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 Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2009 11:18 pm
This is a story I began writing, oh, perhaps a year or somewhat longer ago.
It has been since discontinued, but I would like to share it. Please do not steal (although, this is so jumbled, I give kudos to anyone who can make sense of it all).
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:41 am
Okay, this is an introduction to the story setting and some of the main characters that I have invented. These are not all by far but will be the main characters to the central plot. Please note that this was an amateur/beginner's work. Feel free to leave comments. Just please don't be rude or overly critical.
The setting is a continent called Karafor, equal to medieval Earth times in technology. Magic, along with mythical creatures and mighty heroes, are commonplace. There are four countries: Sandura, the country of agriculture; Borza, the country of war; Caladan, the country of commerce; and Ilshia, the country of magic. The ocean is seemingly endless in all directions, and no other continents are known of.
Trova - a spy for Caladan. Skilled with bows.
Silva - a young girl trapped in a tower.
Aurumn - a knight devoted to his country, Borza.
Relyks - a powerful sorceress intent on starting a war.
Jet - a spy for Sandura.
Fog - a giant eagle.
Storm - A dragon.
Epsilon - A zar.
Isaac - A visitor from another world.
Lee - (Madeline) A visitor from another world.
Jeremy - A visitor from another world.
Xaltuman - ??? .
- a note from the author, added at 8/02/09: Once again, this has been discontinued... I also apologize if anything is too incredibly cliche.
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:44 am
Prologue - a Thief
t was night. A small castle, surrounded by an equally small village, rested in the dark. Lanterns hung from every window. Armed soldiers patrolled the walls.
A small moat surrounded the castle, though it was not filled with water, but with stakes. Any fall would be completely fatal. Covert entrance to the castle would not be possible on the ground.
Which was why Jet would fly over.
A giant eagle flew overhead. Jet, perched a mile away atop a particularly tall tree, whistled in communication. Everything was ready.
Then Jet leaped. And fell. And was caught by a giant eagle. And together they soared.
Jet landed with a thud on a tower roof. With an acrobatic nimbleness, he swung himself in through a window. Drawing a dagger, he proceeded to carry out his orders.
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:46 am
1 - The Malevolent
The kingdom of Borza was surrounded by mountains or ocean on all sides. Its only link to the rest of the world was a small mountain pass. Easily defensible, Borza excelled at military actions. And at mining precious minerals.
Gemstones could, if properly altered, increase or enhance magical energy focused through them, because of their crystalline form. And every magically adept being was linked with a certain gem. Such a link would greatly magnify, possibly tenfold, the magical ability of a spell being focused through such a gemstone.
A woman stood in a great, beautiful hall, just under a massive doorway. Opposite the doorway was a golden throne. Throughout the golden hall, magnificent golden pillars, completely adorned with sparkling gems, radiated with sunlight. The source of which were windows adorning the ceiling, which was far, far above the heads of the people currently inhabiting the hall.
The woman wore a trailing black cloak, held in place by a single silver brooch. Adorned on this brooch was a single sapphire, which seemed to change color when viewed from different angles. The sapphire glittered as if it had a life of its own.
Her hair was blue-black, held up by a pin, on which was another, smaller and constant-colored sapphire. Her eyes were cold - calm, calculating, and unrevealing of the thoughts that lurked beneath. Her expression was blank. Her eyes took in every detail of the great hall.
She seemed to wear self-confidence like a second cloak. The many armed soldiers stood straighter in her presence, and anyone who encountered her gaze developed a knot in their throat.
Sitting on the throne, and surrounded by many loyal knights, was the king of Borza. He was young, handsome, and held authority in every way he moved, spoke, and breathed. He wore gold and the royal purple, and more jewels and gems adorned him than the nearest pillar. His crown was a marvelous object.
Relyks walked through the hall, past the many magnificent pillars. All eyes followed her; none could tear away from her. After seemingly an eternity, Relyks stopped to stand before the king.
A serf unrolled a scroll, and announced their guest. "Presenting the emissary and replacement ambassador from Ilshia, come to our great nation to resolve delicate diplomatic issues and ensure a peaceful solution between our countries," the serf took a breath, "the newly appointed ambassador, Lady Relyks of Iredos."
Relyks bowed slightly, her expression remaining stoic. The king nodded, and stood in greeting. "Welcome to my country, Lady Relyks. While I must say that it was a great misfortune, the accident that befell your predecessor, I can also say that it is a pleasure to meet you, now."
Her voice beautiful and captivating, Relyks answered, "It is an honor to finally meet you, Your Majesty. I hope that I can help resolve certain... issues, and help find a non-violent solution to our problems."
