Curse

Vixtrola Rock · Jun 26, 2008, 10:53 PM // 22:53

The Dark Heart

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Part I – One Last Breath

Year: 940

I wake up to the feeling of pain that flows through my veins like a disease. A feeling that I refuse to release, if given the chance; for it’s the only feeling that I have left to be honest. Pain is the only abstract that reminds me that I am still alive, and that I still walk on this accursed Earth. I want to die and join my fallen Sunspears; many of whom I have known since the Academy. But I cannot give in to temptation, for who will avenge their deaths? There is no one left but me. I cannot even feel the presence of my elementalist sister, Kiruna. She is lost to me as well I fear. I am indeed alone in enemy territory.

There is only me now.

In happier times my friends used to call me ‘the one too many monk’. The life of the party, as long as the ale was flowing! I was the one person whose own levity could outweigh the direst of circumstances. The Istani council referred to me as one of the greatest monks ever to grace the Sunspear ranks. Years of service and valor earned me the title Sunspear General, and I wear the title like a badge of honor. When Kormir talked of retirement, my name was mentioned as her inevitable replacement. One could not dream of a higher honor than Spearmarshal, and that was my foreseen destiny.

But now I stand defeated and alone.

The Council was right; the nighttime raid on Gandara was poorly planned and executed. We were not ready. As I told Kormir time and time again, we do not possess enough information on Kourna’s strengths and weaknesses to wage an open war. But, who am I? Varesh provoked us into an open war with naught but a single raiding party into Istan, and a few strategically placed skirmishes. Varesh knew her enemy well; she knew that we would take the bait.

So it was, the proud and mighty Sunspear army, ripped to pieces in one night on what used to be allied shores. I know we have many more battalions at home, but do we really want to send more sheep to the slaughter? Even though Dunkoro knew Varesh had a trapped lain before us, Kormir decided to push on. But did she have a choice? Would I have done the same?

As the trap was sprung, I witnessed many of my dearest friends die, one by one. I was unable to expel enough healing energy to save them in their time of need, and for that I am sorry. The Gods know that I am sorry!

I saved pulled from the brink of death, only to watch later as they took a spear through the chest; or to fall to their knees riddled with cruel arrows, crying out for someone to save them. I watched a nightmare unfold before my eyes as Varesh’s demonic allies tore flesh from bone, arms from torsos, and heads from shoulders with abandon. I will never forget the smiles on their grotesque faces as they slaughtered my companions. Those are gruesome images that will haunt me for the rest of my miserable days.

When the desperate call for retreat came, it was too late. And there was no where to run. We were hopelessly surrounded by a force three times are stronger than our own.

I don’t know when I fell exactly; I had just enough time to cast Divine Intervention on myself before a demon drove a bloodied sword into my gut and threw me against a wall. Before I had the chance to move a massive fiery explosion rocked half the fort and sent me flying again. No doubt that was Kiruna, my dear and lovingly sister, killed many creatures before she was overtaken.

I awoke in the midst of a pile of rubble and heaps of dismembered bodies, about a half mile from the fortress. The Kournan soldiers must have worked all night clearing the debris. It was mid-afternoon, the following day, when I woke and honestly wish I didn’t.
At the time I did not possess the energy, nor the time to bury the hundreds of dead Sunspears that lay about me. I prayed to the Gods to give their spirits safe passage to the Afterlife and fell back asleep, hoping to never wake back into this nightmare.

I guess the Gods have a different plan for me.

I awoke the following morning with a renewed sense of purpose. And a feeling of pure unbridled hatred for my enemies. They will all feel my pain soon enough, I promise you.

First, I have to find out if anyone else survived. Right now that has to be my only goal. My fellow Sunspears would never leave anyone behind, and if someone is alive I must find them. Dunkoro discussed a plan in case the battle went ill; a cave no more than a few miles from the fortress was circled as a fall back point.

And that is where I my story begins…

- Danika

Vixtrola Rock · Jun 30, 2008, 05:18 PM // 17:18

Chapter 1 – The Sunspear Sanctuary

Danika winced and held her wounded stomach when she arrived at the latest village. This was the third village she tried today, and Danika prayed it would be the last. After three futile days of searching, she was ready to lie in the dirt and finally allow death to embrace her. Danika took one harder look at the village before she turned back into the rocks. She scooted over to a large boulder and sat in the dirt, doubling over in pain. Danika had no energy to fully heal her stab wound, and she no longer had the will or the energy to continue the trek though the Kournan badlands. Her long, black, stringy hair brushed the ground as she waited for the waves of agony to pass. None of the villages she approached knew of any Sunspear hideouts or shelters, and a few people turned hostile, grabbing pitchforks, cleavers, or whatever they could find to scare away the poor unfortunate. She was fast losing hope that there was a fall back shelter anywhere in this wretched land.

She knew this had to be the area that Dunkoro circled on the map. The outlying region resembled much of what was on map; but where was the cave? Danika asked that same question more than once in the past few days; which sent her thoughts swirling back to the village before her. If this massive cave was hidden in secret, why is there a very visible village that seemed on top of it? If it even exists? Too many questions, and not enough answers.

Danika peered out again from the rocks. She counted at least a dozen villagers milling about their daily activities. This particular village, like the other others, was full of life, complete with vegetation, farm animals, and brown straw huts with merchants displaying their wares. Danika crept from the rocks and hesitantly walked into the village. Nobody turned around when she entered. Danika approached a man brushing down a goat. It wasn't until she cleared her throat to speak that he turned around to regard her.

“Hello good sir, I was hoping you could help me,” Danika asked in a hoarse voice.

“What can I help you with, dear traveler?”, the elderly man replied, looking up at her curiously. Danika didn't know if the elderly man was friend or foe of the Sunspears so she chose her words carefully. "I was wondering if you had seen any soldiers around, but not from this area.” The man tiled his head, looking at her skeptically, “You are clearly not Kournan, I’ll give you that much. And yes, three days ago a few soldiers passed through this village. May I ask your name traveler?”

“My name is Danika Del Ray,” she replied.

The elderly mans eyes brightened and he softened his tone. “Danika Del Ray, well met! I have heard much about you. My name is Elder Jonah. I run this village and the neighboring villages as well. I heard about a young woman wandering around, seemingly half dead. I’m assuming that was you?” Danika nodded. “These are very strange times in Kourna, and we don’t want any trouble. Well, we can talk more about that later, please follow me”. He motioned for her to follow. As Jonah led Danika towards the back of the village, she recognized a young man guarding the front of a clearing.

“Jevo, is that you?”, Danika asked, dumbfounded.

“Danika? Dear spirits, you’re alive!”, he whispered excitedly. He embraced the lost monk in a tight hug. “Please come through here. Three days have passed, and everyone considered you dead although we could not find your body among the rubble. We feared the worst, and hoped for a miracle. Please, please follow me!”

Jevo escorted Danika to the entrance of a cave which was no taller than she was, but wide enough for three men to enter abreast. There was just enough sunlight coming from outside to mark the trail that led down. Jevo led Danika down a series of twists and turns to an entrance marking another cave, this one much larger. She could hear the din of rushing water, and hammers against anvils. Danika's heart rose with every step, and with every anvil smash.

The pair came up to a set of guards – Sunspears from their uniforms – and stopped. Both guards held spears as tall as themselves, and their armor shone pristinely white against the reddish brown backdrop of the cave.

“The sun rises in the west and sets in the east,” Jevo recited to the guards.

“Elona, land of the golden sun,” the guard on the left replied. At once they were allowed entry.
“Good to have you with us, Danika!”, the guard on the right proclaimed as they passed through the entrance.

And what an entrance it was.

Danika stopped in her tracks and stared down at the scene below in astonishment. The cave was not just a cave but a shelter, full with a fountain, army barracks, blacksmith shops, merchant huts, and even a training yard. Hundreds of people were milling about, many with bandages wrapped around their heads, arms or legs. Danika noticed that half the people about were not only Istani but Kournan as well. “How many actually survived the raid?”, she wondered to herself. As Jevo and Danika made their way through the sanctuary, soldiers stood up, saluted fist to chest and gave a cheer for Danika’s arrival; however late it was. She responded to as my salutes as she could. Oh, it felt wonderful to be among her fellow Sunspears again!

Jevo led Danika to a small stone building set apart from the rest. The buildings all looked to be no more than a few years old. “How long has this place been here?”, another question that brokered an answer later. As they approached the door, the guard on duty slapped fist to chest and opened the door. The central office had two large oak tables in the middle, covered with various maps and cast aside weapons. A set of stairs was off to the side leading up to the second level. There were a few officers she recognized peering at maps on one table, but one older man caught her interest. His red, blue and brown shawl was unmistakable.

“The raid will consist of two groups mind you, with a five minute interval between the strikes,” Dunkoro advised one of the officers while tracing a finger over a local Kournan map. “The first strike will happen at high noon while…” his voice trailed off as he noticed the officer staring dumbfounded at the newcomers in the office.

For the first time in three days, Dunkoro smiled.

“Danika, I knew you were alive. I just knew it!!”, Dunkoro yelled pounding a fist on the map to accentuate his point. “I knew you were not lost to us Dani,” he finished with a smile so wide and genuine that Danika began smiling in spite of herself.

“It’s good to be back, wherever ‘back’ is these days," Danika replied in a flat tone.

Dunkoro walked around the table and embraced her in a warm hug. He noticed Danika was not feeling well and pursed his lips. He turned to the officers standing over the table. “That’s enough for today. I’ll fill you all in with more particulars in the morning. Enjoy the rest of the night. You’re dismissed.”

When the officers left, Dunkoro turned back to Danika with a concerned look on his face. “Why don’t you have a seat over there,” Dunkoro said, pointing to a circle of cushioned chairs in the corner. “I’ll be with you after I collect these papers,” he said. In a trance, Danika walked over the circle, found a chair and sat down. She leaned forward, placing her head in her hands and began crying. Her shoulders trembled from the tear racking sobs. Dunkoro stopped sorting the maps and sighed. He walked over, knelt in front of Danika and wrapped an arm around her trembling shoulders.

“It’s ok Danika, its ok, its ok,” he murmured, pulling away long strands of hair from her face. Danika lost control of herself, she no longer knew who she was. Images of the raid flashed through her mind which brought on more tears. She barely heard Dunkoro in front of her, telling her everything will be fine, "Maybe for everyone else, but not for me," she thought to herself. A part of Danika died in the raid, and only a shell of her former self remained.

“I failed them, Dunkoro...” Danika’s trembling voice whispered. “I failed everyone, how can I go on like this...”

“Because you are a leader, Danika, and that is what leaders do,” Dunkoro replied firmly. “They learn from their mistakes and they move on. We were all at fault here, do not carry all the blame, please.”
He gently lifted Danika’s chin out from under her black hair and looked into her eyes. “I need you to lead the Sunspears in my absence, Danika. There is nobody else that I can trust with such a task. Will you lead our people?”, Danika clenched her jaw and nodded solemnly, brushing away the tears that still fell.

“Danika, remember that you have the gift inside of you, and soon the whole world will know what I’ve already known for years.”

Between sniffles, Danika muttered, "What special gift can an inexperienced healer offer?" Dunkoro gently cupped her head with his hands, “You shall provide the light during mankinds darkest hour, Danika. Never forget that, darling.” He lightly kissed her forehead and walked out of the office, closing the door behind him.

Danika sat in the office, alone with her thoughts; alone with her demons; alone with her failures; alone in her private misery.

Ω Ω Ω

Some hours later, after Danika had eaten, freshened up, and slipped into her new green and white woven outfit, she found Dunkoro waiting patiently outside the Command Post. Although her mood was dark, her outward persona was stoic, business and professional. Danika had a job to do and it was time that she got started.

“Dunkoro, this outfit is wonderful! You know how I enjoy looking sharp.” She smiled, running her hands down the sides of her new clothes. The bangles which ran up her forearms glimmered silver.

“Yes I do. The outfit was purchased from an expensive Kournan trader who still holds favor with Istan. He calls it the 15k Sunspear attire,” Dunkoro mused. “Of course, your armor was imbued with a few special additions; such as a higher energy capacity for your healing, added virtual armor to physical attacks and other added protection to disease, hexes, blindness, and daze. You do look marvelous in it, I might add. 'Tis a pity the trader from Kodlonu Hamlet couldn’t see your beauty as I can.” Dunkoro finished with a wink that made Danika blush furiously. "Yes, well there are many more fish in the sea as the story goes,” Danika stammered.

“Walk with me Danika. We have much to discuss before I depart,” Dunkoro motioned for his acting General to follow as they both traversed deeper in the Sanctuary.

Ω Ω Ω

Vixtrola Rock · Jun 30, 2008, 05:29 PM // 17:29

Chapter 2 - The Bigger Picture

“Things are in motion now that cannot be undone. An army once thought to be eradicated is once again on the march. Treaties are fluttering in the wind. Treaties I helped draw up! We must always keep our eyes on the bigger picture, Danika, and only move when the situation is advantageous in our favor. We cannot let vengeance cloud our judgment.”

“Nor can we stay in this hole and wait for better winds to come about! We must act and we must act swiftly!”, Danika fired back heatedly.

Dunkoro rested a hand on Danika’s shoulder, asking for her to relax. “I know this, that is why I already have two plans drawn up and ready for execution.” Seeing a forthcoming reply from Danika he let his hand drop and the pair continued walking. “The first plan is to rescue Sunspears that were captured during the raid. We have ascertained their whereabouts and have gauged their captors capabilities. The prisoners are being held in a small fort no more than a mile from our present location. While I do not know how many are being held, the number is less than a hundred for sure, based on the number of cells this fort seems to hold above ground. There really is no way to be completely sure, since they may have additional cells underground.” Danika nodded, allowing Dunkoro to continue.

“Acolytes Jin, Sousuke, Thomas, Barrin and Thevo will comprise the main force with Koss leading the charge. I have Jamie and Lesa ready to provide healing support if needed. I leave the battleground tactics in your care, General Del Ray.” Dunkoro intentionally added Danika’s title to show her that she was in command now, given the fact that Spearmarshal Kormir was still missing.

“The raiding party will comprise of eight persons including you. If that number is too low you may take a few more paragons or warriors, if you see fit. Once again this is a small fort with no more than thirty soldiers left to guard twice that many number in Sunspears. Your objective will be to break the Sunspears free of their imprisonment while engaging the enemy. Our scouts counted four holding cells total, so Jin or Thomas should have no trouble opening them whether by key or by force.” Dunkoro stopped talking to give Danika a moment to digest the details, and also a moment to gather his own thoughts. After a moment he continued, “Danika, the second plan I have drawn up involves me leaving the Sanctuary. I will be traveling to Tyria and Cantha to get us more men.” Dunkoro’s reply stopped Danika in her tracks. She turned and regarded her mentor with a furious glare.

“You cannot leave us now, not on the eve of battle!”, Danika sputtered. “Dunkoro, these soldiers need you here during this dark hour! Send me in your place. I have met with the Ambassadors of Ascalon and Kryta before. I know how to play the game.”

“Danika I have no doubts in your ability to negotiate with various heads in government, but this time they need a figurehead in front of them. If anyone can mobilize the countries of Tyria and Cantha to help us, it is me. And besides, I have never been a very good battle mage,” Dunkoro finished with a wink. “You, Danika, have the spark in you to become something more than just a monk, you and I both know this. I was at your side when you returned from Jokanur Diggings. If there was ever a time for you to fully realize your potential, I cannot think of a better time to ignite it than now.” Danika conceded her mentor’s spot-on assessment with a nod.

“The Sunspears alone cannot hold out against Kourna and Varesh’s minion horde. We need more allies,” Dunkoro said in a flat tone.

Danika had second thoughts about the neighboring countries. “Tyria and Cantha have their own problems Dunkoro, they will not help us. They care not for the troubles of Elona.”

“They will care when they understand the full extent of what is to befall this world if Varesh is not stopped, here and now.” He replied gravely. The tone of his voice sent a chill down her spine. “What are you trying to tell me Dunkoro? What are we really dealing with here?”, Danika asked with more heat in her voice than she intended. Before Dunkoro left, Danika needed a few answers, at least.

“Nightfall, Danika. Nightfall will soon be upon us, I fear,” Dunkoro replied grimly.

“Nightfall is a myth! A childrens story! Varesh does not possess the power to bring about such a catastrophe,” Danika sputtered.

“I thought the same thing, Danika, until I found out who her new master was,” Dunkoro led on. Danika mouthed a wordless reply. She couldn’t muster the will to voice the name of the God whose sole purpose was to unleash Nightfall upon the world. A God entrapped forever in the bowels of the Abyss.

Or so it was thought.

Dunkoro felt it necessary to continue walking towards the armory, and so he did with Danika keeping up step for step. “Abaddon cannot yet take full form - we think - but he has made his presence felt nonetheless. During one of Varesh’s many pleas for power she was greeted by an ambassador of sorts at her home in Morah. Citizens of Morah complained of a dark cloud in the sky, directly over her home. Blacker than night they recalled. The cloud they described was no cloud, Danika, but a Spirit Rift; a gate to the Realm of Torment.” Danika placed a hand over her mouth in horror. “A few hours passed and the rift closed. Guards rushed to her home to find Varesh lying unconscious and in a state of abject fear.”

“The next day she reported to work as usual. The only difference was the gleam in her eyes. The eyes of someone forever changed, they said. Just knowing that tidbit of information and the ‘cloud’ that appeared outside her home was more than enough for me to investigate further.”

“That’s when you found out about her unknown allies?", Danika asked, not wanting to know the answer.

“They are called Margonites; servants of Abaddon. There are other creatures that serve Abaddon, but these Margonites represent Abaddon’s elite fighting force. They are smart, fast, and do not fear the living. Each Margonite has within them the will of Abaddon, and thus embody his strength and intelligence. That is why we need more on our side Danika. And that is why I must go.” Dunkoro finished just as they reached the armory. He motioned for the blacksmith to come forth with the finished weapon he asked for earlier. “I know you are a master with the spear so I had one constructed for you while you were eating. This spear is unique, in that while being wielded by you, the spear will have more armor penetration versus a normal spear wielded by someone else. The spear will essentially triple your strength.”

“Are you implying that I cannot hold my own in battle?”, she replied, smiling coyly. Dunkoro knew very knew that she could wield a spear better than most of the Sunspears. Many, many years she practiced with the spear, and Dunkoro often joked that she would better off healing with a spear versus a staff anyways! He accepted the spear from the blacksmith, and handed it over to Danika.

“These are dark times, Danika, and you should be prepared for anything that comes your way; even him,” Dunkoro smiled, cocking his head in the direction of a dark barrel-chested man with an unkempt afro, and a golden shield strapped to his arm. The warrior walked up to the pair with a stupid grin plastered on his face..

“Yep, this shield is made of fine stuff, Dunky. It took a sword jab point blank and turned it away without a scratch!” Koss exclaimed, handing the shield to Danika. “Here ya go Dani, wear it well, seeing as how that new outfit of yours is a bit on the frilly side?”

“Well, I never...”, Danika stood abashed, ready to lay into Koss.

“And you never will! I ain’t the one for ya, Dani. I don’t care how good you look. My heart belongs to another,” Koss proclaimed loudly sticking his chest out.

Dunkoro cleared his throat, “Have you any idea if Kiruna is among the prisoners, Koss?”

