The king sat with Osric standing next to him. The crowd of lords and ladies
hushed themselves. In the center of the ring, a flare was given off with
glorious colorful fireworks that made the crowd cry out in pleasant awe.
Finally as the burning coals wisped delicately to the smooth gravel a mist
of fog subdued in the event. A woman appeared on a rising platform, the
music playing gently around her as she began her chorus. The crowd stilled
in silence to hear the mysterious woman's song, that was as fragile as a
doves coo in the evening hour of sunset. The king inclined his head toward
Osric;" do you have any idea what she is singing I cannot understand the
words?". Osric shook his head denying every word that she was singing. It
had been the song of dragons and the language of dragons that she sung in
her chorus. In addition, every word she phrased and pronounced was done
perfectly.
Drake flew on heavy winds. His wings fatigued from the flight earlier and he wasn't sure how long he could persuade himself to fly much longer. In the distance, the flood of peasants came with their torches of fire, pitchforks, and other farm fielding material. They carried all tools with them in their angry stampede of dark selfish obligation. With heavy breaths, Drake was just about to give out. His wings could no longer hold his weight and as the flood of angry peasants came about, he was slowly plunging to the earth loosing effort in his escape.
As Osric and many others watched the enchanting dark angel sing, her peace and fragile mutiny took the crowds breath away. Her voice had placed them under a spell. It had been the song about the dragon-stigmata and her fate to come. Osric watched every curve on her body, every movement, every shadow. Her long black hair plaited a red love knot. From the shadows of candlelight, her lips were as ruby red as blood, and her eyes as cold as the ocean. Osric's trust in this woman lassoed very thin. The king was completely taken away by her song and it was easy for Osric to slip by him and cast a horrible spell at any given time and moment. However, something held him back, something about this woman had given him an odd fascination, as if she had been bonded with another being through out her song.
Drake's wings pursued heavy and he started loosing balance, as he drew closer to the ground and closer to the flood of angry peasants. Geoff cried out in panic", don't give out on us now drake, just a little further we can make it". In a raspy voice that thirsted for air Drake gasped out," I don't think I can hold out much longer Geoff!". Geoff pressured him more", Come on Drake if you give out on us now our fate will be having our heads for trophies". " I'm sorry", Drake rasped out in his last strength. He strived to breech higher, but then he fell from exhaustion. Geoff held tight onto Drakes neck. Grace behind him a gaped her mouth for a silent scream but nothing came out as they plunged to the ground.
At the holy hills of the monastery, Mansel paced in circles talking to himself. Martian Orodruin watched him strangely, yet kept a very close eye on the monk. Mansel made hand gestures and stressful mummers. Martian Orodruin placed a heavy hand down on Mansel's shoulder startling him. His reaction subdued after Mansel spun around frantically. " Something wrong my son?" Martian Orodruin asked in concern. Mansel shook his head", no just that, Geoff, Drake, and Grace should have been back by now. Its three hours until sunset and I worry that something terrible has happened to them". " I see" Martian Orodruin said taking his steps slowly up hill near the forest. Mansel watched the old priest with curiosity. He wondered how Martian Orodruin was linked to the prophecy dragon stigmata and how much he knew about it. Mansel followed Martian Orodruin up the hill. He watched the old priest pick up a dieing rose. " That dragon you have is something most very valuable" Orodruin commented.
" Yes he is, Drake infact has been carefully guarded by the monastery for several years" Mansel became silent in deep thought," May I ask?". " Yes?" Martian Orodruin answered placing the dead rose with in his bible along with many others. " Why is it you comment about Drake?". Orodruin placed the old bible into one of his pockets on his robe and finally answered", because my son he is part of this prophecy". Shocked Mansel stuttered," how.how are you for certain?". Martian Orodruin tapped a finger to his temple;" I have knowledge of a lot of things". Interested Mansel asked," tell me?". Orodruin registered a crumpled smile that fleeted slowly over his aging features. He pat the monk on the back leading him back to the monastery. " I shall explain it over the blessing feast tonight my son. Since however it was the topic for tonight which also has been rumored". Mansel nodded. " In favor Mansel, I'd like you to do something for me". " Yes?" Mansel asked. " I would like to see Brother Gilberts old scrolls". " I will show them to you" Mansel said leading Orodruin back to the monastery.
