|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 9:00 pm
This is where the magic begins!!!!!
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 12:17 pm
Sergio Galo- Part One, Chapter 1
With land in the distance, Sergio let out a sigh of relief and kept his posture upright, He would not let the elegant folk of Gryk think he was without civility.
He had been a stranger in Gryk for months, and after weeks aboard this Gryk trading vessel, he was glade to return home. Sergio always had a positive way of looking at things, even when he felt as low as he could be. Yet as he gazed at the distant land of Arsenia, and the small fishing town of Corlton, Sergio felt a wave of nausea from his gut. It wasn't the chronic motion of the trading ship, although that had played a small part, Sergio knew his goal was close. The sun was rising to his right, and its beams of light rippled off the ocean water. Causing a beautiful collection of orange and green waves. Sergio had donned a dark green coarse linen shirt, which was thin a hardly protected him from the cold winds of his sea voyage. And tan linen pants. At Sergio's left side was a scabbard of normal lower-class decor, but the scabbard was unimportant. The thing that caught most peoples eyes, was the blade. Hidden in its scabbard, the pommel, hilt, and hand guard could only be seen. Sergio placed his left hand around the pommel of his blade which was rounded into a smooth dark silver oval. The hilt had rare leather straps crossing each other. The hand guard was made of a rare metal called "Glucia Steel", it was a combination of two snakes twirled around each other and thus facing the opposite way. One snake mouth was closed, the other showed its fangs. This sword was Sergio's most prized possession, it was the only thing he owned that was worth anything.
After a while of contemplating his return home, Sergio felt his stomach churn once more. This time he was sure it was hunger. Clutching his gut and letting out another sigh, Sergio made his way to the lower deck. The Gryk trade ship was small and could only hold an amount of twelve people at the most. Most of which were Gryk merchants and ship hands. Sergio had paid for the trip and a bit extra for food services, since that was reserved for the crew. As the vessel swayed, Sergio held on to his Blade hilt with his left hand and guided himself to the rations with his right.
Quickly he found a sack of unknown dried meat, and pears. Sergio took one long look at the mystery meat and thought twice, he grabbed a pair and went to satisfy his hunger when a voice had interrupted him.
"You have a habit of stealing?" the sound was soft and sweet.
Sergio looked to his left, thinking to find a little girl, when his eyes met a Grykian female of at least nine-teen years of age. in the shadow of the lower deck, Sergio could barely make out her features. she sat atop a bundle of barrels and fiddled with a bow. After a long silence Sergio answered.
"I did not know this pear belonged to you" Sergio smirked
"I don't claim to own that particular piece of fruit, but those sacks and barrels of food. Those are for the crew."
Sergio stared a while once more, if only to get a better glimpse of her face.
"As it happens I have paid my due for this pear, and many others if I choose." Sergio brought the pear closer to his lips and bit down. His mouth filled with saliva, he chewed then swallowed.
Sergio puzzled at this female Grykian figure, he had not noticed her when he first came aboard. Then again he paid no attention to most of the folk on this trade vessel.
"Whats your deal?" Sergio asked, "Being down here in the dark."
Silence.
"Its quiet." She replied
Sergio took another bite of the pear. Held himself against a barrel of dry meat as the ship swayed.
"Its just as quiet up there as it is down here. Not a soul is whispering to each other....or is it just me?"
Sergio heard a faint chuckle from the Grykian Woman.
"Perhaps...."
Sergio had enough of trying to make light conversation, he could tell this Grykian thought herself beyond him. He had no desire to deal with that kind of attitude kind. He made his way up-deck all the while eating his pear. One look towards land, and he could tell they were getting closer.
After a while of walking around the deck, Sergio saw the crew begin to stir
sails were lowered and ropes had been brought out from the lower deck. Sergio watched to see if the Grykian he met earlier on had come out. She did not. Eventually the trade vessel docked and Sergio wasted no time, he hopped onto the Corlton pier and made his way to town. The day had grown hot as noon approached, though Sergio didn't mind. The fishing town of Corlton was almost desolate if not for a local tavern producing obstreperous pandemonium, and the docks with the newly ported ship.