Nobody knew the fate of Danika’s sister. She wasn’t among the refugees from the raid, nor was her body found among the dead. Danika couldn’t bear the thought of losing her only sister. Even though they had different mothers, they had the same father, and grew up together from a very early age. Danika is one year younger than Kiruna, with Danika being 27 and Kiruna being 28. While Danika slowly grew into being a healer, Kiruna possessed the ability to raise fire from early in her childhood. Kiruna flew through the Academy and earned the Honor as Head Fire Mage at the school for elementalists. Kiruna also learned the art of water, earth and air magic.

“I…just don’t know, Dunky. I’m sorry. We’ve sent scouts out to check the wreckage from the raid...”, Koss refused to finish the sentence.

“She has to be among them. I know she is, I can feel a small part of her now that I’m here, among you.” Danika addressed the pair, using the best cheerful voice she could muster. Dunkoro liked what he was hearing from Danika. She had to shake off the defeat in Gandara if she was to lead the Sunspears in battle again.

Ω Ω Ω

Vixtrola Rock · Jun 30, 2008, 05:33 PM // 17:33

Chapter 3 - Retaliation

The first rays of sunlight broke through the darkened sky like fingers stretching out over the horizon. Kourna, by nature is a dry and harsh land marked with a few trees and sparse bushes, providing little shelter for wildlife. The only birds that live here are the crows, who feed off the dead animals that were overcome in this harsh land.

So, when the familiar sound of a jay hawk echoed from outside the fort, the Sunspear prisoners knew immediately what was going to happen in the next few moments and began shuffling deeper into their cells.

A tremendous boom reverberated off the walls of Fort Jantok awaking everyone, snapping the attention of the archers that were patroling. Shouts rang off the walls calling for men to man their posts. The fort resembled a small ant hill that was just kicked over. Soldiers rushed back and forth rubbing the sleep out of their eyes, wearily grabbing spears, swords, and axes while adorning what armor they could grab. Archers scrambled on the walls scanning the land below for the wizard who sent the fireball.

“Archers! Find the wizard and kill him! It may be the Sunspears!”, a deep voice bellowed above the others, presumably the commander in charge. Another fireball hit the gates, this time splintering the misshapen doors into fiery pieces and sending men that were close enough, flying back into the open terrace.

“Man the arrowslits! Find the wizards! Form ranks up front!”, the commander screamed, pointing soldiers in multiple directions. Dozens of Kournans pressed to the front of the broken gates, expecting an invasion.

But there was no one to be seen.

“Where are they?”, a soldier asked, more agitated that he was rudely awaken than anything else.

“I don’t see anything. It’s still too dark.", replied another soldier in the back.

A third fireball rocked the east side of the fort, sending archers flying from the walls. The prisoners could be heard cheering from their jail cells in the rear. “To the east, you dogs! Find them and kill them! Archers, cover their approach! I want another group to the north!”

Three groups of soldiers ran out of the fort, two heading east and one north. Moments passed and no word came from the scouts. Minutes later a shout came from one of the scout groups to the east. “All clear!”, followed by another call echoing the same. The commander wasn’t too worried about his two groups searching the east, he was looking dead north to a disturbingly quiet area. His eyes stayed north for a very long time, trying to discern any movement at all. Just as the officer turned back into the fort to issue another command he spotted a silver streak flash across the rocky terrain, no more than 100 paces from his position.

The silver streak flashed again. The officer heard a gurgling sound and a soft thump; the unmistakable sound of a dead body smacking the turf. He raised his left hand above his head, reaching for the broadsword strapped across his back, opening his mouth to issue an order. That’s as far as he got, for two arrows slammed into his throat severing his windpipe, jolting him backwards. The commander looked at his men with a look of surprise before he fell to his knees clutching his bleeding throat.

A scribe rushed in, grabbed the officer by the shoulders, keeping him steady; only to witness the glimmering edge of a double-sided axe slicing straight for his neck.

That’s how Koss entered the foray; swinging his axe with deadly precision, cutting down any Kournan soldier who raised their weapons in defense. He parried a sword jabbing low and flipped the axe end over end using the axe grip to slam into the soldier’s nose, splaying blood back into his face. Koss then flipped the axe back over, and with both hands swung right into the soldier’s side staggering him. Koss didn’t wait to see if the wound he inflicted would be fatal, as three more Kournans engaged the Sunspear warrior. Two of the three made it to Koss, as the third took an arrow in the neck veering him out of the fight. Koss didn’t have to look over his back, as he knew Jin was covering his flank, as always.

Forced into a defensive stance, Koss moved with the balance and grace of a seasoned fighter. Feet evenly spaced, axe easily parrying any thrust the two could send. Both soldiers came ahead with a double thrust to the middle hoping to skewer the veteran. Koss parried both swords at once with the axe haft and pushed forward, sending both soldiers back momentarily.

That’s all he needed to gain the advantage. A quick swipe low and to the right sliced one Kournan’s ankle nearly clean off. Koss used the momentum to slice up, taking the poor unfortunate in the chin before he fell. The last soldier swung right hoping to catch Koss open on his exposed side. Koss pivoted and spun left with unbelieved quickness, avoiding the wide swing and using his own momentum to carry him and his swinging axe into the side of the soldier. The soldier gave a howl of pain and staggered back clutching his own side! Koss didn’t give him a moments respite, chopping left and down splitting his collarbone and crumbling the solider to the ground in mortal agony. With a score of soldiers dead or dying around him, Koss ran on looking for more.

Outside the fort, the two Kournan groups stopped their search as they heard the commotion inside.

“Back to the fort, everyone!”, a soldier yelled over his comrades. Before he could take two steps, a fiery boulder landed right in front of him smashing hard and throwing him off balance. The soldier looked down at the rock in pure bewilderment. Another fiery rock three times the size of the previous smashed squarely in his chest blasting the air from his lungs, and sending him sprawling to the ground.

Meteors rained down upon the two groups, seemingly from everywhere at once. Hundreds of meteors fell upon the helpless soldiers for what must have felt like an eternity. Soldiers dodged near hits only to be clipped by another. Some were lit on fire by the clippings and flattened to the ground by others. The ground shook with every meteor hit. The barrage of fiery death was so devastating that almost every Kournan soldier lay on the ground, either dead or dying within a few minutes time. One soldier staggered out of the massacre clutching his right arm and bleeding profusely from his forehead. He briefly met the eyes of an insanely beautiful woman, only to take a fireball squarely in the chest, launching him 20 paces back. His shoes still stood where his body was but a second ago.

After scanning the devastation, Barrin nodded, “We’re done here, let’s move in.” Sousuke nodded back to Barrin and rose from the outcropping of rocks that served as their hiding place. Noting a shift of movement, Sousuke quickly pivoted right to spot a lone Kournan limping to escape. Using his staff, Sousuke fired off a Flare - a cannonball size ball of flame - literally straight through the poor soldier, dropping him where he stood.

“Now we’re done!”, Sousuke said, smiling widely.

Inside the fort, the fighting was still fierce. Sunspear paragons Thomas and Thevo wove their way through a throng of Kournan soldiers swiping away swords, and stabbing with spears. Jin let arrow after arrow fly, knocking down archers who tried to target Thomas and Thevo from below. Jamie and Lesa had Koss covered on the left, providing him with a quick heal when he took a stab. While Jamie wielded a staff, Lesa carried a bow and was deadly serious with it.

That left Danika to cover the middle which was all clear for the most part now. Two scores of soldiers lay all about, dead or in the midst of their last mortal throes. Danika scanned the scene looking for action. She spotted the jail cells down the length of the fort and around a corner and she dashed for them. As she rounded the corner a battered soldier brought his scimitar down to bear, straight towards Danika’s shoulder. The wiley monk raised her shield just in time to meet the blade, and jabbed her spear forward into the soft part of the soldier’s belly. The Kournan soldier doubled over in pain, and Danika finished him off with a quick swipe to the neck. As the soldier fell, Danika had just enough time to raise her shield to counter another attacker. This attacker was giving Danika a lot more respect than his fallen comrade, and his sword thrusts were measured and cautious. Danika parried swipe after swipe ending in a resonating thrum as sword met shield. The prisoners could see Danika no more than 20 paces from their cells fighting off the soldier and cheered her on.

The aggressor let out a growl and pressed on fiercely, jabbing low, spinning and slicing. Danika was forced into a defensive retreat and slowly gave ground, back peddling towards the cells. Shield bash after shield bash she blocked the aggressors moves while trying to find an opening to counter.

Danika found it harder and harder to keep her shield raised and began peeking out into the expanse for help; or so she wanted the soldier to think. The Kournan followed her quick gaze and smiled, thinking he had the monk at a sore disadvantage. Feigning fatigue Danika lowered her shield a bit and backed off, panting for breath. The soldier abandoned all semblance of defense - which got him to this point in the first place - and opted for killing strokes instead; which is exactly what Danika hoped for. The soldier gave out a cry and swung down hard, aiming for her collarbone. His sword stopped three quarters of the way down as a golden Tengu shield blocked its course. Danika kept the sword raised, and spun into her opponent, spear tip leading. She embedded the spear halfway into her opponents midsection and looked into the eyes of the soldier.

“Good try, but not good enough,” Danika smiled, pulling the spear out and opening his neck with a spinning slice. The mortally wounded soldier fell to the group in a heap, clutching his torn throat. Danika turned to her fellow Sunspears behind the bars, raised her bloodied spear above her head and let out a primeval roar that sent chills through anyone close enough to hear. This was a victory Danika planned on enjoying, however short-lived it would prove to be.

Ω Ω Ω

Vixtrola Rock · Jun 30, 2008, 05:45 PM // 17:45

Chapter 4 – A History of Good and Evil

Warmarshal Varesh's office wasn’t the fanciest by any means. Unlike the rest of the Lords and Generals of Kourna who sat in lavish suites which could double as summer vacation homes, Varesh believed an office should carry what you need to conduct business and nothing more. In truth Varesh Ossa hated sitting in her brown unadorned office for more than a few hours at a time. Her writing desk was brown oak wood, her cabinet was brown oak and so was her bookshelf. Two potted plants stood on each end of the doorway and she had a purple and red carpet under the visitors chair which was adorned with an etching of two scimitars in front of a golden shield, the symbol for Kourna.

The only item that mattered at all was the hanging portrait of Varesh as a teenager along with her father and mother.

Varesh leaned back against her chair, and gazed out at the painting, allowing the incoming memories to wash over her like a flood.

In truth, Varesh was a soldier before a Warmarshal, and a traveling merchants daughter before a soldier. Varesh was born in 910 to a wealthy merchant and his loving wife of six years. Before Varesh reached the age of 18, her parents had taken her to the far reaches of Tyria, where the River Elon was still flowing to Augury Rock and back up to the Sunward Marches. Varesh spent bright sunny days on the beaches of Sanctum Cay, splashing her toes in the crystalline blue waters.

When her father, Jadoth Ossa, was required to attend a meeting with the Council of Kryta, her mother, Mari, hired a horse and carriage to take the two of them down to Lion’s Arch where Varesh purchased dresses and gowns of magnificent colors and materials. Varesh always favored the purple and gold designs her mother noted. In truth, Varesh had the luxury of owning virtually anything she wanted.

Such was the life of having a powerful Vabian merchant for a father. When Jadoth was asked to attend a council meeting in Cantha, he brought his family along for the journey, and for the adventure. They always came home with chests full of gold, clothes, expensive wine, and sometimes weapons.

Varesh’s fondest memories were those of her with her father. Varesh would do anything for the man. She wanted to grow up and become a powerful merchant just as he did. And how many nights did she spend sitting on her fathers lap while he recounted endless tales of past adventures? The man lived to keep his daughter and wife happy.

And for 21 years Varesh was truly satisfied with the way her life was unraveling before her. About this time, young men from other wealthy Vabbian families would begin courting her, she knew. Particularly men from the mercantile families, for strengthening the bond between the allied houses was of the utmost importance to the parents. The rule of Vabbi was determined by the most powerful of merchants, and it had been this way for hundreds of years.

Late one night, Jadoth shared his real plan with young Varesh. Detrius had a plan that would grant House Ossa more power than the rest of the merchants, and bring solidarity to Vabbi.

In secret, Jadoth Ossa began negotiations with the Corsairs of Umbrar. Detrius wanted complete control of all the trade routes from Vabbi to Droknar’s Forge to Kaineng City, but he needed unseen protection. And the Corsairs wanted the newest weapons from the Western civilized nations. When a deal was reached, Jadoth was in quick command of the largest navy in the world.

For three years, House Ossa was the number one distributor of martial weapons in Cantha and Tyria, and for good reason. Vessels from other merchants traveling to Tyria and Cantha were attacked, pillaged and summarily destroyed. The Merchant Princes were furious with the continuous attacks on their vessels and decided that someone should step up and assume a military role to counterman the assaults.

Jadoth Ossa stepped up and assumed the role. In truth, his command was nothing more than a puppet show. Vessels that wanted the protection of the Vabbian government had to pay a tax to House Ossa, who were charged with providing the “protection” needed to cross the dangerous seas. The Merchant Princes agreed that since Detrius paid for the added protection, he was granted the extra gold. What they didn’t know was the gold from the tax collections was funneled back to the Corsairs for their part in this deadly game.

Boats leaving from Poghan Passage were required to sail under the flag of House Ossa. Only the boats that paid for the tax were allowed to do this. Some captains refused to fly another Merchant Prince’s colors, and found their voyage cut short halfway across.

Jadoth's’ elaborate and brutal operation came to an abrupt halt one night during the summer of 931.

Mari was cooking dinner and Varesh was going over her studies, when Jadoth flew through the front door and slammed it shut. He stood there hunched over trying to catch his breath.

“Mari, honey ....they know”, was all he could muster between gasps for air.

Mari ran from the kitchen to embrace her husband, “We have to leave Vabbi, Jadoth. Is the escape plan still in place?”

The look on Jadoth's face spoke volumes of the betrayal, "It was my old Sunspear friend, Dunkoro, that turned me in. He stowed aboard one of the Corsair ships disguised as one of the pirate officers. They told him everything!”

“But Jadoth, I thought the Sunspears were paid off? What changed?”

“I don't know, dear.. the Council receives quarterly payments for their non-involvement in Vabbi affairs. Dunkoro made his case publicly though, and to a higher power. Mari, there are Vabian soldiers on the way here now!”

“But…but…where will Varesh and I go? We will not leave you behind.” Mari replied, tears brimming around her eyes. Detrius’ eyes were not completely dry either.

“I have secured passage out of Vabbi for the both of you. Grab what belongings you can carry now, and make haste! Do not speak to anyone but Ko Shang at the docks. You must leave right now, my dear,” he finished by embracing her close and giving her a firm kiss on the lips.

“Varry, come here child.” He motioned for Varesh to come over after Mari walked away to begin packing. She could be heard from the other room crying.

“What’s wrong, daddy?”

“Some men will be here to take me away shortly.”

“Where are you going?”, Varesh asked, confused.

“I will be sent to another place, darling. And I’m afraid we will not see each other for a very long time.”

Panic seized her voice, Varesh didn’t know how to reply. “I don’t understand daddy, you haven’t done anything wrong!? Why are there men coming to get you? Why can’t we all go, just the three of us?”

“They will hunt us down, Varry, and I will not let any harm come to you or your mother.”

With tears streaming down her face, Varesh felt the weight of the world come crashing down around her.

Jadoth leaned down to grasp Varesh’s shoulders in a tight embrace. “Listen to me, child. This chapter in our lives is far from over. I have been betrayed by a person I thought my friend, but this betrayal will not go unanswered. General Morghan is ready to take you under his wing in Kourna. Go to him. Learn from him. And avenge me.”

“I will, father.”

“That’s a good girl.” He kissed Varesh on the forehead and led her back to Mari who had two packs ready for the trip.

“Mari, take the alleyways to the docks, and stay hidden. Ko Shang will give a whistle when it’s clear. That is your cue to board the vessel. The boat will stop in Kourna. Seek out General Morghan on the docks. Morghan has access to our coffers, so money will not be an issue. And please take care of yourselves. I will miss you both a great deal.” He barely finished, his voice cracking.

Ten minutes after Varesh and Mari slipped out of the back door, heavily armed Vabian soldiers broke down the door and took Detrius into custody. Jadoth was taken without a fight.

After midnight, with the boat sailing down to Kourna, the trio passed the city of Sebelkeh on their right. The lights of Sebelkah stood out against the dark moonless sky.

“My dear friend Jadoth, why did it have to come to this,” Ko Shang muttered to himself more than his two grief-stricken passengers.

“What’s going to happen to him, Ko Shang? I mean, will he be in prison or forced to work as a slave for the greedy Princes?”, Varesh asked.

Ko Shang turned to Varesh with a look of utter sympathy, “I heard he is to be tried and executed tomorrow. I am so sorry, Varesh.”

Something snapped in Varesh at that instant. It was as if she was awakening from a dream that lasted for her 21 years. She broke her gaze from Ko Shang and looked to the river around them. And back out towards Sebelkeh.

“I…cannot stay on this boat. I must to go him. He needs me,” she said.

“You cannot, Varesh! You would be captured! And at the very least, imprisoned!”

“That is my father they are dragging into Court! In chains! I will not let him face this evil alone!!”

“Varesh, what madness do you speak of?” Mari inquired, rushing in from the other side of the boat.
“I must go to him, Mother, I am sorry. We will see each other again in Kourna, I promise. Daddy needs me. And I will not fail him.” She finished by climbing over the hand rails and diving into the river.

“Varesh, no! Come back!”, her mother and Ko Shang yelled from the fast moving boat. It was too late as Varesh popped up above the water, swimming wildly for shore.

Varesh ran back home and adorned dry clothes, along with a deep hooded cloak.

“My Father needs me now, and I will not fail him.” She recited to herself over and over like a poem, while racing to the front gates of Sebelkeh.

Vixtrola Rock · Jun 30, 2008, 05:49 PM // 17:49

Chapter 5 – Varesh Leaves Gandara

Varesh’s reverie was broken with two loud raps on her office door. She knew by the knocks who the visitor was. “You may enter, Kahyet," she announced flatly. General Kahyet strode through with a twisted mouth. Although he just turned 45, Kahyet was still in strong, physical shape. He rolled back his round shoulders and gazed out at the docks for a few moments before speaking.

“Beautiful day isn’t it, Varesh?” Kahyet lamented, not breaking his gaze from the docks.

“Yes it is, General. I shall miss the city of Gandara when I’m gone.”

“When do you think you’ll come back home?”, Kahyet turned and asked.

Varesh rested her head on her hand. “I don’t know, Kahyet. You and I both know what is to come within the next few weeks. It may be some time before I return to Poghan Passage,” Varesh said, sighing. Something didn’t sit right with Kahyet.

“I know. You have duties up north that require your immediate attention. And you will be pleased to know that your travel arrangements are complete. Your escort is ready.”

“There is something else though, isn’t there, old friend? “ Varesh asked, knowing Kahyet could have sent a messenger to relay the news of her escort.

“Varesh, for 14 years I have watched you grow from a lost, vengeful child into a Warmarshal that the likes of Kourna hasn’t seen since Turai Ossa ages ago, before the Ossa house turned from war to mercantile trade. You have turned a once scattered and leaderless Kourna into a united fighting machine capable of greater conquests.”

