Chapter 2
He led Jezabel down a series of twists, turns, and passageways. There was no way that she could remember it all, suddenly tired she couldn't wait to sleep in a nice, soft, and comfortable bed. He stopped outside a door opened it and inside was the biggest canopy bed she had ever seen. There were maroon red curtains, and rugs to match that were strewn over the stone floor.
"Well, I'll have someone get some food together, some pans, and a few other necessities, so when you leave it'll all be ready for you." Van said this sort of awkwardly.
"Well, I...I...I'll see you in the morning," Jezabel said unable to stifle a yawn.
"Good night."
"Yeah, good night."
The next morning the sun peaked in the widows waking Jezabel up.
"Ah, sheesh," she said, "Just my luck, I forget to close the curtains and I get an east facing window." Knowing all to well that it would be useless for her to go back to sleep or even attempt, she got up, and pulled on her shoes, still wearing her clothes from last night, apparently she had been too tired to change out of them.
Jez found a large claw foot bathtub on the other side of a curtain, and next to it her duffel bag. "All right!" she yelled.
"Jezabel?" a voice called out hesitantly. Startling her Jezabel whirled around to see who was there.
"Oh, it's only you," she said to Van, "Don't sneak up on me like that, you scared the crap out of me."
"Sorry," he looked a little perplexed at her choice of words.
`Memo to self, no slang.' Jez noted.
Van in the meantime seemed to be trying to stifle a laugh, and not succeeding.
"What's so funny?" she asked him with a puzzled look on her face.
"Oh, just about everything, Hitomi re-arriving, the fact that you're from the mystic moon, you're the most impolite and charming girl I've met, and you're going to help us."
"Sheesh, that's nothing. Your not hitting on me are you?" she glanced at him suspiciously.
Van hesitantly answered unsure of what she meant, "No."
"Good," her expression immediately brightened, "But anyway I needed something to spice up my life and I found it. I'm the one that should be thanking you." Jezabel felt her cheeks grow warm and quickly changed the subject. " Look, I'm going to be in the woods for a while right?" she questioned.
"Yes, that's right."
"And I've never handled a sword before."
"So?"
"So, that means I'm going to need a crash course in swordsmanship. If I plan to get into Zaibach I'm going to be able to fight not only my way but yours as well."
"What are you getting at?"
"I'm saying that I need you to teach me to fight with a sword. Who knows what I'll meet in the woods, and hey, I always wanted to try this stuff."
"So you're saying you want me to teach you the basics. Follow me." He turned and walked out of the room. Jezabel hurriedly chased after him.
While they were walking a monument caught her eye. "Hey Van, stop a minute." He looked at her quizzically. "That's a cool sword, but why is it here? Some special tribute?"
"It's sort of as remembrance to a man that came to Gaea," he explained his voice going soft, "He helped to found Fanelia, and he was an excellent swordsman. But, one day he took ill. He slowly was deteriorating, but there was one thing he had to do first, he had to make this sword. He worked on it day after day, never stopping except to eat or sleep. The king thought he had gone mad, but out of deep respect for his friend he said nothing. Unfortunately once he completed the sword he died.
"Legend has it that whoever can decipher what is written on the sword, and meets the requirements shall become one of the greatest knights of all time, and will help this country in a time of great peril." His voice trailed off.
"How come know one uses it?" Jezabel asked carefully, she didn't want to upset Van.
"No one knows why, but any one who tries to use it in battle or training, they lose control of it and strike themselves rather than their opponent."
"Could I see the sword, maybe I can translate it."
It was a long shot but hey she could at least try it. Van lifted up his arm and pulled the sword out of the white marble altar it was in. It was absolutely beautiful, the hilt was made of gold with emeralds in the shape of a Celtic cross. Tiny inscriptions were scratched in elegant writing across the hilt. The blade was made of pure silver, and despite its size, the sword was incredibly light.