Weak and exhausted entirely Drake was barely able to move; yet, he and the others survived the minor crash. Geoff picked him self of the ground moaning from all the bruises he received from the rocky landing. Over the hill however, danger roared its ugly head. The peasants came cursing with their weapons high and their shrill of cries that were muffled out by their footsteps. Covered in dust, grass, and gravel, Grace pulled herself off the ground looking ahead beyond Geoff. " Ah shit!" She yelled. Geoff looked at her in a double take then worried more for Drakes safety than ever. Geoff ran over to Drake who appeared to be half alive. " Come on get up! you have to fly you just have to fly!". Drake shook his head at Geoff", I can't I'm too tired". Grace stood and just stared at the bickering two as the peasants came closer. " Ah, guys this really isn't the time to be fighting" Grace said watching the peasants arrive. They grew quiet slowly approaching them by number. Silenced Geoff looked around and sighed", great this is just great". One by one, they increased into groups, swarming Geoff. Drake and Grace. " What do you want!" Geoff cursed. There was no answer from the crowd as they drew closer. " I assure you this is all a big mistake. What ever we did were sorry" Geoff said trying to get the crowd of hungry peasants away.
A man spoke out abruptly with a pitch fork grasped in his strong hand." We want you and that retched beast!". " He's done nothing!" Geoff yelled out frantically. A middle aged woman threw a pointed finger at Drake, " He is a threat to us he must be destroyed!!". The crowd roared out in a triumphant cry of agreement. " Touch him and I'll have every knight of the realm destroy your village!" Geoff cursed angrily. " Geoff you wouldn't?" Drake questioned in shock. " Who's going to stop you boy? Your out numbered thirty to three!" a fat man bellowed getting in Geoff's face. " Hold them!" shouted a barrel chested man with a brown greasy beard. Grace felt like cringing at the sight and smell of him, which was god-awful. A couple of the peasants took a hold of Geoff and Grace, while others headed towards Drake with deadly farming supplies. Drake stood ready for a brutal attack. The barrel chested threw his arm to the air and gave the attack.
At the coliseum where the enchanted woman had sung her chorus, she had a sudden link with Grace, a bond that connected her self to Grace at the right time while all hell was breaking loose. The crowd of lords and ladies were still in silent awe as they watched a new turn of event take place. In an outbreak, the woman began to sway her arms more heavily then ever, with action as if casting a spell on the entire crowd of people. Her voice rose to higher notes and her movements and actions matrixed more quickly with her song.
Drake was fighting the peasants off the best he could. But one by one like a swarm of angry bees, they pursued to imbed their weapons into his scales wanting a piece of him. Much horror had come from this, each time Drake heaved a defensive blow from what defense he had, more and more would come stabbing, tearing and fighting to hold him down. Geoff screamed and cried out, but no one would take justice for his cries of mercy. Horrified Grace watched, when a vision had sprang to her. Through a white haze of blazing fog, the cries of dragons had been heard. Victims were impaled by slayers and by those who had feared them. More visions inflicted their poisions into Grace's mind. A silent snarl emitted from her, as she grew angry. The anger build drastically, everything from bottled up pain and suffering over her life to the vision in which she received.
Some how now Grace was linked with the woman who sung her chorus at the castle. Osric watched the dark angel like a hawk compelling toward its prey. The woman's voice had shifted in high and low notes; her black hair whipped the dry cracked air. Perfume tumbled in the candlelight of her scent, and her shadow danced wickedly across the walls of the ring. Nothing could control this vicious beauty and her brutal moves that screamed out vigorously to the air. As things got worse for Drake and Geoff, Graces anger had been at its peak. With out notice, the pupils in her eyes narrowed becoming constrict. Quickly she twisted her wrists from the man that held her back attempting to save Drake and Geoff. Grace shot around with a wild move head-butting the man. Then watched as he fell unconscious. After she headed toward Drake who had been struggling to get the dog-pile of peasants off him. Every movement the woman at the castle had made was bonded with Grace's movements.
