Song of Warrior-Princess Camdia

Camdia raised her broadsword to deflect a blow on her right shoulder, staggering back to recover her footing. She stood at her ready stance, eyeing which of the undead warriors would strike next, their scimitars glinting the moon's light. Despite the great tufts of curled and spiked hair that encapsulated her warrior's head she could see through them, her eyes at night turned feline and made the world of darkness glow a soft green, hues and reflections flowing into her eyes. Spotting a undead on the periphery lower it's guard she thought "There...", and turning on her right toe leapt like a demon off the earth, sword pointed straight through the air. The sound of bells and chains echoed as she slashed through the petty armour of old undead knights, bones and rusted metal flew in the follow-through of her graceful attack. A black cape swirling in the forest, leaving the base undead unable to perceive her form til her ghost-white face came leaping out from the void. She struck again and again, concealing and striking as a half-shadow, striking down a dozen warriors in different fashions until one undead remained, stubbornly fearless. Camdia descended like a hawk, kicking away the sword of of the unholy thing, and taking great pleasure in a job well done, separated it with two satisfying strikes. The remains turned to blue ash as she sheathed her fine sword into her belt side. Bringing a black leathery hand radiating with heat to her porcelain face she felt the cold sweat emanating on her face, and her entire body. "The night air is pleasant enough, I ought to walk a bit before I take to slumber" she thought.

A moment passed before this peace was interrupted by an unsensed form, shocked by her inability to notice it, she spun round, hand on her sword hilt. The form applauded from an oak branch, even stranger was its form, a richly dressed harlequin of crimson and dappled gold. "My, my, truly I am moved! Impressed! Astonished!" as its clapped sarcastically, empty darkness behind its masque "Necrons are shattered like grandmother's vases before the great and perditious Camdia! What a show that was!" feeling this creature more odd than dangerous she adjusted her stance, saying nothing in retort. The masque tilting its head to one side "You know I have been watching and waiting, waiting and watching for you to slip up and in and even over all the troubles that could plague this land, and still, even now you amaze me, what can't she do!" she only returned a soft scowl "Ah, but you ask, how long has this gallant gentleman been watching, and when! Ho ho! I shan't ever tell. All I can say is that the true lords of this land have taken a keen eye to your doings, and how we love the exploits of one so... fascinating." she paused a moment before saying bluntly "You speak boldly, with no weapon and in striking distance." It stooped further on the branch, giggling heartily "Oh I know! How shocking, how scary to be threatened by thee! Who has already shredded apart savage beasts! Believe me, I am flattered to received such a delightful threat!" Camdia began to think this thing mad "But be warned dear warrior, threats will not suffice when the lord of this land, dark and foreboding as a child may imagine, entreats you into battle. For you see, his heart yearns for your flesh, to consume in by the sword or by the bedside..." he crouched as his jingling head turned upside down "and all manner of unspeakable acts..." after a stilted pause she said "Let him try." as she turned away in smooth confidence. Walking the path she sensed nothing behind her but the demented laughter of the harlequin.

Coming to a grove of green fairies she felt it a safe place to rest, and building a simple fire sat down in peace. Removing her smooth black gloves, beautiful hands covered in sweat, she brought out her silver rosary, fidgeting on each bead to galvanize her thoughts as she gazed into the enchanting flame. Camdia's mind drifted out, going over the promises broken, the dreams undone, and those still to keep. The faces of her beloved ones, and the lost. She thought on her own self and her apparent worthlessness that she used to imbibe in, but those old thoughts now were indulgences in the world of struggle. 'How foolish it was to think such things when I had no troubles at all, and now that I live on the roads of the world, who has time to stew in despondence? Those days of warm beds and sunlight laughter and I found some silly reason to mark down the mood and be a critic, even it was for laughs' The flames danced a little less as she continued to stare into it. 'Is this truly the life I have now? Travelling with a broken heart and hard feet to and fro with naught to tie me to a place, a home? It would be so easy to give myself to the service of a sensitive heart or a good estate, I could throw down my hands at the first one I meet I bet...' The face of a small blonde boy with a swerve in his hair came into her mind, about 7 years of age '...had things been different, I would have stayed... I would've...' she brought her together, arms round them, as she buried her face in from the dying heat of the flame. No more thoughts came to her but now only her heart shuddered its rare fragility, only for the eyes of heaven. Wallowing to her satisfaction she felt the hood of sleep cover her and laid down.

