I know, I said there wouldn't be anymore updates, changed my mind. Don't
check back every day lookin' for another one though.
Chapter 15
Heron stopped a pace or two in front of Merlin and watched as Merlin quickly recovered from his shock at seeing his old mentor once again, here of all places. *He should have learned better by now than to ever show surprise or shock.* As Merlin moved to kneel another thought entered Heron's mind, *he has not slept for three days, no wonder it was so easy to catch him off guard.*
"I had felt your imminent arrival, but not this soon, Heron."
"Perhaps because you have not slept for three days? What drives you to that extreme?" Heron asked as he walked past Merlin to the red mare, stroking her neck, the horse snorted, reassured that he was no threat. Behind him Merlin rose and went to sit beside the fire again, not asking how Heron had known he hadn't slept for days.
The war is starting, I have only just returned to England, the first battle will take place soon, I have promised to be there when it does." Heron raised and eyebrow, waiting, "as a healer.and a prophet." Heron nodded.
"Have you been to the castle lately?"
"I just left a week ago, everything is fine." Heron waited a knowing amused look on his face. "What's with that new loony ghost in your library?" His student finally asked.
"He has information for me, what did he say to you?" Merlin gave him a long look and then sighed and began to recite what the ghost had said form memory.
"The squid sits atop a thousand tentacles, The tree has a million roots, The spider waits at the center of his web and, The jinean* watches with uncountable eyes." He paused, carefully watching Heron for a reaction; Heron gave none but calm interest. "The lightning knight stands strong, For none may conquer the Phoenix Lord, But danger now closes inescapably 'round, The shadows take life and fight." Again Merlin paused waiting, Heron kept himself calm, waiting patiently. "Death follows life, Darkness hunts the day, In the shadows lurks the warrior, Destined to rise and never to fall." Heron nodded slowly, Merlin waited, turning his full power against Heron, seeking the answers to the strange ghost's message.
"He seemed quite insane, babbling and flying around, loony. What is the message in that?"
"It does not concern you, not in this lifetime." The young man seated by the fire glared at him.
"And how long will it take until my second 'life' begins?"
"As long as is necessary, do not start seeking for them just yet. Those with power will come to you. Concentrate on the battle and the present; leave only your dreams and inner mind open to the future."
Heron stayed until Merlin fell asleep, then he cast an enchantment upon the clearing to keep its occupants from harm and left as silently as he had come, vanishing into the mists.
** The young vampire had proved to be good sport to hunt down, fleeing quickly before the powerful creature pursuing him. He was quick and intelligent, but not quick nor intelligent enough to evade his pursuer. Like a cat with a mouse the powerful vampire toyed with the weaker one over three days and nights. Quick brief fights, mad chases across the countryside, before finally catching him alone deep in a forest, high on a hillside, and killing him.
Arai dropped his prey, the now dead the vampire crumpled to the ground, as Arai turned away a mental command sent the body bursting into flames. A strong presence called to him and he turned, seeing Heron above sitting in a treetop. Heron watching calmly, unperturbed by the killing or the sight of a vampire feeding, which would have driven many to hysterical panic and terror. He had trailed his friend for the past day and night, watching with the appreciation one expert hunter and killer has for another of equal skill, while his one time pupil hunted down the quarry.
"The others will be in hiding by now, Voldemort will likely protect them." Arai said with great disappointment. He had taken great delight in hunting down the survivors of the fight and killing them, there were only two left alive now, hidden away by Voldemort.
"I'm sure they'll turn up one day," Heron assured him, matching the vampire as they flew through the air. "There are plenty of others, and a lot of work ahead." Arai nodded, understanding what the vampire's task was already.
"Yes master, Nasiji is calling everyone together, a family reunion you might say." Arai said, a wicked smile showing his fangs. "To test their loyalty and bring us together as a whole." He added with some sadness.
"I'm sure there will be plenty of worthy prey to hunt after you see who doesn't show up." Heron assured him, "what side are they more likely to choose?"
