I watched from the wagon as Lord and Lady Denli (Will and Cordie) danced around the fire with their swords until they were off in the distance. I was a little despondent at the whole situation, but was sincerely happy for them. It would have been very awkward pretending to be Will's wife, and would have led to many more suspicions. I didn't mind being her servant, in fact, in this part of the country my people were commonly used as servants. It was the only way to survive sometimes.
I stared up at the stars as my mind delved deeper into the past. If I had never betrayed my chief I would still be with them and never would have been in this bind. I could be miles away from this insanity, in a land that is peaceful, uninhabited by Bartholomew. A land no one wants.
I started to drift to sleep when I heard Thelma giggle. Apparently Bruce had her around the waist and was tickling her. I rolled over, trying to ignore them, and closed my eyes as if to sleep. a few moments later I heard, "goodnight my dear, get some rest. you'll need it for tomorrow." and then she joined me in the back of the wagon to sleep (Bruce would sleep somewhere else). she let out a long sigh before falling into a deep slumber.
Once I was sure she was asleep, I took my blanket and went for a walk.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Randy and the jerican town
"Oh, you’ll love the monastery, its recently been refurbished. With long granite columns, fantastic wood, That baby will stand the test of time."
"Really?"
"Oh yes, and you’ll hear of stories of the old days, when virtue needed protection and the mighty monks of ages past. Of course master Moomow will take some time accept your occasional visits but after you meet up with your family in Westport and I get the deed, I’m sure that I could wear him down."
"It all sounds so amazing."
"Oh, it is. It’s not often you meet many men joined together all for the cause of perpetuating goodness.” Randy smiled. “and I’ll teach you everything I know.”
Tamitha knew that her parents were probably in some sort of bane of existence (either imprisoned or worse) but somehow knowing it would all be alright and that… Tamitha couldn’t explain it, so she just gave Randolph a squeeze around the neck, which wasn’t hard seeing that he was still giving her a piggy back.
Turning a corner. “This seems to be the place.” Randolph stated as he set down Tamitha and began to pop his back.
A cold breeze coursed through the air as it was autumn and the midget if a town seemed to be about half the size of her home community.
“Brrrr! When does it get warm around here?” Randy asked not really expecting a response “Let’s see if they have a local inn.”
Glancing around, Tamitha was mesmerized by the quietness in the air and the eerie absence of a bustling crowd. “Come along, Tamitha” Randy stated as he stood in the doorway of a formidable shack that looked like it formally had been a barn. Hustling inside she saw a decrepit man behind the counter, nearly unconscious from lack of activity, that sprang to life when he saw the weary travelers.
“Your not supposed to be here.” The raspy voice stated.
“we can pay” Randolph pleaded.
“No you don’t understand. King Bartholomew thinks this is a swell place for mutiny gatherings, he’s been siphoning the population little by little till there’s but ten of us left.”
“He’s right” a voice came from the corner. “You might want to get out of here while you-” looking at the child the man caught a glimpse of the locket, turning his gaze to the outside, almost ashamed, he saw snow beginning to pile down from the heaven. “Perhaps we should let them stay Johnson.”
“Now Damien I’m not going to be liable for these folks. I know you’ve only been here for a week but this here is a serious matter.” Damien’s back now turned to the group, staring fully into the descending snow. “its either a night here or forty miles of tundra to the next town.”
"Really?"
"Oh yes, and you’ll hear of stories of the old days, when virtue needed protection and the mighty monks of ages past. Of course master Moomow will take some time accept your occasional visits but after you meet up with your family in Westport and I get the deed, I’m sure that I could wear him down."
"It all sounds so amazing."
"Oh, it is. It’s not often you meet many men joined together all for the cause of perpetuating goodness.” Randy smiled. “and I’ll teach you everything I know.”
Tamitha knew that her parents were probably in some sort of bane of existence (either imprisoned or worse) but somehow knowing it would all be alright and that… Tamitha couldn’t explain it, so she just gave Randolph a squeeze around the neck, which wasn’t hard seeing that he was still giving her a piggy back.
Turning a corner. “This seems to be the place.” Randolph stated as he set down Tamitha and began to pop his back.
A cold breeze coursed through the air as it was autumn and the midget if a town seemed to be about half the size of her home community.
“Brrrr! When does it get warm around here?” Randy asked not really expecting a response “Let’s see if they have a local inn.”
Glancing around, Tamitha was mesmerized by the quietness in the air and the eerie absence of a bustling crowd. “Come along, Tamitha” Randy stated as he stood in the doorway of a formidable shack that looked like it formally had been a barn. Hustling inside she saw a decrepit man behind the counter, nearly unconscious from lack of activity, that sprang to life when he saw the weary travelers.
“Your not supposed to be here.” The raspy voice stated.
“we can pay” Randolph pleaded.
“No you don’t understand. King Bartholomew thinks this is a swell place for mutiny gatherings, he’s been siphoning the population little by little till there’s but ten of us left.”
“He’s right” a voice came from the corner. “You might want to get out of here while you-” looking at the child the man caught a glimpse of the locket, turning his gaze to the outside, almost ashamed, he saw snow beginning to pile down from the heaven. “Perhaps we should let them stay Johnson.”
“Now Damien I’m not going to be liable for these folks. I know you’ve only been here for a week but this here is a serious matter.” Damien’s back now turned to the group, staring fully into the descending snow. “its either a night here or forty miles of tundra to the next town.”
Cordell
I was quite displeased with this turn of events, I realized shortly after the carriage started, that he meant Bonita was his concubine. I'm not sure she had realized that yet because if she had, he would probably be in need of medical attention. We had been on the road for a couple days and I had barely spoken to Will. I guess saying I was displeased was quite an understatement. I am furious.
"Will!" I couldn't take it anymore and I started yelling at him. "How could you possibly think this is a good idea?"
We had stopped for the night and tomorrow would be the first day we actually had to act married, if he got his way about this.
Will responded in his usual calm tone he had adapted for this persona, "What are you talking about my dear?"
"Drop the act Will," I almost whispered, but it was venomous as a coral snake. "Just talk to me like you did a few nights ago and I'll consider forgiving you."
"Alright," He took off the cloak and overcoat. The fire was beginning to heat up. "We'll talk about it over your training."
The training had continued even after this change that had overcome him, the only thing that reminded me of the old Will. He seemed like a completely different person. He sat down for a moment as I retrieved the weapons from the secret cargo location. Bonita had disappeared to somewhere, but it didn't matter I needed to speak with Will, alone preferably.
Will stood after a moment of meditation and faced me with a different look on his face, "I'm sorry for the secrecy, Cordell."
I held my breath in anticipation of the answer he had been hesitant to even consider.
"You must be wondering why you were even needed to come with us," He smiled slightly as he took the short sword. "Let's mix this up a bit."
The light had yet to fade and I could see Bonita was still in the carriage now. I had changed into pants, for now, as I always did before training. To be honest I always wore pants under my dresses, it was a suggestion I'd been given. Dresses did not lead to quick escapes or easily fighting. He backed up a lot as we fought and we were soon a good distance from the campsite.
"Finally alone," He whispered. He swung much too hard but it gave him a chance to turn around and see behind him without being suspicious. "Very alone."
I couldn't stand the wait any longer. A little more angrily than I would have liked, I said, "What is it William Thrisfalen?"
He smirked slightly at the sound of his name and swung his weapon into my sword and pushed my arms back as he drew his face close to mine. He whispered in my ear, "I figured you wouldn't mind too much about the married part, but I guess your parents never told you." I pushed back against his sword and forced him back.
"Never told me what?" It had gotten much darker by then.
"It's time to step up your training," He said as he drew back into the darkness. "Follow my footsteps and attack."
I tried to follow but I was attack almost instantly. I received an explanation, "You too must become a shadow. Your mother was a Leeran who was banished. You have the talent buried inside your body to become a weapon and to become more than a target, more than a victim."
"I thought Leerans were a myth my mother had told me about," I said to myself. "Wait."
He struck again and I could barely block in time, "Close your eyes and see with your ears."
I started to walk much slower than before but it was mostly silent, "Why me still?"
"My father said I owed you a favor through your mother," Will explained. "He didn't say what."
"So to repay the favor you are going to protect my life?" I could almost feel him nod. I was still following his footsteps. I parried perfectly at his next attack and even felt his blade as a countered.
"That's good enough for now," He said.
I opened my eyes and saw the campfire in the distance.
"Let's head back." I heard him say.
"You know you skipped explaining why we had to be posing as married." I mentioned.
"I know." I could feel the smirk on his face and I punched his arm in the darkness.
"Will!" I couldn't take it anymore and I started yelling at him. "How could you possibly think this is a good idea?"
We had stopped for the night and tomorrow would be the first day we actually had to act married, if he got his way about this.
Will responded in his usual calm tone he had adapted for this persona, "What are you talking about my dear?"
"Drop the act Will," I almost whispered, but it was venomous as a coral snake. "Just talk to me like you did a few nights ago and I'll consider forgiving you."
"Alright," He took off the cloak and overcoat. The fire was beginning to heat up. "We'll talk about it over your training."
The training had continued even after this change that had overcome him, the only thing that reminded me of the old Will. He seemed like a completely different person. He sat down for a moment as I retrieved the weapons from the secret cargo location. Bonita had disappeared to somewhere, but it didn't matter I needed to speak with Will, alone preferably.
Will stood after a moment of meditation and faced me with a different look on his face, "I'm sorry for the secrecy, Cordell."
I held my breath in anticipation of the answer he had been hesitant to even consider.
"You must be wondering why you were even needed to come with us," He smiled slightly as he took the short sword. "Let's mix this up a bit."
The light had yet to fade and I could see Bonita was still in the carriage now. I had changed into pants, for now, as I always did before training. To be honest I always wore pants under my dresses, it was a suggestion I'd been given. Dresses did not lead to quick escapes or easily fighting. He backed up a lot as we fought and we were soon a good distance from the campsite.
"Finally alone," He whispered. He swung much too hard but it gave him a chance to turn around and see behind him without being suspicious. "Very alone."
I couldn't stand the wait any longer. A little more angrily than I would have liked, I said, "What is it William Thrisfalen?"
He smirked slightly at the sound of his name and swung his weapon into my sword and pushed my arms back as he drew his face close to mine. He whispered in my ear, "I figured you wouldn't mind too much about the married part, but I guess your parents never told you." I pushed back against his sword and forced him back.
"Never told me what?" It had gotten much darker by then.
"It's time to step up your training," He said as he drew back into the darkness. "Follow my footsteps and attack."
I tried to follow but I was attack almost instantly. I received an explanation, "You too must become a shadow. Your mother was a Leeran who was banished. You have the talent buried inside your body to become a weapon and to become more than a target, more than a victim."
"I thought Leerans were a myth my mother had told me about," I said to myself. "Wait."
He struck again and I could barely block in time, "Close your eyes and see with your ears."
I started to walk much slower than before but it was mostly silent, "Why me still?"
"My father said I owed you a favor through your mother," Will explained. "He didn't say what."
"So to repay the favor you are going to protect my life?" I could almost feel him nod. I was still following his footsteps. I parried perfectly at his next attack and even felt his blade as a countered.
"That's good enough for now," He said.
I opened my eyes and saw the campfire in the distance.
"Let's head back." I heard him say.
"You know you skipped explaining why we had to be posing as married." I mentioned.
"I know." I could feel the smirk on his face and I punched his arm in the darkness.
Shilon
“I was hoping not to see you back so early, Mira”, Shilon said as Mira jumped down through the old cellar trapdoors under the abandoned worship house. “Have you found anything out from Cordell and her companion?” Shilon’s body was completely engulfed in the deep shadows of the cellar, while a single sun beam illuminated Mira’s face and shoulders.
“I have reason to believe that Cordell’s companion is not a monk as was originally suspected.” Mira reported as her eyes shuffled about the cellar trying to find Shilon; as his voice came from different locations every time he spoke. “After getting a good look at her, I would assume that she is of western tribal descent.” Mira paused.
“Continue…” Shilon bade.
“She looks older than me by a four or five years. She is very perceptive, strong, and a bit… brutish.” Mira thought a bit then continued. “Though she does not carry herself like a monk of harmony, I believe that she could match one in combat. She has a fighter’s build and a few scars on her hands and arms that leads me to believe that she has been through some struggles. I personally think…”
“The savage girl who was with William?” Shilon whispered to himself.
“Master?” Mira looked toward the last area she heard Shilon.
Shilon’s inquisitive face joined Mira’s in the light. He faced the ground, pondering on this possibility and then looked back at Mira. “When is your next social engagement with them?” Shilon asked.
Mira hesitated, and then looked toward the ground. “Master, they… I mean I… There is no such engagement set, Shilon.” Though her eyes were not on Shilon, she could feel his glare burning over her.
Shilon spoke gravely. “Tonight I am leaving for West Port. It is very important that you do not impede this assignment more than you already have, Mira. I am leaving the responsibility of ensuring that the amulet remains with Cordell on your shoulders. She and the amulet must be protected from anything until she reaches West Port…” Shilon lifted Mira’s face to meet his eyes. “…even the order cannot have it.”
Mira pushed Shilon’s hand away and bravely asked, “Why… What is so significant about this girl and her amulet that I must protect it from those I have sworn oath to? Who is this savage she is with? Who is the noble they are travelling with? What is it you know Shilon? Why must I perform this petty task? My place is by your side, performing the will of the High Priests; learning from you, the greatest of them all.” Mira’s face grew bright red after she had finished drilling her master. She lowered her head and stared at her shoes. She knew that what she had done was a major breach in rank and respect.
Shilon reacted calmly. “What noble are you talking about?” He looked down on the pretty five-foot-four assassin he had trained from early childhood. She was still wearing the dress she wore in the marketplace. She looked up inquisitively. Shilon asked again, “You mentioned a noble. What were you talking about?”
Mira answered, “After evading me in the market place, the two women were met in the town center by a nobleman claiming to be Cordell’s husband.”
“Husband? Hmmm…” Shilon chewed on this new information.
“He and the two women departed the town and headed South with a small trade caravan.” Mira continued. “It didn’t seem that they were headed directly to West Port.”
After coming to a conclusion, Shilon backed away from Mira into the shadows of the cellar. He continued to speak calmly. “Mira, If you truly think me to be wise, then you must adhere to my instructions. I need you to follow and protect Cordell from anything, especially the order. Be wary of this noble. If he has money than he probably has a tie to Bartholomew. Ensure that no factions interfere with your mission. Observe from afar and strike from the shadows. This is not a petty task I am giving you, Mira. This mission outweighs any oath you have taken or any promise you have made… And I have full confidence that you will succeed.”
Mira glanced up from her shoes. “Why would you trust me with this task, Shilon.”
No response came from the black interior of the cellar.
“Master, why are you using me for this mission”, Mira asked again, only to be responded to by silence. After hearing no response from the empty room she removed her dress and secured her gear for the mission. She called a final time into the darkness. “I will not fail you Baine. My loyalty is to you above all others.” Mira looked up to the horizontal cellar entrance and leaped to grab hold of the ledge. She pulled herself up and made her way to the southern gates.
Shilon smiled from the black corner of the cellar. “Perhaps I am not as alone as I thought.” He whispered to himself.
“I have reason to believe that Cordell’s companion is not a monk as was originally suspected.” Mira reported as her eyes shuffled about the cellar trying to find Shilon; as his voice came from different locations every time he spoke. “After getting a good look at her, I would assume that she is of western tribal descent.” Mira paused.
“Continue…” Shilon bade.
“She looks older than me by a four or five years. She is very perceptive, strong, and a bit… brutish.” Mira thought a bit then continued. “Though she does not carry herself like a monk of harmony, I believe that she could match one in combat. She has a fighter’s build and a few scars on her hands and arms that leads me to believe that she has been through some struggles. I personally think…”
“The savage girl who was with William?” Shilon whispered to himself.
“Master?” Mira looked toward the last area she heard Shilon.
Shilon’s inquisitive face joined Mira’s in the light. He faced the ground, pondering on this possibility and then looked back at Mira. “When is your next social engagement with them?” Shilon asked.
Mira hesitated, and then looked toward the ground. “Master, they… I mean I… There is no such engagement set, Shilon.” Though her eyes were not on Shilon, she could feel his glare burning over her.
Shilon spoke gravely. “Tonight I am leaving for West Port. It is very important that you do not impede this assignment more than you already have, Mira. I am leaving the responsibility of ensuring that the amulet remains with Cordell on your shoulders. She and the amulet must be protected from anything until she reaches West Port…” Shilon lifted Mira’s face to meet his eyes. “…even the order cannot have it.”
Mira pushed Shilon’s hand away and bravely asked, “Why… What is so significant about this girl and her amulet that I must protect it from those I have sworn oath to? Who is this savage she is with? Who is the noble they are travelling with? What is it you know Shilon? Why must I perform this petty task? My place is by your side, performing the will of the High Priests; learning from you, the greatest of them all.” Mira’s face grew bright red after she had finished drilling her master. She lowered her head and stared at her shoes. She knew that what she had done was a major breach in rank and respect.
Shilon reacted calmly. “What noble are you talking about?” He looked down on the pretty five-foot-four assassin he had trained from early childhood. She was still wearing the dress she wore in the marketplace. She looked up inquisitively. Shilon asked again, “You mentioned a noble. What were you talking about?”
Mira answered, “After evading me in the market place, the two women were met in the town center by a nobleman claiming to be Cordell’s husband.”
“Husband? Hmmm…” Shilon chewed on this new information.
“He and the two women departed the town and headed South with a small trade caravan.” Mira continued. “It didn’t seem that they were headed directly to West Port.”
After coming to a conclusion, Shilon backed away from Mira into the shadows of the cellar. He continued to speak calmly. “Mira, If you truly think me to be wise, then you must adhere to my instructions. I need you to follow and protect Cordell from anything, especially the order. Be wary of this noble. If he has money than he probably has a tie to Bartholomew. Ensure that no factions interfere with your mission. Observe from afar and strike from the shadows. This is not a petty task I am giving you, Mira. This mission outweighs any oath you have taken or any promise you have made… And I have full confidence that you will succeed.”
Mira glanced up from her shoes. “Why would you trust me with this task, Shilon.”
