In response to his roar, several wolves started surrounding him. He counted at least 5 but knew there were more in the mist. Better safe than sorry, he drenched his blade and claws with a sleeping poison. It should put the wolf to sleep but time varies on the breed and how much poison was applied.
Suddenly, a single wolf lunged at him baring its teeth. Everheart quickly sidestepped the attack and scratch the wolf on the side. It fell to the ground and snarled at him before fainting. Several more wolves took the opportunity to start attacking. He managed to knock one out with a quick jab with his claws but the others manage to sink their teeth into his arm and leg. Grabbing the wolf on his arm, he ripped it off his flesh and threw it at the one biting his leg, sending them both to the ground. Blood began to drip down his arm and leg, but the adrenaline in his veins blocked all the pain. Suddenly, his limbs became numb. The feeling slowly spread throughout his entire body where he fell into a deep slumber. The last thing he heard was the voice of the demon saying:
Time is up Everheart.
Everheart woke up in a long dark corridor. Heavy blue tapestry lined the wall, hanging on rods of gold embellished with carvings of lions, their ruby red eyes glinting in the candlelight. A lone blue candle sat on the floor casting a dim glow on the dark stone walls. Between each tapestry was a tall window looking out into an endless expanse of nothingness. In front of him was a hallway that stretches as far as the eye could see. Behind him was a wall as a dark as the void through the windows.
“Hello?” His voice echoed through the long hallway before disappearing into the darkness. With no other options, he picked up the small candle and started walking.
As he walked, the tapestry that lined the walls started to change. Before they were all empty now they were gradually being filled with strange writings and images. They displayed a hellish landscape with towering mountains that spitfire. Dragons, demons, and arch Fae dotted the sky. Below them were rivers of boiling blood and the corpses of the masses.
As he continued to walk, the tapestry began to change once more. The hellish landscape became one more familiar. Long chains of mountains topped with snow arrange across the entire horizon. Lush valleys filled with various kinds of animals and creatures. The strange writings also change to common though broken and barely understandable. All he could make out were words about freedom and suffering.
Further on, the tapestry displayed an event from his past that still haunted his nightmares. The night seven years ago, where he broke his oath. His crusade of 12 Paladins were hunting a demon that was terrorizing a local city. After weeks of gathering information and preparing, they finally moved out to battle. Little did they know, the demon had learned of their plans and made a trap of their own. The fight began as expected but once the clock stroke midnight all Hell broke loose. The demon grew exponentially in power and manage to possess one of the paladins. In desperation, Everheart pleaded with the demon to spare his comrade. In return, he would allow the demon to possess him.
Everheart turned away from tapestry and moved on. It was too painful to relive his past, even if it was only an image. Past the event of that night, the tapestry showed more of his adventures after his life in the crusades. His dealings with the clans of Waterdeep. His journey in search of the nine hells. His struggle with the priest of Tiamat. He met many friends but just as many enemies. Though he never dared to become close knowing the demon would only use it against him.
Back in the forest, the battle against the wolves rages on. Everheart now a vessel for the demon went on a rampage against the wolves. Wanting to test out his new body, the demon held in his to the sky and conjured a small blue flame. Then in an instant, a bright light followed by a vigorous exploding of fire erupted from his palm. Vibrant shades of blue twisting and melding together to that of an enormous fireball that burned everything to a crisp. Once the fire faded, all the wolves around Everheart were nothing more than piles of charred flesh. The arm that the demon used to cast the spell was also as damaged as the surrounding area. Burnt flesh, singed fur, and veins of glowing amber.
My my this will do. Such a beautiful vessel with so much power. Though this cursed magic will be rather troublesome.