Prologue. Right, right, left, right, step back, right, right, left, right, step back. That was Lynette's battle strategy. It was working. For now, at least. Her sword was a gleaming red, her hands unclean with blood. Lynette's breathing was heavy. She had never fought this heavily before. Normally it was practicing. Always practicing. But she would prevail as champion. She always did. Her dagger shifted in her boots, threatening to slit open not just the leather. They were winning. She could see that. Only about seventy-something Sadas left. A Sada was a truly hideous creature. With claws for fingers, slime for skin, and a wrinkled face, it hurt just to look at it. Right, right, left, right, step back. The words and actions replayed in her head, as did they in her body. Fighting came naturally to her, as breathing came naturally to others. She felt incomplete without a sword in her hand, or a bow strung across her shoulders. Lynette had just slain a Sada, when suddenly, she felt as if her whole body had been ripped in half. She writhed and screamed, her back arched in agony. But the pain did not let her be. Suddenly, the pain stopped, but so did her sight. Because everything had gone black.
Chapter 1 Victoria awoke the next day, surrounded by white walls. Victoria sat up, and thought she should be somewhere, but couldn't quite put her finger on it. Then his brain clicked. Lynette! She rushed out of bed, and thankfully she was already dressed, so she could go straight outside. She picked up Daema, and paused to think for a moment. Daema meant 'courage', and it meant the world to Victoria. Her father had slain a Zegaz, and for that, he was awarded this sword. On his dying breath, he had handed it down to Victoria. She strapped the scabbard of Daema to her belt, slipped on some mail chink armour, and strode out of the door. In a matter of minutes, Victoria was outside in the stables, and saddling up Icefire, her horse. When he was suitable and ready to ride, Victoria mounted him, and began to gallop off towards the Health Tent, or more commonly known as HT. *** Once she was there, Victoria dismounted quickly, and jogged inside, before quickly searching for Lynette. It was called the Health Tent, but it wasn't really a tent. It stretched to at least 20 mens height in length, width and height. It was a puzzle finding people in here, but you got there in the end. Finally, Victoria located Lynette and rushed over to her. "Lynette!" Victoria shrieked. People stared and looked, but she didn't care. "Hey Victoria," Lynette greeted weakly. "I can't believe it! My best friend, stabbed in the back!" Tears threatened to spill out of Victorias already glassy eyes. "Hey hey hey!" Lynette said in a soothing voice, that always seemed to work. "I'll be fine! The healers have been to me, restored the blood that was lost, and said I would just need a couple of days to recover from shock and to get my energy back." "Ohmigosh! Really? That's great!" Victoria hugged Lynette gently, careful not to touch the wounded area. "Miss!" A nurse called out. "It isn't visiting hours. Please come back later!" "Great. I'll see you later, k hun? Take care Lynette." "Yeah, bye. You too."
just to let yall know, I accidentally posted. I didn't mean to. So right now, I'm writing the part that wouldve been in the part above.
just to let yall know, I accidentally posted. I didn't mean to. So right now, I'm writing the part that wouldve been in the part above
just to let yall know, I accidentally posted. I didn't mean to. So right now, I'm writing the part that wouldve been in the part above
Victoria wandered in the forest alone, caught up in her thoughts. If only Chryorse was here. The stars winked above her head, the rats scurrying about her feet. Then suddenly, Victoria realised with a dread that it was night time, and she in the forest alone. She whistled for her Mycallae, and together they flew off into the blanket that was known as the night sky. *** There they were. Slave after slave, lined up. Some had rags to conceal their modesty, whereas some were just in the nude. He smiled maliciously, showing off pearly white teeth. The slaves stood there, helplessly, waiting for an order. Their ankles stung from the shackles, and their feet stung from the walking. Their capturers, the slavers, stood around them, keeping them bunched together, and making sure no mischief was caused. They had their swords and spears at the ready. "Today," the leader began. "Is the beginning of your enslavement. You will work hard. If not willingly, rest assured, you WILL be beaten and whipped until you are begging for mercy." He glared at them, proving his point. "From hereby onwards, I am your new leader. In this establishment, I am God." *** Chryorse had never felt more separation in his life. He couldn't contact Victoria, he couldn't even contact his own father. That's how cut off he was. Chryorse was in the Alda, the nation fighting against King Jaeda and the gnomes and dwarven. He was part of the council, although he was a mere boy. There was King Jaeda's land, the Alda's land and then there were small lands, like gnome and dwarven land, who were fighting together against King Jaeda and and the Alda. They were called Pumation. The Elves, or Elvin, were fighting against King Jaeda and the Pumation alongside the Alda. This battle had lasted for centuries, all armies neither winning nor losing. Slowly, the Alda were starting to fall. King Jaeda had what seemed to be an endless supply of units. Every battle, the Alda lost around 200 soldiers. King Jaeda and the Pumation lost the same, but they both just kept regenerating! But the Alda would strike back. They always did. "I have called this meeting today," Amin said, "because I think I have a way to defeat King Jaeda and the Pumation once and for all. It will be hard, it will be tough, and we WILL lose men. Enough to create a weakness. But not if we don't let our enemies near our walls." The council were alert and intent of listening to his plan. Amin was the leader of the Alda. A man not to mess with. "We have had news from inside spies that King Jaeda has acquired some dragon eggs."
