ian wanted to know more. He wanted to know how and why Malik died. He wanted to know what Dorgon's quest entailed exactly. Yet he knew not to push him further than Dorgon was willing to go. Ian wasn't planning on leaving Dorgon any time soon and when the time was right he would tell him everything.
            "So where are you off too next?" Ian said at a long period of silence.
            "Where else, we will head east into the Razieliem territory. According to the map I found in the last Glyph shrine there is a shrine in or around the very throne room of Raziel himself."
            Ian paused. He was going to debate whether or not to ask this next question. However before he knew it the words rolled off his tongue. "Will you be okay heading through Raziel's land? You know what with Malik and all?"
            Dorgon sighed and looked to the east. "No, it is my duty and my quest to push farther to each and every shrine. I have made many friends among the Razieliem's. We can expect no trouble from them. However..."
            "However, what?" Ian asked.
            "Nothing. I shouldn't worry about it anyways."
            "Well let's try to go back to sleep, it will be day light soon enough."
Dorgon nodded in agreement. Ian lay down across his mat and closed his eyes. Yet Dorgon could not sleep. For the rest of the night Dorgon gazed into the dancing flame of the campfire until it burned itself out. Then Dorgon sat in the darkness until sunrise.