HEART OF THE SWORD
By: Alithiel
Disclaimer: Hello all! Gomen for the unusually long wait between updates, bur I've been depressed and unmotivated to write. Thanx to all of those who reviewed (too tired to remember names right now! ^.^;;). Of course, review this one too!!! I no own T of D. No way.
Chapter 7: Leadless
Sariless shook her head in exasperation. "So.you can't get a fix on Dymlos or Clemente?"
Igtenos shook his head as well, his voice sullen. ~No.~
The Swordian Masters sighed in frustration. Two weeks had passed since Atwight's recovery, and they still had no leads on where the last two of the core crystals were.
"I feel.like were running out of time." Philia added, her violet eyes concerned.
Stahn paced the length of the Draconis' war room. They were currently flying toward Armedia and the Straylize temple. Philia had mentioned a seeress there who could possibly help them. A sudden thought occurred to him, and he turned quickly to the three misty forms of the Swordians.
"Could you be being blocked?"
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()() ()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Ryukai glared out the window at the teeming streets of Darilsheid below. Lately, he had found that watching the herd of humanity from the hotel window had made him angry. Berselius had informed him that anger was a good fuel for magic, especially the blocking spell he had currently cast and was forced to maintain. No form of vision could ever find Berselius with such a powerful spell protecting him.
He had changed in the time since acquiring the Swordian. Ever since he had touched it, he had ceased being Ryukai and had become someone else, a fusion of who he once was and the evil spirit.
Ryukai thoughtfully rolled the crystal point in-between his palms. It felt cool to the touch.so like the one his sister had given him so long ago.He clenched his fist. He would find his sister.and pierce her heart with this crystal.!
Suddenly, the shadowy form of Berselius appeared in the corner.
~Ryukai! Drop the blocking spell NOW!!!~
The boy did as he was told, quickly dropping the spell. After a moment, his master cursed aloud.
~Damn them.! So they too survived.~
"What is it, master? He asked as he raised the spell again.
A sigh that sounded almost weary came from beneath the hood. ~Remember the Swordians I told you about? They are attached like you and I, to the original Swordian masters that we seek.~
"The ones you wish to kill?"
~Yes.~ Berselius lapsed into thoughtful silence. Then, he laughed coldly. ~I know how to make this easier. Uncover me, Ryukai!~
Ryukai removed the black glove he wore, revealing the blood red gem embedded in his hand.
~Be still boy. This WILL hurt.~
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()() ()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
The Draconis landed as full night fell. They were only halfway to Armedia, and since it would be better to enter the Temple during the day, the group had decided to stop and rest a while.
Stahn leaned against the rail of the dragonship, staring out over the waving grasslands. He sighed. They were till no closer to finding either Dymlos or Clemente. He turned his blue eyes to the stars in the night sky.
"Stahn?"
He glanced over his shoulder, looking at Philia as she approached him from belowdecks. She had a dark cloak thrown over her white nightgown.
"You should be asleep." Stahn admonished as she approached the railing. The breeze off the grass caught her unbound hair and sent it flying in emerald waves.
"I.couldn't rest." The priestess replied quietly. The two stood on deck in comfortable silence for a while, looking out over the scenery before them. After a moment, Philia cleared her throat. "Stahn? Do you think.something happened to them? To Dymlos and Clemente?"
Stahn shook his head. "I really have no way of knowing, Philia. But I hope not."
"I don't understand why we can't find them."
"Well, the only explanation is a block.and even that doesn't hold much possibility, right?"
"No." She said as she sighed softly.
"Hey, that's not like you! Cheer up!" Stahn grinned stupidly. "C'mon, show me that pretty smile!"
Philia couldn't help but laugh.
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The Straylize Temple was enveloped in silence and strangely empty as the Swordian Masters entered its gates. Built as the center of the Straylize order of priests, the temple had been nearly destroyed as a result of High Priest Lydon's treachery three years ago. Even as the group made their way through the grounds, reminders of that betrayal were everywhere, in the form of monuments to the fallen priests.