“What are you trying to say, Kahyet?” Varesh asked fast, losing her patience.

‘I do not agree with this move to send three quarters of my fighting force north!”

“My fighting force, General! Mine! They are my troops, Kahyet, and I will send them wherever I wish!” Varesh stood up from her chair with hands on her desk, leaning over to Kahyet. “If I find it necessary to send them north, then I shall do so! It is not your place to question your leader.”

If Kahyet was startled or stunned with Varesh’s angry display, he did not show it.

”There is a reason why I am the Commanding General of the Kournan forces, Varesh. I have seen more battles than I care to admit. For over 40 years I have overseen the Kournan military, and I refuse to see this army split into any more pieces than it already is. Varesh, you have battalions scattered over half the continent! One battle group was wiped in Arjok Ward, presumably by the Sunspears. You have two battalions holding in Fort Reyak. You have three more battle groups holding in Kodonur Crossroads, for reasons I can’t fathom. And now you want to empty Gandara? Take an escort if you must, but you do not need four battalions. You will be under heavy protection already.”

For once, Varesh was put on the defensive. Kahyet’s logic was sound and hard to disagree with. Varesh had to divulge her plan to Kahyet, as she saw no other choice.

“Kahyet, I am planning an invasion on Dzagonur Bastion.”

Kahyet mouth dropped to the floor. His lips moved but no sound came forth.

“The Merchant Princes have long been a thorn in Kourna’s side. It is past time we make them pay for their past transgressions. When I meet my Margonite allies, we will march full force into Dzagonur. Once Vabbi’s prized city falls, there will be nothing to stop Kourna from dominating Elona.”

Kahyet honestly did not know how to take this new information. For years, Kahyet wished to see Kourna rule Elona, but to hear it aloud and already put in play sent a shiver down his spine.

“Varesh, how many Margonites will Lord Jadoth send to us?”

“Jadoth has sent thirty-thousand Margonites to aid us in our war.”

“Thirty thousand?” Kahyet breathlessly replied, his voice barely a whisper.

“From what I know, this will be his entire forward fighting force. Sent to aid me in my conquest, in whichever manner I need them.”

“You mean, to aid Kourna,” Kahyet pointed out.

“Right,” Varesh replied, smiling.

Kahyet refused to drop the argument. “So you have thirty-thousand blood-thirsty Margonites marching from the Realm of Torment to help you. Why do you need my troops here?”

“I think we already settled that, Kahyet.”

Varesh locked stares with Kahyet for a few seconds before Kahyet bowed his head in deference.

“Very well, Warmashal. The troops are yours to do with what you wish. Have a safe journey to Kodonur,” Kahyet finished before heading towards the door.

“Kahyet! A moment, if you will,” Varesh beckoned.

“Yes, Warmarshal?”, Kahyet turned back around to regard his once thought-of friend.

“Have the rebel Sunspears been found?”

“We know that they are hiding out in one of the sanctuaries that were built not too long ago. To get away from the endless heat waves; numerous underground caves were worked on to be hospitable. There are more than a dozen from what we know, maybe more. I have soldiers scouting the various enclaves as we speak.”

“Very good, General. The attack on Fort Jantok will not go unpunished. We lost too many good Kournans on that fateful day. I would pursue them myself if I had the time.”

“I know, Warmarshal. You have duties to attend,” Kahyet replied sounding more like her subordinate and less like her mentor and friend.

Varesh sighed and looked out through the window overlooking the docks. Dusk was settling in, and soon it would be dark. Varesh looked back to Kahyet and smiled.

“I did not want you to leave here, Kahyet, with any bitter feelings towards me. What I do, I do for the good of Kourna. I understand the dilemma I would put you in, if I left you with a quarter of your forces. That’s why I will leave an extra battalion here, to help safeguard the city. I do need the other three with me, though, if we are to take Dzagonur Bastion. I do not want to rely too heavily on the Margonites for I’m sure their loyalties will stay with Jadoth, even under my command. You must understand my own dilemma.”

“I do, Varesh, and thank you for your generousity,” Kahyet replied, with a gracious bow and left Varesh to her thoughts.

Varesh looked back out to the darkening harbor and began to wonder if she was making the right choice to leave Gandara.

Vixtrola Rock · Jun 30, 2008, 05:55 PM // 17:55

Chapter 6 – You Always Feel Better the Next Morning

Four days after the rescue in Fort Jantok, Kiruna Del Ray was still in a semi-coma. The enchantment that was cast upon her after the failed raid in Gandara was a nasty one. Simply called Encapsulate, the enchantment was designed to immobilize the caster for over a week. During this time, the person would be alive, but unable to harness their magical energies or even move about. The enchantment wasn’t cast upon her until her arrival in Fort Jantok. She was knocked unconscious during the raid and bound hand & foot. The only remedy was plenty of bed rest for most monks; however her sister was not like most monks.

And Kiruna didn’t stay on her back any longer than she had to.

Now Kiruna found herself staring up at a reddish hardened clay ceiling wondering if any of her Kournan captors took advantage of her vulnerable state for anything pleasurable. She lifted her white cotton sheets to inspect. “No,” she thought to herself. “His little peter would have been singed off instantly. That particular enchantment is still intact, thank the Spirits.” She let out a low chuckle but grimaced while placing her right hand over her left side of ribs, where she knew she got kicked many times over while she was on the ground, unconscious.

Kiruna looked over from the open doorway on the left to her right, where her sister was asleep in a chair next to the bed. Kiruna smiled despite the pain in her side. She knew she was under the best care in Elona with Danika looking over her. “Day and night I bet she sits here, waiting for me to wake up,” she thought. “And when I wake up, she’ll find a reason to walk out.” That last thought put a frown on her face.

There was always something coming between the two sisters. Holding the position of First Mage in Elona was not easy. Kiruna’s job required a lot of travel and time away from home. While Kiruna was away, Danika had to rely on herself for whatever she needed. What she needed, however, was family, and Kiruna felt a pang of guilt for constantly being away. The past few weeks, the two talked very little, and Danika spoke of moving to Tyria to start her own Healing Mage academy.

Danika was one year younger than Kiruna, but not in experience, she knew. Kiruna was sure Danika had been in more fights than she had in her 25 years. Being the First Mage was more political than anything, in truth. Her battles involved mage guardian positions, providing envoys for crusty beauricrats, attending pointless council meetings, strong-arming Princes, fending off wave after wave of sexual invitations for political positioning and the ubiquitous, “If you spend the night with me, I will make sure the Mage Guardians receive full funding from such and such country.”

Well, Kiruna didn’t mind the invitations to a degree, she thought, while smiling to herself. Kiruna’s curvaceous body and inviting smile won more than a few office battles in her favor. And some of the Princes and Kings were quite handsome, she remembered. One in particular, a Lord Marrin from Maatu Keep held her fancy for two years. And two years is a very long time in Kiruna’s eyes. “And the way he handled me in the bedroom was almost awe inspiring...”

“I see someone is awake and feeling better,” a sarcastic voice noted from the outside world.

Kiruna popped open her eyes and couldn’t help but smile at her sister, for she knew she was caught thinking about something mischievous.

“I was remembering that warrior from Cantha, you remember him.”

“Lord Jayson, the mesmer?” Danika asked.

“No, the other one.”

“High Priest Thogin?”

“No, no. The other guy,” Kiruna said, furrowing her brow with each name Danika came up with.

“Oh yeah, that Marrin fellow. Who could forget him and those eyes of his…” Danika recounted dreamily. The tall and slender archer who originally liked Danika, but a certain someone slid right in for the steal.

“Yeah, him. You know, he wrote to me the other week. Saying he wants me back and the assassin was a one night stand, and blah blah, heard it before.”

“Did you love him, Fuego?”

“Me? Dear Spirits, no! But there were other things I miss...”, Kiruna let her voice trail off and smiled at her sister, leaning over her.

“Yes, yes I know. We’ll find you a good paragon or someone to occupy the open position of sex toy. In the meantime, there is this little war above us that can use your attention, if you don’t mind,” Danika smiled, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Oh, really? A war! You don’t say?” Kiruna replied feigning seriousness.

“Yep. I had Koss carry you back here after the rescue. He was veering toward his own chambers before I kindly reminded him of the little enchantment you always have on yourself.”

Kiruna sat up off her bed. “Oh, really now? Well, I should pay the little man a visit!”

Danika put up her hands plaintively, "He was only joking. Koss was just as worried as I was after we brought you here. The spell had a dire hold over you. It took all of my healing energies to break it; even then I didn’t know it was going to be enough for you to break the coma. He’ll be glad to know you’re out of it."

Danika’s story sobered Kiruna up a bit. She owed thanks to everyone involved in her rescue, and hoped nobody died trying.

“Well help me up, Dani, so I can get dressed and help you guys with the next move. Whatever it’s going to be. I am still First Mage in these lands.”

Ω Ω Ω

Vixtrola Rock · Jun 30, 2008, 05:57 PM // 17:57

Chapter 7 – Becoming a Spearmarshal

A barrel-chested man sat cross-legged in front of a pair of drums. His gaze, along with everyone else, was on the circle; and more aptly, on the monk wielding a golden spear inside it. The drummer began his melody, signaling the start of the contest. Danika paced back and forth, her eyes searching for the first challengers. Taking up a defensive posture, she held the spear behind her back and motioned for the two men standing outside the circle to enter.

“Bring it.”

Both warriors let out a growl, exploding into action; swords flying in front of them in a blur of motion. Danika bent low and clutched her spear tighter, her raptor gaze focused down the middle. The warriors reached her simultaneously, one on each side. Danika pivoted left while spinning the spear out in front; a perfect defensive move that kept the warriors from striking home. Not impressed by her spin move, they press in, thrusting their blades forward. Danika brought both hands on the spear for a perfect double parry low before spinning out and slapping a warrior’s side. Without hesitation she brings the spear up for another parry as the other warrior to her left sent a downward arc from on high for her left shoulder. Danika spins left, and slaps the other warrior in his left side with the spear shaft, scoring another hit. The first warrior charges in with an over-extended thrust. Danika pivots right, avoiding the blade while switching spear hands; slapping his side again, marking hit number two.

“Two more,” a voice calls out from the blackness outside the ring. Danika takes quick notes of the new opponent’s weaponry: one wielding a spear and shield, the other dual scimitars: she flashes them both a quick smile before spinning out of a double thrust from the first two already engaged. Spear meets spear in a perfect parry, as the paragon reaches her first.

Danika somersaults out of the fight and charges a swordsman. Caught of guard he swings wildly for her middle. Danika ducks under the flashing blade and sweeps his feet from under him. A quick stab to his middle gives him three hits. “Rajavek, you’re out,” the same voice from before calls out to the warrior lying helplessly on his back. The warrior rolls over and out of the circle. “One more!” the voice shouts. Danika had no time to regard her new opponent as she was being pressed by three opponents at once.

She parries a low spear thrust and spins inward slapping the Paragon’s neck. He lets out a grunt as his neck bends awkwardly. With both hands on the shaft she smashes the paragon to the floor.

Acting on pure instinct, Danika spins out - her large single braid whipping her face – as a lunging dual scimitar thrust misses her by a hairs breath. The warrior growls as his blades rip into the canvas. She quickly swept his feet, planting the warrior flat on his back. A quick thrust to his shoulder gives him his second hit. Another warrior charges in with a slashing and hacking. Backpedaling, Danika parries strike after strike and sweeps his feet out before engaging the scimitars again. Side kicking the scimitar; she blocks another sword jab, before rolling out of the fight and back to her feet. Danika back peddles slowly to take measure of her four opponents. The three warriors and the paragon circle Danika with victory in their eyes.

Danika flips her spear from hand to hand, waiting for their next move.

“One more!” the voice cries out; gasps are heard from the silent crowd. A massive, barrel-chested warrior carrying a broadsword strides into the circle. He stops alongside the four; all of them sharing the same victorious look.

All five of the warriors carry the look of bottled rage. The large man’s corded muscles in his arms stand out as he clenches his broadsword. The five warriors circle the lithe monk for many moments. Danika retreats to the edge of the circle and awaits their first move. She wanted this fight more than anything, and now she got it.

Danika calculates the distance between her opponents and where she stood and smiles. She crooks a finger at the group holding her smile. Chaos erupts as the warriors charge into the monk, closing the distance rapidly.

Twenty feet.

Danika bends low and clenches her spear tighter, her raptor gaze focused down middle of the attack.

Fifteen feet.

“Dwayna, guide my spear,” Danika whispers, spreading both arms out.

Ten feet.

Bringing both arms together, a bright flash of blue light appears before her - in the shape of a shield – before evaporating over her form.

Five feet.

Danika charged into the fray, her spear becoming a flying defense; smacking against swords, midsections, necks, shields, and scimitars in a blur. The largest warrior charges headlong and right into Danika, shoulder leading, smacking her square in the chest sending her out across the canvas. Danika smashed her skull hard, biting her tongue. Warm blood fills her mouth in an instant, and her head swam. Blinking away the stars Danika rolls over and spits a mouthful of blood on the canvas.

“Is that all you got!” Danika screams out defiantly, while bouncing back up to assume a defensive pose; blood drooling from her mouth. “C’mon, let’s dance!”

Danika re-cast the shield; then stomped her left foot out while spreading her arms, producing a blazing green light around her. The opponents looked to each other apprehensively, their eyes shooting nervous glances towards the furious monk before them.

“Oh man. It’s going to get bloody now. She just called upon Serpent’s Quickness,” Kiruna whispered to herself in the crowd.

Danika flew into the group with such ferocity that the warriors were taken by surprise and forced to defend themselves. She met the largest one first; slapping his broadsword low, flipping her spear up, and slamming the butt end up into his chin, sending blood and spit flying. Kiruna winced when she then heard the reverberating crack as spear connected with skull. The warrior crumbled to the canvas, finished.

The paragon gave a mighty yell and swung in wide, only to take a high arcing kick that came in so quickly he couldn’t raise his spear back up in time. Danika’s right foot caught him square in the nose, splaying blood across his face, and staggering him back. Danika growled slamming her spear shaft to the side of his face crumpling him to the floor instantly.

What Koss witnessed from the outside could only be described as a dance of death.
He watched as his friend knock two warriors out of the fight within seconds of each other. He also watched her eyes as best he could. Koss watched her impenetrable gaze lead her deadly spear to a perfect parry or a strike on a charging opponent. Her quick moving feet were always in perfect harmony with her slender, curvy form. Danika’s spear became the deadliest weapon he’s ever seen. Koss also noticed Danika taking hits herself; her woven outfit was covered in blood, half of it her own. The fight was becoming too serious and Koss feared someone would lose their life. Another loud crack snapped Koss back into the fight as another warrior was sprawled out on the canvas, bleeding from his mouth and nose. Only one man was left standing before the bloodied monk.

The man left standing was worthy foe indeed. Koss remembered this Sunspear ripping through a rank of Corsairs with those deadly scimitars a few years back. What a bloody mess that was! The blade master stood stock still, both scimitars raised up before him in a show of defense and respect. Danika spun her weapon in front of her and flew in to finish the fight. Spear parried scimitar after scimitar in one constant ring.

Danika sent a low roundhouse kick, but the warrior jumped up missing the swing. He warrior landed on his feet, and charged widely into Danika, both scimitars a flashing blur. Danika was forced into a back peddling retreat; barely keeping up with the deadly blades. She noticed her opponent using his scimitars to press the offensives on both sides of her, cutting off any spin outs. It was a deadly risk going for his middle as his blades could quickly swing back in for defense.

A smile crept onto Danika’s face.

“She’s not going to try it. She better not.” Kiruna panicked while watching the dance unfold. In all her years as First Mage she had never seen anyone wield a spear as deadly as Danika has today. She was truly amazed at the spectacle in the training circle. Danika was still being hard pressed by the blades, and was finding it harder to take breath. She parried strike after strike hoping for her chance to retaliate would come, before she couldn’t parry any longer; before a scimitar slipped by her defenses to puncture a lung, or even her heart.

Her opportunity came moments later as the warrior brought his scimitars down for a double strike; a move would usually end the fight in his favor. With unbelievable quickness Danika spun out, swinging her spear slapped the warrior hard in the side. Not slowing an instant she spun the opposite direction – avoiding the flashing blades by inches – and slapped his other side just as hard to score the last hit she needed.

“The fight is over!” Koss cried out to everyone. A thunderous cheer erupted from the audience and Sunspears and Kournan merchants alike clapped and hollered for the victor, and their leader. Thalkora and a few other healers were already working on the injured combatants, some of the wounds serious. Danika took a knee in the training circle, catching her breath. Koss and Kiruna both walked into the circle to help Danika to her feet.

“Help me Koss...I…cannot heal myself…at the moment…..” she said between gasps for air. Koss grabbed one arm while Kiruna grabbed the other and they both hoisted her up.

“Let’s take you to the infirmary Danika,” Koss suggested.

“Yes, that would be wise. I saw you run out of energy there at the end Danika, you are lucky he tired out first. That double thrust was his last shot at winning,” Kiruna added.
While they helped Danika to the medical office Koss stopped the group and turned to regard the audience still standing around the circle.

“The five chosen Sunspears have proven their valor today. This was a tremendous fight. Danika is the victor, and has earned the title Spearmarshal!” Koss’ proclamation was received with a monstrous cheer.

"Why did you do it Dani? Why now?” Kiruna asked her battered sister while holding her steady.

“This was something that had to be done Sis,” Danika replied. “For me, for the Sunspears, and for Elona; these men and women need a Spearmarshal, and it’s time I stepped up.”

Vixtrola Rock · Jun 30, 2008, 06:03 PM // 18:03

Chapter 8 – Comings and Goings

The outlying building in the Sanctuary was quite pleasant to stay in, truthfully. Not that the other four buildings weren’t, of course. The outlying building was closer to the underground river, so the people inside got a chance to enjoy the fresh air first. Sunlight came in from six different windows, which gave the structure a surface-type feel. The first floor had two sturdy wooden tables covered with maps, and lounge chairs around the edges. The second floor had comfortable bedding for up to six people. Three rooms total, with double beds in each. Danika and Kiruna shared one, Jin and Sousuke the second, with Koss and Thalkora holding the last. Melonni chose to sleep with the other Sunspear soldiers across the way. The group was on the first floor with seven chairs positioned in a circle, and a dainty circular table in the middle.

It had been only four days since her move to assume the Spearmarshal role and already the Sunspears underground support from the Kournan and Vabbi merchants doubled, with more coming in everyday. Before she met with the next set of merchants, Danika wanted to talk with her six closest friends and discuss their next military move.

“Thank you all for stopping by on such short notice. It’s been a busy week for all of us. When we’re through here I have to meet two Vabbian merchants who say their cloth-like armor holds just as much resistance as plate-mail. They have magically imbued their armor to withstand a lot of punishment, they say,” Danika said.

“Vabbian armor is of the highest quality, Danika. With the consistently high temperatures in Kourna and Vabbi, wearing a little less will decrease the chance of heat exhaustion and other ailments as well. Their armor is quite pricey though.” Tahlkora replied.

Koss wanted to get a word in. “You won’t catch me wearing a cotton dress to a battle! My Sunspear plate-mail is holding up just fine, thank you!”

