Seven seals: The Reforging of the Seals

[ferment8]

Aridol looked around as they entered the caves. At the moment, they could still stand up and not hit the ceiling, but he doubted that would last for long. He did a quick prayer for his soldiers, hoping they would make it to Arwillene from Caracarnto join the elves in time. They stood a better chance of victory if the armies of Eyre arrived in time. If the dwarves could also make it. Aridol switched his attention back to the task at hand, which was the most important of all. If the seals were lost, everything would be in ruins.

The party entered deeper into the winding tunnels, and they were now crawling on their bellies toward the light ahead.

 

[Kookaburra]

Freezia remained silent the entire trek. She was at the back of the group, and she was skittish. For reasons not known to herself, she was feeling nervous about going any further into the caves.

It came as a total surprise, when she bent down and saw the streak of blood on the cave wall, silver blood. "Unicorn blood!" she called, and Ellieya came running to her. Her face was inscrutible as usual, but Freezia sensed the urgency behind the mask.

There was another generous splash of blood, and a small pool of it. This time, it was so dark red it was almost black. "Stay back," Ellieya said softly, "It's werewolf blood."

Instantly, the group was on its guard. They didn't know how the werewolf had passed the elves, or if there was more than one. Freezia remained in the rearguard as they got down on their hands and knees to get through a small crack. A bright light was shining, and Freezia kept her eyes peeled for red eyes in the darkness.

Now they were on their bellies, and the light distanced any thought she'd had of them attacking in here. The wolve's bodies would have been too large anyway.

She slid the last two feet and came out just behind the others.

 

[Blessed-one]

What's a werewolf doing down here with an unicorn? I didn't even know these creatures exist anymore. Nervously, Clise crept forward, the light was bright, but as her eyes adjusted to the brightness, she realised that it was actually a dim light, perceived as very bright because they've been in darkness for too long. Aridol and Ellieya were up ahead, the two of them clearing the small crack, next came Daniel, Janwah, Clise, then Freezia.

They emerged into a scene of wonder.

It was another cave, but this one was big enough to contain hundreds of people, and there was a huge lake, its water shimmering faintly as the crystals on the ground pulsated dimly. The light seemed to be natural.

A low howl jogged them out of their reverie. As one, they turned towards the sound guardedly. A shape loomed up, it teeth glittering in the distance. Aridol loosened his sword, and Ellieya casually nocked an arrow.
The werewolf leaped at them. With a loud snap, the arrow left the bow and was buried into the shoulder of the werewolf with tremendous force. Janwah gave a gasp as it fell in mid leap, but once its feet touched the ground, it continued to run forward, snapping its jaw. Aridol gripped his sword and made ready to swing.

Something dark crossed the face of one of the crystals, and Freezia spun about abruptly, her elven blade catching another werewolf in the side. As the injured animal sailed over their heads, Daniel was knocked into the water by one of its paw.
"Daniel!" Janwah screamed, running to the edge of the lake. Freezia stepped forward with her sword and the werewolf she had injured came back for another attack as soon as it righted its footing. Meanwhile, Aridol managed a slice at his attacker's side, and Ellieya was circling it with her hunting knife.

Daniel, hitting the water a few paces from shore was swimming back to Janwah. Luckily he sort of knew how to swim, and he hang on for a moment as he rested. "Daniel! You ok?" Janwah said worriedly. Clise watched the water speculatively.
Daniel waved with a hand, "Don't worry mum, look!" he climbed up, scrambled, and stood in the water, the liquid covering up to his ankle.
"Is that a wooden pole?" Clise asked.
"Yep!" Daniel said happily despite his misadventure, "And there're more, extending all the way to the middle of the lake." He pointed, there was a bit of earth, like an isolated island in the center of the lake. Above the "island" was a small opening, probably just enough for a man to squeeze through.
"Come back here!" Janwah urged, and Daniel dutifully walked back to shore.
Clise clapped her hands in realisation, "That's it, we need to cross over to there and get the seal." she studied the opening thoughtfully, "Then maybe we can get out of here faster then we got in."
----

ok, would you guys finish up the fight? then maybe we can check up the unicorn and cross over to get the seal. I was thinking that they can escape by riding the eagles and Kyne out of there.

 

[Kookaburra]

"Ha!" came the voice of the werewolf amidst its pained howls. "You may have gotten me, but we know who you are and why you're here."

Freezia simply slew him with a simple stroke of her sword. The pommel stone was shining brightly in the dimness, and the deadly blade she held in her hand seemed to have its own life. It cut sharper and deeper than any blade she'd ever handled, and it would not wield against any good creature in the hands of an enemy.