The king nodded. "Well, tomorrow we can begin to negotiate. But you must be tired from your long sea voyage, so you shall be shown to your rooms. You shall have an attendant at all times to bring you what you may wish, and feel free to explore my castle. If anything is not to your liking, you may tell me in person."
And thus, the audience was over. Unknown to any human in Karafor, the beginning of the end had just ensued.
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:49 am
2 - The Lucky Knight
The Knights of Borza was an ancient and sacred order, separate from the king's army. All members were under oath do protect "Borza's citizens," no matter the cost. In recent times, however, the order has been warped and twisted, and has now become merely a tool for the king's wishes, rather than a guardian to the common people.
Officially, there were only twelve full members, along with fourteen recruits-in-training. But under the cover-up mask of politics and duty, were over a hundred assassins, bounty hunters, and spies. The Knights truly had become, a thing of evil.
The king did right by his subjects, in most circumstances. However, a corrupt political structure, which operated behind the notice of the general public, kept any true power. If necessary, a small group of dukes, knights, one grand duke, and several other politically powerful people of no public title could arrange a rebellion and overthrow the actual king, who because of this had no real power.
Most likely the only hope to preserve the integrity of the Knights would be the non-fully initiated recruits. Of these, was Sir Aurumn, a knight whose duties were nearly complete. Sir Aurumn was a senior recruit, nearly ready to take his test of honor.
His task would be to hunt and retrieve a fellow knight, who had been accused of heresy and sent into hiding. All knights received considerable training in all aspects of survival and combat. Magic, however, was forbidden to them. It was the most severe treachery that could be committed - it was taboo.
However, all knights were trained in a type of passive magic, one that was driven through sheer amount of training into their subconscious. Battle meditations, performed by the rate and rhythm of breathing and the stance that one moves with, were used to negate many forms of magic that could be used by an enemy against the knight.
This training, however, was not even known to the knights themselves, and a form of hypocrisy in and of itself, which was undetectable by modern knights.
Aurumn was like no other knight, however. For one thing, he was lucky.
"Wake up." Aurumn awoke with a start. He'd dosed off. Facing him stood another knight - older, battle-scarred, time-weathered. Hanging on either side of the stone corridor were tapestries depicting epic battles. Knight-General Laute was speaking. Aurumn shook his head and listened.
"...the traitor. Do you understand?" Aurumn rubbed his eyes and shook his head. Laute sighed. "It is time. Your final test. Track down that turn-coat Aberrecka. You will have to rely on your wits, for he is too strong to take down by force. And you must do everything possible not to let his inane, psychotic rambling get to you. He will try to turn you. Against the order. Against your country."
Aurumn yawned, then quickly saluted. "I understand, sir."
"Good," approved Laute, "then you are free to go. You have a mount in the lower-city stables. And Aurumn-" said Laute as Aurumn turned to leave, "have luck." Aurumn nodded, and turned to leave.
On the other side of a stone wall stood someone who had been listening intently.
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:50 am
3- Shadows
Any magician of any level of talent would be able to perceive the energy in the room as... hostile. Relyks stood, surrounded by five robed figures, each sitting at a half-circular table. The table was completely silver, and unmovable from the floor to which it was permanently attached. Surrounded by this intimidating council, most would assume that the speaker, the only person standing, would be quite unnerved. But no emotion came from her lips, and no expression lined her beautiful face. Relyks was truly detached from emotion, for she viewed it as weakness.
The council was discussing the sorceress' daring proposal. If they did not accept her plan, they would certainly expose her true, nefarious intentions to the king. But they were very interested in this plot.
The quiet murmurs ended, and a council member with a long, white beard stood to speak. "Very well, Madam Relyks. We will, after some debate, agree to your proposal. However, we seek some... minor changes in your plan."
A hooded council member stood, leaning against the solid table for support. A woman's voice, grave and unsteady, echoed from her hidden lips. "We want more power than what you have offered us. And," she paused to breathe, "you need to leave the Knights order alone. We can persuade them to see things our way, and... they are a valuable resource."
A laugh, serene and quite unexpected, echoed through the small room. But the expression that Relyks' face held was not amused, but devious. Her voice seemed to originate from a siren, and skin crawled, turning icy cold, when she spoke. "The Knights are a complication. You may trust my word that they will not be required for what I shall bring to pass."
A third robed council member stood, broad and bulky, a broadsword hanging from his hip. His hands clutched the table, his knuckles were white. "The Knights we have almost complete control over. You seek to undermine our position, while tricking us into trusting you. And you secretly charm us with bare hints of magic spells. You overrule me by majority of the vote, my fellow council, but I cannot help but point out the schemes this witch attempts. We cannot lose the Knights. If we do, then our control is gone." With this, the murmuring began again. Relyks' expression once again became stoic.