"Their own probably. Vampires don't take well be to being ordered about by just anyone, and, of the ones that matter, we all know how Voldemort treats his followers. However this war will leave the world in enough chaos that it might be beneficial to aid you. Chaos makes a vampire's life easier you see. We have no wish to be ruled by any; therefore the most likely outcome will be aid the War Mages. I don't think there will be that many who disagree, once they know all the details. Voldemort's lot will be hunted down and killed."
"We have the elves support as well, they're ready to send their warriors into battle wherever I ask them to. And soon there will be elves amongst the War Mages as well."
"The mortals' government master, what of it?"
"Albus Dumbledore is having his friends there battle it out with those who don't believe Voldemort's return or are loyal to him. Once they identify the death eaters I will make plans to.remove them." When necessary to achieve their goals the War Mages had no qualms with turning to assassination or other creative methods. Being neither of the light nor the darkness, but shifting freely through every spectrum of both kindness and cruelty Heron was free of all restraints. His morals his own, his only laws built to allow for anything that might be necessary.
"Has Voldemort gone after the painting?"
"No, he has not yet figured out where it is. The clues seem to be a little tough. I have heard that he is falling prey to the obsessive nature of the book's contents. He will find the painting soon, it will not be necessary to even use any enchantments, he will obsess over it unceasingly until he finally gathers enough nerve to attempt it." Heron said, sometimes he really did enjoy toying with others minds, driving the enemy to insanity was a cultured art form amongst the War Mages.
Arai nodded, looking ahead as they flew, invisible, Heron waited, feeling that the vampire had something more to say.
"What of the apocalypse?" Arai asked softly, "all of us, the oldest vampires, can feel something on the edge of our minds. It did not take much work to figure it out."
"It is coming, but I have to wonder if even the apocalypse could destroy the vampires, the worst you have to fear is the extinction of the human race." Arai, clearly dissatisfied with that answer, frowned.
"Is there anything the vampires can do?"
"No, not yet, let me worry about the apocalypse for now." They reached the island upon which the fortress of the vampires, Vairlock, was located. The winds blasted about them, though neither wind nor rain touched them, the bubble Harry had thrown about them keeping them dry. This was a major storm, on the way he had noticed many a boat floundering. Perhaps tomorrow he would go out at see if he could help anyone who needed it. He was reluctant to do so now though, the island, and the two nearest islands, and the waters around them belonging to the vampires. Unclaimed by any government, uncharted, owned by some wealthy family that didn't exist, they had been secured for the vampire's centuries ago. Any and all ships that entered these waters were prey for the vampires. It said on the map that this area was exceptionally dangerous because of sharks and coral reefs etc. but many people ignored such warnings. Just so any humans who washed up on the islands after a storm were likely to end up serving Nasiji for the rest of their lives. The War Mages had long ago agreed to not interfere with this, unless of course it involved them or their agents. And so Harry would have to wait until tomorrow before possibly going to see if there was anything he could do for those caught in the sea's fury. Most likely none would survive at sea, and those that reached land he couldn't help. The knowledge that Nasiji kept a small group of shipwreck survivors as slaves didn't particularly bother him, though he knew many of his modern apprentices would be horrified. But Heron knew the types Nasiji kept, smugglers, bandits, murderers, and he was not at all upset, when one had a world to care for it was hard to be worried about such a group, and Nasiji treated them reasonably well.
Nasiji and Cassandra were both at Vairlock right now, and Kylar and Relmar were off hunting in the storm, probably swimming through the fouls seas without any trouble, examining various sinking vessels.
Nasiji was waiting for them in one of many small sitting rooms, a fire blazing in the hearth sending shadows leaping the across the walls.
"Cassandra just left to go feed," Nasiji said as they entered through the huge arched window. Harry nodded, not at all bothered by thinking that somewhere out on the ocean Cassandra was descending on some unwary boat.
"When the vampires meet make a list of all their names, all of them. They'll be at Vairlock for a few days so any bio on each, however small, could be useful." He told both vampires as he sat down in a worn leather armchair, noting the bloodstains down its back.
"You're not going to be here?" All three turned.well all three made their chairs turn, to face the other, Cassandra was back.
"No, they would sense my presence, and I have work to do." Arai snickered and Nasiji stifled a laugh.
