Cooper Russell Presents
A Fan Fiction Based On 'Fable:'
Prophecy
Chapter 6: Bloodlines
'Where are we going?' Arlet asked as Obsidian lead him through a door, to a place unknown to him.
'We are deep within the Guild now my friend,' Obsidian said, leading the way across a bridge of stone.
'It's so big...' Arlet gazed over the edge, into a dark abyss. 'What is a place like this doing in the Guild?'
'Ah, you see. The Guild was not always here, it did not belong to the people. It was taken from another; from a very powerful creature.'
'What was it?' Arlet asked with intrigue, as the Guild Master opened the doors at the end of the archway, which had stain glass windows, with beautiful designs that glistened in the dark.
'Patience, Arlet.'
The doors opened into a large circular room that looked grander than anything he had seen on the surface of the Guild. Round steps gathered at the center of the room, peaking at the very middle. More stain glass windows slanted above, looking down on the room. The walls were crafted with very intricate designs, and had drawings painted on the surface of the stone walls.
'This is The Chamber of Fate. It is a very special place, and it does indeed possess certain powers that should not try to be understood.'
'What goes on here?'
'The Guardian of this cave-the creature I spoke of; passed onto me all of its knowledge before its passing.' Obsidian said, walking to a drawing of great sadness. 'Something important must happen here, but that was all that was given to me. Its true purpose is still a mystery.'
'This painting,' Arlet looked upon it with intrigue, yet was also scared to know of its origin. 'What is it?'
'This is a story I think you would be interested in. Here among these walls tells the very tale of our great Hero, as he progresses through his personal journey. It is being scratched into time itself; for all to remember, whether good or ill.'
'It does not look so great to me.' Arlet said, unsettled.
'Ah, but don't all great stories start that way?'
'What do you mean?'
'It is only through pain, and loss that we search ourselves for the strength to achieve great things. Soon, even you will learn how to turn the worst events into power that will serve justice; even death.' Obsidian looked around, guiding Arlet's view. 'Look around! These paintings tell a story of not just death, and misfortune, but of love, and hope.'
'Why his story? What makes his story worth being seen for all time?'
'This story is not over yet, Arlet. Before his journey ends, he will need to make a choice that will effect all of us; hopefully for the better.'
'How do you know this?' Arlet asked, confused.
'The Guardian made his home here and this is where he dwelt for years. The room's power slowly poured into the demon itself. Huur' Desher they called him... he carried many gifts, which were bestowed onto me before his end.'
'A demon? Here?'
'Yes, there exist in Albion many creatures that few have seen, but have the power to create great chaos.'
'Where are they? What are they doing?'
'They are waiting; gathering.'
'For what?'
'For the right moment; when Albion is at its weakest; when all is hanging on a thread... they will strike.'
'But this will not happen in our time? Will it?' The Guild Master did not answer right away, for his face said everything. Even still, Arlet asked again, 'Master?'
'I'm afraid Arlet; it may be coming sooner than we both want.'
'Is there anything we can do? There must be a way to stop this!'
'To stop evil is possible, but to rid of it entirely... now that's a trick.' The Guild Master said. 'Know this Arlet, there is always a way to defeat evil; always. It is just a choice; they are just like you and me, only they've strayed from the path of light.'
'Path of light...' Arlet said to himself. 'In my sleep, I see such things.'
'And which road are you on?'
Hesitating for a moment, Arlet says, 'I am in darkness... but it is not of my own will.'
'Well that is good. The enemy will work in many ways to entice you Arlet, you must keep strong, and focused.'
'I would never leave that which is good, to serve those of pure evil. I will stay strong.'
'Many great people have said the very same thing, yet even they have strayed.'
'Evil is what killed my father, if I were to aid them then I would be a betrayer to my family.' The Guild Master looked satisfied with Arlet's answer. 'You will help me though won't you?'
'I will help as I can,' Obsidian said. 'I have a deep connection with all of my students, especially with our Hero, and you yourself.' Obsidian then looked deep within Arlet; into his eyes, piercing his very soul. You are the one I've waited for.
Arlet's knees nearly buckled, as the Guild Master's voice echoed throughout his mind.
'How did you...'
'It's okay.' The Guild Master looked at Arlet and with gentleness he added, 'remember; a deep connection,' he said tapping his finger on his head. 'I have many gifts.'
'What is it you want of me?'
'For years I have waited for someone special, someone who weighed heavily on Albion's future.' As the Guild Master spoke, he walked Arlet around the room from picture to picture. 'I thought it was our Hero, but it turns out it is you.'
