Valkyrie's Page of Wonder

March 06, 2008

Sneak Preview! - Fallen Angel - Raid

The sound of light footsteps what the only audible noise as the group slowly worked their way toward the courtyard of the temple. With the front lines so far to the south the temple barriers, wards, and guards had been relaxed and in some cases entirely absent.
They reach the north west wall and Valkyrie helps Verana jump over the wall. The elf lands silently on the other side. Skye and Grey fly over the wall next leaving Valkyrie alone. Knowing magic would still set off the alarm he proceeds to carefully and quietly scale the wall. Within moments he is over the top and lands softly on the grassy courtyard.
While Verana, Skye and Grey didn't know the exact reason they were here, Valkyrie did. Perhaps it was dangerous, foolish and a waste of time, but he had to find it. That book was his, given to him by the High Priestess herself. Then, on that fateful day, taken away. His name was already in it, he had marked passages, poured over its contents for years. Perhaps it was mere nostalgia, but the knowledge in that book would help him one day. He knew that much.
The entirety of the temple slept save for a few guards and companions at the front door. No one expected an attack from the back. Approaching the door that led into the main hallway, Valkyrie calls Skye up to pick the lock. Magic could have unlocked it a lot quicker, but it would set off the alarm and it was not time for that yet. The book was still not found.
With a barely audible click, the door unlocks. They quickly but silently open the door and make their way inside. Once everyone is inside, Valkyrie leads the them through the twisting halls straight to their destination, a small storage room where old items are kept. Finding it unlocked, they all head inside, closing the door behind them.
The room was slightly cramped with the four of them, but still enough room for one person to move around. Valkyrie instructs the other three to watch the door while he lights a nearby lamp. Shelves from floor to ceiling were crammed full of odds and ends. Rows and rows of books filled one side of the room and he proceeds to search for the book. One shelf had several used magic books on them. He checks out each one, looking through certain pages until he finds the one he came for. An inscription on the inside front cover reads: "To the best student this school has ever seen. May you life be full of excitement. - Celeste"
He jams the book into his inside coat pocket then turns to the others motioning them to leave. He extinguishes the lamp and they proceed back into the hall. Verana shoots him a questioning look, asking without words if that was why they came here.
Valkyrie shakes his head and points back the way they came. He leads them back through the halls stopping at a large door at the end of the sanctuary. The words "High Priestess" were etched onto a plaque on the door. He opens the door and they all silently make their way inside.
They now stand in the office of the High Priestess of Bast. A book shelf to the left holds years of research on magic and the special link between Priestesses of Bast and their animal companions. The temple of Bast had only recently begun letting Priestesses have animal companions, but the results were amazing. He grabs all the books on the subject he can and hands them to Verana who puts them in her bag. Valkyrie then checks the desk for any communications they could use against the temple of Bast. He finds several and hands them to Skye. Having gathered enough information they begin to file out of the office, but Valkyrie stops feeling someone behind him. The others leave the office and head for the designated meeting place.
Valkyrie turns to see the High Priestess looking at him from the doorway that connected her sleeping quarters to the office. She watches him for a moment, knowing who he was from the start. Memories rush back to Valkyrie, reminding him of the last time he saw her. He draws his sword.
"Is this how it ends for me, Xannon? Slain in the night by the one man who haunts my dreams?"
"Xannon is dead. Only I, Valkyrie, remain."
"I have dreamed about this moment for years, ever since you left. I always wondered if I would sound the alarm and fight back. But I feel calm, relaxed. I feel like it is supposed to happen like this. Like fate."
"I swore I would make her pay for what she did. And now my payback begins."
"You know if you slay me, that another will rise. One without the sympathetic attachment we have. She will not waver in her devotion to the goddess. She will be a thorn in your side for centuries. She will see you, and treat you like a servant of Kardis, not like the fallen angel I know you to be. One with the potential to rise again like the phoenix, Zyst."
Valkyrie stares at her for a moment, his devotion to the causes teetering on the edge. On one hand, Celeste had helped him through rough times, and he had helped her when reports of Naveen's death came in. On the other, she represented that which he hated most, the Goddess Bast, whose actions drove him to leave the temple. He remembers Sarah's last moments and how alone she felt.
With a sudden burst of energy Valkyrie drives his sword through Celeste's stomach. She doesn't scream, doesn't sound the alarm, she just smiles. Valkyrie withdraws his sword and Celeste wavers for a moment before slowly sliding to the floor.
"I have much faith in you, Xannon. Your destiny was determined before your mother even knew you existed."
Blood begins to tickle from the side of her mouth.
"You are fated for great things. Things I can't even comprehend. But I must give you a warning."
She motions for him to come closer. Valkyrie kneels next to her and she leans in close to his ear.
"Beware the elf girl. The actions of this night will cause great strife for you if you are not careful. I assume you came for your book."
Valkyrie leans back, shocked that she knew why he was here.
"I kept it for you. In my dreams I saw you take it. So many times did I see you take it. So many times did I wish for your return. And so many times did I know it was not meant to be."
She coughs up blood which splashes on to her white night gown.
"You must hurry. When I die the wards I have placed around this room will fail and everyone will know I am dead."
Valkyrie stands back up, again shocked that she has protected him from detection.
"Why have you done this for me? I cursed your goddess, revoked my priesthood, killed one of your priestesses. After all I have done against you, why save me?"
She was already getting weak, the strain of keeping the wards up was beginning to take their toll.
"You will... understand in time.... Now Go!"
She waves for him to go.
Valkyrie turns to leave. He slowly pushes the door open to check the area outside.
From behind him he hears Celeste's final words, "You are still my favorite student...."
Moments later ward fails and the entire temple seems to cry out in agony. Everyone is alerted to her death and the guards at the front door burst in and begin heading for his position.
"Goodbye Celeste," he says before leaving the office.