Danika rolled her eyes sarcastically. “I think a few sets of Vabbian armor will help us. I’ll review their price sheets, and relay the info to Thevo, who I put in charge of our finances.” Danika sat up in her chair to regard each of her friends. “I wanted to get each of your opinions on our next move. I plan to keep Fort Karak intact, and go for Pogahn Passage instead. The latest message from Dunkoro placed the Tyrian fleet three days away from Kournan shores. That leaves us little time to raid a fort, and clear a city for our allies’ arrival. With the news of Varesh’s departure north, I think we can destabilize the city well enough for the boats to dock safely.”

“What is your plan to get inside the fortress?”, Kiruna asked.

Danika didn’t miss a beat. “My plan is to sneak five of us into the city disguised as Kournan patrolmen. One of us will be a captured Sunspear. “

“All captured Sunspears go straight to the jail, towards the back of the city for interrogation. We wouldn’t get close enough to the docks to do anything fruitful. And even with only one battalion of a thousand soldiers stationed there, we wouldn’t have a chance to fight our way through with only six of us.”, Kiruna replied pointedly.

“Exactly, that’s why our captured Sunspear has to be someone of high ranking. A capture worthy enough to bring straight to Kayhet, personally," Danika hinted.

“Someone he wouldn’t mind... regarding?” Jin asked while smirking, already catching on to Danika’s plan.

“Regarding? What the hell does that mean? Well, we have Koss, but who wants to look upon his scraggly face! To the dungeon with you!” Kiruna pointed and laughed. Koss quickly shot her a scowl, but let it soften to a smirk. He knew who Danika wanted to send to Kahyet.

Sousuke and Thalkora were also beginning to chuckle.

“What’s so funny?”, Kiruna asked, looking around, confused.

“Well dear sis, I plan on sending you as our capture,” Danika told Kiruna, desperately holding back a laugh of her own.

Red faced, Kiruna shot up and began screaming, “What?! Are you crazy?! Have you lost your little monk brain? There is absolutely no way I will be humiliated in such a fashion. I am First Mage for a reason! And none of those reasons involve being escorted through a throng of horny, belligerent mongrels who want nothing more than to bed me in the roughest possible way!”

Everyone sitting in the circle exploded into laughter.

“Oh laugh it up! I’m sure Jin or silly Sousuke here can fill the role good enough to pass through the gates,” Kiruna remarked as she made her way to the door.

Danika shot out of her seat to address her furious sister, "Kiruna! I need you to sit down and hear me out! Other than me, you are the highest ranking individual in the Sanctuary, and the only person worthy of Kahyet’s personal attention. We need to escort someone far enough in the city to sneak to the docks undetected. His office is practically on the docks itself! I need you to be a team player on this one. Now please sit back down.” Danika finished with a hard look to her sister. A look Kiruna was not used to receiving.

Kiruna took in Danika’s gaze for a few more moments before heading back to her seat.

“Jin, can you grab the map on the left table for Pogahn Passage, please.” Danika asked, composing herself again. Once Jin brought it back, Danika unfolded the map across the table and traced her fingers from the gate to the docks while going over the details.

“This is the first point, where we will begin splitting off,” Danika tapped a spot on the map. "Koss, Tahlkora and Sousuke will move to the left end of the siege batteries and hold there. Melonni will move to the right end. Everyone stays within sight of the batteries. I will follow Jin and Kiruna to Kahyet’s office. This spot here is where Kahyet’s office is,” Danika tapped another spot. “Once Jin presents Kahyet with Kiruna, we will close the door and move on. Jin will hold position outside in case Kahyet needs anything. I will make my way to the right end of the siege batteries.”

“Question, what if Kahyet is not in his office?”, Sousuke asked.

“I’m sure he will be, but if he isn’t then we will make our way slowly to the jail in the back, but not before I slip out to support Melonni,” Danika replied.

Koss looked confused. “So how long will we be out there? I mean, once the Kournan soldiers start asking us questions like which unit we belong to and such, we’ll be had.”

“Koss, we are taking the place of the unit that Pogahn Passage ‘lost contact’ with yesterday. They are being held in the building across from training yard for the time being. We’ll assume their names and ranks. We will hit the city an hour before the ships hit the horizon.”

“But…..the soldiers were all males.”

“Well I guess we’ll have to talk like this, soldier.” Danika replied in a deep husky voice. She came across sounding more like a little girl imitating her father than anything else, which brought laughs from everyone.

Danika knew she had one shot at this. If they died, then ships would be destroyed while still approaching, and the Sunspears would be hopelessly cut off.

Win or lose, this event would serve as a turning point in the war, for everyone.

Ω Ω Ω

Vixtrola Rock · Jun 30, 2008, 06:08 PM // 18:08

Chapter 9 – Second Thoughts

Nighttime in Kourna is not too different from the southern regions, where the temperatures usually stay above seventy degrees during the summer. The temperature did drop over twenty degrees since Nightfall, which is why Danika brought her extra shawl with her when she walked up to the surface to meditate. She found her usual log, and sat down. On the surface, there were a few villagers about, caring for animals or clearing up areas that had busy traffic during the day. Danika was still in a deep trance when the last of the villagers went inside the sanctuary for sleep.

Every night since her ascension to Spearmarshal, Danika came out here to relax and to be alone with her thoughts.

All her years of training never truly prepared Danika for the role of Spearmarshal. She never really thought a day would come where she would accept the challenge for the job. To be honest, Danika was perfectly content with being a General. She had her own troops, her own say, but there was always a sense of protection knowing that Kormir was still the leader. Danika could always rely on Kormir for guidance and strength.

The times have changed though, and Kormir is seemingly lost to everyone. There were only two places Danika knew that Sunspears were being held and the city was the last place to check. By accounts from the captured Kournan soldiers, there were only a handful at the city, and they didn’t know who.

Danika sighed and stretched her legs out in front of her on the reddish brown dirt. Her hair was not in a bun, and hung down past her shoulders across her back. What if Kormir was in the Moon City? What if Kormir was healthy and wanted command of the Sunspears? Would Danika refuse?

“No, I wouldn’t,” Danika replied to herself. “I would give command back to Kormir, so she could plan our next blunder and be rid of the remnants of a once proud army,” she thought bitterly.

Danika rolled her neck about in a slow circle, releasing a few cramps. “Why am I so torn about this?”, she thought to herself. “If she is alive, then Elona will be that much brighter. And if she is dead…”

Danika couldn’t finish that thought. Not just yet.

It seemed to Danika as if the world was beginning to come apart at the seams, and all eyes were on the monk to undo the wrong that had been wrought.

Could she even make a difference? Another thought that apparently didn’t have an answer.

Danika decided to lie down on the log, stretch out and peer up at the starless sky for a few more hours.

“What can I bring to this war to make a difference?”, she asked herself over and over again…

Her restless sleep came to a halt when a familiar voice awoke her from behind.

“I knew I’d find you here,” Jin remarked while walking up to Danika’s makeshift bed of a log. Danika moved her legs back over her end to allow Jin to sit down next to her. Jin sat down, placed her left elbow on her thigh and cupped her chin in her hand. Jin’s short croppy hair didn’t cover the back of her neck very well, but the style fit the courageous ranger. “How many battles has Jin had my back in? How many times has she saved my hide?”, Danika thought. Jin peered out to the village opening for some time without talking. Danika was appreciative for the moments of peace between her and her friend of many years. It wasn’t everyday they both got to sit like this, alone.

Danika was the first to break the silence.

“You know, after this war, I was thinking about taking a trip to Tyria for a vacation.”

“Really, what region did you have in mind?”, Jin replied while still gazing out across the darkened landscape.

“I don’t know. I heard the Divinity Coast is really nice this time of year. Clear blue waters, pearl white sands. And I have always wanted to visit Lion’s Arch. I heard they have some of the prettiest monk outfits in Tyria.”

Jin let out a slow chuckle and looked to her friend. “I can already see you bargaining for an outfit. And when the merchant won’t go any lower in price, you’ll scrunch that pretty face in a frown! What a deal you’ll have then! Nobody I know wants an angry monk on their hands,” she laughed.

Danika had to share in the laugh with that remark, “A problem I hope I have the pleasure of dealing with someday,” she lamented. Jin caught a hint of sorrow in her voice, and winced. Danika continued, “I hope this war doesn’t spell the end of us. There is still so much to see and do in this world. Do you know, I had never left Istan until the raid?” Jin nodded. “I consider myself fortunate to lead such a talented group of people, but to what end? Will this war pick us off one by one, to leave a sole survivor to recount our tales? It’s not within me to let that happen. I know I can do more than I am right now. I just…”

Jin placed a comforting hand on Danika’s shoulder. “It’s ok Danika, all of us that know you, know there is something within you that is unique. And when you find it, we will still be by your side. Your friends are with you to the end Danika, wherever and whenever that end may be.”

Danika’s smile back was truly genuine.

“You know,” Jin began, while changing subjects. “I have always wanted to visit the Echovald Forest and the Tanglewood Copse in Cantha. I hear they have some wonderful monsters to kill. Big, hairy beasts they say! And some of these beasts carry trinkets from their own kills.”, Jin dropped her voice to a whisper, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “Trinkets, I hear, that carry a hefty price in the Kurzick markets.”

“Come with me on my vacation to Tyria, and you got yourself a healer in Cantha,” Danika reasoned with Jin while extending her right hand to seal the bargain.

“Deal,” Jin said while gripping Danika’s hand in reply. “Now let’s hurry up and finish this war. The sooner the better I say!”, Jin finished with a warm smile.

“Indeed,” Danika replied while gazing out to the wide open terrain. “It’s going to be light soon. Let’s rouse the gang and head out.” They both rose up and started for the Sanctuary, feeling a bit easier about the day that was about to begin…

Ω Ω Ω

Vixtrola Rock · Jul 01, 2008, 04:08 PM // 16:08

Chapter 10 – The Flight into Gandara

“Dear Spirits, this tunic is chafing my skin. How much farther to the fortress, again?”

“Not much farther Koss, and quit acting like a baby. You only have to wear the armor once.”

“Thanks for the kind words, Kiruna. How does your stolen armor feel by the way? Oh wait, you aren’t wearing any! Just a half opened tunic and a dusty skirt. How regal of you.”

“Nice one there, axe boy. Let’s switch positions, okay? Oh wait, we can’t. One look at you and the Kournan soldiers will throw us back out, and tell us to capture a prisoner that doesn’t come equipped with rabies."

“Will the two of you pipe down! As soon as we round this ridge we’ll be in sight of Gandara. I want everyone to assume their roles. It’s time to get serious.” Danika said, silencing them both.

“Nice one there, axe boy. Let’s switch positions, okay? Oh wait, we can’t. One look at you and the Kournan soldiers will throw us back out, and tell us to capture a prisoner that doesn’t come equipped with rabies."

“Will the two of you pipe down! As soon as we round this ridge we’ll be in sight of Gandara. I want everyone to assume their roles. It’s time to get serious.” Danika said, silencing them both.

The hilled areas did well to conceal their approach from the village, but now as they approached the gate it was time to get down to business. As the six “Kournan” soldiers and their captive rounded the hill, a scout on the parapets spotted their glimmering bronze and red armor from afar. He blew his horn once to announce that Kournan soldiers were approaching the gate.

The gate itself stood open already. A few soldiers were mulling about in and around the bridge that led to the island fortress. Out in the distance to the left, Danika could see the smaller island where the jailhouse resided. She wanted nothing more, at that moment, than to storm the jailhouse and find out if Kormir was alive or not, just to ease her conscious. Each step that Danika took put her further away from the smaller island and towards the main city, and came only with the greatest of efforts. She might as well have been walking through quicksand, that’s how fast she was moving.

“Dani?”, Tahlkora shook her arm lightly. “Dani, are you alright?”

“Yes, yes I’m ok. I was just gazing out towards the jailhouse, where the rest of our Sunspears are.” Danika replied.

“We are all anxious to know of Kormir’s whereabouts Dani,” Tahlkora assured the beleaguered monk. “And we will find out soon enough.”

The seven Sunspears walked on towards the main gate with Kiruna in the middle. The six disguised Kournans assumed the demeanor of a Kournan soldier, as Koss showed them the night before. Walk slowly, and stay alert. Not that anyone would assume they weren’t Kournan soldiers back from a patrol gone amiss.

Danika, Koss, Jin, Tahlkora, Sousuke and Melonni were all decked out head-to-toe in pristine Kournan armor and leading Kiruna, their "prisoner". It worked out well in their favor, that the patrol they captured totaled six.

Before they made it to the open expanse of the front gates, a muscular, broad-shouldered soldier with four stripes on the left side of his breastplate, approached them. The four stripes marked him as a high ranking individual.

“Greetings, my name is Captain Kahturin. I do not remember having a patrol due to arrive into Gandara today. Is anything wrong?”, the captain asked.

“We have a high ranking prisoner to hand off to Kahyet . He will want to interrogate this one personally,” Koss replied.

“Will he now?”, the captain said, curiously. ”Well, let’s see who you bagged today.” Koss stepped aside so the captain could regard Kiruna. His eyes started from the top of Kiruna’s well kept but still bushy hair, down to her piercing brown eyes, and eventually settled on her open tunic which showed off quite a bit of cleavage. If the tunic was fully buttoned her ample curves would still have been evident; but with the tunic holding together for dear life by the bottom three buttons, she was practically spilling out of her shirt. This is exactly how she planned it, of course, if this ruse of theirs was going to work. ‘Simple, yet effective’ was her motto, and sex definitely sells.

“Well, what do we have here,” Captain Kahturin smiled coyly at Kiruna through his raised visor. His eyes continued to linger on her cleavage while he spoke. “Yes, yes, quite the catch men,” Kahturin stepped forward and his hands found her waist. “I think this prisoner will put more than a few smiles on my mens faces, that is, after I’m through with her, of course.” His wandering hands rose from her waist to her cleavage. While Kahturin was squeezing Kiruna’s breasts through her tunic, a wicked grin crept onto his face. Kiruna returned the grin in kind, and what a maniacal grin she gave him! Danika knew Kiruna wanted nothing more than to turn this miscreant into ash at that very moment. She owed her sister big time for this venture.

Sousuke had seen enough though, “Are you through inspecting our prisoner? We have to get back to work, you know. And the enchantment we cast upon this deadly mage won’t last for very much longer. Kahyet will have to re-apply the shields before we head to the jail. This one here is especially deadly with fire.”

The captain’s hands flew off of Kiruna as if he was feeling up fireball itself!

“Yes, take her away,” The captain waved off. “And double-time it. I’ll provide you an escort to Kahyet if you need it.” Captain Kahturin stammered over his words.

“Not needed, but thank you,” Koss sternly replied. ”Let’s go team.”

Captain Kahturin stepped to the side to let the patrol pass. After they were halfway across the bridge, the captain called out to his men on the parapets above. “Close the gates men, I don’t want any more unexpected visitors today,” he commanded, walking back into the city. Shouts of, "Yes, Captain!" echoed off the half-empty walkway above the gates.

As the group proceeded into the city, Danika spotted a flock of seagulls circling above the fortress, probably looking for their next meal. Music drifted out of a few of the uppermost towers, giving the entrance a homely feel. That is, if you were a Kournan.

Gandara was built to be more of a civilian city than a military one. There were paved streets intersecting one another, with steps leading down to the lower levels. Boarded windows and doors - which were the abandoned merchant buildings - outlined the main entrance leading into the city on both sides of the street. Some buildings were so high that they blocked out the sun, giving the city its own personal shade.

Danika also took note that almost all of the streets they crossed were deserted. She couldn’t find one civilian about, and that worried her terribly.

“Where are all the people?”, Danika asked from the back of the group.

Without turning around to regard her, Tahlkora answered. “When Varesh expelled the citizens out of the city, they all went in different directions. Most refugees traveled north to Yohlon Haven, Nundu Bay and the Dajkah Inlet. Other refugees went south east to Camp Hojanu. Turai Ossa built this city for his citizens, and who would ever have thought that his own descendant would have taken it away,” Tahlkora finished, shaking her head in disgust.

“A travesty, what has befallen Kourna under Varesh’s rule.” Koss pointed out while craning his neck to look at the uppermost buildings.

The group of seven seemed to be no larger than ants scurrying through a gigantic, deserted city. They kept their voices low, just in case someone they couldn’t see was around them. It was quite some time before they came across the soldiers stationed within central Gandara.

Koss stopped the group before a split in the road, one way continuing south west toward the harbor, and the other heading east toward the central offices.

Koss turned around to face the group. "This is where we part ways,” he said solemnly. “Danika, Jin, Kiruna, you three be careful. There are still more than enough soldiers stationed here to overwhelm us. Let’s all make it out of here in one piece.” All three nodded in response.

Danika and Jin both ushered Kiruna forward, taking the east road. Danika stopped though, and turned back to Koss. “You will all have some time to acclimate yourselves within their ranks, but when you hear my call, unleash hell.” Koss, Melonni and Tahlkora nodded in reply. Koss tightened the grip on his axe, and led Melonni and Tahlkora south into the teeth of the Gandaran army.

Ω Ω Ω

“Here is your lunch, sir,” a soldier announced while walking into General Kahyet’s quarters to lay down a small platter of hot food on his writing table.

“Thank you, Mannin,” Kahyet replied while continuing to write on his parchment. “Any news Mannin, on our lost scouting vessel?”

Mannin shook his head no. “None sir, we have another vessel out as we speak searching the inner coastal areas. They will be found soon enough.”

Kahyet looked up to his second in command and nodded his approval. “Good to hear, Mannin. I want that vessel found, and report to me immediately when it is. You are dismissed.” Mannin gave a bow and left Kahyet’s office.

Kahyet looked out of his window which had a magnificent view of the harbor. No storms reported recently, no pirate excursions that he knew of. So, what could have happened to his lost ship?

Ω Ω Ω

Doran Martell knew what happened to Kahyet’s lost vessel. Obviously, since it was his warship that sunk it. The vessel appeared off of starboard and was assaulted immediately with a host of fireballs, ballistic bolts and arrows. She went under in a matter of minutes. Doran wasted no time in setting the tempo with his fellow Canthans. They were headed into battle, make no mistake. His warship led a dozen others that carried veteran warriors, wizards, rangers, healers, and blacksmiths from the Canthan mainland.

Yes, Cantha.

Dunkoro changed his mind at the last minute and sailed for Cantha will all speed. He knew Doran would help his Sunspears in their most dire time of need. In Tyria, he was not so sure.

And as he had hoped, Doran agreed to help. Doran also promised to bring a full fleet of ships with him.

Now Doran stood tall in the front of the boat, wearing his trademark Elite Luxon armor, and gazing out across the waters before him. His armor was comprised of dark green scales, magically tempered to the likeness of steel, but twice as light. Encircling the dark green scales were gilded steel pieces, crafted to resemble the breaking of an ocean current, against the dark green coral reefs of the sea. The breastplate bore four magical sapphires to protect Doran against elemental damage. The helmet had the features of a fierce squid, and Doran’s eyes shown through the open eye sockets like twin blue orbs of justice. His entire appearance was thoroughly intimidating. And that was with his famed Gothic Sword still sheathed.

Doran looked back to his eager crew, ready to spring off the boat into action and nodded. Their time to join the Sunspears would soon be at hand.