After a while, it was just jab, thrust, parry, duck. A sort of numbness took over, and only the voice of her sword singing through the air kept her awake. This was one of the curses of Lake Serie--the enchantment lay deep upon it. But the sword held magic, also, and strong enough to protect them all.

For, it was the sword of Niall, and Freezia had learned enough of the lore of the elves and the Windsongs to know what happened to it and it's owner. She didn't even step around the trouble. She went right for the middle.

Another werewolf was coming for her, his jaws slavering. She sliced his ear, and he ducked, rolling and coming to his feet in one jump. He leapt for her, and she dodged, using the Old Lady to send him crashing over her shoulder while she dispached another one with Wolfbane, as she now called her sword. She turned in time to deal him a straight thrust behind the left foreleg, straight to the heart.

Aridol was everywhere, stabbing, dodging, swiping. He had a small cut below his right eye where a flying rock had given him a nasty cut. Clise was fighting somewhere off to Freezia's right, and doing pretty well.

Elleiya was quick on her feet like all elves, and arrows were choking the air. When the wolves were too close for her range, she had no choice but to run for the poles. Using her knife would get her too close to the wolves, and one little scratch meant to be one of the dark wolves.

There were leaping shadows in the dark, and they could tell the werewolves would kill them all, there were just too many. "Across the poles!" Clise shouted, and they were running swiftly on the surface of the lake, on the bobbing poles.

The elf, Elleiya, ran supurbly, never once losing her balance. "Watch out! If you fall, you shall slow us more than if we go slowly."

Taking her advice, Freezia stepped on the poles last. She had good balence from riding eagles, however, so it wasn't a problem, and she quickly caught up with the others. She had no choice but to unhook the poles and push them away, so that the werewolves could not follow.

Then they were across, and Clise gave a small cry, bending double. Aridol rushed to her, and tripped flat on his face. Elleiya stepped cautiously over, and then shot Freezia a shocked glance. "They're unconscious!" she hissed, and Freezia searched for a minute before picking a small round metal ball out of the grass.

"Your elves left nothing to chance. This would have killed them if they had been one step farther." It was twice the size of a marble, and little lasers shot out from it intermittantly. Freezia was impervious to it, however, and fumbled with it momentarily before turning it off.

Elleiya turned to her, recomposed. "We elves don't come down here, ever. It must have been the werewolves, although it is rare they should be intelligent enough to design something of that sort."

Freezia nodded and threw the ball into the water. It sank instantly, and a slight tremble, a faint light, and an uprush of water and bubbles was seen. "That's that, but look out for more."

After fifteen minutes, the others were able to travel, and Freezia had found the seal. She held it in her hand, and it cast light about her as she held it above her head, towards the other shore, where werewolves were in the water, swimming for the island. The light glanced off them and they were consumed, writhing in agony as the seal used the power it still contained to purge the evil from the cave. It was not strong enough to save all of the lands, but certainly strong enough for a meagre few wolves. They slobbered and fled, and died.

Aridol looked up at it and shielded his eyes. Slowly, the light dimmed, and they looked about them.

Then they saw the unicorn, and it was half-dead, lying very still on the side of the sloping island, a wound on its shoulder. It raised its head a little as they neared, and Elleiya and Freezia rushed to its aid. Clise joined them after a moment as Freezia once again used the Light Seal (for that was it's main power) to heal the wound.

The unicorn struggled to its feet and brushed its whiskered muzzle on the elf's shoulder. Then it spoke. "I thank ye, ye saved my life, and I'm beholden. The seal you carry I long protected, and I'm happy to see it found by mortals. Mayhap you can forge it anew. The seal you carry," he said to Freezia, much to Aridol's frustration, "is the Seal of Light, for that is where its power lies. The seals of water, fire, air, earth, gem and life* have yet to be found, are they not?"

Aridol nodded slowly. "We're going to find them."