August 06, 2007

Sneak Preview! - Fallen Angel - End of the War

The forces of Bast did their best to destroy him, but Valkyrie’s dark shield protected him from everything. With the last of his army already defeated there was no chance to win this battle, let alone the war.
The elves of the forest cease their attack and begin to surround Valkyrie, careful of any sudden moves or increase in power. Knowing he is defeated, Valkyrie lowers his shield and waits, eyes closed, till a familiar voice speaks to him.
“You are a foolish man, Valkyrie,” the voice states. “Why do you expose yourself like this instead of flee?”
Valkyrie opens his eyes and looks straight into the face of Gatomon, High Priestess of Bast. Even though she had transformed into a hybrid cat for the battle, Valkyrie could still make out her features. He watches her carefully for a moment, thinking back to all his previous encounters with her.
“Why I choose to stay is none of your concern.”
“I could kill you where you stand you realize.”
“Then why don’t you? Are you afraid? My army’s destroyed! I stand here alone on the field of battle and still you fear me? Perhaps I underestimated you.”
“You have tricked us too many times before with your calls for peace. I will not make the same mistake again.”
Valkyrie takes a step toward Gatomon causing her to straighten up and several elves to ready their bows.
“So are you going to strike me down? Will you take this life that is being offered to you? Kill one defenseless human to save the lives of hundreds of thousands?”
“You’re no human! You’re a monster!”
“Monster?! I’m not the one who looks like a mutated panther!”
Gatomon takes a step back and thinks about that for a moment. She nods slightly and begins to transform back to her human form. Her shiny black fur falls off revealing her bare skin. After a few more second she stands in front of Valkyrie as a full human woman.
“I am not a monster on the inside, Valkyrie. Unlike me, you can’t take off what makes you a monster. You are a monster all the way to the core.”
Valkyrie slowly draws his sword from its sheath and hands it to Gatomon.
“If I truly am only a monster, you should have no trouble with what you must do.”
As Gatomon takes the sword, Valkyrie closes his eyes and raises his hands, waiting for the final blow. She watches him stand there waiting for her to strike, knowing she’s not supposed to kill a defenseless person. Moments pass, and the air stops. The only audible sound Gatomon can hear is her own slow breathing. She raises the sword and points it at his heart.
“Forgive me,” Gatomon whispers.
With one swift motion she plunges the sword into his chest causing him to stumble then fall. Valkyrie looks up at Gatomon as blood begins to trickle out of the side of his mouth.
“Perhaps now we can all have peace…”
Valkyrie winces in pain and collapses, lying motionless on the ground. Gatomon drops the sword on the ground next to Valkyrie while an elf runs up behind her to wrap her in a cloak.
“Is he really dead?”
“Yes, Valkyrie is dead. The war is over.”
“It’s over? Then why aren’t you more pleased?”
“He was right. I was afraid. Am afraid… Not of him or what he might do, but of what I might have to do. And now I’ve done it. I’ve killed a defenseless person.”
“But you said he was a monster.”
“Despite all his faults and everything he’s done or would have done, he was still human. He offered me his life, and I crushed it. Celebrate if you want, but I need to be alone for a while.”
Gatomon ties the cloak around her naked body and heads off into the Forest of Enlightenment. The elves cheer and race back into the forest to tell stories of Valkyrie’s last moments. Stories that will be at the most, half true.
Valkyrie’s spirit stands up from his fallen body and looks around. He then turns to the Forest of Enlightenment and watches Gatomon disappear behind the trees.
“Is this what you wanted, Bast? The forces of Kardis destroyed? Your precious land saved? For over four hundred years I’ve begged, I’ve pleaded for you to hear me so this is my final request of you. Welcome me back into your arms. Let me embrace my love once again.”
He waits for a response but hears nothing.
“Am I already too lost? Have I taken too many lives? Do you even remember me? Or have you forgotten me entirely?”
Still nothing.
“I’m dying, Bast! I only want redemption for my soul. Can’t I at least have that?!”
Silence.
“Will you deny me even unto death? How can you remain silent?”
Valkyrie starts to feel the warm touch of Bast’s power.
“Is it? Have you finally come to take me home?”

June 29, 2007

Fallen Angel - Final Visit

For years after Gatomon’s appearance Xannon’s life was simple. This truly was a free town. No one here ever even mentioned Bast or any other of the gods or goddesses. Life was finally starting to get back to normal for Xannon. Despite the fact that everyone in town loved him for the protection he provided them, he still felt alone inside; still felt the empty hole in his heart from Sarah.
“Lucky, when are you going to start dating some of the girls around here? You know they are all dying to be with you. Knowing you are available makes it very hard for the rest of us to get their attention.”
“It’s not like I asked for their attention,” Xannon replies.
“Doesn’t matter, ‘cause you got it.”
“So I’ve noticed.”
“What about Angie? She’s cute, and her father is on the town council. You could get a lot of favors that way you know.”
“Not interested.”
“Maybe you don’t like blondes? What about Ann? Brunette, tight body, and like the rest, would love you date you.”
“Not interested.”
“Susie then? Red heads are nice too.”
“I told you, I’m not interested.”
“Maybe you just don’t like girls.”
“Don’t make me hurt you.”
“Alright, just checking. Five years of not dating anyone kinda makes me wonder, though.”
Xannon stares out the window next to his desk.
“Let’s just say I still have my heart set on someone from back home.”
“Works for me I guess. If I tell the girls that maybe I get them interested in me instead.”
“Go for it. I’m going outside for a moment. I need some fresh air.”
“Sure thing.”
Xannon gets up and heads for the door. As he heads outside a cool fall breeze blows through his hair.
“Xannon…” a voice whispers.
He quickly looks around, seeing no one, he continues on to the town gates. The guard gives him a nod as he strolls past into the rolling hills outside the walls. He walks over to a large boulder, which has become his favorite spot to rest at times like this. It reminded him of the large rock behind the Temple of Bast where he and Sarah used to sit. Back when things were simpler and his life wasn’t screwed up. He sits down and looks out toward the nearby valley. He suddenly gets the feeling that someone is watching him and turns to look, but sees nobody.
“Xannon…” the voice again whispers. “Please…come back…”
He continues to look around but still no one is visible.
“Leave me alone…” Xannon whispers. “That man is dead, only I remain.”
A vision of Bast appears in front of him, her feline features catch his attention. Never had Bast appeared before him, but despite the awe-inspiring appearance, Xannon had no desire to bow or show reverence.
“What do you want?” Xannon asks rudely.
“There are things at work that you can’t possibly understand; reasons behind every action. You must know that I had no idea those actions would cause you to react like this.”
“Reasons for everything? So there was a reason that Sarah had to die? No…that you let her die?”
“Yes, there are reasons for her death, but you cannot yet understand those reasons.”
“What I understand, is that you took the only person I have ever loved away from me. If that is how you treat those that serve you, then I want no part of you.”
“Perhaps one day, when you are older, you will understand the reasons of the world. Know that when that day comes I will be there waiting for you with open arms.”
“Then know this, when that day comes, I will run you through with my sword, even if it means my death. For death would be a welcome release from this living hell you’ve given me.”
Bast lowers her head and sheds a single tear.
“I can see now the pain you feel, the hurt that lives inside.”
“You see nothing!” Xannon yells. “You have NO idea what it’s like! The unbearable PAIN that comes from having to keep my very name a secret! The untold AGONY burning inside from having lost my one true love! Forget about me, Bast! Forget everything you were hoping to make me into! Just leave me ALONE!”
Xannon turns his back on Bast and stands facing the city.
“Farewell, my child. May the next time we meet have a happier ending.”
Xannon feels her presence leave him and he turns. The once happy valley now seems drab and mundane. He turns back to the city and goes back to work.