A fourth member stood. He spoke slowly, and handled his words with care. "Relyks offers... more than mere Knights. With her powers... Even if she stands to take from us our control, we are better to side with her than against her. She will achieve her goals with or without our help. That is why my vote... says we must aid her." This decision seemed to appeal to all five members of the council.
The white-bearded man nodded, and spoke as the other members sat again. "We will accept your proposal completely, Madam Relyks."
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:53 am
4 - If you wish to find a tree,
Use a magnet
They say that if you wish to hide a tree, use a forest.
Things couldn't be anymore appropriate, thought Jet. Fog was somewhere above, free to fly around to his heart's content. And here Jet was, having to find the single tree that held a secret passageway. Inside would be found an entire rebel faction, their intent decidedly against the current king's pro-peaceful policies.
This special tree was said to be completely crafted from metal, made to look amazingly realistic. And supposedly, it could be found with a compass. Apparently not, however, as Jet had been scouring the wilderness for nearly a whole day, unable to get any reading other than true north on his makeshift compass.
Finally Jet fell to the ground, leaning against a tree stump. He started a small fire with which to prepare a light meal. Fog, his beast companion, drifted slowly to the ground. It eyed Jet with a knowing gaze.
Jet rubbed his brow, trying to let go of his frustration. He sighed, painfully aware of the eagle's stare. "I know that I am lost. Feel free to patronize me, really."
The eagle remained silent. Jet silently counted until he calmed down. Settling down, he pulled a small burlap sack from his traveling pack. Gently untying the strings, he pulled a small sparkling object into view. It glistened in the sunlight, catching and reflecting the light.
Located in the center of the golden amulet was a gemstone. Jet could not tell which it was. The rotating rays of light caught Fog's attention as well. It was almost mesmerizing. Looking closely, Jet could almost see an image in the gemstone's depths. He perceived a young, dirty-faced little girl, holding a....
Jet dropped the amulet into the sack and quickly tied the strings. There were legends about this great object, ancient stories in which those that were guilty who stared into the gem's depths fell into a transfixed state of hypnosis. Either that, or they lost their mind. And for stealing such an object, Jet was sure that he could be called quite guilty.
Jet had no idea what the object even was, but he was almost positive it possessed magical power. Jet then noticed something strangely peculiar. The burlap sack moved slightly in a direction, then fell back to gravity's tug, before tugging again in the same direction.
Jet covered up all evidence of his small camp and followed the sack's direction. Fog took flight and followed. Eventually, Jet came up to a perfectly-shaped tree. Tapping on it, he realized it was a metalwork. Jet untied the sack and held up the amulet. It quickly attached itself to the tree. Jet removed the amulet and replaced it in the sack.
"Now, how do I get in?"
The sound of steam echoed through the forest as a roughly square-shaped hole opened in the middle of the metal tree.
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:54 am
5 - Another World
There were four competitors. The female among them was scheming, grinning with a brutal intent readable in her eyes. Across from her, a male with red hair swallowed nervously.
On the female's left, the red head male's right, sat a second, utterly defeated male, shaking his brown-haired head and wondering how he could have lost. Across from the defeated male sat the last male, brown headed as well but not yet in the clutches of defeat.
"Your time's up. What'cha gonna do?" Asked the female, her voice menacing and filled with glee.
The red-haired male sighed, then laid down his cards. "I fold." The last remaining brown-headed male shook his head. Without hesistating, he pushed all his chips into the middle of the table.
"HA!" Yelled the red-haired girl, slamming down an ace and an ten of diamonds, making a straight flush.
The brown-haired constester simply dropped his head against the table, tossing out his mere two-pair for all to see.
"Victory is the sweetest when it's so rightfully earned." Came the female's voice, though her three competitors were all looking elsewhere.
The girl dropped her cap on the table, revealing unnaturally bright, dyed red hair. She laughed in victory, gleefully announcing the game's results to the entire treehouse's population of insects and birds.
"Now pay up." Came the demand as all three boys groaned. Nick complied with an obvious statement, "You haven't beaten me yet."
"You're my cousin," Lee, the girl, replied. "I'll get your money eventually anyway." The cap was filled with lunch money in seconds, then snatched back up to be emptied into the piggy bank that sat on a nearby counter.
The four friends were in Lee- Madeline -'s backyard, in the treehouse she helped her father build. And it was a treehouse. Three stories, with two separate balconies and four different ways to travel from ground to deck, including climbing the actual tree.
"I should go," Jeremy announced. "I have some projects I need to finish before tomorrow." Nick rolled his eyes. "I have soccer practice soon."