Philia lead the group to a small building off to the side from the main chapel. Simple in design, there where no guards posted outside this place as there where others. Philia bowed before the door before entering, the others in tow.
"Who's there?" A voice called from within.
"It is I, Philia, Magalia."
The speaker became visible as they entered. In the center of a large, empty room sat a young woman, dressed in the robes of a Straylize priestess. A thick braid of seafoam green hair wound around the crown of her head, and her brilliant red eyes stared into space.
"Philia." Her melodious voice echoed around the cavernous space, "It has been a while since you came to visit your elder sister."
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()() ()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
"Blind from birth, gifted instead with othersight." Philia sighed. She sat by Magalia, while the others sat before the both. From this proximity, Stahn could see the resemblance of the two girls. "For years she has been a ward of the Temple, her gift for soothsaying valuable and yet abused."
"Don't be silly, Philia." Magalia said curtly.
Garr cleared his throat. "Lady Magalia, we have come to make a request of you."
"Yes.you wish to know where to find the spirits of fire and light, correct? Such as you have found air, water and earth?"
Garr blinked. Sariless could not help but laugh at his stunned expression. She could feel Chaltier laughing too. At least the Swordian appreciated good humor.
"The spirit's you seek are well hidden, thanks in part to the dark spirit working in tandem with the kin of the violet spirit."
Sariless felt her heart tighten at mention of kin, while the others murmured amongst themselves.
-Ryukai.-
She could feel the sightless eyes of the seer on her, and a nearly imperceptible nod gave her the answers she needed. Magalia cleared her throat.
"Fire resides in the country of fire, and only by freeing it will light be revealed."
Suddenly the seer turned her head, as if listening. "Someone approaches!"
Seconds later, the doors of the sanctuary were opened, reveling a large party of warrior monks and a single, very angry looking priest. Philia blinked, then bowed, crossing her hands over her heart. "Father Martis."
The little man stomped into the room, angry footsteps echoing off of the walls with a sound like thunder. "How dare you." He spat when he was close enough, livid. "How dare you show your treacherous face here!"
Philia was stunned. Stahn stepped forward, his hand automatically on his swordhilt. "What are you talking about?"
Martis wheeled around to face the swordsman. The monks tightened their hands around their pikes in a threatening gesture. "As if you do not know!"
"Father." Philia said, determination a steel thread in her expression. "I'm afraid that I do not understand. What is it that I have done?"
The priest reached into his robes, removing a sheet of paper. "Philia Felice, you are guilty of taking the life of human beings, knowingly and willingly, including the life of Lydon, who though a traitor to Atamoni, was on the rolls as High Priest." He threw the paper at her feet, where it fluttered like a dying bird in front of her teary eyes. Sariless was stunned.but she had never seen Stahn, Garr and Rutee so angry before. Tears were flowing out of Magalia's eyes.
"W.why?" Philia asked shakily. "I have served the temple faithfully since my noviate." The priest barked out a short, ugly laugh.
"Look at the paper.it has the signature of the Pope and the Bishop on it! So."
He glared at her.
"You have been excommunicated, barred from ever entering this sacred temple again. Now GET OUT!!!"
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()() ()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Dusk was falling once again.
Sariless watched Philia from across the fire. Never before had she seen her look so very lost.and alone. Tears still stood in her eyes, and she kept mumbling 'murdurer'.
She finally had enough. Getting up from her seat, she marched over to the former priestess. Philia barely registered the stinging slap to her face.
"Sariless!" Garr cried out. Stahn and Rutee watched Sariless in shock as the tears finally began to flow from Philia's eyes.
"Philia, you've got to snap out of this!." Sariless shook the older girl's shoulders, her own eyes stinging.
"Atamoni shall never forgive me." Philia sobbed into her hands. Sitting down beside her, Stahn put one arm around her shaking shoulders.
Sariless shook her head. "You're wrong, Philia. What you did was to save Atamoni and all her creations! Do you really think the great Goddess would want all she worked so hard to create to be destroyed by an ambitious priest?"
Philia shook her head, tears beginning to subside. Sariless merely smiled.
