Chapter Twenty Nine
A coronation…of sorts…
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The island rose calmly from between rolling waves and the slender figure aboard the ship ordered a halt. Rigging creaked, and sails snapped as the crew hastened to obey, their feet pounding along the deck as they gradually brought he ship to a halt. The Captain came alongside the figure and glanced down to their hood, "Will you be okay making the journey by yourself?" He asked before staring at the unimposing island in the distance.
The figure straightened and turned its head slightly to address him, keeping their eyes on the island. "Raise the flag and I will be."
The Captain clasped his fist to his heart before turning and giving an order for the flag to be raised and for the cannons to be sounded. Moments later three cannon balls were fired into the water, their shot ringing across the waves and up the beach. A giant flag bearing the symbol of Tahakén, the flame surrounded by a circle of words, was snapping in the wind.
There was a moment of eerie calm, before the wind stilled and the sailors felt the hair on the back of their necks rise. "Prepare me a boat," ordered the figure, a streak of crimson hair escaping the shadow of the hood as they turned to face the Captain.
The Captain did as he was ordered, and within minutes the figure was seated aboard a row boat, the oars propelling themselves forward.
The island came steadily closer and through the giant waves, rocks erupted from the surf, a peril to any trying to approach the island. The figure leant over to the water and touched the surface and the water beneath the boat rose, carrying it safely over the rocks, even as the waves crashed mercilessly upon them.
The sand was as black as the night and cliff's, that immediately ceased the thought of navigation, surrounded the small cove. Lush green grass came down onto the sand, stretching forward before the figure, as a soft wind pressed at their back, shaping their cloak around their body, revealing that of a woman. Ahead she could see where the grass ended, slopping harshly towards the sky, flanked by even more cliffs. Erupting out of these cliffs stood a wall, with towers situated at even spaces which glared down at her as she walked the bottleneck rise towards the gap. Even though they were unmanned, she shivered, for the lack of people made it all the spookier.
As she approached the exit, the walls remained at the same height, following her towards the gates, offering complete coverage of the beach for any commander at the wall. The portcullis was open and she hesitated before stepping beneath them and out into the area beyond. Making her way past the entrance she walked for a few moments before turning and glancing back at the line of defence. Curling around the beach the first layer of cliffs held area's for cannons and other machines, and there were giant goblets which she assumed would be filled with fire in the event of an attack.
The walls were built from the inside of the cliffs, with crenulations in even spaces where archers could be positioned and small holes in the stone for arrows. The first tower rose impressively from the wall and came out of the stone and over the earth, and the machicoulation's would allow stones or even fire to be poured upon any attackers beneath the wall.
The defences continued in a smooth arch up towards the gate, where the towers there were even more fortified and impressive. Archers could be stationed everywhere from the cliffs to the gates, and the natural (or not) incline up towards the entry forced any attacking troops into a group. Taking the gates would be almost impossible without heavy casualties, as the archers had the height advantage, the protection advantage, and the area to move, they were also on a flat surface.
Continuing onward she came across a great forest, where fog clung ominously to the trees and obscured the paths. However one of the paths was oddly clear of fog and she confidently took it, following it as it wound over other pathways and branched off into other directions. Unable to shake the feeling she was being watched, she was very glad to be rid of the forest and exit out onto a plain.
Here there was evidence of farming, from the cobblestone paths that branched off the main road, to the stacks of hay that was piled onto carts and there were small quaint huts scattered in a few areas. There were ditches in the land, where water pooled gently, awaiting use. There was also several mound of rock, jutting from the otherwise flat surface, and there looked to be primitive towers on them. Calling to her Gift she shifted and became a bird and took to the skies, soaring over the land. Immediately she felt a heavy pressure descend upon her, and realising that her Gift was steadily being smothered she moved faster, forcing more of her Magic to her skin in an attempt to hold off the force.
After the plains there were rows upon rows of orchards, but separating the two industries was a second wall, with catapults stationary in the sun, and spears with needle points shafting down from the walls. Looking at them she winced, anyone approaching the walls would be impaled and anyone trying to climb them would have their hands and feet pierced with lethal and painful poison.
After the orchid there was a gorge, spanning several hundred meters across and the pillar holding the bridge dispersed into mist which clung to the air, hiding the depth of the canyon. She could hear the rushing of water clashing over rocks and assumed a river was hidden beneath the fog. The bridge was built from glossy black stone, which was perfectly flat and moulded, clearly by magic. It was wide enough to fit three carriages and as she landed softly on the cobblestone path before it as her Gift faltered beneath the unbearable pressure, her eyes widened in awe.
Mist, which had shrouded the great castle, withdrew, exposing the masterpiece to her eyes. Emerging from the mountain a city of ink coloured stone, gleaming in the sun, the city was magnificent. Twelve towers glared across the river at her, stretching into the heavens and there were etchings along the top of each tower, the outline of some sort of creature.
