Chapter 2

Baylion walked through the multitude of brick archways that ran through the winding path that would eventually lead him to the Market Garden. He was almost there, his anticipation to own the magnificent weapon was only growing; he could see the weapon in his mind's eye. He was suddenly interrupted by Barl, a mail man who spent most of his days traveling the lands sending messages to family and friends.

"Baylion, I have something for you," said the old man in a strangled voice.

"Oh?" Baylion's surprise, he never got mail from anyone," Who's it from?"

"It's from the Valkarie, to admission into Naor-Shati the school of Magik."

The old man handed him the thick envelope and walked away with a scared expression. Baylion looked the envelope over. The writing on the front was jagged but eloquent, which told Baylion that a male had written it. He shook the letter and there came a chinking sound inside.

He tucked the letter away, he would look into it later, but he forgot about it as soon as he entered the Market Garden. People were everywhere; Baylion's mind was completely fixed on finding his vendor so he could retrieve his prize. He felt a sort of frenzy for it and it scared his a little, he had no idea how attached he had become.

The vendor was two blocks in, near the monument that stood in the center of all the commotion.

"Jeb," Baylion yelled as he ran up to the weapons vendor," Jeb, do you have the sword?"

The man looked at him curiously, the scar across his eye stretching. "Aye, I gots yer weapon for ya," the man waved his hand beckoning him into his tent," Had ter stop some other strangers from buyin' this here beauty."

The man lifted the weapon off his table and it gleamed in the dim light," I got this here masterpiece on an expedition to the forgotten tomb of King Raithwall VII, took me ages to find it, mind you. So I'll be asking fer a little som'n extra."

"It's alright," said Baylion breathlessly," I've got enough gil to pay for this five times over."

"Uh hu," grunted the man as he looked at Baylion warily," Mind you, it also comes with a sort of sheath."

Baylion accepted the unusual sheath from the vendor as he said," It looks like it holds more than one sword. If I trace lines through each of the straps, it looks as though it could hold nine swords just like this one, but who knows."

The vendor helped Baylion into the straps of the sword holder. Its leather was extremely sturdy. It strapped across his chest. If he flipped the sword into a reversed hold, he could place it rather smoothly into one of the loops.

"That'll be seventeen gil if ya don't mind," said the vendor gruffly.

Baylion got out his money and gave it to him. He put in three more Gil than was requested, but the man didn't seem to care anymore than Baylion did. He was in a sort of calm comfort; his mind was clearer now that he possessed this weapon.

He walked out into the market and instantly began his trek home. He wanted to test out his new weapon and get the feel for it. When he arrived, he went under the Chrystal Falls, the misty water dampening his hair and giving him a chill.

Under the falls, he had a training area set up for his sword practice. He had bean and hey bags to practice on. He pulled the sword out and examined it. Marveling at its beauty, he examined the blade. The tip was black, there were three holes at the base for flexibility and Baylion saw a sort of lever at underneath the base, he flipped it and the sword gave a shink as it sprang into two opened into two halves. Another blade suddenly sprang out whipped past his head and imbedded itself into the stone wall.

His heart almost leaped out of his chest when this happened. The merchant was right. There were other blades. He walked over to it and yanked it out of the wall. It hummed with vibrant energy, raw energy.

He suddenly remembered the note in his pocket, he put the swords into each other again and it shut on its own. He put the sword in its place and pulled the thick envelope out of his pocket. It was very rough looking; he opened it and tipped it into his hands. A golden chain fell out into his hand. It was very beautiful and left him breathless.

The chain was entwined with silver and onyx weaves and on the end was a signet brooch. It was a symbol of the King Raithwall, the Valkarie were part of that bloodline and had inherited the treasures. It was a six-point star encompassed by a blue crescent moon. There was nothing else.

There were sudden blasts and screams from outside ad instantly, Baylion's defensive skills kicked in. He ran out of the falls and down the bridge as there were more screams and blasts. He emerged in the town two minutes later to find it completely set ablaze. There was a man standing in the center of all the wreckage. He was dressed in black robes and his silver hair flowed down his shoulders. When he opened his eyes, they were shocking bright amber.

With a smile the man said," Ah, welcome Bid Brother, it's been too long."

Baylion scowled what was this fool talking about, 'big brother'.

He looked around for anyone who he could recognize, but didn't find anyone.

"They're all dead, Big Brother," said the man in a monotone voice.

"What the hell have you done with them," yelled Baylion now in a rage.

The man chuckled," What you failed to do."

This made Baylion even more confused," Who are you?"

"I am one of the Fallen Nine, my name is Gorge, and you, brother, are a traitor."

Baylion took out his new blade, he hadn't had a chance to practice with it yet so this would be his trial run.

He held it poised to strike at any moment, the man, Gorge, took out his own blade, a delicate two bladed Katana. They stood, face to face, waiting for each other to strike. Baylion rushed him and slammed the blade down on his opponent, who met him with pure ease. Baylion could hear him chuckle as he spun and kicked him in the chest, sending him soaring into the air. Baylion gasped as he felt ribs break and the air left him. As he landed he broke his left arm and stone cut his face and tore his leg open.

Gorge walked up slowly and laughed," Brother, you're weaker than I imagined, but I guess I can let you go for now. The brethren still have their uses for you."

And just like that Gorge disappeared into a wisp of smoke. Baylion lay there loosing blood. The village was gone and everyone in it. He now had no choice but to go to the Valkarie and go to school at the Naor-Shati. He didn't know much about them, only that they were gifted with powerful magic.

He ran to his house. It was on fire and he could hear his horse, Twilight, neighing in distress. He ran to her, his nose burning from the fire's heat and the smell of the smoke made him cough. Throwing open the doors, he found Twilight bucking in a frenzy, trying to get away from the smoke that threatened her. He ran up to her and brought her out into the yard, he got her calmed down and climbed onto her back. His house was now just a pile of rubble, the only thing he had now was the necklace and the sword.

He set Twilight off at a slow trot. There was no need for him to rush. Belincoff was a whole day's ride. He was exhausted and his ribs and scalp hurt terribly. Every breath he took sent stabs of sharp pain through his body. He gritted his teeth and tried to stay on Twilight as he led her to their new home.