#HEADDESK#

Wow. I can hardly believe I was this naive.

The Prophecy of the Four Horsemen

By Lord Dragon Claw

Chapter 3 Part A

Disclaim this! Go on, I dare ya!

Key:

"Speech."

#Thought.#

""Japanese.""

"+Styric.+" (used to cast Styrician magic)

":Mandarin or other specified language.:"

"-Telepathy.-"

--Mind-linked Telepathy.--

"&Telecommunicator, television, telephone, computer screen, etc.&"

A note about the planet Jal'Ræn: anything that is of the planet Jal'Ræn is called "Jal'Ri", much in the same way that anything from Japan is called "Japanese".

Chapter 3: Of Gods and of Magic


Sparhawk was still shocked at Bethani. Her casual demeanor towards everything was a little unsettling. Sparhawk had realized that she didn't mean to appear flirtatious, but that it was simply the way she acted. She insisted that Sparhawk let her train him in the arts of magic and war and although Sparhawk loved to learn new ways of fighting, he was rather puzzled as to why she wanted to train him.

In any case, Sparhawk would have to deal with it later. He had a Primate to fool.

"Count Radun," he said as they entered Radun's Castle. One of the novice knights, Berit, who had killed at least thirty of the mercenaries, had been invited to follow.

"Yes?"

"I have two favors to ask of you."

"Anything, Sir Sparhawk."

"Are you known to any of the members of the Hierocracy in Chyrellos?"

"Quite a few. In fact, I'm related to some of them - the Patriarch of Larium is a cousin of mine."

"Good. I know that traveling isn't the best this time of year, but I'd like you to join me for a ride."

"Of course. Where are we going?"

"To Chyrellos. The other favor is a bit more personal. I need you to give Berit your signet ring."

"My ring?" He lifted his hand and looked at his heavy gold ring bearing his coat of arms. Bethani was more interested in the conversation at this point. Sparhawk nodded.

"And worse yet, I can't guarantee that I'll be able to return it."

"I'm not sure that I understand."

"Berit will take the ring to Cimmura and drop it in the collection plate during services in the cathedral there. That will tell Primate Annias that his plan succeeded and you had been murdered. He will then rush to Chyrellos to lay charges against the Pandions before the Hierocracy."

Bethani laughed. "But you'll be there to prove the man wrong by showing that Radun is still breathing! The look on Annias's face will be hilarious!" She laughed again.

Radun grinned. He liked the idea. "The ring is well lost then." He pulled the ring off of his finger and handed it to Berit.

"All right," said Sparhawk to Berit. "Don't kill any horses on the way back to Cimmura. Give us time to get to Chyrellos before Annias does. Don't go near the inn on Rose Street or the Chapterhouse. Dress like a commoner, and go to morning services to pray, dropping the ring into the collection plate. I can't order you to do this because I can't guarantee that your life won't be in danger."

"You don't have to order me to do this, Lord Sparhawk," Berit replied with a smile. He left to get his horse and ride to Cimmura.


"Sparhawk, you need more training in magic," Bethani admonished him, in the stables. "Styrician magic has its advantages, and it is powerful, but it is rather limited in its application."

"I can see the advantages to learning other types of magic," agreed Sephrenia. Kalten was saddling her horse for her.

"If you don't mind," Kalten began. "I'd like to learn some of this magic of yours, Lady Bethani."

"You too, huh?" Remarked Sparhawk. "Alright, I suppose I will learn this other magic."

Bethani smiled. "Of course, Sephrenia, this offer extends to you and Flute as well." Flute's face suddenly perked up. She was standing to Sephrenia's right, holding her hand, watching the horses. But this offer of new magic intrigued her, and she very much wanted to learn all she can. Sephrenia looked down at her surrogate daughter, and smiled at her, a smile crossing Flute's face as a reply.

"I will allow Flute to learn from you, but I'm afraid that I'm too old to start this type of training. It took the first forty-five years of my life to master Styrician."

"That won't be a problem, I can assure you," said Bethani. "Besides, I think you all should know how old I really am!" Everyone else's faces were completely blank of expression, as they were all dumbfounded at her statement.

Bethani began, using an informative tone. "By my people's calendar, today is the twenty-eighth day of the thirteenth month, Kon 'Kallar, in the year 32,035 AV. Today is the final day of the year."

"Wow, that calendar has been in use for quite some time!" remarked Kalten.

"What does the 'AV' mean?" asked Kurik, as he returned to securing Faran's saddle.

"It means 'After Victory'. That is how many years after the victory of a legendary man over the oppressors of his people. He is only known as 'the Gatherer' today though. But that's besides the point. I was born on the twenty-seventh day of Taive, the fifth month, in the year 31,421 AV, making me six-hundred fourteen and a half years old." Bethani ended this statement with a smirk.

The entire group, except Bethani, face-faulted.

"How is it possible to live for so long?!" exclaimed Sparhawk.

"Simple: a specific meditation technique locked my age at the maturity of twenty-five years once my body matured that much. Now, I do that meditation technique just before I go to sleep. Heh, my father's been doing it for the past sixteen-thousand years!"

