-
Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.
Seven seals: The Reforging of the Seals
- Thread starter Blessed-one
- Start date
Place: Palace Darkskull
The tall towers, walls of stone, and wood stood high into the sky. The Fortress had been built into the mountains for protection from all attacks their was also one large wall that circled the mountains inside the walled of area were many villages and one very large city Verort the capital of Romania the tall capital housed half of Erulan's army.
My lord? Yes general Erulan looked up from a bunch of ancient scrolls. My Lord the forges are ready for the project. Excellent Ill be there shortly. Sir the General saluted then left. My lord are you sure of this the forging hasn't been done for seven thousand years not since the seals came to earth. I know but to make sure I get all the seals I have to rekindle the fire seal until it's stronger than it was. Erulan left to the special forges he had prepared. Now then do we have all the ingredients? Yes my lord the fires were heated by our dragons. Good then stand back. Erulan took the fire seal off his crown and set it into a cast then placed the cast into the raging fires then he summoned in dark mages. The mages cast spells to make the fire melt the seal as the seal melted it's old magic that protected all good were destroyed. The smiths took the melted metal that once was the seal of fire into a new mold they opened the mold so the next phase could begin. Erulan stood before the melted metal and cut his wrist letting some of his blood into the seal he then cast a healing spell on his wrist. The Mages then sent dark magic into the metal giving it darker powers. Now reform the seal. The smithies began to reheat and reform the seal.
The tall towers, walls of stone, and wood stood high into the sky. The Fortress had been built into the mountains for protection from all attacks their was also one large wall that circled the mountains inside the walled of area were many villages and one very large city Verort the capital of Romania the tall capital housed half of Erulan's army.
My lord? Yes general Erulan looked up from a bunch of ancient scrolls. My Lord the forges are ready for the project. Excellent Ill be there shortly. Sir the General saluted then left. My lord are you sure of this the forging hasn't been done for seven thousand years not since the seals came to earth. I know but to make sure I get all the seals I have to rekindle the fire seal until it's stronger than it was. Erulan left to the special forges he had prepared. Now then do we have all the ingredients? Yes my lord the fires were heated by our dragons. Good then stand back. Erulan took the fire seal off his crown and set it into a cast then placed the cast into the raging fires then he summoned in dark mages. The mages cast spells to make the fire melt the seal as the seal melted it's old magic that protected all good were destroyed. The smiths took the melted metal that once was the seal of fire into a new mold they opened the mold so the next phase could begin. Erulan stood before the melted metal and cut his wrist letting some of his blood into the seal he then cast a healing spell on his wrist. The Mages then sent dark magic into the metal giving it darker powers. Now reform the seal. The smithies began to reheat and reform the seal.
Upvote
0
Clise nodded reluctantly.
"But.... are you sure?" Aridol protested, "Isn't there some way we can reach her?"
Patryn shook her head adamantly, "I'm sorry, Aridol, but she has to find her own way out. She has to."
Clise put a hand on Aridol's shoulder, "Don't worry, i have confidence in her. I'm sure Freezia will make it out. She's a Windsong afterall," she smiled, "They don't lose that easily."
Aridol was reminded of Freezia's bravery in the past, "You're right, let's go."
----
Blackbridge was coastal city, so naturally it was of quite a size with shops of every kind and people of every kind too. The three of them followed Taren to an inn, named "Seaside".
"This's the cleanest i can find," he said.
The inn was a bit shabby looking, the the common room was slightly smoky like all other inns in town, but something was different here.
"Why? It's half empty," Aridol said appreciatively.
"I'm sorry we aren't staying at the best inn, but this is the cleanest i remember."
"This's great Taren, thanks," Clise said, looking content.
"She probably doesn't have much of an experience with inns," Aridol muttered to Taren.
Patryn coughed.
They settled down and had a meal of sweet corn with grilled fish. The meal and lodging was not surprisingly less expensive compared to others. "First thing tomorrow morning, we'll go find a ship," Taren said.
"Freezia," Patryn reminded him.
"Right, but that doesn't mean whoever's willing to take us will decide to set sail immediately. So by the time that we're going, Freezia's probably made it back already."
"Makes sense."
"But.... are you sure?" Aridol protested, "Isn't there some way we can reach her?"
Patryn shook her head adamantly, "I'm sorry, Aridol, but she has to find her own way out. She has to."
Clise put a hand on Aridol's shoulder, "Don't worry, i have confidence in her. I'm sure Freezia will make it out. She's a Windsong afterall," she smiled, "They don't lose that easily."
Aridol was reminded of Freezia's bravery in the past, "You're right, let's go."
----
Blackbridge was coastal city, so naturally it was of quite a size with shops of every kind and people of every kind too. The three of them followed Taren to an inn, named "Seaside".
"This's the cleanest i can find," he said.
The inn was a bit shabby looking, the the common room was slightly smoky like all other inns in town, but something was different here.
"Why? It's half empty," Aridol said appreciatively.
"I'm sorry we aren't staying at the best inn, but this is the cleanest i remember."
"This's great Taren, thanks," Clise said, looking content.
"She probably doesn't have much of an experience with inns," Aridol muttered to Taren.
Patryn coughed.
They settled down and had a meal of sweet corn with grilled fish. The meal and lodging was not surprisingly less expensive compared to others. "First thing tomorrow morning, we'll go find a ship," Taren said.
"Freezia," Patryn reminded him.
"Right, but that doesn't mean whoever's willing to take us will decide to set sail immediately. So by the time that we're going, Freezia's probably made it back already."
"Makes sense."
Upvote
0
Million Pieces
SHMILY
Kook, repairs are made! Thanks for the tip. Short little bit here, having a bit of WB.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tendrils of black Magic snuck into Patryn's sleeping brain. Wisps so tentative, they might have been imagined.
Her shields resonated to magic's use somewhere in the near countryside. Parts of her consciousness that ever really rested mulled and sifted, investigated and questioned.
Patryn woke abruptly, and froze stock-still on the undressed bed. Only her eyes moved, scanning the midnight darkness. It was there. She wasn't imagining it. She gently surveyed her shields inch by inch defensively.
I have to warn them. But I can't let him. . . it. . . no, it was a him. . . . know.
I have to try.
A whisper in their dreams. : danger:
A sense of deja-vu. :Run:
A false memory. :There is danger here. Do not stay.:
Patryn did something she hadn't done for a great long time. She extended a shield over the inn which housed her new compatriots. Thin shielding which would simply prick her mind should they be disturbed. They would never have to know about it.
Patryn SunRider gave up trying to sleep for the rest of the night.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tendrils of black Magic snuck into Patryn's sleeping brain. Wisps so tentative, they might have been imagined.
Her shields resonated to magic's use somewhere in the near countryside. Parts of her consciousness that ever really rested mulled and sifted, investigated and questioned.
Patryn woke abruptly, and froze stock-still on the undressed bed. Only her eyes moved, scanning the midnight darkness. It was there. She wasn't imagining it. She gently surveyed her shields inch by inch defensively.
I have to warn them. But I can't let him. . . it. . . no, it was a him. . . . know.
I have to try.
A whisper in their dreams. : danger:
A sense of deja-vu. :Run:
A false memory. :There is danger here. Do not stay.:
Patryn did something she hadn't done for a great long time. She extended a shield over the inn which housed her new compatriots. Thin shielding which would simply prick her mind should they be disturbed. They would never have to know about it.