Ch2

Soft bird song and harsh morning light roused the warrior maiden from her slumber, as she sluggishly arose. Her hair tossled and messy from the night battle followed her lifting head as she let out an arrogant yawn. Looking about, the forest had been transformed in the sun to an ethereal abode of life and energy. Feeling the dampness of her undershirt, she sniffed her armpits and received a satisfying and pungent aroma 'I really ought to bathe when the chance comes, but alone in the forest no one can complain about me.' She stood up and stretched her nimble body, her muscles breathing and battled body aching in pleasure. When thinking if it best to try to hunt or find a civilized place to eat the sound of a rustling bush interrupted her thoughts.

Sensing a non animal sentience within she drew her sword on the side of caution and spoke groggily yet sternly "Reveal thyself or be hewn." An 'eep!' emanated from the bush a small ball of brown fur came tumbling out. It landed on its head with two three-toed feet flapping in the air it rolled right side up, the size of a large cooking pot and two massive eyes looked up at the fearsome yet dishevelled Camdia. Trembling in fear it began to chirp from its small beak, embarrassing the warrior she sighed in pathetic relief and sheathed her sword. Still afraid with closed eyes it trembled as the fairies came to Camdia's ear and said "this one says not to slay him, for he wishes to thank thee", "yes indeed, he is bursting with fear and gratitude!" said another "You don't say." "Yes, come let us give thee the key to his tongue." Without further consent they sprinkled sparkling pixie dust on the sloggy girl, some of which came into her nose and made her sneeze. She swatted away the fairies as the chirps she heard were translated into thoughts in her mind. "-that you may wive forever mowe an' bwing peace and bounty to dese lands."

As she cleared the dust from her face the small creature stared expectantly at her. Staring at it for a moment to behold that such a stupid and silly looking thing actually possessed higher cognition, Camdia responded. "Whatever thanks you may give I'll kindly receive, but do not ask me to quest, I am predisposed." It responded "Oww! Of couwse sweet pwincess! This one, called Dilo, give gweat thanks! Thanks fow slaying da nasty bwutes and demonsh of da woods! You are... ouw hewo!" "Yes, well..." as she turned to pack her things "You are quite welcome." It paused a moment before asking "Where pwetty, strong lady going?" "Not your business" she retorted. "Lady know... way threw da woodz? Maybe Dilo show you! Repayment for service!" The idea of this 'thing' chirping at her in the future drew a sort of terror different from the usual dangers she felt. "That will not be necessary." she said as she reached down and equipped her gloves. Turning back the thing had somehow already carried her snack bag and was moving through the grove with it. "Me show you way!" Camdia let out a "Hey!" as she rushed forward, her foot getting caught in the loop of a stump and falling face forward into the brush. She got up and gave chase to Dilo, who weaved through the bramble as a fish in a stream while she had to leap over sticks and twigs and brush. Falling behind she realized she needed to gather her other things and let the creature go. 'My candied nuts were in there! If I catch it I'll stick it on a roasting spit!' All the while the faeries of the grove laughed themselves silly.