Instead of a face-fault, the group instead performed a simultaneous jaw-drop.

"I can hardly believe what I'm hearing!" exclaimed Sephrenia.

"Well, you'd better believe it!"

"Wait," Sparhawk began. "What about those of us, which happens to be most of us, who have already aged past twenty-five? Do we remain stuck at our current ages?"

"No. You actually grow younger until you again reach the maturity of twenty-five. Then you stay that way."

"This just sounds too incredible," stated Kalten.

"Well, not everyone can do it properly, but regardless of how well you can do it, your life is extended for some time anyway."

"So, how long does it take to learn this meditation technique?" asked Sparhawk.

"About two weeks. Mastering it may take longer, but it seems to have a fourteen-day minimum on learning it. You all can learn it on the way to Chryellos."

Sephrenia decided to ask a question that was bugging her. "Lady Bethani, from which of the Gods do your powers stem from? The Styrician Gods or the Elene God?"

Bethani giggled. "Neither. The kind of magic I will teach you finds its power from everything that exists. Its energy is called mana, and mana can be found in everything, except that which has recently died."

Kalten cocked his head. "Do you worship ANY Gods?"

"But of course! But not any Gods you know of - yet."

"So which do you worship?" asked Sephrenia, very curious at this point.

"Well, I am primarily a servant of the Lord Zaxineh."

"Who is he?" inquired Sparhawk.

"Why, he is the God of the power which shares his name - the Holy Zaxineh Power. Its basis is Light, Thunder, and Water."

"Hmm... What about the Styrician Gods or the Elene God?" asked Sephrenia.

"Well, the Gods went and set up a very different system here, on your world. The Styrician Gods are a pantheon of Gods who have power within the boundaries of your world and nowhere else. The Elene God is another God who has power here and nowhere else."

"What about the Elder Gods of the Styrics?" Sephrenia asked.

"Well, they have more power, but they exchanged that power for a reduction in their intelligence, influence, and control."

"So," Kalten began. "What you're saying is, both the Styrics and the Elenes worship actual Gods, and their claim that the other group doesn't is wrong?"

"Precisely."

"Such talk would get you killed in a place like Chryellos," said Sparhawk in a serious tone.

"Thank you for your concern, but they'd never be able to touch me," replied Bethani in a cocky tone. At this point, Count Radun entered the stables to see if all the horses were ready.

Radun addressed Bethani. "My dear, your hair and clothing will attract too much attention to you, and will probably get you and us in trouble if anyone sees, and I doubt that we can hide you very well in the first place. Are you sure about going?"

"Oh please! I'm going to go. And it is true that my appearance will draw many questions, but luckily I have a couple of abilities to get around that." With that, Bethani began smoothing her hair with her hands. As they watched, her white strands began turning progressively darker shades of grey, until her hair was completely black. "That solves that, but these" she pointed to her chest "will attract unwanted attention..." She placed the palms of her hands over her breasts, and slowly began to push them in. Everyone in the room could see her breasts shrink in size as she did so, until they became less than average size. This was all causing everyone to look at Bethani in a weird way.

"And, as for the clothing..." She pulled a heavy, dark-brown cloak out from her Æther and placed it on her shoulders. The others were getting less and less astonished as she continued to surprise them. After Bethani enveloped herself with the cloak, she used her Æther again to switch the other clothing she wore with what appeared to be a monk's robes, all dark brown. Her sword belt was still around her waist though. "There. That should do it."

"So you used magic to change your clothing and appearance?" Kalten asked.

"Nope. When I changed my appearance, I simply used a natural ability my mother and all my siblings have. As for my clothing, I used my Æther."

"What is 'eye-thur'?" inquired Sephrenia.

"It is an energy from a plane of existence; a plane which is a reflection of the physical and spiritual planes."

"Planes?" Sparhawk was mildly confused.

"Well, yes. Hmm... Let me put it to you this way: a knight has several layers of armor. The outer is the plate armor, the physical plane. The next is the chain mail, the shadow plane. The third is the body of the knight, the spiritual plane. The Æther plane is like a mirror, except the chain mail isn't reflected on the mirror's surface."

"Interesting," Sparhawk mused.


Udahr had left Ranma with the people on Likop and had asked him if he had any childhood friends. Ranma gave him the names of two people: Kuonji Ukyou and Hibiki Ryouga. Ranma claimed that they were both boys, but Udahr wasn't sure if "Ucchan" was a boy. "Ukyou" wasn't a very masculine name to Udahr's ears.

In any case, Udahr decided to track down Ukyou first. His most recent lead had led him to Nerima, a suburb in Toukyou, which most foreigners called "Tokyo". However, the city seemed to reek of chaos. Udahr had a tough time locating Ukyou and began to wonder if he had a dead lead. But soon, Udahr heard of an "Ice Queen" at a local high school, who had all sorts of information and was willing to share it - for a price. This "Ice Queen" happened to be named Tendo Nabiki. He had also learned that there seemed to be a lot of commotion at the high school on a regular basis.