Van handed the sword to Jezabel, "I doubt you can read it, but who knows." Jezabel took the sword. A tingling spread trough her fingers and up her arm. She wasn't just holding the sword; she was on with the sword. Jezabel gazed down at the sword, surrounding the cross it said La Espada de el Irlandés.
"That's Spanish she gasped."
"Can you translate it?" Van prompted.
"It says The Sword of the Irish,"
"What's an Irish?"
"It's a nationality on Earth. Ireland lies just to the west of England." Jezabel seemed to be in a daze.
"Can you translate the rest?" Van seemed to be getting very excited over this revelation. "No, I didn't get that far in my studies. Sorry."
He shrugged it off, "Well at least we know part of it."
Jez seemed rather thoughtful, "What confuses me the most is why did he write it in Spanish, when it says `The Sword of the Irish.' The Irish speak English."
"I wouldn't know. He was going mad before he died, perhaps it muddled his thinking."
"Maybe..." but still something didn't seem quite right.
~~~~~*****~~~~~
"I thought I said to find this person!" Dilandau screamed slapping the officer before him. "Do you know what happens if they come into contact with the wrong party? The same that happened last time with that wench from the mystic moon!"
A shaken Gatti managed to stutter. "I apologize my lord, we are looking for the imposter from the mystic moon to the best of our ability."
The fire in Dilandau's eyes burned bright he'd be dammed if he let what happened last time happen again. "If this person falls into the hands of an enemy things will become quite difficult, but if we get to them first, this could prove to be quite interesting." He snapped out of his daydream, "Well, don't just stand there. Go find him!"
Gatti bowed, "Yes sir." he exited leaving Dilandau alone with his thoughts.
Having the traveler under Zaibach allegiance would make things easier, but with easy came boring. But, Dilandau reminded himself; he was going to enjoy breaking this soldier in. That would definitely prove to be interesting. A twisted grin curved on the face of the young general, growing as the thought appealed more and more to him. A small chuckle escaped his lips, yes; this was definitely going to be interesting. His chuckle increased to a mad man's laughter. "Run, but you can't stay hidden forever my precious." His laughter vibrated off the metallic walls of the Vionne, it was enough to make anyone shudder with fear.
~~~~~*****~~~~~
"Jezabel," Van said looking in her eyes, as if he were trying to unlock the secret of her inner strength, "You don't have to do this, Zaibach is a bunch of monsters, ruthless killers. I don't think you understand exactly how terrible they really are. I don't believe you understand the gravity of the situation."
"No Van, you don't understand. I want to do this. I want to help you and Fanelia, and I refuse to back out. I gave my word, I shall honor It." her determination steeled as she said the words not only to reassure Van, but also herself. Jez began to walk around the garden taking in the sites before she left.
The scenery was full of exotic plant life, and edged by the re growth of the lush forests found only in Fanelia. Flowers edged the pathways of the garden and grew in clumps artfully scattered throughout. Flowers that she recognized and several that were foreign to her. Jezabel couldn't remember seeing a sky so pure, or feeling air so fresh. She knew that before long with these elements she herself would change, most likely for the better. Nearby a creek trickled with a slow but steady current that trickled over rocks, ringing like chimes.
She herself had come from England, true, but for most of her life she had lived in the United States. She thought about what her family must be thinking. Her mother sick with worry, her heart broken all in one shot. If Jez ever returned, her mother would never let her out of her sight, she had a small tendency to be a bit controlling. Well, maybe a little bit more than a small one. Her father would probably bury himself in his work and not face up to the problems at hand. Two very different ways of dealing with loss - there was bound to be tension.
Her younger brother, unlike her parents had a vague idea of what had actually happened. They were walking in the woods near her home, on their way to a friend's house. Jezabel had to make sure that he arrived safely at his destination before proceeding to her own. Planning on staying the weekend they had brought all they could possibly carry without moving in permanently. Sleeping bags, toiletries, clothing, and the staple for any party - sugar.
It was sunny spring day, warm, but with a sharpness too the reminiscent of autumn. Suddenly there was a loud sound. Like a falling tree.
