The sound of steel crashing onto steel reverberated through the courtyard. Two figures clad in steel seemed to flow a dance of battle. Both wielded mace and shield as though they were a part of the body. Slowly, they circled each other, gauging their opponents defenses. Slow strikes crashed into shields quickly raised in defense. At first glance, the figures appeared to be an uneven match. The larger towered over the smaller by nearly a foot and was clearly the stronger of the two. The smaller figure moved in a glide that was quick and smooth. Her flowing hair falling like a golden water fall from beneath her helm. With a cry, she suddenly charged her opponent shield first. With a crash she bounced off of his shield, spun in a circle and struck him between his shoulders with a resounding ring that sent him to his knees.
Releasing his mace he raised his gauntleted hand and slowly rose. Lifting his visor, he bowed to the girl. With a smile, and a hint of amusement in his voice, said, "well done, Sonya, well done. I underestimated you."
"Thank you, Shendar Mornal," Sonya replied as she lifted her visor and bowed in response, "you taught me well. But I still am unsure of the why. Is not our calling to minister to those in need, to heal and to comfort? It would seem counter-productive that we learn to fight and kill."
With a chuckle, Shendar Mornal began to remove his armor. "Sonya, my girl, you always ask questions of heart when logic should guide you and logic when heart should guide you." He shook his head and indicated for her to sit on a bench by the wall. He then motioned for the other students lining the wall to gather round. "The world is not as we would wish it to be. At times, we must fight, not to kill, but to protect. Evil cares not if its opponent can no longer fight, nor even if you mean it no harm. Sometimes you must ACT to protect those you seek to aid and comfort. Sometimes, the act must be violent in return, for violence is all that the aggressor you seek to oppose knows.
"I wish it were not so and that we could heal those without needing to worry that there are people who would seek us harm. We learn to fight, not to harm, but to protect. While the mechanics of fighting can be easily learned, it is the philosophy and morality of the fight we must seek to master. Any fool can hurt another, only one who actively seeks to keep peace can recognize when it is truly necessary to take violent action. Knowing when that action is necessary and only acting in those circumstances, is the difference between aggressor and defender. Does that answer your question?"
"To a degree," Sonya replied, "But why should people seek to harm us? We mean no harm. We seek only peace. What is it that drives men to evil? What is it that drives man to attack his fellow man? It makes no sense. When men work together, so much is accomplished and prosperity is sure to follow. Why is this truth not embraced?"
"You ask questions more suited to Shendar Frosmien's philosophy class, but I will try and answer them as best I can. The simple answer to this all is that there is evil, no matter how we try and defeat it," in a softer voice he added, "this is why we fight." Continuing in a stronger voice, "the long answer is that wherever men gather, one will always try to achieve dominance. The quest for power nearly always leads to evil acts. Those who aggressively pursue power tend to view those who oppose them as mere obstacles to overcome. While you heal those that are hurt, those who did the hurting see your healing as attempts to restore those who would overthrow them and thus you are aiding their enemy. Yet others see it as a means of gaining followers of your own. While it may not be truth, it is how it is perceived. Perceptions do not change easily, even more so for those who see enemies in even those who support them.
"While it is true, that when men work together much can be accomplished, the fact is that man is selfish and tends toward self gratification. Thus, even when men work together, they tend to find fault in others and thus are driven apart unless there is strong leadership. Where there is strong leadership, there is the potential for the leader to seek more power. Sometimes this rears its head as aggressive warlords, sometimes as simply successful, though greedy, merchants."
Shendar Mornal stood and motioned for the students to do the same. "It is near to evening meal. Go remove and clean your armor, then report to your mentors for your chores."
"Yes, Shendar Mornal," they replied as one.
"Sonya, stay for a bit," he called to her.
"Yes, Shendar Mornal," she replied questioningly.
"Sonya, you have progressed quite well. You are to report to Shendar Frosmein tomorrow morning. Tomorrow afternoon, I wish you to teach the novices the beginners class." Mornal smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder, "If you wish to spar, find me. Your weapons and battle training from me is complete. You have been a most worthy student. Now go, or you will be late for your chores."