May 26, 2007

Fallen Angel - Familiar Faces

The warm summer sun pours through the open window of Xannon’s room and splays across his face. Today was one of the few days he’s had off since he started work at the town watch six months ago. He still stayed at the inn, not having made enough money to get his own place. Plus he liked working at the bar at nights. It let him get to know the people of the town.
So far there had been no direct attacks on the city, a feeling that he never had in Hirogei. Peace was something that came naturally here. If only he could forget the life he lost and the love that was taken from him.
Xannon rolls out of bed and starts getting dressed. Since this was his day off from the town watch, Skuld makes him work downstairs in the morning instead of at night. Xannon didn’t mind too much, it allowed him time at night by himself to ponder his roll in his new world.
“How did things end up like this?” Xannon asks his reflection in the bathroom mirror. “Does someone hate me or am I just that unlucky?”
He finishes getting ready and heads down to the bar to begin work. As he straps on his apron and sets up behind the bar, a familiar face enters the bar.
“Gatomon?” he asks himself, “What is she doing this far south?”
Gatomon walks up to the bar and notices Xannon she studies him for a moment then asks, “Do I know you? You look kinda familiar.”
“I don’t believe we’ve met before. But, I do have one of those faces that look like everyone. What can I get for you?”
“Indeed… I’ll take a glass of water to start. The trip here from Hirogei is not an easy one and my mouth is parched.”
“So I’ve heard. Are you here for a reason or are you just passing through?”
“I’m trying to find someone. We heard some reports about a swordsman with magical skills showing up here a couple of months ago and we’re hoping to recruit him into our ranks.”
Xannon stifles a laugh before asking, “Which ranks would those be?”
Gatomon holds up the amulet around her neck, “The forces of Bast. This amulet is given to those who have shown great dedication to the goddess.”
“Ah, I see. So how goes the war? I thought the front lines were little further north than this.”
“They are, and yes, I’m in enemy territory, but there are some things worth risking your life for, wouldn’t you agree?”
“I agree there are things worth that, such as family and friends. But I wouldn’t risk my life just because someone told me to do something dangerous for no reason.”
“There are reasons for everything. Just because we are not told those reasons doesn’t give us the right to disobey orders.”
“If your commanders cannot trust you with the reasons for sending you into danger, how can you trust that they aren’t sending you for the wrong reasons?”
“Faith. You have to have faith in your superiors. Faith, in case you didn’t know, is believing in something when there is no evidence.”
“I know what faith is, but I have no faith in your Bast. Her actions toward me have destroyed what little faith there was.”
“Whatever she did, she did for a reason. The gods test our faith, and it seems that you failed.”
“Well, I don’t think your magical swordsman will want to join your goddess either.”
“Why’s that? Does he have something against her too?” Gatomon asks, confused.
“Something like that.”
“Perhaps if I could talk to him I could convince him to join. Do you know where I could find this swordsman?”
“That would be me,” Xannon states. “And like I said, I don’t want to join you or your goddess. This town is free of divine influence and we would like to keep it that way. So if you don’t mind, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
“Under what authority?” Gatomon asks, visibly disturbed.
Xannon pulls aside his shirt revealing the symbol of the town watch, “Under authority of the town watch. You can leave peacefully, or I have you escorted out of the city. It’s your choice.”
“I will take my leave now,” Gatomon says, getting up and heading toward the door. “What name should I include in my report to Bast?”
“Lucky,” Xannon says. “Yeah, lucky she didn’t recognize me.”
“Lucky? Hmph. Very well. We will be watching you, Lucky. Perhaps one day you will change your mind.”
“I kind of doubt that, Gatomon.”
Gatomon stops and turns, “How do you know my name? I never told you.”
“Guess, I’m just lucky.”
“Yeesh, that was close.”
“Uh huh,” Gatomon replies, turning back around. “Bast is always watching over us. Always watching.”
Gatomon leaves and Xannon begins clearing off the bar.
“She wasn’t watching over her…” Xannon mumbles to himself.
“Something wrong?” Skuld asks from behind him.
“No, just having a little conversation with a priestess of Bast.”
“Did you tell her to leave? I don’t like having any priests or priestesses in my town.”
“Yes, I told her to leave.”
Despite the fact that Gatomon had gone, Xannon still felt her presence. Still felt Bast’s presence. Was she trying to apologize for what was done? Did he really care?
“Leave me alone, Bast. You took everything from me. There is nothing you can do to make me forgive you for that. I swear that one day; I will make you pay for your crimes. One way or another, you will pay.”