Lee, content with her friends' money if not their company, simply bid them farewell and climbed up higher into her domain. Isaac climbed after her, intent on asking the question.
Above the main room, where the table, the different various furniture, and the trap door were located, was a deck with a small room - Isaac knew not what was in there. A railing surrounded the entire west side of the deck. Lee enjoyed watching sunsets in her uber-tall treehouse.
Above that deck was a small balcony, accessible only by ladder. It was for enjoying the sun in this cool climate, and had a small lookout post that gave an extra three feet to anyone standing on that deck.
The second balcony rested off of the main room. It had no real purpose. Under the trap door was just a simple platform, which had to be climbed to in one way or another to reach the singular trapdoor. A makeshift dumbwaiter could be transfered up to the room which Isaac had not entered.
The treehouse had been a source of much fun and games for the friendly foursome, in earlier years. On her fourteenth birthday, Lee and her dad remodled it to the monstrosity of a treehouse that it was today.
Lee was sitting on the railing, watching the four o'clock sun droop. Isaac approached. She was sketching the horizon.
Isaac hopped over the rail to sit on it as well, and scared both of them when he almost fell. Lee thrust her arm in front of him, helping his balance be maintained.
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:55 am
6 - The Rebels
"Canlokus vi Pavald." Came the low, echoing voice.
Jet stood inside a small cavern directly under a metal tree. The only thing that could be seen was the bulky warrior, who was holding a lantern. Jet could see nothing else, though felt claustraphobia creeping in on him. The room was no doubt very small.
"Setikadas." Replied Jet, in an ancient, unused dialect. The warrior accepted the password and turned, motioning for Jet to follow. Jet soon found himself in a pitch black maze, if not for the latern to lead the way. Jet noted that he would not be able to find his way through the maze himself, with or without light source.
As they walked, Jet examined his assumed ally. A large, bulky man, bald-headed and wearing several tatoos. Jet could only suspect that they weren't alone, however. The maze was dark, save for the lantern, and the walls were of mined rock, their patterns irregular and fit to hide a spy hole or a peep hole in plain sight.
The journey through the maze took less than half an hour, though without a guide, one could become permanentely disoriented in the maze, with no light and no discernable route through.
At a seemingly random section of the walls - the ceiling was a mere two yards up, by the way - the warrior, who was tall enough to have to duck, pressed his hand on a particular stone embedded in the wall. The stone pushed in, like a button, and somewhere deeper into the earth mechanics slowly roared to life.
Jet expected a segment of the wall to rise or open up, in some fashion. What he did not expect was for the floor of the small, claustrophic maze to shift, giving Jet a momentary fear of being crushed. The earth shifted, not into the depths of crushing pressure, but simply down about four yards, to where the maze in which the two had just been occupying was now unreachable.
The new area they were connected to contained space, light, and armed sentries. Unlike the somewhat aged warrior, the three guards here were young - possibly not even adult yet. Jet doubted that the three could pose a challenge to him in combat, unlike the most likely seasoned veteran of war beside him.
The only female in the room nodded towards the old warrior. All three smiled - they obviously knew the warrior as a good friend.
The warrior grunted, then addressed Jet with an unusually low voice, though not of dislike or resentment. "We have arranged quarters for you for as long as you need to stay. We have rules which will be explained to you shortly, and I personally suggest that you comply with them, not because of our hospitality, but because you really don't want to be trapped down here with me at your throat."
All three guards smiled at this, though the warrior presented no obvious signs of smugness himself. Jet simply nodded. He and the warrior proceeded through what looked like the rebel faction's entire headquarters.
There were people. Not a numerous amount of people, just a few people. From what he and the old warrior navigated, Jet suspected that this underground world was capable of housing an entire city. It seemed large enough, just from the atmosphere that Jet felt.
The people he passed were mostly young folk, the most probable kind to be anti-peaceful. Most of them would have suffered through the last Great War as children. There were some older folk as well - senior people, not just too old to be considered young, like Jet's warrior escort.
As for the structure itself, the corridors were not much bigger than those of the maze, except torches and such were spaced methodically along the walls. There were crude rooms every so often - Jet suspected that spaces for sleeping and living were all crowded in one place. Occasionally, the corridors would open up into large, multiple-story spaces with balconies encircling on all side. It was a multi-story complex, one that Jet could become lost in most easily.
Jet could only suspect that the rebels - more commonly called the 'insurgents' by everyone else - were prepared to house large amounts of war victims in the event of another war. Between who, exactly, was the question, however.
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:56 am
7 - Port Zera
The hour was dusk. The water was calm. The sky was a bland yellow. The sun was blocked behind a sea of clouds. The town was bleak.