#This Furinkan High School that Nabiki attends seems to be the center of it all...# Udahr thought as he approached the school under the shroud of the Umi-senken. #I like this ability, but I have already seen its drawbacks. As a void generated by ki, it also nullifies the mana resonance of my body. If someone were to reach out with magic senses, they would find an area void of mana, which exists in everything except that which has recently passed on, and even then, the bacteria which would begin to decompose the body would still have their own mana.#

The final bell of the school day rang out, and Udahr noticed that many people were looking depressed. #Odd... It's Friday... Why are they so sad if it's the last school day of the week? They typically should be excited about going on dates tonight or something.# When Udahr concentrated on hearing the murmurings and mumblings of the students, he soon found out why.

""I can't believe that our entire Gymnastics team was injured before the competition!""

""Well, you know that sister of Tatewai, she never plays fair.""

""You know, we haven't seen Akane since she was injured three days ago.""

""Actually, she did make it to the competition, but Kodachi simply broke both of Akane's wrists...""

""That's horrible! Her ankle was already sprained! Why would Kodachi do such a thing!?""

""You know the Kuno family: extremely insane."" This last comment was made with extreme disgust.

""What's the matter Nabiki? I thought Tatewai was your favorite source of income.""

Udahr looked and saw that the girl who was referred to as Nabiki was brown-haired, busty, and well, everything else he had gleaned from the intelligence he gathered. #Perfect. Know I know who to ask about Ukkyou.#

""Not anymore. Now leave me be."" The iciness of her tone froze everyone else within earshot... well, the ones who could be seen normally, anyway. Udahr followed Nabiki. He wasn't that surprised to find that Nabiki thought out loud when she was apparently by herself. ""Great. Akane is too depressed to go to school, Dad is no help, and then that fat panda-man shows up and eats more than any of us combined. How am I supposed to earn enough money to keep us inside our own home now?""

Udahr finally saw the opening he needed. He dropped the Umi-senken and spoke: ""Perhaps I could help?""

Nabiki suddenly felt intense fear. Sure, she wasn't very good at martial arts, but she could tell when someone was sneaking up on her. For this man to appear out of the blue like this...

""Who are you?""

""Someone who needs information. Though I have no Yen, I can pay with real gold."" Udahr pulled a gold sphere out of his robes. It was five inches in diameter. ""I can assure you that it is solid gold.""

""You can't guarantee that on the spot.""

""No, I suppose I can't, but here: take it and have it appraised. I will wait for you in the park three blocks north of Furinkan tomorrow at noon. If you find that ball to be real gold, then I will pay you with another identical to it for the information I need."" Udahr handed her the ball. ""Hopefully I'll meet you again tomorrow."" With that, Udahr suddenly jumped straight up. Before Nabiki had time to react, Udahr had already pulled out his blank scroll and re-cloaked himself in the Umi-senken. Nabiki looked up, but saw nothing. She was amazed at his ability to disappear. She immediately went to get the ball appraised.


The next day, Nabiki found Udahr under a tree at the park.

""So you did get it appraised."" It was not a question.

""What information do you need?""

Udahr handed her another orb made of gold. ""I am looking for someone by the name of Kuonji Ukkyou. Ever hear of him?""

""Not a male by that name, but a girl who dresses as a boy. Are you sure you have the right name?""

""Yes. The information I had originally received was not complete.""

""Well, Ukkyou goes to a different school than I do, but she does run her own okonomiyaki restaurant, named 'Ucchan's'. Would you like directions?""

""Please.""

""From here, go three blocks west and you'll come to a transit station. Take the southbound train to the second stop. From there, go east for about a block and you'll spot it on the northern side of the street.""

""Thank you. There is also one other person I am looking for."" Udahr handed over a third sphere. ""His name is Hibiki Ryouga.""

""I've met him. He sometimes appears in town looking for two people, each named Ranma. He says one is a boy with black hair, but the other is a girl.""

""Where can I find him?""

""He has a horrible sense of direction, so he is easily lost. Because of this, I have no idea where to find him or even how to start tracking him down.""

""Do you have any other information on him? Such as what other people think of him.""

""Yes. My younger sister, Akane, thinks that Ryouga is kind of cute, which is odd. She hates boys. She thinks that they are all perverts.""

""Hmm... well, thank you. By the way, that 'panda-man', as you called him, wouldn't happen to be named Saotome Genma, would he?""

""Y-yes...""

""As an additional payment, I can soon get rid of that freeloader. He'll be out of your hair within a week, especially since he has a bad habit of committing crimes.""

""Thank you.""

""Don't mention it. We will not meet again."" With a sudden speed, Udahr ran out of the park, bringing up the Umi-senken as he passed behind a boulder.


Dran, Strogan, and Galedradha finally reached the end of the Aiel Wastes and began scaling the Dragonwall, a tall and treacherous mountain range, also called the Spine of the World. Dran had been teaching his two new students about magic.