"Well enjoy playing babysitter to that little bunch," Arai said, unsuccessfully attempting to conceal a laugh. Heron glowered at them, then shrugged.
"They're not so bad, and they're learning quickly, since they do want to survive this unscathed. I'll see you three in a few weeks." He walked to the window and leaped out, turning into his rarely used phoenix form, delighting in the difficult task of navigating through the howling winds.
***
Voldemort, a wizard so feared that his name was hardly ever uttered in conversation, who had nearly taken over the wizarding world, who had nearly reached immortality, conquering the unconquerable, was being defeated by a book. No matter how hard he read and reread the book he could not find the location of the painting the book kept referring to. The clues were there, and he cold feel that the answer was just at his fingertips, but he couldn't reach it. He had broken it down and set different groups to work on different parts. So far the only progress being made was.nothing. With a growl of frustration Voldemort slammed his fist onto the book, and immediately regretted it as the sudden violent force caused a thin stream of bright blue liquid to gather in the binding of the page he had the book opened too. Suddenly the blue liquid separated into a dozen or so bullet- sized lumps, and sprang into the air. Voldemort moved back quickly from the floated blue orbs, that abruptly turned solid, and became tiny bright blue razor sharp arrow heads that promptly started leaping at every living thing in the room. Voldemort blasted two away from him wandlessly, but it didn't destroy them. Like bludgers they sought the closest living thing and attacked. A horrible scream sounded as one death eater was hit several times, before the shocked assembly of death eaters he began to melt, screaming hideously. His melted body turning bright blue, then leaping up and separating to form a few hundred more such bright blue arrowheads and attacked.
Terrified the death eaters fled, two, slower than the rest, were hit and their screams rang in the ears of the survivors as they fled. Even Voldemort was forced to leave at last, firstly to calm the panic that the escaping death eaters caused. Secondly because he didn't not know the spell to destroy the arrowheads, and with several hundred he couldn't stop them all.
Cursing angrily Voldemort stormed out into the main room to face his panicky death eaters.
"Who's missing?" He barked, it was quickly figured that the three who ad been lost had not been of any importance anyway. "Has anyone made any progress with those passages I gave you?" There was silence for a moment, Voldemort's eyes burned, and his nostrils flared in rage, and then a voice spoke up.
"I-I think I have master." It was Severus Snape, seizing the opportunity to regain his standing amongst the death eaters, which had fallen hugely since the werewolves had chosen to remain neutral for the present. Severus already knew what all of the clues meant, giving him a chance to regain Voldemort's trust, another part of Heron's plan.
"WELL?" Voldemort demanded. Severus went over tot he table Voldemrot was seated at and placed the piece he had been given on it.
"This makes a reference to the "crystal heart of the demons land," I think I know what that is. At the time the painting was made and the book written there was a large colony of demons thriving deep under the earth's crust. At the center of their empire was the throne room, so to speak, of their king. It was a cave, part of a vast network of such caves, and it was made of crystal. Crystal walls, and a big pool of glowing green water.if I remember it right. So what we have to do is to find the right set of caves, a huge cave complex, a very deep one. Unfortunately no one ever knew where the entrances tot he cave system were, the War Mages wiped out the demons when they attempting to take over the earth."
"Well done, get a team together to find out more about these caves." Voldemort said, turning back into his workroom, cautiously opening the door and peeking in, the blue arrowheads were gone, the book lying closed on the table. There was no sign of the three missing death eaters.
Woohoo! Feedback is much appreciated. I have a question: should I leave this fic up or take it down after the Order of the Phoenix comes out?
After I've had a chance to read the Order of the Phoenix a few times I plan to start working on the sixth book so look back for that one sometime in mid July.
*Jinean: looks like an alien, stands about three feet tall, body like a flaying saucer, six legs.sort of like a spider. Jinean's start life with two eyes and gain and eye per year of life, and each year they shed an eye. It is rumored that an Jinean can see magically through all the eyes it has lost. Because of this Jineans were said to scatter their shed eyes about their nests and colonies, so that they could use them like little security cameras. Switching which eyes they saw through whenever they felt like it. Their maximum age is unknown, being nearly extinct.