"I didn't know there were loggers around here." Her brother stated puzzled. He was bright, but very naive.
"That's because there aren't any you blockhead." she rolled her eyes, he could be a bit difficult to deal with sometimes. "Come on James, quit lagging behind."
They had barely walked a few feet when a scaly tail the size of a large tree swung out of the forest onto the path. Luckily it missed them.
"What, was that?" Jezabel whispered, breathing in deeply to clam herself.
James on the other hand was openly shaking. "I don't know Jezzy, I'm scared."
"Shh - maybe it'll go away."
But the creature didn't go away. It turned around sensing heat much like a snake and a blast of fire came hurtling at them. The flames came hurtled them like hell's train speeding on a one way trip.
`Look out!' Her mind screamed, just behind her body's reaction. Jezabel pushed James out of the way throwing both of them to the ground in a flying tackle. Heat grazed the back of her neck. As the cool air returned they pair scrambled up seeking refuge in a nearby bush.
"Let's be rational about this." James murmured to himself.
Jezabel rolled her eyes; he was always so rational...so much that it drove her insane at times.
"What has a scaly tail, can breathe fire, and is really big?"
"A dragon you idiot!"
"They aren't real Jezabel."
"Yeah well, I'd know a dragon when I see one, and that my friend is a dragon." she pointed in the woods a little ways away. The creature was sniffing, looking for his prey.
For the first time James saw the monstrosity. "That is not right, that can't be real. This is a dream, not a science fiction movie." He was shaking, trembling, while trying to make some form of logic in the situation.
One of it's orange orbs glanced past them and back.
"Crap, it's seen us. Run!" hissed Jez.
"But how?"
"I don't care! Run!" she shoved him, herself hurtling out of the underbrush. They were dodging trees, and fallen logs. At the edge a river James tripped, soaring headfirst into the clear water. "Now why didn't I think of that?" she muttered diving in. Absently hoping that it relied on scent.
They floated downstream, staying as quiet as possible, keeping as much of themselves submerged as feasible. "Let's get out here." she whispered.
Silently heeding her instructions they climbed out into a clearing, but the monster was already one step ahead of them. "Oh, god no."
The monster landed from it's flight facing them. His chest glowed, and flames burst forth, James rolled out of the way, but Jezabel perhaps was lucky as well. At that moment a blue beam of light had whisked her and the dragon away. And she watched as the ground shrunk away, slowly and then with mind numbing speed.
James looked on shocked. He couldn't believe what had just happened. The acid smell of smoke brought him back to his senses, but there was no more damage, the trees were healing themselves, it was like watching a movie in reverse. His mind muddled, James ran out of the forest, never stopping until he reached home.
He tried to explain what had happened, but the only one thing was apparent. Jezabel Gylynn was gone and there was no logical explanation as to where or what had become of her. News cast reporters made celebrities of the Gylynn family. So tragic and mysterious a disappearance, such a perplexing tale to complement it, the media and tabloids lapped it all up.
"Jezabel?" Van asked, bringing her back. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." she smiled, though her heart cried. Life with her family was trying, even more so was the fact she was adopted. But still she loved her parents though it was hard, because her beliefs, wishes, they were far different from the norm. Maybe here people would accept them more, maybe they would accept her. "I'm fine she repeated." It had been a long time since she cried. Jezabel wasn't going to start now.
As if he could see through her Van replied, "Be strong. I can see something in you, I know you'll succeed." He smiled, "I know it, otherwise would have never made it here."
Jez nodded, he was right. Slowly she turned walking out into the streets of Fanelia. Armed with the Irish sword, various items from her backpack, and strong sense of duty, she left the king.
Van watched her go. So like his dear Hitomi, she possessed more strength than she realized. He only hoped it wouldn't take her too long to tap it.
"She'll be fine Van." He slowly relaxed as a pair of arms snaked across his waist from behind, melting into Hitomi's embrace. "We've survived Zaibach. She can too."
"I hope you're right." Van burbled into her ear before gently brushing his lips against her cheek. "I hope you're right."