May 01, 2007

Fallen Angel - Visitation

Sarah dances across an open field followed closely by Xannon. She giggles and twirls happily. Xannon stops and watches her, smiling at how beautiful and carefree she is.
The sky starts to grow dark and Xannon tries to run to her side. No matter how fast he runs he can’t seem to catch up to her. Sarah continues to dance unaware of the darkness. A tiger appears from a dark corner and begins to prance around Sarah, then without warning it lunges at Sarah and slashes her across the chest. Xannon calls out but no words escape his mouth. He watches in horror as the tiger literally tears Sarah to shreds.
Stepping over the fallen remains of Sarah, the tiger spots Xannon and charges.
“Sarah!” Xannon yells out, sitting straight up in bed, covered in sweat.
He breathes heavily for a few moments, as the images play through his mind. Resting his head in his hand he reaches over and checks the time.
“Three in the morning…”
He swings his legs over the edge of the bed and rests there a moment.
“Not much point in trying to get back to sleep now.”
He gets up and heads for the shower to clean up. Sarah being attacked by the tiger had been haunting his dreams since he arrived. Usually it just woke him up and he went back to sleep, but lately it’s seemed more real, as if he could smell the blood. Those nights he would be scared awake and usually stayed awake the rest of the night, scared that whatever that tiger represented was waiting for him in the dream world.
Xannon exits the shower and gets dressed for work. His day normally started with the morning watch at sunrise, but on the days he couldn’t sleep he would head out of the city to a rocky outcropping that overlooked the valley to the west. He quietly makes his way down the hall and down the stairs to the outside. As he pushes the door open the cool night air chills his face and arms. He pushes through and starts toward the town gate.
“The tiger again?” the guard at the gate asks as Xannon approaches.
Xannon nods and the guard opens the small door beside the gate. As he makes his way to the boulder where he normally sat, a familiar presence enters his mind. He can tell at once that it’s Bast.
“Why do you torture me?” Xannon asks.
“I am only here to help you,” Bast answers.
“Like you helped Sarah?”
“I helped her as much as I could. Her wounds were fatal.”
“The body is just a shell, Bast. They taught us that at school. A shell can be healed, fixed, repaired, and even brought back.”
“I never said the wounds were bodily. There are forces at work here far beyond your comprehension.”
“Then help me to understand. Tell me why she had to die.”
“She had to die for reasons you cannot understand, no matter how many times I would try to explain. But you must understand that she, just like you, is destined for great things. All I can tell you is that one day, you will be reunited.”
“In life, or in death?”
“That decision will be yours to make.”
Xannon feels her presence leave and he left alone on the mountain side over looking the valley below. The sun had not yet risen but cast enough ambient light to make the valley visible. Far below the animals had begun to stir from their slumber. Xannon watches the animals and thinks about what Bast had told him: “One day, you will be reunited.”
“How long must I wait for that day, Bast? How many days, weeks, months, or years must I suffer with this pain?”
Another presence descends on the area and Xannon looks around but sees nothing. The presence seems sinister, full of anger and spite. The presence felt nearly like Xannon felt; full of hatred and anger. As the presence continued to permeate the area, Xannon began to feel a connection to it.
“She lies…” A voice whispers.
“Who’s there?” Xannon asks, turning to look for the source of the voice.
“She let her die…”
“What do you mean?”
“She had a choice and she chose to kill her…”
“What choice did she have?”
“She could have chosen to end the war, but instead she chose to kill her and drive you away.”
“That doesn’t make any sense. Why would she do that?”
“Because she would have lost. She chose to kill her to have a second chance of winning the war. I can tell she was here. Trying to win you back no doubt, but you made quite an exit, there is no chance for you to go back. What are you going to do now?”
New thoughts rushed through Xannon’s mind. Was this new voice telling the truth? If it was it changed his entire view of Bast.
“How do I know you’re telling the truth?”
“I don’t gain anything by lying. The truth will set you free to make your own choices. You know now that Bast will sacrifice others for her own ends. Yehova is no different.”
“What about you? Do you sacrifice people for your own ends?”
“Of course, but I find ways to sacrifice their people and not mine. I must leave you now, but one day I will send my servant to your village, you can choose to join me then.”
“Who are you?”
The presence fades and Xannon question is left unanswered. The sun begins its rise over the mountains shining light into the houses of the town. Confused by the double visitation, he heads back into town.

April 15, 2007

Fallen Angel - Starting Over

Having been kicked out of Hirogei, Xannon heads for his hometown to see his parents. He arrives in the city and is greeted by cold shoulders and resentment. He knocks on the door to his parents’ house and after a moment, his father opens the door.
“Hello,” he answers. “How can we help you?”
Immediately, Xannon knows his father will no longer recognize him as his son or even pretend to know him.
“Who is it, dear?” Xannon’s mother calls from inside the house.
She comes to the door and looks at her son with eyes that beg to defy the High Priestess.
“Oh!” she exclaims. “You look terrible. Would you like to come in for a bite to eat? I’m not one for helping strangers, but you look like you lost everything.”
She brushes past Mr. Okunen and pulls Xannon inside. She directs him to the table and tells him to wait there while she prepares some hot food for him.
“We have some extra clothes if you would like them as well.”
Xannon smiles at her attempts to help him despite what the High Priestess had obviously said to them.
“Yes,” he replies. “That would be nice.”

After a warm meal and several sets of clothes packed into a bag, Mrs. Okunen walks Xannon to the door.
“Be careful,” she says, resisting the urge to hug the son she most likely will never see again.
Xannon looks at her for a moment then turns to look down the street.
“Don’t worry about me. I can handle myself. I don’t need anyone looking out for me anymore.”
He begins walking down the street that leads out of the city without turning to look back. Mr. Okunen comes to the door and watches him go.
“You realize you have jeopardized our lives by helping him, don’t you?” he asks.
“I don’t care. No matter what the High Priestess says, he is still my son. The Goddess knows how I feel and understands completely,” she replies.
They head back inside as Xannon continues out of the city.