Home at last, Sergio took in a deep breath of the salty dry air, then made his way to the tavern. He had two goals in mind, First he needed some information about his goal, then he desperately wanted some thing to eat. That single pear had never appeased his appetite, the thought of the pear gave way to the thought of that Grykian female. She was so mysterious, he couldn't even tell if she was beautiful. If not, then her voice alone would have fooled him.
The door to the tavern was held open by a stool, probably to keep the stink from gagging anyone. Sergio found it easy to walk in, not very many friendly faces, but the town was known well enough as a peaceful fisherman place. Sergio took a seat at the counter and brushed his hair out of his eyes. A wench in a smudgy apron approached him.
"Somethin' to drink?" she had a rough voice and huge breasts. Not the most graceful thing to look at.
Sergio cleared his throat, "Actually I was hoping you could give me some information, or if you could direct me to someone who has a lot of information."
the wench stared, "You a tax collector? cus' if you are, I've paid all my dues to Lord Lorurnwar, I-"
"Madam, do I look wealthy enough to be a tax collector?"
the wench shrugged, "I reckon not."
"All I need is some information...." Sergio brought his tone lower, even though the bar patrons couldn't hear a thing above their own conversations. Sergio turned to find a man flat on his back on top a table with others pouring ale down his throat. He turned back to the wench
"Depends on what you want mister, if you want to know about Corlton I can share some of that....."
"I need to find someone...."
"Your gonna have to do better then that mister, I reckon I don-"
"I'm looking for a man by the name of Eleazar Lenox, he's about six inches shorter then me, he's got pitch black hair and light brown eyes. And kind of a square jaw."
"Ain't nobody like that come around here"
"The do you know where I could find somebody that might know him?"
The wench pondered for a while then spoke over a loud roar from the patrons.
"I've heard stories of a Pyrrosian woodsman in the forest, folks also said he comes into town every once and a while, but I ain't never seen him. If anyone knows something like that, I bet its him."
Sergio felt a rush of blood to his chest, "How far into the forest?"
"I wouldn't know honestly" the wench replied
Sergio thanked the wench for the information and asked for some salted pork and cheese. which the pork had come from the trade ship he was on.
After he ate it was getting past noon and the heat was withering down.
Its been three years since he last saw Eleazar, and now he was close, more so then ever. He hoped finding this Pyrrosian woodsman was easy, he rather disliked being lost in the forest.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 9:15 pm
Nova Vidyia- Chapter 2
He walked with such grace for an Arsenian, Nova couldn't help but wonder who had raised him, or if he had taught himself this posture. For a while Nova watched this man make his way around town, if she was to find out anything about Arsenia it would be from him. She stalked him in broad daylight, always keeping her hunting cloak hood over her head. She thought he had spotted her once or twice, but he never gave her position away. Not very many people to hide behind in the streets, most were by the docks or at the local tavern. Nova swiped some dirt off her belted leather vest and ruffled her huntsman leather pants, which fit a little on the skin tight side. Eventually there was a sudden halt in the Auburn haired Arsenian's path. He stood facing the road that lead North, to what? on each side of the dirt road was a thick forest. Not as thick as the jungles back in Gryk, but enough to conceal a great many animals. Nova wanted to approach him, to ask him about this new world. The answers might give away her target.
Before he could take one step towards the road, Nova stepped out of hiding.
"Hey!" She called, not knowing his name.
He turned to face her.
Besides the beautiful light blue eyes, and thick wavy Auburn hair, he also had gorgeous features. There was something about the way he looked at her that made her skin crawl, and not in a bad way. A smile attached to his lips.
"Greetings, Grykian"
"You heading off?" she started
He glanced behind his back then looked back at her, "As it happens...."
"Where does this road lead?"
the Arsenian scratched his neck, "I believe its Dunber, one of my peoples great cities."
"How far of a distance?" Nova hated asking to many questions, she felt like she was annoying him.