No response came from the black interior of the cellar.
“Master, why are you using me for this mission”, Mira asked again, only to be responded to by silence. After hearing no response from the empty room she removed her dress and secured her gear for the mission. She called a final time into the darkness. “I will not fail you Baine. My loyalty is to you above all others.” Mira looked up to the horizontal cellar entrance and leaped to grab hold of the ledge. She pulled herself up and made her way to the southern gates.
Shilon smiled from the black corner of the cellar. “Perhaps I am not as alone as I thought.” He whispered to himself.
Friday, February 27, 2009
William
Bonita and Cordell should have been done shopping hours ago. I thought to myself. Perhaps I should go looking for them. I had cut my hair shorter than it had been and bought a new outfit. I'd done a few other things as well with my money. I'd been up most of the night gambling and had won a small fortune that I had spent buying a carriage and preparing to buy trade goods to have a secure cover for going to Westport.
I fiddled with the roses in my hand and began walking down the street. I tried to look comfortable in the clothes, as the townsfolk just stared at me. I saw a familiar face poking through the crowd and I turned abruptly around. I saw Bonita and Cordell and grinned broadly.
"My darlings," I said, keeping the grin. "I brought you both a present."
They did not look happy.
"Oh I know my dears," The grin faltered slightly. "You couldn't find any decent clothes in this small town. Do not worry, I found some more appropriate clothes myself and they are waiting for you in the carriage."
Before they could respond I held up one rose to Cordell, "For my darling wife." I held the other up for Bonita, "To her beautiful handmaiden. I hope these make up for the inconvenience of stopping in this small town."
Before either of them could object, I shuffled them off and into one of the carriages I had purchased and hoped inside.
"We have to make a few stops between here and Westport to establish credibility," I explained. "And I needed a good cover to be traveling in such beautiful company."
*Edited for realism
I fiddled with the roses in my hand and began walking down the street. I tried to look comfortable in the clothes, as the townsfolk just stared at me. I saw a familiar face poking through the crowd and I turned abruptly around. I saw Bonita and Cordell and grinned broadly.
"My darlings," I said, keeping the grin. "I brought you both a present."
They did not look happy.
"Oh I know my dears," The grin faltered slightly. "You couldn't find any decent clothes in this small town. Do not worry, I found some more appropriate clothes myself and they are waiting for you in the carriage."
Before they could respond I held up one rose to Cordell, "For my darling wife." I held the other up for Bonita, "To her beautiful handmaiden. I hope these make up for the inconvenience of stopping in this small town."
Before either of them could object, I shuffled them off and into one of the carriages I had purchased and hoped inside.
"We have to make a few stops between here and Westport to establish credibility," I explained. "And I needed a good cover to be traveling in such beautiful company."
*Edited for realism
Bonnie and Cordie
"Look, I've already explained this to you twice, we need to change our clothes." Bonnie snapped at Cordell.
"But why? I had to save up for months to buy this outfit."
Bonnie rolled her eyes, and turned towards the tailor, "we just need two plain dresses, (quietly so Cordell wouldn't hear) and a muzzle."
The tailor winked and chuckled a little, "alright ladies, come with me, I've got a few things you might like.
"Cordie..." Bonnie turned around and saw Cordell talking to a strange woman, "Hey, blondie!" she grabbed her arm angrily and pulled her away from the woman, "what did I tell you?"
sheepishly, "don't talk to anyone."
"no matter what?"
"no matter how nice they are. But Bon..."
She put her hand over her mouth, "Gertrude. my name is Gertrude. Remember, Thelma?"
Cordell glared at her and pushed her hand away from her mouth to stick her tongue out at Bonnie.
The tailor quickly took their measurements, "you're in luck! I've got your size!"
he held out two very plain dresses for the girls.
"EW!"
Bonnie slapped her. "Those are perfect! what do we owe you?" she handed the man the money and looked around for the strange woman.
Whispering to the man, "do you have a back room we can change in?"
he nodded slightly and and pointed with his eyes, sensing that Bonnie didn't want anyone to see where they were going. She smiled and then ducked, pushing Cordell to the ground "ouch!". they then crawled to the back room.
"what's going on with you?
"don't you realize our lives are in danger? that woman is very suspicious, the way she was watching every move we made. put these on, quickly!"
Cordell made a distasteful face but put the dress on anyway. when they had finished, they went to the other side of the room and stood atop the man's bed to reach the window.
"make sure she isn't out there. go on!" Bonnie pushed Cordell up to the window.
"coast is clear."
She then climbed through the window and fell to the ground with a thump, thanks to Bonnie, who was right behind her. Bonnie then tossed her a brown cloth she had ripped from the monks robe, "tie this around your hair."
after doing so, they blended in quite well with the crowd.
"let's go find Will. do you remember where he said to go?" Bonnie asked.
"But why? I had to save up for months to buy this outfit."
Bonnie rolled her eyes, and turned towards the tailor, "we just need two plain dresses, (quietly so Cordell wouldn't hear) and a muzzle."
The tailor winked and chuckled a little, "alright ladies, come with me, I've got a few things you might like.
"Cordie..." Bonnie turned around and saw Cordell talking to a strange woman, "Hey, blondie!" she grabbed her arm angrily and pulled her away from the woman, "what did I tell you?"
sheepishly, "don't talk to anyone."
"no matter what?"
"no matter how nice they are. But Bon..."
She put her hand over her mouth, "Gertrude. my name is Gertrude. Remember, Thelma?"
Cordell glared at her and pushed her hand away from her mouth to stick her tongue out at Bonnie.
The tailor quickly took their measurements, "you're in luck! I've got your size!"
he held out two very plain dresses for the girls.
"EW!"
Bonnie slapped her. "Those are perfect! what do we owe you?" she handed the man the money and looked around for the strange woman.
Whispering to the man, "do you have a back room we can change in?"
he nodded slightly and and pointed with his eyes, sensing that Bonnie didn't want anyone to see where they were going. She smiled and then ducked, pushing Cordell to the ground "ouch!". they then crawled to the back room.
"what's going on with you?
"don't you realize our lives are in danger? that woman is very suspicious, the way she was watching every move we made. put these on, quickly!"
Cordell made a distasteful face but put the dress on anyway. when they had finished, they went to the other side of the room and stood atop the man's bed to reach the window.
"make sure she isn't out there. go on!" Bonnie pushed Cordell up to the window.
"coast is clear."
She then climbed through the window and fell to the ground with a thump, thanks to Bonnie, who was right behind her. Bonnie then tossed her a brown cloth she had ripped from the monks robe, "tie this around your hair."
after doing so, they blended in quite well with the crowd.
"let's go find Will. do you remember where he said to go?" Bonnie asked.
Shilon
Shilon didn’t believe in luck, but he thought finding Cordell in the market place of a small village was fairly lucky. He stood inconspicuously about thirty yards from her and a monk adorned companion. Though his eye sight wasn’t as keen as when he was young, he could tell that Cordell’s supposed monk protector was a woman.
Shilon was accompanied by a young lady adorned in a middle class dress. She was a member of his shadow unit who stayed behind to wait for him before proceeding to West Port. They both blended in with the crowd well with their middle class clothing. “The monks must be getting desperate if they are now incorporating women into their ranks,” Shilon whispered to his companion, who glanced back a little offended. “Don’t be overly sensitive, Mira. I only meant that the monks were going against their doctrine.”
Mira looked satisfied. She looked back at Cordell and her companion. “Would you like me to say hello or would you like me slit their throats and just take the amulet” Mira asked.
“You can’t just take the amulet. That’s not how this works.” Shilon thought for a moment. “Hmmm… Go see if you can get on their good side. Befriend them and see if you can dig up anything about the whereabouts of the amulet.”
“How would you like me to befriend them? My specialty is not social intercourse,” Mira protested.
“Cordell looks like the kind of person that could be easily befriended by a shiny gift.” Shilon said after observing their spending. “Buy them something with the remainder of our gold; we can manage food on our own.” Shilon turned away from his companion and began to walk away.
“Yes Master Baine, I will do my best,” Mira responded. She began to walk toward the two women, but was spun around by Shilon.
“Never call me Baine again, girl. That title is a forsaken sin and I will not have you utter it to me.”Shilon released Mira with a firm push.
Mira protested in a hushed tone, “You will always be my master, Shilon. Even if you are no longer a believer in the order, I will always view you as the wisest of the High Priests.”
Mira and Shilon stared at each other for over a minute, until Shilon turned back around. “Proceed with your objective.”
Mira watched as her master disappeared into the crowd and then turned to the two women, still bartering over a piece of clothing. She then walked to their location.
(I hope William isnt too angry about the money being spent on clothing rather then a hotel. I thought I'd throw in my Sherbet Twist)
Shilon was accompanied by a young lady adorned in a middle class dress. She was a member of his shadow unit who stayed behind to wait for him before proceeding to West Port. They both blended in with the crowd well with their middle class clothing. “The monks must be getting desperate if they are now incorporating women into their ranks,” Shilon whispered to his companion, who glanced back a little offended. “Don’t be overly sensitive, Mira. I only meant that the monks were going against their doctrine.”
Mira looked satisfied. She looked back at Cordell and her companion. “Would you like me to say hello or would you like me slit their throats and just take the amulet” Mira asked.
“You can’t just take the amulet. That’s not how this works.” Shilon thought for a moment. “Hmmm… Go see if you can get on their good side. Befriend them and see if you can dig up anything about the whereabouts of the amulet.”
“How would you like me to befriend them? My specialty is not social intercourse,” Mira protested.
“Cordell looks like the kind of person that could be easily befriended by a shiny gift.” Shilon said after observing their spending. “Buy them something with the remainder of our gold; we can manage food on our own.” Shilon turned away from his companion and began to walk away.
“Yes Master Baine, I will do my best,” Mira responded. She began to walk toward the two women, but was spun around by Shilon.
“Never call me Baine again, girl. That title is a forsaken sin and I will not have you utter it to me.”Shilon released Mira with a firm push.
Mira protested in a hushed tone, “You will always be my master, Shilon. Even if you are no longer a believer in the order, I will always view you as the wisest of the High Priests.”
Mira and Shilon stared at each other for over a minute, until Shilon turned back around. “Proceed with your objective.”
Mira watched as her master disappeared into the crowd and then turned to the two women, still bartering over a piece of clothing. She then walked to their location.
(I hope William isnt too angry about the money being spent on clothing rather then a hotel. I thought I'd throw in my Sherbet Twist)
Crooks
It was a bright sunny day but Crooks' outlook was grim. He didn't like these orders much more than the previous ones he'd been given. His orders were to lure the army out of the fort and then kill them and seize the fort. The first move in Bartholomew's most recent move to conquer the known world.
The other general had come out with his army to try and reach a settlement between the two.
"You must be General Crooks," The other posed. "Your name is legend among the great generals of this world. It is sad indeed that you sided with Bartholomew those many years ago."
Crooks chuckled, "He would have won, with or without me. I must apologize, however."
"Why is that?"
"I don't know your name," Crooks held out his hand. The other took it and began to speak as Crooks stabbed a dagger in his shoulder. Crooks whispered, "Feign death and I won't have to kill you."
The other general did not hesitate and fell to the ground as if dead. The enemy army roared in anger and charged. Crooks' gave the signal and his army fell upon them and they surrendered. This was proceeding nicely.
That night Charles came to see him.
"Ah Colonel," Crooks was pleased. "Remember our preparations?"
Charles nodded, "It will be done tonight and we shall be as ghosts come morning."
"Bartholomew will not be happy that an two of his regiments are dead," Crooks responded calmly.
"Yes," Charles replied. "He will likely act in haste and miss a step."
"That is the plan."
The other general had come out with his army to try and reach a settlement between the two.
"You must be General Crooks," The other posed. "Your name is legend among the great generals of this world. It is sad indeed that you sided with Bartholomew those many years ago."
Crooks chuckled, "He would have won, with or without me. I must apologize, however."
"Why is that?"
"I don't know your name," Crooks held out his hand. The other took it and began to speak as Crooks stabbed a dagger in his shoulder. Crooks whispered, "Feign death and I won't have to kill you."
The other general did not hesitate and fell to the ground as if dead. The enemy army roared in anger and charged. Crooks' gave the signal and his army fell upon them and they surrendered. This was proceeding nicely.
That night Charles came to see him.
"Ah Colonel," Crooks was pleased. "Remember our preparations?"
Charles nodded, "It will be done tonight and we shall be as ghosts come morning."
"Bartholomew will not be happy that an two of his regiments are dead," Crooks responded calmly.
"Yes," Charles replied. "He will likely act in haste and miss a step."
"That is the plan."
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Randy
“Bot bot botta!” Can you breathe in there? the man whispered to his hump. His eyes obscured by a floppy hat and a bristly mustache covering up most of his features . The man hobbled forward figgiting with his kain.
“Are you sure this is safe?” the hump retorted “what better way to bluff information out of a town then to be totally over conspicuous. Besides if the Jericans. Suspect me of something odd were most likely to have a rather obscure encounter.”
“But its hot!”
“Well you got to ware that armor the last thing I need is to have you get backstabbed while your watching my back.”
The hump shuffled in agreeance. Besides with that display we did in that hollow of a town, little kids for miles will remember the name of Carnigin the magnificent!”
The hump sat and stated nothing. “Oh, some on you now you liked the show… don’t make me tickle you.”
Lost in thought Tamitha was a little perplexed that instead of dealing with the deadly of the dead they put on a little puppet show about jerican, R.: “Now kids this play is about jerican Who knows about jerican, you there with the yellow jaket. What do you know about the jerican?”
Tamitha began to scream stop it as the monstrous tickles attacked from below, but saw some on comers and muffled a “howdydado” the adult waving passingly as the little boy stared mesmerized by the display of the old man and his talking hump. “Come on Henry we need to go to market.” The mother jided unaware of the experience.
“so wait were not staying in town?”
“Not one lick my dear.”
“hmmm” then passing a sign saying west port. “wait Westport is that way!”
“well my dear, were looking for jericans.”
“Aren’t they in Westport?”
“oh yes a whole slew. Mighty deadly from what I gather.”
“then why?”
“well if the mighty Bartholomew has spies in every city. Even the tiniest of tine’s ”
“yes”
“well then there should be less jerican in a really tiny thrope. Meaning less effort to get more information and less people to interigate.”
Now done with the little town and ready to head off to an even littler town for a bigger adventure our heroes walk off into the reseeding sunset.
“… Randy.”
“Yah”
“ I’m hungry.”
“Gack! I just fed you this morning!”
“Are you sure this is safe?” the hump retorted “what better way to bluff information out of a town then to be totally over conspicuous. Besides if the Jericans. Suspect me of something odd were most likely to have a rather obscure encounter.”
“But its hot!”
“Well you got to ware that armor the last thing I need is to have you get backstabbed while your watching my back.”
The hump shuffled in agreeance. Besides with that display we did in that hollow of a town, little kids for miles will remember the name of Carnigin the magnificent!”
The hump sat and stated nothing. “Oh, some on you now you liked the show… don’t make me tickle you.”
Lost in thought Tamitha was a little perplexed that instead of dealing with the deadly of the dead they put on a little puppet show about jerican, R.: “Now kids this play is about jerican Who knows about jerican, you there with the yellow jaket. What do you know about the jerican?”
Tamitha began to scream stop it as the monstrous tickles attacked from below, but saw some on comers and muffled a “howdydado” the adult waving passingly as the little boy stared mesmerized by the display of the old man and his talking hump. “Come on Henry we need to go to market.” The mother jided unaware of the experience.
“so wait were not staying in town?”
“Not one lick my dear.”
“hmmm” then passing a sign saying west port. “wait Westport is that way!”
“well my dear, were looking for jericans.”
“Aren’t they in Westport?”
“oh yes a whole slew. Mighty deadly from what I gather.”
“then why?”
“well if the mighty Bartholomew has spies in every city. Even the tiniest of tine’s ”
“yes”
“well then there should be less jerican in a really tiny thrope. Meaning less effort to get more information and less people to interigate.”
Now done with the little town and ready to head off to an even littler town for a bigger adventure our heroes walk off into the reseeding sunset.
“… Randy.”
“Yah”
“ I’m hungry.”
“Gack! I just fed you this morning!”
William
Traveling with two women that acted like they hated each other, and possibly do, was going to be harder than I had originally anticipated.
I checked the map and nodded, "The town should have an inn. Take this, I'll meet you both there." I handed Bonita a small pouch with some gold pieces in it. "Don't use those except for emergency."
I started for the town but paused and turned back, "Does either of you know the alphabet?" Cordell nodded slowly. "Good, if there is more than one inn go to the one that is the closest to the beginning."
I hurried into the town, I figured I had probably fallen behind and doubted these were the people. I caught them and neither was a child and I passed on as if I hadn't been watching them. I found the tavern and walked inside.
I approached the barkeep and smiled slightly, "I'm looking for someone."
"Take a number," He said indifferently. "Can I get you a drink?"
I shook my head as I dropped a gold coin on the counter, "Should have been a man traveling with a small child."
"I might remember someone like that," He scratched his head. "I'm a little fuzzy."
I tossed a couple more onto the counter and asked, "Where were they headed?"
He just continued to scratch his head until I dropped a fourth coin onto the counter, "Westport."
"How long ago did they pass through here?" I dropped another on the counter. "And I do have ways other than money to get answers."
He gulped as he took the coins, "A few hours. It's rather odd that they left around noon. I don't know if they stayed in town or not."
"Thanks," I strode out of the tavern and knew many eyes were watching me. Having a large pocket in a small town like this is not a good thing, worse if people know about it. Oh well, most of them would have missed my face.
A small kid was messing with my things when I got outside the tavern, "Hey! Get out of here." I quickly checked my things and nothing was missing. I muttered to myself, "That's a relief."
I was going to have to beat them to Westport, no other way around it. Most likely they would auction it off or sell it to a pawnbroker. I need to find this person and fast. I would have reread the letter but I had committed it to memory after I had lost if the first time and destroyed it. I couldn't afford to let that information fall into enemy hands.
I quickly found the inn and tied my horses up and didn't see Bonita or Cordell. They were probably in a room or not here yet, it had been easier than I thought to get that information. I took my things inside and got a room for myself and left after locking my door.