Patryn SunRider gave up trying to sleep for the rest of the night.
Upvote
0
My lord the seal is now ready one of the Dark mages said bowing before him. Excallent now that I am a part of the seal I can find the others. Erulan placed the reforged seal on his crown instently dark magic entered his body the seal came alive in the pressence of it's new master. Yes I feel the power Erulan hadn't realy changed except their was a dark fire in his eyes. Bring forth a slave so I can test my new power. A slave was brought before him. Lets see since I have the fire seal I can controll and create monsters of fire so lets turn you into a loyal magma monster Erulan send fire from his finger tips. The flames hit the slave and transformed him into magma troll. Yes now this is power prepare the armies for WAR this time we shall kill all who get in our way.
Upvote
0
Kookaburra
searching for The Hidden Country
Grimr, you do realize that the fire seal will weaken just like the others, it is something that cannot be stopped. Because the strength of the seals are found in one another, in their fellowship. So no matter how many times you reforge it, it will still follow that law.
Sorry my post is so short!
~~~~~
Freezia opened her eyes to a darkness deeper than any night could give -- she put her hand a few inches in front of her face and could see nothing. Her ears attuned to the sounds around her, she sensed the slight echoes that she was in a large pit.
Silently, she explored her prison, and several times her hand came into contact with something she didn't want to know what it was. Once she felt a puddle of something under her fingers, and when she took them away, her hand was sticky with blood.
Shuddering, she looked up out of the grate above her, to see a star wink into being, shedding the tiniest light on her surroundings. Five minutes later, another three were lighting her heart.
Hours later, a golden light reached from the east, and the clouds were illuminated in their blazing glory of yellows, oranges and reds, against the dark hues of the slate sky and cream tendrils of the tailing clouds.
All of this she saw within her circle of sky, before a creature flung open the grate and hauled her out with a lasso.
Closing her eyes, Freezia saw what was meant to be, and she did not fight it as she was shoved along. She simply kept pace with her captors, keeping her strength in a reserve.
For two days she was shoved, pushed, pulled and harried until they crested a blackened and bare ridge to look down on Palace Darkskull, dread and terrible place where nothing green could be seen but the hedge of foot-long thorns that guarded the moat on the inside, glittering in the morning sun.
The battlements rose tall and steep, black by design and blackened still further by ill-use and soot. In the centre of the walls, a cluster of towers rose above the outer walls, their gables were tiled with black and only one seemed to be maintained properly -- the tallest and darkest. The tiles and bricks were slowly being destroyed.
In the middle, tallest tower, an eerie red glow came, the flickering of flames on the walls.
And then her glimpse was gone, and she was pulled down towards the gates until she was sure the walls would fall on her. Instead, they remained stable and she passed through, and was led towards the dungeons.
One of her captors spoke suddenly, and the whole group drew aside, drawing their swords and laying them on the ground as a token of loyalty as the same red glow travelled slowly up the corridor towards them.
Freezia trembled like a leaf but stood strong as she looked upon Erulon, sorceror of fire. The beasts around her fell to the ground in fear, so she was left standing there at the seal of fire in its evillest form. It seemed to emit darkness, and when she looked upon it, she felt it trying to enter her soul, to blacken it and turn it from good.
For a full minute she strove her mind with its power, and slowly she won, the power of the Windsongs coursing in her veins. And unbenknownst to even herself, she held a power so much stronger than that of the seals that would help her stand strong until the end, die with a sword in her hand and a smile on her face -- but that would not come yet, if it came at all.
She had faith. In her Lord, her Savior. And that was more powerful than any sorcery.
Erulan saw her and snarled. "What is she doing here? Why have you not broken her? Such a one under my command would be more powerful than any army!"
Sorry my post is so short!
~~~~~
Freezia opened her eyes to a darkness deeper than any night could give -- she put her hand a few inches in front of her face and could see nothing. Her ears attuned to the sounds around her, she sensed the slight echoes that she was in a large pit.
Silently, she explored her prison, and several times her hand came into contact with something she didn't want to know what it was. Once she felt a puddle of something under her fingers, and when she took them away, her hand was sticky with blood.
Shuddering, she looked up out of the grate above her, to see a star wink into being, shedding the tiniest light on her surroundings. Five minutes later, another three were lighting her heart.
Hours later, a golden light reached from the east, and the clouds were illuminated in their blazing glory of yellows, oranges and reds, against the dark hues of the slate sky and cream tendrils of the tailing clouds.
All of this she saw within her circle of sky, before a creature flung open the grate and hauled her out with a lasso.
Closing her eyes, Freezia saw what was meant to be, and she did not fight it as she was shoved along. She simply kept pace with her captors, keeping her strength in a reserve.
For two days she was shoved, pushed, pulled and harried until they crested a blackened and bare ridge to look down on Palace Darkskull, dread and terrible place where nothing green could be seen but the hedge of foot-long thorns that guarded the moat on the inside, glittering in the morning sun.
The battlements rose tall and steep, black by design and blackened still further by ill-use and soot. In the centre of the walls, a cluster of towers rose above the outer walls, their gables were tiled with black and only one seemed to be maintained properly -- the tallest and darkest. The tiles and bricks were slowly being destroyed.
In the middle, tallest tower, an eerie red glow came, the flickering of flames on the walls.
And then her glimpse was gone, and she was pulled down towards the gates until she was sure the walls would fall on her. Instead, they remained stable and she passed through, and was led towards the dungeons.
One of her captors spoke suddenly, and the whole group drew aside, drawing their swords and laying them on the ground as a token of loyalty as the same red glow travelled slowly up the corridor towards them.
Freezia trembled like a leaf but stood strong as she looked upon Erulon, sorceror of fire. The beasts around her fell to the ground in fear, so she was left standing there at the seal of fire in its evillest form. It seemed to emit darkness, and when she looked upon it, she felt it trying to enter her soul, to blacken it and turn it from good.
For a full minute she strove her mind with its power, and slowly she won, the power of the Windsongs coursing in her veins. And unbenknownst to even herself, she held a power so much stronger than that of the seals that would help her stand strong until the end, die with a sword in her hand and a smile on her face -- but that would not come yet, if it came at all.
She had faith. In her Lord, her Savior. And that was more powerful than any sorcery.
Erulan saw her and snarled. "What is she doing here? Why have you not broken her? Such a one under my command would be more powerful than any army!"
Upvote
0
Freezia got captured?! is she gonna be back in time for the ship?
hey Grimr, wait there, we're having another war? we just finished the last one....
----
Something tingled at the back of her mind, and Clise woke fitfully, her eyes still puffy with redness. As quick as it came, the next minute it was gone. Yawning, she drifted back into sleep.
Thanks, Patryn
----
"You don't look good... why don't you rest while we look for some transportation?" Clise said in concern as the others nodded.
"No, I have to come," Patryn insisted.
"It's ok, no one's gonna attack us during the day," Taren assured.
"You never know what may happen," Patryn said, and she quickly finished the bowl of cerial in one gulp.
----
They split up, Taren and Clise went to the dock while Aridol and Patryn wondered in town, purchasing supplies as well as looking for recent information regarding their destination. Each group had a member who was sensitive with the use of magic, that should be enough if an emergency happened.
The dock was bustling with activities. The water sparkled dazzlingly under the sun, and the feel of sea breeze against the face was absolutely refreshing. Avoiding the load of cargos in the middle of the road, Taren led the way into the Guild's office.