"Magic is broken into five regions on a diagram called a powerwheel," Dran began. "The regions are the North, East, South, West, and Center. Each region has its own elements. To the North is Light and Lightning. To balance the North, the South is Shadow and Darkness. To the East is Fire and Magma. The balance of the East is the West, wherein lies Water and Ice. The Center, being balance itself, is Life. It is also Dragon, Green, Wind, Earth, and all sorts of other types of magic. Oh, also, Wind and Earth are opposites and balance each other."

"Similar, yet different to how the One Power is arranged," commented Galedradha.

"So, how does magic work?" asked Strogan.

"Magic is powered by mana, an energy present in everything, except that which has recently died. A spell is cast by drawing mana from around you, as well as from within you, and shaping the mana into the spell. There are two methods of casting spells: pool method and line method. The pool method is done by taking portions of mana from various different objects and mixing them into a 'pool', which is a spell. Once the various kinds of mana are fully mixed together, the spell is complete, and simply needs to be triggered. Line method is done very differently. First of all, mana is viewed as many different 'lines' or threads. To cast the spell, you must properly weave the lines together. Once the lines are finally all in place, the spell only needs to be triggered. There are advantages and disadvantages to each method, but they are pretty much the same in the long run."

"So, which will we be using?" asked Galedradha.

"Both."


"That sounds very different from the way that Styrician magic works," mused Sephrenia.

"Actually, Styrician magic is simply the pool method directed with words, which is why it's so powerful, yet so limited," answered Bethani.

"The line method seems very interesting as well," commented Sparhawk. "I wonder, are there any mages who specialize in either method?"

"Yes. But there are also two special types of mages who can use only one method or the other, and another special type which can use both." Bethani leaned back in her saddle. "There is the Sling Mage, who can 'catch' spells and 'sling' them wherever they wish. Sling Mages use both methods; however, they are weak against Fray Mages. A Fray Mage can't use the pool method, at all. Such a mage can only use the line method. They always cast their spells at the area where they want it to go off, rather than cast the spell near them and then send it at the target. They can also take apart spells by pulling one of the lines out of the spell, hence the name 'Fray Mage'. However, Fray Mages are at a severe disadvantage against Hammer Mages."

"Wait... 'Hammer' Mage?" asked Sephrenia. Flute was sharing her saddle and also looked puzzled.

"Well, yes. A Hammer Mage is only able to use the pool method. Oddly enough, their spells have absolutely no lines in them, which is why Fray Mages can't take their spells apart. A Hammer Mage usually uses an off-balance weapon, such as a hammer, an axe, a mace, a flail, or other such weapon, as a focal point for their spells. Their spells are usually very destructive in nature, and nearly no magical barrier or structured spell can withstand a Hammer Mage's barrage. However, Sling Mages can easily catch any Hammer Mage's spell. Of these three special types, the Hammer Mage is the most common and the Fray Mage is the rarest. Even so, Hammer Mages are pretty rare, and most mages don't know enough about any of these three special mage types to be able to effectively combat them."

"How is it that you know of them then?" inquired Sparhawk.

"One of my father's best friends is a Sling Mage. His name is Udahr Jayson Greigh. One of his friends, a half-elf named Slarl Verdixa, is a very talented Fray Mage. Another one of his friends, Jojonno Ki'Yiddir mel'Tassyct, is a Hammer Mage."

"Zo-zon-noh... Jyo-john-no..." said Kalten, clearly unable to pronounce the name.

Bethani chuckled. "Here, let me write it down so you can practice pronouncing it. Jojonno is a Felinid, which is a being that seems like a cross between an elf and a cat. Felinids are a little touchy about the pronunciations of their names. Mispronouncing any Felinid name is considered an insult to their race. At least Jojonno is more patient than most Felinids. In fact, he's the most patient and laid-back Hammer Mage I've heard of!" She quickly wrote down some words on a piece of paper and handed it to Kalten. The paper read:

"Jojonno Ki'Yiddir mel'Tassyct (ZHO-zhon-no KEY-yid-DEER mel-TAHS-sikt)"

"Thank you, Bethani," said Kalten.

"Sure thing! I mean, I seriously doubted that you might want a Felinid angry with you."

"These Felinids sound as though they could be really dangerous," commented Sparhawk.

"They can be, but then again, anyone can be. For the most part though, Felinids are generally care-free and fun-loving, much like housecats."

"What exactly do they look like?" asked Kalten.

"Well, they are generally slim, like elves, but they have a cat's eyes, ears, and tail. The only places where they have fur are on their ears and tail, and their hair is very much like a lion's mane. On their face, they have a cat's whiskers. And their fingernails are much like a cat's claws - retractable and sharp. And for the most part, Felinids are very cute."

"Cute?" asked Sephrenia.

"Cute like housecats."

"How about their combat abilities?" asked Sparhawk.

Bethani could see that Sparhawk was intrigued by any race he never had contact with, and that he was always calculating about who he should make potential allies of. "Well, their sense of balance is very keen - even keener than any housecat. Their eyesight is equal to a human's, but their night vision is exceptional. They also have superior hearing. Typically, Felinids use weaponry and armoring that is light and well-balanced. Jojonno is an exception. Felinids also have a talent for making very special weapons - weapons that can increase their range. For example, Jojonno has a strong, but normal, short sword. He also has a simple-looking mace - it is a metal ball at the end of the handle. However, his mace is one of those special Felinid weapons. It can turn into a flail with a chain-length anywhere from zero feet long to just over 160 feet long."