Just as I thought. A few people had followed me. A conflict would alert Leerans, Bartholomew's most elite spies. The Jericans were also mentioned but they were a fighting force and not even on par with people at the Leerans' level. This woman I was going to find use to lead them, it hadn't said why she left, but if my father had saved that message for his dying breath to help me... She must be important.
My mind returned to the moment at hand, two were across the street, and one down the street in each direction. My short sword and dagger were with Bonita and Cordell and my greatsword was in my room. I shruged as I turned down a nearby alley and scaled the three story building in a matter of seconds. The pursuers got to the alley and saw it was empty and looked around confused.
This is part of the reason I didn't want Cordell and Bonita with me, I could easily become a shadow and Bonita probably could too. Cordell was not physically capable of doing it. I watched them from the rooftop for a few minutes and they left and decided I must have gone somewhere else and they started looking other places for me.
I grinned and came down and entered the inn, ordered some food and waited.
I checked the map and nodded, "The town should have an inn. Take this, I'll meet you both there." I handed Bonita a small pouch with some gold pieces in it. "Don't use those except for emergency."
I started for the town but paused and turned back, "Does either of you know the alphabet?" Cordell nodded slowly. "Good, if there is more than one inn go to the one that is the closest to the beginning."
I hurried into the town, I figured I had probably fallen behind and doubted these were the people. I caught them and neither was a child and I passed on as if I hadn't been watching them. I found the tavern and walked inside.
I approached the barkeep and smiled slightly, "I'm looking for someone."
"Take a number," He said indifferently. "Can I get you a drink?"
I shook my head as I dropped a gold coin on the counter, "Should have been a man traveling with a small child."
"I might remember someone like that," He scratched his head. "I'm a little fuzzy."
I tossed a couple more onto the counter and asked, "Where were they headed?"
He just continued to scratch his head until I dropped a fourth coin onto the counter, "Westport."
"How long ago did they pass through here?" I dropped another on the counter. "And I do have ways other than money to get answers."
He gulped as he took the coins, "A few hours. It's rather odd that they left around noon. I don't know if they stayed in town or not."
"Thanks," I strode out of the tavern and knew many eyes were watching me. Having a large pocket in a small town like this is not a good thing, worse if people know about it. Oh well, most of them would have missed my face.
A small kid was messing with my things when I got outside the tavern, "Hey! Get out of here." I quickly checked my things and nothing was missing. I muttered to myself, "That's a relief."
I was going to have to beat them to Westport, no other way around it. Most likely they would auction it off or sell it to a pawnbroker. I need to find this person and fast. I would have reread the letter but I had committed it to memory after I had lost if the first time and destroyed it. I couldn't afford to let that information fall into enemy hands.
I quickly found the inn and tied my horses up and didn't see Bonita or Cordell. They were probably in a room or not here yet, it had been easier than I thought to get that information. I took my things inside and got a room for myself and left after locking my door.
Just as I thought. A few people had followed me. A conflict would alert Leerans, Bartholomew's most elite spies. The Jericans were also mentioned but they were a fighting force and not even on par with people at the Leerans' level. This woman I was going to find use to lead them, it hadn't said why she left, but if my father had saved that message for his dying breath to help me... She must be important.
My mind returned to the moment at hand, two were across the street, and one down the street in each direction. My short sword and dagger were with Bonita and Cordell and my greatsword was in my room. I shruged as I turned down a nearby alley and scaled the three story building in a matter of seconds. The pursuers got to the alley and saw it was empty and looked around confused.
This is part of the reason I didn't want Cordell and Bonita with me, I could easily become a shadow and Bonita probably could too. Cordell was not physically capable of doing it. I watched them from the rooftop for a few minutes and they left and decided I must have gone somewhere else and they started looking other places for me.
I grinned and came down and entered the inn, ordered some food and waited.
Shilon
. . . .Flashback. . . .
The bodies of three peasants lay lifeless in the morning forest mud. A young peasant girl of sixteen clutched tightly the hand of a younger peasant girl that could not have been older than four. They were being tossed about by several armored soldiers bearing the marks of Bartholomew’s Jerican soldiers. The Jerican captain laughed as the older girl was cast, by the hair, to the next soldier to abuse. The younger girl lost her grip from her sister’s hand and fell into the mud being dehydrated and fatigued from the long run her and her late family had just endured. They had been running the entire day trying to escape the Jerican teams that had been executing peasants from the small village of Pineville.
The older girl screamed in desperation, as tears poured down her eyes. “Please, stop! Please don’t hurt us! We didn’t do anything! Please… Please st…t…” the older girl fell to the muddy floor next to her younger sister.
The young girl inched her head up to see her older sister, eyes closed, in an ageless sleep. The young girl was then pulled up by her back collar to hang by her dress.
“Should I finish this one captain” The Jerican holding the girl called out.
The captain turned to face the young girl, and then turned to face away. “You know it is a shame that we had to destroy that village. I must say that the young ladies of the town were really quite pretty… in a country kind of way.” The captain began to walk away.
The Jerican called again “Sir? Would you like me to…”
The captain whipped around. “For all sakes, Damien, gut the girl and hurry up with it.” The captain turned back around and started to walk forward. He spoke to himself tauntingly, “They all come with high recommendations from Lord Chappmen... high recommendations my wart. This is supposed to be the secret service of Bartholomew, but its turning out to be…” The mud a few meters in front of the Captain splashed loudly. The Captain stopped talking and shot his gaze up.
A large, middle aged man, clad in muddied peasant wear sat in a crouching position about fifteen yards in front of the captain. His face was pale, with dark brown eyes set on the captain. The figure rose slowly to a standing position.
The captain stumbled back in surprise. He arched his head toward his troops. “It looks like we didn’t kill them all off afterward.” He laughed and unsheathed his sword. “I’m sorry sir, its nothing personal,” He turned his head back towards the large man. “but you’re…” The captain was caught short by an arrow flying through his open mouth. The inertia sent him flat on his back with a splash.
The other Jerican soldiers drew their swords quickly from their sheathes, as they realized that their lives were in danger. The Jerican, Damien, threw the young terrified girl to the ground. They moved into a semi-circle around the intruder.
The large man set the bow, he had recently used, against a close tree. He then took off his scraggly wool shirt he was wearing, revealing a steel studded vest that harbored over a dozen small daggers in leather straps. He then removed two particularly long knife blades from two small sheathes strapped against his back.
The Jerican soldiers entered a standard imperial attack stance, holding their blades out in front of them and positioning one foot in front of the other. They held their positions around the weapon clad man.
The Man focused smoothly moved his gaze from one soldier to the next. He open his chapped lips and uttered, “I am peace.” He lunged at the Jerican at the right tip of the semi-circle. He used his left knife to block a downward stroke and his right to leave a long, deep, fatal gash up the Jerican’s abdomen and chest. He then kicked off the falling soldier, launching himself at the soldier at the opposite end of the semi-circle. He landed, rolled and delivered a low, horizontal swipe with both blades to the targeted Jerican’s legs, causing the soldier to collapse to the ground. The man sheathed his long knives and then cast a dagger from his vest to the fallen soldier’s chest and another to the next closest Jerican’s skull. He paused. “I am death.” Seven Jerican remained. He ran at the Jerican in the center of the semi-circle. The soldier brought down his sword in a vertical swipe, but the attacker dodged to the right and grabbed the soldier’s arm. By using a small dagger, he obtained control of the soldier’s blade by thrusting the dagger in to the Jerican’s hand. He then brought the sword into contact with the soldier’s nose with two crunching blows. The Jerican next in line to the right’s attack was caught short by a horizontal slash across the abdomen. The attacker used the Jerican style sword to cut down the next soldier while calling out, “I am justice!”
The two Jericans now on the edge of the Semi-circle took off in opposite directions into the woods.
The middle age assassin slipped his sword diagonally through his next target’s collar bone. He then parried an attack by Damien by kicking him in the face. He left his Jerican sword in his downed opponent’s chest and seized several daggers from his vest and sent them flying into one of the escaping soldiers. He whipped around to watch as the other retreating Jerican ran out of his range of his knives.
The soldier dropped to the muddy forest floor shortly after with a thick black arrow in his back.
The middle aged man set his bow once again against a nearby tree. He then walked back to Damien who was out cold. The assassin seized Damien by the collar and stuffed a piece of paper down his shirt. He then threw the Jerican back to the ground.
The assassin turned to walk away when the young girl, from the Jerican raid, broke his assent. She had stood observing the entire encounter. She had an expression of near curiosity on her face. She wobbled toward the man, who stood completely still like an animal trying to hide its presence from a predator. She stopped at the man’s feet and held her hands up to his pant leg. She gripped the wet fabric and looked up blankly into the eyes of the large man.
The man then took the girl’s hand and lowered himself into a crouch. He then picked up the girl and stood up. He began again to walk away with the girl held firmly in his arms.
“My name is Chanielle.”
The man looked back down into the girl’s eyes. “My name… is Shilon.”
The bodies of three peasants lay lifeless in the morning forest mud. A young peasant girl of sixteen clutched tightly the hand of a younger peasant girl that could not have been older than four. They were being tossed about by several armored soldiers bearing the marks of Bartholomew’s Jerican soldiers. The Jerican captain laughed as the older girl was cast, by the hair, to the next soldier to abuse. The younger girl lost her grip from her sister’s hand and fell into the mud being dehydrated and fatigued from the long run her and her late family had just endured. They had been running the entire day trying to escape the Jerican teams that had been executing peasants from the small village of Pineville.
The older girl screamed in desperation, as tears poured down her eyes. “Please, stop! Please don’t hurt us! We didn’t do anything! Please… Please st…t…” the older girl fell to the muddy floor next to her younger sister.
The young girl inched her head up to see her older sister, eyes closed, in an ageless sleep. The young girl was then pulled up by her back collar to hang by her dress.
“Should I finish this one captain” The Jerican holding the girl called out.
The captain turned to face the young girl, and then turned to face away. “You know it is a shame that we had to destroy that village. I must say that the young ladies of the town were really quite pretty… in a country kind of way.” The captain began to walk away.
The Jerican called again “Sir? Would you like me to…”
The captain whipped around. “For all sakes, Damien, gut the girl and hurry up with it.” The captain turned back around and started to walk forward. He spoke to himself tauntingly, “They all come with high recommendations from Lord Chappmen... high recommendations my wart. This is supposed to be the secret service of Bartholomew, but its turning out to be…” The mud a few meters in front of the Captain splashed loudly. The Captain stopped talking and shot his gaze up.
A large, middle aged man, clad in muddied peasant wear sat in a crouching position about fifteen yards in front of the captain. His face was pale, with dark brown eyes set on the captain. The figure rose slowly to a standing position.
The captain stumbled back in surprise. He arched his head toward his troops. “It looks like we didn’t kill them all off afterward.” He laughed and unsheathed his sword. “I’m sorry sir, its nothing personal,” He turned his head back towards the large man. “but you’re…” The captain was caught short by an arrow flying through his open mouth. The inertia sent him flat on his back with a splash.
The other Jerican soldiers drew their swords quickly from their sheathes, as they realized that their lives were in danger. The Jerican, Damien, threw the young terrified girl to the ground. They moved into a semi-circle around the intruder.
The large man set the bow, he had recently used, against a close tree. He then took off his scraggly wool shirt he was wearing, revealing a steel studded vest that harbored over a dozen small daggers in leather straps. He then removed two particularly long knife blades from two small sheathes strapped against his back.
The Jerican soldiers entered a standard imperial attack stance, holding their blades out in front of them and positioning one foot in front of the other. They held their positions around the weapon clad man.
The Man focused smoothly moved his gaze from one soldier to the next. He open his chapped lips and uttered, “I am peace.” He lunged at the Jerican at the right tip of the semi-circle. He used his left knife to block a downward stroke and his right to leave a long, deep, fatal gash up the Jerican’s abdomen and chest. He then kicked off the falling soldier, launching himself at the soldier at the opposite end of the semi-circle. He landed, rolled and delivered a low, horizontal swipe with both blades to the targeted Jerican’s legs, causing the soldier to collapse to the ground. The man sheathed his long knives and then cast a dagger from his vest to the fallen soldier’s chest and another to the next closest Jerican’s skull. He paused. “I am death.” Seven Jerican remained. He ran at the Jerican in the center of the semi-circle. The soldier brought down his sword in a vertical swipe, but the attacker dodged to the right and grabbed the soldier’s arm. By using a small dagger, he obtained control of the soldier’s blade by thrusting the dagger in to the Jerican’s hand. He then brought the sword into contact with the soldier’s nose with two crunching blows. The Jerican next in line to the right’s attack was caught short by a horizontal slash across the abdomen. The attacker used the Jerican style sword to cut down the next soldier while calling out, “I am justice!”
The two Jericans now on the edge of the Semi-circle took off in opposite directions into the woods.
The middle age assassin slipped his sword diagonally through his next target’s collar bone. He then parried an attack by Damien by kicking him in the face. He left his Jerican sword in his downed opponent’s chest and seized several daggers from his vest and sent them flying into one of the escaping soldiers. He whipped around to watch as the other retreating Jerican ran out of his range of his knives.
The soldier dropped to the muddy forest floor shortly after with a thick black arrow in his back.
The middle aged man set his bow once again against a nearby tree. He then walked back to Damien who was out cold. The assassin seized Damien by the collar and stuffed a piece of paper down his shirt. He then threw the Jerican back to the ground.
The assassin turned to walk away when the young girl, from the Jerican raid, broke his assent. She had stood observing the entire encounter. She had an expression of near curiosity on her face. She wobbled toward the man, who stood completely still like an animal trying to hide its presence from a predator. She stopped at the man’s feet and held her hands up to his pant leg. She gripped the wet fabric and looked up blankly into the eyes of the large man.
The man then took the girl’s hand and lowered himself into a crouch. He then picked up the girl and stood up. He began again to walk away with the girl held firmly in his arms.
“My name is Chanielle.”
The man looked back down into the girl’s eyes. “My name… is Shilon.”
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Cordell
"Stupid ruffian! because of you we've lost the key."
She just glared at me, waved the dagger in front of my face as to threaten me, and then followed Will.
"Where are you guys going? Will, what is it? Did you find a trail? Hello? Wait for me!" I gathered my skirt and ran after them.
Bonnie and I didn't say another word to each other, but we glared at one another. Will would then glare at us both so we would stay quiet.
"those are very small foot prints, I would guess it was a child who stole the medallion." Will just grumble and kept us distanced from one another by walking between us.
"Hey, I think I see someone in the distance. Wait, two people! Do you think that's the little scoundrel who stole my locket?"
without a word, Bonnie and Will started racing towards the two figures that were just entering a city in the distance.
She just glared at me, waved the dagger in front of my face as to threaten me, and then followed Will.
"Where are you guys going? Will, what is it? Did you find a trail? Hello? Wait for me!" I gathered my skirt and ran after them.
Bonnie and I didn't say another word to each other, but we glared at one another. Will would then glare at us both so we would stay quiet.
"those are very small foot prints, I would guess it was a child who stole the medallion." Will just grumble and kept us distanced from one another by walking between us.
"Hey, I think I see someone in the distance. Wait, two people! Do you think that's the little scoundrel who stole my locket?"
without a word, Bonnie and Will started racing towards the two figures that were just entering a city in the distance.
William
That's strange, I thought, ignoring the fight now. I could have sworn I heard someone. I moved into the bushes and found the tracks. Someone had been here but why and why did they leave without saying anything. I glanced back at the women, who were still fighting, and saw Cordell's neck was bare. Oh no. This fight has to end, and I have no other choice then.
I walked towards and pulled Bonita off Cordell and pushed her away for a moment, she began to return until I had a sword at her throat, as well as at the throat of Cordell.
"I don't understand all of why you were fighting," I said in a low, even tone. "But this needs to end. So you can stop fighting like this and hate each other, in which case I'll give both of you a weapon and you can fight to the death, or you can stop fighting and be friends or at least act like it until we find the key. Your choice."
I sheathed my weapons, saddled my horse and began to follow the tracks. It took a few hours to reach the city and I knew this was bad. Anyone could have seen the value in the medallion and would likely try to sell it. I have to find the seller and kill them or buy it.
Two people were just entering the city. I wonder if they took it.
(Leaving whether they followed me up to them Dee :P)
I walked towards and pulled Bonita off Cordell and pushed her away for a moment, she began to return until I had a sword at her throat, as well as at the throat of Cordell.
"I don't understand all of why you were fighting," I said in a low, even tone. "But this needs to end. So you can stop fighting like this and hate each other, in which case I'll give both of you a weapon and you can fight to the death, or you can stop fighting and be friends or at least act like it until we find the key. Your choice."
I sheathed my weapons, saddled my horse and began to follow the tracks. It took a few hours to reach the city and I knew this was bad. Anyone could have seen the value in the medallion and would likely try to sell it. I have to find the seller and kill them or buy it.
Two people were just entering the city. I wonder if they took it.
(Leaving whether they followed me up to them Dee :P)
Bartholomew
(Not first person :P)
He was not happy, two entire platoons had been lost, and that was just the damage the late William Thrisfalen had caused. Bartholomew still wasn't certain he was dead, no one had actually seen his body and Bartholomew was not about to be played a fool.
"I know they claim they burned his corpse," Bartholomew smiled at a sudden thought. "Well we know he isn't at the monastery anymore. Burn the monastery to the ground and kill all who oppose you. Send four regiments and make sure it happens. Triple the search parties and find me that medallion!"
He spoke to several other men in the room, different general of his many armies.
Yes this would work nicely, finally the end of those monks would come and the first stage of his grand plans would be underway.
He was not happy, two entire platoons had been lost, and that was just the damage the late William Thrisfalen had caused. Bartholomew still wasn't certain he was dead, no one had actually seen his body and Bartholomew was not about to be played a fool.
"I know they claim they burned his corpse," Bartholomew smiled at a sudden thought. "Well we know he isn't at the monastery anymore. Burn the monastery to the ground and kill all who oppose you. Send four regiments and make sure it happens. Triple the search parties and find me that medallion!"
He spoke to several other men in the room, different general of his many armies.
Yes this would work nicely, finally the end of those monks would come and the first stage of his grand plans would be underway.