Ω Ω Ω

Vixtrola Rock · Jul 01, 2008, 04:38 PM // 16:38

Chapter 11 – The Fight to Hold

Mid-summer once again reared its ugly head in Elona, and the usually tolerable climate transformed into a fiery red beast; scorching plants, wildlife and people. The additional searing winds that were blowing in from the northwest made any outdoor activities unbearable. Many merchants closed up shop and went back into their homes the blinding heat was so intense. Dozens of citizens were victims of dehydration and heat stroke. The only cool temperatures found this day were on the beaches, where thousands flocked to enjoy the cool blue waters and to escape the heat.

The Moon Fortress itself was in such a location that the cool air traveling in from the ocean dominated the inner coastal winds. On chilly nights the city was black and freezing, while on sweltering afternoons like this, the temperature was satisfying. On this particular day, the central harbor was chock full of raucous laughter, singing, dancing, and much drinking. Tables full of rambunctious soldiers were aligned along the central harbor, and each table had at least eight pitchers of good, hearty ale. Today was Captain Mezu’s birthday, Danika overheard a few times. Toss in the fact that Warmarshal Varesh was halfway to the north by now; the soldiers finally had a chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy some good company.

The men and women that comprised the battalion holding the fortress were milling about in the central harbor enjoying the festivities. Danika spotted a few soldiers not wearing their chest pieces, while others were wearing their chest pieces and no greaves, and others were wearing even less! Danika watched in amusement as a large, heavyset bearded man was signing on top of a table, with a full mug in his hand; sloshing the drink everywhere; and on top of the men sitting down at the table under him. They didn’t seem to mind though, since they continued to cheer him on! Other soldiers were dancing around the tables; playing a song to a fiddle, a flute, drums, whatever instrument they could find that gave off a racket Danika thought amusingly. While most of the men and women had a much darker skin tone than hers, Danika noticed quite a few holding deep copper tones and lighter shades of tan, much like her own. In an effort to blend in, Danika ordered her Sunspears remove their helmets.

The last time Danika saw Captain Mezu, the cheerful birthday man, he was standing outside the cooking stations instructing a pair of soldiers to bring out more ale for his men. Danika found it intriguing, that on his birthday, Mezu was catering to his own men, and not the other way around; like it usually was with Kournan brass. She thought of Captain Mezu as a strapping fellow. He looked to be her age, or maybe a year older based on his striking, angular facial features. Mezu had curly black hair and a closed cropped goatee that started from the top of his lips and circled under his jaw line. Other than his helmet being off, he still wore full battle fatigue. He didn’t wear the bulky yet flashy armor most of the others did, that kept them at a disadvantage on the battlefield. His suit was made for quick reflexes and minimal visibility which seem to fit his outward persona like a glove.

Before the ships were spotted off the horizon, and before men rushed to their broken siege engines to repel the invaders, Danika would approach Mezu and offer him the chance for an unconditional surrender. If he refused, she would knock him unconscious and ask again later! That was her way of dealing. She felt it within her heart, to keep the good people alive if possible, even if they were still technically considered the enemy. Such was the perspective of a healer. Danika held onto hopes that a treaty could be forged between Kourna, Istan and the incoming allies.

After Danika left Kiruna inside General Kahyet’s personal quarters, she meandered her way to the harbor. Even though the tide was low, waves still crashed on the docks, threatening to spill over, but not yet. A strong gust of wind snapped Danika’s bundled black hair off her shoulders to settle behind her back; which she unconsciously pulled back over. The surrounding air had a strong musky scent with spilled ale mixed in. Danika walked up to Jin who was half patrolling, half waiting for Koss to finish his last siege engine belt before they joined the rest down the way.

“Ok, finished,” Koss whispered standing up from his low crouch. “Let’s find the others and make our way back to central port. Has anyone looked in our direction?” he asked, sheathing his knife back in the holder on his waist.

“It’s hard to tell,” Danika had to raise her voice above the din of the part, and the swirling wind around them. “Based on the number of empty pitchers around, I’d guess they have been drinking way before noon.”

“Wish I could join in,” Jin lamented as they began walking down the pier. “Sure has the smell of some good strong ale!” Koss and Danika both nodded in agreement. Everyone could have used a drink or two to calm their nerves right about now.

Sousuke, Melonni and Thalkora had already cut through seven siege engine belts and ropes. The group was just about to move onto the last four weapons when Koss, Danika and Jin caught up with them. While flashing hand signs, the six Sunspears walked together towards the last of the siege engines; without a head turning in their direction. Jin hung back a ways to make sure they were not being followed. During their short but tense walk Melonni was advising Danika on the types of siege engines the Kournans installed on the harbor. The military brought in a handful of ballistas, catapults, and trebuchets to play. For ‘easier maintenance’ all the siege weapons used the same belt and pulley system for deployment of their incendiary arsenal.

Danika remembered that during the raid a few months prior, the siege weapons were arranged a lot tighter than they were now. The Sunspears destroyed all the initial siege weapons during their nighttime offensive. Looking at how the replacement weapons were plopped along the harbor in a haphazard fashion, Danika could have only guessed Varesh didn’t think another attack was forthcoming anytime soon. She noticed stacks of wooden bolts four feet long and a foot wide with black powder tipped points lying next to nothing. The seige weapon was ten feet away! Danika knew not to underestimate Kourna’s ability to fire them off though. These weapons could be loaded and released in seconds, and they flew with unbelievable accuracy. The ballista bolts were fired with such force that they could either punch a hole through a ship, or explode on impact causing just as much structural damage.

Danika noticed a pair of soldiers holding a conversation near a trebuchet. Flashing a set of hand signs to disperse among the crowd, she casually approached the pair by herself.

“Yes, Jarhi I know. We have to remove the belt, unwind the rope that leads from the - ,” The soldier stopped talking when he saw his friend turn around. He turned around himself to regard a short, slender young woman standing before them.

“Hello, good men. I’ve come here on orders from Captain Kahturin. He needs you two to stand watch at the prison. A few guys left their posts to join Captain Mezu’s party,” Danika recited, keeping a stern look on her face.

The man on her left looked confused. “Why would they ask two siege engineers to watch the prison? That’s not out job.” The other soldier nodded to his friend in agreement.

Danika placed her hands on her hips and began rocking her knees. “It’s not my place to question the Captain’s orders, and it isn’t yours either! The Captain ordered me to find two men not involved with the party to assist the jailors. Shall I go tell him you two buffoons refused?”

Both soldiers were falling over themselves trying to agree and apologize at the same time. “No miss! We’ll….uhh….finish here as quickly as we can…”

“Yes, we’ll be on our way immediately. Go tell Captain…”

“Ten minutes! That’s not good enough!” Danika growled at the two flustered soldiers. “You two will report immediately to the jail or I will personally flay the skin off your bones!!” Danika yelled, waving a threatening finger towards the pair.

Danika had never seen two grown men bolt off as quickly as those did.

When the soldiers were out of sight Danika motioned for the group to join her. Koss pulled out his knife and went to work on the belts. Danika checked the position of the sun, and cast a worried glanced over the railing to the outer sea. “Hurry up Koss, we don’t have much time left. We need to get back to the central harbor.” Thalkora turned to Danika with a puzzled look. “Why don’t we hide out until the boats come? The soldiers will not know it was us who disabled their weapons,” she said.

“The boats are coming in fast, and most surely expect a battle,” Danika replied back with a plaintative look. “I need to end this peacefully if I can.”

“There, that’s the last one. Let’s book,” Koss said rising from his knees. The group walked as swiftly as they could without drawing suspicion from the crowds around them, and made a straight line for the central harbor pier. As the band caught site of the pier Danika pointed to a location to hold, and gave them instructions. “Hold the front of the pier; we’ll have about 100 feet between the end of the pier and the soldiers who will press around us. We keep them bottled necked at the front. I need to find Captain Mezu. Maybe he can convince his men to stand down,” Danika whispered to her friends around her. It was Jin’s turn to give Danika a confused look. “You say to hold them back, how?”

“I’ve been working on my spell shield,” Danika smiled and gave Jin a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “I think I can form a barrier between us and the Kournan soldiers.” Jin’s eyes widened and everyone else who heard her were just as intrigued. “Look I’ll explain later on how I thought of it. For now, hold the front of the docks!” Danika took off to find Mezu while the rest of the band meandered towards the front of the pier.

Ω Ω Ω

Doran’s flagship, named the Sea Sprite, caught sight of the city moments after Danika darted off to find Captain Mezu on the docks. Doran took note of the fact that no enemy vessels moved to intercept his fast approaching fleet so far. Gandara is the most defensible fortress in the region and Doran’s fleet had traveled this far in with very little resistance.

“Something is not right here,” he remarked to Sevian, his second in command standing alongside him. “We’ve encountered absolutely no resistance and we are within sight of the fortress.”

“Dunkoro did mention that he was in contact with the Sunspear leader no more than a few days ago,” Sevian offered in reply. Doran nodded absently. “Until I say otherwise, everyone stays battle ready. That means swords out, arrows knocked Sevian. Your healing may still be needed.”

“Yes sir,” she replied offering Doran a salute. Doran walked back to the front of the boat and gazed out the looming fortress before him, wondering what his course should be.

Ω Ω Ω

After a few minutes of searching Danika spotted Mezu not to far from where she saw him last. He was splayed out on the front steps to the cooking station, with an empty mug in his hand. When Danika walked up to him, Mezu half raised his eyes to greet the visitor. Danika noticed he had a tough time keeping his eyes open, and he smelt rank with ale. His smile towards Danika was genuine enough.

“Well hello there miss,” the captain belched. “I saw you out and about an hour or so ago. And I thought I had seen you before, before today hehe,” the Captain finished, slurring most of his words. “Meant to walk up to you and introduce myself,” another belch, this one sending a shot of beer breath that made Danika wrinkle her face. “You look to be new here, and yet old, hehe.Come, come have a seat,” the Captain scooted over to allow Danika to sit, and she took the offer graciously. She placed her spear off to the side.

“Thank you Captain, and happy birthday. I have something pressing I must-,” Danika was cut off when horns began to blow from inside the fortress; followed by more horns closer by. Danika cursed under her breath for not reaching Mezu sooner. The Captain stood up on wobbly feet and began to look around.

“What in the Nine Hells is going on?” he asked himself. Danika was out of time, she had to tell the Captain now. Danika grabbed her spear and stood up. She then squared her shoulders face to face with Mezu. “Look Captain, I need you to listen to me.” More horns were blaring, this time accompanied with shouts from soldiers running to the docks. Danika placed a hand on Mezu’s chest to get his attention. “Captain there is no time for formal introductions. Right now I need you to tell your men to stand down.” The Captain looked down to Danika with an incredulous look. “Stand down? What the hell are you talking about?” Danika had no other choice but to tell Mezu the truth. “Captain I am the Spearmarshal for the Sunspears, and we are taking the fortress. Please, tell your men to stand down, so we can avoid any unnecessary bloodshed!”

The Captains eyes narrowed dangerously. “A Sunspear dog on my harbor?” Mezu stepped back and drew his long sword. “Lay down that spear you carry woman before I pry it from your dead hands.” Danika took a step back and raised her weapon in defense. “I will not let you die this day Captain, but I will defend myself.” Growling, the captain charged into Danika, feigning a left cut and striking hard right. Danika easily parried his drunken strike and pushed him back off with her spear shaft. He rushed right back in slashing and growling. Danika parried his strikes without giving an inch. The Captain made a high arcing swing, aiming for her head. Danika ducked low, and swept his feet out from under him with her right leg. The Captain hit the floor hard on his back.

Blinking hard trying to focus, Mezu gingerly got back to his feet. “Well, someone who knows how to use a spear; I shall enjoy this fight,” Mezu slurred through his words while holding his sword up in a defensive posture. Danika had no time to fool around with the drunken Captain. She made three quick moves: a swing to the left taking the Captain in the side, doubling him over; a downward cut knocking the sword from his hand, and a hard swing to the head, connecting to his temples, crumbling him to the floor. Danika grabbed the unconscious Captain by the shoulders and pulled him into the cooking station, and out of harm’s way. Before she left him, she laid her protective shield over his form as a precaution.

“I am doing this to save the lives of your men, Captain. You can thank me later,” she whispered into his ears before heading out to join her friends on the pier. Danika was greeted by more horns when she left the cooking station. The scene on the harbor resembled an ant hill that was just kicked over. Hundreds of soldiers were running about in all directions. Some were still waking up and pulling their faces off the tables; and quite a few had no equilibrium from all the ale, causing them to fall back over. Danika had to shove men out of the way as she wound her way to the pier.

When she found her friends she wasted no time. “I need everyone to stand behind me, now!” Danika screamed while preparing a spell. She squared her shoulders with the end of the pier at her back, and with the tip of the pier in front of her. She moved her left hand out in a continuous circle until thin blue wisps of smoke began to appear in front of her. Danika furrowed her brows in concentration, solidifying the wisps into liquid strands. Thalkora knew the beginnings of her spell called Protective Spirit, but what Danika was creating out of it she couldn’t figure out. Slowly the liquid blue circle began to widen, now as wide as her shoulders.

Some semblance of order became to take shape on the docks for the Kournans. Archers were beginning to position themselves along the harbor; warriors appeared from the outer buildings carrying sword and shield. Men also ran to the siege weapons and began loading, or trying to. One soldier popped his head up in confusion, his head darting around. “This ballista won’t pull back!” Another soldier barked for an engineer to fix at his catapult, since ropes were severed in many places. Within seconds the formation of their defense reverted back into a state of confusion. Screams for help rang out amongst the chaos. “We can’t fire the trebuchets! The belts have been severed!” Other men began to notice a small group holding very still amongst the sea of chaos at the front of the longest pier. Others moved in to investigate.

Koss saw pockets of soldiers moving their way, and tightened the grip on his double-bladed axe. “Dani, those soldiers over there are wondering why we aren’t moving,” Koss said taking a tentative step back. Sosouke’s head was darting left and right, watching how the soldiers began to make a circle in the front of the pier. Jin pulled her longbow off her shoulder and knocked an arrow, but she kept the arrow tip pointed down. Melonni was ready for the contest to begin. “Looks like we’ll have to defend our position,” she said to her friends while holding casually her scythe across her chest.

Danika couldn’t hear the words from her worried friends; her concentration was so intense at that moment. By now her protective shield was half and again her width and just as high. She did notice the soldiers were closer, but none of them made a move to attack. They too were entranced by the large blue circle that was forming in front the young woman.

One familiar voice began barking orders from the middle of the group, pushing his way forward. “What the hell going on here? Why aren’t those missiles firing! Who is that group up there?” When Captain Kahturin made it to the front of the group he took on the same look as the rest of the soldiers who were staring at the small band. “What in the Nine Hells are you people doing? If I didn’t know any better –,” he cut off his words as a wave of realization washed over him. “Kill them all men! Kill the traitor dogs! They disabled our forward weapons!” At once the mass charged into the small band. There was only thirty feet between the six Sunspears and a hundred severely pissed off Kournans.

Danika’s magical shield began to widen and solidify, now three times her width and just a few feet from encompassing the width of the pier.

Twenty feet.

Danika extended her left out, and spread her fingers wide, producing a flash of white light in the middle of her palm.

Ten feet.

The soldiers were charging ahead at full speed, their faces contorted in pure unbridled anger. Saliva flew in the air from their frothing mouths.

Five feet.

The manifestation solidified into a clear square shield with razor blue edges, starting at ground level and reaching twenty feet in the air. The middle shield held the face of the Goddess Dwayna outlined in blue.

The first group of soldiers hit the protective shield the same way they would have hit a brick wall. Many fell back stunned, and many more fell over the sides into the dark, murky water. Captain Kahturin was on of the many to fall over into the waters. The mass continued to press forward as men from the back pushed their comrades ahead; unknowingly into the clear, impenetrable shield. Danika friends were just as stunned as the Kournans were!

Koss’ mouthed formed words, but no sound came forth. Jin’s jaw simply hung open, while Sosouke was cheering Danika on from behind. Melonni and Thalkora both gave Danika looks of pure astonishment. Danika even began smiling herself. “It’s holding! I did it! I knew it could work!” Danika yelled back to her friends. The shield, which was called Protective Spirit, would hold as long as the healer behind it could withstand the pressure. The shield was built to absorb a lot of punishment, but a small percent would still affect the healer behind it. Arrows were deflecting off the shield like rubber balls hitting a wall. The soldiers in front of the mass were hacking and slashing away, trying to break through.

Eventually the waves of attacks against the wall began to take a toll of Danika’s stamina. Thalkora noticed Danika sweating on her brow and breathing heavily, and moved up to help her. “What can I do?!” She yelled, standing alongside her friend.

“I need you to…cast PS on me as well…I’m taking too much damage.... I…have Mending on me…..but not enough…. I can’t…. hold it..,” Danika gritted her teeth with the effort of speaking and holding the shield together.

The men in front of the shield took quick notice of the monk’s sincere efforts in holding the shield and pressed forward with everything they had. Thalkora quickly issued forth another Protective Spirit and placed it over Danika’s form. A smaller version of what Danika created, but still effective. Koss noticed bruises beginning to form on Danika’s face and arms from the damage. His anger immediately boiled over. “Let me at ‘em! I’ll buy you time to rest!” Koss growled charging forward. “No!” Melonni screamed grabbing Koss by the forearm and yanking him back from the shield. “If you break the shield we’ll be overwhelmed! And Danika is saving lives by doing this!” Koss yanked his arm away from Melonni and let out a frustrated growl. Within minutes Thalkora was sweating, and bleeding from numerous wounds alongside Danika.

She was holding her second shield in place over Danika, thus taking damage from the main one as well. Within a matter of time, both monks would be exhausted, and unable to hold the shields, which would spell the end for the brave Sunspears.

Ω Ω Ω

Vixtrola Rock · Jul 01, 2008, 05:21 PM // 17:21

Chapter 12 – The Spark of Dwayna

The Sea Sprite’s powder white sails were at full bloom, racing across the black listless ocean faster than any ship around her. Doran had a full spectrum view of the fortress from his position. He heard the horns blow and watched men scramble around like ants. He saw men break towards the trebuchets. It was at that moment he knew the long range weapons would begin firing upon his venerable fleet.

He never saw them fire, however.

His suspicions were correct when he saw the mass reform around the longest of the five piers to his left. ‘The Sunspears disabled their weapons, and now they hold the pier,” he could hardly believe what he was seeing. How did they gain access? Who now held the pier, the remnants of a broken party? In a flash, Doran ran inside his cabin and grabbed his horn. Running back out, he blew three calls to the ships in back of him, ordering for them to sail forward with all speed. “Faster, men! Push those sails as wide as you can! We need to reach that pier!” Doran bellowed to his crew. “Dear Spirits! What is that light?” A crew member pointed to a flashing blue light on the longest of the piers. Doran followed the crew member's gaze to a large clear shield outlined in blue; with a blue face sketched in the center. Arrows hit the shield in rapid succession; sending white sparks everywhere. Doran steeled his gaze and pulled out his Gothic Sword, sending a high pitched shiiing into the air. The ringing of steel echoed all around him in reply. Doran raised his famed sword high into the swirling wind and let out a war cry, which was echoed by hundreds of men around him.

