The Chronicles of Weyard

By Claviculae

Chapter 3: Interlude

On the return trip, they had managed to find and capture a Venus Djinni named Bane. Brigg was overjoyed. He and Bane became close companions and powerful partners in battles. Bane was a powerful ally to have. They also found another Jupiter Djinni named Squall. They used their Djinn in almost every battle they ran into. Santur was becoming more powerful by the day, amazing everyone by his skill and ability to learn new Psynergy.

Over the next three years, Santur continued to train whenever he could. Meron soon began joining him during his training sessions. He started traveling to various towns, challenging the local warriors to battles. Some of them he lost, but many more he won. At one time, he had the opportunity to witness one of the most interesting battles he had ever seen. It took place in Vault between a member of the local guard unit and a drifter who was stopping by town for supplies. During the middle of the battle, the drifter held up his axe and it burst into flame around the edges. He managed to win the battle with this advantage. This inspired Santur, and he tried for weeks to set his weapon on fire. He could heat it and shoot flames around it, but he could never cause the flame to come from the weapon itself. Brigg was suprised that he could even summon flames, being that he was Jupiter. But Santur was no normal wielder of Psynergy. He was the most talented person Brigg had ever trained! But he still couldn't create a flaming weapon. He traveled to Vault one day, looking for the drifter. He was told that the man had mentioned something about going to Bilibin. He went home and asked his parents for permission to travel to Bilibin. They allowed him two weeks. That would be plenty of time to travel there, find the man, question him, and travel back. It would only take him four days to travel to Bilibin if he paid the toll and took the shortcut under the mountains. If he decided to travel over the mountains, it would cost him two days each way. He grabbed some coins and headed off to the cave.

Two days later, he was at the Goma Range shortcut. It was a cave that ran under the mountains. It had been there as long as anyone could remember, and was much quicker and easier to travel through. There were only two problems: there was a toll, and it was infested with vicious creatures. By the time he was halfway through the cave and working on his eighteenth battle, he was regretting not inviting Meron and Brigg along. He finally got tired of swinging his sword at the large bat and flung a powerful bolt of static electricity at it, sending it fluttering to the ground. He dispatched it with a single swipe of his Ninja Blade and continued through the cave. Two hours later, he stepped out of the doorway and into the blinding sunlight. He sighed and sat down in the grass, feeling the breeze on his face. He loved the wind, and sat there for several minutes just enjoying it. He finally got up and continued east. At sunset, he set up camp and cooked his supper. He then built up a large bonfire and turned in. The fire would keep the creatures away from him. The next day, he got up and went scavenging. He returned an hour later with enough berries and wild greens to make a decent breakfast. He fried them up and started eating. Suddenly, he heard a noise. He stopped eating, his hand between the frying pan and his mouth with a forkful of vegetables on it. He looked around using his eyes, knowing that in a situation like this, it was wise not to move. He suddenly spotted a Jupiter Djinni peering out of a bush at him. He didn't want to scare it away, so he held still. He tried a new technique he had been practicing. He focused himself, trying to use his mind to send a message to Gust, who was quietly snoring on his shoulder. He finally succeeded in waking his companion, who immediately noticed the newcomer. Gust hopped off of Santur's shoulder, reforming at his normal size as he did so. He flew up to the other Djinni and began communicating with it. Santur held still, listening to the chirping sound that was their language. Several times during their conversation, the wild Djinni looked at Santur, then at Gust, who continued chirping to him. After twenty minutes of holding still, Santur was feeling very sore. He focused himself, trying to get Gust's attention. Gust finally looked over at him, waiting for him to say something. Suddenly, Gust understood and flew over to Santur. Santur read Gust's mind (their best way of communication) only to find out that the other Djinni, one by the name of Luff, had already been warned about Santur and that it wouldn't mind him moving. Santur laid down on his side, watching as Gust went back to talking with Luff. After another ten minutes of the two talking, Santur sat up and reheated his breakfast. He then continued to eat as the two Djinn chatted. Finally, he walked up to his Djinni. "Gust, I know you're having a great time talking to Luff, but we really have to get going." Gust chirped a goodbye to Luff, then rejoined Santur, perching in his usual place on Santur's right shoulder. Santur had broken camp while the two were talking, and was ready to go. He started walking away to the east when he heard a chirp from Luff. He turned around and started as the Djinni jumped into the air and dissolved into a stream of sparkles, reforming in the usual set position on the back of Santur's neck. He had a new companion and ally.