As Camdia eventually made her way out of the grove roughly in the direction the creature had gone she came upon a clear path, shrouded by trees making a tunnel. Following it until she heard voices. A half gryphon half man held a netted Dilo by its claws "What wonderful prey, both the snacks and Kobol." "We ought to keep it as bait, for the warrior, the bag could be her's" spoke the other. "I'm famished and need not worry about traps, especially your's which never manifest!" "Well thats because you never give is a worthy try!" he retorted. They began to break down into squabbling as Camdia blended with the shrouded bush and approached under stealth, eyeing which was more valuable target. Just then the breeze rustled the trees and sunlight moved onto her body, even Dilo took notice of her and feeling her moment slip she let loose a strike at the nearest gryphman. Her lightning fast uppercut sliced off the left wing of one and screeching in pain it fell as the other grasped the net and flew upward. The safe one bellowed in fearful confidence "Wretched demon girl! Let loose your blows in the open and not like a shallow coward, which you must be!" he pulled up the net in triumph "If you wish to reclaim your belongings, come to the dark lord's castle yonder!" Having other plans Camdia crouched and focusing her energy ran up the nearest tree with panther speed and kicked off, aiming for the arrogant enemy, who being more agile, pulled away at the last moment making her slice open the net and spilling its content instead of beast blood. The gryphman in nervous laughter flew away saying a manner of curses towards the ominous castle on a hill surrounded by blood red clouds.

Dilo turned upright, again, and this time was profusely gwateful "Oh sweet, dear, and powewful lady of shiny sword, you have saved me! Oh blessings of any god you like! So much joy and feaw in one day! How can Dilo evew wepay you?" Camdia looked to Dilo and then to the spilled nuts on the ground which she then pointed with her sword without a word. Dilo immediately started scurrying around gathering the nuts into the sack, his little hairs that covered his body acting like small fibrous tentacles. Noting the speed with which he moved Camdia became less annoyed and smelled an opportunity "Do you know this forest" Without looking from his work he said "Oh yes yes, vewy much. This is Dilo home- er was Dilo home. But now demonz and bad enewgy come and make dark days, this part of forest dead now..." She looked over the rotted trees and miasma that laid between her and the castle. "Good" she spouted as she dropped her other satchel on the creatures head "You will repay your debt when we reach the castle, oh and my name is Camdia." she was already striding on as the kobol looked up in amazement, gathering the great lady's things as best he could he ran after her telling his name and all manner of warnings to which none of them Camdia responded.

Ch3

As the odd couple strode through the thicket it became increasingly more congested and gnarled. It was not long until they came to a fork in the path, on the left was an incline and the right path went downward. "Well" let out Camdia with an expectant glance at Dilo, who being unsure of a response stared at her grand word as her gaze steeled until he realized her intent. "O-oh! Uh yes, we thinks we ought to go weft, sweet lady!" Accepting the thought the kobol might as well be lying as to his directional sense left Camdia with her determination the road ahead would be painful like anything else and strode up the slope. Despite gaining height the path immediatley went on and a steady pace downward, into the dark thicket. As they passed the trees became more dishevelled, their gaps in the barks as eyes or teeth or the wild imaginations of those passing by. One unphased as the other began to tremble and imagine things leaping out and gobbling him up stood firmly behind his companion until he walked into her heel. Camdia had stopped without a word, in front of them was a bog.

"I thought you knew where you were going." "Oh yes, thish ish da way to da castle, othew path filled with monshters with bad tempews." Preferring a fight over getting wet and also wondering what a monster with a good temper would be like, Camdia begrudgingly began to wade through the waist high water and Dilo climbed atop her bushy head. Together they seemed a new comical creature for the local artist's bestiary. The water was cold and wet and groos and made the unplesant sounds as they moved through it. "So not many monsters in this part?" asked the warrior as she stepped deeper though "Well... Dilo not suwe, I, well Dilo mean only kobol not come this way, in fact no cweature come neaw castle."