~<3~

Xannon wanders through the great Klemayn plains in search of something, anything to continue living for. It’s been over a month since he left his hometown and the parents he’ll never see again. Finding food is difficult and he hasn’t had a decent meal for two weeks. As he stumbles further south, he enters the foothills that mark the southern boundary of Risah. He didn’t know where he was going but hopefully he would find something beyond these hills.
As he crests the hill he sees a road going west, deeper into the mountains. Not knowing were to go, he heads west down the road, hoping to find something, anything to keep him going for a little while longer.
After walking for days through rough terrain and feeding off what little edible vegetation there was he sees in the distance a small but active town. With renewed vigor he sets off for the town.
When he reaches the town the sign posted out front reads: “Filgara.” Filgara was a bustling new town without any ties to any temple. The leaders of the town planned on keeping it that way too. A free town where anyone could come and stay without fear of temple authorities, a place that was exactly what Xannon needed.
“Halt, who goes there?” the guard asks as Xannon approaches.
“Just a young man down on his luck and needing a place to rest his weary legs,” Xannon replies.
“Do you have a name or should I just call you, Lucky?”
“My name is…”
Xannon pauses. He had no name. It hadn’t really affected him until now. How would anyone address him with no name?
“Lucky sounds like a good name to me. I need all the luck I can get at this point.”
The guard laughs and lets him pass.
“Go check out the Gilded Rose Inn, the innkeeper there has a tendency to help out those who need it. Perhaps she can even help you.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Xannon heads into town and locates the Gilded Rose. He stumbles inside and finds a quite spot in the corner to rest. After a moment, a waitress walks over.
“What can I get for ya?”
“Just water will be fine,” Xannon replies.
The waitress leaves and returns with a glass of water. Xannon looks at the glass wondering if there was any reason to keep going. Before the waitress leaves he turns to her.
“Is there anything to do in this town? What I mean is I’m new here and I need a job and a place to stay.”
The waitress thinks for a moment, “What are you good at?”
“I am… or at least I was good with the sword. I haven’t had a chance to practice on anything more than a wild dog.”
“Well we have plenty of guards, but if you want, you can check with Captain Powell he might be able to find a use for that arm. As for a place to stay, I’ll check with Ms. Skuld and see if she has a room available.”
“I don’t have any money. In fact, I don’t have much of anything to my name.”
“Well in that case, you better talk to Ms. Skuld. I’ll tell her to come over. You just drink your water and rest up.”
The waitress heads back to the bar to talk to Ms. Skuld. Xannon takes a drink of his water, letting it cool his mouth before swallowing. He continues to drink and manages to empty his glass before Skuld comes over.
“Hello, sir. My name is Ms. Skuld and I own this inn. I heard you needed some help.”
“That is correct. I need a job, a place to stay, and some food.”
“Starting over I see. Well if there was ever a good place to try and start over, Filgara would be it. People have come from all over Gi’erth to settle here. Amy mentioned you have no money, so the first thing we need to do is get you a job. I’ll let you stay here until you get back on your feet, but don’t expect to stay for free. When you are done with whatever job you have, I expect you to work here during the late shift. She also mentioned you’re decent with a sword so I’m going to send you to my friend, Jack Powell. He’s the captain of the town watch and is always looking for strong young men such as yourself. You can find him in the town watch building near the center of town. It’s the building with the crossed swords and shield above the door. Hard to miss. Head over there now and when you get back I’ll have a decent meal waiting for you.”
“Thank you ma’am. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“I have an idea, and don’t call me ma’am. Call me Skuld.”
“Thank you Skuld.”

Xannon stands and heads back out into the city. Feeling a little better about life he heads for the town watch building and asks for Captain Powell.
“I would like to see the Captain. Skuld at the Gilded Rose sent me over.”
The officer at the desk turns to look out the window into the training yard and points to the Captain.
“See the man with the leather jerkin beating the crap out of the poor shmuck in the full plate? That’s the captain. Go talk to him but be ready to defend yourself. He likes to give what he calls ‘pop quizzes’”
The officer hands Xannon a basic short sword and leads him outside.
“Excuse me, Captain Powell? Skuld said you might be able to provide me with a job?”
Powell breaks free of the other guy and kicks him square in the chest, sending him falling backwards, where he stays for a moment, recovering his senses.
“A job? You expect me to give you a job? You think the town watch needs another drifter in its ranks? Almost everyone who comes into this town wants to join the town watch. Everyone thinks they are good with the sword and almost everyone of them gets beat to the ground in seconds, like that poor slob.”
Powell gestures to the guy in full plate still struggling to get up.
“So do you think you are good?” he asks.
“I used to be. Not too sure anymore. I haven’t had to fight a person in months, only wild animals.”
“Well let’s find out. Attack me. And don’t hold back either. If you do manage to cut me you’ll be the first person in three years. En garde!”
Powell immediately attacks, giving Xannon barely enough time to block. The clanging of steel on steel brings flashes of memory to his mind. Memories of a life forgotten, of love lost. His mind wanders yet his blade never falters. As his mind returns to the present he knocks aside Powell’s sword and goes to strike, but Powell is faster and brings his sword back in to block. Realizing that Xannon might be more of a challenge, Powell steps it up, swinging faster and stronger, and forcing Xannon to concentrate more on the moment. Powell swings at Xannon’s head, forcing him to duck. He uses this opportunity to try and knee Xannon in the face, but he dodges to the right catching Powell’s left leg in the process, tripping him up and making him stumble a little. As Xannon rolls to get up, he is forced to dodge another strike from Powell’s blade. Xannon counters with a swing at Powell’s free arm. He pulls it in just enough to avoid getting hit, and then punches Xannon square in the chest, knocking the wind out of him and forcing him to stumble backwards. He regains his breath and balance without falling and prepares to attack.
As the match continues, the other officers gather around to watch the fight. More than once Xannon has a close call with the blade nearly slicing off an arm. Soon they are both bruised but uncut. As the fight gets more intense, Xannon starts to regain his skill with the sword and the tables begin to turn in his favor. With Powell now on the defensive, Xannon is able to focus more on his attacks and finding a weakness in Powell’s defense. With a swift deflection of Powell’s sword Xannon points his free hand at Powell and a gust of wind blows him backward into the gathered crowd. Xannon charges but stops when he sees Powell drop his sword and throw his hands up.
“Hold! I may have bested you had you been a mere swordsman. But against a mageknight, I will surely lose. You have proven yourself worthy tenfold. You have a job here if you wish to take it. We could use strong, powerful men like you here.”
Xannon helps Powell back to his feet.
“I think I’ll take you up on that offer. Maybe you can teach me a couple of things about the sword.”
“I was hoping you’d do the same for me,” Powell says dusting himself off. “And perhaps a little magic if you’re willing.”
“I may just do that. But right now, I’m going to get some food. I haven’t eaten anything good for weeks.”
Xannon turns to leave.
“Wait a minute. You mean you fight that good when you starving? I’d hate to face you on your good days. Where do you come from?” Powell asks.
“I come from a place where no one knows my name. Where everyone I used to know has forgotten me, and the only person I had every truly loved has died. I am a lost soul searching for a new place to call home.”
“You sound like you’ve had it rough. What’s your name?”
“I, like those where I come from, have forgotten my name. You can call me Lucky. It was luck that brought me here to this town and luck that kept me from harm in our fight. And if everything goes well it will be luck that gives me a good meal and a decent night’s sleep in a warm soft bed.”
“Well, Lucky, we’re glad to have you in our ranks. You go on back to Skuld and get that warm meal. I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow morning.”