The unicorn nudged Freezia. "I come with you. My fellows will be with their respective seals."

~~~~~

Ok, well, I thought this would be a good idea for the seals. They each have a sort of power, so the Seal of Light (SoL, lol) uses light to defeat enemies, and the Seal of Fire (SoF) uses fire and the SoW uses water, and so on. the SoE uses earthquakes and plants to defeat enemies, the SoG is unique. It is like gems, as in jewels. It uses strength (as in, it will erect shields and provide types of wraith armies for the good side). It also uses greed to self-destruct the evil side, so it enhances the evil until they kill each other. The SoLi is also unique. It can take life or give it at the drop of the hat, and sometimes drops it itself. It cannot prevent aging, but death. So it is very useful in conjunction with the others.

Do you like the idea?

 

[ferment8]

it's a good idea kook, let's stick to it. but the seals are weakening are they?

so wat about this, the power of the seals gradually fades away becuase the devil, whom is imprisoned by these seals, iss breaking free. Once all the seals lose all their power, then the devil will walk on the world.

also, i don't think we should write about the seals being too powerful, they ARE weakening.... ok..... let me c if i can write something.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aridol shivered when he felt magic being used to heal the unicorn. The unicorn rose up gracefully, much differently from a horse, then eyed each one of the group in turn.

Clise looked around and located a stair case to one side, "This must be the way out!"
At once, they started for the stairs, which appeared to be winding up into infinity. They climbed it however, it would be a much quicker way than back through the narrow caves.

Aridol was panting as they reached the top, which was a platform on a tall tower surrounded by low mountains and forests. The first sound he heard when he reached the top was screams and shouts. Then it dawned onto him that a major battle was taking place. All the intriguing events in the caves must have blurred his mind.

The group stood on the platform and was stunned at the scene not far, but safely, away from them.
Blacked scaled dragons were throwing flames at red dragons, which shot our green flames. There were hundreds of them. The Dragon host got here in time it seems. Apart from the mass on the sky, a milling mass of figures dotted the clearing beyond the forests. Aridol could make out the tall blonde mass of elves using their golden blades to slash black and silver clad Romania soldiers. However, the elves are slightly out numbered by the Romanians. The problem was solved when he scanned his eyes to the east, where think columns of red clad soldiers of Eyre charged into the midst of battle, they calvaries' lances all slanted at a precise attack angle. To the west, Dwarves were already hammering their way into the Romanian lines. The sound of steel on steel ranged from everywhere.
It was a bloody battle, but victory was on their side it seems.

However, that thought faded away as Freezia gasped and pointed to the north. *Trolls!* Aridol thought in surprise. What brough them down from the mountains? The number of trolls was massive. The elves, Eyre and the dwarves combined still have a bigger number than the enemy, but one troll could take on a few humans at once. If the armies were not commanded right enough, it would be disaster.
-----------------------------------------------

ok, i've described the raging war beneath us, at a distance from us actually. you guys can write how we get off the tower.

 

[Kookaburra]

"ZANXI!" the others clapped their hands to their ears as Freezia shouted. What had been three small specks on the horizon suddenly transformed into three eagles -- one was Zanxi, and the others were his kind, great, silver-tipped plumage and larger than the normal eagles.

"We'll have more advantage fighting from the air!" Freezia shouted above the roar and rumble of war. The others nodded, and she ferried Aridol to the army of Eyre before she returned for the unicorn, which eyed Zanxi skittishly. "Come on!" she said softly, and the unicorn climbed on.

Zanxi wasn't used to the heavy weight, but they managed not to crash into the ground somehow. Then she was off, her arrows ready by her side and her bow strung. She was going to the trolls.

The elves saw her, and looked up. And then it was she saw the six other eagles -- coming at an angle to intersect her trajectory. Then, she almost cried, and she felt a shock of joy shoot through her. It was her brother, older, wiser. And he had five younger warriors he had saved those many years ago.

"WINDSONG!" she seemed to be yelling a lot that day. The eagles split up and two dove for each of the front trolls while Freezia nocked an arrow and shot one right between the eyes. It was a lucky shot, for it passed through the skull and poked out behind its ears. It lumbered forward for a few steps, and Freezia was preparing another arrow when it fell. She let it fly at another.

The Windsongs were buzzing around the heads of the trolls, worrying them. There were at least twenty, and they were menacing the soldiers of Eyre. Two were caught in nets and were lifting their captors from the ground and swinging them on the ends of their ropes when more rushed up and secured them, before the trolls were killed quickly by the archers.

Freezia was knocked from Zanxi by a troll's club, and was almost to the ground when Zanxi dropped beneath her and caught her.

One other eagle was riderless, but it was fighting itself, perched on a troll's head and tearing with its beak until the troll was so preoccupied it was caught between a Windsong and a legion of humans.

 

[Grimr]

The Armies of romania enmassed near the Elven walls. The hoards of Dragon troopers armed to the teeth stood by their dragons as new regiments from the west arrived riding on massive Elephants. The army stood before Erulan. My people today we begin the conquest of our ancent enimies the elves we shall capture the women and children kill everyone else find the the seals hidden in the refuge of light and I shall reward you greatly plunder every house, every church, eveywhere just find me the seals. The great host roared in agreement and delight at the thought of cahos and death. The Army arranged in tight formation sheilds in tortoise form, massive battering rams, catapults, and belistas arranged behind the army. ATTACK!!! The battle began thousands of bows fired their arrows at any elves their archers saw. while the battering rams charged forward and crashed into the walls causing many elves to fall to the outer ground where they were killed by the Romanian soilders.


The Battle rages on

 

[Kookaburra]

Now now, can we have a rational battle? and I think we need to wait for Blessed one to post.

 

[ferment8]

i agree with you kook....... i'll see........

00000000000000000000000-----000000000000000000000

Aridol jumped off the eagle and was quickly recognized by his soldiers.
"Commander Aridol!! We were thinking we have lost you!" Aridol's captain exclaimed.
"I'll never leave my men behind!" With a grin, Aridol climbed onto his horse and headed towards a look out point at the OTHER end of the battlefield where the enemy flanks were trying to break through an elven wall at the west.

He took out his looking tube and his army sense kicked in. In ths sky, Windsong eagles were firing arrows into the trolls, stumbling them. However, the raging battle was concentrated at the Elven wall. The wall was actually a huge pallisade timber wall, because elves preferred timber than stone. However, because of elven magic, the timber wall was even harder than conventional stone walls. The siege would not be easy, but so would the defence.