"Taren, haven't seen you for sometime," the man in front of the desk hailed in greeting.
"This's a friend of mine, by the name of Piere, and this is Clise, also a friend."
Piere was a man with hair in patches, he had a glint in his eye that contained a merry attitude, not unlike the attitude Taren seems to be showing lately. It really reminded Clise of someone that she refused to think of, yet the quality was something that she missed.
"Any friend of Taren's a friend of mine," Piere said, inviting them to sit. "You aren't here to talk of the old times?" he said.
Taren smiled apologetically, "I would if i had the time, we need transportaton to Dal Calaine."
"Oh, the captical city of Elario? Things aren't good there," Piere frowned.
"What's going on?" Clise said, exchaning a glance with Taren.
Piere leaned back onto his chair, "For all that we know, trade from between this side of the ocean to Elario's declining. Something to do with politics."
"War?" Taren prompted.
"Not quite, but it may come close."
"But with whom?" Clise asked.
"War's silly. Something to do with their neighbour i think. Now you said you want a ship?" Piere flipped with his book, avoiding Clise's question, maybe he didn't know the answer either.
Grabbing a sheet of parchment and a pen, he wiggled some words onto the parchment. On there were three names of three ships, and three names of the ships' masters.
----
"Hey, hey!" Taren shouted, tapping the back of a sailor who was staggering drunkenly around.
"He's drunk in this time of day?" Clise said incredulously.
The sailor gave her a sideway look, "I drink whenever i find drink, missy. Now what do you want?" he said, pushing away Taren's hand as he tried not to fall headfirst onto the ground.
"Can you tell us where to find Master Thom Keines?"
"He's the ship master right? so he's bound to be on his ship."
"Thank you," Taren said, and they stepped away.
"Can this man even be trusted?" Clise demanded, she was holding her breath while the sailor talked.
Taren smiled, "You haven't seen the worst of them."
"You say this's not the worst?" Clise said in disbelief as they mounted the plank onto the ship - The Oceanwing.
Piere strongly recommanded Thom Keines, and it turned out that his recommandation was the very man he expected him to be, except for one thing.
"Three gold crowns a person?" Clise said in response to the outrageous price Master Kenies set.
The man himself nodded firmly. He had a wild moustache and hair the likes of tangle wire, with a round baby face and deep dark eyes. This was not a person to be crossed.
"Now now, i know you don't get passengers a lot these days, and trade between Blackbridge and Elario has been going badly..." Taren began.
"Ha, that's exactly why i need no passengers. They only make a mess in my ship. Last i had a pair of thieves catching a ride, and i lost a pass the Elarians gave me. Three gold crowns each, no more and no less."
----
"Isn't there some other ways?" Clise said, frowning.
"I trust Piere, and he did say this Thom fellow is the most trustworthy sort. You wouldn't want to board a smuggler's ship would you?"
Clise shuddered, "Good point."
Thom Kenies gave them a week, as his ship would set sail by then, now all they needed was to decide whether the fare was worth it and hope that Freezia would get back in time. If only they had a way to reach her.
hey Grimr, wait there, we're having another war? we just finished the last one....
----
Something tingled at the back of her mind, and Clise woke fitfully, her eyes still puffy with redness. As quick as it came, the next minute it was gone. Yawning, she drifted back into sleep.
Thanks, Patryn
----
"You don't look good... why don't you rest while we look for some transportation?" Clise said in concern as the others nodded.
"No, I have to come," Patryn insisted.
"It's ok, no one's gonna attack us during the day," Taren assured.
"You never know what may happen," Patryn said, and she quickly finished the bowl of cerial in one gulp.
----
They split up, Taren and Clise went to the dock while Aridol and Patryn wondered in town, purchasing supplies as well as looking for recent information regarding their destination. Each group had a member who was sensitive with the use of magic, that should be enough if an emergency happened.
The dock was bustling with activities. The water sparkled dazzlingly under the sun, and the feel of sea breeze against the face was absolutely refreshing. Avoiding the load of cargos in the middle of the road, Taren led the way into the Guild's office.
"Taren, haven't seen you for sometime," the man in front of the desk hailed in greeting.
"This's a friend of mine, by the name of Piere, and this is Clise, also a friend."
Piere was a man with hair in patches, he had a glint in his eye that contained a merry attitude, not unlike the attitude Taren seems to be showing lately. It really reminded Clise of someone that she refused to think of, yet the quality was something that she missed.
"Any friend of Taren's a friend of mine," Piere said, inviting them to sit. "You aren't here to talk of the old times?" he said.
Taren smiled apologetically, "I would if i had the time, we need transportaton to Dal Calaine."
"Oh, the captical city of Elario? Things aren't good there," Piere frowned.
"What's going on?" Clise said, exchaning a glance with Taren.
Piere leaned back onto his chair, "For all that we know, trade from between this side of the ocean to Elario's declining. Something to do with politics."
"War?" Taren prompted.
"Not quite, but it may come close."
"But with whom?" Clise asked.
"War's silly. Something to do with their neighbour i think. Now you said you want a ship?" Piere flipped with his book, avoiding Clise's question, maybe he didn't know the answer either.
Grabbing a sheet of parchment and a pen, he wiggled some words onto the parchment. On there were three names of three ships, and three names of the ships' masters.
----
"Hey, hey!" Taren shouted, tapping the back of a sailor who was staggering drunkenly around.
"He's drunk in this time of day?" Clise said incredulously.
The sailor gave her a sideway look, "I drink whenever i find drink, missy. Now what do you want?" he said, pushing away Taren's hand as he tried not to fall headfirst onto the ground.
"Can you tell us where to find Master Thom Keines?"
"He's the ship master right? so he's bound to be on his ship."
"Thank you," Taren said, and they stepped away.
"Can this man even be trusted?" Clise demanded, she was holding her breath while the sailor talked.
Taren smiled, "You haven't seen the worst of them."
"You say this's not the worst?" Clise said in disbelief as they mounted the plank onto the ship - The Oceanwing.
Piere strongly recommanded Thom Keines, and it turned out that his recommandation was the very man he expected him to be, except for one thing.
"Three gold crowns a person?" Clise said in response to the outrageous price Master Kenies set.
The man himself nodded firmly. He had a wild moustache and hair the likes of tangle wire, with a round baby face and deep dark eyes. This was not a person to be crossed.
"Now now, i know you don't get passengers a lot these days, and trade between Blackbridge and Elario has been going badly..." Taren began.
"Ha, that's exactly why i need no passengers. They only make a mess in my ship. Last i had a pair of thieves catching a ride, and i lost a pass the Elarians gave me. Three gold crowns each, no more and no less."
----
"Isn't there some other ways?" Clise said, frowning.
"I trust Piere, and he did say this Thom fellow is the most trustworthy sort. You wouldn't want to board a smuggler's ship would you?"
Clise shuddered, "Good point."
Thom Kenies gave them a week, as his ship would set sail by then, now all they needed was to decide whether the fare was worth it and hope that Freezia would get back in time. If only they had a way to reach her.
Upvote
0
Kookaburra
searching for The Hidden Country
No, sail the ship, that's how I'm basically gonna get Freezia back. Only I'm not in the mood 4 posting since yesturday. I'm too worried.
Upvote
0
It's not really War just preperation for war.
Lorgan had followed his quarry to BlackBridge and to their Inn he knew of their plans so he also payed to be on their ship. Well looks like i'll be fullfillng my objectives once I steal their seals all I have to do is get the fire seal then boom my jobs as good as done.