The band turned about when they heard shouts behind their position. The ships were only a few hundred yards away and closing in fast. Koss turned back to the action just in time to see Tahlkora falling over. “Tahlkora, no!” he screamed, catching the exhausted monk in his arms. Sousuke, Melonni and Jin ran to see what happened to their beleaguered friend. Danika immediately felt the pressure double on her, and her legs buckled. She dropped to one knee and extended both arms above her head, holding the shield together for dear life.

Danika was sweating profusely and had to blink away the sweat, as it fell into her eyes. She felt blood oozing from a dozen wounds, as her body was taking a virtual beating from the shield. Her eyes were beginning to gloss over, and she felt her concentration begin to wane from the blood loss. Her sweat slicked arms were trembling from the force of the blows to the shield. She then watched in horror as her outstretched fingers began to curl inwards, losing all will to stay open; the white light emanating in her palms darkening over. Her vision turned to yellow and she felt her balance begin to shift over. Danika took a quick glance back to see her friends desperately trying to waken the unconscious Tahlkora. Her mouth hung open, and a thin line of blood ran alongside her chin and seeped into her tunic. “My friends are going to die,” she panicked. “My friends are going to die because I failed them.” Everything was moving in slow motion for her. She swiveled her head back to the teeming mass of bloodthirsty animals, eager to break the shield and slaughter the healer that held it. Besides the sweat that ran down her sides, and the blood that dripped onto the ground, tears were also falling from the monk.

For a split second, Danika had a vision of the raid that began this ordeal. The split second though, felt like an eternity. Her vision darkened and Danika was once again leaning against the wall with a spear sticking out of her abdomen. A pool of her own warm blood was forming underneath her lifeless body, spreading over the uneven pavement. Unable to move her head, she watched with dread as the grotesque demons ripped men into pieces; their razor sharp claws raking faces in half, tearing arms from shoulders, spilling intestines onto the ground. “My friends are going to die,” she thought again. She had never felt so helpless in her life until she was up against that wall. Now that same feeling of helplessness was back, gripping her heart in a state of panic.

Danika blinked away the vision and returned to reality, or what was left of it. She then felt something snap inside of her, like a locket opening up. Danika doubled over, expecting to vomit. It was at that moment, when something snapped and was released out of her body, starting from the center of her chest and exploding outwards, covering her flesh with goose bumps. The explosion covered her vision with a flashing white light, blinding her to the world. Her chest was pushed outward and her arms spread open. The men fighting against the shield saw the blinding white light and covered their eyes in defense, many falling backwards. On the ship, Doran raised his own arm against the blinding light that engulfed the entire city. The white light was so intense; men guarding the gate on the other side of the fortress were summarily blinded as well.

Back at the village outside the Sanctuary, Elder Jonah noticed the blinding flash over the distant horizon, exactly where the fortress was situated. The light encompassed the entire horizon over the city like a ball of white flame. “Dear Spirits,” he whispered placing a hand over his mouth in stunned disbelief. Jonah knew what the light entailed. He ran as fast as his wobbly legs could carry him into the Sanctuary to find Thevo.

The light winked out and so did the protective shield. Danika lost all focus and dropped her hands to her sides in sheer exhaustion; then she fell to the ground in a bloody heap. Men in the front were rising to their feet and looked hesitantly in the direction of the fallen monk. A handful charged ahead raising their swords for a killing blow. Koss jumped up and with a growl charged into the group flailing his axe and shield in all directions. He stood over the unconscious Danika and swatted away sword strike after sword strike. Melonni joined the defense as well and took on Koss’ right flank, providing more cover for Danika. Sousuke called upon the water elements and sent out massive balls of water from the surrounding ocean knocking dozens of soldiers off their feet, flattening the front ranks. Jin pulled Danika out of harm’s way and placed her alongside Tahlkora, who was regaining consciousness. Jin then knocked arrow after arrow and let them fly into the ranks. She aimed not to kill, but to take men in their sword arms, if she could.

Moments later, while lying on her side, Danika slowly opened one eye, then the other. Her vision was crystal clear, albeit at an awkward angle. More than clear, it was pristinely different. She gazed over to Tahlkora, who was struggling to her feet, trying to keep wards on Koss and Melonni as they fought the Kournan fronts.

Danika blinked twice and shook her head. “No,” she whispered to herself. She rose up halfway, and with one wave of her hand she dismissed all of her wounds. The wounds simply vanished, leaving blotches of dried blood as the only evidence that they had even existed. Without fully comprehending her own actions, Danika waved a hand over Tahlkora dismissing her wounds as well. Tahlkora stopped her spell casting and gaped at her friend. Danika stood up and turned to the chaos a few feet from where her friends fought.

“Not this day,” Danika whispered to herself, her head tiled half to the side. She partly raised her left hand in the air, and a white light appeared in her palm. Without extending her arm forward, Danika produced the same shield, situating the barrier between Koss, Melonni and the Kournans. Both Koss and Melonni took a few steps back and turned to see Danika holding the shield again.

Melonni tried to form a question but only got out a few syllables, before Danika strode by her. The look on Danika’s face was calm, yet her eyes shown like twin balls of blue fire.

“Not this day,” she repeated louder to herself, walking right up to the shield and the stunned Kournans behind it. They started attacking the shield again but noticed Danika hadn’t moved a muscle. Despite their renewed efforts to break the shield, Danika showed no signs of strain at all. She even took a few steps forward moving the shield along with her. Danika pulled her left hand back, holding the shield. She narrowed her eyes and contorted her face in anger.

“NO!” she screamed, extending her arm out, which in turn extended the shield far into the ranks of the soldiers, causing ranks upon ranks to fly backwards into the air. The shield grew into a semi-circle, taking on many feet on either side of the pier. Danika continued to extend the shield outwards, forcing everyone on the other side to break off and run. Danika raised her right hand, sparking another glow, and widened the shield further down the harbor, taking in the piers to the left and right. She lifted her head up and extended the shield over her and back over the pier, bending and shaping the barrier to her will.

Within moments, three piers were encapsulated in a light blue impenetrable globe. Her ears took in the ships docking behind her, and others slowed alongside the piers to the left and right. Hundreds of Canthans jumped off the ships and onto the docks, weapons out, ready for battle. Doran was the first one to make it to the Sunspear band, who stood in awe behind their leader. He looked around to the outside of shield. The Kournans were obviously scattered and seemingly leaderless, but still were ready to fight. “What is going on...” Doran asked, but was cut off when Koss put a finger to his lips.

Danika waited for the Kournan soldiers to settle down and accept the fact that they couldn’t break through. When she felt that they were beginning to calm, she spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.

“I speak on behalf of Istan, Vabbi, and the allied forces now behind me!” Danika yelled, looking out to all the stunned faces both inside and outside of the shield. “Kourna! Now is the time to choose! I have gone to great lengths to provide your countrymen these two options. You can surrender your most valuable city to us now, or we shall take it by force. Please keep in mind, you cannot and will not break my shield, but our own arrows and fireballs will strike you down with impunity. I offer this one chance to be free of Varesh and her demonic allies, and to rejoin with the people you once called your friends!” Danika stopped speaking when she saw a familiar face push and shove to the front of the crowd that stood on the outside of the shield.

“What is all this?!” Captain Mezu fumed at his comrades. “You again? What are you doing?!” He threw out an accusatory finger in her direction. “You shall pay for this treachery!”

Danika held Captain Mezu’s gaze while she continued. “Captain Mezu, consider the fortress taken. I offer you this once chance to free yourselves of Varesh’s tyranny, and only once. Join with us, and we shall be rid of her evil. Once and for all.” Everyone held their breath in stunned silence. The entire harbor was quiet for many intense seconds. The only noise came from the waves breaking against the harbor. The captain scowled at the monk hard before softening his gaze. He looked to his comrades to the left and right of him. They all awaited his next order. If he ordered them to break the shield, they would have tried and failed, he knew. “Stand down men,” he ordered; slumping his shoulders in resignation. A few soldiers began to protest but Mezu flashed everyone around him a scowl. “I said, stand down men! We will not die in this fashion! The fortress is taken.” Men from both sides of the shield slowly began to sheathe their weapons. The conflict was over.

Ω Ω Ω

When the last of the boats docked, and enough soldiers stood at the ready, Danika began to withdraw the shield. The mood on the harbor was still very tense, but Mezu was the first one to greet Danika when she finished withdrawing the shield. He extended a gauntlet hand in greeting. Many men from both sides looked to see their leaders exchanging the first words between the nations.

“Well met…”

“Spearmarshal Danika,” she finished the greeting for him, clasping hands with the captain.

“Yes, Spearmarshal Danika. This is still very hard and sudden for me to accept, my apologies. I have never surrendered before. Please give me some time to adapt.”

“I’m sure you will Captain, that’s why I approached you first. I didn’t think you would accept my offer then, but it was still worth a try,” Danika finished by offering the sulking captain a smile. He returned the smile in kin, as best he could.

“I owe you thanks for sparing my men,” Mezu said offering a bow. “We owe you our lives and allegiance. I remember the days of old, when Kournans, Istans and Vabbians alike broke the same bread and drank water from the same fountain.”

“And those days will return again with our help,” she replied softening her own mood. “The first step is to rally your officers and relay the news of our joining.”

“Right away, Spearmarshal,” Mezu replied bowing again. When the captain took his leave from Danika to find his officers, Doran casually moved in to greet her. “Well met indeed, good Spearmarshal. I should say, that was the most amazing display of magical energy I’ve seen used in a positive way in my lifetime,” Doran said, clasping Danika’s hand in a warm greeting. Doran took off his helmet and held it under his left arm, which gave her a glimpse of the man underneath. His skin held a copper toned reflection, and he had short, straight black hair, that stopped right above his eyes. His face was somewhat round, but he still had a firm, square jaw. It wasn’t his armor, skin tone, or his prominent square jaw that held Danika’s attention. It was his jade blue, sparkling eyes that perked her interest.

“Thank you very much for coming…” it was Danika’s turn to ask for his name.

“Prince Doran Martell at your service, m’lady,” he finished offering a gracious bow to the healer. “I have sailed with all speed from Cantha on Dunkoro’s wishes to help a worthy cause. I have brought with me a fleet of the finest warriors, wizards and healers from Cantha. We will see this crisis through together,” he said.

“I’m afraid the easy part is over, good Prince,” Danika looking around to the mass of people acclimating themselves to their new surroundings and allies. “The real battle has yet to begin.”

Vixtrola Rock · Jul 01, 2008, 06:07 PM // 18:07

The Dark Heart

Part II

The Winds of Change

It has been six days since Gandara was re-taken, and the only subject still on everyone’s mind is how I encompassed the Protective Spirit shield over the harbor. Some say Dwayna herself descended from the Heavens to bless with me with her powers. Others say I am a dark mage, manipulating the most coveted spells in my own my wicked fashion. I find that one quite amusing! Tahlkora though, has called me the next Diviner, and she may be right. Truly, I don’t have an answer for any them. Not yet, anyways. Sometimes, you just cannot put into words how you felt at a given moment.

What I do know is, one second I was expending the last of my energy, holding the shield up for dear life; and the next I was laying down sideways on the harbor. The only feeling I remember between those two instances was the sensation of something snapping within me. Like a seal that was broken; or a locket that lovers wear for one another, opening up for the first time to reveal the unmistakable beauty within.

My healing prayers have always been substantial; as far back as I can remember. I guess that’s the best way to put it. For a monk to intact a healing or protection spell; there has to be an energy cost associated with it. It’s been this way since the beginning of time. The greater the spell, the greater the energy drain. Depending on how powerful their own Blessing is, the cost could be higher for some, than others. From what I remember, there has never been one way to describe why some monks can heal better than others. A few Arch Mages have attributed one’s own genetics and upbringing as a possible reason. Others say your own life force is a factor. The more popular reason, nowadays, is the “Blessing” one receives from Dwayna when you take up the art of healing.

My personal belief is that you are born with the ability, and some are more attuned to the art than others. I do think there are ways you can lessen the amount of energy a spell cost by “tinkering” with its framework. Tahlkora and I both carry glyphs with us for example. If you don’t know what a glyph is, let me explain. A glyph is a small, round, metallic object about the width of your thumb and half as long. They are made of pure gold and covered in various runes, front to back, and usually hang off of a necklace. Each glyph is made for one person, exclusively. Nobody else can use your glyph even if they tried. Glyphs are created to lessen the energy output associated with healing or protection prayers, and elemental magic. Only the wealthiest of merchants can afford the materials and magic needed to construct a glyph, so the cost to purchase one is astronomical.

Tahlkora favors the protection side of healing, so Istan saved quite a bit of gold when they purchased hers. The cost was still around $150k, from what I remember. Grooming me as the next Spearmarshal, the Council of Istan spared no expense on mine, shelling out over $400k to a wealthy Ascalonian merchant. This powerful glyph, in essence, cuts half my energy cost, allowing me to basically keep a small party of 8-10 people at full health in the middle of battle. That’s with me casting the most powerful of cure spells, hex removals, condition removals, and other protection shields.

To keep that shield up on the harbor for as long as I did, should have killed me, even with the glyph. I don’t know what happened. All I can tell you, is that none of my healing or protection spells cost me any energy any more. I have cycled through all of them; Aegis, Protective Sprit, Life Sheath, Light of Deliverance, Life Bond, Balthazar’s Spirit, Reversal of Damage, the list goes on and on. None of them cost me anything! I am both excited and nervous with this newly-founded development.

Moving on, I have been holed up in the Kournan library for the past two days, reading on the last Diviner who lived some centuries ago. I need to know everything this man accomplished everything he created, even his failures, so I may fill in the role appropriately, if this is to become my destiny.

-Danika

Vixtrola Rock · Jul 01, 2008, 06:53 PM // 18:53

Chapter 13 – Fullmana Alchemist: Diviner Extraordinaire

Gandara’s sole purpose was to be the central hub of the Elona, and the library serves as a perfect example. The massive library underneath the city was built to hold volumes upon volumes of books from the three regions of Kourna. Four levels were built, each holding a region’s own literature and history. The first level or ground level holds the books from Kourna, the second level contains Vabbi, and the third has Istan. The fourth has various bits from other nations in Tyria and Cantha. Each floor has about seventy aisles of bookcases, reaching up to the ceiling. Dusty oaken tables and stiff backed chairs take up the middle sections.

Two years ago, when Kourna sealed their borders against Vabbi and Istan, merchants from the neighboring regions went back to their homes in protest. Eight days after Danika declared that the borders to Kourna were open again to all visitors; merchants slowly began to creep back into the city to re-open their shops. It was another three days before she saw the first librarian report back in. Today was humid and sticky, and Danika was wearing her traditional green and white woven outfit with the matching sandals. It was another hot day in the city, and was worse underground. Danika, who considers herself a conservative, unlaced the top rows of her tunic to breathe better. Even being alone underground, she was conscious of her visible cleavage the open laces revealed. No matter. Danika kept her hair in her favorite long bun that hung off the end of her shoulders. She had books stacked around her with two lamps in front, giving light and life to the library’s existence. The only smell in the library was the burnt wax and flowery scent of perfume she dabbled on this morning.

Danika heard footsteps slowly coming down the small stairway, and looked up. An elderly gentleman descended down the steps and meandered past the first three empty tables, towards Danika’s occupied one in the middle. She could hear his muffled grunts of exertion as he approached her. The librarian was a short man; shorter than Danika, which is saying a lot, with a bent back and unusually long arms for a man his height. The old man had a long, narrow face with a nose that stuck out like a beak. Since his back was bent over seemingly with old age, his head was angled downwards, forcing his thick spectacles to hang precariously on the tip of his nose. He sported long, white, stringy hair that partially covered his pointy ears and settled over his bony shoulders. The crooked, brown staff he leaned over had seen better days. He ambled over behind her table and scanned over the titles on the tops of the stacks. Danika stopped reading, and had to lean her head back to take in the visitor.

“Hmm, what do we have here…,” the elderly man muttered in a scraggly voice, picking up a title off the stack. “The Accounts of High Priest Alchemist. An interesting read, if I do say so myself. Doesn’t cover everything, though. What is this one here…,” he placed the book off to the side and grabbed the next one. “Fullmana Alchemist: Diviner Extraordinaire. Pah, a flimsy read. This pile of horse manure is nothing more than a celebration to his ‘accomplishments’. Which, in my opinion, were nothing more than cheap parlor tricks in the face of true artwork. Hmpf!”

Danika forced a smile on her face, as she stood up to offer her hand. “You must be Elder Wistah, a pleasure to finally meet you.” He looked down at her hand quizzically for a moment before offering his own in return. “Yes, yes, that’s me, young lady. You can call me Marlin. You must be that beautiful new Spearmarshal everyone is raving about,” he finished, pushing his glasses back up his nose. He had a great view of Danika’s round cleavage from his height, and she felt her cheeks begin to redden.

“Well, I guess word does travel quickly around here,” Danika offered in return, not knowing what else to say. “Indeed it does, and they never mentioned how lush you were,” Marlin smiled, not pulling his eyes off her open laces. Danika cleared her throat loud enough to snap Marlin’s attention back up to her own. “Well, I am in need of your help, good sir. I am looking for information on the Diviners.”

Marlin’s bushy eyebrows rose up in surprise. “Diviners, huh? Well I guess I can help you with that... errr..”

“You can call me Danika.”

“Yes, yes, Danika, hmm. Good strong name. My sister’s name was Danika, you know. God bless her soul. Lived ‘til she was ninety-three!” Marlin exclaimed.

“Yes well, any help you can give me would be appreciated,” Danika said, not catching his humor.

“Ok, let’s see what you pulled here and maybe I can find the ones you couldn’t. And I’m assuming you know where to put these priceless gems, when you’re done?” Marlin said looking askance at Danika. “Yes, I know where they go, Marlin,” Danika replied, sitting back down. “And I couldn’t find any other books that talk about Diviners.”

“Well, you could ask me, for starters. I may know a thing or two,” Marlin snorted, sorting through the stacks. Danika sat back and crossed her arms, not amused. “Ok Marlin, tell me what you know.” He stopped scanning the books and peered over his glasses in Danika’s direction. “What would you like to know?”

“Well, I want to know if I’m truly a Diviner, to begin with. And if I am, what does it mean? What can I do with this Diviner stuff?” Marlin gave her a puzzled look. “What can you do? There’s a trick question if I ever heard one,” he laughed, holding his stomach.

Danika shot him a scowl. “Well good sir, if you have nothing else to offer but a laugh, then I must excuse myself. I have more important things to take care of,” Danika fumed, rising from her chair. “I have very little time to figure this nonsense out, and I need to know the changes that have come over me before I learn the hard way.” Danika stormed towards the stairway leading to the next level but a bony arm grabbed her wrist, halting her progress.

Marlin grabbed Danika by the wrist. “I am sorry, m’lady, if I have offended you. I am a very old man and sometimes my smart lip gets the best of me. I must apologize,” he finished, giving a gracious bow. Danika felt like pointing out his wandering eyes, but didn’t. “That’s ok, Marlin. Just know that I am pressed for time, and would like to leave here with a better sense of all this.”