He paused for a second.
"Your new to Arsenia." it was more of a statement then a question.
"As it happens...."
another pause, Nova couldn't quite start the conversation.
His eyes widened and his smile grew, "Your the one from the Gryk Trade vessel!, the one who proclaimed I was stealing."
"Yes well, I'm Nova" Nova propped up her bow around her left shoulder and extended her hand.
He took her hand with his, "Sergio Galo."
The touch alone was enough to melt her heart, her legs felt weak and fragile. What a strange feeling, surly she had not felt this with any other. Then again she kept to herself most of her life.
"Were you stalking me by any chance?"
the question caught Nova off guard, she blinked twice.
"No, why would you think that?"
"Its just....never mind."
Silence. was such silence frequent in light conversations?
"You don't seem to know a lot about this land, if you told me where your headed I might be able to help you. I know how it is to need information and others either not have it or refuse to spill it." he smirked.
She answered him with another question, he did not need to know her personal life.
"Are you in route to Dunber?"
Sergio turned to face the road, Nova came up beside him. The air was cooler and a swift wind increased it. her cloak flapped in the wind.
Who was this man, and from the look of him, she wasn't the only one with a secret.
"If truth be told, I'm actually looking for someone." Sergio began.
the sun shined bright on her left as it set.
"In Dunber?"
"No, but if that's where he is, then yes"
Silence. The cheers of the tavern patrons died down, as they all left for their fisherman hovels.
"Looks like we can help each other out." Nova pointed out, "I wish to get to Dunber, and judging by the way you stare at the forest. What you want is in there."
"Clever girl." Sergio remarked, "I have a bad history of traveling with others"
It was Nova's turn to smile.
"I have a history of not travelling with others at all."
They locked eyes, but only for a little while. Another gust of wind blew.
"Its getting dark." Sergio held onto the pommel of his blade. "I have no provisions, and no sense of direction, other then follow the road."
"And whats your point?"
"Well, we can either wait until dawn or...., take our chances in the dark wilderness. being a Grykian I'm sure you could handle that."
"Is that a challenge?" Nova raised an eyebrow, "You think I cant survive in an Arsenian forest?"
"There's only one way to find out, Nova...."
The sound of her name being called through his lips sent shivers down her spine. She had come a long way, far to long to deal with pleasure. If getting to her goal faster meant leaving now at dusk and the coming night, then she'd do it.
"Your an odd one...." She heard herself say, " I'm honestly ready when you are."
with a deep breath and a contagious smile, Sergio took a couple steps and then said.
"Then lets see if adventure awaits us."
traveling at his heels, Nova felt the clang of throwing knives under her belt and the rocking of her quiver at her back.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 12:09 pm
Caderyan- Chapter 3
Just when it seemed he was in the clear the hollers and shouts of his pursuers jolted him into reality, they where gaining. What Caderyan thought was another random group of bandits, turned out to have far more experience then anticipated. Once the battle ensued, Caderyan realized he was no match for nine experience sell-swords. They where paid to hunt him down, all of his other encounters were random, or poorly executed.....but this....
His breath was heavy, he had never run this hard since.....
But that was then, this is now. He is stronger, faster. So then why was he so damn exhausted?
Caderyan was glad at least that he was able to run in his short breeches. His feet were bare, as well as his torso. During the fight with his pursuers one of them had gotten a hold of him by gripping his shirt. It was better to just have taken it off. As for the absence of , Cadryan hated the feel of foot ware.
Dodging trees and fallen branches, Caderyan prayed that he could mange the chase. Without a weapon, and the refusal to use any destruction magics. The best he could do was run. The day was new when they had found him in the forest, the sun was just now revealing its true self. Caderyan loved the warmth of the rising sun, he was up every morning to watch it ascend the world. It was the only thing worth minding these days.
Suddenly a sharp pain had struck his left calf, the force nearly made him fall flat on his face, yet he managed to only stumble. The pain shot up his leg like fire spreading through a forest. An arrow was the last thing Caderyan had wanted, if he wanted it at all. He had never been struck by and arrow before, it was some what different from a blade wound. Holding back a cry of agony, Caderyan knelt and watched as they surrounded him, with steel and bows.