Lorgan had followed his quarry to BlackBridge and to their Inn he knew of their plans so he also payed to be on their ship. Well looks like i'll be fullfillng my objectives once I steal their seals all I have to do is get the fire seal then boom my jobs as good as done.
Upvote
0
allright, um, i better wait for Jn207, so i'll write a little bit here.
By the way, i've got something planned for the voyage.
----
"Taren?"
"Yeah?"
"Your earth seal's partly healed, you don't really have to go with us," Clise said.
Taren rounded on her and she almost bumped into him, "Do you think i go into all these trouble just to find my solution? even though i don't need you there to calm my mind anymore, i have an obligation to do."
Clise bite her lips, "I'm sorry i said this."
People hurried behind them, carrying sacks to be loaded onto the ship. Shouting resounded as a small ship pulled away from port, stirring up the sea water.
Taren grinned suddenly, "I understand. I think there's a purpose in my traveling with you guys, see, already i'm helping. Without me, you guys would have a hard time finding a ship."
He gave her a squeeze on the shoulder, and said in a low voice, "Besides, you owe me remember?"
Startled, she looked into his sparkling eyes, "You've still got to teach me how to ride a dragon without falling off. I would never forget that!"
Clise nodded slowly and the worried look dropped from her face, "I'll do my best."
Taren nodded in turn, satisfied in what he saw. At first, he was worried sick about carrying a damaged seal around. When chance came with Clise calming his mind back there by the river, he had for the first time, able to use the seal with a clear mind. Now that thanks to Patryn, the seal was healed, though not completely, at least he wouldn't have to worry about losing control of it once more. As for Clise, he couldn't forget the time when she allowed him up the back of Kyne, for he knew that the Dragon Hosts guarded their charges jealously, to allow a complete stranger onto a dragon, let alone one who didn't know how to ride, was not unheard of, but rare.
"One day you'd have to tell me who i remind you of," he said lightly as they made their way back to the inn.
"I will, if only i remember who it is," she said.
By the way, i've got something planned for the voyage.
----
"Taren?"
"Yeah?"
"Your earth seal's partly healed, you don't really have to go with us," Clise said.
Taren rounded on her and she almost bumped into him, "Do you think i go into all these trouble just to find my solution? even though i don't need you there to calm my mind anymore, i have an obligation to do."
Clise bite her lips, "I'm sorry i said this."
People hurried behind them, carrying sacks to be loaded onto the ship. Shouting resounded as a small ship pulled away from port, stirring up the sea water.
Taren grinned suddenly, "I understand. I think there's a purpose in my traveling with you guys, see, already i'm helping. Without me, you guys would have a hard time finding a ship."
He gave her a squeeze on the shoulder, and said in a low voice, "Besides, you owe me remember?"
Startled, she looked into his sparkling eyes, "You've still got to teach me how to ride a dragon without falling off. I would never forget that!"
Clise nodded slowly and the worried look dropped from her face, "I'll do my best."
Taren nodded in turn, satisfied in what he saw. At first, he was worried sick about carrying a damaged seal around. When chance came with Clise calming his mind back there by the river, he had for the first time, able to use the seal with a clear mind. Now that thanks to Patryn, the seal was healed, though not completely, at least he wouldn't have to worry about losing control of it once more. As for Clise, he couldn't forget the time when she allowed him up the back of Kyne, for he knew that the Dragon Hosts guarded their charges jealously, to allow a complete stranger onto a dragon, let alone one who didn't know how to ride, was not unheard of, but rare.
"One day you'd have to tell me who i remind you of," he said lightly as they made their way back to the inn.
"I will, if only i remember who it is," she said.
Upvote
0
Kookaburra
searching for The Hidden Country
I hope this is ok with ya'all! I don't know what to post, so it's pretty lame.
~~~~~
Erulan's words lingered on the smoky air, their evil and malice like the tongues of flame that swept out from him, darkening the walls still further with soot and ash.
Freezia turned slowly, deliberately, and ignored him, her slightly pointed ears attuned to every echoing sound within the building. She shut her eyes and a vision came to her.
Angered by her studied insolence, the sorceror of fire pointed towards her, flames swirling at his fingertips. A dozen spells came to mind, and he isolated one. "Aschaczir!" he shouted, and a spout of white-hot fire spouted from above Freezia and coiled around her, so hot it cremated her guards in milliseconds.
Smiling slightly, she faced Erulan, her eyes glittering strangely. "You think me easy prey, do you not?" she asked, her voice cool.
Frustrated at his failure, Erulan towered above her until she drew back, his sheer power enough to frazzle anyone's nerves. He laughed then, "You are easy!"
"Oh?" Something in her voice warned him, and he looked at her for the first time, and something in her icy eyes stopped him. Now she was laughing at him. "I have come to show you that you are not king of the world."
Erulan was incredulous. He stood back a little, staring at her. "You -- ?"
She hit him. What with, he didn't know, but she held something glowing in her hand, and the force of the blow rocked him onto his heels.
Surprsed at her simple but effective power, he struck back at her. His fire was ineffective against her temperature control, so he flung a heavy wooden beam at her, blocking the corridor and sending up clouds of smoke and dust.
When it cleared somewhat, he saw a great white light filling the area, and it was emenating from Freezia, who stood facing him, unharmed.
Realization struck him. She had carried the light seal, and it had recognized the power of the darkened fire seal and was fighting to destroy its holder. He backed up several steps. He had been so blind! He should have known first off.
He tore a loosened chunk of brick from the wall and flung it at her, but she raised her hand and a laser disintegrated it. Realizing his position was very dangerous, Erulan backed off still further, and mulled it over.
Everything he had thrown at her had failed. Obviously, the light seal had chosen her because she was suited perfectly to fight fire, being both resistant to his attacks at any time and having enough power from the light seal to take his own seal from him.
Light filled the hallway and flickered over him, a slightly wierd light, greenish-blue. He peeked around the corner, but could see nothing -- his soldiers had come and she was evidently sending them off in a hurry.
I must beware the enemy. They will use all of my own tricks against me, he thought, shielding his eyes from the glare, cursing the girl who held the accursed power of light. It was growing still brighter, the eerie light mingled with the red of his fire seal.
Suddenly, he felt like the seal was calling its brothers, and he cowered against the bricks, a golden haze encompassing him.
~~~~~
Vialla heard the call, and she fingered the smooth contours of the water seal she carried with her as she stood next to Clise. She looked at Taren, who heard it but didn't recognize it.
Patryn knew what was going on, and looked twice at Vialla, realizing for the first time she carried the seal. Then she smiled, and motioned to her. Taren came also, and Patryn spoke then.
"The seal of Fire has been met by one of its brothers, and great strength is needed to bring it back."
"The fire seal? Then that means -- "
"Freezia has found it!"
"Her control of temperature gives her a good advantage. But she has not the strength to take and carry the fire seal without help."
"Help?" Taren echoed, his face ashen. "We cannot turn back now!"
"Open your minds. Hide it no longer that you hold the seals. And let the power of them combine for her to use," Patryn instructed.
Taren took a deep breath. Vialla drew the seal from its place and held it in her hand, suddenly light. She smiled, and opened her mind, Taren doing the same. The seals seemed to be hot to her hand, and she almost dropped it. Instead, she put it on the table, and a blue, undulating light filled the room, like the effect of water playing across the walls. The delicate scent of lily's and sea-grass touched their faces.