'Me?'
'Yes, you. And the enemy needs you just as much as I do.'
'Enemy?' Arlet said, scared.
'Do you know the story of the Old Kingdom, Arlet?'
'Just what I was taught in school... I've forgotten most.'
'There are lots they do not teach you, Obsidian stated. 'Come... let us go elsewhere. I will tell you everything I know.'
At this, Arlet noticed something strange coming from a blank space on the wall. Liquid seeped from the rock, trickling down and coloring it.
'Master...' Arlet spoke. 'Look.'
'Ah! Another milestone has been reached for the Hero. This is good news indeed, for I have not been able to reach him lately.'
Dark colors began coating the wall, brick by brick as it spread over the surface. A man-no two men. Two men and another being; something evil. Bars...
'A prison?' Arlet asked.
'I do not like the looks of this one...' Obsidian said, thinking to himself. 'I'm afraid the enemy may have hold of our Hero. ...Yes, let us leave this place.'
Leaving the Chamber of Fate, Obsidian decided to take Arlet outside. He brought him to an area near Maze's quarters, where the tombs of great men lay, and statues of Heroes stood tall. Obsidian took rest and came to a stop, looking at four tombs that had obviously seen many days but somehow were kept in high quality.
Arlet noticed a stone which sat at the front of the nearby grave, it read: 'Tegan Bluetooth.' Looking up at the Guild Master, who seemed to be in another place, deep in thought.
Letting out a sigh, Obsidian began to explain to Arlet what he was looking at. 'These are the founders of the Guild. They fought for this land many lifetimes ago, and have all lost their lives either in battle, or from the sharp blade of time.' He paused. 'She was my wife.'
'Your wife? That cannot be...'
'Indeed, it is right for you to have your doubts... but I have walked this earth for hundreds of years; just another gift that was given to me. But I will tell you this Arlet, once you live one lifetime on this earth; it becomes less of a gift, and more of a curse.'
'How long will you live?'
'As long as I can bare it,' Obsidian said with much weight to his voice.
'So these are the resting places of The Great Crusaders of the Old Kingdom. I remember reading about them in a class when I was young.' Arlet walked around to the next tomb, 'yes-Asudam Malahi. Two men, and two women joined together. They set out from across the sea, unlocking the Cullis Gates. They essentially uncovered all of Albion.' Arlet grew excited, 'you were alive to see all of this?'
Obsidian said nothing; instead he walked around to the next tomb, and waited. Arlet walked over and saw this tomb was not occupied. He looked down, and was shocked to read the name: 'Obsidian Bluetooth.' He looked up at the Guild Master, who had now a gentle smile on his face.
'I was more than a witness to these times Arlet; for I helped create them.'
Arlet was speechless. He stood, trying to make sense of everything.
Obsidian took Arlet to the final tomb as he started talking, 'Myself, my wife-Tegan, Asudam-my closest friend, and lastly; Asudams lover-Marianne. It is a shame they could not see how our deeds have stood the test of time.'
'Why was it you who received such power?'
'My wife was taken from me before we reached the Eastern shore. Asudam and Marianna were both slayn by the Guardian of this place. I fought with all the energy I had left in me until it fell. I was the only survivor, and thus I was given the power, just as I will give the power to somebody else when my deeds are done; and I hope to rest among my comrades.'
'I am sorry for your losses.'
'Ah, keep in mind they are not fresh in my memory. But I appreciate your concern my young apprentice.'
'We do have one thing in common master; the women in whom we love both share the name Tegan.' Arlet said, smiling. His heart warmed as thoughts of his love danced in his mind.'
'Very nice indeed. At least she wasn't as stubborn as my wife; and let you leave on your own.' The Guild Master said, jokingly.
Arlet looked around, at the trees, the birds in the air, and the sky. Somehow connecting everything in sight to a memory of Tegan. He wondered what she was doing at this exact moment, and hoped she was thinking of him too. 'I miss her deeply,' Arlet said.
'As you should,' replied the Guild Master. 'Love gives meaning to everything we do, even leaving home and all you care for. I'm sure the reason you are here has something very much to do with love.'
Arlet gave a look of agreeing to Obsidian. Arlet then noticed three statues behind him.
'Ah! The Guild's Trio!' Obsidian popped with joy. 'Well... in their younger days. All of our students that go on to do great things have a statue made in their honor. You've probably seen them around the grounds.