"Interesting," said Sparhawk. "How much does the ball weigh?"

"Hmmm... about one-third of the weight of the horse I'm riding."

"That is heavy!" exclaimed Kalten. "How can he wield such a heavy weapon?"

"Well, Jojonno is a Hammer Mage. Hammer Mages usually have greater physical strength than most."

"I would like to meet... Jojonno," said Sparhawk. Bethani smiled to let him know that he had pronounced the name correctly.

"As would we," said Sephrenia, indicating that "we" included Flute as well.

Bethani laughed. "I'm sure I could arrange such a meeting. But I think you may want to meet Udahr and Slarl as well."

"Okay," replied Sparhawk. "Tell me why I'd want to."

"They are both tactical geniuses. Udahr always plays mind games with his opponents when he fights, and he usually wins. Slarl is a very interesting man. His father was a human..."

"Was?" interrupted Count Radun; he looked very concerned.

"Yes. Slarl's father was killed in battle when Slarl was only fifteen."

"Brutal upbringing," commented Kalten.

"Yes. Well, before Slarl was ever born, his parents decided to enter into an Ogre Blood Pact." At this, Kalten, Radun, Sephrenia, Flute, Kurik, and Sparhawk all turned to Bethani with shocked, but curious, stares.

"Ogre?" asked Radun and Sparhawk in unison.

"Blood Pact?" asked Sephrenia and Kalten in unison.

"Yes. Let me explain. Slarl is from the planet of Jal'Ræn. It is a world populated by elves, dragons, ogres, and humans. Back then, Jal'Ræn was under siege by a criminal organization known as Bright Star. Slarl's father, Koras Verdixa, had become the last of the once-great Verdixa family because Bright Star was killing that family for opposing their rule. Slarl's mother, Breunna Shourid, and her whole family also opposed Bright Star. The Shourid family's numbers had been reduced by Bright Star to about half of what they once were. Also, the ogres of Jal'Ræn violently opposed Bright Star. The Jal'Ri ogres are one of four races of ogre - they are called the Oni. The Oni are the smallest of the ogre races, but they still reach a height of almost nine-and-a-half feet tall. In any case, Bright Star had managed to wipe out the Oni clans of the Youkaze, the Akudo, the Kuroyuki, and all but two members of the Shi clan."

"The 'Shi' clan?" asked Sparhawk.

"Shi means 'death'. The two remaining members of the Shi clan are Shi Hajime and Shi Yuki. And yes, the Oni state their names with the clan name first, and then their given names. Hajime, Yuki, Koras, and Breunna initiated the Ogre Blood Pact the day they were married. Slarl hasn't told me the specifics of the Pact, but from what I understand, all current and future members of the Shi clan and the Verdixa family are obligated to teach and protect each other."

"So, it's only a simple agreement?" asked Kalten.

"No. It's an Ogre Blood Pact. In such Pacts, the terms are always met by all involved persons - they don't have any choice in the matter."

"Why did they enter into such a Pact?" asked Radun.

"They did it to prevent the extinction of the Shi clan, the Verdixa family, and the Shourid family. What that means for Slarl is that Hajime and Yuki are his godparents, and Hajime became Slarl's surrogate father when Koras was killed."

"Wait," said Sephrenia. "What I know of ogres is that they are brutal, somewhat simple, and will eat their own young. In fact, they'll eat anything. How am I supposed to believe that this Oni variety of ogre is capable of such compassion?"

Again, Bethani laughed. "The kind of ogre you have heard of is the R'Glirnt ogres."

"' R'Glirnt'?"

Bethani noticed that Sephrenia had no difficulty pronouncing words from other languages, even words she had never heard before. "Yes. In the common ogre language, R'Glirnt means 'devourer', which is an appropriate name for them. They are the largest race of ogres, often becoming taller than fifteen feet. Their heads are ball-shaped, and are mostly mouth and throat. Their brains are fairly small and they have the thinking capacity of an eight-year-old human child. Their bellies take up more than half of their entire bodies and their skin is the same dull-green as the snot in the nose of a sick child. R'Glirnt will eat anything they find to be tasty. The Oni are much smarter and are capable of kindness."

"Hmm... I may have to see it for myself. I still find it difficult to believe."

"We seem to have gone off on a tangent," Sparhawk mused. "I think you were originally teaching us about the nature of magic."

Bethani shrugged. "Yeah, but the cultures of other worlds is also important for you to learn, Sparhawk."

"Heh. Anyway, I am curious, is Bright Star still trying to maintain control of Jal'Ræn?"

"No. Slarl and Hajime were key figures in driving Bright Star off of their world."

"One more question," said Radun. "You said that there are four races of ogre, but you have mentioned only two. What are the other two?"