Over half the city consisted of constructed docks over water. Buildings - homes, shops and taverns, as well as ships of varying sizes. Some ships were permanently set - built around with docks and thus used as buildings themselves. A number of taverns were set up like this.
Of the half of the city that sat on land, the streets were small and the buildings packed. An eerie swamp surrounded the entire land city half, causing one to wonder who in their right mind to choose such a location for a city to spring up from.
Some, however, conclude that the city once was home to only pirates and bandits, a base of sorts. How it transformed into a city - albeit a lawless, crime-filled one - is indeed a mystery of the scholars.
However, the city was a destination for those looking for a place to hide - or those looking for those that are hiding. With the exeption of the outskirts, where actual boats docked and launched to sea on a regular basis, the city might not even be suspected of resting on piers.
Indeed, docks were so narrow, buildings so clustered together than long-time residents of the city are known to speak of three different cities in one: the streets, the rooftops, and the underworld.
The underworld was the residents' un-affectionate name to the maze of tunnels, rooms, and in some places, just plain water, that could be accessed via trapdoors located in some but not all buildings. Some tunnels were dug underground, but the majority of the pier-half of the city's underground consisted of just shallow water.
And by no means was it safe. It is said that alligators, snakes, and all manner of dangerous creatures - some claim otherwordly creatures - reside in the underworld's depths.
It was a city where a man could purchase a room for the night and expect not to wake up the next morning. And it was a city where power was critical. Power, or luck.
And it was here that Aurumn could expect to find trace or trail of the heretic.
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:57 am
8 - The Duty
The Misdemeanor. One of the many local taverns of Zera, though unique in that it was neither ship or building. It was also one of the most well known locations, a den of thieves and cutthroats.
Aurumn stood outside the Misdemeanor's entrance, a handsome cloak draping from his shoulders to not quite touching the ground. Instead of his armor, which was located in a safe place, the Knight carried only his sword at his side.
The Knights of Borza all wore armor. Each knight carried a custom-crafted sword, and each knight also had their own insignia, engraved onto said swords. Each knight also had a jewel encrusted into the pommel of said swords, the gem being chosen based on the individual knight's nature and accomplishments. Aurumn had no engraved sword, and no encrusted gem. He was not a true knight - yet.
Aurumn was little over thiry years of age - by far older than any other knight initiates but far younger than any true and living knight. Aurumn believed in his country, and his king. He believed in the inherent goodness of all human beings, and in the virtue of the Order.
Having been led by a liquor-loosened tongue, Aurumn was directed to this underground pit of drinking in his quest to find a heretic. Inside, no doubt, were more murderers than drunks. Aurumn's identity was protected by his cloak. One advantage of not having yet received his honorary sword, is that there was nothing linking him as to being a knight. If there was, drawinghis sword would invite a large, dangerous fight that would most likely escalate into a full-out barfight between anyone and everyone.
The knight was in no way uncofident of his abilities, but to be able to handle such situations with tact and discretion was as essential a skill as the ability to crush a foe, or many foes as the situation dictated, in combat.
The knight proceeded into the roofless structure. Twelve guards - bouncers: big, broad and burly - eyed him warily. However, no one inhibited his path. Aurumn entered the trap door in the floor, descending many yards underground into the only underground tavern in the city.
The Misdemeanor consisted of several floors, the lower the floor the more dangerous and disgusting it was liable to be. Vagabonds and crime ring leaders alike dwelled in such places of contempt.
The knight took no interest in the surrounding inhabitants of the tavern, only descended by stair to the lowest level of the facility. Here he was supposedly to find Aberrecka, the turncoat, the traitor, the heretic.
Tables were scattered, and many people were enthralled in vicious gambling games. Aurumn noted with disdain that there were bodies, corpses, piled in a corner. Open murderers, who needed to be brought to justice. Soon, but not by Aurumn. It was not his mission.
Aurumn found the traitor by indentifying his sword. Swords were important to knights, special in not just being a weapon but in becoming a part of the knight's identity. Aberrecka's sword held in its pommel a stone of topaz.
Aurumn felt no need to carry tact in this place. The observers of Aberrecka's soon-to-be death would only be more than happy to take his belongings, as Aurumn would leave him to rot in the horrible place.
Aurumn's plan did not go as he expected. Aberrecka seemed to know of his presence before he had even come close. Aurumn had drawn his sword, was feet away, when Aberrecka turned in a flurry from his drinking, knocking over his chair and holding his sword towards Aurumn's throat.
Consequentially, the entire floor had become quite.