'What about that one?' Arlet asked, as he pointed to a secluded part of the garden in the corner, where a statue stood taller than the rest. The statue had a large square base, atop it were two winged creatures, and in the middle above the rest was a being which also bore wings.
'That has been there since I can remember. My only guess was it was made for Huur' Desher before the darkness took him.'
'It is so sad to think how so little evil can change somebody so greatly.'
'You are very wise, Arlet.'
From within the Guild Woods, faint noises could be heard. Some of clashing; some of loud thunderous cracks.
'I don't like this! There's too many of them!' Terry squealed. Maze stood tall, as he summoned three Imp-like creatures to join the rest against Terry, who was backed up against the remains of an old ancient wall struggling, as he slashed his blade into the air in every direction.
'You will not have the choice of how many foes you face in the real world Terry. Deal with them now,' Maze said calmly.
Terry shuffled his way to an opening in the destroyed wall, as the group of Imps continued nipping at his legs with there tiny, but sharp claws. One of them made a dive toward him, stepping backward, Terry lost balance and fell backward through the opening and tumbled down into a shallow pool of water; the now air-born Imp flailed over head, crashing into the water. Picking itself up, it signaled for the rest to jump in. Terry scrambled around in the water desperate to find his sword that he lost grip of. What seemed like an endless line of Imps, they came one by one, jumping into the pool and latching onto Terry's back.
'Deal with them!' Maze said, stressing his voice.
'I can't! I need help-Ahh!' Terry let out a yelp as one of the Imps sank its teeth into his shoulder. Shaking it off, Terry spotted his sword shimmering beneath the surface of the water. Pouncing on it, he grabbed a hold of it once more as he twisted around, slashing at his enemies behind him. Regaining his confidence with each victim he killed, Terry made his way to the last one; it stood its ground and prepared for a face off. The widest part of these Imps was the span of their ears, which jetted outwards from their bald heads. Its left ear was twitching as if it had caught the sound of something. Terry glanced to see a hidden Imp, waiting to leap at the given chance inside a gathering of bushes.
'Stop waiting and finish him off!' Maze said, as he summoned more creatures; these ones equipped with weapons.
'Enough of this! I'm getting tired!' Terry yelled, taking a peak over his shoulder at a creature with a bow. Looking back at the Imp, who was now grinning at the sight of more comrades on his side, Terry jumped to the right as an arrow was shot. Nearly hitting Terry, it flew forward on its path straight into the Imp; wiping the grin clean off his face. Terry made his way out of the water, drenched as more enemies splashed behind chasing after him. Terry climbed his way atop a rock too high for the Imps to reach, even with there daggers. Putting away his sword, Terry reached for his bow; which had gone unused up until this point. Aiming his shots quickly, he let arrows fly one after another.
Maze stood back, watching as his young apprentice thrust arrow after arrow into the air. Some hitting; most missing. First he took out the other archer of the group, while others grabbed stones and were launching them at there prey. Others scraped at the bottom of the rock, trying to climb it. And then a creature different from the rest showed its face and drew all of Terry's focus away.
'A Hobbe...' Terry whispered quietly to himself. Shaking, he lost his grip and his bow fell to the soft bed of leaves on the ground. The Imps were quick to make use of this weapon. It took a few of them to hold it up, and another to pull back the arrow. The Hobbe paced its way closer to the rock in which Terry stood clinging to his sword for dear life. Terry caught notice of familiar tools and weaponry that the Hobbe was holding. The memories nearly made him sick, as they flashed back and danced in his mind. Deflecting a quick shot from his own bow, Terry looked over at his teacher with frightful eyes.
'This is too soon!' Terry yelled to Maze who stood still. 'I can't do this...' Terry let out a breath as he fell back from the rock and onto the ground.
'Finish them Terry. Finish them all.'
Terry lay motionless on the ground as his foes made there way to him.
'Is this how you wished to redeem yourself? Are you going to fail once again to the likes of a Hobbe?'
Life flashed back into Terry's eyes as he regained his focus and with rage he sat up, sliding his sword forward into the chest of an imp. Getting back to his feet, Terry finished off the rest of his enemies, saving the Hobbe for last. The Hobbe flipped its blades in its hands, boasting as it challenged Terry. Not wasting any time, Terry ran toward his most hated enemy, and slid to its feet as he swiped at the Hobbes knees. The cold blade made contact and removed the Hobbe's mobile abilities as if cutting through paper; knocking it on its back. Ending it quickly, Terry stuck his sword into its chest to hear one last gargled squeal.
