Chapter 7: Prediction
The sea waves were beginning to become choppy and rough. The weather started to threaten the western landscape. In the distance, a ship sails through, trying to avoid the incoming winds.
Marcello was reading a book. He had planned to save the daunting letter-writing task until he arrived at his destination. Indeed the Templar Captain or rather the new Abbott, and his soldiers were going to Savella Cathedral to meet the Lord High Priest. Marcello was lost in deep thought having reminded himself that he was going to speak with the Lord High Priest in person. Therefore, he had to make a good impression. He had been thinking too hard.
"How can I get promoted to High Priest even with my common status? But I am the current Abbott, guiding my people! I must get some recognition for that!"
There was a sudden knock on the door. Marcello places his book on the table and glances at the door. He calls out. "Come in." The cabin door opens. A tall man armed with a steel broadsword enters in the cabin. He closes the door lightly and marches forward to the Captain. He bows elegantly before speaking. "You summoned me, Cap- I mean Abbott Marcello."
"Tell me. How far are we from Savella?" Marcello asked, still looking at the Templar Knight with concern.
"We should be arriving within a few hours. The waves are sure rough but I am please to inform you that we are ahead of schedule, Abbott Marcello!"
"Very good! However, I want you to listen to me carefully. As soon as we arrive at the Cathedral, I want you to escort your men for a quick tour round the area before dinner. Come by tomorrow morning, at the crack of dawn, I want you to summon all the Templar Knights to take full security in protecting the Lord High Priest and his Residence. Have I made myself clear?"
"Yes, Abbott Marcello! I will inform my men at once."
Suddenly the door begins to knock again, but this time, it sounded louder (and somewhat demanding).
"What is it now?" Marcello snapped, sounding rather annoyed.
"There is a suspicious monster boarding the ship! A squid-looking creature!" Another templar knight yells as he finally bursts in nearly taking the hinges of the cabin door. He appears to be holding his injured arm. The captain of the templar knight, already in the cabin room, rushes to his side to give him first aid.
"Fine! I'll deal with it myself." Marcello growled as he pushes the chair back violently screeching along the wooden flooring. He draws his weapon marching towards the cabin door. He points to the captain of the templar knight, his voice shrills into a military command. "You! Attend to his wounds! I'll deal with these fiend myself!"
Marcello marches onto the deck, unsheathing his sword out of his sheath. He smirks confidently. "Hello pretty..."
The squid-like beast roars with fury!
They have got what they came for, the Kran Spinals.
They had no choice but to serve Dominico as bodyguards. The party of three found it difficult to climb up Rydon's tower. Without Jessica, the battles that the party encountered were too long. However, they succeed and found the owner, who built the tall tower. It was unfortunate that Rydon did not have the jewels they were looking for although he had given a name as to where they could be. That was Alexandria. Soon, the party had to undertake yet another side quest. To revisit the tower of Alexandria. The monsters and the puzzles were no problems this round. Having just conquered the eleventh floor dungeon, the tower of Alexandria was just a walk in the park.
When they reached to the top, Angelo examined the beauty of the small delicate room in awe struck. Yangus on the other hand kept his mouth shut as he was more concerned about Eight. The guardsman kept looking back at the dark stairway. It was as if he were predicting that Jessica would miraculously appear just like the first time they met. Slowly but gravely, he shakes his head. It was strange for him having to climb this tower for the second time. The statue spoke to them. It was Alexandria herself. She briefly explained a tale. Alistair's soul had long departed. Alexandria begged for them to go to Jessica's aid. It was then, the jewels spill from the statue's eyes and landed softly onto the ground. Indeed, the very same spot where Jessica wept for her brother's passing. Hallucinated by his vision, Eight almost cracked a tear in his eye but he fought them back. He really believed that she was there but not this time.
Without ado, he steps forward and elegantly retrieves the Kran Spinals. He then signals Yangus and Angelo to leave. Eight glances once more before descending down the steps. So, the gang rested on the outskirts between Alexandria and Port Prospect seeing the beach in view, listening to the shallow waves. They were reminiscing their plan. They were going back to Arcadia, give Dominico the jewels and continue their search for Jessica.
"There is nothing more we can do tonight. Lets get some rest before we head back to Arcadia." King Trode instructed breaking the daunting silence.