Aridol and Clise saw it and felt a tingle of realization.
Nearby, Lorgan saw it and drew closer as Taren put his seal onto the table, blowing on his scalded hands.
The smell of rich soil and growing things filled their heads, as the light suddenly seemed to mingle and slowly fade, transferring great power to Freezia's light seal. They grew stronger in themselves as for the first time in many hundreds of years, three seals bonded together to a common purpose.
Lorgan saw his chance, and he leapt forward, knocking Clise to the side. He grabbed for the seals, but gave a piercing cry as soon as his outstretched palm touched the earth seal. He fell back, and Aridol percieved his purpose. "Thief! Out!"
The skin and flesh on Lorgan's fingers was charred, and he got up reluctantly, his eyes flashing with agony. "Fools! You shall never stop me!" Someone pushed him back, and he glared at Aridol. "You shan't beat me twice!"
"Bad luck comes in threes," he replied calmly.
They looked back at the seals, and Patryn smiled grimly. "She is coming."
~~~~~
Freezia stood above Erulan, who glared at her evilly. "How . . . did you do it?" He asked hoarsely, as she stared at him.
"Faith in God." sShe said simply, and he seemed to suddenly go into a trance. A white cloud seemed to swirl around her, and a ray of sunlight touched her face, making it glow with an unearthly light, giving her an aura, a halo. Was it just him, or did the flutter of dove's wings come to him faintly?
Suddenly, the image was gone, but the impression remained. God was with Freezia, and he was greater than Erulan, who summoned up his last strength to fight her. He fired a wall of fire at her, but it seemed to break like a wave on rocks, and cascade behind her. The seal of fire remembered his heritage and turned away, but when she took it from his crown, it did not stop his power.
It would remain with Erulan until he died, or until the seals were reforged.
~~~~~
Suddenly from above deck, there came cries. The seals seemed to shrink before their eyes. Taren and Vialla snatched them up and ran onto deck, to see the blood-stained and cool-eyed Freezia stagger towards them, the blue, rippling porthole behind her vanishing as she emerged.
Patryn ran forward, and Clise supported her.
Freezia grabbed Patryn's hand, and placed the Fire Seal into it, feeling suddenly nausious. Feverishly, she drew back and collapsed, into the well of darkness as the adrenaline and painkiller faded away with the sunset.
~~~~~
Erulan's words lingered on the smoky air, their evil and malice like the tongues of flame that swept out from him, darkening the walls still further with soot and ash.
Freezia turned slowly, deliberately, and ignored him, her slightly pointed ears attuned to every echoing sound within the building. She shut her eyes and a vision came to her.
Angered by her studied insolence, the sorceror of fire pointed towards her, flames swirling at his fingertips. A dozen spells came to mind, and he isolated one. "Aschaczir!" he shouted, and a spout of white-hot fire spouted from above Freezia and coiled around her, so hot it cremated her guards in milliseconds.
Smiling slightly, she faced Erulan, her eyes glittering strangely. "You think me easy prey, do you not?" she asked, her voice cool.
Frustrated at his failure, Erulan towered above her until she drew back, his sheer power enough to frazzle anyone's nerves. He laughed then, "You are easy!"
"Oh?" Something in her voice warned him, and he looked at her for the first time, and something in her icy eyes stopped him. Now she was laughing at him. "I have come to show you that you are not king of the world."
Erulan was incredulous. He stood back a little, staring at her. "You -- ?"
She hit him. What with, he didn't know, but she held something glowing in her hand, and the force of the blow rocked him onto his heels.
Surprsed at her simple but effective power, he struck back at her. His fire was ineffective against her temperature control, so he flung a heavy wooden beam at her, blocking the corridor and sending up clouds of smoke and dust.
When it cleared somewhat, he saw a great white light filling the area, and it was emenating from Freezia, who stood facing him, unharmed.
Realization struck him. She had carried the light seal, and it had recognized the power of the darkened fire seal and was fighting to destroy its holder. He backed up several steps. He had been so blind! He should have known first off.
He tore a loosened chunk of brick from the wall and flung it at her, but she raised her hand and a laser disintegrated it. Realizing his position was very dangerous, Erulan backed off still further, and mulled it over.
Everything he had thrown at her had failed. Obviously, the light seal had chosen her because she was suited perfectly to fight fire, being both resistant to his attacks at any time and having enough power from the light seal to take his own seal from him.
Light filled the hallway and flickered over him, a slightly wierd light, greenish-blue. He peeked around the corner, but could see nothing -- his soldiers had come and she was evidently sending them off in a hurry.
I must beware the enemy. They will use all of my own tricks against me, he thought, shielding his eyes from the glare, cursing the girl who held the accursed power of light. It was growing still brighter, the eerie light mingled with the red of his fire seal.
Suddenly, he felt like the seal was calling its brothers, and he cowered against the bricks, a golden haze encompassing him.
~~~~~
Vialla heard the call, and she fingered the smooth contours of the water seal she carried with her as she stood next to Clise. She looked at Taren, who heard it but didn't recognize it.
Patryn knew what was going on, and looked twice at Vialla, realizing for the first time she carried the seal. Then she smiled, and motioned to her. Taren came also, and Patryn spoke then.
"The seal of Fire has been met by one of its brothers, and great strength is needed to bring it back."
"The fire seal? Then that means -- "
"Freezia has found it!"
"Her control of temperature gives her a good advantage. But she has not the strength to take and carry the fire seal without help."
"Help?" Taren echoed, his face ashen. "We cannot turn back now!"
"Open your minds. Hide it no longer that you hold the seals. And let the power of them combine for her to use," Patryn instructed.
Taren took a deep breath. Vialla drew the seal from its place and held it in her hand, suddenly light. She smiled, and opened her mind, Taren doing the same. The seals seemed to be hot to her hand, and she almost dropped it. Instead, she put it on the table, and a blue, undulating light filled the room, like the effect of water playing across the walls. The delicate scent of lily's and sea-grass touched their faces.
Aridol and Clise saw it and felt a tingle of realization.
Nearby, Lorgan saw it and drew closer as Taren put his seal onto the table, blowing on his scalded hands.
The smell of rich soil and growing things filled their heads, as the light suddenly seemed to mingle and slowly fade, transferring great power to Freezia's light seal. They grew stronger in themselves as for the first time in many hundreds of years, three seals bonded together to a common purpose.
Lorgan saw his chance, and he leapt forward, knocking Clise to the side. He grabbed for the seals, but gave a piercing cry as soon as his outstretched palm touched the earth seal. He fell back, and Aridol percieved his purpose. "Thief! Out!"
The skin and flesh on Lorgan's fingers was charred, and he got up reluctantly, his eyes flashing with agony. "Fools! You shall never stop me!" Someone pushed him back, and he glared at Aridol. "You shan't beat me twice!"
"Bad luck comes in threes," he replied calmly.
They looked back at the seals, and Patryn smiled grimly. "She is coming."
~~~~~
Freezia stood above Erulan, who glared at her evilly. "How . . . did you do it?" He asked hoarsely, as she stared at him.
"Faith in God." sShe said simply, and he seemed to suddenly go into a trance. A white cloud seemed to swirl around her, and a ray of sunlight touched her face, making it glow with an unearthly light, giving her an aura, a halo. Was it just him, or did the flutter of dove's wings come to him faintly?