Grace began picking peasants off Drake one by one. The man that had a good tight grip on Geoff let go and headed back to his village in mock fear. Quaintly Geoff watched Grace fight and soon most of the peasants had fled leaving Drake clear from any more pain and torture. Drake limped over to Geoff and the both of them watched Grace use her strange technique of fighting. A group of ten men surrounded Grace, some with pitchforks and other barehanded ready to strike. " What are you?" The one man said fearfully under his own words. Then taking no chances, he came at Grace with the dull ends of his pitchfork. With out effort Grace bitch kicked the pitchfork cracking it in two pieces. The man did a double take looking at the clear cut of jagged wood with wide eyes.
More men came at Grace trying to knock her down with swift moves. But unfortunately, Graces tactics in fighting were faster, and with her arms blocking on coming punches and hits she easily over powered the men. More came after her lunging at her with their weaponry. She dodged them swiftly somersaulting into the air then landed on her feet flexing her self in many back flips getting away. She stood gesturing the last two remaining men with hand signals. They summed up their courage and came after her. Drake and Geoff watched in awe and in silence. One man grabbed Grace around the waist trapping her and preventing her to strike as the other man came forward ready to throw a punch at her. Geoff and Drake instantly reacted and nearly came to her rescue when suddenly Grace up heaved her foot swiftly into the man from behind hitting a soft spot. Then she slapped the mans face in front of her with fluttering movements in her hits making him delusional.
Grace reached and grabbed the mans face with both hands straightening him out as she calculated another attack and with one swift move she elbowed the man behind her in the face and at the same time threw a punch at the man in front. The two men fell unconscious after ward as Grace threw her arms out to both sides of her body. The woman at the castle with long black hair had also done the same in taunting movements from her song, which ended. Minutes after the audience awoke from their trance and rose from their seats applauding and hollering cries of joy at the woman in black. Mystified Osric could not believe what he just witnessed. He pondered in deep thought and looked to the women in a deep stare watching as she caught carnations from the lords and ladies bowing then, departed within the darkness of the ring.
Grace swept the dust of her hands, stepping over unconscious peasants and made her way towards Drake and Geoff. The both of them had stared at her in amazement. Geoff shook his head blinking several times, while Drake muffled," whoa.". Grace raised a brow at the two who sat there staring," what?" she asked. Gasping in hysterics Geoff replied", boy! I have never seen moves like that before, they're similar to Lain's but wow". Grace looked more confused than ever since she had no memory of what just happened. " Forget it", Geoff said", we should be heading back. It's getting late". Drake agreed and soon the three of them headed back to the monastery.
The sun slowly boiled down into the horizon and soon the evening had come quickly. The king sat gesturely in his chamber wondering what had ever happened to the woman in black who sung her chorus earlier in the ring. Fascinating the king thought, as the woman had put on an excellent performance making the crowds of lords and ladies cheer for her. But there had been something extremely mysterious about her. He wondered if she could have been the Mystic maiden. The king let the thought pass and silently watched the tiny yellow leaves gleam in the evening hour as they fell slowly with the setting sun.
Osric stared out at the setting sun, while leaning over a balcony of the castle. So many thoughts drifted into his mind all at once. For a time he felt truly alone but that time had passed quickly as he gathered his thoughts together. A young silver clad knight approached him, his chocolate brown hair was well chiseled back, and he walked up fleeting stairs with much gradatation. He approached Osric with few taps on his shoulder. Osric slowly turned towards him with a commonly smile that could chip glass;" yes Sir Ronald?". The young knight bowed in respect and stood again", my lord did you hear? There is a rumor about the king he is holding a tournament tomorrow. Knights from all over are coming to participate in this wonderful skill". Osric placed his hand heavily on Ronald's shoulder," I have much knowledge of this and I'm sure if you practice hard enough you will be able to win". " I'm hoping I do win! It will show that I am more true a knight than that stable boy Geoff". Osric patted Ronald on the back;" well if you do you shall be my second in command". Ronald watched in honor having much determination in winning, and then watched Osric disappear from sight behind one of the rooms in the castle.