Excited babble passed around the table, the council elated at this opportunity. "We will need to send many men. Ethan, send word to the west quarters. I'm afraid those will be the men. All of them." Shocked gasps ran like a train from around the council. "If we want this mission to be successful, we must be prepared." He scowled, and waited for everyone to quieten down. "Chryorse and Capillare, ready the horses. I fear we will have to set out promptly." Capillare nodded once sharply, while Chryorse made no reply. "Lord Camba, alert the towns. They will get aroused with soldiers passing through, I want them to know the reason. This will be successful. It has to be. It is our only hope." *** The horses were saddled and ready, the soldiers in straight lines. Chryorse was to lead them, as he was one of the Alda's most experienced fighters. He rode his horse over to Capillare. "On our journey, I must visit Victoria. In that time, you will lead them." Capillare nodded once again, his sharp eyes scanning the soldiers. "Ok men." Chryorse rode to the front of the soldiers, and stopped in the middle. He surveyed them quickly, and, satisfied, continued speaking. "This mission must be done quickly and efficiently. I do not expect delaying or hassle. Do you understand? I repeat, it is ESSENTIAL that we finish this quest promptly. It is the Alda's last chance. If any of you fall back, do not stay behind. We need as many of you as possible. "This mission will be hard, it will be tough, and you may die. But remember this. You didn't come to the Alda to back down at any signs of danger. Once an Alda, always an Alda. "May the gods be with you. Good luck." And with that, Chryorse turned around his horse, and rode off into the distance, all of his troops behind him. *** Victoria felt sick to the bone. The town crier had announced that the Alda were on a quest, and were heading for King Jaeda's forte. When he had spotted Victoria, he had ran over to her, and murmured that Chryorse was leading the battle. Victoria was a determined and stubborn girl. No one was going to stop her. Once she had gotten over the shock, Victoria rushed over to her house, and had grabbed her sword Daema, her bow and arrow, and had slipped on some armour. She then ran to the stables, and quickly saddled up her horse. She was ready to go. Victoria rode out of the village, and towards the Alda's forte. She was bound to run into Chryorse. *** The women all sat in a darkened room, too depressed to talk, just wove and wove and wove. They had the task of making a rug for every room in the palace. Slowly, one by one, the women began to get involved in chit chat. Lienia was naturally a shy person, so she stayed quiet, and continued weaving. --- At last, it was time to go back to their cells. Everybody had stopped speaking as quickly as they had started. Lienia went back to her cell, sullen and silent, lost in her thoughts. It wasn't until someone clicked their fingers in front of her face that she finally paid attention. "Lienia! Supper!" Her cell-mate said. Lienia lived with a girl called Alexis, and she truly was a lovely girl, but Lienia never really wanted to speak to her, like she never really wanted to speak to anyone. She ate her supper, which consisted of stale brown bread and water, and then laid her head on the hard pillow, the remnants of today still wafting around her brain. *** Victoria had been riding for quite some time now, and it was becoming dark. She felt uneasy when it was dark and she was alone, but Victoria didn't want to set up camp, as she was afraid that an animal might come and attack her in her sleep. Eventually, she saw a lantern in the distance. 'It must be them!' she thought. She hurried Icefire, and sure enough, when she reached them, it was the Alda. And leading it was Chryorse. "Victoria!" He sounded angry and relieved at the same time. "What are you doing here?" "I couldn't let you leave without me." She suddenly blushed, probably because all of the mens eyes were on her. "You can't come with us!" "Who says?" "Me." "You?" Victoria seemed surprised as to why he was so controlling. "Yes me. I'm the leader of this mission. And you're not coming." "Where am I meant to go? I can't very well go back to town, can I? It's dark!" He sighed, frustrated. "Ok. Let's talk about this tomorrow. I'm tired." he turned around to the soldiers. "We will be stopping for the night now. Put up thirty tents, and start a fire. I will be back shortly. Capillare, supervise please." He put a hand on the small of Victoria's back, and led her away to the lake. "What possessed you to come out here on your own Victoria?" He asked the inescapable question. "I…Uh…ok I didn't want you to leave, because I didn't and still don't think I could be away from you for so long." By now, she had stepped away from him, and was staring out at the lake. It was huge, and stretched past the horizon. Thankfully she was facing away from Chryorse, so he couldn't see her blush. He walked up to Victoria's back, and wrapped his arms around her waist, effectively pulling her into his chest, while he rested his chin on her head. "I know honey, I know. Let's talk about it in the morning okay?" Victoria silently nodded, spun around in his arms, and kissed him passionately. After a while, they broke apart. "Come on." Victoria mumbled. "Lets go back. I want to go to bed, I'm so tired." They walked back to the campfire, shared a tent with each other, and they both instantly fell asleep.