Randy and Tamy
. . . .in the afternoon, before she met Randy. . . .
Tamitha was skipping through the forest (early in the morning) trying to go unheard in case the raiders that scattered her family passed by. Lonely, but still having her wits about her, she was looking around when she heard
"you are such a wimp! I don't know why anyone would ever trust you with something as important as that key!"
Important?
"you barbaric pig! don't you ever bathe?"
"you have the brains of a pig!"
Pushing threw some bushes, Tamitha could see two women fighting and a disheveled man standing on perplexed.
In the scuffle a medallion flew off one woman's neck unnoticed. the second wave of insults flew and there was no sign of it stopping.
maybe I could sell it to get my family back?
Shuffling silently she grabbed it unnoticed and scampered off deeper into the forest, dodging trees as she went; she had to find her family and recover any that were caught by the marauding squads. But she needed some help.
. . . .in the morning, after joining Randy. . . .
“Tami, Tami, why don’t you understand?”
The little girl almost on the brink of tears “they're my pig tails!”
Randy was having a little trouble convincing the girl to relinquish the fashion. “You know its important to be inconspicuous.”
As of current the little girl was wearing slacks an untucked shirt and had lost her shoes and still petitioning for the pigtails. “Ok do you want to wait outside?”
“No!”
“then you've got to look like a boy-"
"A bar is no place for a girl.” Tamitha finished his sentence sarcastically, as they had been debating this for a while.
Tamitha's eyes shown bright blue as she was getting spiteful, “why don’t we just compromise, isn’t that what monks are good at.” Tamitha was referring to the history of the monks of peace and harmony always getting the little town of Brothll out of local disputes and mayhems.
“What do you propose?”
Indignant at the tables turned, Tamitha mustered a compromise. “we-we, I could have a Ponytail.”
“Alright, now that’s settled, off to the little Thorpe of a town.” Taking one bind (i.e. scrunchy-thingy) so Tamitha couldn’t change her mind Randy ran ahead yelling “Don’t you Love compromise!”
Shocked for a moment then realizing the full ramifications of what Randy had done, she ran after him yelling “No fair!” revealing a flopping medallion around her neck that Randy hadn’t noticed before. (^_^ Yay, were off to a town to get resupplied.)
Tamitha was skipping through the forest (early in the morning) trying to go unheard in case the raiders that scattered her family passed by. Lonely, but still having her wits about her, she was looking around when she heard
"you are such a wimp! I don't know why anyone would ever trust you with something as important as that key!"
Important?
"you barbaric pig! don't you ever bathe?"
"you have the brains of a pig!"
Pushing threw some bushes, Tamitha could see two women fighting and a disheveled man standing on perplexed.
In the scuffle a medallion flew off one woman's neck unnoticed. the second wave of insults flew and there was no sign of it stopping.
maybe I could sell it to get my family back?
Shuffling silently she grabbed it unnoticed and scampered off deeper into the forest, dodging trees as she went; she had to find her family and recover any that were caught by the marauding squads. But she needed some help.
. . . .in the morning, after joining Randy. . . .
“Tami, Tami, why don’t you understand?”
The little girl almost on the brink of tears “they're my pig tails!”
Randy was having a little trouble convincing the girl to relinquish the fashion. “You know its important to be inconspicuous.”
As of current the little girl was wearing slacks an untucked shirt and had lost her shoes and still petitioning for the pigtails. “Ok do you want to wait outside?”
“No!”
“then you've got to look like a boy-"
"A bar is no place for a girl.” Tamitha finished his sentence sarcastically, as they had been debating this for a while.
Tamitha's eyes shown bright blue as she was getting spiteful, “why don’t we just compromise, isn’t that what monks are good at.” Tamitha was referring to the history of the monks of peace and harmony always getting the little town of Brothll out of local disputes and mayhems.
“What do you propose?”
Indignant at the tables turned, Tamitha mustered a compromise. “we-we, I could have a Ponytail.”
“Alright, now that’s settled, off to the little Thorpe of a town.” Taking one bind (i.e. scrunchy-thingy) so Tamitha couldn’t change her mind Randy ran ahead yelling “Don’t you Love compromise!”
Shocked for a moment then realizing the full ramifications of what Randy had done, she ran after him yelling “No fair!” revealing a flopping medallion around her neck that Randy hadn’t noticed before. (^_^ Yay, were off to a town to get resupplied.)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Bonnie
As irritating as she was, Cordell was right. We all needed some sleep. maybe that would make my feelings towards her ease up a little. I was wrong.
I woke up to the shrill shrieks.
"Kill it! Kill it! Ew it was in my hair, kill it!"
I opened my eyes just in time to see a little field mouse scurry past. give me a break!
"are you serious?! a mouse! you woke me up because of a mouse? that's it! I can't take it any more!"
I lunged at Cordell with both hands. she shrieked again as I began to pull her hair.
"you are such a wimp! I don't know why anyone would ever trust you with something as important as that key!"
before Will could do anything, we were both screaming and pulling each other's hair.
"you barbaric pig! don't you ever bathe?"
"you have the brains of a pig!"
We were screaming so loud Will was certain someone would hear us, but was afraid to get caught in the middle of a cat fight.
his assumption was right, someone did hear us.
I woke up to the shrill shrieks.
"Kill it! Kill it! Ew it was in my hair, kill it!"
I opened my eyes just in time to see a little field mouse scurry past. give me a break!
"are you serious?! a mouse! you woke me up because of a mouse? that's it! I can't take it any more!"
I lunged at Cordell with both hands. she shrieked again as I began to pull her hair.
"you are such a wimp! I don't know why anyone would ever trust you with something as important as that key!"
before Will could do anything, we were both screaming and pulling each other's hair.
"you barbaric pig! don't you ever bathe?"
"you have the brains of a pig!"
We were screaming so loud Will was certain someone would hear us, but was afraid to get caught in the middle of a cat fight.
his assumption was right, someone did hear us.
Cordell
gosh, he's been gone a long time. I wonder where . . . just then Will appeared through the brush. he wasn't alone.
"Bonnie! where did you come from?"
"she was the one following us." Will explained.
"Hello." Bonita muttered under her breath.
"Gosh, I'm beat. lets rest for the night and continue on in the morning."
I was a little relieved to see Bonnie, because it was getting a little awkward with just two people. Though, she didn't seem too happy to see me. I just brushed it off, and went to sleep.
"Bonnie! where did you come from?"
"she was the one following us." Will explained.
"Hello." Bonita muttered under her breath.
"Gosh, I'm beat. lets rest for the night and continue on in the morning."
I was a little relieved to see Bonnie, because it was getting a little awkward with just two people. Though, she didn't seem too happy to see me. I just brushed it off, and went to sleep.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Randy
Well now, civilization doesn't seem so bad, I mean, with all the corruption doesn't quite compare to the loneliness and the occasional rodents that steal your stash of food. Though, there was that one guy armed from head to foot yammering something about "I'm the Mail man of death, wont you have some tea with me"! barg even if he was real. If he saw the stolen military papers he'd turn like a rabid dog.
Slightly exasperated, Randy wasn't even sure he existed. Being alone for long periods of time wasn't Randy's thing. Even though the training helped it didn't quite prepare him for the actuality of the events. Staring off into space Randy hated the night leaving him in complete darkness, claustrophobia always set in. Not to mention the constant hiding from the meandering peasants. Evidently Crooks let them wander to the neighboring town sheds, a bit of a problem especially with Ol' Barty having a randsome out for any surviving monks.
hmmm-hum-hum-hum! hmmmm-hmm! Humming an old song was the only thing giving him peace. Tattered and worn he looked about, now ragged and disheveled, with a few leaves stuck in his hair. He stumbled forward. Even worst he could swear that he was being followed but not by anyone of Crook's or Bartholomew's men, Randy would be dead by now... but still, having no response made him wonder if it was bad training or if a black hooded man really was following him.
----
dinner time (you said it was dark)
-----
Having a rabbit in his sights, Randy focused his last unbroken arrow, breathing in slowly Randolph was waiting for the perfect moment. if i had my spear I'd totally own this rodent, no-no I had to lose it in the scorched forest-Oooo thats right little rabbit just a little further-
"Pardon mister?"
"Gack!" The arrow flew threw the air then smashed against the rocks. Turning around infuriated, Randolph saw a little urchent child. "Gack!"
Flinching, the little child raised her arms and squeaked.
Exasperated and befuddled Randolph began sorting his things not even looking at her. "whats your name kid."
"Tamitha."
Throwing things on his(R.) back "what do you think of the trek, tike?"
"ok I guess"
Randy was now walking away quickly, "Good, keep it that way"
Behind him, the child just stood there not moving and seemed lost. Randy paused then turned back, "where are your parents, kid?"
Tamitha replied, "we got separated in the culling."
"what?" for that matter where would a kid hear a phrase like that, guess her parents were pig farmers or something
"well some of Crook's men along with some Priests are stopping us from escaping the city to tell others what Bartholomew attempted to do here." seeing Randy's intense face she explained further, "or-or at least thats what my father said."
The demeanor of Randy loosened and a sigh of-of well it couldn't quite be discerned if it was more pity or stress. Looking into the urchent's eyes and seeing her obvious hunger he handed her his last ration. "I'm heading to Westport you got family there?"
"yes sir"
"the name is Randolph" slipping his hand into Tamitha's and facing the thick forest "and this is my quest..."
*they are entering the forest about the same time as Will and Cordell. Maybe only a few minutes after Bonita.*
**my spell checker said that urchent isn't a word, weird.**
Slightly exasperated, Randy wasn't even sure he existed. Being alone for long periods of time wasn't Randy's thing. Even though the training helped it didn't quite prepare him for the actuality of the events. Staring off into space Randy hated the night leaving him in complete darkness, claustrophobia always set in. Not to mention the constant hiding from the meandering peasants. Evidently Crooks let them wander to the neighboring town sheds, a bit of a problem especially with Ol' Barty having a randsome out for any surviving monks.
hmmm-hum-hum-hum! hmmmm-hmm! Humming an old song was the only thing giving him peace. Tattered and worn he looked about, now ragged and disheveled, with a few leaves stuck in his hair. He stumbled forward. Even worst he could swear that he was being followed but not by anyone of Crook's or Bartholomew's men, Randy would be dead by now... but still, having no response made him wonder if it was bad training or if a black hooded man really was following him.
----
dinner time (you said it was dark)
-----
Having a rabbit in his sights, Randy focused his last unbroken arrow, breathing in slowly Randolph was waiting for the perfect moment. if i had my spear I'd totally own this rodent, no-no I had to lose it in the scorched forest-Oooo thats right little rabbit just a little further-
"Pardon mister?"
"Gack!" The arrow flew threw the air then smashed against the rocks. Turning around infuriated, Randolph saw a little urchent child. "Gack!"
Flinching, the little child raised her arms and squeaked.
Exasperated and befuddled Randolph began sorting his things not even looking at her. "whats your name kid."
"Tamitha."
Throwing things on his(R.) back "what do you think of the trek, tike?"
"ok I guess"
Randy was now walking away quickly, "Good, keep it that way"
Behind him, the child just stood there not moving and seemed lost. Randy paused then turned back, "where are your parents, kid?"
Tamitha replied, "we got separated in the culling."
"what?" for that matter where would a kid hear a phrase like that, guess her parents were pig farmers or something
"well some of Crook's men along with some Priests are stopping us from escaping the city to tell others what Bartholomew attempted to do here." seeing Randy's intense face she explained further, "or-or at least thats what my father said."
The demeanor of Randy loosened and a sigh of-of well it couldn't quite be discerned if it was more pity or stress. Looking into the urchent's eyes and seeing her obvious hunger he handed her his last ration. "I'm heading to Westport you got family there?"
"yes sir"
"the name is Randolph" slipping his hand into Tamitha's and facing the thick forest "and this is my quest..."
*they are entering the forest about the same time as Will and Cordell. Maybe only a few minutes after Bonita.*
**my spell checker said that urchent isn't a word, weird.**
Shilon
"...I wonder if there is a leash that binds you to the bidding of these madmen. Or have you truly lost your soul?”"
“Please arise, my friends. It is time I address my summoning you here.” The monks raised their heads eager to hear the message of their master. “The time has come for you to demonstrate all of the skills you have acquired, all the teachings you have learned, and show forth the faith that you have grown these many years.” The monks looked from one to another in anticipation for what they thought to be another exercise. “For today death has come to meet you, to test you to see if you are true defenders of Harmony.”
The chamber doors groaned as they slowly shut. The students whipped around to behold a large man clad in black stealth-ware, his face hidden behind a black facemask. A loud click resounded from the doors lock as the man twisted the chamber door’s fastener. The students leapt up from their kneeling positions and moved into various martial art forms. The man stepped away from the door walking slowly toward them.
“I am peace, I am death, I am justice.” The figure approached Thomas, who slowly backed into the cluster of other monks. The dark man stopped. “Like a banshee of lore, I will stop your breath with one swift punishment.”
One of the monks seized a short sword from a weapons wrack against the wall and lunged towards the large intruder. The dark man threw a concealed knife into the monk’s forehead, slicing through his brain. The other learners stepped back in shock as their comrade thudded against cold floor, sharing his blood with the cracks in the stone.
“Behold I am Shilon Thrisfalen. I am the avenger of William Thirsfalen. The right to his life was not yours and for this breach, I will kill you all.” Shilon removed his crossbow from the satchel on his back and unsheathed a long knife held to his left thigh. “I will slay you with the ease you slew William while he slept. I will cherish all of your screams as precious jewels. Not even the skill of Yansen can save you now.”
The monks stood dumbfounded. Thomas stepped in front of the group, his voice raised in desperation. “What are you talking about? How were we involved in the death of William?” The monks backed up past Leon, against the chamber’s stain-glass window.
Shilon raised his crossbow facing Thomas. “You should have picked your masters more wisely.” He squeezed the trigger, sending a thick serrated arrow into Thomas’ stomach. The force of the arrow sent Thomas through the window behind him, leaving him to tumble several stories until he impacted the garden floor.
The remaining three monks seized various weapons along the wall and charged Shilon. In the space of seven seconds Shilon decapitated the first monk, slashed through the heart and lungs of the second monk, and opened five arteries in the remaining monk’s arms, legs, and neck.
As the final monk gurgled his last breath, Shilon approached Leon who had been covered with splatter. Commotion could be heard from outside and various panicked voices sounded about the garden below.
Shilon took his bloodied knife and raised the chin of Leon, who was glaring about at his pupils. “I wonder if I should kill you myself or if I should wait for the good Yansen. It would not surprise me if he comes up with a more creative death for the one who ordered the death of his son.”
Leon’s eyes looked up at Shilon. “Yansen? William has no father known by that name among our records. He was a… an illegitimate child.”
Shilon arched his head back and chuckled. “Oh forgive me, I didn’t realize that even the masters of this monastery were so very ignorant. Yansen… I meant your dear master Moomow.” Shilon took his blade away from Leon’s chin and steped away from the chair.
Leon repositioned himself in a casual slouch. He put his hand against his mouth and pondered the new information. He then looked back toward Shilon. “It would seem that both of us possess some semblance of ignorance.”
Shilon glanced curiously back at Leon. “Explain yourself.”
Leon straightened himself up in his chair and continued. “It would appear that your masters have not given you the news of Master Moomow’s death. It would seem that you are waiting for a ghost to come and enact vengeance upon me.”
Shilon raced toward Leon and lifted him out of his chair by the collar. “You lie. No man could kill Yansen. No empire could kill Yansen. The only way one could kill Yansen would be if he allowed them to kill him. And the only reason he would do that would be to…” Shilon’s shoulders sank. His grip on Leon loosened. His face grew pale and a look of terror covered his features. He whispered to himself, “No… If William is also dead then the key keeper will not be adequately protected. I must get to West Port, before the order... ”
Loud chatter could be heard coming from the other side of the chamber doors. Shilon forced Leon in front of him and placed his knife to Leon’s neck. The door bulged along the middle and then splintered open. Several armored monks armed with spears and axes, along with several other monks armed with bows and arrows entered the room. They halted several feet from the bodies of the three slain monks in the front of the room. Shilon moved slowly back with Leon toward the broken window behind him. A voice from the crowd of armored monks called out, “You have nowhere to run agent of Madness. Release Master Leon and we will not kill you.”
Shilon kept his head and body tucked behind Leon until he reached the shattered window. He kept his voice calm and mechanical. “Do not interfere monk. I came for justice and will now leave you, having achieved my aim.”
The monk who called out stepped forward out of the crowd. “I am Master Taldonis and I order you… Release Master Leon or you will surely die.”
Shilon smiled. “He will be given his release, Taldonis, and now I bid you farewell forever, for my ties to this monastery are now forever severed.” Shilon moved his blade from Leon’s neck and forced it through his shoulder blade. He used the knife as a handle to steer Leon over the edge of the window. He then gripped Leon’s waste and fell out the window with him. They both dropped three stories to the garden floor. Leon landed on his back, while Shilon’s feet landed on Leon’s chest, crushing his rib cage, and partially absorbing Shilon’s fall. Shilon then rolled out his remaining momentum, but snagged his face and mask on a protruding root. He jumped to his feet and tore the bloody mask from his face, he looked up to the window he had just plummeted from.
Taldonis ran to the window and looked out at the twilight lit garden. He darted his eyes from the broken and lifeless body of Master Leon to the tall assassin that stood several yards from the dead master’s body. He stared in bewilderment, at a very familiar face that met his gaze. He shouted in a mix of anger and disbelief. “SHILON… Your name was written in the book of recorded heretics and you were banished. Because of this trespass you will be written among the names of the cursed fallen. You will be hunted until your body has been desecrated and your soul has been enchained. YOU WILL DIE SHILON.”
Shilon held his bloody mask up in the air. “This is the last of the blood that your monks will ever shed from me Master Taldonis.” He threw the damp mask to the ground. “I came to avenge my nephew, William Thrisfalen, and I have fulfilled my mission. Now I must attend to matters that dwarf the significance of this pathetic monastery. Send your hunters, but I promise that none of them will return to you alive.” Shilon turned and ran toward a tree that reached over the interior wall. He jumped and pushed himself off the wall, launching up to a thick limb. He pulled himself up the limb then jumped atop the inner wall. He then let himself down the other side.