For the next three hours Marlin sat with Danika at her table and recounted his tales of the last known Diviner; The High Priest Alchemist. “His real name was Hector Lacen. He later gave himself the name of Fullmana Alchemist, due the fact that he seemingly never ran out of energy while casting, and favored himself as an inventor of sorts,” Marlin snorted, bouncing the spectacles on his nose. “Hector’s initial spells were not new of course, but he customized many in a way that any normal monk could use on a regular basis. He was not a battle mage, mind you, but his spells were used primarily in defense against aggressors. Hector was a peaceful man; lived in Cantha most of his life, and he rarely left his home in Kaineng City. For a few years, Hector served as an advisor to Emperor Kisu. During his time as an advisor, he met a ritualist named Togo Hichu. And that is where the story becomes interesting.”

“Why?” Danika asked, resting her head on a hand. Marlin scooted his chair closer and his voice became a hushed whisper; as if the dusty books were listening to sensitive information.

“It was during his time with Master Togo, that the real magic appeared. Through Togo, Hector found inspiration to improve the world around him. You can literally feel his magic on the Haiju Lagoon. The plant life is always green, lush, and ripe, despite the time of year. The water itself gives off a healing aura. This area and a few others are still imbued with his magic, after all these years. He gave back to Mother Nature, and the wildlife on Shing Jea Island.”

Danika leaned back in her chair to let the information sink in. “So, what killed him?” she asked. Marlin leaned in closer, and Danika could smell baked ham and basil on his breath. “It was his Miasma spell that killed him, and everyone he held dear.” Danika’s brows furrowed in consternation. “Miasma, what is that?” she asked. “Miasma was supposed to be fog-like cure spell, but it went terribly wrong,” Marlin whispered. “Hector didn’t take into account a handful of plant life that would have an adverse effect on the spell. When he released the fog…it changed. The fog was supposed to settle onto his outer landscape in the form of a protective barrier against the elements. The fog became a disease, the likes no one had ever seen! Before the miasma could be cleared the spell cost Hector his life, along with hundreds of others. The Canthan government closed off Hector’s home in Zen Daijun where some say the disease is still in the air. Some infected creatures have even been spotted, roaming around.”

That last comment sent a shiver down Danika’s spine. Spells gone bad? She never took into account the possibilities of an adverse spell cast until now.

Marlin’s scraggly voice took on the tone of a teacher. “You must...above all else...exercise caution while working outside the boundaries of certain spells. The safeguards were put in place for a reason, and must not be broken,” Marlin implored. A palpable feeling settled into Danika. She was beginning to think twice about re-working half the spells she planned on. “Thank you, Marlin, for your advice,” she replied, rising up from her seat. “I am needed back in Istan before I head to Vabbi.” Marlin rose up and began digging in his pockets. “There is something I want to give you, Danika, before you head out. It’s a spell I was working on not too long ago, but couldn’t finish. It’s almost complete; just needs some tweaking on the way it's written, is all.”

“You are a monk as well?” Danika asked, genuinely surprised.

“Was a monk is more apt. Although, I still create spells and what-not in my free time. Ahh!” Marlin found whatever he was looking for and pulled his hand out of his pocket. He offered Danika a small rolled up parchment. She unrolled it and began scanning over the runes.

“Interesting…it’s an enchantment…that improves on other spells?” she asked, looking over the runes on the parchment.

“In a way yes,” Marlin corrected. “The spell has no inherent affect by itself, but while in use, other spells and enchantments become more powerful and quicker to cast. It hasn’t been tested, of course, since it isn’t finished, but I’m sure you can fill in the spaces,” he smiled, coyly.Danika nodded in reply; she already knew the runes which would finish the spell. She would have to write them down later on. “Thank you very much, Marlin, for this spell. What do you call it?”

“I call it: Healer’s Boon.”

“A fitting name,” Danika replied, smiling back. “I must be off now,” she said again, picking up a few books to return. “Let me help you with these first.” Marlin waved dismissingly with his hands. “No, no, don’t worry about the books. I shall put them back in their proper place. You have a safe journey to Istan, and tell Elder Suhl that I said hello. He’s a crusty old fellow, but we had many memorable journeys together,” the old monk reflected.

“I will send him your regards, good sir,” Danika replied reverently, giving a curt bow. She walked back to the surface and headed for the docks, where a boat was waiting to take her to the Istan mainland. The docks were brimming with activity today. Men and women were unloading supplies, weapons, armor and even small animals. Supply ships were constantly coming and going now between Istan and Gandara; but Danika needed soldiers to fill these armor suits stacked on the docks. She grinned when she noticed two very impatient passengers sitting on the docks next to her schooner.

“Well, it took you long enough!” Koss grumbled standing up. “Yes, we were just about to leave without you, sis,” Kiruna added, rising from her feet as well.

“My apologies,” Danika laughed. “I was having a bit of fun in the library.”

“What kind of fun can you have in a dusty old library… wait... never mind,” Kiruna bit back the rest of her reply snickering. Danika shot her older sister a scowl as she boarded the ship, which Koss found hilarious. “We can leave now Captain,” Danika yelled from across the deck. She wanted this voyage over and done with. Time was of the essence, and she knew she was in for a fight with the Council.

Ω Ω Ω

Vixtrola Rock · Jul 01, 2008, 08:45 PM // 20:45

Hello everyone,

First time writer, long time reader.. The absolute hardest part about starting to write, for me was, the first paragraph! I sat down in front of my computer and thought of a way to begin for maybe an hour before words appeared on my screen

Up to now I have twenty three chapters complete. I'm trying to cap the story at 26 if I can. I originally planned for 19 but that went out the window!

Any feedback would be appreciated. As this is my first attempt at storytelling, I'm certain a few things were missed.

Hope you all enjoy,

Vix

BladeWind · Jul 01, 2008, 10:33 PM // 22:33

I havent yet read past the first chapter,

Simply beacause i wanted to congratulate you on trying something like this,I myself are working on a story, and its nice to see like minded people.

Very well done

Regards

~Frozenwind

Vixtrola Rock · Jul 09, 2008, 04:57 PM // 16:57

Chapter 14 – Xeries and the Traveling Monk

Dunkoro leaned forward out of his cushioned chair and curled his fingers around the handle of the cup, which rested on the table. Relaxing back in his seat, Dunkoro sipped the hot tea and nodded appreciatively at his long time friend. Nolani Academy hadn’t changed much since he was last here, a few months back. Most of the wizards were on assignment, which left a handful to take care of the Capital’s day to day chores. Arch Magus’s personal chambers were just as vibrant as Dunkoro remembered: plush chairs, lacquered furniture,expensive paintings depicting various battles, and a lavish balcony
that overlooked the Academy garden. The only real change was the Arch Magus himself. Age, it seemed, had finally caught up with the man, as evident by the streaks of white through his long, black hair. The skin on his face was thin and gaunt, and his well-kept beard had speckles of gray; although his formidable jaw line and the sparkle in his green eyes still spoke of exuberance and vitality.

“The tea is good?” Xeries asked, sipping his own across from Dunkoro.

“Yes it is, thank you.” Dunkoro replied. Xeries put his cup back on the table. He removed his glasses, rubbed the bridge of his nose a few times, and placed the glasses back on. “So tell me again, old friend, why you need my help specifically, and not the help from one of my very capable wizards.” Dunkoro smiled inwardly. For the decades that Dunkoro knew Xeries; when he was still in the Academy, when Xeries accepted the position of First Mage, up to now as Arch Magus, Xeries had always been a man that went straight to the point; a quality that helped Xeries become the Arch Magus in the first place. Dunkoro took another sip before answering. “You and I both know what is at stake here, Xeries, we cannot leave the fate of the world to a handful of Sunspears and magicians. We knew a long time ago that this day was coming.”

Xeries leaned back in his chair and waved a hand, dismissing Dunkoro’s warning. “Yes, yes, I know, old friend. I was there also, if you remember. I blame Elona’s unwillingness to act as their downfall. The ruling council – before it disbanded – had ample opportunity
to quell the uprising in the Realm of Torment. We simply couldn’t believe, the Order of Whispers alone, could contain such an evil.”

Dunkoro placed the half-empty cup of tea back on the table, and folded his hands. “We can still beat this, Xeries. We have enough men at arms… ”

“Spare me the lecture, my friend,” Xeries interrupted. “I know very well our capabilities. Remember who you are speaking to.” Dunkoro raised his right hand in apology. “And you and I both know, Dunkoro,” - Xeries motioned to Dunkoro and himself - “That Danika will face more than just an army of Margonites, even though the Margonites themselves will be a formidable challenge. We both know who else bends to the will of Abaddon.”

“And sometimes I wish we didn’t.” Dunkoro responded, sighing heavily.

Xeries gaunt face expanded out with a rare smile. “Ah, such is the case with responsibility and foresight: as soon as you receive it, you wished you hadn’t!” Both men chuckled. Xeries found it important at this juncture to keep a positive tone. “You remember the meeting you missed, Dunkoro? When you were needed in the Shiverpeaks?” Dunkoro scratched the gray stubble on his unkempt beard; he hadn’t shaved since he left Istan for the raid on Gandara. “Oh yes, I do remember. That was the last meeting of the International Council, if I’m not mistaken.” Xeries clapped his hands and playfully jabbed a finger towards Dunkoro. “Right! It was fairly obvious that Elona was not going to act against the information we presented regarding the military buildup in Torc’qua, but Tyria acted on it.”

Dunkoro leaned forward in his chair. “What do you mean? What did they do?” Every time Xeries had juicy news that Dunkoro had not heard yet, he always made his old friend work for it. Xeries leaned back and tapped a finger against his bearded chin. “So you were not aware of the Ebon Vanguard’s assault on the city of Torc’qua, eh?” Xeries sat back in his chair smiling. Dunkoro gestured for the Arch Magus to spill the beans. “Ok, I give up, Xeries. Tell me about the Vanguard: were they successful?”

Xeries leaned forward, looking Dunkoro in the eyes. “Yes and no. The Vanguard completed many raids throughout the city, lessening their numbers. Sometime between the raids, they were betrayed by someone who knew where their base of operations was, someone who attended the final council meeting, and relayed that information to Lord Jadoth. According to Jurah, otherwise known as the Master of Whispers, the Ebon force was slaughtered to a man.”

“But who would do such a thing? I mean, they’re already out-numbered, even with the Orders of Whispers in league them…” Dunkoro'seyes widen with realization. “It was Varesh, wasn’t it? She was still on the Council at the time.” Xeries nodded, solemnly. “The Ebon Vanguard sent their best warrior to lead the assault. You’ve met her once before, Dunkoro, during the Royal Ascalonian Masquerade Ball a few years back. That was before she became the acting General.”

“You meet her once, and you remember her for a lifetime,” Dunkoro remarked, casually. “Her name was Vixtrola Rock, but she preferred that people call her Vix. I’m guessing because of her bi-sexual nature, Vix fit better. In any case, that was her; the most feared warrior in the world, and for good reason. Vix was a ruthless woman both on and off the battlefield. She was the most physically and intellectually intimidating person I have ever met.” Dunkoro let out a whistle.

“I was faced with many unique challenges while dealing with that woman, Dunkoro, how can someone so beautiful and alluring, be so ferocious and barbaric at the same time? Two extremely different sides to the same coin, I tell you.” Xeries shook his head, dumfounded.

“I’m assuming her body was never recovered?” Dunkoro asked, snapping Xeries out of his reverie.

“Everyone but hers,” he muttered, shaking his head again.

“Dear Spirits, Dunkoro, can you imagine what would happen if Vix paired up with our new Diviner Spearmarshal? The fiercest warrior in all the lands, fighting alongside potentially the most powerful monk we have ever seen? The two of them together could reshape the world!” Xeries threw his hands up in praise and Dunkoro nodded earnestly, in agreement.

Xeries mood darkened, however, as he continued on. “But, alas, our wishes never seem to come true, and the kids left us with such amess, it will require the adults to clean it.”
Xeries finished the rest of his tea and walked to the balcony, his dark lavender robe billowing out behind him. Dunkoro followed him out. It was still morning, and the sun was level with the balcony. Dunkoro was forced to narrow his eyes against the light.
Xeries leaned against the railing and crossed his arms, letting his thoughts wander.

Dunkoro leaned against the railing alongside the Arch Magus and studied the garden below. A few moments passed before Xeries spoke again. “Dunkoro, before I agree to help you, I have one more question.” Xeries said in a flat tone, not breaking his gaze from
the rising sun.

“Yes, Xeries, go on.”

The Arch Magus turned his head and gazed into Dunkoro’s eyes. “Do you think Danika will become powerful enough to confront Abaddon?” Dunkoro chose his next words carefully, “The apotheosis has already begun within her. It is up to Danika now, to accept her new role in the world. I am certain that she will fully utilize the gift that Dwayna has so graciously bestowed upon her, before the end.”

Xeries accepted Dunkoro’s answer, and turned his head back out to the garden. “Good enough for me, old friend.”

Vixtrola Rock · Jul 09, 2008, 05:09 PM // 17:09

Chapter 15 – Convincing the Council

If you ask people of Tyria or Cantha about Istan , they will tell you that the nation is a romantic summer getaway; which is still technically true. Royal families from all over the world spend their summers in Istan. Couples will remember having their wedding ceremonies in the Mehtani Keys; or taking hikes through the haunting jungles near Blacktide Den. Champion’s Dawn has been the host of countless International Martial Arts and Con Dar tournaments. Ninety-percent of Istan’s income has been from tourists, eager to explore the wild (but well-guarded) jungles, forests and excavations. The poor village of Kodlonu Hamlet was re-constructed from the ground up, just to take in the overflow of tourists from the Mehtani Keys. Greedy merchants can easily charge triple the price for their various, shiny baubles and still be flooded with business. It is difficult not to be happy in a place where the weather is beautiful, the women are gorgeous and the water sparkles clear all the way to the bottom.

Danika never really felt at home in Istan, even though she grew up here. At the age of two, her parents moved from Kryta to Istan, and she hasn’t been home since. Not taking into account that Danika was usually the fairest in the village, her outwards persona among the other monks in the academy didn’t sit well. She has always been a light-hearted person, but there was always something that seperated her from the rest, something dark and foreboding. Leaning out from the boat to gaze at the harbor, that same feeling was back. A feeling, as if she wasn’t sailing into the right port. Where else could she sail off to, Kryta, perhaps?

She pushed those thoughts aside and re-focused her wandering mind. The last time she saw the docks it was pitch black and dead quiet. Now the docks were crowded with warships, schooners, and fishing vessels. “All the boats in Istan are docked here for sure,” she thought. Her own schooner veered right, heading for a section that was cordoned off by two Sunspears and a Dockmaster. Danika smiled when she recognized her friend was in charge of the harbor.

“Ahlaro, how good to see you again!” Danika exclaimed, embracing the Dockmaster when she stepped onto the pier. “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes? You wouldn't believe the rumors that have been flying around. Bodies and empty boats washing ashore ever since you left.... the council is in session as we speak. Tell your tale to Elder Suhl and the rest. They are awaiting your arrival,” Ahlaro briefed Danika, sounding less like his jovial self. His tone put a frown on her face. “I know, Ahlaro, I know. They won’t be pleased with what I will be asking for. As Spearmarshal though, I have no other choice.” Ahlaro grinned when Danika mentioned her new title. “I do believe congratulations are in order for you, pretty lady,” Ahlaro exclaimed, finishing with a gracious bow. Danika blushed at her old friend’s compliment. “Thank you, good sir, I better not waste any more time. Would you like to escort me to the hall?” Danika invited. She could have used some good company, even for a little while.

“It would be my pleasure.”

As Ahlaro and Danika took the steps from the dock up onto the main terrace, she noticed a lot of major changes that took place in her absence. The main merchant area was now void of the usual jewelry and clothing sellers, and now replaced by armories, lots of armories. As they walked along the wide marble path, Danika could spot a few tourists. In comparison to the Moon Fortress of Gandara, Kamadan is roughly the same size. While Gandara holds many high reaching buildings in a relatively small area, Kamadan is spread out flat over a wide area. The main terrace is almost always packed with tourists and citizens, but since the war…

Danika felt a pang of guilt as she walked through the sprawling city.

It was the evidence from her own investigation that Kormir presented the Council with. Danika found out about Kourna’s involvement with the Corsair raid. She also found out about a pending invasion from an easily fooled Kournan captain.

“Danika, Danika?” Ahlaro was trying to gain her attention. She blinked and turned her head to Ahlaro, who was walking beside her. “Oh yes, I’m sorry. I was…taking in all the new changes to Kamadan. I’ve never been away from home this long,” she chuckled.

“You’ve been gone over a month, if I still remember dates at my old age. Kormir led a fleet of ships north to Gandara under the cover of night,” Ahlaro recalled, in a scraggly voice. “She led the biggest raid in Istan’s history. Never mind that Danika, look over there,” he pointed up to the birds circling the tips of Kamadan’s golden pillars in the east. “The birds still fly over us, not understanding the people below. They remind me of the tourists, you know. They venture into Kamadan, not knowing our plight. They complain when the bauble merchants move to safer places in Champion’s Dawn.” Danika nodded absently as Ahlaro continued. “They complain that there are fewer guards around their jungle trails in Blacktide. They do not complain, however, when they sit on our beaches and enjoy our warm weather and crystal blue water." Danika arched her eyebrows at his comparison, not fully understanding. “How so?” Ahlaro had a grim look that she rarely saw. “To outsiders, Kamadan is still the city built for Istanis to vacation to and sleep in, like this country is a hotel! We are not respected on a political scale yet, we are the caretakers of Mehtani Keys, and nothing more!” Ahlaro stopped shouting and visibly calmed himself. Danika understood his anger well. Ahlaro was one of those people that saw the big picture clearly.

Danika saw the Council doors off in the distance, and wanted to leave her dear friend with some comforting words.

“I cannot tell you what is to come, my friend, because I’m not entirely sure myself. What I do know is that Kourna is no longer our enemy, and we have allies in Gandara awaiting my next orders. Vabbi will soon join our cause, and we will be rid of Varesh once and for all. I will do what I can to keep this land green.” Ahlaro relaxed as he heard her words. “Thank you, Danika, I know you will do your best. Ah, I see the doors, and there is Elder Suhl waiting for you,” Ahlaro stopped and turned to Danika. “I will see you again before you leave, I trust?” Danika gave her friend a curt bow, taking her leave. “Yes, you will. I promise.”

Ω Ω Ω

Three hours later, Danika still fought tooth and nail with the Council. A stack of parchments sat on top of a wooden chair to her right. The same papers were spread out among the three elders seated at a wide table across from where she stood, as stiff as a pole. She had her shoulders rolled back, chin straight, and hands folded behind her. Danika wished she had her spear for times like this.

“Like I said before, gentlemen, we can still mount a formidable resistance. Our hold in Kourna is strong, however, our numbers are not. I ask again, allow me the troops I need to complete the mission.”

“And what is the mission again, Danika? Do you even know the particulars yourself, hmm?” Elder Dahut scolded Danika for what seemed like the hundreth time since the meeting began. Elder Suhl had the final say in matters, but Elders Dahut and Nahlo were taking their shots at the new Spearmarshal, obviously trying to test her mettle. Danika wasn’t fazed.

“Elder Dahut, you and I both know the facts. Must I go over them again?” Danika remarked, exhaling loudly. Dahut shot her a scowl. “Yes, I am still confused on the reasons behind marshaling all of the Sunspears for a wild goose chase through Kourna. You have not given me -”

“Given us, Elder Dahut. I am speaking to more than one council member here, might I remind you.” Danika corrected. Dahut barred his teeth and took a deep breath. Elder Suhl raised his hands begging for peace. “Enough, you two. We are all on the same side here. We all want what is best for Istan.”