Lines upon lines of Elven archers showered deadly arrows upon the Romanians, whom were holding up their shields to block the arrows. Battering rams and catapults were moving slowing towards the walls.
"Our main army is in the north major battlefield, but we can send squadrons towards the west to help at the wall," A commander said.

"Right, this would be nasty, but we have to break those rams and catapults, or else the wall would not hold, even with magic." Aridol replied, mouth a bit tight.
"Ok, form up a quarter of the cavalries and bring them to the surround forests in the west, where we will hit them from behind. Our objective is to destroy as many of the siege weapons as we can. Don't pretend to be heroes, just hit and run! We can't engage in the enemy of this size with just our squads. Also, bring in torches, and fire arrows. Oil as well. We have to make this as fast as possible."

With that, Aridol rode his horse down to join his men while his commanders rushed off to ready the calvaries.
"This would be very bloody indeed," He said and his nearest men replied a "We are not ready to die. The God protects us."

When his units formed up, they rode toward the western woods, evading enemy notices. It was not a very long ride, and they lined up in the trees.

Aridol rode through his lines of horses and took out his black blade, his orange eyes shone, "My soldiers of Great Eyre! Today, we are going to make the light shine! Be proud, and be brave!"
He slanted his sword and the rows began at a trott.
The horses gained speed and in no time, they were charging into the back lines of the enemies, shouting battle cries and roars. The rear guard of the Romanians was lax, and it was cut down by the Eyrians easily. The siege weapons were just ahead, if they could not get the rams, at least they could cut down the long range weapons. Fire arrows were shot everywhere, engulfing catapults in flames.

At last, the enemies noticed them and they split to enage the Eyrians.
"Fall back!! Ride hard back to the elves!!" Aridol shouted.
His men rode towards the trees, with less numbers than before of course.
However, Aridol was satisfied that nearly all of the long range catapults were torched in flames. Now they just had to get to the elven lines before they were all killed.

000000000000000000000

sorri, long post

 

[Blessed-one]

great post guys! i suppose people from both sides are gonna be hurt real bad, but this's just one battle.

Kookaburra, I think your idea’s great, kind of adds more stuff into the story so let’s incorporate that into my original idea for the seals. In Taren’s case, he had the earth seal, but he didn’t know how to work it, as the earth seal was damaged, it would take one with a strong will to overcome the evil and work the seal. That’s the rational behind Taren’s strange behaviour. Um… also, I don’t think we should make the seals too powerful as ferment suggested, they are weakening right?

Kookaburra, Freezia's got the seal? make sure the enemy doesn't get it!
----

Kyne launched into the air. Freezia has dropped Aridol off along while the other eagle carried Janwah and Daniel to the elf's dwelling.

The sky was at first crowded with Dragons and Wyverns, but as Kyne came into range of the battle, a few of the flying beasts had been killed, making more room in the sky. A few Skyriders waved in acknowledgement as Kyne swept in, taking out a Wyvern that was hot on another Dragon's tail. Clise didn't dare use her elemental magic for the allies and enemies were too close to each other. As she also didn't have a bow and a quiver of arrows, she could only direct Kyne's movement and hang on tight.

Below, the trolls were trapped by the Windsongs. Aridol's men were securing the elven wall. Kyne managed to bath the Wyvern all in fire, Clise patted Kyne's neck while the Dragon turned 180 degrees around to face a new opponent. Things then started to turn ugly. The Wyvern they were facing was a lot bigger than the last one, and this one seemed to be smarter than the rest too. A fellow Skyrider directed his dragon in to help, but the Wyvern got there faster and with a roar, it chomped down hard onto the dragon's tail. The Skyrider yelled enouragingly to his steed. Kyne dived for the Wyvern. Enraged, the Wyvern abandoned its attacker and swiveled in time to dodge the flame. The two beasts circled each other, dived, fired and dodged. Clise hang on, this was easy for her, but when it started raining arrow, things got confusing. An enemy rider was firing close, and Clise had to shift to avoid getting hurt. Kyne, whose dragon scale was pretty tough, had no trouble withstanding the arrows.

Fire spilled forth from the mouth of the Dragons. Clise let out a scream as an arrow punctured her upper arm. Kyne roared, her fire shooting straight at the Wyvern. The air turned hot instantly while Kyne dived down to avoid a claw and shifting uncomfortablely, Clise's right hand suddenly loosed its grip.

She fell off the dragon's back and plundged into the river below.
----

Everyone was on their guard, for the elves did not take intruders lightly. Not that they were intruding on elven territory intentionally, but a little precaution would work against strayed arrows. For a week they skirted the dwelling of the elves and since then they saw small signs of elves moving around. Four times they huddled still beneath the bush to avoid detection, but their luck won’t hold long. As expected, a patrol of elves spotted them on the seventh day, Cashiel wondered what could have distracted the elves so much that they had only discovered them now, but then, maybe he was wrong.

“We’ve observed your presence,” the elven leader stated without arrogance, “Since you intent to pass this territory in peace, we’ve left you alone for the past week.”
Cashiel winced inwardly, so he was wrong all right.
“But we’re obliged to warn you of the coming battle. The trolls, dwarves and other armies that the enemy has summoned are on their way to this place. You better get going before you’re caught in something unpleasant.”
A battle?

“We will be careful, thank you for the warning,” Cashiel said, careful to observe the polite courtesy.
The elf nodded, satisfied, “Then we wish you safe journey, strangers.” With that done, the entire elven patrol melt into the surrounding trees.

Cashiel sprung forward and grabbed Taren from the back, who was trying to slip away during the exchange. “Oh no, you’re not going anywhere Taren,” he said roughly and pulled him a little distance away from the others so they couldn’t hear a word.
“You saved my life lad, I won’t desert you to the mercy of the trolls.”
Taren smiled regretfully, “Forget it Cashiel, it was nothing. I’ve to get away before I draw trouble down to you.”
“Tell me,” Cashiel said, “I’m no coward.”
Taren shook his head, “I can’t, I’m sorry, but I can’t.”
“[wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth] it man,” Cashiel said, frustration showing on his face, “Don’t say we don’t know. You’re acting strange, and you don’t want your madness to cause us trouble. Well, listen up Taren, I do not intent to let you out of my sight unless you’re ready to explain to me some things first. Got it?”
Taren looked away with a sigh. “Fine, you win this time.”
----

don't worry about Clise, i'm gonna have her meet up with Taren's group.

 

[Kookaburra]

Yes, the seals are working. But they're still strong enough to defeat a few werewolves.

Nono, I don't intend for a bloodless battle. No way!