Drake flew on heavy winds. His wings fatigued from the flight earlier and he wasn't sure how long he could persuade himself to fly much longer. In the distance, the flood of peasants came with their torches of fire, pitchforks, and other farm fielding material. They carried all tools with them in their angry stampede of dark selfish obligation. With heavy breaths, Drake was just about to give out. His wings could no longer hold his weight and as the flood of angry peasants came about, he was slowly plunging to the earth loosing effort in his escape.
As Osric and many others watched the enchanting dark angel sing, her peace and fragile mutiny took the crowds breath away. Her voice had placed them under a spell. It had been the song about the dragon-stigmata and her fate to come. Osric watched every curve on her body, every movement, every shadow. Her long black hair plaited a red love knot. From the shadows of candlelight, her lips were as ruby red as blood, and her eyes as cold as the ocean. Osric's trust in this woman lassoed very thin. The king was completely taken away by her song and it was easy for Osric to slip by him and cast a horrible spell at any given time and moment. However, something held him back, something about this woman had given him an odd fascination, as if she had been bonded with another being through out her song.
Drake's wings pursued heavy and he started loosing balance, as he drew closer to the ground and closer to the flood of angry peasants. Geoff cried out in panic", don't give out on us now drake, just a little further we can make it". In a raspy voice that thirsted for air Drake gasped out," I don't think I can hold out much longer Geoff!". Geoff pressured him more", Come on Drake if you give out on us now our fate will be having our heads for trophies". " I'm sorry", Drake rasped out in his last strength. He strived to breech higher, but then he fell from exhaustion. Geoff held tight onto Drakes neck. Grace behind him a gaped her mouth for a silent scream but nothing came out as they plunged to the ground.
At the holy hills of the monastery, Mansel paced in circles talking to himself. Martian Orodruin watched him strangely, yet kept a very close eye on the monk. Mansel made hand gestures and stressful mummers. Martian Orodruin placed a heavy hand down on Mansel's shoulder startling him. His reaction subdued after Mansel spun around frantically. " Something wrong my son?" Martian Orodruin asked in concern. Mansel shook his head", no just that, Geoff, Drake, and Grace should have been back by now. Its three hours until sunset and I worry that something terrible has happened to them". " I see" Martian Orodruin said taking his steps slowly up hill near the forest. Mansel watched the old priest with curiosity. He wondered how Martian Orodruin was linked to the prophecy dragon stigmata and how much he knew about it. Mansel followed Martian Orodruin up the hill. He watched the old priest pick up a dieing rose. " That dragon you have is something most very valuable" Orodruin commented.
" Yes he is, Drake infact has been carefully guarded by the monastery for several years" Mansel became silent in deep thought," May I ask?". " Yes?" Martian Orodruin answered placing the dead rose with in his bible along with many others. " Why is it you comment about Drake?". Orodruin placed the old bible into one of his pockets on his robe and finally answered", because my son he is part of this prophecy". Shocked Mansel stuttered," how.how are you for certain?". Martian Orodruin tapped a finger to his temple;" I have knowledge of a lot of things". Interested Mansel asked," tell me?". Orodruin registered a crumpled smile that fleeted slowly over his aging features. He pat the monk on the back leading him back to the monastery. " I shall explain it over the blessing feast tonight my son. Since however it was the topic for tonight which also has been rumored". Mansel nodded. " In favor Mansel, I'd like you to do something for me". " Yes?" Mansel asked. " I would like to see Brother Gilberts old scrolls". " I will show them to you" Mansel said leading Orodruin back to the monastery.