Taking a deep breath she continued forward, and as soon as her foot touched the black stone beneath her, there was an echo and she could almost see it racing forward ahead of her. Abruptly there was the smooth sound of steel sliding against steel and she stiffened in place, Magic flooding to her fingertips.
Two great statues, crafted from the same stone as the bridge and city had crossed their spears in front of her and there was a series of clangs as the pairs of spearmen crossed blades up the length of the bridge. Gulping she approached and they straightened, standing to attention, their heads in the sky above her. Behind each spearman stood a swordsman, with hands resting on swords that were as long as she was tall. Bows and a quiver full of arrows were equip by stone archers, with arrows as long as her arm. The final warrior in the set was a giant welding an axe, the axe head as big as her torso.
Approaching the gate she shivered as the first portcullis rose on its own, and the blades in the walls slowly withdrew into the stone, creating slight cracks revealing where they lay dormant. Clearing her throat she continued forward and the second portcullis rose, the chain rattling as the weight was lifted.
Exiting out into the sunshine she blinked, there was a second wall, this time lacking the towers, but it had even more arrow slips and areas for archers. A second set of portcullis' rose for her and she slipped beneath them and out into the outer city. Here there were houses, streets, and civilian quarters, even pens for livestock.
Her legs were burning by the time she reached the next wall, here six towers glared down at her, as the entire territory of the castle steadily closed in, as she walked further into the mountain. As with the last wall, the portcullises were raised and she passed beneath them easily, though on the stone beneath her, she could see cracks, almost as though the floor could move.
Here in the inner bailey was where the warrior's quarters were, as well as the stables, archery range, and the training rings. There were also giant storehouses, built from stone, like the rest of the buildings; she could see images of food, weapons, and livestock on some of the doors. A well was in the middle and there were trees casting shadows across the grass.
The area was ominously void of life, of any kind, and as she had on her entire journey from the beach, she couldn't help but feel she was being watched. Fortifying herself she continued onward, approaching a third wall, though this one had three towers watching her and she hesitated beneath the open portcullises, because only now did she realise this entire island was designed to be a trap.
The beach defences had been positioned to drive any enemy beneath the walls, into small spaces where several warriors could hold the entrance from an army. The same had been done for the castle and its surrounding grounds, steadily the space had been decreasing from the first wall with twelve towers, to the second with six and now the third and final wall with three. The forest was cloaked in mist and surely had various defences inside, especially with the advantage of many trails and the plains would not be as innocent as they looked. Then there was the bridge, who knew how far below the river lay and those statues looked a bit to lifelike to be sculptures.
A noise, to her rear startled her and she took several steps back, hand going to the blade at her side as her head darted side to side. The rattling of chain as it was unwound reached her, moments before the sound of a portcullis slamming into the ground did. A second one closed and she swallowed, understanding that the first wall shut behind her. Another two gates closed and she moved even closer to the open gates before her, and taking a deep breath, walked underneath the first one, hand tightening on her sword.
She gave a yelp, after she had walked halfway beneath the wall, as the first portcullis released and crashed behind her and she ran to it, helpless.
Turning she grasped her sword even tighter and waited. Nothing happened. Cautiously she approached the last portcullis and hesitantly edged towards it before leaping beneath it and out the other side. The grinding of the chain was loud up this close and she launched herself forward as the final portcullis rammed down.
Growling she approached the castle, finally getting a good look at it and paused, it was majestic and forbidding. The towers loomed above her, flying black flags and the castle walls looked reassuringly solid for any defender. The black stone that crafted the bridge and walls also contributed to the castle, with the flat and gleaming blocks of stone positioned perfectly along the entire structure. Slanting rooms offered figurines at each corner, some sort of winged beast, and spires grasped at the sky. Balconies bowed beneath arched windows and doors and a series of stairs led towards two great big doors, with giant statues of cats on either side.
The entire building was… majestic… there was no other word as fitting to describe it. Magnificent in the sunlight, with perfect proportions of beauty, grace, elegance, and finesse, the castle was designed to impress. Feeling slightly anxious at the thought of entering a building created to defend its people but oppose its enemies, she made her way up the steps, inwardly marvelling, though still apprehensive, at the building. Nothing she had ever seen could have prepared her for this; it was truly a magical piece of architecture.
The two doors rolled open on oiled hinges and she made her way inside before her jaw hit the ground.
A great staircase was before her in the same black marble, crimson carpet was placed up the centre with gold banisters on either side, and it branched off a story above her, vanishing into other corridors. Glancing to her right hand left she could see the gold railing arching up into the floor of the next floor, and there were carvings in the marble pillars that held the entire up building. On each side, at the foot of the staircase, stood a statue, this time in marble as white as the castle was black. A great crystal chandelier angled from the roof, it's clear colour somehow lighting the black room.
