Warlord 16
Twanria was in the courtyard holding the chakrum firmly in front of her. Its silvery-sleek design was unquestioned by the sharpness of its circular edge. There were five targets set up for Twanria to practice with her chakrum. Her targets were made from tree stumps and twigs. She held the chakrum forward and thruster her arm back and let the circular metal disk fly. The chakrum cut through the air with speeds untouched by gravity. Cutting into the first target and plainly bouncing off towards the next target to do the same as the first, showed the chakrum's true power. Flying towards Twanria with the same speed, if not faster, then how hard she threw it, the chakrum landed firmly in the cup of Twanria's hand without leaving any damage. The power of chakrum was true and full. Through the motions of the air Twanria felt the movement of the chakrum as if controlling it with precise accuracy. Without another word, memories and images flooded into Twanira's mind. She saw her father and in the back of her head she heard the soft voice of Lord William.
While Twanria practiced with her weapon Danielle, Maria, Richard, Darell, Miano, Justin, Lady Kathryn, and Erin were all in the sick bay. Danielle was still kneeling by Justin's bedside shedding a tear ever now and then for her fallen lover. Erin was feeling better then she had before and was up walking around the sick bay. Erin new how much the pain of a battle was and how the hurt of a fallen companion could be devastating.
Lady Kathryn was sitting on a bed in the farthest corner of the room. Her wounds were healing nicely now that she was in the proper care of a nurse. The others in the room ignored that she was there but didn't turn away from throwing her a disgusted look. Katie kept thinking to herself, "If they could only understand." Darell was sitting in a chair in the farthest corner of the room. He had been through so much but feeling guilty that he let Katie get kidnapped earlier.
Maria was up but not moving from her bed. Maria took the people in the room and made them disappear. She was feeling alone and empty. She was thinking back to the day when she walked into the town. She had no feeling or recollection fully of what happened. All she remembers is being attacked Erin saving her. Maria carefully moved over and starred over at Richard and he looked back. Without a word or feeling being a touched a single tear rolled from Maria's eyes onto her bed. Like a rushing wave over the sand her feelings were all coming back along with memories and light. She knew who she was and her life seemed to raise. She rose from her bed and walked to Richard's single bed. She sat beside him and he leaned up. She threw her arms around him and with that single motion streams of sorrowful tears rolled her eyes.
The others in the room were not paying attention to the goings on of the ones in the room. Just from over the light coming through the sick bay doors a man dressed in fine silk and wool, carried a parchment and announced very loudly, "All who are able, are to report to the meeting chambers under the request of Lady Twanria."
The man left the room leaving the others to there look of anxiousness. All who could, rose from their beds and chairs and left the sick bay and entered the room to which Julian, Rachael and Miano had met before. They took seats across the long wooden table and at the end sat Twanria with her Chakrum placed on the table in front of her.
Twanria sat up from her chair and walked around the table. All were present except for Justin and Katie, "I see most of you are better and looking well." The room just sat quiet as Twanria continued to walk around the room; "I have called you all here to finally bring something to your attention."
There were looks from about the room but no one spoke except for Twanria, "In the beginning this castle had a special group of knights called the elite squad. I've learned recently from my mother that my father was in this elite squad. His weapon of choice was the crossbow. He was skilled in archery and all forms of agility and throwing weapons. In the vision sent to me by Lord William, I discovered that my father was the general of this elite squad. He led his troops into the many wars and benefited our land. I once had the notion that Lord William killed my father, but I was wrong. A misunderstanding killed my father. His own side by a soldier thinking he was a traitor to the land murdered him." The room filled with talking now and soft murmurs but Twanria continued, "This elite group of soldiers consisted of four men. Each of these four men had a powerful weapon endowed with strong power. These weapons you have seen. I myself now hold one of these weapons. The four weapons were chakrum shaped specifically for each fighter. One had the shape of a square. Another was in the shape of a triangle and a star. Mine was in the shape of a circle. The men who carried these weapons are not alive today. A syndicate formed under the castle army murdered each for treason. This syndicate worked under direct order and did what ever they thought necessary for the land. This syndicate soon became the group that was formed under Janelle's grandfather. This syndicate was called the Jesseru Jenesial." More murmurs flooded the room with anger but Twanria quickly calmed them, "The four chakrum are powerful weapons and three of them are in our custody. Darell holds one of them and the other is held by Justin and of course mine. The chakrum only work for a selected few since the people chosen to use them formed the original chakrum.
Darell lifted from his seat and in his hands resided the Square Chakrum, "This chakrum was given to me by my grandfather before he passed away. My father used it through because I was to young to realize what it was for. I still don't know how to use it"
"How did you know that your chakrum would protect you from Katie's psychic energy?" Said Danielle who was still in awe over the entire story, "I thought that mind energy could go through all substances."