Panting just as heavily as Caderyan, one of the mercenaries spoke.
"You had to resist!"
Caderyan was pinned and bound, it was useless to fight back now. He looked around and only saw eight. Where was the other one?
"Worthless lizard, I ought to spill your guts right here right now."
Caderyan remembered the ninth one, he had used his own ax against him, he didn't think the wound was fatal. Caderyan was forced to his feet, the pain in his leg throbbed.
"Snap the bloody arrow!" the one said, after hearing Caderyan's grunt of pain.
The grunt turned into a roar as the guy who snapped the arrow took his sweet time and wasn't any where near gentle.
"If your going to hang me" Caderyan began, "Then do it now, I'd rather not wait until Dunber, or give you the pleasure"
The leader of the group, kept an emotionless face, "Shut it lizard, I don't wanna hear another word out of your mouth."
"Just knock him out" someone argued.
"Then we'd have to carry the basterd!"
"Naw, just drag him."
Caderyan closed his eyes and waited for the inevitable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 10:27 pm
Austin Greystone- Chapter 4
Before Austin stood the statues of Artium Stag and his wife Galia. Artium stood proud and true, Galia elegant and reassuring. The Statues shadows were cast out among the many rows of benches behind him, and flickered in the candle light. With one knee touching the wooded floor and the other resting his right arm, Austin held a collection of beads in his left hand and turned them over and over in his palm. They seemed a normal set of beads that any child could make, most people would see them and think what a useless piece of junk. But to Austin they meant more then his own life.
Austin wore a brown collard shirt and rugged pants as well as a pair of leather boots. Strapped like a new born child to his back was Galia's kiss. Named after the steel it was made from, a glorious thirty foot statue of Galia, right in the court yard of Greystone Tower. This was Austin's second favorite possession.
Burrow was said to be the most faithful town of Lord Lorurnwar's province, if so then Austin didn't see it. All alone in the middle of the night at the foot of the great Stag. Antlers grew like tree branches from the statue's fore head.
Austin felt a raw scratch at his throat and before he spewed all over the place he lunged a red dyed cloth over his mouth and coughed. Not as long as he had the previous night, yet he knew his condition was getting worse.
Austin gazed at Galia's statue.
"Galia, my blessed Lady" he started, his voice raspy and weak.
"I offer my soul to serve you and your kin for eternity, and if I die, let it be known that I perished in your name. Oh Galia, blessed Lady. Raise me to your right hand and count me among your saints. And know that my every breath is breathed in your will."
Silence. A soothing silence, that told Austin she was listening.
The temple door opened slowly at first, then the hinges gave way and cricked, echoing in the temple. Austin made no attempt to look, he only continued praying. Foot steps echoed closer, soon he found they halted at least two feet behind him.
"Austin?" a shy voice called out.
Austin recognized the voice, it was Hansel. A boy of only fifteen, he was scrawny and accident prone. But loyal, and true. Almost like Artium. Austin rose but did not turn.
"What." Austin said. his tone solid.
"A man was asking for you....at the tavern"
"Did you tell him anything?" Austin gave a hint of furry.
"N-no! I took off to the temple...."
"And?" Austin turned to face the apprentice chef.
He was indeed scrawny, his face slim and his nose long. Poorly cut brown hair, and dark brown eyes. Still....he wasn't ugly. Just simple. Loyal. Not a bad bone in his body. Just stupid one's.
"He...um...."
"Spit it out Hansel." Austin demanded.
"He followed me....and prevented me from going in unless I gave you a message"
Austin coughed into his scarlet cloth, "Message?, If he knows I am here why not come and tell me himself?"
"I dont know why Austin, but he told me to tell you he has some information. And to meet him outside."
Austin didn't like the sound of this, a stranger in the middle of the night who wont come into A Stag temple....necromancy.....