"Well, I did mention the R'glirnt, the largest and stupidest ogres. Then there is the H'Remd-La, or 'flame bearers', whose heads are egg-shaped. They have two arms and two legs, but they don't have feet - only four hands with six fingers each."

"Six fingers?" said Kalten, wondering aloud.

"Two thumbs, one on both sides of the hand, and four other fingers. They also have a single row of spinal spikes running down the center of their backs. The tallest of the H'Remd-La was recorded as being thirteen feet tall. Their skin color is various shades of orange and red. They are smarter than the R'Glirnt, but not by much. A thirteen-year-old human is as smart as the smartest H'Remd-La. The next race of ogre is the D'Teln'Jez, or 'strong minds'. They and the Oni are the two smartest ogre races. The D'Teln'Jez have box-shaped heads and grayish skin. Their bodies are proportioned similarly to a human but with a broader chest and thicker limbs. They grow to be just over ten feet tall. They are as smart as adult humans - sometimes smarter. The Oni are the only race of ogre to have a different language than the common ogre language. The Oni are smarter than the D'Teln'Jez. Also, the Oni are very different than the other three races in appearance. Their bodies are also proportioned like a human, but with a thinner waist, longer fingers, and a tongue like a snake's. They have three eyes and a pair of goat-like horns on their triangular head. Their skin ranges from a very dark shade of gray to black."

"I still find it hard to believe that there are four kinds of ogre," said Sephrenia.

"Actually," said Radun. "In Elene scriptures, it is mentioned that there are four kinds of ogre. Anyways, I think I see a messenger coming."

"You're right," replied Sparhawk. "Looks like he's a Pandion Knight."

The man in black armor rode up to their group. He lifted his visor and spoke, "Sir Sparhawk."

"Sir Olven," greeted Sparhawk, easily recognizing the knight from his scarred face.

"Preceptor Vanion sent me to give you a message. Your instructions are to return to Cimmura with all possible speed."

"Why the change in plans?"

"King Dregos is in Cimmura, and he's invited Wargun of Thalesia and Obler of Deira to join him. He wishes to investigate Queen Ehlana's illness - and the justification for the appointment of Lycheas as prince regent. Vanion believes Annias will bring against the Pandion Order his false charges of us murdering Count Radun."

"Berit should arrive at Cimmura tomorrow." Sparhawk's face was a study of calculation. "Have all the kings arrived yet?"

"No. King Obler is too old to travel very fast and it may take a week to get King Wargun sober enough to travel from Emsat."

"We'll not gamble on that. But we will cut across country to Demos and then ride directly to Cimmura. Is Vanion at Chyrellos?"

"No. He already headed for Cimmura to stall for time. The Patriarch Dolmant is with him."

"Dolmant?" queried Kalten. "If he's going to Cimmura, then who's going to run the Church?"

"Sir Kalten," replied Radun, rather stiffly. "The guidance of the Church is in the hands of the archprelate."

"Sorry, my Lord. I know how much you Arcians revere the Church, but let's be honest. Archprelate Cluvonus is eighty-five years old, sleeps most of the time, and is hard of hearing. Dolmant doesn't make an issue of it, but most of the Church's decisions that come out of Chyrellos are his."

"I take it that Dolmant is not corrupt?" asked Bethani.

"Who is this woman?" asked Olven. "Sparhawk's lover?"

There was a pause, and then everyone but Olven laughed.

"No, Olven," began Sparhawk. "She is my new tactical advisor and battle trainer."

"A female?"

"Yes."

"Sparhawk... did you get hit in the head?" This brought some chuckles from the rest of the group.

"Surely you don't think he's crazy," stated Sephrenia.

"Pardon me, Little Mother, but what do you mean?"

"Am I not a tactical advisor and battle trainer for the Pandions? Have I not been such for twenty years?"

"I see your point. I apologize, my Ladies."

"Please, call me Bethani. It is my name after all."

"Again, I apologize, Lady Bethani."

Bethani gave Olven a stern look. "Seriously, just Bethani will do. And stop being so apologetic."

"Um... Okay." Then she smiled.

"Also, I happen to be happily married to a man named Dran delBlemti Ventor-Kyze."

"So, your name is Bethani Ventor-..."

"No," interrupted Bethani. "Ventor-Kyze is one of my husband's titles. My name is Bethani delBlemti."

"Well, we'd better head for Cimmura," stated Sparhawk. "Let's ride."


Ranma was certainly having fun. He had his Curse against his magic removed, and the samurai and shinobi of the planet Likop knew about martial arts. They knew a great deal about the subject. Also, primarily because of some of the kunoichi who were training him, he had learned that Genma was dead wrong about women being weak. He learned about that the hard way, but luckily he learned that lesson very quickly.

Ranma was certainly good at the styles of weapon combat that they were teaching him. The master with whom he was staying, Takada Hayashi, had convinced him that using weapons in combat was certainly better than not using them. He taught Ranma that having a weapon fooled your opponent into thinking that you needed your weapon, and when they disarmed you of that weapon, they would quickly discover how wrong they were. Ranma liked the idea. He liked it a lot.