Paintings were depicted on the walls and large tapestries covered entire sections of the wall. Solid oak doors were spaced at even positions along the sides and she hesitated, wondering which way to go. A light breeze pressed at her back and one of the doors, beyond a statue, slowly swung open.
Hesitantly she made her way towards it and the entrance doors shut with a resounding thud. Clenching her jaw she straightened and followed the open doors through the castle, each door opening for her and then closing when she had walked through.
Eventually she appeared at the back of the castle, where the mountain ridges formed the defences and there was a small black gate, set in the wall, which slowly creaked open for her.
Sighing at the further delay she walked through and out into the shadow of the guards of the mountain. She followed small dirt and stone path, which wound its way between trees and scrubs, moving with the land, not across it like many others. Eventually she came out into a clearing, where the mountain loomed above her ominously, its shadow encouraging her to curl into herself, to run away, to just give in, to give up, to surrender.
Shaking herself she glared up at the mountain and steeling herself, for her punishment was not worth fleeing for, and she had come all this way, and walked forward. Water crashing against rocks indicated a waterfall and stream and she summarised that the mountain was the source of water for the well in the castle.
The path lead her forward, to a staircase cast in black stone and she wearily began her ascent, and so unaware of her surroundings she never noticed the presence appear at the top of the stairs.
They coughed politely and she withdrew her sword, pointing it at the young girl, who held her hands up in a peaceful gesture.
"Come with me," the girl ordered softly, before turning and walking into the great archway that merged from the side of the mountain.
Lowering the sword slightly, but not sheathing it, she followed the girl into the crevice, taking note of her guide.
Long blonde hair fell in waves down her back, and she wore a pristine toga and her visible skin bore the tell-tail signs of torture, though it wasn't recent. Averagely muscled for a woman, she moved confidently into the belly of the mountain, down, deeper into its heart as torches braced in the wall gave them light.
A faint smell began to reach her and she inhaled before sharply exhaling as the scent clung to her tongue. Blood, and large amounts of it was ahead. Eventually they entered through a doorway and the girl walked across the smooth floor as shadows of fire from the walls were cast on the marble.
Large pillars held the ceiling and there were aqueducts of fire surrounding the rectangular room. At the end of the room, glowing in the darkness against a wall of fire was a pure white altar, with small grooves in it allowing blood to flow down those paths. It seemed many people had already been sacrificed on that alter, for between the doorway and the alter there was a pool of crimson blood, not the dirty, muddish red of dried blood, but the crisp and vibrant red of fresh blood. A single pathway led the way across the pool, like a small bridge without rails and she hesitated before marching across it.
The path continued around the alter before flattening out and there were steps and a throne. The girl was already there, speaking softly to the cloaked figure upon the throne.
Stepping past the fire she stared up at the figure, blade drawn and held in her trembling hand. There wasn't much known about the Tahakén Princess, only that she hadn't been seen or heard of in centuries and those who knew her had either been killed, died or refused to talk about her in any personal capacity, focusing only on her skill and prowess. So Cassandra was curious to meet the woman who was second only to The Master and whose name was no longer known, having become a legend going by the name of Hunter having killed her lover.
"Put your weapon away," came a clear and cold voice, the order unmistakable and even though she was terrified, she slowly slid her blade into its sheath.
"I'm-" she was interrupted.
"I know who you are, Cassandra, Lady of Tahakén. I have known since the moment you entered my waters."
The figure rose in a fluid movement from the throne, and began to descend the steps, "The question is, what you are doing here."
Gulping, Cassandra bowed, low and deep before straightening and removing her hood. Firelight caught and emphasised the red of her hair and the dark marble highlighted the violet streaks in it.
"Princess," she hastened onwards as a growl erupted from the tall figure standing opposite her, "You are to be summ-"
"Summoned," snarled the figure, suddenly appearing in front of her, "Summoned!"
Cassandra stumbled away, fair skin turning pale and gold eyes widening in fear. She held her hands in front of her in a gesture of peace, hoping the Princess wouldn't kill her, she didn't dare reach for a weapon, knowing she was outmatched.
"The Master has a mission for you!" She said quickly, watching as the Princess slowly withdrew back into herself, seeming to have contained her rage.
"Here," Cassandra quickly held out a piece of parchment to the Princess, who summoned it to her with a flick of her fingers.
She opened it and began to read, her face hidden beneath a hood, "Leave," she instructed after a moment and continued to read.
Cassandra took a deep breath of relief and turned and began to take measure steps back across the room, back stiff awaiting a blow to end it all.
It never came and as she reached the exit of the mountain she broke into a run, fleeing down the pathway and heading for the castle, where she drew to an abrupt halt. Before when she had passed through, the place had been silent, still, waiting, now though it was vibrant with life. People scurried here and there about their business and watched her curiously, though made no move to communicate with her.
A small boy with brown curly hair ran up to her, bowing and then spoke, "If you'll come with me, Miss."