~~~~~

Freezia felt a searing pain burn along her neck, and Zanxi whipped around so fast she thought it would break her hold. The arrow that had grazed her glanced harmlessly off a rock below, and she saw Clise lose her balance and plunge into the river far below.

No matter how eager for a fight, Freezia wasn't about to let one of her company drown. Zanxi caught her mood and they skimmed over the surface of the bubbling river. Freezia wrinkled her brow. This stretch of river was extremely fast, and there was a water fall just downstream.

On sudden impulse, she wheeled Zanxi that direction, and they hovored in the mist and watched the tonnes of water pound the rocks hundreds of feet below. If she didn't time this just right . . . she shuddered, and saw the dark shape amid the water.

“NOW!” she shouted subconsciously, and they shot forward. Droplets of water hit her head with great force, and only her outstretched hand saved Clise from a nasty fate. Within seconds, Zanxi bore them out of the thick mist and falling waters and she took a deep breath.

Clise stirred and asked to be set down. Reluctantly, Freezia set her down on the riverbank and waved to her, returning to attack the last of the Trolls.

She spurred Zanxi on above the head of one, and avoided the swinging club with pinpoint accuracy. She took a swipe with her sword at his neck and scored a deep gash that bled a black fluid.

She was returning for another swipe when she felt a sudden jerk, and a break in Zanxi's winged rhythem. The next thing she knew, she was tumbling to the ground, and she landed on her back. The last things she thought of before she blacked out was that Zanxi, her beloved steed, was dead, that she couldn't move, things seemed out of place, and that she was being bound and borne away by the remaining Romanians.