Suddenly, the image was gone, but the impression remained. God was with Freezia, and he was greater than Erulan, who summoned up his last strength to fight her. He fired a wall of fire at her, but it seemed to break like a wave on rocks, and cascade behind her. The seal of fire remembered his heritage and turned away, but when she took it from his crown, it did not stop his power.
It would remain with Erulan until he died, or until the seals were reforged.
~~~~~
Suddenly from above deck, there came cries. The seals seemed to shrink before their eyes. Taren and Vialla snatched them up and ran onto deck, to see the blood-stained and cool-eyed Freezia stagger towards them, the blue, rippling porthole behind her vanishing as she emerged.
Patryn ran forward, and Clise supported her.
Freezia grabbed Patryn's hand, and placed the Fire Seal into it, feeling suddenly nausious. Feverishly, she drew back and collapsed, into the well of darkness as the adrenaline and painkiller faded away with the sunset.
Upvote
0
Million Pieces
SHMILY
blessed, don't wait for me.... I'm ashamed to admit this is taking off too fast for my little un-creative talents to keep up. I guess with all the characters we started off with, I never expected to become a real major contributor. Seems all I can come up with is my own character's POV, can't seem to get into the groove with the others. I'm hopelessly blocked right now, but I have little things skittering around in my head, but nothings' coming together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Patryn's first duty was to check Freezia for injuries. She tucked the newly recovered Fire seal into her tunic pockets, immeditately feeling her shield protest at the evil contained in it.
She touched Freezia lightly on her burning forehead to ascertain what Healing was needed. She was truly shocked to find little hurting beyond exhaustion and superficial scrapes and bumps. Nothing a few hours of deep sleep wouldn't help. She considered setting a restful spell over Freezia, when she experienced a feeling unlike any other she had ever had.
A small voice spoke to her, in her head alone. "She does not need your magic. She is Mine."
"Freezia is in better hands than mine. She has a Protector within her. She is a strong one, this one." Patryn said softly, "all we need to do is find her a comfortable bed."
Aridol and Clise held Freezia up between them and set off to the nearest bunk to lay her out on.
Vialla, Taren and Patryn settled heavily at a scarred wooden table bolted to the hull of the creaking ship. "Where did she get that thing? Who had it?" Teren asked.
"Which one is it?" Vialla wondered, "I didn't get a good look."
"The Fire seal," Teren answered. "I've seen it once before. But only once, and a long time ago."
"I'm afraid it has been damaged. I can Feel very strongly the evil in it," Patryn sighed.
"That's not possible. These seals only work together for good," Teren glared at her. Clise and Aridol pulled up rickety chairs where thre was space.
"This one has been . . . changed. It is not the same. It is still weakening, but it is . . . different somehow. Great evil. I don't know what this is going to mean to the rest of the seals."
"Just great, "Taren threw his hands over his head, "two half-usable seals, and no clue where to find the other three." He let his hands fall to cover his face.
Clise was silent for a very long time. "This is terrible news. The seals remember everything that is done with and to them. There will always be this evil in it from this point on. Not even you will be able to get rid of it, Patryn. I'm afraid now if we try to put it in contact with the other seals. Only the Life seal could have a chance at reversing whatever spells have been worked into it. As the Fire seal weakens, it becomes more dangerous again. The bond with the other seals gets weaker, and it doesn't focus energy like it is supposed to."
"Then I must contain it as best I can. But I'm certain the last wizard who owned it is not finished yet. He will be back. And soon."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Patryn's first duty was to check Freezia for injuries. She tucked the newly recovered Fire seal into her tunic pockets, immeditately feeling her shield protest at the evil contained in it.
She touched Freezia lightly on her burning forehead to ascertain what Healing was needed. She was truly shocked to find little hurting beyond exhaustion and superficial scrapes and bumps. Nothing a few hours of deep sleep wouldn't help. She considered setting a restful spell over Freezia, when she experienced a feeling unlike any other she had ever had.
A small voice spoke to her, in her head alone. "She does not need your magic. She is Mine."
"Freezia is in better hands than mine. She has a Protector within her. She is a strong one, this one." Patryn said softly, "all we need to do is find her a comfortable bed."
Aridol and Clise held Freezia up between them and set off to the nearest bunk to lay her out on.
Vialla, Taren and Patryn settled heavily at a scarred wooden table bolted to the hull of the creaking ship. "Where did she get that thing? Who had it?" Teren asked.
"Which one is it?" Vialla wondered, "I didn't get a good look."
"The Fire seal," Teren answered. "I've seen it once before. But only once, and a long time ago."
"I'm afraid it has been damaged. I can Feel very strongly the evil in it," Patryn sighed.
"That's not possible. These seals only work together for good," Teren glared at her. Clise and Aridol pulled up rickety chairs where thre was space.
"This one has been . . . changed. It is not the same. It is still weakening, but it is . . . different somehow. Great evil. I don't know what this is going to mean to the rest of the seals."
"Just great, "Taren threw his hands over his head, "two half-usable seals, and no clue where to find the other three." He let his hands fall to cover his face.
Clise was silent for a very long time. "This is terrible news. The seals remember everything that is done with and to them. There will always be this evil in it from this point on. Not even you will be able to get rid of it, Patryn. I'm afraid now if we try to put it in contact with the other seals. Only the Life seal could have a chance at reversing whatever spells have been worked into it. As the Fire seal weakens, it becomes more dangerous again. The bond with the other seals gets weaker, and it doesn't focus energy like it is supposed to."
"Then I must contain it as best I can. But I'm certain the last wizard who owned it is not finished yet. He will be back. And soon."
Upvote
0
don't worry, Jn207. Patryn's doing quite good, just keep pace, lol. We all have WB now and then, that's why having a few people writing is an advantage, more ideas.
oh Kookaburra, i didn't know Vialla is with us, ops. hey, that post of your's pretty cool, darn brilliant when Freezia dropped out from nowhere, so we have the fire seal. um.. but, are you sure it's ok with Grimr?
----
"I'm sure you can deal with it," Taren said, remembering what Patryn did to the earth seal.
"Thanks," Patryn said to him. He certainly had confidence in her, well, she'll just see that she carries this as good as the others. The fire seal...
"Where's Lorgain?" Aridol said sharply.
"He's on the same ship with us!" Vialla said, concerned, "But i say he probably paid his fee too, there's nothing we can do."
"Except to be cautious," Patryn murmured. "Let's set watch and have someone here with Freezia all the time."
The others nodded in agreement. Aridol decided to take the first watch, with Vialla sitting on the other bunk. "I don't like the sea that much," she explained.
The ship sailed on towards Dal Calaine. The three of them, Taren, Clise and Patryn leaned against the railing and enjoyed the view as the sea rolled beneath them, at the same time keeping a watchful eye for Lorgain. Fortunately the part of deck was half empty when Freezia appeared, and they smuggled her off into the cabin quickly before Master Thom Keines found out about an extra passenger. Later, Taren gave Thom three more gold coins.
"He didn't say anything. I think he's suspecting but so long as he keeps his mouth shut, i don't care," Taren was saying as the ship swayed.
"Good," Patryn agreed, "He looks like a smart fellow."
Clise was narrowing her eyes at the distant sky. In a few minutes dark clouds gathered and the wind intensified, blowing hard against the ship from the wrong direction. Taren lifted his face, "Smells like a storm brewing, but isn't this a bit too quick?"
Water swelled and the rain began to fall.