"I didn't mean to hit you so hard, but you needed some sense knocked into you. Now, come on!" Sariless tugged her hand, her old, cheerful smile back in place. "You and I are about the same size, so let's get you out of these fussy robes and into some REAL clothes for once!
Dragging Philia to her feet, the pair entered one of the tents.
"That Sariless is something else." Garr said.
"More than you know." A voice called from the trees. The three Swordian Masters spun. There on the edge of the clearing stood Magalia, scratches covering her fair face, her priestess robes torn.
"What are you doing here?" Garr demanded, even as he got up to help her toward the fire. She made her way over, seating herself on a log.
"I could not leave my younger sister behind."
~Here.~ Atwight said as her spirit form materialized from the gem in Rutee's gauntlet. Lightly touching the scratches on the blind woman's face, her misty hands began to glow blue, and the cuts slowly vanished. Rutee sighed, suddenly tired.
"Ah, many thanks." Magalia sighed. "Now, where is Philia?" She asked urgently as Sariless emerged from the tent.
"Lady Magalia?" Sariless asked in puzzlement, looking to Stahn for the answer. Stahn shrugged. Suddenly, his face went completely blank, and Garr went into such a fit of the blink-blinks that she was surprised.
"Huh?" Sariless turned.
Philia emerged from the tent, adjusting her glasses. Her green hair was down, pulled partially back from her face with a gold clip. The brown leather pants, green tunic to, and tall boots fit her perfectly. She adjusted the swordbelt, blushing furiously before catching sight of her older sister.
"Magalia?" The seer's crimson eyes swam with tears.
"Philia.your spirit is much more free now.this is who you are." Philia embraced her sister before turning her attention to her friends. Rutee gave her a thumbs up.
"Looking good!"
Philia laughed, then noticed Stahn and Garr blushing furiously. "What's wrong with you two?"
Sariless and Rutee each put an arm around her, grinning at the guy's still stunned expressions.
"My dear, you are."
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()() ()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Aha! Nothing' better than embarrassing anime bishies! R&R (read and review) Onegai!!
*Ulps as anime bishies begin to chase her*
Oro!!!
Alithiel
By: Alithiel
Disclaimer: Hello all! Gomen for the unusually long wait between updates, bur I've been depressed and unmotivated to write. Thanx to all of those who reviewed (too tired to remember names right now! ^.^;;). Of course, review this one too!!! I no own T of D. No way.
Chapter 7: Leadless
Sariless shook her head in exasperation. "So.you can't get a fix on Dymlos or Clemente?"
Igtenos shook his head as well, his voice sullen. ~No.~
The Swordian Masters sighed in frustration. Two weeks had passed since Atwight's recovery, and they still had no leads on where the last two of the core crystals were.
"I feel.like were running out of time." Philia added, her violet eyes concerned.
Stahn paced the length of the Draconis' war room. They were currently flying toward Armedia and the Straylize temple. Philia had mentioned a seeress there who could possibly help them. A sudden thought occurred to him, and he turned quickly to the three misty forms of the Swordians.
"Could you be being blocked?"
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()() ()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Ryukai glared out the window at the teeming streets of Darilsheid below. Lately, he had found that watching the herd of humanity from the hotel window had made him angry. Berselius had informed him that anger was a good fuel for magic, especially the blocking spell he had currently cast and was forced to maintain. No form of vision could ever find Berselius with such a powerful spell protecting him.
He had changed in the time since acquiring the Swordian. Ever since he had touched it, he had ceased being Ryukai and had become someone else, a fusion of who he once was and the evil spirit.
Ryukai thoughtfully rolled the crystal point in-between his palms. It felt cool to the touch.so like the one his sister had given him so long ago.He clenched his fist. He would find his sister.and pierce her heart with this crystal.!
Suddenly, the shadowy form of Berselius appeared in the corner.
~Ryukai! Drop the blocking spell NOW!!!~
The boy did as he was told, quickly dropping the spell. After a moment, his master cursed aloud.
~Damn them.! So they too survived.~
"What is it, master? He asked as he raised the spell again.
A sigh that sounded almost weary came from beneath the hood. ~Remember the Swordians I told you about? They are attached like you and I, to the original Swordian masters that we seek.~
"The ones you wish to kill?"