However, Ranma discovered that he couldn't use Samurai Blade Magic, Ninjitsu, or Geomancy. Good thing that they knew how to use other forms of magic - although Ranma was no master at spell casting yet, he did show plenty of natural talent in both the pool method and the line method.

On top of everything, Ranma was nearly done learning Human Common, which most Earthling Humans referred to as "English". And Udahr wasn't due to come back for another two weeks! Won't he be surprised!

""Oi!" Begin the kata again, Ranma! But slowly - I want to show you all the holes in your defense!"

"Okay, Takada-sensei!"


Seven days of hard riding (including dropping Olven off at the Pandion chapterhouse in Demos) later...

"Could you tell me where I can find Lord Vanion?" Sparhawk asked the novice who was taking their horses.

"He is in the study in the south tower, my Lord - with the Patriarch Dolmant." As the group headed out of the stables, Sparhawk could hear a snapping of teeth. "Faran," the novice began. "I already know all your tricks. Just give up on trying to bite me." Sparhawk chuckled.


After climbing the narrow stairs, the guard at the door to the study greeted them. "Sparhawk, Kurik, Kalten, Little Mother, Count Radun, and two guests. Please go right in - Vanion is getting anxious." He held the door open for them.

"Thank God you arrived in time!" exclaimed Vanion.

"Berit deliver the count's ring?" asked Sparhawk.

"Two days ago. I had men inside the cathedral watching." Vanion frowned slightly. "Was it altogether wise to entrust such a delicate mission to a novice, Sparhawk?"

"Berit is a solid young man," explained Sparhawk. "He takes whatever was assigned to him very seriously. Also, his face isn't very well known here in Cimmura. He was perfect for the job."

"I see. It was indeed your command, Sparhawk. It was your decision to make. Did your ruse go well in Arcium?"

"Better than expected," replied Kalten. "Although Martel wasn't there, Adus was. He led the mercenaries. He nearly got away, but his corpse rests in pieces now."

Sparhawk drew a deep breath. "We lost the novice, Parasim. I'm so sorry, Vanion. I tried to keep him out of the fight, but Adus got to him." Vanion's eyes clouded with grief. "I know. He was a brother to me too." He noticed that Sephrenia and Vanion shared a quick glance and Sephrenia's almost imperceptible nod, informing Vanion that Sparhawk knew Parasim was one of the twelve knights who participated in the spell that was keeping Queen Ehlana in suspended animation. Then Sparhawk straightened and introduced Radun to Vanion.

"I owe my life to you, Lord Vanion," said Radun, shaking Vanion's hand. "How shall I repay you?"

"Your presence here in Cimmura is ample repayment, my Lord."

"Have the other kings joined my nephew, King Dregos, as of yet?"

"Obler has arrived. King Wargun is still at sea, though. He is expected to arrive at any time."

A thin man dressed in a black cassock sat near the window. He had silvery hair and keen eyes. He appeared to be in his late fifties. Sparhawk crossed the room and bowed respectfully before him. "Your Grace," he greeted the patriarch of Demos.

"Good to see you again, Sir Sparhawk. You too, Count Radun." Then he looked past Count Radun. "Glad to see you're in good health, Sir Kalten. Hello, Kurik. Have you been going to chapel?"

"Err... whenever the opportunity arises, your Grace," replied Kurik, flushing slightly.

"Excellent, my son. I'm sure that God is always glad to see you. How are Aslade and the boys?"

"They are well, your Grace. Thank you for asking."

Sephrenia had been looking critically at the patriarch. "You haven't been eating properly, Dolmant."

"I sometimes forget to attend my meals," he said. Then he smiled shyly, but playfully, at her. "My overwhelming concern with the conversion of the heathen fills all my waking thoughts. Tell me, Sephrenia, are you ready to finally abolish your pagan ways and embrace the true faith?"

Bethani recognized his attitude as playful and sarcastic. She wasn't surprised to hear Sephrenia to sarcastically reply: "Not yet, Dolmant. Nice of you to ask, though."

He laughed. "I thought I'd get the silly question out of the way so that we can talk without it hanging over our heads!" He looked at Flute, who was curiously exploring the room and examining the tables, chairs, bookcases, and windows. "And who is this beautiful child?"

"A foundling, your Grace," replied Sparhawk. "We found her orphaned near the Arcian border. She doesn't like to talk, so we call her Flute. She seems to approve of the name."

"By her grass-stained feet, I'm guessing that you had no time to bathe her?"

"It would not have been appropriate, your Grace," answered Sephrenia. This caused Dolmant to look very puzzled. Yet Bethani had already figured out why it would be wrong to make Flute have a bath; Flute was a special type of Styrician Mage, and at the girl's current age, a bath would wash away most of the strength in her magic.

Dolmant called Flute over to him. She warily, but steadily, approached the patriarch. "And you will not speak - not even to me?"

She piped a questioning note on her instrument.

"I see. Well, then, Flute, will you accept my blessing?"

She looked at him as if he were insane and shook her head. Dolmant sweatdropped.

"She's a Styric child, Dolmant," Sephrenia explained. "Elene blessings hold no meaning to her."