The traitor said, "You seek to kill me, dog of the Order?" The air of the place quickly filled with angered murmurings. Aurumn saw that Aberrecka's blade had its insignia tempered away.
"I seek to exact vengeance on a traitor." the knight said. A suspiciously non-human-looking drinking companion of Aberrecka grunted in amusement.
"Your mission is a futile one, dog."
A circle had formed, a crowd surrounding two swordfighters in wait of the coming fight. Aurumn could not help feel the underlying drama in which this had become. Nevertheless, his mission was still clear. The knight said, "You are an iconoclast. You are nothing."
"Then why," Aberrecka asked, "have you been sent to kill me? To silence me? Is it because your Order is afraid of the truths I may preach?
"Tell me," Aberrecka continued, "what are your ideals? Your beliefs? Do you believe in following blindly the will of politicians?" The two warriors were at a stand-off. Neither could attack while in the positions they were.
The knight shook his head. "What I believe has no relevance. I have my duty."
"Ah yes, the Duty. The politicians, the corrupt, fat men who sit at home enjoying becoming fat. They guilt-trip you with meaningless words. I, however, am free. And I know the truth. The inevitable truth." he lowered his sword, his eyes grew wide, and he looked past Aurumn, at nothing but his own memory.
"I've seen it. I have... I know of the truth. And now I am to be silenced." Aberrecka returned to reality, his face once again resuming the harsh scowl he adopted since Aurumn entered the room. "But enough. You won't listen to me. You are ignorant, and will not listen to truth."
Abruptly, Aberrecka launched himself at the knight, sword held high. Aurumn dodged the lunge, spinning away and striking the heretic at the same time. Aberrecka flew off-balance, but was only nicked by the blow.
The heretic grinned, his eyes once again watching nothing in the distance. "I see it... death is coming for me. I have lost the discipline of the Order, I have turned from it... and it is not my place to right the wrongs that have occured. I see that now. Because of that, I cannot win here."
Aurumn regarded the heretic with anger. He was trying to draw the younger knight into a false sense of security. Aurumn knew he was being baited.
Aberrecka sobered once again. Aurumn once again received an angered scowl. "You will not be deceived. I respect a good opponent." Another lunge. Aurumn skillfully deflected the blow with his own sword. Both swords clattered to the ground. Aurumn punched the traitor in his stomach.
The stronger knight clutched at Aurumn's neck, throwing and pinning him against the wall. With his left hand, Aberrecka drew a knife from his belt. The knife raised, intent on striking. Aurumn kicked his foe's face, and both fell to the floor.
Aurumn's boots were reinforced with iron, making for a very painful kick. With one hand, the traitor clutched at his chin. With the other, he reached for a blade, only to be stepped on and broken by the same foot that had kicked him.
Aurumn rolled the defeated opponent over, placed his foot on his throat, and applied pressure. The traitor gave up fighting, resigned to his fate. "Y-you... have defeated me..." came Aberrecka's weak voice, "b-but you have not won... there will be others...."
Aurumn sheathed his sword. With Aberrecka's, he prepared to strike the final blow. The traitor's eyes widened. "M-my sword... how appropriate." The widened eyes then narrowed, and nostrils flared, as Aberrecka felt one last wave of contempt. "I, Aberrecka, seeker of Truth, charge you... in my place... to free this land..."
Aberrecka held out a simple scroll. Aurumn struck. The scroll fell.
Aurumn left the tavern, sword-in-sheath and sword-in-hand. And in his other hand, was clutched a scroll.
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:59 am
9 - Seeings
An eagle soared. Below, forests covered the land. Mountainous terrain was everywhere, but there were no clearings. Animals, creatures of many shapes and sizes roamed the land. There were no migratory fowl, and there wouldn't be for another few months.
The eagle flipped and twirled, performing amazing aerial acrobatics with a practiced ease. It maneuvered without difficulty through cloud and thermal, wings spread wide to catch and hold the wind.
A foreign consciousness resided in the eagle. The eagle surrendered its vision and hearing to another being.
Jet saw the forest, the mountains and the creatures with the clarity of an eagle's vision. Jet felt the wind ruffle through his feathers. He heard the chattering of a mouse somewhere below.
Nowhere in sight was the presence of anything human. Nor anything man-made. Jet thanked his companion, and relinquished control. The eagle flew away, intent on catching a certain mouse.
Jet opened his eyes. He was once again sitting on a crude bench, curled up into a meditating position. The spy relaxed his body and massaged his temples. Seeing through another's body was always draining of the mind.
The escort/warrior from the maze greeted Jet. He now knew this warrior's name was Loud. Loud had been a soldier in the last Great War, and having seen the atrocities of war, was an enemy of it. For reasons he did not feel important to clarify, the warrior Loud felt that the current ruler - the rightful king - was not the right leader for his country.