Cassandra eyed the boy and entered his mind, making sure she wouldn't be lead to a trap. Finding nothing but innocence in his mind, and an order to bring her to the Captain for escorting from them the premises, she exited his mind and followed him.
He lead her through the castle and out into the courtyard, where there was a pair of riders and a horse waiting for her. The boy pointed in their direction and scampered away as she made her way to the horsemen. There was a giant of a man, riding a large dun horse, sitting easily in the saddle and watching her approach. He had short shaggy black hair and tanned skin, with a body that portrayed his heavy lifting and exercise and was impeccably dressed in a dark over tunic with a white long sleeve shirt beneath it.
The brown horse next to him was boredly swatting flies, head lowered and eyes half closed. She internally snorted at the mount but accepted that she needed to get out of here as fast as possible and flying wasn't an option, the force on her Gift was immense and she doubted she could even light a candle, let alone fly to the ship and back.
Glancing to the other mount she halted, it blended perfectly with the wall, castle and mountains around it, as black as night and stood proudly in the sun, its ears flicking in every direction, its black eyes swivelling. Muscular yet elegant, with a thick and long mane and tail, the horse was the epitome of perfection.
Carrying onward Cassandra appraised the rider, the woman had long flowing red hair, and golden skin, and she sat easily in the saddle, wondering if she could fight her and take the horse as spoils. As though hearing her thoughts, the riders head turned and she was met with fierce purple eyes.
Feeling a challenge she matched the amethyst eyes stare for stare as she mounted the brown horse, eyes roving across her body, searching for any weakness that could be exploited. From what she could see she didn't appear to have any obvious weapons, but small daggers could be hidden beneath the flowing coal cloak she wore.
The giant cleared his throat, "Mi'Lady, we will escort you to the beach."
Cassandra nodded to him and waited for him to wheel his horse around and walk towards the gates. The red-head on the black horse nudged him forward and the stallion readily obeyed, ears pricked and neck arched as he fell into step next to the dun. The dun's ears flew back in warning and the black snorted in his direction before side-stepping even closer to the giant.
The female rider spoke to him softly and the black snorted once more but obediently gave the dun some space. Nudging her brown forward she came up next to the dun, not willing to risk facing the stallion, and its unknown rider, just yet.
They passed beneath the first wall easily, the guards on the walls clasping their fists to their hearts and nodding in their direction, the giant replied in kind.
The civilian portion of the castle was alive and vibrant, with people and animals moving up and down the roads and hawkers were selling wares in a symphony of colour.
After a few minutes of walking the streets she spoke, "What kind of stone is the castle made of?"
The giant glanced to his companion before answering, "Duranite, it is the strongest and hardest substance in the world. Only found on this island and comes from that mountain." He tilted his head behind him to the mountain guarding the castle, "It is believed to have come from the heart of the mountain itself and is harder and more resilient than diamond."
Cassandra nodded, and then looking to draw the woman into the conversation and learn more about her, "So what do you do?"
Amethyst eyes turned to appraise her before guiding the black around a corner, "I'm an artist," she said calmly, her voice soft and feminine on the air.
Cassandra scoffed internally, "Oh, what medium do you use?"
"I enjoy music," the red-head replied, "I find it can speak without words and tell a story to any who can open their ears enough to listen."
The woman fell silent and Cassandra turned her attention from the boring red-head to the giant man, "And you?"
"I am a Training Master," spoke the giant, flexing his biceps impressively while flashing a grin. "Names Kenneth, but you can just call me Ken."
Slightly interested, for if this man trained the warriors he must be good, but he would also have a weakness, she turned to him, "What kind of training do you take care of?"
Ken smiled and turned to her enthusiastically, "I teach mainly mounted skills, but I'm a fair hand with an axe if you're game. Maybe you can come and visit and stay a while, I'll show you everything."
Cassandra nodded, smiling along with him, though internally scoffed at the idiocy of the man, he was eating out of her hand. "Am I allowed to do that?" She asked, with just the right amount of innocence and eye fluttering. "Yeah!" Said Ken happily, "The boss is pretty cool, so long as you obey a few rules. And as Captain I get a few extra benefits," he said, winking in her direction.
Cassandra looked him over again, thinking that this could work, if she managed to break into a Tahakén Princess' castle and bring in backup, well… the world would be hers.
"How many people have you trained?"
The horses' hooves cast sharp sounds as they clattered across the bridge, moving into a trot as they kept to the left side.
"A lot," smiled Ken, "I train roughly a hundred each year, for each class, but I get the weekend's off."
Cassandra decided to push further, to see what information she could glean from the oblivious warrior, " What class are you?"
Ken swelled to an even greater size, "Five, of course," he said flashing her a great, proud smile.
"That's impressive," she said softly to him, and she wasn't even lying. For the people of Tahakén their standards of everything fit into six classes. The Master and the Princess were level six, to be considered a level five was almost as rare, with four and three being the average a Tahakén could get. Level one and two were considered the norm for all other nations, and as such the class was scorned, for they were weaklings and mediocre. For Ken to be a level five he needed to be excellent at what he did, and for the Princess to have him training her forces…. He was a very influential man.