Chapter 15
Heron stopped a pace or two in front of Merlin and watched as Merlin quickly recovered from his shock at seeing his old mentor once again, here of all places. *He should have learned better by now than to ever show surprise or shock.* As Merlin moved to kneel another thought entered Heron's mind, *he has not slept for three days, no wonder it was so easy to catch him off guard.*
"I had felt your imminent arrival, but not this soon, Heron."
"Perhaps because you have not slept for three days? What drives you to that extreme?" Heron asked as he walked past Merlin to the red mare, stroking her neck, the horse snorted, reassured that he was no threat. Behind him Merlin rose and went to sit beside the fire again, not asking how Heron had known he hadn't slept for days.
The war is starting, I have only just returned to England, the first battle will take place soon, I have promised to be there when it does." Heron raised and eyebrow, waiting, "as a healer.and a prophet." Heron nodded.
"Have you been to the castle lately?"
"I just left a week ago, everything is fine." Heron waited a knowing amused look on his face. "What's with that new loony ghost in your library?" His student finally asked.
"He has information for me, what did he say to you?" Merlin gave him a long look and then sighed and began to recite what the ghost had said form memory.
"The squid sits atop a thousand tentacles, The tree has a million roots, The spider waits at the center of his web and, The jinean* watches with uncountable eyes." He paused, carefully watching Heron for a reaction; Heron gave none but calm interest. "The lightning knight stands strong, For none may conquer the Phoenix Lord, But danger now closes inescapably 'round, The shadows take life and fight." Again Merlin paused waiting, Heron kept himself calm, waiting patiently. "Death follows life, Darkness hunts the day, In the shadows lurks the warrior, Destined to rise and never to fall." Heron nodded slowly, Merlin waited, turning his full power against Heron, seeking the answers to the strange ghost's message.
"He seemed quite insane, babbling and flying around, loony. What is the message in that?"
"It does not concern you, not in this lifetime." The young man seated by the fire glared at him.
"And how long will it take until my second 'life' begins?"
"As long as is necessary, do not start seeking for them just yet. Those with power will come to you. Concentrate on the battle and the present; leave only your dreams and inner mind open to the future."
Heron stayed until Merlin fell asleep, then he cast an enchantment upon the clearing to keep its occupants from harm and left as silently as he had come, vanishing into the mists.
** The young vampire had proved to be good sport to hunt down, fleeing quickly before the powerful creature pursuing him. He was quick and intelligent, but not quick nor intelligent enough to evade his pursuer. Like a cat with a mouse the powerful vampire toyed with the weaker one over three days and nights. Quick brief fights, mad chases across the countryside, before finally catching him alone deep in a forest, high on a hillside, and killing him.
Arai dropped his prey, the now dead the vampire crumpled to the ground, as Arai turned away a mental command sent the body bursting into flames. A strong presence called to him and he turned, seeing Heron above sitting in a treetop. Heron watching calmly, unperturbed by the killing or the sight of a vampire feeding, which would have driven many to hysterical panic and terror. He had trailed his friend for the past day and night, watching with the appreciation one expert hunter and killer has for another of equal skill, while his one time pupil hunted down the quarry.
"The others will be in hiding by now, Voldemort will likely protect them." Arai said with great disappointment. He had taken great delight in hunting down the survivors of the fight and killing them, there were only two left alive now, hidden away by Voldemort.
"I'm sure they'll turn up one day," Heron assured him, matching the vampire as they flew through the air. "There are plenty of others, and a lot of work ahead." Arai nodded, understanding what the vampire's task was already.
"Yes master, Nasiji is calling everyone together, a family reunion you might say." Arai said, a wicked smile showing his fangs. "To test their loyalty and bring us together as a whole." He added with some sadness.
"I'm sure there will be plenty of worthy prey to hunt after you see who doesn't show up." Heron assured him, "what side are they more likely to choose?"