"What information?!" Austin pressed on, this time holding Hansel by the arms.
"I-...Um....something about...the future of the province."
Hansel was a fool, but an honest fool. there would be no point in pressuring the matter further. Austin prayed he wasn't making a mistake.
The night was cool and the town fast asleep. Burrow was as silent as its temple. Hansel kept a good distance and kept his mouth shut. He had taught the kitchen hand well.
it wasn't long after his exit of the temple that a figure came before him.
In the torch light of the temples doors, he was a tall man. Young by the look of it, and wearing a strange type of armor. The armor was spiky and uneven, a cape and hood cloaked any further information.
"Lord Greystone, its an honor." The figure bowed.
"I'm sorry, you must have the wrong man." Austin remarked and began walking back into the temple.
"Your a hard man to find Austin." the figure proclaimed.
Austin felt a strange urge to stop and face the man.
"Only if your looking for me." Austin replied, the urge to cough rose and then faded.
"I hope I'm not entirely interrupting you, but I believe I have some valuable information for yourself. One that you could benefit from I'm sure."
The strangely armored figure had a voice of pure deception. Austin knew that what ever this man said, could be taken the wrong way. And is intended to fool the simple minded. Austin was far from simple.
"Speak. " Austin said stoutly, "Or leave me alone."
"You wont be disappointed Lord Greystone, that I can promise"
"I don't want your promises, worm. Now spill it before I develop half a mind to let Galia kiss your innards."
Silence.
The figure brushed the left side of his cloak back to reveal a blade. The spoke as if the blade had never been seen.
"I've received word that I have in my possession a hunted individual. Does the name Caderyan sound familiar?"
Austin's body went into shock as his name was mentioned, his legs shivered his hands burned and desired to wring that filthy Pyrrosian lizard neck. the cough Austin had thought safe from returned with vengeance.
After Austin caught his breath, he stared down the odd figure.
"I can see you know this Pyrrosian?" a smirk landed on the figures lips. "I can hand him over at any moment, I just need you to do something for me."
Austin wasted no time. " What!? anything....I'll do anything" Austin felt ashamed at his level of desperateness, but his goal was practically chasing him.
Silence. Then.
"How much do you know about Dunber Castle?."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:17 pm
Eleazar Lenox- Chapter 5
Deep within the forest, North East of Corlton, and South East of Dunber city. Eleazar stood at the top of a flight of stone steps, that marked the entrance to an ancient ruin. Most folk who came across this place never paid a mind to the beauty. He peered down the steps, at the many men and woman who woke to a new day. At the many men and woman who sworn an oath to him.
The ruin was Gothic in ever sense of the word, one could not turn a corner without receiving a wound. The main color theme was a strange tint of orange and grey. or was it a dull brown. Eleazar hadn't the slightest idea, who, or what made this ruin.
Five hundred sell swords and bandits, and more arrived every day. The time for secrecy was nearing an end, yet he prayed it would be enough. His left hand was embellished with rings, from gold to jade.
Eleazar was clad in full body iron armor, save for his head. And a fine steel sword at his waist. The weight of the iron suit was enough to fatigue any man, but Eleazar wasn't any man. He was renowned as the Scourge of the East. He blockaded Magda, the port city, with a fraction less ships then the entire Magda fleet.
He had help though.....and Eleazar was a fool to think he was trust worthy.
"Eleazar."
A voice from behind, or a whisper in his mind. Either way he knew that voice.
"I sense your mind is troubled." Ulrich came up beside him. His crooked nose pointed Eleazar's way. Ulrich donned a red robe that matched his hair.
"My mind is never troubled, Ulrich, I'm only thinking of the glory I-we will have." Eleazar smirked.
Ulrich must have read his mind, for he twisted his lips into a smile.
"I want no title of fame, that is for your name. I only want the truth."
Shouts sounded in the war camp, the soldiers were waking up.
"The truth?" Eleazar asked jokingly, "What truth?"
Ulrich sighed and face him, "The truth Elazar!, of your birth right. Dunber should be governed by you, not some infertile old crow."