Black hair shook as Ken nodded, "I've been training a while."
"For how long? Cassandra asked, thinking she could almost determine the exact number of the Princess' forces if he told her how long he had been training, "You don't seem that old." She reached out and touched his muscular arm.
Ken grinned, "Thanks," he said brightly, "I have been training for about 27 years this Summer."
Cassandra quickly did some calculations in her head, one hundred a year times twenty seven years meant at least 3000 master horsemen under the Princess' command.
The red-head, who had been silent for the ride, spoke, "There are about one-hundred- thousand people here, with about six percent of them in service."
Inwardly Cassandra scoffed, the Princess was clearly arrogant and confident in her position to only have that few people to defend her territory. Even she, as a Tahakén Lady, had the loyalty of triple that and could easily get more.
The red head turned away and, as they exited the orchids, urged the stallion into a run and he gleefully shot forward, hooves pounding into the grass. Ken gave a yell and nudged his dun faster and surprisingly Cassandra's horse lifted her head and gave a whinny before bursting forward into a gallop.
Feeling the wind in her hair she couldn't help but laugh, this island was perfect, and soon it would be hers. All she needed to do was keep the naive Kenneth talking to her and she would have all the islands secrets and would be able to conquer it in no time. Ahead of her the red-head had pulled up to gallop next to Kenneth and she could seem them exchanging words, and for a moment she thought that she had been caught, but when she heard them laughing she relaxed.
Reaching out with her Gift she smiled, the further away from the Castle the pressure on her Magic lessoned, soon she would be able to strike.
It was when she had been escorted down to the beach, and all three riders dismounted that she struck. First she knocked Ken out, more afraid of his abilities than the red-head woman's. Then as she took a step forward to confront her, she sent her Magic at her, propelling her backwards over the sand. Figures appeared on the cliff top and she sent her Gift up in a shield before taking the black stallion by the reins, intelligent eyes watched her. "You're coming with me, I am your new Mistress now."
The stallion snorted but followed her as she walked down the beach and into the surf. Concentrating on her Magic she lifted him in the air and lowered him into the boat and tied him down, before clambering in and using her Gift to row them forward. Then she lifted the rowboat clear of the rocks and floated it along the waves, heading for the ship. The wind was picking up, lashing at her hair and she growled as it blew sea spray into her face. Thunder rumbled and the skies began to turn black, the blue ocean turning grey and furious and it began to rain.
The hair rose on the back of her neck and she mad the boat move faster, the stallion seemed interested in his surroundings and made no move to leave the boat as it flew through the air, seemingly content to be tied to the wood.
Reaching the vessel she lifted the boat higher and onto the deck, leading the horse onto the ship. The Captain came rushing over, "We need ta leave!" He roared, barely audible over the wind and thunder.
Lightning flashed and the ship reared up on the waves as they began to pound at the hull, and rain clattered down on them.
"Then get us out of here, Captain!" She ordered, turning to the horse and beginning to lead him below deck. Crew members were scurrying about, rushing to secure everything and open the sails.
Abruptly the stallion halted and turned his beautiful head towards the bow as the ship turned with the waves, now facing the island.
He whickered and she went around to his head, "It's okay, forget her. I am your Mistress now; you will never see her again."
Black eyes looked her fully in the face, as thunder blasted overhead, Foolish human. You could have left and never returned, but you had to mess with what isn't yours. Now your life, and the lives of this vessel, will be forfeit.
Lightning lit the entire sky and froze, creating beams of power across the heavens and lighting a path to the sea. The individual drops of rain froze and turned to ice, hovering in the air for a few moments before dispersing on the wind.
The horse offered another greeting and Cassandra turned to the bow where a hooded figure stood leaning against the foremast. Her cloak whipped about her and revealed her clothing, starting at her feet she wore black knee high boots, which looked reassuringly solid but comfortable, with silver and black greaves coming up her legs. The piping around the top, where the leather softened, was silver and the cuisse coming up her upper leg were black with silver edges and etchings, matching perfectly into her clothes. Her upper body armour came down her torso in layers, each layer pressed tightly against the next with silver again emphasising the edges and designs, and her silver and black tasset came midway down her thighs and her hips were protected by matching faulds.
Layered black and silver pauldrons came across her shoulders and down part of her chest, and her armour came up her neck like a collar, though she had enough room to easily and comfortably turn and move her head. Keeping with her silver and black theme, her gauntlets matched the rest of her armour and vambraces, effectively keeping the woman's body shape hidden and perfectly protected.
"You took my horse, "A gloved hand rose and slowly pulled down her hood, the lightning in the sky highlighting the silver in her armour, and on her clothing as the waves fell silent and the wind stilled.