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Chapter 1: Section 3: The darkness comes.
The room lit in a flash of green light. Bare stone walls reflected the light revealing a cloaked and shapeless figure centered on the stone floor. The room was a scant 10 ft across at its widest. The ceiling rose twenty feet above the floor, a grated opening centered in it permitted the moon to provide the only source of illumination for the room.
Arms crossed, determining any more than the fact that this was indeed humanoid was impossible.No sound escaped the lips of the man chained to the wall, a silent scream frozen on his face. Blood streamed from multiple cuts across his bare chest. The figure didn't move, but the man's back suddenly arched as though trying to escape the chains that held him. At long last, the scream that wouldn't come broke through and reverberated throughout the chamber. Drawn out, it pierced the darkness. Pigeons roosting near the grate leaped into the air in a flurry of flapping wings and dislodged feathers. As the echos of the horrifying cry died away, the figure moved towards the now limply hanging body.
"As I said," it's voiced rasped, "though you may wish the sweet embrace of death, I will not let it have you until I am done. Now answer, human," the disdain and hatred bled from the word like an epithet of the vilest sort, "Who are you? Who sent you? and most importantly, what is it they seek?"
"My name....is...Rasha Limgarn..." came the faint response.
An arm shot out from the figure and a sharply taloned, scale covered hand grasped the man's chin, "Rasha, fool in the ancient tongue. Fitting. Now, who sent you. Answer, or shall we see just how lovely your scream is again?" The tone told the preferred course.
"No...no one....where...sent...where?"
"So, either you are a fool, you are stronger than thought, which I doubt, or you truly did stumble upon us. We shall learn which it is soon enough." The figure released Rasha's chin and turned to the corner, "Keep him alive and get as much information as you can from him. I doubt he is just a traveler."
A second figure, a tall human, stepped out of the shadows. Human may not be the best description. His well shaped, muscular body was gray. Even in the dim light of the moon, it was obvious this was not a trick of the light. A leather belt held up a worn loin cloth and sported a well cared for knife. Curved and nearly 18 inches in length, the knife just missed being called a sword. The moonlight gleamed off of its razor edge, its dark hilt shone from use. Atop the overly large shoulder sat a bald head. A scar ran across the right cheek making the too wide mouth seem even wider. Small eyes set beneath a large brow gave the impression of a permanent glower. On his bare feet he crossed to the man hanging on the wall and drew his knife.
"And, Keergan, do not let this one goad you as the last did. I should hate to have to replace you. I really don't have the time to train someone new." It was a simple statement of fact. No emotion or spark of concern entered the voice.
"Yes, master," Came the deep reply, "as you wish."
"Good. I will return in a few days for your report. Pray I am not disappointed." With that, the figure stepped into the the shadows and vanished.
A grin of malevolence touched Keergan's lips, " we have things to discuss, Rasha. Wake and be damned."
As screams reverberated through the grate, the inhabitants of the fortress went about their business. Some even smiled as though listening to sweet music
Arms crossed, determining any more than the fact that this was indeed humanoid was impossible.No sound escaped the lips of the man chained to the wall, a silent scream frozen on his face. Blood streamed from multiple cuts across his bare chest. The figure didn't move, but the man's back suddenly arched as though trying to escape the chains that held him. At long last, the scream that wouldn't come broke through and reverberated throughout the chamber. Drawn out, it pierced the darkness. Pigeons roosting near the grate leaped into the air in a flurry of flapping wings and dislodged feathers. As the echos of the horrifying cry died away, the figure moved towards the now limply hanging body.
"As I said," it's voiced rasped, "though you may wish the sweet embrace of death, I will not let it have you until I am done. Now answer, human," the disdain and hatred bled from the word like an epithet of the vilest sort, "Who are you? Who sent you? and most importantly, what is it they seek?"
"My name....is...Rasha Limgarn..." came the faint response.
An arm shot out from the figure and a sharply taloned, scale covered hand grasped the man's chin, "Rasha, fool in the ancient tongue. Fitting. Now, who sent you. Answer, or shall we see just how lovely your scream is again?" The tone told the preferred course.
"No...no one....where...sent...where?"