He made it to Bilibin that afternoon and headed straight to the inn. He walked up to the innkeeper and inquired about the drifter. "That guy?" the innkeeper said. "He left this morning. Said he had some business in Kolima." "Did you catch his name?" asked Santur. "No, he didn't drop it. I usually don't ask about strangers who are just passing through." Santur left the inn and headed over to the local tavern. He walked in and got some lunch, then headed out of town. He walked southeast, along one of the many winding rivers of the area. He came to another tollbooth. This had at one time been a barricade to prevent people from proceeding past that point. Legend had it that people who passed that point were swallowed by the wrath of Kolima Forest, never to be seen again. At some point, this curse had been ended, and the barricade removed. Several years later, the mayor of Bilibin, Lord McCoy, had decided to set up a tollbooth there. Unfortunately, Santur didn't have any extra money. He barely had enough to pay the toll at the Goma Range shortcut on his return trips. He would have to sneak past the booth or fight his way through. He finally hit upon an idea. He sent his three Djinn up to the booth. They began pestering the man running it, pulling his mustache and pushing him back and forth. While they kept the man busy, Santur snuck past. As soon as he was far enough away, he whistled for his Djinn. They flew over to him and set on him. The man ran after them, screaming with rage and spewing a very colorful stream of words that could have stunned a golem. He ran around the corner where Santur was and stopped short as he noticed the boy. "Did you see those little winged creatures fly by?" he asked. Santur shook his head and started walking away.

He camped just a couple of miles south of Kolima that night. During the night, he heard a snuffling noise outside his tent, followed by a low growl. He lay still, hoping that whatever it was would ignore him. It didn't. He heard a low roar as a set of claws came slashing through the tent wall. The tent was designed to fit one person and was very small. The claws missed Santur by less than an inch. He jumped up and held out his hand, creating a large whirlwind that picked up the creature, which turned out to be a decent-sized bear. Santur flung it back with the whirlwind, then drew his Ninja Blade with his left hand and his Assassin Blade with his right. The bear slammed into a tree, momentarily stunning it. Santur jumped for it, landing on its back and plunging his sword into it. Unfortunately, this just got the bear more angry. It jumped up, grabbing at its back in its effort to get rid of Santur. It finally grabbed him and flung him full force into his campfire. He screamed, rolling out of the flames and casting Douse on himself. He rolled to his knees, then flung himself aside as the bear came charging at him. He jumped up, then launched himself at the bear, burying his sword in its shoulder. It roared in pain, grabbing at Santur. It grabbed Santur and whipped him over its shoulder, slamming him to the ground. The bear raked Santur's right shoulder with its claws. Gust jumped off of Santur, unleashing powerful wind strikes at the creature. Squall followed suit, stunning the bear just long enough for Santur to gain his feet. As the bear regained its senses, Santur decided to try a different approach. He used a whirlwind to pick himself up as the bear charged again. Once he was twenty feet off the ground, he released the whirlwind and dropped onto the bear, stabbing his sword into the bear's left shoulder. His sword disappeared up to the hilt into the raging animal. It screamed in pain, staggering under his weight. He leaned to one side, sending the animal to the ground. Being merciful by nature, he pulled his sword out of its shoulder and put the blade through the creature's heart. It died almost instantly. Santur went limp as he passed out from blood loss. He didn't feel himself hit the ground.

He was in water, peacefully swimming. He was full of energy, and pain-free. He heard a voice calling him, but couldn't see anyone. In fact, he couldn't see anything. He could just feel the water. He called out to the voice, but received no answer. Suddenly, he was aware of someone else's mind probing into his. Someone was trying to talk to him. He used Mind Read, and started to get a clear message. "Santur, are you all right?" the voice asked. "Yes, I think so. Where am I?" "You're laying on the ground, unconscious. Try to wake up." the voice replied. Santur tried his hardest to stir, and finally started to gain consciousness. The water faded, and piercing light came to him as he opened his eyes. There, leaning over him, was Meron. She was overjoyed as he woke up. "Oh Santur! Thank God you're all right!" she said as she threw her arms around him, weeping from relief. "I thought you were dead." "What happened?" he asked. She replied, gesturing at the bear carcass lying fifteen feet away. "I don't know, but I think that carcass has something to do with it. Your sword is embedded in it." Santur started to get up, but quickly laid down again as a wave of dizziness overtook him. "I was attacked, and managed to kill the bear, but it slashed my shoulder up pretty good. After that, I don't know what happened." Suddenly, realization hit him. "Meron, how did you get here? I thought you were back home in Lunpa." "I was," she replied, "when suddenly Gust and Squall flew in. The picked me up and flew me here. I didn't realize they could fly so fast! They started searching the forest when that other Djinni flew up and pointed them down here. They landed me next to you. When I saw the condition you were in, I pulled out a couple of vials I had with me. I poured one on your shoulder and got you to drink the other one. You came to as soon as I established a mind link." Santur listened, then asked "How did you use Mind Read?" "Remember, Mercury and Jupiter share a symbiosis, so I can use some of your Psynergy. By the way, who is that new Jupiter Djinni?" "His name is Luff. He found me yesterday and decided to come along for the trip." Santur replied as Meron started to cast Ply Well on him. Immediately he felt his strength returning. "Well, as long as you're here, you may as well come along for the trip. Do you have anything packed?" he asked. "No, the Djinn didn't give me time. They just grabbed me and flew me away. It's a good thing, too. You wouldn't have lasted long." she said as she inspected his shoulder. "Hmm...You'll have a big scar, but there isn't any permanent damage, fortunately." "Thanks, Meron. I'm glad you're here to help me finish off this trip."