"Yeah, granddad's right." Yangus agreed. He had just finished sharpening his Scythe. He lowers it gently onto the dull grass. "All this walkin' is makin' me feet ache. Plus, we can spare a change or two to loosen ourselves up. Then we can give those jewels to wot's it bloke's name."
Angelo says nothing but is in deep thought. He reminisces an event that made him feel relaxed but mischievous.
Some time ago in Baccarat... The party were planning to stay for a while since their long walk from the Sea View Church. Baccarat was a nice civilized place full of life and entertainment. Dhoulmagus was nowhere to be seen or heard yet but the group were determined to find any information with regards to Dhoulmagus' whereabouts.
"Hey! Looks like there are a lot of fun things to do in this place! Maybe we should settle down here for a while?" Eight suggested as he folds up the town map.
"Yeah! Sounds like a good plan, guv! Then we can track down, Dhoulmagus once we've been refreshed!" Yangus cheered.
"Good thinking my man. This place sure has enough beautiful ladies to keep me company. However, one isn't simply enough for any man." Angelo smirks.
"Just where are you gettin' at, eh?" Yangus quarrels light-heartily at the Templar.
"Isn't one girl enough to satisfy your appetite, Angelo?" Eight teases now joining in the conversation with his arms folded.
"Yes but no my friends!" Angelo gestures to his two companions. He casually settles his arms over Eight and Yangus's shoulders, explaining the situation.
"You see a man can't resist the temptation in chasing all ladies knowing how sinful I am. I can be the marrying type but nay, you all discretely disagree. However, it is not my place to say what I propose to do after we defeated that profane jester. Although to help us take our minds off things, we could watch the sexy bunny ladies shaking their booty all night long!"
"Diamond!" Yangus gets all giddy and excitable. "I knew ya had some idea to cheer us up wit' 'n' all!"
"Splendid!" Angelo snapped his fingers. "Now we can bet the shirt off Jessica's back on some thrillingly high risk fun!"
Eight glares at Angelo, in a dishonest way, while Yangus sniggers. Angelo throws his hands in a shrugging gesture. The Trodain guardsman was about to protest until Jessica, who strolls past them, rambles fast in her speech out of the blue. "Well, maybe it would be better if I personally get my hands dirty by stripping all three of you right down to the core!"
She can certainly has a sly eye for male attention and she can get it when she wants it. The three men stop what they were doing and look at their female companion. They stare at her outrageously wide-eyed and in star struck. She in return examines them with a curious expression. "What? Did I say something unusual?"
Angelo was the first to protest. "The term 'unusual' is really something unusual indeed! By the Goddess, Jessica! Have you completely lost your mind!?"
"Hey! If you are going to make remarks as regards to ripping a lady's shirt off her back, then certainly you blokes need some ideal punishment!" She threatens lightly pointing her finger at the three of them.
"Blimey! Out of all the people I've met I would 'ave never thought you would come out with those words!" Yangus rests his large hands on his hips.
"Ha! Ha! There you have it! Straight from the horse's mouth as they say! Likewise, I wasn't expecting you to act all giddy so sudden since we've left Pickham!" Jessica emphasises having straighten her posture in a lady-like way.
"You wouldn't to have to possess a dark side, do you?" Eight implies. She in return gives a mischievous look. "I'm not sure about that but maybe I do…"
An image of Jessica changes in a flash. The sudden white light blinded the Templar causing him to be dazzled. The light was now replaces by a yellow-orange rush of vivid flames. They draw open like a curtain as a figure comes to view. It was Jessica but she looked rather teal in her appearance. Her evil form laughed sinisterly as she suddenly strikes the wicked sceptre at the templar knight.
Angelo shakes his head in astonishment. He slowly draws his hand up, massaging his temples, closing his solemn blue eyes. His vision was rather pleasant until Jessica ruined the occasion. Indeed, he found it difficult to cope with the stress. King Trode, who was sitting on the rock, notices this. He leans forward as if he trying to catch Angelo's attention. The Templar could sense that someone was watching him. Without ado, Angelo opens his eyes to examine the cursed King.
"Is something the matter, Angelo?" King Trode asked with worry.