Flute then took Dolmant's hand and placed it over her heart. Dolmant sweatdropped again, not understanding what Flute wanted.

"She want's to give you her blessing, though," Sephrenia told him. "Will you accept it?"

His eyes still wide, Dolmant said: "I think perhaps that I shouldn't, but God help me, I will - and gladly."

Flute smiled at him and then kissed both of his palms. Then, while standing perfectly still, she played a strong, joyous melody on her pipes. While she played, her hair whipped about her head, as if she were standing on top of a flagpole. Dolmant's face was filled with wonder. Bethani recognized the spell as the same blessing Flute had given to her.

"I expect that I will be summoned to the palace the instant King Wargun arrives," Vanion said. "Annias would love to confront me personally about the murder of Count Radun." He thought for a moment, and then turned to Radun. "Did anyone see you arrive, my Lord?"

"No, my Lord Vanion. When we were only half a day's ride from Cimmura, Sparhawk had me wear a spare set of Pandion armor. I rode in, visor down, with the crest on my shield covered."

"Good. We wouldn't want to spoil the surprise we're setting up for Annias, would we?" Vanion's sarcastic question brought chuckles from everyone in the room. Then Vanion turned to Sephrenia to ask her something, then realized that there was something peculiar about her appearance. "Why, our Little Mother, have you somehow gotten younger?"

"Actually, that is precisely what happened."

Vanion and Dolmant both had to resist the urge to face-fault.

"How... ?" they both began at the same time.

"It was with my help, actually," replied Bethani in a disguised voice.

"Who are you, my son?" the patriarch queried.

"'Son'?" she replied. Then she removed her hood, revealing her face, and stopped using the voice-changing spell. "I am a woman."

Vanion's and Dolmant's jaws both went slack. Then she explained to them who she was and why she was here.

"Interesting," commented Vanion. "Do you think I can learn what you're teaching Sparhawk and the others?"

"I was already planning on doing so."

"So, which Gods do you pray to?" asked Dolmant.

"Well, the God who I primarily pray to happens to be called Lord Zaxineh. And no, he's not any of the Gods the Styrics pray to."

Dolmant looked troubled. He was a little confused, but he was beginning to question his own beliefs.

"The God of the Elenes is a real God, as are the Gods of the Styrics," she explained, suddenly realizing what she may have done to the patriarch. But she put her fears to rest when he smiled warmly at her.

"This confirms something that I found in the archives of the Church," Dolmant began. "I found a really old book, written in our language - one of the first to be written in our language, I believe - that specifically named the God of the Elenes and His relation to the Styric Gods. At first, I thought it was just a heretical book, but now I know that it indeed is a book of true scripture. Good thing I hid the book deeper in the archives rather than destroy it."

"So you know the name of the Elene God?" asked Bethani. She didn't know it, but she did know that He existed.

"Yes. His name is Styre, and according to the scriptures I had found, He happens to be the Father of the Styric Pantheon of Gods."

"Styre? I think I may have heard that name before." She sat down, her left hand supporting her right elbow while her right fist was supporting her chin. Suddenly, her face was a study of revelation. "I know who He is in relation to other Gods!"

Everyone was expectant.

"You see, there are the Four Great Gods: Ryugan, Vex, Honor, and Sephortense. One of Lord Vex's sons, Maratena, is one of the Gods of Chaos and specializes in Chance. One of Honor's daughters, Phoenix, is the Goddess of the Phoenixes. Lord Maratena and Lady Phoenix had three sons: Kamakos, God of Chaos and Choice; Khey-Ozh, the now fallen God of Chaos and Madness; and Behrzerk, God of Chaos and Change. Lord Kamakos has had many children of his own, more than any religious scholar has been able to learn of, as of yet. All of his children are Trickster Gods and/or Prankster Gods, and one of the oldest of his sons is Styre. However, when the Chaos Gods began to war amongst themselves, Styre was one of the first of Lord Kamakos's children to disappear without a trace."

"Interesting," said Dolmant.

"Wait," said Sephrenia. "The Chaos Gods had a war?"

"Yes," Bethani replied. "Khey-Ozh had become evil and power-hungry and rebelled against the other three Chaos Gods."

Dolmant then looked at Bethani. "May I also join in your training?"

"Well, it'll simply take longer for you to learn what I am going to teach the others, simply because of your duties to that Church of yours, but I will certainly teach you the meditation technique that returns you to the vitality of twenty-five years and keeps you there. It will take practice, but I'm sure that all of you will be able to master it."

Sparhawk spoke up. "Is the reason why the Church believes that the Styrics are wrong and vice-versa is that Styre is a Trickster God?"

"Actually, yes. He's not spiteful, but He does like to make things be interesting, like the other Trickster, Prankster, and Chaos Gods do. That's simply the nature of Chaos. Without it, existing would be pointless as nothing would ever change. But Order is also needed, for obvious reasons."

"And a balance between them would be the best?" asked Kalten.

"That is correct. Having a Balance between Order and Chaos in any life and in any society is ideal."


End Chapter Three.

Hopefully, also the end of any other stupid stuff like this.