Cassandra took a step back, red hair and furious purple eyes met her gaze.
"You! You're the Princess?"
The Tahakén Princess strode forward, looking every bit the lethal woman she was held to be, "Yes."
She flicked her hands out to the side and there were screams as the crew was tossed overboard, some being ripped through the wood below the deck. Once in the water, gleeful waves picked them up and tossed them about before they were dragged to the oceans depths.
Cassandra took another step backwards as the stallion trotted to great his Mistress, and nuzzled her face. She stroked his nose fondly as she watched the Tahakén Lady scramble to her knees, "Forgive me!" She begged, knowing that any move on her behalf would have the legend kill her. "I did not know!"
"I figured," the Princess said, voice excessively calm, "Otherwise you would never have said half the things you did, nor would you have thought you could just walk out with my horse."
Purple eyes looked at her in disgust, "Though, just to brag and be… what was it? Arrogant and over confident?"
The stallion snorted and tossed his head, as though the idea was blasphemy.
"I have six thousand troops in service, which make up one legion. The other two legions are on a rotation every second year. In a time of war I can summon all eighteen thousand of them within an hour. What you failed to realise is that this is my home! It is my creation and only the best is permitted."
The Princess came to stand before her, "Of the 100 thousand residents, all of the men and woman have basic combat training, at least to a level two and each and every single person who calls himself or herself a member of my forces is a level five in combat."
Cassandra placed her forehead on the deck of the ship, praying that pure submission would keep her alive.
"If,- if- you could find this place, get past the "natural" defences and then defeat my advance guard before the bridge, you would then be faced with the crossing. And while you slept, my stealth troops would sneak up from the canyon and assassinate some of you before slipping back beneath the mist. Should you then pass every single one of my walls and try to siege the castle….. You would never get into the mountain! Not to mention the Magical precautions I have taken."
There were a few moments of silence and Cassandra glanced up cautiously, thinking the Princess had gone and met amethyst eyes glaring at her, "You would be a fool to even consider taking this place as yours. It. Is. MINE!"
A gloved hand pointed to her, purple magic flew at her, striking her between the eyes, and she knew no more.
Purple fire cloaked the vessel as the Princess' hand formed a fist, and when she suddenly opened it, the ship was torn apart in a mass of wood, rope, and sail.
The skies slowly turned back to blue and the ocean calmed its churning, before stilling in the sunset. With purple at their feet the Princess and her horse walked across the waves and up the beach.
Well, that was boring. I didn't even get to trample anyone.
"Peace, Dante," The Princess said turning to the stallion, as they walked up the sand, "You'll get your chance soon enough."
Are we going to war? Asked the stallion turning eager eyes on the woman.
"Yes."
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The Master stood and Alanna and Raku slid from their seats, Raku moving to stand to the side and Alanna to wait before the throne.
She didn't look into his face as she stood before the chair, but felt his words resound throughout the hall.
"Alanna, you are the reigning champion for the Lives of Death Tournament, hold a Black Robe in Magic and can compete with any Shang warrior." Remaining silent Alanna listened as The Master began to list all of her achievements and couldn't help a slight swelling inside her, of pride and accomplishment.
Her attention was diverted to The Master when he addressed her, "Now, just one last question. What is an heir?"
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As The Master's words resonated within her mind she froze, her eyes jerking to face him. He watched her calmly, eyes gleaming and Alanna swallowed but obediently answered. "An heir is the person next in succession. They will take the throne or title when the ruler dies or abdicates."
The Master nodded slowly, "Ah yes, but, pray tell, how many are there?"
Alanna's jaw clenched and she glanced over to Raku who was watching her, face impassive but green eyes filled with sorrow, eventually she answered. "One," she whispered brokenly, so softly even The Master strained to hear her.
"Exactly, there can be only one," he announced to the crowd before turning back to the shocked Princess. "Kill him," he commanded, in a voice like silk, pointing to Raku.
Alanna heard the words from a distance, kill him, kill him, kill him, kill him. Frozen she could only stare blankly ahead as the command rocked her world, her life.
She could hear the crowd buzzing at the news and anticipation filled the room as Raku moved forward, the tables and benches cleared to form a duelling space. The guests fell back against the walls, eagerly jostling for a position near the front. "Kill her," The Master commanded of her lover and she heard Raku move to the end of the hall.
Slowly she turned to face him and met his eyes across the distance, and with his eyes locked on hers he bowed low, a gesture of respect. She shook her head slightly as she watched him, she could feel her mind internally screaming at what was about to take place.
The Master had returned to his throne and was watching them intently, waiting for them to obey, to begin the duel of the century, millennium even.
"Alanna," Raku said softly, eyeing her intently, waiting for her to keep to her promise.
Alanna clenched her jaw and shook her head harder, a short sharp movement and the audience could see it. They began to murmur, eyes flicking from the still bowed Raku, to Alanna and to The Master.