"The fact is that- 'thing' has claimed her and is tainting her memory as we speak. She could die leaving me- I mean us all in despair and devastation!" That is what he wanted to blurt out but no. He needed to be strong for Jessica. Instead he gives a soft smile of reassurance. He flicks his silver hair to one side. "No. No I'm fine I can assure you."
"Right then. My bed awaits! Goodnight everyone!" King Trode waves his hand as he dashes off into the tent.
"Night, granddad!" Yangus calls out having sluggishly tossed some branches into the small fire.
"I'm NOT YOUR GRANDDAD!" The King's high pitch voice shrilled from the distance. Yangus couldn't help but chuckle to himself. Angelo smirks a little but resumes to a sad and worn expression, glancing down at the dull grass.
"I'm gonna stay out here for a while if you don't mind?" Eight, wearing his red bandana, speaks all of the sudden. The others looked rather surprised when the leader of the group was planning to stay up. His black eyes gaze upon the burning fire with desire. "I'm sorry. It's just that I want to clear my mind. It may help me sleep better."
"Sure thing, guv, but ya know, I'm not done wiv ay yet. We are a bit worried for ya?" The bandit places his large hands on his hips as he examined his friend with worry.
"What do you mean?" The Trodain guardsman looked up, away from the fire, at the bandit with extreme curiosity.
"You've the look in ya eye as if you barely slept! You're worried 'bout 'er, aren't you?" Yangus finished in a low voice.
Medea who was quietly sitting by the wagon, near her father's tent, also too perked up upon hearing the conversation. She examines Eight, her friend, closely but with caution. If only she could talk, and not stuck in a horse's body, she would be by his side but for now all she could do was watch the scene unfold.
Eight exhales softly trying to not get too emotional over this hurtful plight. "… I don't know… How do we- well you know?"
"Win her back?" Angelo pointed out. The bandit and guardsman turned to face the templar knight. He marches forward as if he were demanding the guardsman to have a solution. "Come on, you are the one who normally comes up with the bright ideas."
"Here! Don't go pushin' the guv round! It ain't as if you come up with any suggestions." Yangus snarls, now retrieving his scythe, sizes himself as he stands in front of Eight to protect him. "Of course we'll win her back! Although if we can't talk 'er out of it then maybe 'ave to fight 'er at some point!"
"You mean we have to fight it?" Eight corrected as he now stands, lightly manoeuvres himself past Yangus, to confront the templar knight. The campsite went extremely silent. Angelo then proceeds closer to the leader of the group, inches away from his face. He whispers harshly gritting his teeth tight. "You won't kill her, will you?"
"Of course not!" Eight snarled, daring himself to take this conversation further. "Do you honestly think we would waste the time trying desperately to find her and then just kill off? She's our friend, Angelo!"
"But how sure are you? How do you even know that?" Angelo protests.
"Because there is good and I have felt it! Think about it! Why would she flee from us if she had the potential to kill us? If she were truly evil she would have cast a powerful spell and blow up the entire town there and then, right?" Eight justified clearly trying to not sound too annoyed. He now turns his back to the group, preventing himself to cause a heated argument. He felt it was the right thing to do. "Regardless of what's happened now, we have to stick together until we find her, and most of all, cure her! Now if you don't mind I would like to be alone right now…"
Angelo hides his face in his hair. He is a tad jealous of Eight, being the group's leader and making sure that everyone is included for pretty much everything. There was nothing the templar can do about it. He is practically seething under his breath. Angelo was about to have another go (with his uncalled-for rants) until Yangus slaps his hand on the templar's shoulder giving a light tug. It was an indication as if to say this discussion is over.
"I hear ya, clear. See ya in the mornin', guv." Yangus said in a low voice.
Angelo sighs silently as he turns to follow Yangus towards the tents. Just after a few steps, Angelo quickly glances at the guardsman, who still had his back to them, before heading into the dark distance. He snatches his sword and begins to sharpen it with such determination.
Medea shakes her head annoyed and upset. She knew fully well that the two of them were inseparable during their conversations about women. Jessica would normally shout at them, particularly Angelo, and storm off. But she isn't here. She is missing and held captive. Most of all, she is to blame for taking the sceptre and doing Dhoulmagus's treachery. Medea snorts regretting her jealousy towards the mage. If she could talk then she would have made both Eight and Angelo apologise to each other. Both of them were too vex about Jessica's disappearance, causing them to retrace their steps, which only lead the conversations into heated argument. At least the conflict was fairly light, having no blood spilt, and she could accept it. Medea really wanted to comfort Eight but since he was in a rather unpleasant mood, she believed it was best to give him space. She lowers her head closing her tired burning eyes.