Just as Camdia was getting a bad feeling how quiet things were going she felt something brush against her leg. The gross sensation made her hesitate only a moment before moving on. On the next step however she felt something slimy grasp her leg. Yelping and stamping down with her other foot the force responded by squeezing tighter and pulling the girl and fur ball underwater and into the air. A giant slime squid appeared out from the bog, its bulbous head questioning what odd prey it had caught in its gasp as it coughed up ugly bog water. Completely soaked and panicking, Camdia reflexively grasped for her sword which had disappeared. All she could see through her drenched streaks of black hair was a giant upside down slime squid as she dangled completely helpless. The squid slowly brought her closer until it could sniff its prey better which Camdia took to kick its tentacle with her free leg. Enraged the creature tossed her angrily aside, but still hungrily approached.

Raising herself up slowly in pain, a eye of rage peaked though the soaked streaks of her hair. Seeing the monster approach she also saw the kobol who was jumping up and down on... her sword pommel! Realizing it was lodged in the bog, she then waited a moment, reclaiming her strength while appearing wounded in a ready position. The creature finally stuck with its tentacles smashing only bark as the warrior lept like a demon out of the attack. Sending the rising pitch of battle the creature launched more and more tentacles, unable to dodge them all Camdia switched last second her footing to step on one. Gliding on the lubricated surface she moved as lightning toward the creature and surprised by the sudden prey reversal, it stalled. Using its surprise she jumped off and went just over it's bulbous head, streaks of black and water following her as she landed hand outstretched into the water by the kobol as it screamed. Enraged and shocked the creature spun around and gathering its tentacles in a whirling storm struck as the black devil spun round in unison, causing a white wake. Both figures stood still as the sound of rushing water gave to silence, their wakes overlapping and calm settled the bog. The warrior's blade firmly clasped as it jittered vertically in the tentacle, slowly gushing a black goo. Finally realizing it had been wounded it cried out in pain and recoiled. Seizing the moment Camdia stepped forward, a wave of black hair cutting as many tentacles and she could in the retreating creatures path. Her forward grip reversing to back hand as she cleaved through each appendage with increasing efficiency and fury, a black bullet of spinning strikes and dancing hair streaks. As the creature felt too much pain it reversed its movement and charged the warrior, the expected moment arriving she leapt into its attack spinning backwards as her blade cleaved along the helm of the beast, leaving her to land gracefull in the water behind it, sword outstretched in form. The creature losing consciousness slowly turned around as its own black blood dripped down its miserable face it turned sideways and down into the water.

Having slain the creature Camdia stood upright and looking over her shoulder she brushed aside her completley soaked long hair to see her work with human eyes. The creature did not stir as the water turned black. Satisfied with another demon slain she sheathed her blade at which chirping commenced. "Oh deaw Camdia you have defeated so gweat a beast, the wegacy of kobol shall wite tales of youw bwavewy!" the return were crossed arms and a bitter stare down at the creature "where is my snack satchel?" To which the creature scanned the bog and seeing a floating blob returned it to the great warrior who lifted it out of the water. Its sad and miserable state dripping was held aloft and held there until the kobol felt guilty. "S-sowwy..." Camdia let it fall to the side "Let's get moving." as Dilo picked up the satchel nervously and followed behind the wet warrior.

Ch 4

The shadow of the castle pierced the shadow of Camdia's face, looking up in defiance. The kobol, never being this close to the ominous form before trembled in fear only watching the hero's form to see if she would move and when to follow. Just as this thought appeared she stepped forward and Dilo came in behind with the cavalry snack satchel. The unscalable walls and twisting turret spelled a simply impossible climb and being somewhat glad stealth was out of the question, Camdia threw her arms onto the massive iron doors and with all her might slowly pushed them in. As they creaked on their century old hinges purple dust and echoes greeted them and they stumbled into the antechamber.