"Psychic energy can be blocked by the power of a Chakrum, Justin and I both knew this we just hopped that we wouldn't have to bring them about." Replied Darell.
"You're telling me that Justin could of saved himself from Katie's relentless attacks if he would of used his Chakrum sooner," Yelled Danielle who was clearly getting upset.
"How were these Chakrum formed," asked Erin clearly trying to change the subject.
"The Chakrum were forged in an everlasting fire, endowed with a secret power that no one knows about," answered Darell who was glad Danielle stopped shouting.
Richard who was looking confused decided to clear up the last part of the mystery, "If'n yours father was the one who could be usin that fancy disk thingy how come Janelle could also be usin it."
"I think only Janelle could answer that, Richard." Said Twanria.
"Where did you keep those, uh, things when we were on the battle field?' asked Maria who could easily be as confused as Richard.
"When you need the Chakrum it appears," said Darell looking over at Twanria, "But the rule doesn't make sense because Twanira's chakrum is always present."
"I think Janelle could also answer that question." Said Twanria.
They all just looked around at the walls of the room trying to figure out what to say or do. Danielle rose from the table and spoke as calmly as she could, "I need to get back to Justin."
Maria and Richard, instead of going to the sick bay, returned to Richards's bedchamber to be alone. Erin stayed in the meeting room to talk more with Twanria and Darell. Suddenly Danielle burst into the room and was screaming, "Justin's gone".
Twanria looked over at Erin who was clearly staring at Darell. The four of them spread out and searched the castle. Erin returned to the sick bay to talk with Katie but when she returned Katie was gone too. A note was left on the sheet of Katie's bed saying, "
I have taken Lady Kathryn with me to make a bargain with Janelle,
I know how much Lady Kathryn must mean so maybe she is our only hope.
I will be back as soon as possible and take care of Danielle for me.
Justin.
"
Erin took the note to the others. Danielle was fuming, walking around screaming at random objects. Twanria tried to settle her but got yelled at in the process. Erin decided that the three of them and Darell should go look for Justin.
They set off when the sun was reaching the height of its journey. They rode swiftly through the thick forest. The trees were calling to them as they rode by. The most logical place to look for Justin would be at Janelle's broken camp. Katie was in no mood to travel, and since Justin took her from the sick bay they rode as fast as their horses would take them. From the shadows of the trees Erin could hear voices. Darell was riding along solemnly trying to listen in as well. Twanria grabbed the reigns of her hoarse and strode off into the more treacherous part of the woods. They soon came upon the light of the camp. No one was to be seen. The bodies of the dead shoulders had all been cleared from the ground. Twanria remembered Natalie when she slowly drifted off into slumber from her wound.
They rode their horses into the camp. There was no one in sight but the soft sounds of talking were echoing off the nearby trees. Twanria dismounted her hoarse and walked cautiously up to the small tent to which was owned by Janelle. Twanria put her ear to the fabric of the tent and listened in on the conversation. From what she could hear, she could distinguish a man and woman's voice. Erin readied herself on one side of the tent and Darell followed her. Twanria and Danielle took to the other side of the door. At once they charged in ready anything.
Sitting on two firmly planted chairs were Justin and Katie who was tied at the mouth. Justin was looking guilty and ashamed. Danielle just starred at Justin with eyes of relief, but from the corner, a distinct look of disgust. Darell just laughed at the sight.
"How can you be so stupid," Said Darrell trying to contain his overwhelming and loud laughter, "You kidnapped Lady Kathryn so Janelle would do what exactly?"
Justin just turned away but finally decided to speak, "I took her because obviously she is important to Janelle and maybe if Janelle had her back I could bargain with her on leaving the land alone.'
"Not a smart idea, Justin" Scowled Danielle who's look was not any more relieved.
"You dragged us all the way out hear just so you could do something ridiculous?" asked Erin.
"You followed me," sneered Justin whose face was turning to anger, "I did this for you all."
Danielle was untouched by his word and she came and stood in front of him, "I have been worried, whole heartedly, and you scared me so much. You don't even deserve to look at me. You couldn't even trust me with your foolish plan. What kind of relationship is this"? With these words said Danielle took her hand and swiped it across Justin's face with a loud and thundering smack.
Twanria watched as Danielle left the tent, but instead of comforting her Twanria had a few questions, "Justin I would like to see your chakrum."
Justin pretended as if he didn't know of what she was talking about but he soon realized she was much serious. Just as Darrel's had before a triangle disk appeared on Justin's hand. His chakrum, just as light and designed as Twanria's, he was proud of its power. Twanria held the chakrum glaring at it as if for something to happen. When she was about to give it back another flash of images flew through her head. She saw her father and a few other men. Each of them was carrying one of the different Chakrum. Her father was banishing a member of the group. The man who held the star shaped Chakrum was walking away. For reasons unknown, the rest of the men walked into a different direction.