"Dear Goddess! Save my friends, father and country from despair! Please find her?" She begged.
The solitude guardsman studied the red jewels that sparkle in his hand. Indeed they were beautiful as they shimmer the vibrant red light into the young man's eyes. Upon closing his fist, which has the Kran Spinals, Eight sighed heavily. He then looked up at the silver lit moon.
"Jessica… I pray that you are safe... I hope you are all right wherever you are…"
"I hope you are all right wherever you are…" A small voice hoarsely whispers.
Jessica, who had been standing, looks out of the dungeon window. It had been some time now since her nightmare. She barely slept since. The disturbing dream still haunts her. More silent tears stream down her face every time she thought about it. She wipes her hazel eyes, which were now red from crying hard, them with her whole arm continuing to sulk in silence. At least her injury from the fall had stopped bleeding although it was still throbbing. The vexed mage glances outside, once again, staring at the horrific landscape. She couldn't stand the sight of the bright red-blooded skyline. Jessica did notice that there is a black hole at the surface of the sky forming a circle that continuously swirls round. She wondered if that was her only way out of this treacherous place.
"Well, at least this is a better view than the dull dark dungeon since I arrive in this useless place..."
Jessica sighs hopelessly hanging her head low in defeat. What could she possibly do now? Out of the blue a deep voice calls out. "Ah. You're awake."
"You!" Jessica snapped aggressively, turning 180 degrees instantly. Her small hands curl into balls of fist ready to lash out another brawl. But no one is present. The discomforting voice glows again. "I was beginning to wonder when you would wake up! I suppose sleep is what you need after that drastic event."
"What do you want?" Jessica hisses ominously loud. Her voice sounds unsteady but still she holds herself firm.
"He! He! Hwa! All I want is your body to control!" The mysterious voice torments. Jessica already feels uncomfortable. She didn't know what is going to happen to her but she did know that when she faces her fear she would soon regret it. Jessica snarls. Her face contorted with fury, her eyes brimming with angry tears. "For what? To make me a complete whore?"
The deep voice then shrieks into a high pitch laugh. The miniature Rhapthorne appears from behind, making the mage jump out of her skin. "He! He! He! You are extraordinary! Just as the Master predicted!"
The cubby Rhapthorne deliberately changed his tone of voice to bully the vexed mage. His shrieking laughter slowly dies down, as his sides were sore. Jessica had a mixture of confusion, outrage and revulsion desperate to grip his fat throat and to repeatedly punch him in full rage. She stands helpless to do anything but to hang her head in complete shame and sorrowfulness.
"Come! Come! I can't babysit you. I'll be your guide. Let me give you a quick tour round this wonderful citadel and then we see the Master! So, shall we go? The Master will not be pleased if we don't attend to him immediately." The miniature beast sings in a merry-like tone.
He freely flies out of the dungeon chamber and descends down the stairs. Jessica quietly begins to make her way to exit her prison cell. The shackles that were strapped round her wrists and ankles (minus the one round her neck) rustle along the concrete. She silently follows the insane beast down the spiral stairway.
They wonder through the market street. There were a couple of 'Dancing Flames' doing a gig. A 'Boss Troll' smashes into the ground, tongue out, wasted and stunk of dung. There were monsters scattering all over the place, most of them being 'Claws' and 'Caped Capers' pulling pranks each other in magic but failing in every aspect.
"This is the main street market." Rhapthorne begins to explain as he merrily hovers down the street. Jessica scans the scenery and keeps walking following the chubby beast.
"You might have been here already but still you are unaware of what lies here. This is where you can buy your own wine, food and drink. We also sell weapons and armour too. But of course, you can't just simply buy them. Why you have to defeat them of course. If you really want them then you better have a couple of strategies up your sleeve."
"I see…" Jessica mutters softly.
"Impressed? I take it that you admire this grand citadel?" Rhapthorne turns to her.