The warrior Loud had turned around a corner to stand before Jet. Jet stood up to follow him, as it was apparent that the 'council' was ready to see the spy. Jet followed Loud through a series of disorienting corridors, up two different ladders, across a large, open threshold, and finally through a steel doorway into what was the most homey space the spy had seen inside the underground complex.
Bearskin rugs lined the floor, tasteful tapestries hung on the walls, and ornate furniture decorated the room. Standing inside were three men, each as finely dressed as the room was decorated.
The nearest man, in his thirties but losing some of his black hair scowled immediately upon their entrance. Jet noticed a similarity between him and the warrior escorting him.
The man who had been conversing with him was older by at least thirty years, sported an extremely white-haired face, and a cordial smile worthy of grandfathers. A long cloak of delicate material whispered around his boots.
The third man, with blond hair and a very exotic hair style, wore the most fabulous attire of all present. Jet felt very self-conscious about the near-rags he was wearing himself.
When Loud walked in past him, Jet realized that the black-haired man, wearing fancy armor instead of formal dress clothes, was directing his scowl at Loud rather than himself.
The blond-haired man walked forward to greet Loud, then gave Jet some probably well-deserved disdain. "You are... Jet?"
Jet nodded. He said, "Yes, a spy for Sandura."
"Excellent," was the reply. "My name is Aomen. These," he gestured towards the other two men, "are Venge and Solem. And us four, including Venge's brother Loud, are the four comprising members of the Underground's grand council."
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:02 am
10 - A Breach
It was dark. It was quiet. There was no trace of life.
Abandoned for years, closed off because of structural dangers. It was perfect for attracting "spelunkers". Or thrill-seekers. It was an abandoned subway tunnel.
Yet there really is no cure for the unending search for excitement. Except growing up.
Not growing up physically, but mentally. Some adults are still children inside. Some children become adults inside before they're ready. It all depends on one's surroundings.
Isaac hoped that Lee would never lose the child inside of her. Life was too hard without any fun.
Although, at the current moment, the child, and the rest of her body, was very close to being destroyed anyway. The adventurous girl was busy balancing her way across a support beam somewhere underground.
They had entered a subway station, hopped down onto the tracks, bewared of the electric line, and slowly descended into the darkness that was underground.
Eventually they had found a door. It was rusted shut. Then they had come across another door. It opened on a stairwell, leading deep into maintenance tunnels.
The two had made sure they would be able to find their way back out of the catacombs. Light were not working, flashlights were thoroughly useful.
They had then found a small air duct, just big enough to squeeze through, which led into another hallway. From there, they had run into Jeremy.
"Jeremy?" Both had echoed at once. The named teenager had smiled, replying with a nonchalant, "You didn't think I'd let you go somewhere like this without me, did you?"
Eventually, the threesome had found themselves at a dead end. Or rather, an end that might possibly make them dead before they could pass it.
The obstacle was a large elevator shaft. With no elevator. The female explorer was balancing on a procured board of wood while trying to open the door across the shaft. Neither the bottom of the shaft nor the elevator could be seen.
Jeremy was clutching the board to keep it steady, his knuckles white with pressure. "Be - be careful!" He half-shouted half-whispered, when Lee had almost fallen.
"Don't be a baby," Lee replied, "I can always jump towards you two if I lose my balance."
Isaac was worried, too. But finally, the female explorer achieved what she said she would do. She in turn held the board steady as the other two slowly lurched and pinwheeled their way across.
Lee looked around at their new surroundings, letting off a whistle. She said, "This place is something else. You think maybe its like... a secret underground building? Maybe a lab or a lair...."
Jeremy rolled his eyes. "I think your imagination is running too far away," he said.
They were in a hallway, with only one door on each wall, four doors total, including the elevator door they had just braved across.
Only a few steps towards the center of the confined space had the teenagers gotten when a low rumbling filled the entire structure.
And then the ceiling collapsed.
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:03 am
11 - The Fall of Borza
Jet looked from one face to another, his eyes finally resting on Loud. The warrior's eyes gave away the dislike he must have held for his brother.
"Well," continued Aomen, either unaware or ignoring the resentment emanating from the two brothers, "have you the sacred object?"
"Here." Jet said, throwing the amulet-carrying sack towards Aomen. The bizarre-haired rebel jumped quicker than reflex would allow to catch the projectile. He was nervous, coiled like a spring.
Examining the amulet - but not too thoroughly, Aomen nodded. He said, "What a relief. I was afraid we would never get this."