Master Taldonis relaxed his shoulders and lowered his head. He whispered to himself, “Do you think that anyone could kill the seed of your brother so easily, Shilon? Did our cover-up really trick even the great ones into thinking that William is dead? Or is someone wielding you? I know you are no fool, Shilon, and so I wonder if there is a leash that binds you to the bidding of these madmen. Or have you truly lost your soul?”
(Yeah, so I killed off Master Leon and Thomas, whatcha gonna' do about it. No I'm kidding, please dont kill off my characters. You know, they could still be alive... maybe... If you really wanted them to be. So I sort of replaced the name Martin with the name of some unknown monk called Thomas, so if it seems a little bit odd that I introduced a character and then kill him off it is because I originally had Martin in the post but He already died. Oops!)
-Master Taldonis
Leon sat in a beautiful chair positioned in the center of Master Moomow’s large quarters. He faced four young monks kneeling in prayer. Young Thomas strolled quickly through the room’s open doorway and prostrated himself alongside the other monks. Master Leon wiped, shakily, a bead of sweat that was making its way down his face. His bald head gleamed in the candlelight of the room. His eyes swept from one monk to the next. His mouth opened slowly. A tongue ran over his chapped lips as he prepared to address his followers.“Please arise, my friends. It is time I address my summoning you here.” The monks raised their heads eager to hear the message of their master. “The time has come for you to demonstrate all of the skills you have acquired, all the teachings you have learned, and show forth the faith that you have grown these many years.” The monks looked from one to another in anticipation for what they thought to be another exercise. “For today death has come to meet you, to test you to see if you are true defenders of Harmony.”
The chamber doors groaned as they slowly shut. The students whipped around to behold a large man clad in black stealth-ware, his face hidden behind a black facemask. A loud click resounded from the doors lock as the man twisted the chamber door’s fastener. The students leapt up from their kneeling positions and moved into various martial art forms. The man stepped away from the door walking slowly toward them.
“I am peace, I am death, I am justice.” The figure approached Thomas, who slowly backed into the cluster of other monks. The dark man stopped. “Like a banshee of lore, I will stop your breath with one swift punishment.”
One of the monks seized a short sword from a weapons wrack against the wall and lunged towards the large intruder. The dark man threw a concealed knife into the monk’s forehead, slicing through his brain. The other learners stepped back in shock as their comrade thudded against cold floor, sharing his blood with the cracks in the stone.
“Behold I am Shilon Thrisfalen. I am the avenger of William Thirsfalen. The right to his life was not yours and for this breach, I will kill you all.” Shilon removed his crossbow from the satchel on his back and unsheathed a long knife held to his left thigh. “I will slay you with the ease you slew William while he slept. I will cherish all of your screams as precious jewels. Not even the skill of Yansen can save you now.”
The monks stood dumbfounded. Thomas stepped in front of the group, his voice raised in desperation. “What are you talking about? How were we involved in the death of William?” The monks backed up past Leon, against the chamber’s stain-glass window.
Shilon raised his crossbow facing Thomas. “You should have picked your masters more wisely.” He squeezed the trigger, sending a thick serrated arrow into Thomas’ stomach. The force of the arrow sent Thomas through the window behind him, leaving him to tumble several stories until he impacted the garden floor.
The remaining three monks seized various weapons along the wall and charged Shilon. In the space of seven seconds Shilon decapitated the first monk, slashed through the heart and lungs of the second monk, and opened five arteries in the remaining monk’s arms, legs, and neck.
As the final monk gurgled his last breath, Shilon approached Leon who had been covered with splatter. Commotion could be heard from outside and various panicked voices sounded about the garden below.
Shilon took his bloodied knife and raised the chin of Leon, who was glaring about at his pupils. “I wonder if I should kill you myself or if I should wait for the good Yansen. It would not surprise me if he comes up with a more creative death for the one who ordered the death of his son.”
Leon’s eyes looked up at Shilon. “Yansen? William has no father known by that name among our records. He was a… an illegitimate child.”
Shilon arched his head back and chuckled. “Oh forgive me, I didn’t realize that even the masters of this monastery were so very ignorant. Yansen… I meant your dear master Moomow.” Shilon took his blade away from Leon’s chin and steped away from the chair.
Leon repositioned himself in a casual slouch. He put his hand against his mouth and pondered the new information. He then looked back toward Shilon. “It would seem that both of us possess some semblance of ignorance.”
Shilon glanced curiously back at Leon. “Explain yourself.”
Leon straightened himself up in his chair and continued. “It would appear that your masters have not given you the news of Master Moomow’s death. It would seem that you are waiting for a ghost to come and enact vengeance upon me.”
Shilon raced toward Leon and lifted him out of his chair by the collar. “You lie. No man could kill Yansen. No empire could kill Yansen. The only way one could kill Yansen would be if he allowed them to kill him. And the only reason he would do that would be to…” Shilon’s shoulders sank. His grip on Leon loosened. His face grew pale and a look of terror covered his features. He whispered to himself, “No… If William is also dead then the key keeper will not be adequately protected. I must get to West Port, before the order... ”
Loud chatter could be heard coming from the other side of the chamber doors. Shilon forced Leon in front of him and placed his knife to Leon’s neck. The door bulged along the middle and then splintered open. Several armored monks armed with spears and axes, along with several other monks armed with bows and arrows entered the room. They halted several feet from the bodies of the three slain monks in the front of the room. Shilon moved slowly back with Leon toward the broken window behind him. A voice from the crowd of armored monks called out, “You have nowhere to run agent of Madness. Release Master Leon and we will not kill you.”
Shilon kept his head and body tucked behind Leon until he reached the shattered window. He kept his voice calm and mechanical. “Do not interfere monk. I came for justice and will now leave you, having achieved my aim.”
The monk who called out stepped forward out of the crowd. “I am Master Taldonis and I order you… Release Master Leon or you will surely die.”
Shilon smiled. “He will be given his release, Taldonis, and now I bid you farewell forever, for my ties to this monastery are now forever severed.” Shilon moved his blade from Leon’s neck and forced it through his shoulder blade. He used the knife as a handle to steer Leon over the edge of the window. He then gripped Leon’s waste and fell out the window with him. They both dropped three stories to the garden floor. Leon landed on his back, while Shilon’s feet landed on Leon’s chest, crushing his rib cage, and partially absorbing Shilon’s fall. Shilon then rolled out his remaining momentum, but snagged his face and mask on a protruding root. He jumped to his feet and tore the bloody mask from his face, he looked up to the window he had just plummeted from.
Taldonis ran to the window and looked out at the twilight lit garden. He darted his eyes from the broken and lifeless body of Master Leon to the tall assassin that stood several yards from the dead master’s body. He stared in bewilderment, at a very familiar face that met his gaze. He shouted in a mix of anger and disbelief. “SHILON… Your name was written in the book of recorded heretics and you were banished. Because of this trespass you will be written among the names of the cursed fallen. You will be hunted until your body has been desecrated and your soul has been enchained. YOU WILL DIE SHILON.”
Shilon held his bloody mask up in the air. “This is the last of the blood that your monks will ever shed from me Master Taldonis.” He threw the damp mask to the ground. “I came to avenge my nephew, William Thrisfalen, and I have fulfilled my mission. Now I must attend to matters that dwarf the significance of this pathetic monastery. Send your hunters, but I promise that none of them will return to you alive.” Shilon turned and ran toward a tree that reached over the interior wall. He jumped and pushed himself off the wall, launching up to a thick limb. He pulled himself up the limb then jumped atop the inner wall. He then let himself down the other side.
Master Taldonis relaxed his shoulders and lowered his head. He whispered to himself, “Do you think that anyone could kill the seed of your brother so easily, Shilon? Did our cover-up really trick even the great ones into thinking that William is dead? Or is someone wielding you? I know you are no fool, Shilon, and so I wonder if there is a leash that binds you to the bidding of these madmen. Or have you truly lost your soul?”
(Yeah, so I killed off Master Leon and Thomas, whatcha gonna' do about it. No I'm kidding, please dont kill off my characters. You know, they could still be alive... maybe... If you really wanted them to be. So I sort of replaced the name Martin with the name of some unknown monk called Thomas, so if it seems a little bit odd that I introduced a character and then kill him off it is because I originally had Martin in the post but He already died. Oops!)
Friday, February 20, 2009
William
I chased after her and caught her by the arm again, I needed to get her to listen to me. I needed to explain what was happening.
"Look Bonnie," I was trying to look her in the eyes but I couldn't manage to keep up to her accusing stare and I kept looking away.
"I," Truthfully I didn't know where to begin so I started at the first place that made sense. "Right now I'm really confused Bonnie. I have no idea what to think or what to feel. I just found out that Master Moomow was my father, he's dead now and he sent me on a trip but," I paused and finally could looked her in the eyes without faltering. I continued, "My father gave me a final list of instructions." I held up the paper she had thrown down. "This is a list of things he wishes I complete. First on the list and the most important, as it says, is to guard, protect and watch over the keeper of the gatekey. He goes on to say that she must reach the gate alive and well and that it is my sacred calling to make sure she does. I know I'm a terrible monk and I never took the monk oath of being celibate and all that stuff."
She looked stunned for a moment and I took the opportunity to continue, "The letter goes on and tells me that second and, just as important as the first, I must protect you and make sure you reach the gate as well." There was more to the command than that but I left it alone for now; she looked just as confused as I, perhaps more so.
"So will you grace me with your presence on this journey?" I spoke the end to show her some kindness and let her know it was her choice to follow or not.
"Look Bonnie," I was trying to look her in the eyes but I couldn't manage to keep up to her accusing stare and I kept looking away.
"I," Truthfully I didn't know where to begin so I started at the first place that made sense. "Right now I'm really confused Bonnie. I have no idea what to think or what to feel. I just found out that Master Moomow was my father, he's dead now and he sent me on a trip but," I paused and finally could looked her in the eyes without faltering. I continued, "My father gave me a final list of instructions." I held up the paper she had thrown down. "This is a list of things he wishes I complete. First on the list and the most important, as it says, is to guard, protect and watch over the keeper of the gatekey. He goes on to say that she must reach the gate alive and well and that it is my sacred calling to make sure she does. I know I'm a terrible monk and I never took the monk oath of being celibate and all that stuff."
She looked stunned for a moment and I took the opportunity to continue, "The letter goes on and tells me that second and, just as important as the first, I must protect you and make sure you reach the gate as well." There was more to the command than that but I left it alone for now; she looked just as confused as I, perhaps more so.
"So will you grace me with your presence on this journey?" I spoke the end to show her some kindness and let her know it was her choice to follow or not.
Bonita
I was glad that Will had decided to stop, it was difficult to follow them now that they had horses, but as I suspected, Will knew I was following and rode slowly. I watched carefully and mimicked Will's moves as he trained Cordell. It was so annoying they way she threw herself at him.
as it got dark, the tension between them was becoming unbearable. I listened quietly as Will told of his past. Then she grabbed him and hugged him. this felt like a stab to my heart. I didn't understand these feelings of animosity that I felt towards Cordell. I couldn't take it any longer.
I threw the paper on the ground (a few yards in front on Will) and started off into the woods. Where I was standing, only Will could've seen me, and he did.
"I uh.." he pushed away from Cordell.
"nature calls?" she asked at his urgency.
he just nodded as he watched me storming away. "be right back"
Cordell was oblivious to the whole situation.
after a good ten feet or so, Will managed to catch me by the arm.
"you're a monk, you shouldn't be ogling this woman!" I jerked his arm away and kept marching on. it's not what I meant to say, and not how I felt. I was confused, I had never felt this way towards another person. I did not want to feel this way about him, or anyone else. I wanted things back the way they were before I ever knew he existed. why was I so angry at him?
as it got dark, the tension between them was becoming unbearable. I listened quietly as Will told of his past. Then she grabbed him and hugged him. this felt like a stab to my heart. I didn't understand these feelings of animosity that I felt towards Cordell. I couldn't take it any longer.
I threw the paper on the ground (a few yards in front on Will) and started off into the woods. Where I was standing, only Will could've seen me, and he did.
"I uh.." he pushed away from Cordell.
"nature calls?" she asked at his urgency.
he just nodded as he watched me storming away. "be right back"
Cordell was oblivious to the whole situation.
after a good ten feet or so, Will managed to catch me by the arm.
"you're a monk, you shouldn't be ogling this woman!" I jerked his arm away and kept marching on. it's not what I meant to say, and not how I felt. I was confused, I had never felt this way towards another person. I did not want to feel this way about him, or anyone else. I wanted things back the way they were before I ever knew he existed. why was I so angry at him?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
William
I started to complain about my stomach hurting and using it as an excuse to get away but she stopped me and put a hand on my face.
"Hey," She whispered in my ear as she pulled me down to her. "You can trust me William Thrisfalen."
I took a deep breath and sat down. She sat down in front of me on a good sized rock and looked into my eyes. I told her about the torture I had endured at the hands of those men and all the things they had made me do. I explained how I escaped.
* * *
William at age Thirteen
* * *
I was mostly fully grown, at least that's what Master Moomow said. He wasn't here now, no one was. They said I was going to die down here or serve them. I chose a third option, one they hadn't given me. The man who tortured me, he claimed he knew my grandfather and that he'd been betrayed and cast out, but he was always forbidden to tell me what he had been cast out of.
It didn't matter, I did not care for him or any of these weaklings. They had just finished torturing me for the day, assuming any more would kill me or damage me, that was the word they used. They didn't understand the rage that flowed inside my body, or perhaps they did and they were simply attempting to harness it.
It doesn't matter. I felt no mercy or remorse for my captors and they had made one vital mistake. I stumbled about in my rage and banged my fists and head and feet into the walls and suddenly the wall slid open and granted me passageway. The guards were astonished but by the time they had the door open I had managed to close the door. I had found myself in a large nearly empty room, it had been ransacked, all but a dusty suit of armor, a chain mail and plate mail set, a great sword, a long sword, a short sword and a dagger. All looked almost useless. I didn't care, the only thought I had was revenge.
I had barely donned the armor when I heard a noise behind me and saw the door slide open. I had been trained in the use of such weapons and I drew the long sword and charged. To my surprise the dusty armor absorbed the blows of the guards clubs with ease and I sliced them both down.
A grabbed the rest of the weapons and fought my way out, in my rage I killed everything I saw. The other prisoners had not treated me well, they were killed, I thought I did it out of mercy at first but when it was other I knew better. My torturer had evaded me and I stumbled into the fresh air outside, I have no idea where. I wandered for hours, perhaps days before I fell, only to be caught in the arms of my master.
* * *
End Narration in the past
* * *
"I think that was the first time I'd ever seen Master Moomow cry," I concluded.
She just stared in disbelief but she didn't turn away as I had feared. She did quite the opposite; she pulled me closer and held me tight.
"You aren't there anymore," She said. "You don't have to be afraid of them anymore."
I stayed in her warm embrace for some time.
"Hey," She whispered in my ear as she pulled me down to her. "You can trust me William Thrisfalen."
I took a deep breath and sat down. She sat down in front of me on a good sized rock and looked into my eyes. I told her about the torture I had endured at the hands of those men and all the things they had made me do. I explained how I escaped.
* * *
William at age Thirteen
* * *
I was mostly fully grown, at least that's what Master Moomow said. He wasn't here now, no one was. They said I was going to die down here or serve them. I chose a third option, one they hadn't given me. The man who tortured me, he claimed he knew my grandfather and that he'd been betrayed and cast out, but he was always forbidden to tell me what he had been cast out of.
It didn't matter, I did not care for him or any of these weaklings. They had just finished torturing me for the day, assuming any more would kill me or damage me, that was the word they used. They didn't understand the rage that flowed inside my body, or perhaps they did and they were simply attempting to harness it.
It doesn't matter. I felt no mercy or remorse for my captors and they had made one vital mistake. I stumbled about in my rage and banged my fists and head and feet into the walls and suddenly the wall slid open and granted me passageway. The guards were astonished but by the time they had the door open I had managed to close the door. I had found myself in a large nearly empty room, it had been ransacked, all but a dusty suit of armor, a chain mail and plate mail set, a great sword, a long sword, a short sword and a dagger. All looked almost useless. I didn't care, the only thought I had was revenge.
I had barely donned the armor when I heard a noise behind me and saw the door slide open. I had been trained in the use of such weapons and I drew the long sword and charged. To my surprise the dusty armor absorbed the blows of the guards clubs with ease and I sliced them both down.
A grabbed the rest of the weapons and fought my way out, in my rage I killed everything I saw. The other prisoners had not treated me well, they were killed, I thought I did it out of mercy at first but when it was other I knew better. My torturer had evaded me and I stumbled into the fresh air outside, I have no idea where. I wandered for hours, perhaps days before I fell, only to be caught in the arms of my master.
* * *
End Narration in the past
* * *
"I think that was the first time I'd ever seen Master Moomow cry," I concluded.
She just stared in disbelief but she didn't turn away as I had feared. She did quite the opposite; she pulled me closer and held me tight.
"You aren't there anymore," She said. "You don't have to be afraid of them anymore."
I stayed in her warm embrace for some time.
Cordell
We'd been traveling for a few days now and Will had procured horses, I think he stole them but he wouldn't say. Anyways, he left his armor on the back of the third horse we had and we traveled at anytime, day or night, that we felt like. He didn't seem afraid of anyone or anything, but he did have a religious side I hadn't foreseen. Every night before he went to sleep he knelt down and prayed, I assume he was praying I had yet to ask ask him.
Right now we were just leaving the woods into the plains that made its way to the mountain pass that led to Westport. He pulled up and stopped at the edge of the woods.
"We stop here," Will said as he dismounted.
"But it's not even close to dark," I wondered. "Why stop now?"
"I would still like some cover for tonight besides," He smirked. "I just resolved to train you. You can't be a true guardian unless you can protect the key."
"I have you," She smiled softly. "Why do I need to fight?"
Will tossed me the short sword and the dagger, both still sheathed. The great sword was also resting on the third horse, while the longsword rested on his hip. He prepared camp for the night, taking off the saddles and tying the horses up.
Will ignored my question, "Besides We have been followed, I think." He looked uncertain. "It doesn't matter. The only person who could have followed us, so far, is a friend."