"So, either you are a fool, you are stronger than thought, which I doubt, or you truly did stumble upon us. We shall learn which it is soon enough." The figure released Rasha's chin and turned to the corner, "Keep him alive and get as much information as you can from him. I doubt he is just a traveler."
A second figure, a tall human, stepped out of the shadows. Human may not be the best description. His well shaped, muscular body was gray. Even in the dim light of the moon, it was obvious this was not a trick of the light. A leather belt held up a worn loin cloth and sported a well cared for knife. Curved and nearly 18 inches in length, the knife just missed being called a sword. The moonlight gleamed off of its razor edge, its dark hilt shone from use. Atop the overly large shoulder sat a bald head. A scar ran across the right cheek making the too wide mouth seem even wider. Small eyes set beneath a large brow gave the impression of a permanent glower. On his bare feet he crossed to the man hanging on the wall and drew his knife.
"And, Keergan, do not let this one goad you as the last did. I should hate to have to replace you. I really don't have the time to train someone new." It was a simple statement of fact. No emotion or spark of concern entered the voice.
"Yes, master," Came the deep reply, "as you wish."
"Good. I will return in a few days for your report. Pray I am not disappointed." With that, the figure stepped into the the shadows and vanished.
A grin of malevolence touched Keergan's lips, " we have things to discuss, Rasha. Wake and be damned."
As screams reverberated through the grate, the inhabitants of the fortress went about their business. Some even smiled as though listening to sweet music
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Chapter one: Section two: Good Byes
Argus sat the bowl of fruit on the well worn and simple table in what was his kitchen. Arranna sat opposite him waiting expectantly for him to join her.
"What troubles you father?" Sonya asked quietly. Her eyes, wide in innocence, dug into his soul. He knew that what he was to tell her would not be easy.
Ass he sat down and poured her a glass of wine, he sighed as he looked into his glass. "I must go to the temple in Firishon. The Shendar Corven there has passed and I have been selected to replace him." He paused and looked up into her eyes. Instead of the pain and accusation he expected, he saw only expectation and joy and a gentle smile on her lips. "Does it please you that I leave you, daughter? Does it not sadden you that it will not be until you complete your training that I see you again? I tell you news that saddens me deeply and you smile. Am I that harsh?"
Sonya's face registered confusion and hurt, "No father, I am glad for you. I will surely miss you and it does pain me, but I am more glad for you than for the pain I feel for myself. You are most deserving of this and I no longer require your care," reaching across the table, she placed a hand on his arm, "though I do enjoy it, and you have become a much better cook, you have made me quite able to care for myself."
"I am sorry, daughter," he spoke softly, "I am torn. I wish so much to be with you and watch over you, but I must also do my duty."
"You have, father, you have. Though you are not my birth father, I could wish for no better father than you. My only concern with this is who will keep you from trouble and do your laundry if I am not there?" she finished with a giggle.
"I was doing my own laundry long before you were able to dress yourself, thank you," he replied with a laugh.
"When do you leave? I must make sure you receive a proper send off."
"I leave in two hours, I can wait no longer than that if I am to reach Nargina before nightfall. I will miss you daughter."
"Two hours! How can I prepare you for your journey in such short a time?," Sonya took a look around the room and saw his pack against the wall for the first time, "I see you are prepared already. You already knew you were leaving and failed to tell me. Why did you wait? Did you fear I would love you less or is it that you felt I would try and keep you here?"
"Daughter, I did not tell you because I could not face my own pain," Argus stared at the table, tears welling in his eyes, "You became my world after Claras died. Now I am leaving that world to join a new one. Though I wish only to watch you grow, I can no longer be selfish. You have become a fine young woman and I am honored to have you as my daughter. Be at peace, and know that I will always be your father. I will write every chance I get and I look forward to reading your letters as well. There are weekly couriers and I expect a letter on each one, just as you may expect one. I also trust that when you finish your testing you will visit me."
Sonya stood and crossed to where he sat. Enfolding him in her arms in a strong hug, she simply held him as her tears began to flow. "I will, father. I will study even harder knowing that I will see you all the sooner for it. Now, let us get you ready for travel. I will clean your apartments and ensure the rest of your clothing and items follow you."