Then the light winked out and she was unconscious.

~~~~~

The elf sprang nimbly up the stairs to the battlements, his arms full of arrows, enough to restock his section of wall. His bow was close to hand, and his quiver full.

Caledhiel Greyhame was young for an elf, and was the Queen's nephew, and had many of the typical traits possessed by that noble family. He was but 423 years old, and his eyes were always sharp for ways to help and his mind was quicker than his feet. He won many of the foot races of his kindred, and was often a messenger. He was clothed in a serviceable grey cloak that bore no travel stains -- for that was the magic of the elves. The brooch clasped at his throat was also of the royal court.

The tale of Caledhiel Greyhame is often sung in the elvish cities, as he went to the North Battlements and defeated a legion of Romanians -- and lived to tell of it.

It was as he reached the battlements that the air was filled with the sounds of battle to the East. Two dozen grappling hooks caught the lip of the wall and hung there.

Caledhiel dropped the load of arrows and peered over the edge, seeing a hundred hand-picked Romanians and another fifty with arrows bent on the wall. Only they didn't see Greyhame, the elvish power was yet too strong. He drew his long knife and waited patiently for fifty men to work their way three-quarters of the way up the ropes. Then, with two dozen quick slashes, the ropes were severed.

Men fell, and men died where they landed on the broken ground. Sharp rocks allowed no survivors. Four reached the wall in time to clamber hastily over, but Caledhiel was waiting for them. Two went flying into space, with two well placed kicks.

The other two closed in on him, and one toppled over the battlements to be slain by arrows from his own fellows.

A sword thrust injured the elf, but he fought on with the remaining Romanian until he finished him off and tipped him over the wall.

The archers were prepared, and the night came alive with arrows. Two were buried in his side before he could wink, but he didn't bat an eyelid. He pulled them out carefully and felt blood run down his side. His hand touched his side and came away wet and sticky.

He looked along the wall and saw the defenders were busy on the East Wall. He'd have to deal with this himself.
Thanking his lucky stars he had the arrows, he ducked and weaved along the wall, loosing an arrow at every point he rose. Another arrow caught his shoulder, and at last the remaining twenty Romanians swarmed over the wall.

 

[Kookaburra]

~~~~~
The Romanians had withdrawn for then, and there had been a great and bloody battle, in which many men and elves had been slain on both sides. Battle still raged in the sky, and Freezia grieved when she learned but three of the Windsongs were still fighting.
Once the fight had lessened, the elves had suddenly realized how vulnerable they had rendered themselves, and rushed to check the other walls. On the North Wall, a band of twenty came suddenly on five remaining Romanians, who saw them and either tried to turn and were slain, or commited suicide by jumping off the walls. They rushed on to find Câledhiêl was on the ground, badly wounded, but clutching the shattered remains of his sword, his arrows spent. With awe, they lifted him up and bore him to the healer.
~~~~~
Just to add interest to the story. Oh, and this seal will be with Freezia. No stealing. :: looks at Grimr ::

 

[Kookaburra]

I got all those funny symbols out, blessed. It looks much better.

 

[Blessed-one]

sure does. thanks for editing it.

oh, Grimr does have a seal! i remember that from one of his posts, which seal do ya have, Grimr?
----

The place where Freezia left Clise behind was well away from the battle. Freezia marked it mentally to make sure that she'll be back later to pick her up.
----

Cashiel and his companions worked their way out of the battle range. The sky was filled with dragons and wyverns, while the ground was filled with dwarves, elves, humans and trolls. Things were pretty nasty. Twice they bumped into the midst of battle and had to fight for themselves against both parties, for none knew whether they were enemy or friend. Taren tried to fight as little as possible so that he would not be provoked into madness again. Cashiel understood, and he took up most of the blows so that Taren could get away.

Blood soaked into his sleeve and the smell made him feel oddly.... entralling. No, he needs to get out of this place, this's getting too much..
Someone shouted from his side, and Cashiel herded him to the right into some bushes along with the others.
"Right, you five go that way. Loop back and meet us by the river, try to loose as many as you can." Cashiel said.
The five nodded and ran the other way, making noises as they went so to attract some of the enemies to their way. "Let's move out!" Cashiel waved, and they made for the other direction.

 

[ferment8]

to sum up, there are still 4 seals to be found.
Earth is found, Light is found, and the other 1 is in Romania somewhere, according to Girmr.
------------------------------------------------------------

Aridol was resting on a chair holding a goblet of wine, studying a map of the city and surroundings of Arwillene. After frowning at it, he put it down and took a walk on the timber walls, but as hard as stones. He sighed in relief, for they could finally have a rest, and pain as he estimated the loss of his men. Of his ten thousand men, nearly a quarter of the great armies of Eyre, he had lost nearly two thousand just in this day. However, the Romanians have lost many too, so have the trolls. He hoped this will end soon, and the seals would be found VERY soon. He sighed again.

Suddenly, one of his captains rushed up to him, panting heavily.
"Report sir! We've found everywhere, but the lady Freezia has disappeared! Some of our men saw a Windsong fell, but couldn't determine the rider's identity."
"What?!" Aridol smashed the goblet onto the wall ground, and without hesitation, he ran to the Elven command room and discussed it with the elves. The elves were all exhausted, but their tired face were now filled with anxiety.
"I say, a rescue plan has to be put together," Aridol said.
"Agreed. But how are we going to get into the heart of the Romania camp? We just cannot spare men to force a way through." Glashier, the elven commander said.
Suddenly, Aridol realized that Clise wasn't here too, and he asked whether anyone has seen her.
"The last time the scouts saw the Dragon lady was that she was hurled by a Windsong to somewhere near the waterfalls. Since the battle was well away from there, we assumed she was safe, but apparently, she didn't make it back to the walls," Glashier replied with a frown.

"I don't doubt Clise's skills. If she wants to make it back to Arwillene without detection, she will. I say she stayed out there deliberately, maybe she found something. Since she's out there, we can contact her by pigeon and see if she can do anything about Freezia! Maybe she can scout around to see the conditions first," Aridol said in excitement. He really did not like to lose his friends.

"Sounds all right for me. Right, I'll send a pigeon. I don't doubt the Lady Dragon's ability too. Shes as brave as a... dragon...".
-----------------------------

too sleepy now, hey blessed, it's up to you to save Freezia. Maybe u can meet up with Taren somehow and get him and his group to help u.

nite..

 

[Kookaburra]