Weak and exhausted entirely Drake was barely able to move; yet, he and the others survived the minor crash. Geoff picked him self of the ground moaning from all the bruises he received from the rocky landing. Over the hill however, danger roared its ugly head. The peasants came cursing with their weapons high and their shrill of cries that were muffled out by their footsteps. Covered in dust, grass, and gravel, Grace pulled herself off the ground looking ahead beyond Geoff. " Ah shit!" She yelled. Geoff looked at her in a double take then worried more for Drakes safety than ever. Geoff ran over to Drake who appeared to be half alive. " Come on get up! you have to fly you just have to fly!". Drake shook his head at Geoff", I can't I'm too tired". Grace stood and just stared at the bickering two as the peasants came closer. " Ah, guys this really isn't the time to be fighting" Grace said watching the peasants arrive. They grew quiet slowly approaching them by number. Silenced Geoff looked around and sighed", great this is just great". One by one, they increased into groups, swarming Geoff. Drake and Grace. " What do you want!" Geoff cursed. There was no answer from the crowd as they drew closer. " I assure you this is all a big mistake. What ever we did were sorry" Geoff said trying to get the crowd of hungry peasants away.
A man spoke out abruptly with a pitch fork grasped in his strong hand." We want you and that retched beast!". " He's done nothing!" Geoff yelled out frantically. A middle aged woman threw a pointed finger at Drake, " He is a threat to us he must be destroyed!!". The crowd roared out in a triumphant cry of agreement. " Touch him and I'll have every knight of the realm destroy your village!" Geoff cursed angrily. " Geoff you wouldn't?" Drake questioned in shock. " Who's going to stop you boy? Your out numbered thirty to three!" a fat man bellowed getting in Geoff's face. " Hold them!" shouted a barrel chested man with a brown greasy beard. Grace felt like cringing at the sight and smell of him, which was god-awful. A couple of the peasants took a hold of Geoff and Grace, while others headed towards Drake with deadly farming supplies. Drake stood ready for a brutal attack. The barrel chested threw his arm to the air and gave the attack.
At the coliseum where the enchanted woman had sung her chorus, she had a sudden link with Grace, a bond that connected her self to Grace at the right time while all hell was breaking loose. The crowd of lords and ladies were still in silent awe as they watched a new turn of event take place. In an outbreak, the woman began to sway her arms more heavily then ever, with action as if casting a spell on the entire crowd of people. Her voice rose to higher notes and her movements and actions matrixed more quickly with her song.
Drake was fighting the peasants off the best he could. But one by one like a swarm of angry bees, they pursued to imbed their weapons into his scales wanting a piece of him. Much horror had come from this, each time Drake heaved a defensive blow from what defense he had, more and more would come stabbing, tearing and fighting to hold him down. Geoff screamed and cried out, but no one would take justice for his cries of mercy. Horrified Grace watched, when a vision had sprang to her. Through a white haze of blazing fog, the cries of dragons had been heard. Victims were impaled by slayers and by those who had feared them. More visions inflicted their poisions into Grace's mind. A silent snarl emitted from her, as she grew angry. The anger build drastically, everything from bottled up pain and suffering over her life to the vision in which she received.
Some how now Grace was linked with the woman who sung her chorus at the castle. Osric watched the dark angel like a hawk compelling toward its prey. The woman's voice had shifted in high and low notes; her black hair whipped the dry cracked air. Perfume tumbled in the candlelight of her scent, and her shadow danced wickedly across the walls of the ring. Nothing could control this vicious beauty and her brutal moves that screamed out vigorously to the air. As things got worse for Drake and Geoff, Graces anger had been at its peak. With out notice, the pupils in her eyes narrowed becoming constrict. Quickly she twisted her wrists from the man that held her back attempting to save Drake and Geoff. Grace shot around with a wild move head-butting the man. Then watched as he fell unconscious. After she headed toward Drake who had been struggling to get the dog-pile of peasants off him. Every movement the woman at the castle had made was bonded with Grace's movements.