Jet asked quietly, "So, now we may possibly cooperate." Four heads nodded. "Well, then," Jet continued, "I suppose we can go straight to business. Speaking for Sandura's king, we are sure that you know that it would be in Sandura's best interest to prevent another war.
"However," Jet paused for a moment, "my king looks to the future. If you were to gain power over this country, he would rather our two kingdoms to be able to resolve things peacefully. This would, as you can imagine, mean that we would be willing to compromise with you what you feel you would rather resolve with war than avoid bloodshed."
Jet pressed his fingers together, flexing them, as he awaited the reply to his king's message. Jet had to be escorted from the room by Loud while the other three men contemplated.
"So... why is it you feel that the king of Borza is unworthy?" Jet ventured. Loud, who had been starting at the ceiling, glanced over at Jet.
He replied, "It is a personal matter. I do not wish to inform you."
~~~
The royal ruler of Borza, a great and powerful - and in his mind, invincible - country, entered a grand chamber, filled with many delectable and savory foods. The table in the center sat most all of Borza's ruling class, the dukes, council members, royal family, and the most honored war veterans and nobles.
Servants swarmed about the room, refilling goblets and replacing the rapidly disappearing hors d'oeuvres.
When the king entered, all had stood, and then bowed, until the king sat at the head of the table. The table was cleared in nearly seconds as the first course of the supper was brought from the kitchens.
Roasted turkey and pork, slathered in glaze, along with freshly baked rolls were produced. Drinks were any wine asked for. Pomegranate juice was supplied for the younger members of the royal family.
An eerie chill enveloped the room. Every soul had grown quiet and ceased moving before the source of the chill had entered the room. Through a large door strode Relyks, wearing a long, billowing gown of ruby red color.
The entrancing woman's hair was darker than night, not a trace of blue anywhere but her brooch. The woman's eyes revealed a morbid fascination, and a gaze which caused the receiver to nearly begin suffocating.
Her gaze, however, never left the king. She strode, fast and with purpose, towards the table of supping nobility.
"L-lady Relyks," the king stammered, "what are you doing?" There was no reply, only an unwavering course towards his majesty.
As the uninvited guest neared the table, two pike-wielding knights stepped between her and the bewildered table occupants. Relyks held up her hand and clenched her fist. The two knights dropped their pikes and fell to the floor, suffocating.
People started standing up and backing away from the sorceress. The king stood, but seemed to be unable to comprehend what was happening. An alarm was shouted, and armed guards streamed into the room by the dozens.
Knight after knight fell, dead, and Relyks kept walking. An ax was thrown. It narrowly missed the sorceress' head. Turning, Relyks unleashed a blast of fire. Half of the room's occupants caught on fire from this magical flame.
Random people were now screaming, though it wasn't from the dining chambers. Screams came from several different parts of the castle. An explosion could be heard, somewhere up above, in a tower.
And there was laughing. Relyks' laughing. She rose into the air, levitated by unseen hands, and landed in front of the king. A hidden dagger was thrust towards the sorceress, but another unseen hand caught, then broke the attacking arm.
"What... WHY are you doing this!?" The king bellowed, wrenched with pain.
Relyks moved her hand as if grabbing, and although she touched the king not, he was lifted as if she was holding him off the floor by his neck.
"My hate..." Relyks whispered in a voice which, in other circumstances, might actually be sensual, "my POWER... it is beyond your comprehension. Death... it is beyond all our comprehension. However... I shall bring the world pain. You shall experience great pain. Before I let. You die.
Relyks placed one hand on her silver brooch. The sapphire pulsated a rainbow hue, then faded to a dark black as a violent magic was born. Dark magic rose from the sorceress' mouth, like a wisp of smoke, before drifting slowly into the king's.
Somewhere far away, a crash could be heard as the ceiling collapsed.
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:04 am
12 - Karafor
Isaac rolled off of his face. Groaning, he got to his hands and knees, then rolled to sit on his butt. He rubbed his forehead, a massive headache festering up there. His hand brushed a sensitive spot - a blood-caked bruise which throbbed painfully.
He didn't remember what had happened... exploring underground. Balancing across the wooden beam... the ceiling collapsed.
Isaac stared at nothing in particular, his eyes unfocused. The ceiling collapsed... on me... and... He jumped so quickly his neck whipped, adding a sore neck to the list of his injuries.
JEREMY - LEE! The two were nowhere to be seen. Then Isaac actually looked around. There was no trace of underground anywhere. He was laying on grass. The sun was shining. There was no trace of anything anywhere in any direction.
Slowly, Isaac stood and looked around more. There was literally no buildings, no people, and no signs of civilization in any direction on the... field, Isaac guessed....
Where am I?
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