Twanria soon came to reality. She was receiving unusual looks from her friends. She left the tent and found Danielle sitting on a nearby tree stump. From the dark clouds above the rain fell with light force. Danielle wasn't crying but from the rain the crawled her face it was hard to tell. Twanria came and sat next to her knowing that Danielle wanted to tell her something.
"How come he doesn't trust me?" Danielle said looking up at Twanria, "He didn't even tell me where he was going."
Twanria feeling truly sorry knew exactly what to say, "He didn't tell you because he thought it was necessary, if there was any danger, to keep you from harm."
"That's not the way it works," Said Danielle, trying to make Twanria understand, "If he cares for me and trusts me this would of never of happened. I was so worried."
"Don't let it fully bother you because if you dwell on the bad things your relationship will never work," Said Twanria.
Just as Twanria was finishing her statement Justin walked up beside them, "I am sorry Danielle." Said Justin who was trying to keep his full figure, "I didn't mean for you to be so hurt, I just thought you would understand that I had to do this."
"That's not really enough Justin." Replied Danielle with a look of seriousness in her face, "You just went and did something completely on your own and left me to worry."
"Danielle, you know I care for you deeply and—"
Before Justin could finish Danielle interrupted, "You care for me but you don't love me."
Danielle stormed off and but before she could get to far Justin grabbed her arm. Danielle turned around reluctantly. Justin got down on one knee and presented his ring to her.
"Danielle will you marry me." Said Justin whose face had become a victim to the rain.
Just before Danielle could answer, Darell, Katie and Erin emerged from the tent to see what was going on. Danielle looked truly happy but she let her feelings get the best of her. She turned around and continued walking away with the raindrops now looking like tears. Justin still kneeling left his mouth open as Danielle walked out of camp. Erin followed intently.
Richard and Maria were sitting in front of the fire. Not to many words were spread between the two. Both were feeling the toll of the past few days event. Maria was recalling when she first met Richard and how disgusted she was of his accent. Then how he was being nice to her in this very castle chamber. She began to miss her father, though it had only been a week, she was upset that she hadn't seen him in awhile. Being a midwife, she traveled all the time but over the last couple of weeks she was staying in one place.
Richard moved over closer to Maria, but she was a little hesitant. Maria seemed not to object so he moved in closer to her. Before he was able to make a move Julian walked through the door.
Julian was out of breath and Miano was standing right beside him, "Do either of you know where Lady Twanria is? It's very urgent, we just received a letter from the Land of Queen Liana."
"I don't know where she has gone," Said Maria removing herself from Richard's grasp, "I believe they went out because horses in the courtyard are gone."
"Well if it is not any trouble, can you take this letter to her," Said Julian, just now being able to catch his breath, "I'd take it myself but I have to return to the knights and get them ready.'
"Get them ready for what," Said Maria
Julian handed over the note and Maria began to read. The note stated that an unknown army carrying flags of a certain dictator had overturned the Queendom of Queen Liana. Her troops were blind sighted and the army was now heading for Lord William's land. Maria stood up and walked out for the courtyard to grab herself a hoarse. Richard followed behind still confused of what was going on. Before Julian could stray to far away Maria grabbed him and told him to follow. Julian protested by the strength of Richard he was forced to go.
"I think I know where they went." Said Maria grabbing a hoarse from the stable, "If they went anywhere, they probably went to Janelle's camp."
Julian, Miano, Richard and Maria set out for Janelle's camp with the letter. The rain was still falling and the clouds were not lifting. They had to go through the forest to get there quicker. The thunder and lightning above was coming down from the black clouds and they all feared of being hit. When almost through the forest, they spotted two figures. From what they could see it was a man and a women. From closer view they could see Samuel and Janelle riding in the opposite direction of them going to the east. Maria stopped and had an idea to carry out. With in a few minutes Richard and Maria were following Janelle and Samuel while Julian and Miano headed for the camp.
Maria was nervous about splitting up. She didn't have any weapons with her but they were not going to confront them, just follow. They kept a steady pace behind them making sure not to arouse suspicion. The trees in their path were wet and dropping a few Raindrops on them. They used hand signals so there voices would not be heard. It was already hard to hear through the rain, but Samuel seemed to have heightened senses so they didn't take their chance.
They soon became a small town. From what Maria could tell it looked quite familiar. They were quiet but Janelle and Samuel began to run faster since the trees didn't block the rain. They approached a small house in the middle of town. From what Maria could tell they went inside. They approached the house and tied their horses down on the fence post of a nearby tavern. They walked close to the windows to hear what was going go. They sat under the window and heard five voices, and one of them didn't seem too happy.