Eleazar trusted Ulrich, and there was nothing to break that trust. Yet in the coarse of three years, Eleazar has felt....uneasy....
"I know of my birth right, as well I should, you tell me every dawn and dusk." Eleazar closed his eyes for a brief second.
"And yet you play jests with me? have I not earned your trust?"
"Don't get over sentimental, Ulrich. Believe it or not I used to have a sense of humor before you found me."
Silence.
"Look at them Eleazar." Ulrich stated proudly. "Look how they come to your call like fawns to the Great Stag. Your very name is like honey to their ears. They will do what ever it is you ask of them my friend."
"Only because they think to earn a title once I am Lord." Eleazar frowned.
Ulrich stood with him a while, that was when the call of his stomach motivated him to eat. Eleazar left Ulrich, and traveled to the war camp.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:29 pm
Ulrich- Chapter 6
Such an inane personality Eleazar had, so trusting and fool hearty. Ulrich watched as Eleazar, the Scourge of the East, took each and every step down to the war host. Fame has corrupted that mans mind. Not like Ulrich. He understood the world and how it worked, it was a cruel and sinister place. Survival of the fittest, to put it plainly. Even Ulrich at some point will have to sever the strings of his puppeteer, but for now his master will be in control.
Ulrich had received a telepathic message of the Pyrrosian Cederyan's capture. This news was just what he needed to earn a little more respect from his master.
Ulrich's plans were coming full circle, once Dunber is taken, Ulrich will be able to betray his master, and eventually Eleazar. Such a thought made him giddy inside.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 9:40 am
Sergio Galo - Chapter 7
The past couple of days had been filled with disappointment, on both their sides. Searching through the forest that connected Corlton with Dunber city wasn't at all as thick as a Gryk jungle, yet somehow that didn't make matters any better. Sergio had always been a rash and enthusiastic person, but running head on in to a forest without any hunting skills and just the on his back was not the smartest thing he could have done. If it wasn't for Nova, Sergio would be lost.
They had just began wandering once more, after a breakfast of venison. And although they hadn't said much to each other, Sergio was feeling a tension in his groin. She was so beautiful to him, a natural beauty. But Sergio hadn't come here for love, and on his many travels he had found enough of it to last him a life time. He would dismiss the chance to woo her, for as long as he dared. Besides, his mind was far to busy carrying the weight of his burden. Thinking over and over in his head, like he had for three years, could things have been different? if he had stayed? would he have been able to save him, or die like all the rest? such questions made his mind itch, like a bug bite that never seemed to heal, nor could be scratched to mitigate the feeling.
Sergio was aware, however, that he was not the only one with a burden. Nova had displayed such tension, as Sergio once did. Her pain was knew, and she had not yet developed a way to keep it clandestine. Sergio was was full of fury, now....he didn't know what to feel.
Just being in her presence made him think less of his problems, and more about her.
"We should have kept to the road." Nova stated. "I doubt we'll find the Pyrrosian, and frankly, I doubt he can help us."
"You doubt to much." Sergio kept his chin held high.
"I just don't like to waste time." she argued.
They walked side by side, yet with a comfortable distance.
Sergio smiled, "Don't let it get to your head, if you keep worrying about how much time you have, you'll loose track of it."
"You don't look a day past twenty, who are you to give me advice?"
"Its not the age that makes a wise man, its the experience."
Nova sighed, "And I expect you've had plenty of "experience"."
Sergio laughed and shook his head.
"Relax, Nova. I was just trying to help. You should learn to smile more often."
Nova gave a surprised face. "I smile! have you not seen me? I know when to have a good time and when to be serious, Sergio. Not every second of my life has to be a jest."
Sergio stared at Nova, he made a mocking face of her's.
she looked surprised. "W-what in Galia's name are you doing?"
"This is what you look like when your frustrated" He made the face again.
"What! no I don't!, now you just being rude." she looked away.
Sergio continued to make the face, she noticed.
"Quit that." Nova said sternly.
"No."