~Yes.~ Berselius lapsed into thoughtful silence. Then, he laughed coldly. ~I know how to make this easier. Uncover me, Ryukai!~
Ryukai removed the black glove he wore, revealing the blood red gem embedded in his hand.
~Be still boy. This WILL hurt.~
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()() ()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
The Draconis landed as full night fell. They were only halfway to Armedia, and since it would be better to enter the Temple during the day, the group had decided to stop and rest a while.
Stahn leaned against the rail of the dragonship, staring out over the waving grasslands. He sighed. They were till no closer to finding either Dymlos or Clemente. He turned his blue eyes to the stars in the night sky.
"Stahn?"
He glanced over his shoulder, looking at Philia as she approached him from belowdecks. She had a dark cloak thrown over her white nightgown.
"You should be asleep." Stahn admonished as she approached the railing. The breeze off the grass caught her unbound hair and sent it flying in emerald waves.
"I.couldn't rest." The priestess replied quietly. The two stood on deck in comfortable silence for a while, looking out over the scenery before them. After a moment, Philia cleared her throat. "Stahn? Do you think.something happened to them? To Dymlos and Clemente?"
Stahn shook his head. "I really have no way of knowing, Philia. But I hope not."
"I don't understand why we can't find them."
"Well, the only explanation is a block.and even that doesn't hold much possibility, right?"
"No." She said as she sighed softly.
"Hey, that's not like you! Cheer up!" Stahn grinned stupidly. "C'mon, show me that pretty smile!"
Philia couldn't help but laugh.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()() ()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
The Straylize Temple was enveloped in silence and strangely empty as the Swordian Masters entered its gates. Built as the center of the Straylize order of priests, the temple had been nearly destroyed as a result of High Priest Lydon's treachery three years ago. Even as the group made their way through the grounds, reminders of that betrayal were everywhere, in the form of monuments to the fallen priests.
Philia lead the group to a small building off to the side from the main chapel. Simple in design, there where no guards posted outside this place as there where others. Philia bowed before the door before entering, the others in tow.
"Who's there?" A voice called from within.
"It is I, Philia, Magalia."
The speaker became visible as they entered. In the center of a large, empty room sat a young woman, dressed in the robes of a Straylize priestess. A thick braid of seafoam green hair wound around the crown of her head, and her brilliant red eyes stared into space.
"Philia." Her melodious voice echoed around the cavernous space, "It has been a while since you came to visit your elder sister."
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()() ()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
"Blind from birth, gifted instead with othersight." Philia sighed. She sat by Magalia, while the others sat before the both. From this proximity, Stahn could see the resemblance of the two girls. "For years she has been a ward of the Temple, her gift for soothsaying valuable and yet abused."
"Don't be silly, Philia." Magalia said curtly.
Garr cleared his throat. "Lady Magalia, we have come to make a request of you."
"Yes.you wish to know where to find the spirits of fire and light, correct? Such as you have found air, water and earth?"
Garr blinked. Sariless could not help but laugh at his stunned expression. She could feel Chaltier laughing too. At least the Swordian appreciated good humor.
"The spirit's you seek are well hidden, thanks in part to the dark spirit working in tandem with the kin of the violet spirit."
Sariless felt her heart tighten at mention of kin, while the others murmured amongst themselves.
-Ryukai.-
She could feel the sightless eyes of the seer on her, and a nearly imperceptible nod gave her the answers she needed. Magalia cleared her throat.
"Fire resides in the country of fire, and only by freeing it will light be revealed."
Suddenly the seer turned her head, as if listening. "Someone approaches!"
Seconds later, the doors of the sanctuary were opened, reveling a large party of warrior monks and a single, very angry looking priest. Philia blinked, then bowed, crossing her hands over her heart. "Father Martis."
The little man stomped into the room, angry footsteps echoing off of the walls with a sound like thunder. "How dare you." He spat when he was close enough, livid. "How dare you show your treacherous face here!"
Philia was stunned. Stahn stepped forward, his hand automatically on his swordhilt. "What are you talking about?"