"Let's get under shelter," Taren shouted, and started to turn when he noticed neither two of his companions were moving. Clise was gripping the railing tightly and her eyes were blank. Patyrn's face was twisted into a grimace. "Stay with us," she said, and quickly returned to her examination of the sky. Taren had no choice but to stay with them.
----
Someone was middling with the weather, and she knew that if nothing was done, they soon would go down along with the ship. Elemental magic was her best skill, so she did not hesitate to act. Blanking her mind against all things, she concentrated and pushed out, reaching to contain the power at play. Rain slide down her hair and arm, yet she hardly felt a thing. The clouds shifted.
----
Lightning streaked down towards the ship, but half way to its destination, it vanished without a trace. More lightning came down, but a few vanished while the others rebound.
Dang
A dagger slid across the deck. Taren held the quarterstaff upright in front of him, and watched silently as Lorgain stepped closer, his eyes dark under the shadow of the clouds. Grimly, Taren waited.... and striked out with his weapon, Lorgain danced back easily.
----
Patyrn stood quietly as her shield absorbed some of the energy from the sky. If she helped Clise, she may not be able to maintain the shield. Clise's hands began to slip.
Throwing all consideration aside, Patyrn put her hand on Clise's shoulder, the sky started to brighten.
"Forget it Lorgain," Taren said calmly as Lorgain's sword cut into his quarterstaff, causing minimal damage. "Not while I am alive," he smiled coldly and dashed in from an opening, making Taren retreat.
Clise drew deeply from Patyrn. Almost Patyrn's thought flowed to her. She nodded mentally. Ten seconds, eight, five, three. Clise stabbed into the vortex of the whirlpool. Energy shot down in all directions, and Patyrn's shield shattered as a lightning bolt zapped down close to the ship's side.
----
Taren's quarterstaff went spinning off and Lorgain's sword similar spun off to another direction. "Want more!" Taren said, and he stepped up menacingly, his hand cured into a fist, ready to hit. Lorgain's eyes burnt, but he reacted faster, dropping down with a sweeping kick that sent Taren sprawling. Lorgain regained his footing and ran forward towards the two women who seemed to have at last finished what they were doing, as the two of them sagged down onto the deck.
Taren's eyes widened and he leaped from where he had fallen, wrapping his arms around Lorgain's feet. Lorgain went down. Patryn hauled Clise to her feet, and Clise stood unsteadily.
"I think it's about time we deal with him," a voice appeared to their right. Aridol pointed at Lorgain's throat with his sword.
"Try!" Lorgain spit.
"Quick, get inside the cabin. We can't let Thom know of this," Taren urged.
"Next time," Aridol sheathed his sword and turned to take Clise from Patyrn. Taren followed with an arm supporting Patyrn.
oh Kookaburra, i didn't know Vialla is with us, ops. hey, that post of your's pretty cool, darn brilliant when Freezia dropped out from nowhere, so we have the fire seal. um.. but, are you sure it's ok with Grimr?
----
"I'm sure you can deal with it," Taren said, remembering what Patryn did to the earth seal.
"Thanks," Patryn said to him. He certainly had confidence in her, well, she'll just see that she carries this as good as the others. The fire seal...
"Where's Lorgain?" Aridol said sharply.
"He's on the same ship with us!" Vialla said, concerned, "But i say he probably paid his fee too, there's nothing we can do."
"Except to be cautious," Patryn murmured. "Let's set watch and have someone here with Freezia all the time."
The others nodded in agreement. Aridol decided to take the first watch, with Vialla sitting on the other bunk. "I don't like the sea that much," she explained.
The ship sailed on towards Dal Calaine. The three of them, Taren, Clise and Patryn leaned against the railing and enjoyed the view as the sea rolled beneath them, at the same time keeping a watchful eye for Lorgain. Fortunately the part of deck was half empty when Freezia appeared, and they smuggled her off into the cabin quickly before Master Thom Keines found out about an extra passenger. Later, Taren gave Thom three more gold coins.
"He didn't say anything. I think he's suspecting but so long as he keeps his mouth shut, i don't care," Taren was saying as the ship swayed.
"Good," Patryn agreed, "He looks like a smart fellow."
Clise was narrowing her eyes at the distant sky. In a few minutes dark clouds gathered and the wind intensified, blowing hard against the ship from the wrong direction. Taren lifted his face, "Smells like a storm brewing, but isn't this a bit too quick?"
Water swelled and the rain began to fall.
"Let's get under shelter," Taren shouted, and started to turn when he noticed neither two of his companions were moving. Clise was gripping the railing tightly and her eyes were blank. Patyrn's face was twisted into a grimace. "Stay with us," she said, and quickly returned to her examination of the sky. Taren had no choice but to stay with them.
----
Someone was middling with the weather, and she knew that if nothing was done, they soon would go down along with the ship. Elemental magic was her best skill, so she did not hesitate to act. Blanking her mind against all things, she concentrated and pushed out, reaching to contain the power at play. Rain slide down her hair and arm, yet she hardly felt a thing. The clouds shifted.
----
Lightning streaked down towards the ship, but half way to its destination, it vanished without a trace. More lightning came down, but a few vanished while the others rebound.
Dang
A dagger slid across the deck. Taren held the quarterstaff upright in front of him, and watched silently as Lorgain stepped closer, his eyes dark under the shadow of the clouds. Grimly, Taren waited.... and striked out with his weapon, Lorgain danced back easily.
----
Patyrn stood quietly as her shield absorbed some of the energy from the sky. If she helped Clise, she may not be able to maintain the shield. Clise's hands began to slip.
Throwing all consideration aside, Patyrn put her hand on Clise's shoulder, the sky started to brighten.
"Forget it Lorgain," Taren said calmly as Lorgain's sword cut into his quarterstaff, causing minimal damage. "Not while I am alive," he smiled coldly and dashed in from an opening, making Taren retreat.
Clise drew deeply from Patyrn. Almost Patyrn's thought flowed to her. She nodded mentally. Ten seconds, eight, five, three. Clise stabbed into the vortex of the whirlpool. Energy shot down in all directions, and Patyrn's shield shattered as a lightning bolt zapped down close to the ship's side.
----
Taren's quarterstaff went spinning off and Lorgain's sword similar spun off to another direction. "Want more!" Taren said, and he stepped up menacingly, his hand cured into a fist, ready to hit. Lorgain's eyes burnt, but he reacted faster, dropping down with a sweeping kick that sent Taren sprawling. Lorgain regained his footing and ran forward towards the two women who seemed to have at last finished what they were doing, as the two of them sagged down onto the deck.
Taren's eyes widened and he leaped from where he had fallen, wrapping his arms around Lorgain's feet. Lorgain went down. Patryn hauled Clise to her feet, and Clise stood unsteadily.
"I think it's about time we deal with him," a voice appeared to their right. Aridol pointed at Lorgain's throat with his sword.
"Try!" Lorgain spit.
"Quick, get inside the cabin. We can't let Thom know of this," Taren urged.
"Next time," Aridol sheathed his sword and turned to take Clise from Patyrn. Taren followed with an arm supporting Patyrn.
Upvote
0
Well I must say i'm impressed there have been only three men to ever capture an Arcadian Lorgan said looking at Aridol But I doubt you'll live to enjoy the success. Why do you say that Taren said turning. So you don't know do you? Know what? That Erulan has already gotten word of where your going in fact I wouldn't be suprised to see a Romanian Regiment or two at the next port that we come to. Lorgan was right Erulan had sent birds of every sort to find his quarry and the seals they had already reported that his seal was on its way to another part of the globe to a territory just two days march of his army. At the next port his troops will board the ship and take your seals.