"I take that back, you don't look a day past eight."
Silence.
Nova cracked a smile. And Sergio latched on it like fish on a worm.
"Ha! there's the smile!"
"I was laughing at what I said, not your stupid impression of me."
"I still made you smile."
"You are unbelievable! how can you act like that!?"
Sergio kept a small smirk on his face.
"I don't even know how this conversation started, I j-"
Sergio pushed Nova behind a nearby tree and held his finger to her lips.
The action was so quick Sergio had scrapped his hand protecting her back from the harshness of the bark. Nova gave him this blank expression, then her eye's light up, and Sergio knew she heard it too.
Far beyond their position where people, loud obnoxious people. Bandits, was the first thing that came to Sergio's mind. He peeked around the tree.
far off in the distance, there were at least eight of them. No. Nine, one was being dragged by rope like a newly caught boar, except they probably would have treated the boar with a little more dignity.
"How many?" Nova whispered.
"Eight, and one looks like a prisoner."
"Let me look."
Nova peered around the tree.
"I think we found your Pyrrosian woodsman." said Nova. "That prisoner is him."
"I thought so." Proclaimed Sergio, "We have to go help him."
Nova brought her head back.
The day was coming to noon soon, the air was already getting warmer.
"Not much stealth in the middle of the day." Nova stated, "And we cant just charge them, we'll be out numbered."
Sergio was a great swordsmen, but even he knew this to be true.
"Then we'll wait until nightfall, once they camp that's when we strike."
Nova smile.
"What!?" Sergio was puzzled at this sudden action.
"Now that I think about it, that face was kinda funny."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 8:09 pm
Nova Vidyia - Chapter 8
Whether it be deer or a pack of wolves, Nova loved hunting. She wasn't blood thirsty about it, Nova gave her respects to the prey. After all, that was how life worked, Your the hunter until you become the hunted. Even if old age has to be the predator. Not a single part of the animal must be wasted, nor should hunting become a game. Only to survive. She was told at a very early age to respect nature, as are most Grykian children.
Waiting was Nova's least favorite part about hunting, yet when you wait the anticipation grows. Then once you strike all that energy comes out. The adrenaline rush made her feel untouchable.
This time Nova was waiting to save a soul, not kill it.
Night came after a while of silently tailing the bandits. Sergio made good company, yet Nova would never admit it. There random heated discussions reminded her of Bryce....
Sergio was such a strange man, she often caught him staring at her with odd eyes. They weren't always looks of desire, sometimes his face grew cold and his usual smile faded. What was he thinking? Nova could tell there was something more to him then meets the eye. Who was he after? and why? they way Sergio carried himself, it was like he hadn't a trouble in the world. Nova wondered if she could ever feel the way he looked. She tried, many times before she met him, and still she could never keep up the mood. However none could say it was with a lack of trying. Nova had gathered that Sergio was looking for someone, much like her, most likely not as drastic a situation though.
Sergio shook her shoulder lightly, Nova snapped out of it and looked at him. It was dark, to dark to see his eyes or his mouth. But she knew what he was telling her. The bandits had fallen asleep, Nova placed the hood of her cloak over her head and stood up. One man was stationed next to the Pyrrosian, and the rest rested. Just one. Nova smiled.
"I'm going to sneak around and get as close as I can to the Pyrrosian." Sergio whispered, "I need you to-"
"Kill the guard" Nova broke in.
"Your perfectly okay with doing that right? I know how Grykian's are about death."
"Of course I can do it, just make sure your quiet." Nova replied, in truth she had never killed a human being before. It couldn't be that different from an animal.
Sergio said nothing, instead he took a deep breath and made his way around the camp and eventually on the other side, where the Pyrrosian sat with his arms and legs bound, he seemed to be sleeping.
Nova held her bow at arms length and took an arrow out of the quiver. She aimed the shot directly at the bandit man's head, he must not make a sound, the kill had to be quick.