Terry caught his breath as he put his weight on his sword, resting on it; the blade still in the chest of his kill. Maze crept up behind Terry, placing his hand on his shoulder, with a deep voice he said,
'You will need to improve.'
'I don't know if I like this... I think we're moving too fast.'
'Nonsense, you're still alive aren't you?'
At the top of the stairs leading into Arlet's room, Berkley, Pharis, and Archer stood at the railing, looking at the grounds of the Guild.
'So...' Pharis leaned into Archer, elbowing him. 'You see any good replacements for old Berkley out there?'
'Ha, replacement for me?' Berkley scoffed. 'Without me you two would be over there in those tombs!'
'You think so do ya?' Pharis turned to Berkley, 'I always thought you'd be the first to go.' He added with a smirk.
'What's the s'pose to mean?' Berkley began to get nervous. You see, Pharis was being taken under the wing of Obsidian, and would take over the duties of the Guild Master when the time came. In preparation, the Guild Master has been spending a lot of time with Pharis; giving him many of the gifts that were passed onto him from Huur' Desher. One of these gifts was very strong senses, and in some instances the gift of foresight. 'You haven't been havin' any dreams of me diein' now have ya?'
'Of course not Berk, I'm just kidding.'
'Well don't be playin' games like that! You know you've been shady to me ever since your special treatment with Obsidian.'
'It's not really special treatment... there's no need for jealousy.'
'Jelou- What? I can't talk to you right now...' Berkley huffed and walked away as Pharis let out a chuckle.
Smiling, Archer asked Pharis; 'What exactly do you two do?'
'Ah nothin', he just confides in me and is preparing me for when the time comes for me to take over.'
'Has he informed you of Arlet's importance?'
'Yes...'
'And?' Archer asked.
'The blood that flows in his vains, holds he power to tame the wildest of beasts.' Pharis gave Archer a look as if to answer yes to a question on the tip of Archer's tongue.
'How? I thought the Dragon's had all died off?
'So did I...but apparently one still waits in the Wastes to the North. The mother of all Dragons... she battles her own children, and then feeds off them.'
'The mother of all Dragons...'
'She goes by the name of Prophecy. And our young friend Arlet here is a Dragon tamer! He's going to tame her for us!'
'That is not going to be an easy task.'
'No... not at all. Even worse considering our old friend Jack seems to have some tricks up his sleeves. He's been hard at work conjuring up a ton of fiends between us, and that Dragon. He's up to something... we just don't know what.'
'And let me guess... we're supposed to get our untrained, young master Arlet-from here, passed the hordes of enemies to the finish line...'
'Yep! To the finish line... which happens to be the biggest and fiercest Dragon to have ever existed.'
'Hm... we'll this should be interesting.'
'I think Obsidian's telling Arlet the good news right now.'
'So, I bet you've wanted to talk. I know you must have many questions,' Obsidian said, as he plunked down two mugs of ale. 'I know when I'm in for a long talk, there's no finer place than the Dining Hall with a few beers.' Eager to taste it, Arlet tipped the mug into his mouth and gulped a bunch down.
'It's good.' Arlet said.
'It's some of the best in all of Albion,' The Guild Master smiled. 'But now I'm afraid it's time for a littler history lesson.'
'I'm listening,' Arlet said intently. Finally being able to get the answers he wanted.
'Arlet... there is a being that is known as Jack of Blades. He is bent on turning Albion back into the course it was set on years ago. There was a time when Albion was without evil. In the days of The Old Kingdom; when it was ruled over by Archon. He had in his possession a great sword... powerful in both ways of good and evil. Archon himself, was a pure man... but his brother Malachi however was not.
They're are 9 seas that surround Albion, and Archon appointed his best men as leaders; 9 of them to each sea to look after and rule over it. Malachi was given the duty to watch over the Wastelands. The Northern Wastelands were mocked by all, and was not viewed as a highly important duty. Malachi disappeared to the North and was unseen. He grew bitter... and is most likely when he made his turn toward evil. None know what exactly turned Malachi's heart to evil, not even Hurr' Desher knew that, and he has told me things that not even the great elders of Albion know.
Malachi returned to Archon, with new ideas in mind. He would rather use the sword to conquer Albion, by striking fear into the hearts of all... ruling it; rather than governing it as his brother was. Archon would hear nothing of it; and banished him back to the Wastelands. But it is said the words of Archons brother stayed with him... and over time rotted his mind and in turn the sword projected the inner thoughts of Archon... the sword Arlet; had a mind of its own.