Martis wheeled around to face the swordsman. The monks tightened their hands around their pikes in a threatening gesture. "As if you do not know!"
"Father." Philia said, determination a steel thread in her expression. "I'm afraid that I do not understand. What is it that I have done?"
The priest reached into his robes, removing a sheet of paper. "Philia Felice, you are guilty of taking the life of human beings, knowingly and willingly, including the life of Lydon, who though a traitor to Atamoni, was on the rolls as High Priest." He threw the paper at her feet, where it fluttered like a dying bird in front of her teary eyes. Sariless was stunned.but she had never seen Stahn, Garr and Rutee so angry before. Tears were flowing out of Magalia's eyes.
"W.why?" Philia asked shakily. "I have served the temple faithfully since my noviate." The priest barked out a short, ugly laugh.
"Look at the paper.it has the signature of the Pope and the Bishop on it! So."
He glared at her.
"You have been excommunicated, barred from ever entering this sacred temple again. Now GET OUT!!!"
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()() ()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Dusk was falling once again.
Sariless watched Philia from across the fire. Never before had she seen her look so very lost.and alone. Tears still stood in her eyes, and she kept mumbling 'murdurer'.
She finally had enough. Getting up from her seat, she marched over to the former priestess. Philia barely registered the stinging slap to her face.
"Sariless!" Garr cried out. Stahn and Rutee watched Sariless in shock as the tears finally began to flow from Philia's eyes.
"Philia, you've got to snap out of this!." Sariless shook the older girl's shoulders, her own eyes stinging.
"Atamoni shall never forgive me." Philia sobbed into her hands. Sitting down beside her, Stahn put one arm around her shaking shoulders.
Sariless shook her head. "You're wrong, Philia. What you did was to save Atamoni and all her creations! Do you really think the great Goddess would want all she worked so hard to create to be destroyed by an ambitious priest?"
Philia shook her head, tears beginning to subside. Sariless merely smiled.
"I didn't mean to hit you so hard, but you needed some sense knocked into you. Now, come on!" Sariless tugged her hand, her old, cheerful smile back in place. "You and I are about the same size, so let's get you out of these fussy robes and into some REAL clothes for once!
Dragging Philia to her feet, the pair entered one of the tents.
"That Sariless is something else." Garr said.
"More than you know." A voice called from the trees. The three Swordian Masters spun. There on the edge of the clearing stood Magalia, scratches covering her fair face, her priestess robes torn.
"What are you doing here?" Garr demanded, even as he got up to help her toward the fire. She made her way over, seating herself on a log.
"I could not leave my younger sister behind."
~Here.~ Atwight said as her spirit form materialized from the gem in Rutee's gauntlet. Lightly touching the scratches on the blind woman's face, her misty hands began to glow blue, and the cuts slowly vanished. Rutee sighed, suddenly tired.
"Ah, many thanks." Magalia sighed. "Now, where is Philia?" She asked urgently as Sariless emerged from the tent.
"Lady Magalia?" Sariless asked in puzzlement, looking to Stahn for the answer. Stahn shrugged. Suddenly, his face went completely blank, and Garr went into such a fit of the blink-blinks that she was surprised.
"Huh?" Sariless turned.
Philia emerged from the tent, adjusting her glasses. Her green hair was down, pulled partially back from her face with a gold clip. The brown leather pants, green tunic to, and tall boots fit her perfectly. She adjusted the swordbelt, blushing furiously before catching sight of her older sister.
"Magalia?" The seer's crimson eyes swam with tears.
"Philia.your spirit is much more free now.this is who you are." Philia embraced her sister before turning her attention to her friends. Rutee gave her a thumbs up.
"Looking good!"
Philia laughed, then noticed Stahn and Garr blushing furiously. "What's wrong with you two?"
Sariless and Rutee each put an arm around her, grinning at the guy's still stunned expressions.
"My dear, you are."
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()() ()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Aha! Nothing' better than embarrassing anime bishies! R&R (read and review) Onegai!!
*Ulps as anime bishies begin to chase her*
Oro!!!
Alithiel