~~~~~

The hustling pace of the Romanian soldiers gave Freezia almost no chance to escape. Her only hope lay in the Light Seal in her pocket, weakened, yet perhaps strong enough to help her escape.

The night was full of fell creatures, and as she was harried along, the Windsong saw an almost unperceptable rustle and change of appearance on the forest edge, like looking through a warped windowpane. She frowned. What new devilry was this?

She felt the ties over her hands, which were loose enough for her to move her wrists and fingers a bit. She wasted no time in loosening it more. In the rush to get away, no one had realized what a valuable captive she might be, one of the last of the Windsongs.

They were approaching camp for the night, and a fight was breaking out. Some wanted to continue on, for they were stronger in the dark. Some were adamant about camping right there, on the lip of the mesa.

"We can go no further in the dark." hissed one,

"We must make all speed to Gorgoth!"

"He would not like the prisoners--" the voice was an evil sneer "--spoiled ."

Then someone shouted an insult in Romanian. "Kitch!" meaning, litterally, 'dung'. A regular brawl broke out and Freezia worked the loops off her hands. After that, she cut the 'pacer rope' off of her legs with her knife, which had forced her to take uncomfortably short strides.

In the darkness, someone loomed above her in the mist, and she heard the question in his voice. But just as quick as his outline appeared, she dodged and slammed her closed fists onto his bare feet. The man cried with pain and tumbled to the ground.

Without waiting to see the result, Freezia sprinted into the trees, and found the reason for the warp effect. The Unicorn was there, and had been following them all along. Quick as a wink, it nudged Freezia onto its back and was off. She checked to make sure the seal was still there, and then they were off through the trees, the silver hooves thrumming the ground as Freezia readied her sword and long knife, rueing the fact her bow and arrows were probably on the bottom of the river by then.