Upvote
0
Laughing, Lorgain turned from them.
The group went back to the cabin. Freezia was almost waking up.
"Here," Vialla said, handing out two cups of water for Patyrn and Clise.
"This is bad, if we landed...." Taren said, wiping the rain water off his brow, but now it was mixed with sweat.
Aridol frowned deeply, and no one spoke for a moment.
----
great move, Grimr!
The group went back to the cabin. Freezia was almost waking up.
"Here," Vialla said, handing out two cups of water for Patyrn and Clise.
"This is bad, if we landed...." Taren said, wiping the rain water off his brow, but now it was mixed with sweat.
Aridol frowned deeply, and no one spoke for a moment.
----
great move, Grimr!
Upvote
0
Thank you well I guess it's time Lorgan joined up with your charachters.
Lorgan followed the group into their cabin. What do you want Aridol said with a snarl. It's simple I have a claim in your mission if Erulan gets the seals he'll open the gates of Hell allowing all evil to come back it'll be another Dark Age so if you want to get out of here before we reach port follow me.
Lorgan followed the group into their cabin. What do you want Aridol said with a snarl. It's simple I have a claim in your mission if Erulan gets the seals he'll open the gates of Hell allowing all evil to come back it'll be another Dark Age so if you want to get out of here before we reach port follow me.
Upvote
0
Kookaburra
searching for The Hidden Country
Freezia's eyes had been open for two minutes before she could again make sense of her situation, the blurs before her eyes slowly sorting themselves out to be Patryn, Clise, Vialla, Aridol and -- Lorgan? She tried to pull herself upright but felt weak and her limbs heavy.
The wooden beams around them groaned most painfully with the movements of the water, the timber protesting against the strains encountered in the swelling current.
"God!" she heard someone exclaim nearby, "The old tub creaks as if it would fall apart beneath us!"
Then, briskly -- from Lorgan, she guessed -- "It will. I warn you, if you don't get off now, their magic will tear the vessel to shreds, and many innocent lives will be lost."
Why's he warning us? Is he luring us into another of his traps? The thought pushed its way into her muddled mind. "Hey . . . what happened?" her voice seemed distant, shrill.
Patryn's good natured smile shone above her. "You popped up aboard with the Fire Seal and superficial burns and bruises."
"Fire Seal? The last thing I remember is staring Erulan in the face, and falling backwards into something blue . . . . "
Clise shook her head and grinned. "All I can say is it's a miricle."
"We'll need one to get out of here," Lorgan said emphatically, searching the shadows for hidden monsters with a fierce fire kindled in his eye, as if the enemy had already penetrated Patryn's shields and was crouching, ready to leap.
Freezia laughed weakly and pulled herself upright, her laugh a little more natural, until she winced. "I really -- "
"RIVER PIRATES!" screamed a voice above them, and Aridol was already half out of the hatchway before Freezia managed to stagger upright, her eyes wild with fear as she clutched for support. Clise grabbed one shoulder and Patryn surrounded herself with the heat-wave effect as Freezia managed to stumble up onto deck.
The clang of grappling hooks on the starb'd rail wiped away the last of her weakness. Freezia's bow was gotten clumsily into position and an arrow nocked hastily on the string. Clise was moving to and fro, her long knife busy as she caught the pirates coming across the ropes, their long barge pulled up beside.
The whirr of arrows sang musically in the air as Freezia and Vialla's arrows found their marks. One of the pirates crashed through the defense and tried to lay claim to Freezia as a slave or some such thing, grasping her shoulders as she struggled to free herself.
She thanked her lucky stars the Elves knew what they were doing when they made her bow, for the tip was a gleaming blade. She jammed it in his stomach and pushed him away from her with a half-hearted backflip that took out another pirate searching for booty.
Swift as they had come, they were gone, bearing with them a few of the weaker fighters -- women, children and strangers. As they left, a flock of crows and jackdaws descended on the ship to hide their passing, and for a long while the clumsy ship was busy ridding itself of the useless nuisances. Their long black feathers fell like a midnight rain, and many a bird lay stretched on the surface of the water before sinking, which the boat already was.
For the pirates had left one last souvenir in the wood below deck, a gaping hold that damaged the valiant craft beyond repair. "Lower the boats!" came the cry, and men swarmed off the ship, heeding no one but themselves until many of the rickety lifeboats sunk from overloading, leaving Aridol's group stranded on deck with a good many passengers.
The wooden beams around them groaned most painfully with the movements of the water, the timber protesting against the strains encountered in the swelling current.
"God!" she heard someone exclaim nearby, "The old tub creaks as if it would fall apart beneath us!"
Then, briskly -- from Lorgan, she guessed -- "It will. I warn you, if you don't get off now, their magic will tear the vessel to shreds, and many innocent lives will be lost."
Why's he warning us? Is he luring us into another of his traps? The thought pushed its way into her muddled mind. "Hey . . . what happened?" her voice seemed distant, shrill.
Patryn's good natured smile shone above her. "You popped up aboard with the Fire Seal and superficial burns and bruises."
"Fire Seal? The last thing I remember is staring Erulan in the face, and falling backwards into something blue . . . . "
Clise shook her head and grinned. "All I can say is it's a miricle."
"We'll need one to get out of here," Lorgan said emphatically, searching the shadows for hidden monsters with a fierce fire kindled in his eye, as if the enemy had already penetrated Patryn's shields and was crouching, ready to leap.
Freezia laughed weakly and pulled herself upright, her laugh a little more natural, until she winced. "I really -- "
"RIVER PIRATES!" screamed a voice above them, and Aridol was already half out of the hatchway before Freezia managed to stagger upright, her eyes wild with fear as she clutched for support. Clise grabbed one shoulder and Patryn surrounded herself with the heat-wave effect as Freezia managed to stumble up onto deck.
The clang of grappling hooks on the starb'd rail wiped away the last of her weakness. Freezia's bow was gotten clumsily into position and an arrow nocked hastily on the string. Clise was moving to and fro, her long knife busy as she caught the pirates coming across the ropes, their long barge pulled up beside.
The whirr of arrows sang musically in the air as Freezia and Vialla's arrows found their marks. One of the pirates crashed through the defense and tried to lay claim to Freezia as a slave or some such thing, grasping her shoulders as she struggled to free herself.
She thanked her lucky stars the Elves knew what they were doing when they made her bow, for the tip was a gleaming blade. She jammed it in his stomach and pushed him away from her with a half-hearted backflip that took out another pirate searching for booty.
Swift as they had come, they were gone, bearing with them a few of the weaker fighters -- women, children and strangers. As they left, a flock of crows and jackdaws descended on the ship to hide their passing, and for a long while the clumsy ship was busy ridding itself of the useless nuisances. Their long black feathers fell like a midnight rain, and many a bird lay stretched on the surface of the water before sinking, which the boat already was.
For the pirates had left one last souvenir in the wood below deck, a gaping hold that damaged the valiant craft beyond repair. "Lower the boats!" came the cry, and men swarmed off the ship, heeding no one but themselves until many of the rickety lifeboats sunk from overloading, leaving Aridol's group stranded on deck with a good many passengers.
Upvote
0
Similar threads