They were silent as Sonya helped Argus don his armor and tie the bedroll and travel necessities onto the pack mule. A small contingent of six other clerics were waiting on him as he took the reins of his horse. Sonya crossed to him and gave him a lingering hug.
"Take care, father," she said softly through the knot in her throat, "May the light keep you and guide you. Peace be upon you in your journeys and may they be quick and safe."
"Peace be upon you, daughter, may you be blessed in the light and in your days."
Not trusting himself to look at her with out tears blinding him, Argus mounted and rode out of the temple grounds. Sonya watched from the gate until long after the dust settled and the group was no more than a speck on the horizon.
"The light keep you and shelter you," she whispered as she turned into the yard wiping tears from her eyes, "The light keep you."
"What troubles you father?" Sonya asked quietly. Her eyes, wide in innocence, dug into his soul. He knew that what he was to tell her would not be easy.
Ass he sat down and poured her a glass of wine, he sighed as he looked into his glass. "I must go to the temple in Firishon. The Shendar Corven there has passed and I have been selected to replace him." He paused and looked up into her eyes. Instead of the pain and accusation he expected, he saw only expectation and joy and a gentle smile on her lips. "Does it please you that I leave you, daughter? Does it not sadden you that it will not be until you complete your training that I see you again? I tell you news that saddens me deeply and you smile. Am I that harsh?"
Sonya's face registered confusion and hurt, "No father, I am glad for you. I will surely miss you and it does pain me, but I am more glad for you than for the pain I feel for myself. You are most deserving of this and I no longer require your care," reaching across the table, she placed a hand on his arm, "though I do enjoy it, and you have become a much better cook, you have made me quite able to care for myself."
"I am sorry, daughter," he spoke softly, "I am torn. I wish so much to be with you and watch over you, but I must also do my duty."
"You have, father, you have. Though you are not my birth father, I could wish for no better father than you. My only concern with this is who will keep you from trouble and do your laundry if I am not there?" she finished with a giggle.
"I was doing my own laundry long before you were able to dress yourself, thank you," he replied with a laugh.
"When do you leave? I must make sure you receive a proper send off."
"I leave in two hours, I can wait no longer than that if I am to reach Nargina before nightfall. I will miss you daughter."
"Two hours! How can I prepare you for your journey in such short a time?," Sonya took a look around the room and saw his pack against the wall for the first time, "I see you are prepared already. You already knew you were leaving and failed to tell me. Why did you wait? Did you fear I would love you less or is it that you felt I would try and keep you here?"
"Daughter, I did not tell you because I could not face my own pain," Argus stared at the table, tears welling in his eyes, "You became my world after Claras died. Now I am leaving that world to join a new one. Though I wish only to watch you grow, I can no longer be selfish. You have become a fine young woman and I am honored to have you as my daughter. Be at peace, and know that I will always be your father. I will write every chance I get and I look forward to reading your letters as well. There are weekly couriers and I expect a letter on each one, just as you may expect one. I also trust that when you finish your testing you will visit me."
Sonya stood and crossed to where he sat. Enfolding him in her arms in a strong hug, she simply held him as her tears began to flow. "I will, father. I will study even harder knowing that I will see you all the sooner for it. Now, let us get you ready for travel. I will clean your apartments and ensure the rest of your clothing and items follow you."
They were silent as Sonya helped Argus don his armor and tie the bedroll and travel necessities onto the pack mule. A small contingent of six other clerics were waiting on him as he took the reins of his horse. Sonya crossed to him and gave him a lingering hug.
"Take care, father," she said softly through the knot in her throat, "May the light keep you and guide you. Peace be upon you in your journeys and may they be quick and safe."
"Peace be upon you, daughter, may you be blessed in the light and in your days."
Not trusting himself to look at her with out tears blinding him, Argus mounted and rode out of the temple grounds. Sonya watched from the gate until long after the dust settled and the group was no more than a speck on the horizon.
"The light keep you and shelter you," she whispered as she turned into the yard wiping tears from her eyes, "The light keep you."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)