"But Will," I insisted. "Why do I need to learn to fight?"
He took my hands, "Because I might not always be around you. I might have to do things without you and then you would need to know to fight."
I sighed, "Alright I will learn."
We spent the next several hours learning before we stopped. Will had that same look on his face he sometimes got and he had been refusing to talk to me about it.
"Will," I sheathed the weapons and walked closer. "Talk to me."
(Don't post yet.)
Right now we were just leaving the woods into the plains that made its way to the mountain pass that led to Westport. He pulled up and stopped at the edge of the woods.
"We stop here," Will said as he dismounted.
"But it's not even close to dark," I wondered. "Why stop now?"
"I would still like some cover for tonight besides," He smirked. "I just resolved to train you. You can't be a true guardian unless you can protect the key."
"I have you," She smiled softly. "Why do I need to fight?"
Will tossed me the short sword and the dagger, both still sheathed. The great sword was also resting on the third horse, while the longsword rested on his hip. He prepared camp for the night, taking off the saddles and tying the horses up.
Will ignored my question, "Besides We have been followed, I think." He looked uncertain. "It doesn't matter. The only person who could have followed us, so far, is a friend."
"But Will," I insisted. "Why do I need to learn to fight?"
He took my hands, "Because I might not always be around you. I might have to do things without you and then you would need to know to fight."
I sighed, "Alright I will learn."
We spent the next several hours learning before we stopped. Will had that same look on his face he sometimes got and he had been refusing to talk to me about it.
"Will," I sheathed the weapons and walked closer. "Talk to me."
(Don't post yet.)
Shilon
“All is silent at Fort Watermane, Lord Min. The Duke of Farwhile, along with his four sons, is dead. And among the silent corpses of his men lies several members of the Jerican, all with personally sealed orders from King Bartholomew to purge the fort.” Shilon stood, clad in black stealth-ware, leading eight other equally clad assassins.
High Priest Min, a short old man with a scarred and disfigured face stood high above Shilon atop a ruin of a stone tower. It was a cold morning. Thick white plumes of air puffed out from under Min’s hood. “Good Shilon, very good. Another one of my shadows confirmed your deed and remarked at the beauty of all life in the fort silently, and peacefully ceasing… Though the result of such life being lost will no doubt stir confusion among the kingdom of Ashernon. They will see this attack as an excuse to liberate the oppressed people under King Bartholomew. You and the other shadows may now depart to West Port for…”
Shilon’s countenance changed quickly. “ I won’t be performing anymore of your hell administered tasks until you give me word from Chaniel.” Multiply blood vessels in Shilon’s eyes burst as his frame began to shake with anger. Min stood silently puffing the cold morning air, then burst into a cackle. Shilon drew his dark crossbow from a sling across his back. He held the crossbow facing Min. Several shadows turned and drew their swords preparing to strike the vulnerable Shilon. He screamed, “Give me word old troll or I’ll send you to your peace soon.”
Min’s cackle ceased, though his tone reflected a hint of humor. “Put your weapons away my children, and you boy… put down that toy. I guarantee that the only one you will be hurting is yourself.” The shadows sheathed their swords and Shilon loosened his grip on his crossbow and lowered it to his hip. Min continued mockingly, “ For your efforts, Shilon Thrisfalen, I will give you the next message from your tender, precious Chaniel… ‘It is a boy.’” Shilon lowered his gaze and dazed into the woods, processing this information. “That is all I have to tell you until you fulfill your assignment. Are you pacified now, my humble hound?” Shilon nodded his head. Min’s voice changed to a more serious tone, “Good. Our falconer has received a message for you and your shadows to go to West Port. There you will assist High Priest Haley in a very important task that I will not utter here.”
Shilon moved his eyes back up to Min’s and swung his crossbow across his back. The tenseness that had consumed his body was gone. He stood as a machine, indifferent, passive, cold. “We will leave immediately to West Port, Lord Min.” Shilon and the shadows turned from the ruin and began to head into the forest.
“Wait a moment, Shilon. There is something else I need to tell you alone.” Shilon ordered his men to continue. Min spoke softly. “I imagine you are familiar with the young monk William of Peace and Harmony?”
Shilon began to tremble again. “Yes, he is the only one living that I hate more than you.”
Min smiled. “Why do you hate him Shilon Thrisfalen?”
Shilon’s voice cracked as he answered Min’s question. “Because I once loved him, and in return he trapped me and my Chaniel in this hell.”
Min let out a laugh. “Well then it will be in your great interest to hear that he is dead.”
Shilon stood dumbfounded for several seconds. He tried to control his emotions, but a small tear forced its way down his quivering cheeks. Contradicting emontions pulsed through his blood with every heart beat. “How did he die?”
“It’s funny that he betrayed you and then his own fellow monks betrayed him. I thought we were the ones who where to create madness, but it would appear that the little innocent monks of peace and harmony have some cold blood in their midst. Rumor has it that previous to his death he singlehandedly slew countless soldiers and thwarted an attack of nearly five-thousand men. But the punch line of all this is that he died in his sleep.” Min looked down on Shilon’s countenance with such satisfaction.
Shilon continued to drill Min, “Do you know who did this?”
“As a matter of fact I do. I can give you multiple names. And the best part about this is that I don’t like these names anymore, so feel free to blot them out.”
Shilon’s eyes glowed red. “Give me the names, and I will see to it that these monks do not live to breath tomorrow.”
Min began to laugh hysterically, like a boy who has taught his dog a new trick. His tattered face turned red from laughter. He paused to answer Shilon’s question. “Find Master Leon, he will squeal every name you need… Oh and be sure that you tell him who you represent. Yes, that will be fine.”Shilon turned and sprinted in the direction of the monastery. Min screamed after him, “Don’t forget about West Port when you’re done.”
(Not one of my best posts but I thought I'd throw in my sherbet twist.)
High Priest Min, a short old man with a scarred and disfigured face stood high above Shilon atop a ruin of a stone tower. It was a cold morning. Thick white plumes of air puffed out from under Min’s hood. “Good Shilon, very good. Another one of my shadows confirmed your deed and remarked at the beauty of all life in the fort silently, and peacefully ceasing… Though the result of such life being lost will no doubt stir confusion among the kingdom of Ashernon. They will see this attack as an excuse to liberate the oppressed people under King Bartholomew. You and the other shadows may now depart to West Port for…”
Shilon’s countenance changed quickly. “ I won’t be performing anymore of your hell administered tasks until you give me word from Chaniel.” Multiply blood vessels in Shilon’s eyes burst as his frame began to shake with anger. Min stood silently puffing the cold morning air, then burst into a cackle. Shilon drew his dark crossbow from a sling across his back. He held the crossbow facing Min. Several shadows turned and drew their swords preparing to strike the vulnerable Shilon. He screamed, “Give me word old troll or I’ll send you to your peace soon.”
Min’s cackle ceased, though his tone reflected a hint of humor. “Put your weapons away my children, and you boy… put down that toy. I guarantee that the only one you will be hurting is yourself.” The shadows sheathed their swords and Shilon loosened his grip on his crossbow and lowered it to his hip. Min continued mockingly, “ For your efforts, Shilon Thrisfalen, I will give you the next message from your tender, precious Chaniel… ‘It is a boy.’” Shilon lowered his gaze and dazed into the woods, processing this information. “That is all I have to tell you until you fulfill your assignment. Are you pacified now, my humble hound?” Shilon nodded his head. Min’s voice changed to a more serious tone, “Good. Our falconer has received a message for you and your shadows to go to West Port. There you will assist High Priest Haley in a very important task that I will not utter here.”
Shilon moved his eyes back up to Min’s and swung his crossbow across his back. The tenseness that had consumed his body was gone. He stood as a machine, indifferent, passive, cold. “We will leave immediately to West Port, Lord Min.” Shilon and the shadows turned from the ruin and began to head into the forest.
“Wait a moment, Shilon. There is something else I need to tell you alone.” Shilon ordered his men to continue. Min spoke softly. “I imagine you are familiar with the young monk William of Peace and Harmony?”
Shilon began to tremble again. “Yes, he is the only one living that I hate more than you.”
Min smiled. “Why do you hate him Shilon Thrisfalen?”
Shilon’s voice cracked as he answered Min’s question. “Because I once loved him, and in return he trapped me and my Chaniel in this hell.”
Min let out a laugh. “Well then it will be in your great interest to hear that he is dead.”
Shilon stood dumbfounded for several seconds. He tried to control his emotions, but a small tear forced its way down his quivering cheeks. Contradicting emontions pulsed through his blood with every heart beat. “How did he die?”
“It’s funny that he betrayed you and then his own fellow monks betrayed him. I thought we were the ones who where to create madness, but it would appear that the little innocent monks of peace and harmony have some cold blood in their midst. Rumor has it that previous to his death he singlehandedly slew countless soldiers and thwarted an attack of nearly five-thousand men. But the punch line of all this is that he died in his sleep.” Min looked down on Shilon’s countenance with such satisfaction.
Shilon continued to drill Min, “Do you know who did this?”
“As a matter of fact I do. I can give you multiple names. And the best part about this is that I don’t like these names anymore, so feel free to blot them out.”
Shilon’s eyes glowed red. “Give me the names, and I will see to it that these monks do not live to breath tomorrow.”
Min began to laugh hysterically, like a boy who has taught his dog a new trick. His tattered face turned red from laughter. He paused to answer Shilon’s question. “Find Master Leon, he will squeal every name you need… Oh and be sure that you tell him who you represent. Yes, that will be fine.”Shilon turned and sprinted in the direction of the monastery. Min screamed after him, “Don’t forget about West Port when you’re done.”
(Not one of my best posts but I thought I'd throw in my sherbet twist.)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Bonita
after catching my breath, I followed the dark tunnels until I came to another door. the hallway it led to looked familiar, but it was hard to to tell in the dark. I was about to step out into the hall when I heard footsteps and the clanking of heavy armor. I left the passageway door open a crack so I could see who was there. I was relieved to see Will and Cordell. I got a little annoyed with their flirting, but decided to follow them anyway. I stayed far enough behind the that they wouldn't know I was there, and the soft leather on my shoes made it impossible to hear me walking. I noticed Will drop some paper, and picked it up. this is bound to be important I thought to myself, not being able to read it to know for sure.
(yes, I cannot read)
(yes, I cannot read)
William
(I'm going with the assumption that Bonita already fled the monastery, but that doesn't mean she can't meet up with Will on his journey, perhaps she even found the letter that told him to go to Westport?)
My mind was heavy with thought as I crept slowly and silently to Master Taldonis' room. I found him on his knees praying and I paused as he finished his prayer. He stood and turned and beckoned me inside.
I walked in and whispered, "Master Taldonis, someone tried to kill me and I think they think they succeeded. You need to keep it that way. I am leaving and it would be best for the monastery if I disappeared along with the key. Send a letter of apology to Bartholomew and tell him I was killed and the key is missing."
"And if he requests proof of your body?" Taldonis wondered.
"Tell him I was cremated as I had requested if I died," I smirked.
He nodded, "Very well. Good luck William."
I turned but paused, "There is one more thing."
"Yes?"
"You need to have a fake funeral," I hesitated. "I think someone inside the monastery is the assassin."
He only nodded and turned to his bed. I walked quickly back to my room and met no one. I carefully opened the door and crept inside. I couldn't see in the darkness.
"Cordell?" I whispered. "It's me."
I was surprised when I was greeted by her warm embrace, just hours ago she had been at death's door. I smiled, grabbed my sword, and I turned to the door. She followed me silently as I took a detour. I reached the armory and found my armor. She waited while I reached even further into the secret compartment and pulled out a sheathed dagger, long sword and a short sword.
Cordell helped me as I put the armor on and prepared to leave. I placed the dagger in my boot, the long sword on my right hip, and short sword on my left. Instead of walking out the armory door, as she expected, I walked down into the secret compartment with a torch from the room.
I descended the staircase into the lower levels of the monastery and found another torch at the bottom, which I lit and handed to Cordell. I walked normally through the corridors to the one door I had never entered. I pulled out the piece of paper and made sure it told me to go through this door and it did. I began to put it into my pocket but I failed to notice as it fell to the ground. I walked up to the door and opened it.
It revealed a long dark passageway and I followed it.
"Will?" Cordell asked, somewhat concerned. "Are you sure this is the right way?"
I only nodded, "I almost forgot."
I pulled the key out of my pocket and handed it back, "You are the keeper of the key and I'm your guardian. You deserve to carry this."
She blushed slightly and let me place it around her neck. She said, "Thank you for taking care of it for me."
I winked at her, "Anything for you."
"Brat," She punched me teasingly.
"Ow," I muttered as I turned and started down the passageway. I smiled to myself and we found ourselves emerging from the tunnel, what felt like an hour later, far away from the monastery.
We were surrounded by trees and I pulled out a map and checked our location. I found a tall mountain to use as a landmark and decided we needed to head towards it.
My mind was heavy with thought as I crept slowly and silently to Master Taldonis' room. I found him on his knees praying and I paused as he finished his prayer. He stood and turned and beckoned me inside.
I walked in and whispered, "Master Taldonis, someone tried to kill me and I think they think they succeeded. You need to keep it that way. I am leaving and it would be best for the monastery if I disappeared along with the key. Send a letter of apology to Bartholomew and tell him I was killed and the key is missing."
"And if he requests proof of your body?" Taldonis wondered.
"Tell him I was cremated as I had requested if I died," I smirked.
He nodded, "Very well. Good luck William."
I turned but paused, "There is one more thing."
"Yes?"
"You need to have a fake funeral," I hesitated. "I think someone inside the monastery is the assassin."
He only nodded and turned to his bed. I walked quickly back to my room and met no one. I carefully opened the door and crept inside. I couldn't see in the darkness.
"Cordell?" I whispered. "It's me."
I was surprised when I was greeted by her warm embrace, just hours ago she had been at death's door. I smiled, grabbed my sword, and I turned to the door. She followed me silently as I took a detour. I reached the armory and found my armor. She waited while I reached even further into the secret compartment and pulled out a sheathed dagger, long sword and a short sword.
Cordell helped me as I put the armor on and prepared to leave. I placed the dagger in my boot, the long sword on my right hip, and short sword on my left. Instead of walking out the armory door, as she expected, I walked down into the secret compartment with a torch from the room.
I descended the staircase into the lower levels of the monastery and found another torch at the bottom, which I lit and handed to Cordell. I walked normally through the corridors to the one door I had never entered. I pulled out the piece of paper and made sure it told me to go through this door and it did. I began to put it into my pocket but I failed to notice as it fell to the ground. I walked up to the door and opened it.
It revealed a long dark passageway and I followed it.
"Will?" Cordell asked, somewhat concerned. "Are you sure this is the right way?"
I only nodded, "I almost forgot."
I pulled the key out of my pocket and handed it back, "You are the keeper of the key and I'm your guardian. You deserve to carry this."
She blushed slightly and let me place it around her neck. She said, "Thank you for taking care of it for me."
I winked at her, "Anything for you."
"Brat," She punched me teasingly.
"Ow," I muttered as I turned and started down the passageway. I smiled to myself and we found ourselves emerging from the tunnel, what felt like an hour later, far away from the monastery.
We were surrounded by trees and I pulled out a map and checked our location. I found a tall mountain to use as a landmark and decided we needed to head towards it.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Cordell
I could feel myself slipping for a long time, death was approaching but I was not afraid. Suddenly my progress halted and I felt strength building and I decided to try and fight again. I had dreams of many things and many places I had been, though I had never been far. I tried to piece things together, but I couldn't see anything in a single, solitary piece.
I could feel I had been poisoned by something or someone, perhaps by myself. I felt time pass and I began to regain my senses. I felt a warm towel being placed on my head and I opened my eyes and tried to sit up. A firm, yet gentle, hand pushed me back down.
I heard a voice whisper softly, "You are still quite weak. Don't get up just yet. Rest a little more."
I closed my eyes and dreamt peacefully. I awoke to and sat up in a dark room. I saw a bowl and a plant on a small table a few feet away. There was also a man sleeping with his head on the table.
"He must have been up all night," I gasped. I stood up but almost fell from a sudden feeling of uneasiness that had washed over me.
I nudged the man and I heard him mumble something. I nudged him more and whispered a warning in his ear. His eyes flashed open in the darkness and I realized the man was William. I was instantly relieved, I had seen him in my dreams and he had been taking care of me. Perhaps those weren't dreams after all.
"What is it?" He whispered as he quietly knelt down beside me.
I knelt with him, "I don't know. I just feel, uneasy."
Will saw something out of the corner of his eye and put a hand over my mouth as I saw a small crossbow peak through the door and fire into the bed. Will did not move to give chase but I heard footsteps running away. The intruder had shot the pillow that had been displaced in my sleep, they must have been thinking it was Will.
Will must have felt safe now as he spoke and removed the hand from my lips, "I think it best for now if the enemy thinks I am dead. This goes far beyond the Orders of Madness and Harmony. Something bigger, I need to travel into Bartholomew's territory to find out exactly what."
"Take me with you William," I pleaded. "I'll be safer with you than I'd be here and you know that."
He took a deep breath and sighed, "Alright. You stay here. I'll be back after I talk to Master Taldonis. He'll fake a funeral for me."
William left, but I felt safer knowing I'd be going with him.
I could feel I had been poisoned by something or someone, perhaps by myself. I felt time pass and I began to regain my senses. I felt a warm towel being placed on my head and I opened my eyes and tried to sit up. A firm, yet gentle, hand pushed me back down.
I heard a voice whisper softly, "You are still quite weak. Don't get up just yet. Rest a little more."
I closed my eyes and dreamt peacefully. I awoke to and sat up in a dark room. I saw a bowl and a plant on a small table a few feet away. There was also a man sleeping with his head on the table.
"He must have been up all night," I gasped. I stood up but almost fell from a sudden feeling of uneasiness that had washed over me.
I nudged the man and I heard him mumble something. I nudged him more and whispered a warning in his ear. His eyes flashed open in the darkness and I realized the man was William. I was instantly relieved, I had seen him in my dreams and he had been taking care of me. Perhaps those weren't dreams after all.
"What is it?" He whispered as he quietly knelt down beside me.