The air felt colder in here, as if it was sitting on the back of Camdia's neck. Not announcing herself she stepped forward looking at the arching ceiling and buttresses for any sign of archers or ambushes waiting for them. Dilo, not believing he was actually within the terrible awful place, was more in more awe than fear. "M-maybe the dawk lowd ishn't home?" As if answering his naive thought the sound of a sword unsheathed and on the stairs above appeared a massive knight in swirled dark purple armour, four eyeslits on the helmet emanating a smoky red mist. Camdia spoke first, keeping her sword sheathed "I'll take a wild guess." "Were it so simple, for flesh and bone to come before me and deliver me to oblivion that it should be done centuries ago. Yet, still fools and sheep and... maidens? Even now enter this place in hopes to do the same." "Camdia shifted her weight, walking and looking for an opening as she approached slowly "Maybe, if I can cram that fancy speech down that rusted helmet I will grant you the rest you so deeply deserve." The dark lord surprisingly chuckled "Indeed, flesh and bone, I would desire nothing less, do you so quickly perceive my bondage to darkness? Oh, how I have longed for one to shake these chains, to know my sorrow. But even in knowledge, my bondage shall not leave me but by strength alone, and in which, thou seems lacking." Camdia smiled as she stopped short of the imposing figure "I like a foe who has already given up. If its all the same to you, you could throw down that stupidly large blade and make this easy for both of us." The knight shifted it instead to his side "Ah, how I wish I could, but as a young man I traded all things under heaven for strength, and by strength I remain animated by dark and higher powers over my own will." "Damn shame."

Both warriors stared eachother down ready to strike. As Camdia pulled out her blade it became entangled in golden string. A hand pulled from the darkness and her entire body seized up, seeing his opponent defenceless the knight curled his massive gauntlet into a fist and smashed it into her stomach, causing her to gasp before passing out. The origin of the strings moved out of the shadows, a twisted mask laughing with delight "Well done my lordship! An excellent blow, a fantastic attack! Ah but I played no small part bring you such an excellent warrior!" Disappointed the knight reprimanded "Have you nothing better to do but meddle in other's affairs?" The mask tilted coyly "My lord! I only wish to please! Well what shall become of this wretch? How slow and how painful shall it be? How many pieces and trials shall flesh become sludge? We are all dying to watch!" Before he could respond the knight took notice of a small piece of fur running around in circles "What... is that?"

Dilo mind was afire as he could not decided whether to run or help the warrior but what could he do? And as his mind and body moved in circles the harlequin swooped down and snatched him up. "It appears to be... alive? Not much intelligence that's for sure" as he handed it over to the knight and held it to his visor. Dilo's racing mind was arrested by the smoking visor and thought of nothing but fear. 'I shall be eaten and spat out into bones and skulls and death and trash!' he thought. "What a truly odd creature..." The moment was interrupted by Camdia's blade which slashed upwards severing the great knight's arm, her blazing eyes renewed with life. The arm and Dilo went flying as he screeched and Camdia leapt to catch him and dart down a hallway. They were retreating. Dark bat-like figures chased them through the musty halls as Camdia clutched a screaming, crying Dilo in her arms. Eventually she stepped on a certain brick which crumbled and the floor beneath them fell out from under them.

CH5

Thankful that it was pit of ill repair rather than a trap the wounded warrior had been making her way through the dark tunnels. Dilo had taken the grand task of torch bearer from the rough materials they put together, precariously holding it over his furry head to not catch fire. They had been travleing in cooperative silence until Dilo broke it awkwardly "By the way thank you fow shaving me, it wash very nice of you, another gweat deed or valouw for our stowy!" Camdia said nothing. "I-I'm alsho vewy showwy, for being such a buwden... I musht caushe you twubble." Without looking back she turned the corner "You were useful. Our enemy has one less arm and" touching her stomach in pain, "I got caught in a stupid trap. I would probably be dead without your antics."

Dilo looked up unexpectedly, had he actually heard a compliment? He only stalled a moment in order to keep pace with the determined warrior. Camdia was thinking furiously. Her wound was bad but not incapacitating but her foe was much stronger than she anticipated. It was this thought that held her mind in a grip; I must find an advantage or a weakness to him, he can't be invincible. Just as this thought was dissipating a familiar voice filled the dark.