He led Jezabel down a series of twists, turns, and passageways. There was no way that she could remember it all, suddenly tired she couldn't wait to sleep in a nice, soft, and comfortable bed. He stopped outside a door opened it and inside was the biggest canopy bed she had ever seen. There were maroon red curtains, and rugs to match that were strewn over the stone floor.
"Well, I'll have someone get some food together, some pans, and a few other necessities, so when you leave it'll all be ready for you." Van said this sort of awkwardly.
"Well, I...I...I'll see you in the morning," Jezabel said unable to stifle a yawn.
"Good night."
"Yeah, good night."
The next morning the sun peaked in the widows waking Jezabel up.
"Ah, sheesh," she said, "Just my luck, I forget to close the curtains and I get an east facing window." Knowing all to well that it would be useless for her to go back to sleep or even attempt, she got up, and pulled on her shoes, still wearing her clothes from last night, apparently she had been too tired to change out of them.
Jez found a large claw foot bathtub on the other side of a curtain, and next to it her duffel bag. "All right!" she yelled.
"Jezabel?" a voice called out hesitantly. Startling her Jezabel whirled around to see who was there.
"Oh, it's only you," she said to Van, "Don't sneak up on me like that, you scared the crap out of me."
"Sorry," he looked a little perplexed at her choice of words.
`Memo to self, no slang.' Jez noted.
Van in the meantime seemed to be trying to stifle a laugh, and not succeeding.
"What's so funny?" she asked him with a puzzled look on her face.
"Oh, just about everything, Hitomi re-arriving, the fact that you're from the mystic moon, you're the most impolite and charming girl I've met, and you're going to help us."
"Sheesh, that's nothing. Your not hitting on me are you?" she glanced at him suspiciously.
Van hesitantly answered unsure of what she meant, "No."
"Good," her expression immediately brightened, "But anyway I needed something to spice up my life and I found it. I'm the one that should be thanking you." Jezabel felt her cheeks grow warm and quickly changed the subject. " Look, I'm going to be in the woods for a while right?" she questioned.
"Yes, that's right."
"And I've never handled a sword before."
"So?"
"So, that means I'm going to need a crash course in swordsmanship. If I plan to get into Zaibach I'm going to be able to fight not only my way but yours as well."
"What are you getting at?"
"I'm saying that I need you to teach me to fight with a sword. Who knows what I'll meet in the woods, and hey, I always wanted to try this stuff."
"So you're saying you want me to teach you the basics. Follow me." He turned and walked out of the room. Jezabel hurriedly chased after him.
While they were walking a monument caught her eye. "Hey Van, stop a minute." He looked at her quizzically. "That's a cool sword, but why is it here? Some special tribute?"
"It's sort of as remembrance to a man that came to Gaea," he explained his voice going soft, "He helped to found Fanelia, and he was an excellent swordsman. But, one day he took ill. He slowly was deteriorating, but there was one thing he had to do first, he had to make this sword. He worked on it day after day, never stopping except to eat or sleep. The king thought he had gone mad, but out of deep respect for his friend he said nothing. Unfortunately once he completed the sword he died.
"Legend has it that whoever can decipher what is written on the sword, and meets the requirements shall become one of the greatest knights of all time, and will help this country in a time of great peril." His voice trailed off.
"How come know one uses it?" Jezabel asked carefully, she didn't want to upset Van.
"No one knows why, but any one who tries to use it in battle or training, they lose control of it and strike themselves rather than their opponent."
"Could I see the sword, maybe I can translate it."
It was a long shot but hey she could at least try it. Van lifted up his arm and pulled the sword out of the white marble altar it was in. It was absolutely beautiful, the hilt was made of gold with emeralds in the shape of a Celtic cross. Tiny inscriptions were scratched in elegant writing across the hilt. The blade was made of pure silver, and despite its size, the sword was incredibly light.