She held the position for a while, every breath could be heard. The night was calm, as crickets chirped all around her, other then both those sounds. The forest was silent as a grave. Sergio appeared behind a tree that the Pyrrosian was sitting against. Nova took the sight of him as the signal, just like he had instructed. The arrow let loose with a "swooosh!"
.......The bandit fell back instantly. And still the others had not stirred.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 8:56 pm
Caderyan - 9
Caderyan opened his eyes to see a shadow move in the air and strike one of his captures. To Caderyan's surprise a voice whispered in his ear, he jumped, if only a little, and listened to the whisperer's words.
"If you value your life, then stay still. I'm letting you free."
Caderyan thought someone has been following them, he only dismissed it as lack of hydration. But now he was being rescued from an unknown fate. All of this was happening so quickly, he wanted to thank his rescuer, but kept his mouth shut. He learned a long time ago that keeping one's mouth closed added a couple years onto one's life.
First the ropes around his arms and hands came off, then his legs. Caderyan was free. He turned to his rescuer.
"Why are you saving me?" Caderyan asked in a whisper.
"I've been looking for you." The man replied.
"Why am I not surprised...." Caderyan had almost forgotten about the others.
"grab that guy's weapon and lets get out of here." The man ordered.
Caderyan was more then happy to do this, he piked up a one handed silver mace. it fit comfortably in his hand.
"He's escaping! Get up get up!, he's escaping!"
Alarmed Caderyan searched for the source of the noise, without warning Caderyan ran up to the rising sell sword and kicked him as hard as he could in the jaw. But it was too late, the others were up.
His rescuer came up beside him with sword in hand, the darkness of the night gave Caderyan an advantage, without light others are lost, but he had smell. He could sense the sell swords.
A blade came swinging at Caderyan, he stepped back and smashed down with his mace. Blood sprayed his face. Another one came at his side, and Caderyan was lucky enough to stumble back. The one who freed him of his bondage slashed and cut his attacker in two. Caderyan became lost in adrenalin. The sell swords were in utter confusion, and with an archer in the distance, they quickly lost the battle.
Someone came rushing from the trees, from the look of it, the figure was female.
Silence.
"Are they all dead?" The female asked, she sounded no older then twelve.
"I think so..." the other answered.
Caderyan heard ruffling on the ground, one of them was alive. he turned to find it was the one he had knocked out with the kick. Caderyan yanked the man's hair and held his mace at his face.
"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't end your life!" Caderyan exclaimed.
"P-please...I-I'm done fightn', just l-let me go"
Caderyan forced him to his knees.
"I'm no murder." Caderyan stated, then stared at his rescuer. "Should I kill him?".
The female answered.
" He's begging for mercy and unarmed, there is no need to kill him."
"She's right." he said, "Just let him go."
Caderyan pulled harder on the sell swords hair. "Your spared, go." he let go.
Unsuspectingly the man who had freed him brushed Caderyan aside and placed a hand on the sell sword.
"Torva oos celito" he whispered.
The man froze and made no effort to move, it was like he was in a trance. Caderyan had never heard of this magic. The hand came back to his side and the sell sword knelt silently, until he started groping his throat. The man stood and continued to mess with his neck. It was like he was chocking.
"Go on get!"
The sell sword stood for a moment...then ran.
The female pulled out a dagger and held it at the man.
"Necromancy!" she cried
"No, not necromancy, that was a curse."
"Close enough!" she argued.
"A curse is nothing like necromancy!" he proclaimed, "It does not deal in blood!"
silence. Caderyan wondered if they always argue like this.
"What did you do?" Caderyan wondered.
"All I did was take away his speech, nothing to bad. that way he cant go ratting us out to whom ever." The man replied.
"Smart." Caderyan stated.
"I'm Sergio, by the way."
"Caderyan."
"This lovely lady is Nova." Sergio pointed at her.
"Sorry, sorry. Yes I am Nova."
"We should get far from here before we rest." Sergio said.
As Caderyan took the chance and followed he couldn't help but wonder if they knew he was Pyrrosian in the dark, most people hated him for it. Why should these people be any different. Only time will tell.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