"Kill your lover," The Master's voice turned to ice, "that is an order." Gasps were heard from the crowd, others verbalising their disbelief.
"No," Alanna said sharply and aware of the consequences of putting her back towards her sovereign, she turned to face him, glaring defiantly up at him. The air turned cold, "Are you certain?"
Alanna remained silent, glaring at the God who sat upon the throne.
"Very well, I shall kill you both."
"Alanna," Raku's voice changed and she reflectively turned, it was the voice he used when they were alone, when he gazed into her eyes and told her he loved her, "Please."
A single tear fell from her eye and slowly she bent forward, into a bow and Raku rose, "Be the Hunter of my Heart," he informed her softly, within her mind before withdrawing completely.
Taking a deep breath Alanna closed her eyes, she paused a moment, before exhaling and opening her eyes, bringing her arm forward and a wall of purple shot out from her. Raku wasn't waiting, he had already pulled the air about him and had moved to another position in the hall, forcing Alanna to spin around and catch the pulse of magic that flew at her.
Casting an illusion behind her she began to cool the air, moulding the forming ice into shafts, while sending balls of fire at Raku. Raku dodged the fireballs, caught them with his own gift in mid-air or cast a shield to protect him. Around him a wind stirred and lashed about him in a whip of air as he sent it towards Alanna. Dropping to one knee she flicked her wrist and the ice spears shot forward at the same time a rumble echoed within the marble stone. The whip of wind changed direction and caught the shafts of ice, emerald glowing along the outside of each edge before the blades bound themselves to the whip.
Growling Alanna spun around; lashing out with her leg and sending a horizontal sphere of air towards the whip, as she landed upright she slammed her foot down onto the marble. The whip and air collided and fell apart and Raku pointed at her, and boomed a word. Alanna winced as thunder with no sound exploded around her, jarring her bones and it hurt, even with her training.
A ripple flooded the marble and then the area beneath her turned to liquid and she fell into the floor, bringing her hands to her sides as water began to flood over her she leapt from the water, flicking her Gift at the marble pillars. A giant hand leapt up from behind her, intending to crush her, but she leapt out of the way, changing into a cat as she flew through the air.
Cracking and groaning the pillars chipped and pieces fell, revealing warriors of marble as they stalked towards Raku. Raku's eyes widened as the giants emerged from the pillars, but not in fear, more in awe as to what she had done. Emerald fire sparked in his palms and he threw bold after bolt at the figures, moving around as they charged him. One coated with emerald fire turned on its fellows and began to hack at them, Alanna was standing opposite him when he blasted the pillar warriors to pieces and threw his Gift at her. Amethyst met emerald in the centre of the hall, battling it out as the two lovers threw their entire Gifts at each other, trying to force the other to submit.
Lightening was crackling around where their Magic's collided and a giant ball slowly formed, brimming with pure energy. Gritting their teeth the two mages forced more of their gifts against each other, their reserves faltering as even more pure magic left their bodies.
Their full Gift's were battling it out in the centre of the hall, each trying to force the other into submission and connected to emerald and amethyst fire, Alanna and Raku stared each other down, sweat dripping down their cheeks.
Abruptly she ran forward, charging through her own purple haze and erupted through the ball of power. Amethyst cloaking her she ran directing into emerald power, the ball of Magic exploding out behind her. The crowds, who had been so eager for the bloodshed, cried out as the power slammed into them, blasting them back against the wall and shattering the bones of those who were closest to the globe and peeling their skin and flesh from their bodies. Raku's eyes widened in surprise before he responded by throwing himself into the air, rising above the main waves of power. The ends of the wave still caught him, and he was thrown back across the room, sliding across the marble and slamming against one of the pillars.
Slowly he rose to his feet, the shards of marble crunching beneath his boots, green eyes on his lover.
Growling Alanna threw herself at Raku, halting before she reached him and spinning around, lashing out with her foot. A strong arm met her attack and she continued on with her spin, launching herself above her lover and kicking at his head. Raku ducked and rolled, keeping his front to her as she landed and had to spin around to keep her eyes on him. His arm shot forward and she swiftly brought hers up to block, and then curled her forearm around his, dragging it down as she brought her opposite knee up to block a kick to her side.
Choosing to retain her balance when facing a Master of Combat, she released her lovers arm and spun around, dropping to the ground in an attempt to kick Raku's legs out from under him. He jumped up and she flipped herself back onto her feet, moving to the side to dodge a controlled blow that would have slammed into her ribs. Slipping on the shrapnel beneath her, her balance was lost and as she sought to right herself Raku struck, his body tilting and his leg rising in an arch, snapping his foot towards her side.
The force of the blow sent her reeling, and she knew from the area of impact, and the sharp pain, that he had tried to smash through her ribs and shatter her liver.