April 10, 2007

Fallen Angel - Falling

It has been nearly a month since Xannon headed for Gaia City. Life was indeed full of technological wonders, but living with the Priests of Yehova was nearly unbearable. The constant state of alert was wearing him down and lately it’s been nearly impossible to get a decent nights sleep.
“Get up Xannon!” the priest orders.
Xannon rolls over in his bed to look at the priest. He sits up and stretches then starts getting dressed. The priest walks back to the main room where a letter had been hand delivered by a temple associate. It was addressed to Xannon, but the priest had taken the liberty of opening it. The letter came from Hirogei and contained disturbing news.
Xannon enters the main room and the priest approaches him, holding the letter out for him to see.
“Good morning to you too, Alex,” Xannon says.
He takes the letter and notices it was opened.
“No privacy with you around is there?”
Alex remains quiet and Xannon opens the letter. He takes a seat in one of the chairs as he begins to read it.

To Priest Xannon Okunen,

Priestess Amanda Moore

Xannon puts the letter down then turns to Alex. He hoped that he would let him go to Hirogei to see her despite the hatred that was growing inside him for the katta priestess. Alex answers the unspoken question.
“If you want to go, I won’t stop you. Just don’t do anything stupid or rash. Kimberly is already being investigated for this attack and will suffer the ruling of the High Priestess. You have to let justice take care of things, do you understand?”
“I understand what you are saying.”
Xannon stands up and heads for the door.
“I’m leaving now.”
He opens the door and leaves, closing it behind him.

~<3~

When Xannon arrives in Hirogei he heads for the Mayor’s mansion, where the temple activities are run. He introduces himself as a Priest of Bast to the guards, who promptly let him inside.
Once inside a fellow priestess leads him through the mansion to the room where Sarah was being treated. He slowly pushes the door open and sees her lying on the bed with a blanket pulled up to her neck. A priestess kneels on either side of the bed, praying for her health and trying to heal her, an attempt that Xannon could immediately tell was futile.
He kneels next to her and brushes his hand across her cheek. The warmth was already gone from her face despite the blanket. It was clear she was in shock. She turns her head in Xannon’s direction and opens her eyes. A smile tugs at the edges of her lips.
“I knew you’d come. I never stopped believing in you.”
She reaches over and hands Xannon a little brown box tied with a brown string.
“I never needed to open it. I could always feel your presence even though you were miles away.”
Xannon kisses her forehead, “Do you want to see what’s in the box?” he asks.
“Too cold,” Sarah replies, in a slow, raspy voice. “I don’t feel her presence any more.”
“Save your strength,” Xannon comforts. “The priestesses are praying for you as we speak.”
“I’m not going to make it, am I?”
“Of course you will,” he consoles.
Xannon cups her cheek in his hand.
“Never forget me, Xannon. No matter what happens in the future, you must always remember us and what we had.”
“Stop talking like you’re going to die. The goddess is always watching out for us, remember.”
“It feels like someone is blocking her eyes, Xannon. I’m so cold and alone.”
“I’m here for you. You can’t leave me now,” Xannon pleads. “We still have our entire lives to live together.
“I see her!” Sarah says, staring wide-eyed at the ceiling. “She is calling me to her. I feel so warm now.”
Sarah closes her eyes and a smile spreads across her face as her final breath escapes past her lips.
Xannon sits there, himself in shock, staring at the face of a fellow believer in Bast, his lover, and his friend. Had she been let down by her Goddess when she needed her most? There was no telling what was going on in Bast’s mind. The mind of a God or Goddess is not something mere mortals can comprehend.
What Xannon did know, however, was that the katta now in Town Watch custody was responsible for her death. She had caused the fatal wounds that took Sarah’s life. If not for that katta, Sarah would still be alive.
Xannon stands up and turns to the door while one of the priestesses draw the blanket up over Sarah’s head. The other looks at Xannon and places a comforting hand on his shoulder. He pauses a moment, feeling her hand touch his shoulder, then pulls away and leaves the room, the brown box falling to the ground.
As he leaves, the priestess that tried to comfort him picks up the box. As she does so, the small string finally breaks spilling the contents onto the floor. She reaches down and picks up a small diamond ring. An inscription on the inside of the band reads: “Yours forever and always.”