Van handed the sword to Jezabel, "I doubt you can read it, but who knows." Jezabel took the sword. A tingling spread trough her fingers and up her arm. She wasn't just holding the sword; she was on with the sword. Jezabel gazed down at the sword, surrounding the cross it said La Espada de el Irlandés.
"That's Spanish she gasped."
"Can you translate it?" Van prompted.
"It says The Sword of the Irish,"
"What's an Irish?"
"It's a nationality on Earth. Ireland lies just to the west of England." Jezabel seemed to be in a daze.
"Can you translate the rest?" Van seemed to be getting very excited over this revelation. "No, I didn't get that far in my studies. Sorry."
He shrugged it off, "Well at least we know part of it."
Jez seemed rather thoughtful, "What confuses me the most is why did he write it in Spanish, when it says `The Sword of the Irish.' The Irish speak English."
"I wouldn't know. He was going mad before he died, perhaps it muddled his thinking."
"Maybe..." but still something didn't seem quite right.
~~~~~*****~~~~~
"I thought I said to find this person!" Dilandau screamed slapping the officer before him. "Do you know what happens if they come into contact with the wrong party? The same that happened last time with that wench from the mystic moon!"
A shaken Gatti managed to stutter. "I apologize my lord, we are looking for the imposter from the mystic moon to the best of our ability."
The fire in Dilandau's eyes burned bright he'd be dammed if he let what happened last time happen again. "If this person falls into the hands of an enemy things will become quite difficult, but if we get to them first, this could prove to be quite interesting." He snapped out of his daydream, "Well, don't just stand there. Go find him!"
Gatti bowed, "Yes sir." he exited leaving Dilandau alone with his thoughts.
Having the traveler under Zaibach allegiance would make things easier, but with easy came boring. But, Dilandau reminded himself; he was going to enjoy breaking this soldier in. That would definitely prove to be interesting. A twisted grin curved on the face of the young general, growing as the thought appealed more and more to him. A small chuckle escaped his lips, yes; this was definitely going to be interesting. His chuckle increased to a mad man's laughter. "Run, but you can't stay hidden forever my precious." His laughter vibrated off the metallic walls of the Vionne, it was enough to make anyone shudder with fear.
~~~~~*****~~~~~
"Jezabel," Van said looking in her eyes, as if he were trying to unlock the secret of her inner strength, "You don't have to do this, Zaibach is a bunch of monsters, ruthless killers. I don't think you understand exactly how terrible they really are. I don't believe you understand the gravity of the situation."
"No Van, you don't understand. I want to do this. I want to help you and Fanelia, and I refuse to back out. I gave my word, I shall honor It." her determination steeled as she said the words not only to reassure Van, but also herself. Jez began to walk around the garden taking in the sites before she left.
The scenery was full of exotic plant life, and edged by the re growth of the lush forests found only in Fanelia. Flowers edged the pathways of the garden and grew in clumps artfully scattered throughout. Flowers that she recognized and several that were foreign to her. Jezabel couldn't remember seeing a sky so pure, or feeling air so fresh. She knew that before long with these elements she herself would change, most likely for the better. Nearby a creek trickled with a slow but steady current that trickled over rocks, ringing like chimes.
She herself had come from England, true, but for most of her life she had lived in the United States. She thought about what her family must be thinking. Her mother sick with worry, her heart broken all in one shot. If Jez ever returned, her mother would never let her out of her sight, she had a small tendency to be a bit controlling. Well, maybe a little bit more than a small one. Her father would probably bury himself in his work and not face up to the problems at hand. Two very different ways of dealing with loss - there was bound to be tension.
Her younger brother, unlike her parents had a vague idea of what had actually happened. They were walking in the woods near her home, on their way to a friend's house. Jezabel had to make sure that he arrived safely at his destination before proceeding to her own. Planning on staying the weekend they had brought all they could possibly carry without moving in permanently. Sleeping bags, toiletries, clothing, and the staple for any party - sugar.
It was sunny spring day, warm, but with a sharpness too the reminiscent of autumn. Suddenly there was a loud sound. Like a falling tree.