But to her surprise, the unicorn had them as well, and she was content. Any head that showed in the semi-darkness was a red circle on the target range, and she didn't waste a shot.

~~~~~

Heyhey, I'm going to have Freezia find Cashiel/Taren's group as well. Mm hm. Now, I've got wb.

 

[Blessed-one]

working on it.
----

The remaining trolls went after Cashiel and his companions. Waving with a sword, he led them off, angling to the river, and in the process, three more trolls went down to Zan's arrows. Taren was no longer able to keep to himself, and fighting was getting difficult as he felt the madness rising again. Crashing through trees and foliage, the group engaged and turned, engaged and turned, running when the trolls seemed to be winning, only turning around again when the situation shifted to their advantage. By the time they arrived at the river, all the trolls were either dead or badly injured.

"What the?" Cashiel demanded as they saw a young woman lying on the ground. Zan knelt down to examine her, "She's got an arrow wound here, and is still alive."
Taren took a look, "Looks like the Dragon Host's livery to me."

Abruptly, their five companions who went off the other direction serving a diversion emerged from nearby trees, and hot on their heels were three trolls, roaring and swinging their clubs.
"Carry her!" Cashiel said to Taren, then leaning closer, he whispered, "No one would suspect you when you run with an injured person on your back."

Taren didn't have time to protest as the group spread out and made ready to run. Hurriedly, he heaved the woman onto his back, apologizing quickly when she groaned in pain.
"Intercept!" Cashiel shouted, and several people blocked the way of the trolls, dodging agilely as the trolls stopped and towered over them with their clubs. Zan's bow snapped with the noise of an arrow leaping out. "Go!" Cashiel said, and the group turned and ran. What a merry chase!

 

[Kookaburra]

Freezia could feel the urgency thrumming in her blood as she raced over the green turf, the unicorn seeming to be a silver blur on the landscape. She risked a quick look back over her shoulder and then ducked back, an arrow almost nicking her ear. She urged her mount on until she had left the Romanians far behind. The, fearing the stouthearted unicorn would run itself to death, she slowed to a brisk trot, then to a walk. She dismounted, and the unicorn stood still, confused.

"Make haste!" Freezia said. "We have not much time. Speed to Arwillene and inform them I go to Waterfall City to rally for hope."

"It is more than two hundred leagues distant!" protested the unicorn, it's head lowered, ears pricked forward. "You will be caught."

Freezia vanished amidst the undergrowth. "I am no tenderfoot in this country," she said softly. "I will make it."

The unicorn started to say something, but she was gone. After a confused moment of stillness, he was gone in a flicker and a blur.

~~~~~

She ran, leaves and twigs reaching to snag her, prevent her. But she ran lightly and her feet did not leave any signs of passing. Hardy with the endurance of the Windsong people, she ran into the night, a faint light, a flicker in the trees, and she had passed.

She knew not the meaning of exhaustion, but her aching muscles pulled her down. She had but to touch the seal and she had all the strength she needed to keep going.

She had travelled only twenty leagues when she heard the harsh cry of the eagle, and she lifted her eyes to see a great golden eagle there, perched amidst the trees. She called to it and it fluttered slowly to the ground, looking curiously at her out of its great golden eyes. The, it lowered its head submissively and aided her climb to its back.

She felt the dizzying moment, the great rush of wind across her face, and they were already hundreds of feet in the air. She guided the great eagle and felt her weariness fall away as she felt the coolness on her brow.

~~~~~

Waterfall city was aptly named, for hundreds of gigantic waterfalls were built within the city, which was built on the tip of an island criss-crossed with deep canals and in the center of the greatest river seen to man.

The city was built on the edge of a natural waterfall, and thus there were many smaller ones all over the city as the water rushed over the edge into the great, serene lake. Part of the city was at the top of the waterfall, part was at the bottom, and a great deal was spread along the steep slope between. For the great waterfall was in reality a large amount of smaller falls along a procession of steps that reached further down.

On Lake Indigo, there was a great dyke that stretched in a arc around the base of the waterfall, and on the dyke were built six outlying guardposts, each large enough to be called a city--over 5 000 lived in each, and the actual Waterfall City contained more than fifty times that. Great mists covered the upper slopes, and the Great Plaza was always wreathed in fog, and only the highmost tower pierced it. It's light shone like a star always, yet dim to those below. It was called Olae-phas, the Moonbeam. Few had ever looked from its topmost balcony, the climb was too great.

Here, on the top of Olae-phas, the seven seals would be brought and renewed, reforged above the misty viel that hid the lower slopes in a golden haze. None would ever hope to defeat this city -- the guard did not sleep and already a quarter of the evil army had assailed and been defeated easily. But the fighters of Olaekyh had no wish to concern themselves with battles. They were a self-sufficient lot that never longed to leave their fertile island city, and they were peace-loving people.

The light seal at last rest in peace, atop the great tower, and its piercing light shone to the farthest land, and the Romanians cowered with fear as their leader trembled with anger. The seal was out of his reach, and he would never be able to regain it.

One, at least, was safe, and on the topmost stair, Freezia was content to sleep and let herself heal.

Once the Romanians had been defeated, the soldiers of Eyre were arranged to camp on the opposite bacnk of the river, and then they would try to salvage their company, or they would make a new one. Elves, dwarves and others that agreed to leave Arwillene would camp there as well. For the Queen of Arwillene knew the hearts of her people lay with the company, and that her kingdom was in decline.

The end for the elves and magic people on earth was fast approaching.

 

[ferment8]

i'm too tired today...... you guys continue on, i'll post later..

um... i think later, we have to let the evil army win some wars, or else the story won't be balanced... hehe

nite pplz

btw, this thread is near it's 100th post!!!!!!!!!!!

celebrate!! haha... this add on is the 2nd biggest one in the forum of creative writing!!

 

[Grimr]

My charachter has the seal of fire.