~<3~

A week after Sarah’s death, Xannon stands in the Court of Hirogei. The High Priestess of Bast sits with the Judge behind the bench.
“Priest Xannon,” the judge begins, “you have been charged with first degree murder, destruction of public property, disgracing the name of Bast, and killing a fellow servant of Bast. These crimes carry a heavy price, but at the High Priestesses request, I will yield to her decision on punishment. Any opening remarks before the prosecution calls its first witness?”
“No, your honor,” Xannon flatly states.
“Then you may be seated.”
Xannon sits down and stares forward as the first witness is called and sworn in.
“Captain Reese,” the attorney opens, “would you please tell the court what happened?”
“Certainly,” Reese says, “I was positioned at the front door of the holding center where Kimberly Stripe was being detained. I had been instructed to keep Priest Xannon Okunen from entering to see the witness and to direct him to see the High Priestess.
“When Priest Okunen approached, I stopped him and informed him he was not to see the witness and to visit the High Priestess, as per my orders. He started to head inside the building and I stopped him, drawing my sword. I restated what I had said before and told him to turn back, if he didn’t I would arrest him and use force if necessary.”
The attorney, who had been slowly pacing in front of the bench, now turns to face Reese.
“But he didn’t turn back, did he, Captain?”
“No, sir, he did not. I brought my sword up to stop him, but he turned and used magic to send me flying backwards. The other guard tried to take him down, but was also sent flying backwards.”
“For the record,” the prosecutor interrupts, “Can you tell the court which spells he was using?”
“I’m not a mage but I believe he was using Wind Blast at that point.”
The attorney nods, letting Reese continue with his story.
“After that, he entered the building where he found Priestess Stripe. My partner and I got up and followed him inside, but kept our distance. When we saw him he was having what looked like a civil conversation with Priestess Stripe. As we got closer it appeared she was telling him what had happened between her and Priestess Redding. We were too far away to hear the entire conversation but it soon escalated into a yelling match that erupted into a magic battle when Priest Okunen blew her back against the other side of her cell, with another Wind Blast, I assume.”
The attorney stops Reese again, “It was at this point that the magical restraints on the cell failed correct?”
“The restraints failed when Priest Okunen ripped the doors from their hinges, yes.”
“How did he do that exactly?”
“A Kamaitachi spell can break though most metals, or so I’ve been told. The spell he used resembled it in many ways so I can only assume that was what he used. After the magic restraints failed Priestess Stripe was able to retaliate.”
“And the resulting battle destroyed the entire wing of the building and damaged several surrounding structures, correct?”
“That is correct.”
“As many witnesses have reported the battle finally ended when Priest Okunen killed Priestess Stripe, is that your report as well, Captain?”
“Yes, the blood on his sword was Priestess Stripe’s”
“That is all. Thank you, Captain.”

Xannon sat quietly and didn’t move throughout Captain Reese’s testimony. Now he glances momentarily at the Captain as he walks back to his seat. Through the testimonies of several other witnesses Xannon sits, unmoving.
Finally after the judge and high priestess had heard all the witnesses of both sides, the Judge turns to face Xannon.
“Do you have anything to add or say on your own behalf before we pass sentence on you?”
Xannon is silent for a moment as he considers what to say. He stands and looks straight at the High Priestess.
“When I received the letter about Sarah my heart sank and my emotions took control. I arrived in Hirogei just in time to watch the person I have loved for the past seven years, die right before my eyes.
“She said something to me that made me wonder about several fundamental teachings of the temple. She told me she couldn’t feel her presence anymore, Bast’s presence. The healing of the priestesses at her side weren’t having any effect. Bast was not watching over her. She felt Bast calling her in the moments before she died. It felt like Bast wanted her to die. This was simply something I could not comprehend. How could the Goddess of Creation allow one of her priestesses to die, and at the hands of another priestess?
“If that is the kind of Goddess that I am serving then I revoke my priesthood in this temple.”
The High Priestess looked visible disturbed by that statement. She stands and briefly glows with the power of Bast.
“You have decided your own sentence, Priest. You will be stripped of your rank in the Temple of Bast. Your name will be stricken from the records. Because of the blasphemy you have shown against the Goddess Bast, the creator, you will be stripped of your name. Xannon Okunen has died this day. You are now merely a nameless, shell of a man. You will be sent out of the city with only the clothes on your back. That is the decision of Temple of Bast.”
The High Priestess remains standing while the Judge bows his head for a moment. After a brief mediation he picks up his head and looks at Xannon.
“As I stated before, this court stands by the decision of the High Priestess. At six o’clock this evening, you will be sent out of the city, having been stripped of your rank, priestly robes, and, most grievously, your very name.”

April 07, 2007

Fallen Angel - Sacrifice

Seven years have passed since their first battle in Hirogei. In that time, Xannon and Sarah grew even closer. Unknown to Sarah, Xannon was struggling over whether or not to ask Sarah to marry him. With the war still raging, Xannon didn’t feel it was the right time to ask. On the other hand, with life being such a fragile thing now would the perfect time to ask and declare his love for her. It seemed that every time he thought about asking her, another battle would call them away from the city.
Xannon sits on the steps outside his house in Hirogei trying to recover and rest from the last battle. He looks down at his hands and notices how rough and battle hardened they had become over the years. His skills with magic and the sword had surpassed everyone’s expectations, even his own. The attacks against the city had lessened after the forces of Kardis had learned of his skill.
Sarah walks outside and sits down next to him, resting her head on his shoulder.
“I hear the forces of Kardis are starting to pull back and regroup. If we press the attack we might even be able to retake Gaia City, especially since we have the help of the Zystral Mages. After that it will be all down hill and we can finally start our life together in peace.”
“Peace… Will this world ever know peace?”
Xannon looks up as a Priestess of Gaia turns the corner and heads for the Mayor’s house. He watches her disappear into the building.
“What do you suppose a Priestess of Gaia is doing in Hirogei?” he asks.