"Their own probably. Vampires don't take well be to being ordered about by just anyone, and, of the ones that matter, we all know how Voldemort treats his followers. However this war will leave the world in enough chaos that it might be beneficial to aid you. Chaos makes a vampire's life easier you see. We have no wish to be ruled by any; therefore the most likely outcome will be aid the War Mages. I don't think there will be that many who disagree, once they know all the details. Voldemort's lot will be hunted down and killed."
"We have the elves support as well, they're ready to send their warriors into battle wherever I ask them to. And soon there will be elves amongst the War Mages as well."
"The mortals' government master, what of it?"
"Albus Dumbledore is having his friends there battle it out with those who don't believe Voldemort's return or are loyal to him. Once they identify the death eaters I will make plans to.remove them." When necessary to achieve their goals the War Mages had no qualms with turning to assassination or other creative methods. Being neither of the light nor the darkness, but shifting freely through every spectrum of both kindness and cruelty Heron was free of all restraints. His morals his own, his only laws built to allow for anything that might be necessary.
"Has Voldemort gone after the painting?"
"No, he has not yet figured out where it is. The clues seem to be a little tough. I have heard that he is falling prey to the obsessive nature of the book's contents. He will find the painting soon, it will not be necessary to even use any enchantments, he will obsess over it unceasingly until he finally gathers enough nerve to attempt it." Heron said, sometimes he really did enjoy toying with others minds, driving the enemy to insanity was a cultured art form amongst the War Mages.
Arai nodded, looking ahead as they flew, invisible, Heron waited, feeling that the vampire had something more to say.
"What of the apocalypse?" Arai asked softly, "all of us, the oldest vampires, can feel something on the edge of our minds. It did not take much work to figure it out."
"It is coming, but I have to wonder if even the apocalypse could destroy the vampires, the worst you have to fear is the extinction of the human race." Arai, clearly dissatisfied with that answer, frowned.
"Is there anything the vampires can do?"
"No, not yet, let me worry about the apocalypse for now." They reached the island upon which the fortress of the vampires, Vairlock, was located. The winds blasted about them, though neither wind nor rain touched them, the bubble Harry had thrown about them keeping them dry. This was a major storm, on the way he had noticed many a boat floundering. Perhaps tomorrow he would go out at see if he could help anyone who needed it. He was reluctant to do so now though, the island, and the two nearest islands, and the waters around them belonging to the vampires. Unclaimed by any government, uncharted, owned by some wealthy family that didn't exist, they had been secured for the vampire's centuries ago. Any and all ships that entered these waters were prey for the vampires. It said on the map that this area was exceptionally dangerous because of sharks and coral reefs etc. but many people ignored such warnings. Just so any humans who washed up on the islands after a storm were likely to end up serving Nasiji for the rest of their lives. The War Mages had long ago agreed to not interfere with this, unless of course it involved them or their agents. And so Harry would have to wait until tomorrow before possibly going to see if there was anything he could do for those caught in the sea's fury. Most likely none would survive at sea, and those that reached land he couldn't help. The knowledge that Nasiji kept a small group of shipwreck survivors as slaves didn't particularly bother him, though he knew many of his modern apprentices would be horrified. But Heron knew the types Nasiji kept, smugglers, bandits, murderers, and he was not at all upset, when one had a world to care for it was hard to be worried about such a group, and Nasiji treated them reasonably well.
Nasiji and Cassandra were both at Vairlock right now, and Kylar and Relmar were off hunting in the storm, probably swimming through the fouls seas without any trouble, examining various sinking vessels.
Nasiji was waiting for them in one of many small sitting rooms, a fire blazing in the hearth sending shadows leaping the across the walls.
"Cassandra just left to go feed," Nasiji said as they entered through the huge arched window. Harry nodded, not at all bothered by thinking that somewhere out on the ocean Cassandra was descending on some unwary boat.
"When the vampires meet make a list of all their names, all of them. They'll be at Vairlock for a few days so any bio on each, however small, could be useful." He told both vampires as he sat down in a worn leather armchair, noting the bloodstains down its back.
"You're not going to be here?" All three turned.well all three made their chairs turn, to face the other, Cassandra was back.
"No, they would sense my presence, and I have work to do." Arai snickered and Nasiji stifled a laugh.