I knelt with him, "I don't know. I just feel, uneasy."
Will saw something out of the corner of his eye and put a hand over my mouth as I saw a small crossbow peak through the door and fire into the bed. Will did not move to give chase but I heard footsteps running away. The intruder had shot the pillow that had been displaced in my sleep, they must have been thinking it was Will.
Will must have felt safe now as he spoke and removed the hand from my lips, "I think it best for now if the enemy thinks I am dead. This goes far beyond the Orders of Madness and Harmony. Something bigger, I need to travel into Bartholomew's territory to find out exactly what."
"Take me with you William," I pleaded. "I'll be safer with you than I'd be here and you know that."
He took a deep breath and sighed, "Alright. You stay here. I'll be back after I talk to Master Taldonis. He'll fake a funeral for me."
William left, but I felt safer knowing I'd be going with him.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Bonita
When the man approached us, I got a cold feeling. As soon as he mentioned the master's name I knew there was a problem. There was something in his voice that led me to believe that he knew more than he was saying. I continued to walk, as though nothing was wrong. after a few steps I was pulled into a dark corner. it was the one Will called Martin. he was bleeding profusely from his side, sitting on the floor behind a sculpture.
"You must get out of here, it is not safe for you here." I was about to ask how he knew my identity when he continued "someone knows you are here, and wants you dead. don't worry about the others, they will manage, but you must go now!" that was the last thing he said. Terrible memories flooded my mind as I continued to follow my original course.
my memories were suddenly interrupted when I got the chills. someone is following me. don't look back, keep walking. I quickened my steps as my stalker inched his way closer and closer. eventually I found myself running through the dark corridors of the monastery, desperately trying to lose him. I must find an exit. out of the corner of my eye I saw the wall move, as I drew closer I noticed a secret passageway. I sidestepped into the hole quickly and closed it behind me, just in time to hear my follower run past. (Luckily it was dark enough he did not see the passageway as well, and was apparently unaware of its existence.) his footsteps got quieter as he ran out of range(not noticing he wasn't chasing anyone), I sighed and sunk the the floor exhausted.
"You must get out of here, it is not safe for you here." I was about to ask how he knew my identity when he continued "someone knows you are here, and wants you dead. don't worry about the others, they will manage, but you must go now!" that was the last thing he said. Terrible memories flooded my mind as I continued to follow my original course.
my memories were suddenly interrupted when I got the chills. someone is following me. don't look back, keep walking. I quickened my steps as my stalker inched his way closer and closer. eventually I found myself running through the dark corridors of the monastery, desperately trying to lose him. I must find an exit. out of the corner of my eye I saw the wall move, as I drew closer I noticed a secret passageway. I sidestepped into the hole quickly and closed it behind me, just in time to hear my follower run past. (Luckily it was dark enough he did not see the passageway as well, and was apparently unaware of its existence.) his footsteps got quieter as he ran out of range(not noticing he wasn't chasing anyone), I sighed and sunk the the floor exhausted.
William
(Sorry this is a long, long post)
I saw the rider at the outer gates and the guards there let him inside. The rider got to the main gate and shouted up the password.
"It's Martin," I shouted to the guards. "Open the gate and let him in."
Martin crossed to the other side. He called up to me, "William. This girl here needs help."
I hurried down the stairs and carried her inside. Martin wanted to lead her to the area where we kept the other sick and injured but I turned off down a different hall and carefully laid her down on a much more comfortable bed.
Martin followed me inside, "Will, you know she shouldn't be in your bedroom, much less your own bed."
I turned and grabbed him by the robes and pulled him closer, "Listen up. Just because you are the masters' lapdog doesn't mean I take orders from you, Martin, and I never will. Now, what's wrong with her?"
I released my grip on his robes and he took a step back. He gulped and said, "I have no idea what's wrong but," He pulled the plant the woman had given him out of his robes. He continued, "A woman told me to boil this and give it to her."
"Why would she give you an herb to heal blood poisoning?" I shook it off. "It doesn't matter." I took it from him and whispered, "Thank you Martin. This whole war and everything and I found the people who kidnapped me an--"
Martin cut me off, "I know Will. Speak no more of it." He began to leave and said, "I won't tell anyone she is in here."
I spent the next few hours laboring over her mostly lifeless form, she kept on muttering incomprehensibly in the delirious state she was in. A hooded figure entered the room and I turned to face it.
"What do you want?" I asked, somewhat agitated.
The figure lowered the hood. I relaxed when I saw Bonita beneath.
"What happened?" She asked.
"I'm not sure," I scratched my head. "She should be fine for a few hours I have to go outside and find Master Moomow."
"I'll join you," She pulled the hood back up. "As long as I don't talk no one can tell I'm not just another monk and I can help people when the battle begins."
I nodded, "Alright. I'll see you when it's over. I'm going to go down in the middle of it when they get to the front gate."
A monk ran up to them and Bonita kept her head down and walked on.
I raised an eyebrow as he obviously wanted to talk to me, "What is it?"
"It's Master Moomow," The man said. "He is requesting you see him, now."
I motioned for him to lead the way and I was surprised to be led to Master Moomow's room. I saw him lying on the bed and I hurried over to his side and knelt beside his bed. He looked very weak.
"Poison arrow," He answered my pleading face. "Will there is something I must tell you."
I waited intent to hear what could be his final words. He motioned for the room to be clear before he spoke, "It is something that only a father can do for his son."
I didn't understand, "But Master--"
"Quiet Will," He pleaded. "I don't have much strength left. They made it a slow acting poison to prolong my suffering, but the end is near. You are my only son William Thrisfalen."
He handed me a letter, "I wish I could have told you everything myself, but I never could. I could never bring myself to tell you that I love you like only a father can love his son. I could never tell you how proud I was as a father has pride in his son. You surpass my strength William, and that is every father's dream. You are a legend in your own right and you will grow forever. Will,"
He grit his teeth together for a moment and then turned back to me, "I'm sorry, it's quite painful. Will, I'm proud of the man you've become and I'm proud of the path you have chosen. I love you Will."
Everything suddenly made sense and I could only reply, "I love you." The words were forced but I broke through the years of training and finished the sentence, "Father."
He smiled and said, "Read the letter once this battle is finished. Now I can leave this world with no regrets."
I watched as he stopped breathing and an uncontrolable rage filled my body as I marched from the room.
Martin ran up to me, "Will they are here."
I did not turn, did not react to his voice. I simply marched on to the armory and saw Master Taldonis getting ready to head outside.
"I came for my weapon," The rage in my eyes bid no arguement from him.
I walked over to the wall the staves were kept on and put my old weapon back. I then grabbed the top of the shelf and threw it to the ground, revealing a hidden compartment with a giant claymore, slightly taller than I was. I grabbed it and leaned it on the wall next to me. Behind the sword was a suit of armor. I pulled it out and began the painstaking task of securing it to my body.
In a moment a hand reached out and helped me get the armor on. The armor and weapon were made from no normal steel, it was an ancient weapon and armor the kind of which hadn't been made for centuries, perhaps millenia. The armor consisted of chain mail and plate mail and was extremely light considering the effectiveness of it, that's why I had sworn never to use it. Some things were too foolish to have sworn to do, but I had never before imagined that an enemy would require such use of force.
I was wrong.
"Thank you Master," I turned and saw him bowing.
"No thank you William," Taldonis said. "Today your wisdom surpasses us all. You know when to move past commitments and to search for greater truths, you will not be disappointed."
I walked out of the room and fixed the sheath to my back. I walked to the gate and yelled up to the guards to open it. The doors creaked open and I drew my weapon. I took a deep breath and charged out and saw a much larger army than I had expected. No matter, I didn't need to defeat them all. I single man beating an army of thousands would send them fleeing for the hills.
The doors behind me did not close as I expected. I yelled back without looking, "This is my fight."
"It may be your fight William," Master Taldonis called back. "But you are not alone."
I turned and looked and saw all the monks, young and old ready to fight at my back. I turned to the front and called, "Remember why we fight."
I charged forward and let loose and, inate bloodthirsty howl, as if combat itself called to me and beckoned me forward. Perhaps this was my heritage? To be a weapon of destruction. For now it did not matter. I saw the eyes of the enemy soldiers and I beheld the doubt as they grew ever closer.
I swung my sword into the line of shields that tried to protect them but my sword sliced them all in half and cut the ones who braced them. I was a good two hundred feet ahead of the rest of my army but the enemy was already beginning to break as I cut men down like they were paper. This army had had no training and I stopped cutting into the young men that I had found as they were all cowering before my terrible countenance.
I was covered in blood and I noticed the enemy army had mostly fled, I walked back to the castle and dropped my armor along the way. My army had taken injury and perhaps lost some lives, I didn't care at the moment, sleep beckoned. I had fought for hours before I had stopped and now the sun was rising, but before I gave in to the call...
I quickly changed my clothes in my room and washed my hands and face. Cordell was sleeping much more peacefully now. I didn't know what frightened me more, the killing, or the fact that I had liked it.
I saw the rider at the outer gates and the guards there let him inside. The rider got to the main gate and shouted up the password.
"It's Martin," I shouted to the guards. "Open the gate and let him in."
Martin crossed to the other side. He called up to me, "William. This girl here needs help."
I hurried down the stairs and carried her inside. Martin wanted to lead her to the area where we kept the other sick and injured but I turned off down a different hall and carefully laid her down on a much more comfortable bed.
Martin followed me inside, "Will, you know she shouldn't be in your bedroom, much less your own bed."
I turned and grabbed him by the robes and pulled him closer, "Listen up. Just because you are the masters' lapdog doesn't mean I take orders from you, Martin, and I never will. Now, what's wrong with her?"
I released my grip on his robes and he took a step back. He gulped and said, "I have no idea what's wrong but," He pulled the plant the woman had given him out of his robes. He continued, "A woman told me to boil this and give it to her."
"Why would she give you an herb to heal blood poisoning?" I shook it off. "It doesn't matter." I took it from him and whispered, "Thank you Martin. This whole war and everything and I found the people who kidnapped me an--"
Martin cut me off, "I know Will. Speak no more of it." He began to leave and said, "I won't tell anyone she is in here."
I spent the next few hours laboring over her mostly lifeless form, she kept on muttering incomprehensibly in the delirious state she was in. A hooded figure entered the room and I turned to face it.
"What do you want?" I asked, somewhat agitated.
The figure lowered the hood. I relaxed when I saw Bonita beneath.
"What happened?" She asked.
"I'm not sure," I scratched my head. "She should be fine for a few hours I have to go outside and find Master Moomow."
"I'll join you," She pulled the hood back up. "As long as I don't talk no one can tell I'm not just another monk and I can help people when the battle begins."
I nodded, "Alright. I'll see you when it's over. I'm going to go down in the middle of it when they get to the front gate."
A monk ran up to them and Bonita kept her head down and walked on.
I raised an eyebrow as he obviously wanted to talk to me, "What is it?"
"It's Master Moomow," The man said. "He is requesting you see him, now."
I motioned for him to lead the way and I was surprised to be led to Master Moomow's room. I saw him lying on the bed and I hurried over to his side and knelt beside his bed. He looked very weak.
"Poison arrow," He answered my pleading face. "Will there is something I must tell you."
I waited intent to hear what could be his final words. He motioned for the room to be clear before he spoke, "It is something that only a father can do for his son."
I didn't understand, "But Master--"
"Quiet Will," He pleaded. "I don't have much strength left. They made it a slow acting poison to prolong my suffering, but the end is near. You are my only son William Thrisfalen."
He handed me a letter, "I wish I could have told you everything myself, but I never could. I could never bring myself to tell you that I love you like only a father can love his son. I could never tell you how proud I was as a father has pride in his son. You surpass my strength William, and that is every father's dream. You are a legend in your own right and you will grow forever. Will,"
He grit his teeth together for a moment and then turned back to me, "I'm sorry, it's quite painful. Will, I'm proud of the man you've become and I'm proud of the path you have chosen. I love you Will."
Everything suddenly made sense and I could only reply, "I love you." The words were forced but I broke through the years of training and finished the sentence, "Father."
He smiled and said, "Read the letter once this battle is finished. Now I can leave this world with no regrets."
I watched as he stopped breathing and an uncontrolable rage filled my body as I marched from the room.
Martin ran up to me, "Will they are here."
I did not turn, did not react to his voice. I simply marched on to the armory and saw Master Taldonis getting ready to head outside.
"I came for my weapon," The rage in my eyes bid no arguement from him.
I walked over to the wall the staves were kept on and put my old weapon back. I then grabbed the top of the shelf and threw it to the ground, revealing a hidden compartment with a giant claymore, slightly taller than I was. I grabbed it and leaned it on the wall next to me. Behind the sword was a suit of armor. I pulled it out and began the painstaking task of securing it to my body.
In a moment a hand reached out and helped me get the armor on. The armor and weapon were made from no normal steel, it was an ancient weapon and armor the kind of which hadn't been made for centuries, perhaps millenia. The armor consisted of chain mail and plate mail and was extremely light considering the effectiveness of it, that's why I had sworn never to use it. Some things were too foolish to have sworn to do, but I had never before imagined that an enemy would require such use of force.
I was wrong.
"Thank you Master," I turned and saw him bowing.
"No thank you William," Taldonis said. "Today your wisdom surpasses us all. You know when to move past commitments and to search for greater truths, you will not be disappointed."
I walked out of the room and fixed the sheath to my back. I walked to the gate and yelled up to the guards to open it. The doors creaked open and I drew my weapon. I took a deep breath and charged out and saw a much larger army than I had expected. No matter, I didn't need to defeat them all. I single man beating an army of thousands would send them fleeing for the hills.
The doors behind me did not close as I expected. I yelled back without looking, "This is my fight."
"It may be your fight William," Master Taldonis called back. "But you are not alone."
I turned and looked and saw all the monks, young and old ready to fight at my back. I turned to the front and called, "Remember why we fight."
I charged forward and let loose and, inate bloodthirsty howl, as if combat itself called to me and beckoned me forward. Perhaps this was my heritage? To be a weapon of destruction. For now it did not matter. I saw the eyes of the enemy soldiers and I beheld the doubt as they grew ever closer.
I swung my sword into the line of shields that tried to protect them but my sword sliced them all in half and cut the ones who braced them. I was a good two hundred feet ahead of the rest of my army but the enemy was already beginning to break as I cut men down like they were paper. This army had had no training and I stopped cutting into the young men that I had found as they were all cowering before my terrible countenance.
I was covered in blood and I noticed the enemy army had mostly fled, I walked back to the castle and dropped my armor along the way. My army had taken injury and perhaps lost some lives, I didn't care at the moment, sleep beckoned. I had fought for hours before I had stopped and now the sun was rising, but before I gave in to the call...
I quickly changed my clothes in my room and washed my hands and face. Cordell was sleeping much more peacefully now. I didn't know what frightened me more, the killing, or the fact that I had liked it.
Bonita
I was a little weary being left alone with the old master, but Will reassured me. We walked down several dark empty hallways before we came to a locked door.
"come with me, I need to disguise you." Master Moomow said softly. the room was dimly lit.
"sit here, please." he motioned to a small chair in the corner. he then went to the lone dresser and pulled out a robe. tossing it to me, he said, "put this on, and go find Will. Knowing him he is down in the training yard. speak to no one. walk with your hood down, only enough to see the ground beneath you and no one will disturb you."
I nodded and pulled the heavy robe over my clothes, and left immediately without saying a word.
Master Moomow sighed heavily, "oh Will, if you only knew!"
a gloved hand quietly slithered through the curtains with an arrow pointed at Moomow's back.
"come with me, I need to disguise you." Master Moomow said softly. the room was dimly lit.
"sit here, please." he motioned to a small chair in the corner. he then went to the lone dresser and pulled out a robe. tossing it to me, he said, "put this on, and go find Will. Knowing him he is down in the training yard. speak to no one. walk with your hood down, only enough to see the ground beneath you and no one will disturb you."
I nodded and pulled the heavy robe over my clothes, and left immediately without saying a word.
Master Moomow sighed heavily, "oh Will, if you only knew!"
a gloved hand quietly slithered through the curtains with an arrow pointed at Moomow's back.
Friday, February 13, 2009
The Lone Monk
I don't have much time left to get back, He thought to himself. I was lucky they hadn't killed me for that disrespect.
Martin was on horseback riding through the forest, the roads weren't safe anymore. He looked back at his passenger, Cordell she had managed to tell him her name before she had passed out. She was suffering from what appeared to be an overdose on some kind of medicine. He had been forced to tie her to the horse and continue slowly, being that the horse carried two people.
This girl was strong, stronger than most men he'd ever seen. William was one who might surpass her. To think the Order of Peace and Madness had kidnapped him and failed to get him to join their cause. They hadn't known at the time that he was a member of the Order of Peace and Harmony or they wouldn't have abducted him, but it didn't matter. Martin was the one person who could tell it still bothered poor William.
Martin saw a shadow move in the woods nearby and a woman appeared in the darkness.
"Martin," She called him by name. "I have a horse for you. Get her back safely."
Martin did not recognize the woman and so he asked, "Who are you?"
She walked closer to the torchlight and he could see the horse, "My identity doesn't matter. Take the horse and get a move on. The army approaches faster than expected and boil this to give to her when you get back."
She placed a plant in the saddlebags and disappeared into the night. Martin didn't hesitate and he got ready to leave with the new horse and made sure he had a good hold on the reigns of both horses. He began moving at a much quicker pace than before and in a few more minutes he got back to the monastery.
Martin was on horseback riding through the forest, the roads weren't safe anymore. He looked back at his passenger, Cordell she had managed to tell him her name before she had passed out. She was suffering from what appeared to be an overdose on some kind of medicine. He had been forced to tie her to the horse and continue slowly, being that the horse carried two people.
This girl was strong, stronger than most men he'd ever seen. William was one who might surpass her. To think the Order of Peace and Madness had kidnapped him and failed to get him to join their cause. They hadn't known at the time that he was a member of the Order of Peace and Harmony or they wouldn't have abducted him, but it didn't matter. Martin was the one person who could tell it still bothered poor William.
Martin saw a shadow move in the woods nearby and a woman appeared in the darkness.
"Martin," She called him by name. "I have a horse for you. Get her back safely."