~<3~

“Are you sure?” the High Priestess of Bast asks. “Is there nothing we can do to change it?”
The Priestess of Bast pauses a moment as if listening to someone.
“There is one thing we can try, but we hesitate to ask because of the extreme sacrifice it will require.”
“Anything is better than the end of the world. What kind of sacrifice are you talking about, Sayla?”
“400 years of war, and the defection of one of your best to the forces of Kardis.”
“What!? That’s not a sacrifice, that’s suicide! Bast will never agree to that!”
“She already has, High Priestess Celeste”
Celeste drops back and sits down in her chair.
“She has?”
“Yes, Bast, Yehova, Gaia, and even Kardis and Rinous have been discussing this for some time, ever since Gaia foresaw it happening. Kardis and Rinous were, of course, against changing anything, but after realizing they were losing ground and in its current state would lose the war within four years they proposed these terms.”
“But 400 years?”
Celeste stops to think about the terms.
“Do we get to choose who goes?”
“They have already chosen.”
Sayla hands Celeste a folder containing a name and photo. She opens it up and reads over the information.
“Him? But he has everything he’s ever dreamed of. To make him lose that now would destroy him, not turn him.”
“Leave that to Kardis. He can be very convincing.”
“Very well… I’ll get on this as soon as I can.”
“By your leave,” Sayla bows and leaves the office.
Celeste watches her go and says a prayer.
“Bast, I hope and pray that one day, when all this is over, this poor soul will be rewarded for the great sacrifice he is about to make. Keep him and his love safe until this threat has passed.
Yehova, I pray that when the time comes to reward this man you give him your blessing and forgive him for any wrongs he may do and lives he may take while in the service of Kardis.
Gaia, you are wise beyond time and I weep, knowing I will never live to see the end to this war. If you say this is the only way to stop a greater tragedy, then I trust you and will follow your will. Watch over this man who’s soul I am about to condemn to the wolves. May I one day be allowed to redeem myself for what I am about to do.”

~<3~

Xannon and Sarah sit out side on the steps watching the people of Hirogei go about their daily lives. Xannon wonders what life will be like once the war ends and he can finally spend peaceful days with Sarah without worrying about war.
“Where would you want to live?” Xannon asks.
“I’m not sure. I haven’t been very many places but this is my favorite place so far, at least when there isn’t any fighting. The sea breeze is nice and everyone is so friendly. I would like to be a little closer to the ocean than this place. Being so close to the Mayor’s Mansion kind of wrecks the atmosphere.”
“Yeah, it’s like a constant reminder of our duties here.”
“I think that’s the point.”
One of the other priests bursts out of the house in excitement.
“They did it! They took back Gaia City! The end of the war is near!”
The excited priest runs off down the street singing praises to Bast and Yehova.
“We better go see what’s going on,” Xannon says.
He gets up, then helps Sarah up, and they both head into the house. Once inside they grab the attention of one of their friends.
“Roger, what’s this about Gaia City?” Sarah asks.
“A combined attack with the forces of Bast, Yehova and the Priests of Gaia from Zystral managed to retake the city. They forced the forces of Kardis out of the city and back to Guer in Risah. If they keep going like this the war will be over in just a few months.”
“That’s great news!” Xannon bursts out, hugging Sarah. “This calls for a celebration! Stay here I’ll be right back.”
Xannon heads off to his room to retrieve a small box he’d been keeping under the bed. As he leaves the room a messenger from Bast arrives with a letter from High Priestess Celeste for Xannon and a few others, including Roger. Roger takes the letter and opens it. After reading it he passes it to one of the others on the list.
“You’re not going to like this, Sarah.”
“What? Are we moving to Gaia City?”
“Sort of,” Roger replies.
Xannon bursts into the room carrying a small box and a bottle of wine.
“Hold off on the celebration, Xannon. You might want to read this first.”
Roger hands him the letter from the High Priestess. He silently curses and stuffs the box into his jacket pocket.
“What?” Sarah asks. “What’s going on?”
“We’ve been reassigned,” Roger states when Xannon doesn’t respond.
“Well, where are we going?” Sarah asks.
“You’re not going,” Roger states. “Xannon, Grey, Aaron, Kris, and myself, have been reassigned to help hold Gaia City. Everyone else is to stay here and watch the city.”
“You mean they’re splitting us up?” Sarah asks on the verge of tears. “How can they… It’s just not fair!”
She bursts into tears and runs outside. Xannon hands the bottle of wine to Roger and runs out after her. He finally catches up to her when she stops to rest on the corner of one of the shops downtown.
“How can they do this to us, Xannon? How can they split us up after all we’ve been through together? They must see, they must know how much we mean to each other.”
“As much as it pains me to be apart, if Roger is right, then we’ll only be apart for a few more months. If I have to be apart from you for a few months to be able to spend the rest of life with you then it’s worth it.”
Xannon reaches into his pocket and pulls out the box. He places it in her hand.
“If you ever feel lost here without me or find yourself missing me so much your heart feels like breaking, open this box and know that I will come back for you. No matter what it takes or who gets in my way, I will come back.”
Sarah wipes away her tears and looks at the brown, non-descript box. A small, fraying, brown piece of rope has been tied around it to keep it from opening.
“I know you’ll come back,” Sarah says, turning to hug Xannon and resting her head on his shoulder. “Kardis himself couldn’t keep you from me, no matter how hard he tried.”
They continue to hold each other for a few minutes before Sarah asks, “When do they want you to leave?”
“As soon as they secure the Magic Room at the Temple of Yehova they will send someone to get us, so, no later than tomorrow.”
“Then we better get you packed.”
Xannon and Sarah turn and head back to the house, walking slower than normal to delay the inevitable.