Time passed and eventually the sword overtook Archon, and evil leaked all across the land. As it is written, "soon foul creatures the world had never seen before darkened the people's lives." Albion fell into darkness; and the sword of power disappeared along with Archon, and the kingdom broke. All of Archon's followers strayed, and no records remain that tell what happened.
It is my belief that Jack has endured through all of this with full knowledge of what was to occur. He held back his forces of evil for a certain time... that time is now.'
'What is he waiting for?'
'He is waiting for our Hero... he's fully aware of the bloodline that flows with him, as well as you.'
'How could he know so much...? I thought only the keeper of the Guild and now you only knew the full history of Albion?'
'Good observation Arlet, but there is a device that wields the gift of knowledge and even I do not know where it lies.'
'What is it?'
'There are two actually... two orbs were created by a mysterious force. These orbs contain the knowledge of everything that has ever been... and everything that ever will be. I have it in me to believe Jack has come about having one of these in his possession... and if that is true, then he is far more dangerous than any of us could expect. He knows something about you... you're true purpose that still eludes me. He is searching for you... and all the enemies of Albion are under his control. You and our Hero are in grave danger.
'What can we do?' Arlet asked, scared.
'That Arlet, I'm afraid I cannot fully answer yet. I am still searching for an answer myself...'
'Hey lads!' Berkley said with great force as he sat next to Arlet, 'you wouldn't be drinkin' without me now would ya?'
'I am sorry Mr. Stoulhound, but we must ask for our privacy at the moment,' The Guild Master said.
'Ah! I can't go anywhere today!' Berkley muffled as he got up annoyed and walked off.
Arlet laughed to himself, 'what's with him?'
'Ah he's probably just a little annoyed. I asked him this morning to go on a quest to help some farmers in Oakvale. When there's no fighting involved... Berkley has a hard time getting excited for it.'
Arlet smiled as he chugged down the rest of his ale. The room went silent as both Arlet and Obsidian sank deep into thought.
'There is something that still puzzles me...' Arlet said.
'What is it?'
'While taken captive by the Hobbes... the name Malachi was mentioned.'
'By whom?' The Guild Master said with great concern and interest.
'This... thing, this fairy. It keeps-
'Fairy? Ah, Arlet... I am glad you had been in the dark about the knowledge of your importance. Fairies are not to be trusted; they're spies for hire. They have no allegiance here in Albion.
'I have told it nothing...' Arlet began. 'Her name is Arial, and she said she served a "Lord Malachi." She said she was to watch over me.
'Watch over...' Obsidian muffled. 'Serve... how is this possible. What is Jack up to...this does not make sense. Malachi must have fallen with the rest of Archon and his men; and if not the simple test of time would have taken him'
'What does all this mean?'
'I have not a clue. But I do know one thing... I think it's time we paid these fairies a visit...'
'She comes and goes, I know not where she lives.'
'There is a place... Northeast from here. It is not shown on any map, but it is the home of many tricksters and fairies. It will be a worthwhile challenge for you. We shall set out tomorrow; think of this as your first test. We must depart at once, you need your rest.'
Without thinking, Arlet stood up immediately and headed for his room.
'Wait... Arlet.' Obsidian said. 'Before you go, there is one more issue we must discuss...'
'What is it?'
The Guild Master paused, looking at Arlet, how do you feel about Dragons?'
Authors Note: I am really thankful for everybody who has read and reviewed the story up to this point, and for any of you who continue to do so, it means a lot. I haven't had the time to write lately, as I've been really busy with it being summer and all, and plus I was involved in the International Fringe Theater Festival this year in which I wrote and stared in a production. That sucked up a lot of my time, but it's all over with now and I can focus back on other things now, including this story. So look for more frequent updates instead of the two month gap we just had.
The story is on it's sixth chapter and it's going on its 8th month since I started it, so the updates were around once a month so hopefully I'll get back to doing that again. I hope you like where I'm taking the story, I still haven't revealed everything, I like keeping a bit of mystery around in my stories. Also, I've taken my story, and Fable's story into consideration and I'm trying to blend the two as seamless as possible, and without changing too much of the storyline in Fable, as well as the back-story. I'm even taking concept art and enemies that weren't in the actual game and throwing little details like that into this story just for anyone who is a hardcore Fable fan will be able to enjoy. Anyway, thanks again for everyone who's been reading and I hope you continue to do so.