Santur dressed out the bear, taking the prime cuts for himself and leaving the leftovers for whatever scavengers might find them. He and Meron managed to reach Kolima that afternoon. They immediately went to the inn and inquired after the stranger. The innkeeper directed them to the room he was renting. They walked started to walk up the circular stairs. Kolima was a unique town because all of the buildings were built into trees. Originally, this made for small houses. But since the power of Alchemy had been unleashed, the trees had grown to giant proportions and rooms were actually carved into the branches! Santur walked up to the door and knocked. The door opened and the stranger stepped out. "Can I help you?" he asked them. "Yes," Santur replied, "you can. My name is Santur and this is my friend Meron. You passed through Vault a while ago and battled a member of the local guard. During the fight, you somehow used your Psynergy to set your weapon on fire. I am skilled with Psynergy myself, but could not make a weapon burn. I can spray flames on the blade, but that only heats it. I have tracked you through the Goma Range and Bilibin to here. I earnestly want to know how the flaming weapon works." The stranger looked Santur over before replying. "My name is Goman. I am a Mars warrior by birth. You appear to be Jupiter. Why does fire interest you so much?" Santur thought the question over. "I'm not just interested in Jupiter. I'm interested in all Psynergy, and quite skilled with it, too." Goman replied, "Would you mind proving that?" "You're on." Santur replied, grinning.

The match took place outside of Kolima. They used no weapons or armor, just Psynergy. Santur started the match with a powerful whirlwind, throwing the stranger into the air. He landed quite well, though. He responded with an Eruption attack, which seriously scalded Santur. They battled like this, turn by turn, for fifteen minutes. Finally, Goman held up his hand. "You have proven your worth with Psynergy. If you will kindly ask your Mercury friend to heal us, I will test your other skills." Santur politely asked Meron, and she used Ply on both of them. "Next," said Goman, "I will test your speed. The first one back to my room in the hotel in Kolima wins. Go!" said Goman, starting off at full speed. Santur launched off, managing to get up next to Goman, who was a very skilled sprinter. The suprise came when Goman came to the hotel. Santur started to head for the door, but stopped as Goman started climbing up the wall, only climbing isn't the right word. He was running like a cheetah, pulling himself forward with his arms, then launching with his feet. The amazing part was that he was able to grip the tree, and was running like it was a flat surface. Santur stared, then realized that he was going to lose if he took the stairs. He ran out underneath the branch where Goman's room was, then held up his hand. A whirlwind picked him up, rocketing him up past Goman, who was shocked to see he was losing. Santur reached the branch first, with Goman as a close second. Goman was more amazed at being beaten than Santur was at watching Goman climb. As soon as they got into the room, Santur asked Goman about that special ability. "It's a special power unique to the Mars Clan. It takes years of training to develop, but is very useful once you know how. It's accomplished by gripping with the grooves in your skin. That's why I am barefoot: so I can grip with my feet. You can't hold still on a single spot for more than a couple seconds, but you can keep regripping as you run up a wall. It takes practice. Even I can't do it all that well. I have reached the point where I can climb on walls leaning towards me, but I can only do it up to about thirty degrees." Santur stood there, amazed. Here was a man who could not only cause weapons to burst into flame, but could also scale walls! He suddenly remembered why he had come there. "Goman, since I beat you in the race, can you now reveal to me how to make a weapon burn?" Santur asked. "That I can, my boy. Come here." He gestured Santur over to a table where a scythe was laying. "Look at this scythe." Goman said, gesturing at the scythe. "Do you see anything special about it?" Santur looked the scythe over, inspecting it closely. "Yes. There are very small holes, about the size of a grain of sand, carved into the cutting edge. They are space about an eighth of an inch apart." Goman smiled and nodded. "Yes. Those are the secret. That scythe is my current project, but I've already completed my axe. I use this tiny carving device to carve those holes in there. In fact, I have an extra carving rod, and you can have it. Use your Psynergy to guide it and drill these holes on the edge of your sword. After that is done, make an inlet hole in the handle. Connect it to the outlet holes. Then, during a battle, use your Psynergy to spray this flammable liquid into the inlet." he said, gesturing at a container of liquid. He then showed Santur how to focus his Psynergy to make the liquid. After that, they sat down and talked for a while about various things. Santur and Meron finally said goodbye and headed out of town. They were back in Lunpa in a few days.

"Meron!" Brigg exclaimed as they walked into Lunpa. Meron's parents also came running up, her mother weeping at the sight of her return. They questioned her about what happened, and she explained that the Djinn had picked her up and carried her to Santur, who was in desperate need of medical care. They all ate supper at Santur's house that night. The next day, Santur started working on his Ninja Blade, using his Psynergy to guide the tiny carving rod as it bored tiny holes in his sword. Two weeks later, he went over to Brigg's house. He knocked on the door and told Brigg to follow him. They walked out behind the house and Santur drew his sword. He held it in the air and it burst into flames.

Well, that's another chapter down. What do you think? I think it's getting good! I'm having a great time writing it, and would love to hear your comments. Drop me a line some time! Gotta run.

Claviculae

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5/24/03

5:47 PM

20 paragraphs

263 lines

3378 words