"Well enjoy playing babysitter to that little bunch," Arai said, unsuccessfully attempting to conceal a laugh. Heron glowered at them, then shrugged.
"They're not so bad, and they're learning quickly, since they do want to survive this unscathed. I'll see you three in a few weeks." He walked to the window and leaped out, turning into his rarely used phoenix form, delighting in the difficult task of navigating through the howling winds.
***
Voldemort, a wizard so feared that his name was hardly ever uttered in conversation, who had nearly taken over the wizarding world, who had nearly reached immortality, conquering the unconquerable, was being defeated by a book. No matter how hard he read and reread the book he could not find the location of the painting the book kept referring to. The clues were there, and he cold feel that the answer was just at his fingertips, but he couldn't reach it. He had broken it down and set different groups to work on different parts. So far the only progress being made was.nothing. With a growl of frustration Voldemort slammed his fist onto the book, and immediately regretted it as the sudden violent force caused a thin stream of bright blue liquid to gather in the binding of the page he had the book opened too. Suddenly the blue liquid separated into a dozen or so bullet- sized lumps, and sprang into the air. Voldemort moved back quickly from the floated blue orbs, that abruptly turned solid, and became tiny bright blue razor sharp arrow heads that promptly started leaping at every living thing in the room. Voldemort blasted two away from him wandlessly, but it didn't destroy them. Like bludgers they sought the closest living thing and attacked. A horrible scream sounded as one death eater was hit several times, before the shocked assembly of death eaters he began to melt, screaming hideously. His melted body turning bright blue, then leaping up and separating to form a few hundred more such bright blue arrowheads and attacked.
Terrified the death eaters fled, two, slower than the rest, were hit and their screams rang in the ears of the survivors as they fled. Even Voldemort was forced to leave at last, firstly to calm the panic that the escaping death eaters caused. Secondly because he didn't not know the spell to destroy the arrowheads, and with several hundred he couldn't stop them all.
Cursing angrily Voldemort stormed out into the main room to face his panicky death eaters.
"Who's missing?" He barked, it was quickly figured that the three who ad been lost had not been of any importance anyway. "Has anyone made any progress with those passages I gave you?" There was silence for a moment, Voldemort's eyes burned, and his nostrils flared in rage, and then a voice spoke up.
"I-I think I have master." It was Severus Snape, seizing the opportunity to regain his standing amongst the death eaters, which had fallen hugely since the werewolves had chosen to remain neutral for the present. Severus already knew what all of the clues meant, giving him a chance to regain Voldemort's trust, another part of Heron's plan.
"WELL?" Voldemort demanded. Severus went over tot he table Voldemrot was seated at and placed the piece he had been given on it.
"This makes a reference to the "crystal heart of the demons land," I think I know what that is. At the time the painting was made and the book written there was a large colony of demons thriving deep under the earth's crust. At the center of their empire was the throne room, so to speak, of their king. It was a cave, part of a vast network of such caves, and it was made of crystal. Crystal walls, and a big pool of glowing green water.if I remember it right. So what we have to do is to find the right set of caves, a huge cave complex, a very deep one. Unfortunately no one ever knew where the entrances tot he cave system were, the War Mages wiped out the demons when they attempting to take over the earth."
"Well done, get a team together to find out more about these caves." Voldemort said, turning back into his workroom, cautiously opening the door and peeking in, the blue arrowheads were gone, the book lying closed on the table. There was no sign of the three missing death eaters.
Woohoo! Feedback is much appreciated. I have a question: should I leave this fic up or take it down after the Order of the Phoenix comes out?
After I've had a chance to read the Order of the Phoenix a few times I plan to start working on the sixth book so look back for that one sometime in mid July.
*Jinean: looks like an alien, stands about three feet tall, body like a flaying saucer, six legs.sort of like a spider. Jinean's start life with two eyes and gain and eye per year of life, and each year they shed an eye. It is rumored that an Jinean can see magically through all the eyes it has lost. Because of this Jineans were said to scatter their shed eyes about their nests and colonies, so that they could use them like little security cameras. Switching which eyes they saw through whenever they felt like it. Their maximum age is unknown, being nearly extinct.