"tsk, tsk. How troublesome, how awfully frail." Camdia spun round, and crudley picked up Dilo to push the light into the echoing dark. It was the jester from the forest. The unseen voice continued "You know its rather boring to see how painfully underleveled you are, I'm almost tempted to give you an advantage."

"I hardly think you'd help me."

"Ohhoho! But my dear I am a servant to those who are strong, for strength is the determinant of all power and pleasure. And I am not in this aspect. But to dismantle this one's strength... well it will cost you."

Camdia continued to point the helpless Dilo around like a toy, searching the dark for the changing location of the voice. "I am willing to trade." Slowly from the darkness above the jester descended upside down, feet together on a spider's string, head cocked to the side as the awful mask come into view. "Now we are able to talk." came the venomous tone from behind the artificial upside down smile.

"Give me... hmmmm," as if looking her over "a quarter of your life force."

"No." The blunt response elicited laughter from the jester. "Well I guess we know you're not stupid." "Not sure I can say the same for you, maybe you're a bad dealer." the jester retracted as if pained. "Now now, a joke here and there haven't killed anyone, but yes lets talk reasonably, what would you offer to know the weakness of the black knight?"

"100 gold."

"Pah!" The jester swung charmingly on his string. "Monetary things to slay a god, silly brownies." He looked down at Dilo "How about that?" Camdia paused, uncertain of what he meant. "He's not mine to give, plus there are dozens of them to hunt." Dilo felt very scared at the term 'hunt'. "Oh I want that which can only be given by a guardian, the guardianship in question, to me." Rubbing his hands together "Its soul, if you will." Camdia paused in silence, weighing the option, which caused great panic in Dilo and great anticipation in the jester. Finally she spoke.

"He's mine." releasing them from mutual anxiety. "Hmmmm well that's too bad, not much else I want, are you sure?" Camdia's response was to set Dilo down and have him hide behind her. "Foolish girl." The jester rode up his spider string "you'll dream of regrets when the dark lord is having his way with your flesh" and he disapered into the darkness with cracking laughter. "Come Dilo."

Dilo followed now behind Camdia who was following a breeze out of the sewers. "Miss wawwiow, I'm owned by you?" Camdia gave silence back until she said "We'll get out of this together." Dilo was overwhelmed with emotion, no one had ever befriended him in his village before and now his first friend was the greatest warrior he had ever seen. Dilo beamed with his reply "Of course!" and raced on ahead, illuminating the wrong way until Camdia chased him down and scolded him.

CH6

They entered a secret entrance to the throne room, and snuck around looking for elements of the dark knight. With no sight of him they took a moment to relax, Camdia's wound had healed by now using special tinctures. Camdia took a moment to analyze the throne itself. In it was a skeleton is radiant moth eaten robes, the old king obviously who had been destroyed by whatever force of the imagination assumed. No physical weapons though had plunged into him, something more sinister had left him here to rot, and his kingdom with him. Dilo shivered face to face with death but with Camdia by his side he felt less scared. They wandered into the higher annexes searching and Dilo marvelling at all the amazing things he found. Reflecting on death Dilo realized he will not live forever, nor would Camdia even, all things would pass but he was ultimately happy for the time he was having with her. Even if it was scary and dangerous, for the first time it gave him meaning, gave him purpose. As the rose through the tower higher and higher Camdia felt a dark essence at the top, an ultimatum. She knew she blew her shot to know the dark knights weakness and her chances of retreat and counter-attack would waste the advantage they had so despite the foreboding energy she decided its was now or never. She came to the top of the spiral staircase and pushed open the final door.