"Who would have thought to build an endless confusing pathway just for a little market place? This is just nonsense if you ask me." Jessica stares back.
"Come. Come. There is more to see." Rhapthorne turns away ignoring the mage's rude comment. He continues to lead the way explaining the rest of the places; Jessica follows a few feet behind. She listens carefully. "On your left, there is the pub, as you can see, and behind that is the inn itself. Oh and that, over there, is the disdainful library."
Jessica examines the building with concern struggling to take her eyes off it. Somehow she already figured that there would be good books of magic. Without noticing she manages to step her foot into the purple toxic that stains one of her boots. She cringes shaking her leg to get rid of the purple mess before running swiftly to catch up with Rhapthorne. He didn't seem to notice. She sighs with little relief.
The scenery deteriorates every corner, which the mage and the beat take. There was a purple seal that caught Jessica's attention. Yes, she has seen this before but when? The whole image changes into a prison. A sudden growl echoes through the chamber. Now this begins to look familiar to Jessica. This was the same room where she first woke up ever since she picked up the sceptre. She finds the fight club roaring the room once again. She positions herself behind Rhapthorne to prevent herself of getting thrown in unlike to previous time.
Rhapthorne exhales in relief. It was as if he had not been here, in this prison place, for a long time. He finally speaks. "This is how monsters become stronger because they dwell upon personal preferences all the time. Ah! Do you ever wish you could skew these persistent fools?"
"I'd like to but I'd rather not. Well not this time anyway." Jessica shakes her head.
The miniature Dark Lord smirks looking at the mage. He begins to joke with her. "Oh ho! So you have already been here before, I see?"
"Only by accident! I'm not feeling well so I'll let it pass this time." Jessica grunts, looking away trying not to dwell this conversation.
"Oh no! You can't possibly go to the Master's lair looking like that. How indecent. Here. Let me heal you." He casts a spell. The green aura washes over the mage. Her clothes were fresh. No more stain on the boots she wore. The wound that stains on the back of Jessica's head, from where she had fallen, disappears. Still no magic points though. That would have been too easy to replenish.
Jessica slowly bows her head showing her sudden gratitude. "T-Thank you…"
Rhapthorne, whirls round, flings his pale arm as if he didn't care. "Spare the pleasantries to later. Now we must see the Master."
"Master my asshole!" A rude prompt voice interrupts. Both Rhapthorne and Jessica turn to face the ill-mannered beast. The same profane beast that insulted Jessica from their previous visit. The 'Hell Gladiator' begins to insult the miniature demon. "You are no Dark Lord! You're just a sissy!"
"You dare defy your Master?" The miniature Rhapthorne explodes. A huge fireball plummets from the air destroying the monster. Jessica stiffens as she watches the scene unfold. The Dark Lord merrily levitates over the defeated beast.
"Such a pity. You were always the persistent one. Now, I'll make you suffer by my hand and you will learn to respect me as your new ruler!" Rhapthorne laughs wildly repeatedly assaulting the monster with his staff. The Lord repeatedly whacked the monster until it stops moving. So much thick blood pours out of the beast. Jessica feels nauseous having a glimpse of the open-wounded fracture from the Hell Gladiator's head.
Rhapthorne breathes shaking his head. "Never mind this disgusting display! I'll have my servants to clean this despicable mess! Now then, let us see the Master!"
"But I thought you confessed that you were the true Master here?" Jessica wanted to challenge but dares not too. She already has a lot of explaining to do. She failed in executing the sage's heir in Arcadia. The mage quietly follows the chubby Lord, once more, down the staircase before proceeding into the large red door that leads to main throne room. There was a circle that sparkles in the middle. Jessica still looks with amazement when Rhapthorne lifts his finger removing the chains from her.
"Listen to me carefully. To fulfill your next task, walk under the circle and take these spells. Use them wisely and execute the sage as well as the three pilgrims…" Rhapthorne chants as he vanishes into thin air leaving Jessica alone.
"The three pilgrims…"
She knows...
Jessica now stands on the unexplained circle. A wave washes pass her, just like the last time when she penetrates the magician's barrier in Arcadia. She feels the power coming back into her, which was a great advantage for her. She could tell that the three pilgrims were referring to her friends. The mage already predicted that she had to face them in a climatic duel but she could not predict when it would happen?