Grace began picking peasants off Drake one by one. The man that had a good tight grip on Geoff let go and headed back to his village in mock fear. Quaintly Geoff watched Grace fight and soon most of the peasants had fled leaving Drake clear from any more pain and torture. Drake limped over to Geoff and the both of them watched Grace use her strange technique of fighting. A group of ten men surrounded Grace, some with pitchforks and other barehanded ready to strike. " What are you?" The one man said fearfully under his own words. Then taking no chances, he came at Grace with the dull ends of his pitchfork. With out effort Grace bitch kicked the pitchfork cracking it in two pieces. The man did a double take looking at the clear cut of jagged wood with wide eyes.
More men came at Grace trying to knock her down with swift moves. But unfortunately, Graces tactics in fighting were faster, and with her arms blocking on coming punches and hits she easily over powered the men. More came after her lunging at her with their weaponry. She dodged them swiftly somersaulting into the air then landed on her feet flexing her self in many back flips getting away. She stood gesturing the last two remaining men with hand signals. They summed up their courage and came after her. Drake and Geoff watched in awe and in silence. One man grabbed Grace around the waist trapping her and preventing her to strike as the other man came forward ready to throw a punch at her. Geoff and Drake instantly reacted and nearly came to her rescue when suddenly Grace up heaved her foot swiftly into the man from behind hitting a soft spot. Then she slapped the mans face in front of her with fluttering movements in her hits making him delusional.
Grace reached and grabbed the mans face with both hands straightening him out as she calculated another attack and with one swift move she elbowed the man behind her in the face and at the same time threw a punch at the man in front. The two men fell unconscious after ward as Grace threw her arms out to both sides of her body. The woman at the castle with long black hair had also done the same in taunting movements from her song, which ended. Minutes after the audience awoke from their trance and rose from their seats applauding and hollering cries of joy at the woman in black. Mystified Osric could not believe what he just witnessed. He pondered in deep thought and looked to the women in a deep stare watching as she caught carnations from the lords and ladies bowing then, departed within the darkness of the ring.
Grace swept the dust of her hands, stepping over unconscious peasants and made her way towards Drake and Geoff. The both of them had stared at her in amazement. Geoff shook his head blinking several times, while Drake muffled," whoa.". Grace raised a brow at the two who sat there staring," what?" she asked. Gasping in hysterics Geoff replied", boy! I have never seen moves like that before, they're similar to Lain's but wow". Grace looked more confused than ever since she had no memory of what just happened. " Forget it", Geoff said", we should be heading back. It's getting late". Drake agreed and soon the three of them headed back to the monastery.
The sun slowly boiled down into the horizon and soon the evening had come quickly. The king sat gesturely in his chamber wondering what had ever happened to the woman in black who sung her chorus earlier in the ring. Fascinating the king thought, as the woman had put on an excellent performance making the crowds of lords and ladies cheer for her. But there had been something extremely mysterious about her. He wondered if she could have been the Mystic maiden. The king let the thought pass and silently watched the tiny yellow leaves gleam in the evening hour as they fell slowly with the setting sun.
Osric stared out at the setting sun, while leaning over a balcony of the castle. So many thoughts drifted into his mind all at once. For a time he felt truly alone but that time had passed quickly as he gathered his thoughts together. A young silver clad knight approached him, his chocolate brown hair was well chiseled back, and he walked up fleeting stairs with much gradatation. He approached Osric with few taps on his shoulder. Osric slowly turned towards him with a commonly smile that could chip glass;" yes Sir Ronald?". The young knight bowed in respect and stood again", my lord did you hear? There is a rumor about the king he is holding a tournament tomorrow. Knights from all over are coming to participate in this wonderful skill". Osric placed his hand heavily on Ronald's shoulder," I have much knowledge of this and I'm sure if you practice hard enough you will be able to win". " I'm hoping I do win! It will show that I am more true a knight than that stable boy Geoff". Osric patted Ronald on the back;" well if you do you shall be my second in command". Ronald watched in honor having much determination in winning, and then watched Osric disappear from sight behind one of the rooms in the castle.