Martin did not recognize the woman and so he asked, "Who are you?"
She walked closer to the torchlight and he could see the horse, "My identity doesn't matter. Take the horse and get a move on. The army approaches faster than expected and boil this to give to her when you get back."
She placed a plant in the saddlebags and disappeared into the night. Martin didn't hesitate and he got ready to leave with the new horse and made sure he had a good hold on the reigns of both horses. He began moving at a much quicker pace than before and in a few more minutes he got back to the monastery.
William
(Yes I did modify what I had planned, but I decided it was too early for it.)
"Will," Master Moomow turned back to face me. "We need to prepare for an attack, we can talk later about your name."
He nodded at Bonita and continued back the way we had come. I sighed and whispered, "Not what I had wanted."
The training day in and day out with Randy had grown the two together like brothers and Master Moomow had been like their father. He had taught them right from wrong and how to fight and how to be men. He taught them more than he should have being just a teacher, but then he wasn't just a teacher...
I motioned for Bonita to follow and I went back up the stairs. I wasn't technically allowed to go down their but that hadn't ever stopped me before. I had been down here many times and only one door I'd never been on the other side of. I had been hoping he'd take me beyond that door, I suppose it was just time to wait. Master Moomow was waiting at the top of the stairs for us.
"May I have a moment alone with your friend Will?" He asked.
I nodded and turned back to Bonita, "You can trust Master Moomow with anything Bonnie. Don't worry, I'll be nearby if you need me."
I walked off and found my way to the armory. Master Taldonis was handing out weapons to the lower ranking monks. He nodded at my entrance and I returned the motion.
"Alright Master Leon is outside and will divide you into squads, this isn't a drill. Now go," He commanded. Once the room was empty he turned to me, "Was is it Will?"
"I need a new staff," I tossed him my old one and he caught it. "The padding got broken and it hurts to use it now."
"Not breaking your promise?" He smiled. "Good."
He tossed me a new staff, made the same way. I turned and walked out without responding. I walked outside and began to wait on the inner wall.
"Will," Master Moomow turned back to face me. "We need to prepare for an attack, we can talk later about your name."
He nodded at Bonita and continued back the way we had come. I sighed and whispered, "Not what I had wanted."
The training day in and day out with Randy had grown the two together like brothers and Master Moomow had been like their father. He had taught them right from wrong and how to fight and how to be men. He taught them more than he should have being just a teacher, but then he wasn't just a teacher...
I motioned for Bonita to follow and I went back up the stairs. I wasn't technically allowed to go down their but that hadn't ever stopped me before. I had been down here many times and only one door I'd never been on the other side of. I had been hoping he'd take me beyond that door, I suppose it was just time to wait. Master Moomow was waiting at the top of the stairs for us.
"May I have a moment alone with your friend Will?" He asked.
I nodded and turned back to Bonita, "You can trust Master Moomow with anything Bonnie. Don't worry, I'll be nearby if you need me."
I walked off and found my way to the armory. Master Taldonis was handing out weapons to the lower ranking monks. He nodded at my entrance and I returned the motion.
"Alright Master Leon is outside and will divide you into squads, this isn't a drill. Now go," He commanded. Once the room was empty he turned to me, "Was is it Will?"
"I need a new staff," I tossed him my old one and he caught it. "The padding got broken and it hurts to use it now."
"Not breaking your promise?" He smiled. "Good."
He tossed me a new staff, made the same way. I turned and walked out without responding. I walked outside and began to wait on the inner wall.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Dark Oak
“My master begs your forgiveness for not being in attendance, noble priests. Pressing matters at our monastery has called on the attention of Master Leon or any other master aware of our diplomacy that might be able to meet. ” A young monk, perhaps in his early twenties, clad in the garbs of a learner of Peace and Harmony stood silhouetted by a massive oak. Adrenaline shivered through the young monk as he glanced from side to side at nearly two dozen black hooded figures that appeared as dark specters during the mid-night hour. Tense anger could be felt flowing from these personages, as if they were radiating an invisible heat from off their bodies.
The old oak had been a secret meeting place among the order of madness and the order of harmony since the formation of the two varying cults. Many fantastic overthrows and wars had been planned in this grove clearing. The end of many countries had been concluded at the commencements of these meetings. Having no master in attendance from one or the other side was considered a terrible insult to the host of these meetings. And having a young learner sent as almost an afterthought was unthinkable. One might as well send a baby to debate among prestigious scholars.
An elderly hooded priest stepped into the center of the clearing and walked toward the young monk. “What could be so pressing that a Master of Peace and Harmony would think to miss a gathering with this counsel?”
“My master bade me not to tell of our dilemma.” The monk gulped. The elderly priest drew a jagged sword from under his cloak and grasped the collar of the young man with surprising strength. The monk panicked. “Please, our monastery… a small army, sent from King Bartholomew himself, is headed to destroy it. All the masters were needed to aid in our defense. I pray, do not shed my blood on this sacred place.”
A cackle rose from under the shadow of the old man’s cloak. The priest pulled back his hood with a loose finger on his sword hand. Moonlight illuminated a torn and scarred face. White strings of hair were all that remained on his scalp. His lips drooped low on the right side of his mouth. Broken teeth littered his smile as he continued to cackle. The old priest shook the terrified monk. “Now you can see what happens when things are left up to the protection of little harmonious boys.” The priest held the monk closer to his face, causing dirty spit to fly into the young man’s face. “I have a special assignment for you monk. Take this special cargo to the one called William among you, as a token of our goodwill. Have it noted that the next time your masters miss a meeting we won’t be sending a gift.”
A hooded priest and priestess came into the clearing holding a young woman with a sackcloth bag over her head. They pulled back the bag to reveal a very disgruntled Cordell. They threw her at the feet of the elderly priest. He loosened his grip on the young monk and retired into the group of priests in the woods.
(Lets all just get along)
The old oak had been a secret meeting place among the order of madness and the order of harmony since the formation of the two varying cults. Many fantastic overthrows and wars had been planned in this grove clearing. The end of many countries had been concluded at the commencements of these meetings. Having no master in attendance from one or the other side was considered a terrible insult to the host of these meetings. And having a young learner sent as almost an afterthought was unthinkable. One might as well send a baby to debate among prestigious scholars.
An elderly hooded priest stepped into the center of the clearing and walked toward the young monk. “What could be so pressing that a Master of Peace and Harmony would think to miss a gathering with this counsel?”
“My master bade me not to tell of our dilemma.” The monk gulped. The elderly priest drew a jagged sword from under his cloak and grasped the collar of the young man with surprising strength. The monk panicked. “Please, our monastery… a small army, sent from King Bartholomew himself, is headed to destroy it. All the masters were needed to aid in our defense. I pray, do not shed my blood on this sacred place.”
A cackle rose from under the shadow of the old man’s cloak. The priest pulled back his hood with a loose finger on his sword hand. Moonlight illuminated a torn and scarred face. White strings of hair were all that remained on his scalp. His lips drooped low on the right side of his mouth. Broken teeth littered his smile as he continued to cackle. The old priest shook the terrified monk. “Now you can see what happens when things are left up to the protection of little harmonious boys.” The priest held the monk closer to his face, causing dirty spit to fly into the young man’s face. “I have a special assignment for you monk. Take this special cargo to the one called William among you, as a token of our goodwill. Have it noted that the next time your masters miss a meeting we won’t be sending a gift.”
A hooded priest and priestess came into the clearing holding a young woman with a sackcloth bag over her head. They pulled back the bag to reveal a very disgruntled Cordell. They threw her at the feet of the elderly priest. He loosened his grip on the young monk and retired into the group of priests in the woods.
(Lets all just get along)
Cordell
(I'm gonna be using first person based on the title from now on.)
It was getting dark now and my captors were setting up camp for the night. They pulled me off the horse and threw me onto the ground near the fire they had just built. One guard stayed with me, even though I was tied up.
"Where are you taking me?" A more unsettling thought struck me. "What are you going to do with me? I don't have anything you want."
The guard laughed, "They'll probably take you back to our headquarters and torture you into giving us the location of the key."
"What?" The guard laughed some more at my aparant ignorance. "What do you mean? Why would you do that?"
These men were fools and she could tell as the rest gathered up and began drinking. I kept on acting scared and ignorant so they wouldn't suspect that I was untieing the ropes. A short while later I was free and I jumped to my feet and began to run into the night.
Where is it? I thought to myself. In a few minutes I found the herb I had been looking for and began eating as much as possible. I hope she was right.
They got closer and so I continued to run so they wouldn't catch me near the herb. I ran and ran and for a moment thought I had outrun the drunkards. That was until a hand grabbed me by the hair and threw me into the ground.
"The rest of these men you may have fooled into thinking you were a weak and scared child," He said calmly. "But I am not a fool. She wouldn't have entrusted the key with someone who was weak, no matter what." He searched me for a moment and grinned, "You left it with the monk didn't you? Fine by me, you are still coming with us."
He swung his hand and I lost consciousness.
It was getting dark now and my captors were setting up camp for the night. They pulled me off the horse and threw me onto the ground near the fire they had just built. One guard stayed with me, even though I was tied up.
"Where are you taking me?" A more unsettling thought struck me. "What are you going to do with me? I don't have anything you want."
The guard laughed, "They'll probably take you back to our headquarters and torture you into giving us the location of the key."
"What?" The guard laughed some more at my aparant ignorance. "What do you mean? Why would you do that?"
These men were fools and she could tell as the rest gathered up and began drinking. I kept on acting scared and ignorant so they wouldn't suspect that I was untieing the ropes. A short while later I was free and I jumped to my feet and began to run into the night.
Where is it? I thought to myself. In a few minutes I found the herb I had been looking for and began eating as much as possible. I hope she was right.
They got closer and so I continued to run so they wouldn't catch me near the herb. I ran and ran and for a moment thought I had outrun the drunkards. That was until a hand grabbed me by the hair and threw me into the ground.
"The rest of these men you may have fooled into thinking you were a weak and scared child," He said calmly. "But I am not a fool. She wouldn't have entrusted the key with someone who was weak, no matter what." He searched me for a moment and grinned, "You left it with the monk didn't you? Fine by me, you are still coming with us."
He swung his hand and I lost consciousness.
William
I smirked slightly at her response to the key, but I was worried how they would respond to Cordell when they finally realized she didn't have it. I began pushing on the main gate and suddenly an arrow landed beside my head.
I turned and didn't see whoever launched the attack, I then noticed a note attached to the arrow. I removed the arrow from the small amount of wood the gate had and opened the letter. The gate had a portcullis in the front and large wooden doors behind them.
I turned to Bonita, "We have to see Master Moomow now." I raised my voice to call to invisible friends, "By the Order of Raised Light I command you to open the gate of Peace and Harmony and allow William Thrisfalen and his companion entrance to this holy place."
The portcullis raised and the doors open and I walked into the sanctuary, Bonita was close behind me. We were greeted by several younger monks and they seemed somewhat surprised by Bonita's presence.
I ignored their surprise and asked, "Where is Master Moomow, I need to speak with him at once."
One of the boys pointed further inside and I marched past them. I past through the entry hall and up the stairs on my left.
"I know," I said to Bonita. "This doesn't look like a place monks would live. Randolph and I funded a little remodeling. It used to be creaky wood and moss filled walls."
I followed the spiral down into the most sacred place we had in the monastery. I grabbed an unlit torch off the wall and lit it on one of the lit torches. Then I continued down in silence, I heard Master Moomow's voice echoing up the stairs but, it was too distorted to hear clearly. The stairs ended and I saw Master Leon headed towards us.
He stopped when he saw Bonita. He growled angrily, "What is a woman doing down here?"
"She has permission," I spat back. "I have permission for a lot of things you don't know about Leon."
"How dare you address me without my title," Leon was furious.
"Your disrespect commanded retribution," I continued. "Keep it up Master Leon and I'll challenge you to a duel."
That shut him up, it was widely known that only Master Moomow could defeat me in single combat.
He started up the stairs with his own torch, "I still don't like it, boy."
I walked down the hall and made my way to the entrance of the room Master Moomow's voice was coming from. I glanced in and Master Moomow had silenced the room.
"Oh it's just you Will," Moomow addressed me. "Please come in."
I shook my head, "I wasn't here to become a master. I learned my full name, it's that time Master."
He nodded but I continued, "But first. Randy left this for you. I walked into the room and handed him the paper."
He glanced at it and laughed. After a moment he became serious, "I guess we should take all threats as serious even though a small group of soldiers would never be able to damage this fortress. Master Nathil, Master Hector, go secure the grounds and keep an eye out while Will and I go talk."
The other two masters with Moomow left the room and didn't notice Bonita hiding behind me as they left. Moomow walked out of the room and smirked as he evidently saw Bonita but didn't say anything.
"Right this way Will."
(You can post something about this Dee if you want but I was planning something bigish so don't have the attack start or anything.)
I turned and didn't see whoever launched the attack, I then noticed a note attached to the arrow. I removed the arrow from the small amount of wood the gate had and opened the letter. The gate had a portcullis in the front and large wooden doors behind them.
I turned to Bonita, "We have to see Master Moomow now." I raised my voice to call to invisible friends, "By the Order of Raised Light I command you to open the gate of Peace and Harmony and allow William Thrisfalen and his companion entrance to this holy place."
The portcullis raised and the doors open and I walked into the sanctuary, Bonita was close behind me. We were greeted by several younger monks and they seemed somewhat surprised by Bonita's presence.
I ignored their surprise and asked, "Where is Master Moomow, I need to speak with him at once."
One of the boys pointed further inside and I marched past them. I past through the entry hall and up the stairs on my left.
"I know," I said to Bonita. "This doesn't look like a place monks would live. Randolph and I funded a little remodeling. It used to be creaky wood and moss filled walls."
I followed the spiral down into the most sacred place we had in the monastery. I grabbed an unlit torch off the wall and lit it on one of the lit torches. Then I continued down in silence, I heard Master Moomow's voice echoing up the stairs but, it was too distorted to hear clearly. The stairs ended and I saw Master Leon headed towards us.
He stopped when he saw Bonita. He growled angrily, "What is a woman doing down here?"
"She has permission," I spat back. "I have permission for a lot of things you don't know about Leon."
"How dare you address me without my title," Leon was furious.
"Your disrespect commanded retribution," I continued. "Keep it up Master Leon and I'll challenge you to a duel."
That shut him up, it was widely known that only Master Moomow could defeat me in single combat.
He started up the stairs with his own torch, "I still don't like it, boy."
I walked down the hall and made my way to the entrance of the room Master Moomow's voice was coming from. I glanced in and Master Moomow had silenced the room.
"Oh it's just you Will," Moomow addressed me. "Please come in."
I shook my head, "I wasn't here to become a master. I learned my full name, it's that time Master."
He nodded but I continued, "But first. Randy left this for you. I walked into the room and handed him the paper."
He glanced at it and laughed. After a moment he became serious, "I guess we should take all threats as serious even though a small group of soldiers would never be able to damage this fortress. Master Nathil, Master Hector, go secure the grounds and keep an eye out while Will and I go talk."
The other two masters with Moomow left the room and didn't notice Bonita hiding behind me as they left. Moomow walked out of the room and smirked as he evidently saw Bonita but didn't say anything.
"Right this way Will."
(You can post something about this Dee if you want but I was planning something bigish so don't have the attack start or anything.)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Bonita
The massive structure was a little intimidating, so I made sure to stay close to Will. The people working the fields gave me strange looks as we headed towards the main gate. "you're sure this is a safe place?" I asked hesitantly. he nodded and gently brushed my shoulder with his hand and a look as if to say "you'll be fine."
for some reason I found myself beginning to trust him. I stopped suddenly, remembering that I had given Cordell back the trinket that had caused us all this trouble.
"what is it?" Will looked at me oddly.
"the...the...Cordell.."
he nodded, as if he knew exactly what I meant, and put his hand into his pocket briefly, and quickly showed me that he had it.
"but how?"
he shushed me, and acted as though it didn't exist as he slipped it back into his pocket, I just nodded ohand continued following him closely.
for some reason I found myself beginning to trust him. I stopped suddenly, remembering that I had given Cordell back the trinket that had caused us all this trouble.
"what is it?" Will looked at me oddly.
"the...the...Cordell.."
he nodded, as if he knew exactly what I meant, and put his hand into his pocket briefly, and quickly showed me that he had it.
"but how?"
he shushed me, and acted as though it didn't exist as he slipped it back into his pocket, I just nodded ohand continued following him closely.
Randolph
Randolph the monk couldn’t get away without making too much of a scene and was forced to participate in the purging. Though this was not as traumatic as little R. thought it would be. Carrying the dead bodies form the forest to the town and burning the village, without the villagers in side. “I guess Bartholomew isn’t that bad of a tyrannical dictator or Crooks is… up to something”
When Randy was leaving General Crooks was making arrangements with the peasantries. “This is interesting. But for the moment I have to run.” Grabbing his monkish garb, in a satchel he had left hidden, and wearing the new found armor underneath the robes Randy headed out spear-less and unskilled in archery.
“Good luck General Crooks, it looks like you're no man I need to be killing.”
Leaving the little valley half smoldering from the cover up death and the other half from a crispy forest, “my job here is done.” Thought to himself with a smirk. Walking away with a surplus map (i.e. cool stuff, of the general) in his hands Randy disappeared heading off to this “secret service” of Bartholomew’s. Randy was sure that they had something to do with his deed and he was sure going to get to the bottom of it.
Fumbling through the papers Randy found what he needed “hello Westport here I come.”
When Randy was leaving General Crooks was making arrangements with the peasantries. “This is interesting. But for the moment I have to run.” Grabbing his monkish garb, in a satchel he had left hidden, and wearing the new found armor underneath the robes Randy headed out spear-less and unskilled in archery.
“Good luck General Crooks, it looks like you're no man I need to be killing.”
Leaving the little valley half smoldering from the cover up death and the other half from a crispy forest, “my job here is done.” Thought to himself with a smirk. Walking away with a surplus map (i.e. cool stuff, of the general) in his hands Randy disappeared heading off to this “secret service” of Bartholomew’s. Randy was sure that they had something to do with his deed and he was sure going to get to the bottom of it.
Fumbling through the papers Randy found what he needed “hello Westport here I come.”
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