Gasping she leapt to her feet, having been trained to take the force and pain and immediately went on the offensive, watching her lover intently, waiting for a moment when he would falter. They moved back and forwards across the floor, like a dance, she would strike as Raku would block, then their roles would be reversed. However she was taking heavy blows to her arm as she had instinctively curled up to protect her injured side, knowing she wouldn't be able to take another hit like the one she had taken.
It was as Raku took a step forward to land a furious kick to her diaphragm that as she fell she latched onto his leg, dragging him off balance as she fell back.
Hitting the marble with a thud, she ignored the way her lungs screamed for air as she was winded, and wrapped her legs around Raku's, pulling fiercely on his ankle, stretching his tendons to breaking point. He gave a growl of fury and pain as his tendon was snapped in two. His left leg jerked forward to slam into her wounded right side and she gave a groan as her ribs snapped, rolling away from her lover. She rose to her feet, and watched Raku slowly clambered upright, his right leg hanging limp.
Taking a moment to appraise herself, taking in her broken ribs, punctured and bruised liver and the fracture lines up her right arm. Breathing deeply, forcing her body back into its training and watched as Raku did the same and it was then that Alanna saw a way to end the duel. The pillars, from where the warriors had pulled themselves from the marble, were jagged and sharp, like teeth. There was one large shaft, sticking out at an angle just shy of 45 degrees, the point gleaming in the light.
Internally calculating the distance she ran at Raku, and instead of slowing, as she normally would, she sped up as she got closer. Raku blinked in surprise, wondering at the move, for he would shift his body forward and send her flying over his back, using her momentum to increase his power.
Sliding slightly to his left, she spun to her right as her momentum carried her forward and her right leg twisted and shot towards Raku's head. His eyes widened as he tried to bring his arms up, for they had been held loosely, prepared to grab her and flip her over his shoulder, but he wasn't quite fast enough and Alanna's momentum gave even more strength to her blow. Her shin slammed into his neck, sending him stumbling backwards, just like she had planned.
Sliding to a stop and settling herself she took a step forward, bringing her foot up in time to watch as Raku twisted to face her. Her heel collided with his chest and the force send him back the remaining distance and she followed up, her side burning as she leapt into the air, knee snapping forward and sending the same leg towards his head forcing his back onto the shaft. His eyes widened as she landed and understood what she had done, through the pain and shock on his face, she could see the pride within his eyes.
Alanna waited a moment before rushing forward to him, intending to save him, regardless of her orders.
"Finish him!" Came The Master's order and as she held her lovers face she gave a heaving sob, which all but Raku assumed was of pain from her injury. Raku gave a gasp of pain and his chest rumbled as blood began to well in his mouth and he coughed, "I am proud of you, 'Lanna." Glancing up she stared into his emerald eyes and as his body sagged on the shaft she was taken from her mind and into his own.
Instead of the castle she was used to, they were standing on a cliff, with waves rushing up the side and shooting joyously into the sky. The grass was lush and green and as she glanced around her she saw a trail leading to a small cottage in the distance. Turning back to the sea she saw her lover standing on the edge of the cliff, as whole and as perfect as she always imagined him. Scars were erased from his skin and his eyes had lost their haunted and tormented tone. Clad simply in an emerald tunic and brown breeches, with soft looking leather boots he stood watching the ocean, tendrils of wind tousling his hair.
"Raku," she spoke softly and he turned to face her, a smile lightly his face and making him appear Godly in his beauty.
He held out his arms and she walked to him, nuzzling into his chest as his arms wound around her, his breath on her hair.
"I have never been more proud of you, Kitten," Raku rumbled as the dying sun cast highlights through his hair.
"Raku," she began but was halted by her lover as he leant back, arms around her waist. "Alanna, you are the Hunter of my Heart. My death will not change that."
Alanna felt something fuzzy within her throat and cleared it harshly, but the feeling didn't go away as her lover stepped back.
"Don't change for anyone, Princess," Raku bowed low to her, the respect shown to someone with a higher rank, not that of an equal.
"Raku," this time she halted, her throat too tight to even speak as Raku took her hand, kissed it and turned and walked into the sunlight, following it from the cliff edge. Gold enveloped him and he vanished from sight as the sun's rays began to withdraw, casting shadows from in front of the cottage which were slowly approaching.
And she stood alone, on the cliff top facing the sea, as the sun finally set, leaving her in darkness.
Author's Note:
So… I might have to change my address now… Sorry, it had to be done. We shall miss our beloved Raku… Also, Royal Lady, I apologise for killing your character: D I hope this chapter made sense and thanks for the reviews guys.
Raine Daggers: I don't think I will, just yet. Thanks :D
CoTB: ;) Thanks
Fang: As always, thanks for the support. And also, your PM with characters made me get my arse into gear and finish this chapter, so it's for you. :D
Danaye: I'm glad getting the email makes you happy. They certainly make me happy. On that note I am soooo tired of waiting for a chapter from one of the HP ones…..
Enjoy,
Regards CDL
EDIT: Look how long it is! :D