She had appeared on top of the tallest tower in the castle, she could see the surrounding countryside and the swirling purple-black clouds that swarmed the castle like crows. Before her was the dark knight, his backed turned, no escape, no traps, no jesters, no excuses. The wind howled as she stepped forth, blowing her raven hair across her face and behind her. The knight looks back over his shoulder, moving to reveal his missing arm has been replaced with a new one, made of the same ether that emenates from his body. "A new arm of the same stuff means he's less than he was, his bluff won't shake me" thought Camdia, and responding with tossing her cloak aside to flaunt her wounded side. The knight chuckled "So, you don't fear pain, and arrogance decorates your frame?" "I'd say the same to you, did you like my kiss?" The knight bowed his head slightly "I did... I've had dozens of knights beg and plead to escape death but you revel in it. I'm almost going to miss it when the light falls from your eyes when my blade punishes thee." Camdia shifted her weight forward and drew her sword out horizontally. "Big talk, big man. I've seen it all before and I'll see it after this." "Coy sheepdog." Camdia gave a sardonic smile which blended into a determined frown as she bent her head down. The wind blowing hair and cape, waiting with Dilo for the overcast finale to start.

Camdia, letting go of victory and patience, blasted off her right foot and charging yelled as she lept through the air, striking down on the Knight's great sword. Testing his strength to hold it up he seemed weaker than he stood and took this knowledge to strike blow after blow, up, side, down, side as sparks flew, trying to break down his strength which he had allowed fail him until suddenly he struck back. He grasped his own sword and pushed back on the small dark warrior, putting her off-stance and then doubling-back to feign into a massive round house swing that Camdia blocked at the last moment with a vertical guard. The blow was intense and revealed he has far more strenght, "DAMN HIM" she thought as his bluff had worked. Now Camdia was on the defence and being in close with the knight meant she couldn't dodge the massive range of his greatsword, she had to block, SLAM after SLAM, the cobblestones vibrating and shattering under the blows. She was in trouble, she was out of options, she just needed an opening.

Seeing Camdia get beaten back blow by blow Dilo felt his heart sink and get cold. His great protector was in danger and he could do nothing. "Could I?" he thought. Trembling at the idea of attacking this great foe he realized it was that or see his champion perish before him, to see her perish, and he realized he would do anything to stop that. Taking his torch, still burning, he rushed towards the dance of swords, almost tripping and in an act of selfless desperation he tossed the torch at the Dark Knight. It spun as if in in slow motion, and struck the knight in mid his lead up strike, the burning sensation caught him off guard and Camdia taking a moment between blows lazily thrust her blade up into the knight's armour. The knight responded with his gauntlet grapsing the defenless Camdia and plowing her head into the ground. She did not move, blood and hair draped across her face and the Dark Knight turned his gaze over the kobol. He moved toward him slowly, each step filled with contempt and punishment, the plates of armour clanking together. Dilo looked up at the knight in total fear and his mind went blank. Without a word the knight brought down his fist and crushed him.

Camdia coming back to consciousness from the loud noise was met with pain and blurred vision, realizing she was still alive turned over and wiped the blood and hair from her left eye. It took her a moment to realize what had happned, how the crater on the ground was where Dilo had been, how that innocence has become nothing. She had failed, she failed herself and Dilo and all those like Dilo who would be trampled on by evil. And then something burned inside her. Like a cold fire, it started in her heart, pulsing through her arms and legs, her pain flourished and then became so pointed it disapeared, sound and vision became a void and focused inside herself. Something, alien and eternal was coming out of her, from somewhere deep within. Then it happened.

