Author’s note: This was written for Round 21 of #ChoicesCreates: “What if…?” The prompt reminded me of an idea that Queenie Lune and I discussed on one of the Choices Facebook groups. After I posted an image of Azura’s album Ride the Lightning (based on the Metallica album of the same name), she said that she had thought about the hot long-haired guys from The Crown and the Flame forming a power metal band. I loved the idea and we discussed who should be in the band. I then created images of their debut album (front cover and back cover with the track listing). I called the band Warriors of Stormholt, and when she saw the images, she said she had thought of the same name for the band. This piece expands on the idea.
Warriors of Stormholt
Raydan Lykel – vocals
Kenna Rys – vocals
Noa Keawe – guitar
Will Jackson – bass
Tevan Drammir – keyboards
Val Greaves – drums
Management by Whitlock
Road crew/special effects: Dominic Hunter and Sei Rhuka
“You’re on in ten minutes! Is everyone ready?” Whitlock looked around. “Hey, where’s Raydan?”
“Probably off in the shadows somewhere,” Kenna said. “He’ll make it in time.”
“Fancy Man said something about wanting to save his voice for the show.” Val turned to Kenna. “Do we need him? You could sing everything.”
“Of course we need him, Val! The songs wouldn’t sound the same without him. And people would know, right, Whitlock?”
“Yes, thanks to my new technology. I made lots of those listening devices, and people will be able to buy them, along with copies of the album you recorded with more of my inventions.”
Jackson began walking toward the stage. “Let’s head out.” As Noa, Tevan, and Val began to follow him, Raydan emerged and walked over to Kenna.
The wolf pup ran out in front of the curtains. “Presenting the Warriors of Stormholt!”
The curtains parted, and Tevan began to play the keyboard introduction. Noa came in on guitar not long afterward, and Jackson joined in on bass. Val started beating on the drums. Dom and Sei stood on opposite sides of the stage, just out of sight.
As flames shot up into the air, Raydan and Kenna came out and took their places in the front, and the band began to perform their opening song, “Bite of the Black Asp.”
In the alleys of Abanthus
Waiting to strike
Beware the bite of the black asp
There’s nowhere you can run
Nowhere you can hide
You are always within its grasp
They followed with “Broken Alliance” and “In the Shadows.” Then Raydan spoke to the audience. “Thank you!” The crowd cheered. “Remember, what you think is reality may just be an illusion!” As they began “Illusion of Betrayal,” Val focused her energy on the drums and tried not to think too much about the lyrics. Kenna and Raydan alternated on vocals, telling both sides of the story.
At the end of the next song, “Mechataur,” most of the band exited the stage, and Noa began his guitar solo. After several minutes, the others returned, and they played “The Fire Inside.”
Once again, Raydan addressed the crowd. “We’re glad to be here with you tonight in Stormholt. We’re heading back out on the road tomorrow, but tonight I am yours!” The band then segued into the power ballad “Tonight I Am Yours.”
After performing “Never Surrender,” Kenna and Raydan called out to the crowd, “Thank you! Good night!” They walked off the stage, and the crowd began chanting “Warriors of Stormholt!”
A few minutes later, Noa, Jackson, Tevan, and Val returned to the stage and began playing “Riding the Dragon.” Dom flew out in dragon form, with Kenna on top of him, and Sei flew out with Raydan. Kenna and Raydan sang as the dragons flew above the audience, sometimes swooping down near the fans. As the song ended, they flew back to the stage, and Kenna and Raydan dismounted. Noa threw guitar picks into the audience, and Val tossed her drumsticks. As the crowd cheered, the band lined up and bowed, and then exited the stage.
After the equipment had been packed up, everyone enjoyed the afterparty, with plenty of wine and ale.