"I didn't know there were loggers around here." Her brother stated puzzled. He was bright, but very naive.
"That's because there aren't any you blockhead." she rolled her eyes, he could be a bit difficult to deal with sometimes. "Come on James, quit lagging behind."
They had barely walked a few feet when a scaly tail the size of a large tree swung out of the forest onto the path. Luckily it missed them.
"What, was that?" Jezabel whispered, breathing in deeply to clam herself.
James on the other hand was openly shaking. "I don't know Jezzy, I'm scared."
"Shh - maybe it'll go away."
But the creature didn't go away. It turned around sensing heat much like a snake and a blast of fire came hurtling at them. The flames came hurtled them like hell's train speeding on a one way trip.
`Look out!' Her mind screamed, just behind her body's reaction. Jezabel pushed James out of the way throwing both of them to the ground in a flying tackle. Heat grazed the back of her neck. As the cool air returned they pair scrambled up seeking refuge in a nearby bush.
"Let's be rational about this." James murmured to himself.
Jezabel rolled her eyes; he was always so rational...so much that it drove her insane at times.
"What has a scaly tail, can breathe fire, and is really big?"
"A dragon you idiot!"
"They aren't real Jezabel."
"Yeah well, I'd know a dragon when I see one, and that my friend is a dragon." she pointed in the woods a little ways away. The creature was sniffing, looking for his prey.
For the first time James saw the monstrosity. "That is not right, that can't be real. This is a dream, not a science fiction movie." He was shaking, trembling, while trying to make some form of logic in the situation.
One of it's orange orbs glanced past them and back.
"Crap, it's seen us. Run!" hissed Jez.
"But how?"
"I don't care! Run!" she shoved him, herself hurtling out of the underbrush. They were dodging trees, and fallen logs. At the edge a river James tripped, soaring headfirst into the clear water. "Now why didn't I think of that?" she muttered diving in. Absently hoping that it relied on scent.
They floated downstream, staying as quiet as possible, keeping as much of themselves submerged as feasible. "Let's get out here." she whispered.
Silently heeding her instructions they climbed out into a clearing, but the monster was already one step ahead of them. "Oh, god no."
The monster landed from it's flight facing them. His chest glowed, and flames burst forth, James rolled out of the way, but Jezabel perhaps was lucky as well. At that moment a blue beam of light had whisked her and the dragon away. And she watched as the ground shrunk away, slowly and then with mind numbing speed.
James looked on shocked. He couldn't believe what had just happened. The acid smell of smoke brought him back to his senses, but there was no more damage, the trees were healing themselves, it was like watching a movie in reverse. His mind muddled, James ran out of the forest, never stopping until he reached home.
He tried to explain what had happened, but the only one thing was apparent. Jezabel Gylynn was gone and there was no logical explanation as to where or what had become of her. News cast reporters made celebrities of the Gylynn family. So tragic and mysterious a disappearance, such a perplexing tale to complement it, the media and tabloids lapped it all up.
"Jezabel?" Van asked, bringing her back. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." she smiled, though her heart cried. Life with her family was trying, even more so was the fact she was adopted. But still she loved her parents though it was hard, because her beliefs, wishes, they were far different from the norm. Maybe here people would accept them more, maybe they would accept her. "I'm fine she repeated." It had been a long time since she cried. Jezabel wasn't going to start now.
As if he could see through her Van replied, "Be strong. I can see something in you, I know you'll succeed." He smiled, "I know it, otherwise would have never made it here."
Jez nodded, he was right. Slowly she turned walking out into the streets of Fanelia. Armed with the Irish sword, various items from her backpack, and strong sense of duty, she left the king.
Van watched her go. So like his dear Hitomi, she possessed more strength than she realized. He only hoped it wouldn't take her too long to tap it.
"She'll be fine Van." He slowly relaxed as a pair of arms snaked across his waist from behind, melting into Hitomi's embrace. "We've survived Zaibach. She can too."
"I hope you're right." Van burbled into her ear before gently brushing his lips against her cheek. "I hope you're right."