Shadows flowed over her bloodied wounds, her shoulders hunched over, her trembling fingers became claw-like, and she rose smoothly, silently. Feeling this behind him the Knight once more looked over his shoulder. What he saw was a figure animated by some infernal energy, it was the shape of the same warrior but... she was so still yet vibrating like a new creature, darkness covered the outlines of her form while her... her eyes... burned with tiny white lights, aimed at his back. As he turned to face her she sprung forth with supernatural speed and he felt something odd inside him. Her hand had clawed its new form through his body and grabbing the hilt of her sword, yanked it free and sliced through the ether of the Dark Knight. Chainmail and metal shards went flying, black ether seeped out as liquid and gas, and feeling a sense of fear in the longest time stumbled back as the black figure now rising from all fours, hair suspended like a medusa took its fighting stance. Camdia was gone and this new thing attacked, the sword changed too to shadow, striking like a wild industrial machine that had come unhinged, blow after blow from some ancient forbidden strength struck the Knight's armour. He stumbled back trying to block each blow but they came from the very air, shadows swarmed him as his armour was chipped away, more and more holes appeared, more ground was lost, until his chestplate fell to the ground. It revealed a glowing purple orb as his heart, feeling a fear that surpassed his knowledge he swung his greatsword and felt it cut only the thick air and shadow, he hit something yet nothing, his vision was only of smoke and a thousand glowing eyes intending to destroy him. He swung all around him, the blow clearing away the ethereal smoke, his sword hitting nothing and laying to his right side, thats when he felt it. A shadow with blazing blue fire for eyes stood beside him down to his left and looking up at him he saw its claw had pierced his chest, wrapped around the orb. The Knight winced as the claw tightened and he realized as the shadow did in that moment. The next second the claw gripped it fulled and in 1 swift motion tore the orb from the black ethereal chest, a stream of black clouds flowing forth from the wound, the Knight felt his power leave him and collapsed, greatsword slipping from his grasp and clanging on the ground. It was over.

He looked up at the expressionless shadow, staring at him with empty judgement as he felt his body beginning to liquefy. "Truly by any art inhuman thou hath bested me." He breathed heavily as he felt his mind thinning, memories of a woman, a man with a beard, a castle filled with flowers and food and song came back to him. He felt something return to him and flow over him and turned to his rival. "I return to time, and you have freed me, I... I thank you." the shadow stood motionless. The Knight breathed a few more breaths until he felt something fail him and after a pause fell onto the stone and became a flurry of black smoke and armour. The cloud above similarly faded and scattered, revealing the setting sun whose rays crossed over the land and face of the shadow. As the hiss of darkness dissipated the shadow's fiery eyes became calm and the colour of forests returned to them, the sun made the shadow opaque and the body of the warrior princess fell out of the slowly fading shadow even as it stood there unnaturally still until it slowly disappeared.

A mess of hair laid there and slowly Camdia opened her eyes to the setting sun, she looked at the horizon, the empty armour, and tried to recall where she was. Slowly it came back to her, the fight, the struggle, and the reason she lost herself, Dilo. She coughed as she pushed herself up by her elbows and soon the coughs became tears. She has vanquished the darkness with something deep inside her but she had lost something in the process. Dilo had been lost. And in the victory of setting sun she fell empty and wept.

Until she felt a small furry paw had reached up to bruch her cheek softly, Dilo was there with a face of convern looking up at her. He was safe, through her embrace and tears he explained how kobols are actually quite resistant to blunt force trauma and have an elastic quality that makes up for their vulnerable nature. Camdia was overcome with waves of releif, so strong her body shivered, he friend had been returned to her. Now putting the armour of her soul back on she let a rare smile creep out before returning to a stoic look as she gazed over the countryside they had saved. The land had returned to its healthy state, the trees bloomed, the rivers flowed, the animals retunrned and birdsong was heard for what had been a long time. Even Dilo's village now producing fruit from the trees that had been scarce and he was given a hero's welcome along with Camdia. They crowned her with a silly and crude laurel of funny looking leaves and danced and feasted on the beautiful fruit. It was a wonderful time that Camdia was thoroughly enjoying even if the anxiety of the future gnawed at her in those bright moments. She was happy, and made sure her face didn't reveal that. Only Dilo, who had journeyed with her, sensed it and was happier for it. The two would face dangers in the future but for now out story rests as our heroes and these pages sleep for another day.

The End