Danika tilted her head. “Do we, now?" She walked over and grabbed a handful of papers from the stack. “I come to this council with news of the raid and our occupation of a major sanctuary. I bring you word that not only have we rescued all prisoners, and returned the injured safely back ashore. But we have also taken Kourna’s prize city, Gandara, re-aligning their nation with our own.” Danika crumbled the papers in a death grip. “I have accomplished these tasks with nothing but monetary support from you three. No men, no weapons, nothing! And you refuse my plea for more men, whose side are you on anyways?!” Elder Nahlo slumped in his chair in resignation, and Dahut wiped a hand wearily across his face. Only Elder Suhl seemed intent on settling the argument.

“Spearmarshal Danika, you must see this situation from our perspective, if you will.” Danika gestured for Suhl to continue. “While marshaling the Sunspears is still an option on the table, we need more proof that Varesh is planning this invasion like you say she is. These..” Suhl flipped through the parchments and pointed to the page he was looking for. “..Margonites, you say…they are from the Realm of Torment?”

“Yes, and this would not be the first time an attack involving the Margonites has been planned. You all remember Turai Ossa mentioning an army preparing to invade Kourna.”

“We do, Spearmarshal, but hear me out,” Nahlo sat back up. “This demon army never set foot on Elonian soil. Turai killed Palawa Joko before he was able to release the hordes. How can the demons possibly enter this realm without a host powerful enough to release them?” Danika opened and closed her mouth, her eyes darting back and forth. Another piece fit in the puzzle. “I must confer with my sister at once. I believe I know where Varesh is headed, and it’s not where we think.” Her eyes snapped back on the three men before her. “I need all battalions ready as soon as possible and transferred to Gandara.” Dahut opened his mouth but Danika raised her hand. “I need those soldiers if we are going to live through this, gentlemen, you must have faith in my judgment.” One by one, the elders nodded. Danika gave a curt bow and exited the office.

After Danika said her goodbyes to Ahlaro, Elder Suhl caught up with her as she was boarding the schooner. “Look, Danika, I know we had a tough meeting in there, but I wanted you to know that we are all very proud of what you have accomplished so far in Kourna. You have our full support.” Danika stepped off the boat, smiling. “Thank you, Suhl. Coming from you, that means a lot.”

“You should also know that your salary has been increased in accordance with your ascension to Spearmarshal. Acolyte Jin’s, Sousuke's and Koss' have also been adjusted. We feel you four have made an amazing impact out there, and should be rewarded for your efforts.” Danika gave a short bow in thanks.

“I must be off, Suhl,” she said, stepping back onto the schooner. Danika looked up to Suhl on the docks. “We need those troops as soon as you can send them.”

With a reassuring look, Suhl replied. “You shall get them Danika, Istan supports you.”

Vixtrola Rock · Jul 09, 2008, 05:20 PM // 17:20

Chapter 16 – Falling Rocks and Hex Stacks

Koss stifled a yawn with a gauntleted fist as he packed the last of the supplies on the mule, outside the opened gates of Gandara. He counted the bags hanging off its rump again. Six. The linen bags would have to do, he decided. They were the biggest size he could find that wouldn’t bust open at the seams. One bag held enough salted pork and cured beef strips to last nine people a week. But Koss was a big man, he could kill a bag like this in three days! He ate two breakfasts this morning just as a precaution. For what kind of precaution he didn’t know!

The group was sure to pass more than a few merchants selling food, he figured. He bent down to pick up his jug of water and took a hefty swig. Wiping a few droplets off his chin, he turned to the monk in charge. “Hey Dani, you about ready? It ain't getting any cooler out here!” Danika shot him an inpatient look. “Yes, just about. Any food left in those bags, big guy? I would sure regret having to kill you and put you on a spit halfway to Vabbi,” she smiled, poking fun at his complaints. Koss threw his hips to the side in a mock gesture. “So, what are you trying to say? That I could lose a few pounds?”

Kiruna gave a derisive snort while she walked between the pair. “A few? I could lose a few pounds, you could lose a few tons, big boy! Put that salted pork back.” Jin gave out a howl of laughter. “Oh, everybody about the bloody jokes today,” Koss shot back. “Ok. I see how it is,” Koss dismissed the women with a wave of his hand, walking back inside the city. Presumably to grab more salted pork, Danika laughed to herself. She wasn’t worried about the food rations as much the heat, and the conditions that prolonged exposure to this type of heat. Besides the condition spells she prepared, Danika also loosened the outfits. Koss no longer wore heavy plate mail, but rather a durable, sleeveless, cotton tunic and short pants that were magically imbued with higher armor. Kiruna put on a rather modest outfit for the conditions. She wore the same traveling skirt, but changed the top out from a button-up to a low v-neck cut with open shoulders. The light brown top accentuated her enticing curves more than the open buttons ever hoped to achieve.

Jin, Doran, Sevian, and Tahlkora declined an outfit change, as did Captain Mezu. Before Danika left Istan she purchased an outfit she always wore on the mainland growing up: a lightweight cotton top and bottom dyed with a mix of yellow and brown, giving it a beautiful sunset shade. Emblazoned on the center and sides of the pants was stitching that resembled the rising sun. Two waxed mud cloth strips adorned each shoulder protecting her from the inevitable sunburn that was to come. The only difference Danika noticed about the outfit was how evident her bust was in the clingy top. While stretching the cotton shirt over and around her breasts self-consciously, Danika peered up and caught both Doran and Sousuke gaping at her with their mouths wide open.

“Enjoying the view guys?” Danika asked the pair. Both men quickly cleared their throats and started fumbling with the bags on the mule. Kiruna and Jin both threw heads back in raucous laughter. Danika couldn't help but laugh, too. “You got some real curves there girl. And those round hips you got were made to pop out babies,” Kiruna snickered, walking up to her bashful sister.

"Well…thank you, sis. Enough talk though, we should be going.” Danika bent down to pick up her spear. “Sousuke, take the reins on the mule. We’re leaving.” Captain Mezu assumed the lead position and everyone fell in line, with Sousuke hauling the mule in the rear.

Mezu suggested the emissary group take a more visible route to Jahai, heading northwest through the Dejarin Estate and straight north to Kodonur Crossroads. From there, the band would turn east through the Jahai Bluffs to end at the capital.

Ω Ω Ω

The beginning of the trip was slow going, and it wasn’t long before everyone grew tired and bored of the same rocks. The jagged edges and endless paths that led nowhere which formed Pogahn Passage forced the group to walk single file many times, with Mezu finding the quickest routes out. The group left Gandara in the morning, and didn’t reach the flattened dirt main road leading to the DeJarin Estate until high noon. There was very little to look at during their trek, and the band plotted along in a semi-trance. Mezu, Tahlkora and Kiruna were in front a-ways, Jin and Koss followed behind. Every now and then, Jin leaned into Koss and he gave out a hearty laugh. Sevian broke off from Doran’s spot behind Koss and walked back to Sousuke to grab a jug of water off the mule. Doran turned back to see Danika walking alone and he shortened his steps so that she may catch up to him. He fell in line with the Spearmarshal.

“I want to thank you again for allowing me and my partner Sevian to come along with you. Both of us enjoy traveling, and have always wanted to see Kourna and Vabbi. This will give us a chance to adapt to our surroundings a little bit more as well.”

Danika turned to regard Doran in his bulky, jade colored armor. In Danika’s eyes, Doran looked like a walking coral reef with a squid head for a helmet! Thank goodness he wasn’t wearing it now, she mused. “We are gracious for the company of our allies on this trip. I was excited to get to know you and Sevian bettter,” she replied, smiling genuinely. “We have big plans for your men and my own to mesh into one and strike back at Varesh.”

“Yes, and I am eager to hear them,” Sevian added, catching up with the pair. One of Doran’s chief advisors and one of the most influential voices on the matter of law and order in Cantha, Sevian was also a powerful monk. Tall and slender, her hair completely white with only a few occasional strands of grayish blond still showing. Despite her slowly advancing years, she was still quite attractive, and more than a few of Cantha's powerful lords and noblemen pursued her. One had to question why Doran has been waiting so long to make their relationship official.

“My plan is simple,” Danika continued. “With Kourna aligned with us, we shall move into Vabbi with all speed. The Merchant Princes are awaiting our arrival in Tihark Orchard,” she stopped to make sure she had their complete, undivided attention. Not a hard task with their bleak surroundings. “The Council of Jahai will re-sign the treaty, this time including Istan. We will push our combined forces into Vabbi and hold back the Margonite hordes.”

“These Margonites,” Doran asked, scratching his chin. “Have you seen them in battle?”

“No, I have not. They are led by Abaddon..."

“Who hasn’t taken on a human form yet right?” Sevian interrupted again and Danika gritted her teeth. She knew she was going to have problem with this monk.

“Well yes, that is what we think. The Margonites, by history’s re-telling, follow a strict chain of command. They have commanders and officers, like we in daylight. The books I found in Gandara even spoke of Margonite classes..."

Doran eyes popped open. “Classes, how advanced are they? Can they communicate with us?”

“Yes and no,” Sevian answered before Danika could. “Their language is a mix of demonic and English. You may understand a few words and you may not.” Danika wrinkled her nose at the pretentious healer. If they wanted to have their own discussion, she was more than happy to let them have it.

Doran glanced at Danika’s tense posture, and quickly changed the subject. “Sevian, where is Thera? I haven’t seen her since we left the city.”

Sevian took the hint and cleared her throat. “Let me call out to him. I’ve had Thera scouting our path ahead. We’re not too far from the Estate,” Sevian stopped walking and closed her eyes. Danika leaned into Doran and asked who Thera was. “Thera is Sevian’s raven,” Doran answered. “She flies high enough to avoid arrows and spell casters. Sevian has the ability to look into Thera’s eyes and see what she sees.” Daniak looked back to Sevian. She stood rigid, shoulders rolled back, and eyes closed.

“Ok, I see the town…north gate is closed….south is closed…” Sevian said.

“Odd, why would they close the gates?” Danika asked. Doran didn’t have an answer. He folded his arms and waited for his partner to continue.

Moments passed before Sevian spoke again. “Villagers are running inside, can’t see what they are doing from this height. Soliders are running to…” Sevian popped her eyes open and turned to Danika. “You say that these Kournans are our allies?”

Danika thought that would be obvious with a Gandaran Captain in their group. “Yes, of course. Why do you ask?”

“Because men are racing to the trebuchets!” Just as Sevian finished, a shout from in front snapped everyone’s attention ahead. “Look out!” Mezu shouted, his hands cupped around his mouth, yelling behind him. Doran snapped his head up to the sky to see a massive rock heading straight down towards where they stood. Doran screamed at Danika to move, hooking Sevian by the waist and throwing themselves behind a pile of rocks. Danika dove out of the way just as the boulder smashed right where she stood a spilt second before, shaking the ground and sending a mighty cloud of rock and debris into the air. Another rock exploded in the middle of Koss and Jin, sending another cloud of dirt in the air. Danika saw another heading in the direction of Doran and Sevian. With their backs to the assault they had no chance to escape. Danika shot her left hand up and sent her Protective Spirit shield over the whole area. The large, translucent blue shield shimmered in the air. Rocks smashed against the bubble in a flurry but never hit near the group. Doran helped Sevian to her feet and gave Danika a look of thanks.

“We must get to the front gates and call off the assault!” Danika yelled over the barrage of explosions. Doran nodded and motioned for Sousuke, Sevian and Danika to follow. The group was still several long bowshots away from the south gates of the Estate. Doran, Sevian and Danika ran up to Jin, who was helping Koss to his feet. He was dazed and had a large bloody gash on his cheek, but he was otherwise ok. Kiruna, Tahlkora and Mezu were taking cover under another outcropping of rocks a few paces ahead. The massive explosions against the shield were constant and quickly un-nerved the helpless band. When everyone was together at the front, Danika barked out orders. “Everyone else stay here! Mezu, you come with me! I will push the shield forward and you scream at the idiots on the parapets to cease fire!” Everyone nodded in reply. Danika peered out from thier hiding place. The barrage seemed to stop, which made Danika uneasy. Her face was a look of determination, and she clenched her spear so tight the whites of her knuckles were showing. “Let’s move!” Danika and Mezu ran from behind the rocks straight for the Estate. She kept her left hand out, moving the shield forward as they raced headlong for the gates.

Moments later Danika felt the connection between the spell and her mind snap, and the shield simply winked out of existence. Mezu skidded to a halt, kicking up dirt, and turned back to Danika with a confused look. Danika opened her mouth in reply but no words came out. She looked down to her open hands, confused. She couldn’t re-cast the shield! She heard Doran many paces behind, yelling: “Get out of the way!” Mezu dove to the side, but Danika’s feet wouldn’t budge. She might as well have been wearing cement shoes. Her mind was a purple haze and her eyes couldn’t focus ahead. A boulder exploded two feet in front of her, ripping the ground from underneath, and sending her sprawling into the dirt, many paces back. The air was blasted from her lungs as she hit her back hard against the ground. A shower of stars now accompanied the purple haze in her vision. She managed to turn over to her side, but her arms felt like lead pipes and her legs refused to obey her desperate command to move. Somewhere in the back of her mind she heard someone shout: “Dani, move!!” but she could do nothing. Another boulder exploded to her right and she was sent flying again, this time smacking hard into the side of a rock. She rolled over to her stomach and laid very still, facedown in the dirt.

When Danika got hit with the first shot, Mezu moved to reach the gate. If he didn’t stop the barrage soon, more people would get hurt. He charged the gates growling. Mezu saw a rock flying for him and darted right avoiding the smash. He spotted a tree ahead and made a break for it. Another rock flew in. Mezu planted his right foot and pushed off left with the rock exploding against a tree trunk, sending it over. He was within bowshot now, but still too far to be heard. He ran for an outcropping and dove behind it, barely avoiding a volley of arrows.

“Men of the Estate, cease fire!! On order from Captain Mezu of the Gandaran Fortress!! Cease fire!!” His scream was answered with another shower of arrows bouncing off the rocks above his head. “Cease fire, men or we will run you through!!”

The arrows stopped flying. Many tense seconds passed before Mezu dared to peer out from the rocks. He heard the gate open and a familiar voice barking orders. “Captain Mezu, what are you doing here? And why do you have Sunspears with you?” Enraged, Mezu rose up from the rocks. “Colonel Chaklin, I order you to stand down! Have you not received word that we are now aligned with Istan? I sent messengers to each fort and village weeks ago!”

“We have received no such communication, Captain. If this is truth, then you have my apologies. Varesh warned us of a Sunspear advance a few weeks prior.”

“Damn Varesh! Get your healers out here, we have injured people!” Mezu growled back. Colonel Chaklin smacked fist to chest in reply. “Right away!” What a moron this Colonel is, Mezu thought. He intended to have his stripes when this was over.

Mezu raced back to the group. Tahlkora and Sevian were on their knees casting spells over Danika’s unconscious body. Everyones faces surrounding the down monk was a mask of panic and shock. Jin had a hand over her mouth, tears streaming down her dirt smudged face. Danika was turned on her back and her head was propped up by Koss. Her face was covered with dirt, open gashes and blood. Her right arm was bent at such a gruesome angle, Mezu felt his stomach lurch forward. Sevian and Tahlkora were furiously working on her abdomen. Without looking up, Sevian spoke aloud to the anxious group. “She has a lot of internal bleeding. Half her ribs are broken, she has a concussion…dear spirits…Tahlkora right there, close that artery…oh, my dear sprits…” Tahlkora looked up to the men rushing in and told them to grab a splint for her arm and a stretcher. After they stopped her internal bleeding, Koss and Doran carried her on the stretcher into the Estate.

Ω Ω Ω

The Dejarin Estate was shrouded in silence as the Spearmarshal was taken into the infirmary. The villagers were both confused and scared. One moment soldiers ran to the long range weapons and began firing, the next moment. they stopped to open the gates. Captain Mezu was the first one through and his look was one of bottled fury at the incompetence of the soldiers who were acting under Colonel Chaklin. The rest of the group walked through, dirty, bloody and severely pissed off. A visibly shaken Colonel Chaklin walked through the open gate behind the last of his men just before a set of hands grabbed his throat slammed him against the wall. He couldn’t find breath her grip was so tight. “I should flail the skin off your bones right now for what you did,” Kiruna growled through clenched teeth. Soldiers who heard her speak instinctively went for their swords.

All at once, the Estate was on the brink of another battle. Doran unsheathed his Gothic sword with a flair, daring someone to make a move against the First Mage. Jin had her bow out with two arrows nocked, waiting. Kiruna didn’t care what was happening behind her. Her sister was near death because the man before her fired on their group without warning. She would reduce the entire town to rubble if she had to. “If my sister dies today, so shall you and the men who fired upon her, Colonel. That is a promise.” She tightened her grip more, turning the Colonel’s face a dark shade of purple. “I...didn’t know...Varesh said...Sunspears….” was all he could get out before his eyes began to roll back into his head.

Koss walked up and laid a hand on Kiruna’s shoulder. “Let him go, Fuego, his death will not change anything. We are better than this.” Kiruna reluctantly released her grip on Chaklin’s throat and the Colonel slumped back against the wall, trying to catch his breath. Without saying a word, Kiruna walked into the infirmary. Jin lowered her bow and Doran sheathed his sword, letting out a sigh of relief.

When Kiruna walked into the medical building, she was met with the smell of herbs, various oils and musk. Potted plants as tall as Kiruna lined the walkway leading from the door. There were three rooms and she heard Sevian talking in the room farthest on the left. When she entered the room, Danika was on an elevated bed with her eyes closed. Her ripped and dirty outfit was piled in the corner to the left of the door. A tan woolen blanket covered her from her neck down. The two monks had chairs pulled up beside the bed. Sevian put a hand on Danika’s forehead and Tahlkora’s head was down, whispering a prayer. Kiruna swallowed the lump inside her throat before she spoke. “How is she doing?” Tahlkora looked up to Kiruna with a pallid look. “She’s holding on. We mended her arm, and closed the internal wounds. Her ribs are healed. She’ll need to rest for a few days.”

“There was a hex that was placed on her, multiple hexes in fact,” Sevian said, taking her hand off Danika’s ashen forehead. “The first hex must have broken the shield, second blocked her from re-casting it, and the last immobilized her completely. I’m sure Danika didn’t have Holy Veil up, and why would she? We were not in hostile territory, or so we thought,” Sevian said, leaning back in her chair.

“Any wizard worth his salt could cast a hex, but I will find this person who stripped Danika of her shield. Something about this doesn’t feel right. None of us were hit with hexes other than Danika.” Kiruna said, turning to leave the room. Sevian put up a hand stopping Kiruna. “No, I will go, you should stay here,” Sevian said as she stood up, smoothing the front of her dress. Tahlkora got up as well. “I’ll go check on Jin and Koss,” she said. When the two healers left, Kiruna sat in Sevian’s chair and plopped her head on the bed.

“You better pull out of this, sis,” she whispered, fighting back tears. “I don’t know what I would do without you.” Kiruna closed her eyes, allowing exhaustion to overtake her.