Chryorse awoke at dawn, and got up instantly. He threw on his armour, and picked up his sword and shield. He took one last look at Victoria, curled up in her bed. With hair like fire and hazel eyes, she truly was beautiful. Chryorse knew he was a lucky man to have her. He strode out of the tent, nodded to the soldiers already awake and made his way down to the lake. The horses were pitched near to it, and he wanted some space. He sat down, put his head in his hands, and thought long and deep about what they were going to do. About what he was going to do. *** A desolate wail filled the air, as her torturers put an end to her pain. Then there was silence. "Next," a hooded man called. Lienia stood with shaking knees, knowing the pain she was about to endure. The person before her had obviously been discarded and killed. But Lienia would not tell them. She would never tell them their secret. She straightened her back, and walked in, determined to get out alive. She stood in front of the hooded men. "We are going to ask you some questions," one of the men said, as if she was stupid. "We want you to answer truthfully and precisely. Got it?" Lienia nodded. "Ok so, we're just going to put this on you." He had a surprisingly calm voice. They slipped Lienia's slim finger into the metal machine, and tightened it. "We want you to tell us where your centre is." She shook her head stubbornly. Lienia could only see the mans lips twist into a gleeful smirk, as he tightened the machine. Lienia gasped, and tried to disguise that she was in pain. Inside the gap where her figure was, were lots and lots of sharp needles, crushing her whole finger. "We want you to tell us where your centre is." The man repeated. "No." The man chuckled cruelly, and tightened it again. This time Lienia screamed. "Ok, ok, I'll tell you!" She sobbed. "It's in the mountains, deep in the mountains. But you can only get in if you know the password." "Which is?" Lienia didn't answer, but instead jumped up, kicked one man in the face, and then smashed his head against the other mans one, before running away, almost shouting at the other women to follow her. They wove in and out of corridors, trying to find a way out. Lienia heard more footsteps, and looked behind her to see guards chasing them. Lienia screamed, and all of the women quickened their pace, but just as Lienia burst out of the doors, she realised she was alone. All of the others had been caught. She wanted to break down and cry, but she needed stay strong. She needed to warn the Alda that dark forces were coming. *** Chryorse jumped as two arms encircled his waist. "Missed me?" Victoria breathed sexily into his ear. "Mm," he replied. "Very much so." Victoria then rotated so that she was facing him, and laced her arms around his neck. "Have you thought about whether I can come?" She inquired. "Well, no I haven't." Chryorse admitted, a sheepish smile on his face. "Can you decide now?" She whispered again, biting her lip. She knew he loved that, so he might give in. "Well," Chryorse thought of all of the advantages and disadvantages. Victoria was a good fighter, therefore she would be a big help in this mission. She would also love him more, and be happy. However, a gorgeous girl might send the wrong messages to the soldiers. Also she might hold them up, or get Chryorse distracted. The pros and cons were even, so in the end, Chryorse just went with his gut instinct. "Yes, you can come." He finalised. He smiled as Victorias whole face lit up in excitement and anticipation. 'At least she'll keep thing interesting,' Chryorse thought, amused at her. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Victoria repeated. She just couldn't seem to keep her excitement from bubbling over! He lightly chuckled and she joined in. "Don't worry honey. Just one thing though." "Anything!" "Don't flirt with my troops." And for the first time, he laughed and really meant it.
Lienias feet felt like every step she took, she was walking on red-hot paving stones, and her lips were chafed and sore from the midday sun. Her eyes stung from the brightness and her mouth was dry. But she had to keep walking. If not for her sake, then for the Alda's. All the women there had been part of the Alda, but none were a coward like Lienia. None had given in to temptation. But she had. Lienia couldn't turn back time, and she couldn't remake her decision. But she would do all she could to help resolve it. *** Zai wandered the streets of Farezo alone. His troops were out at the tavern, but Zai didn't feel like drinking today. He took in his surroundings. The streets could always be seen from the north-west. They were full of happy chatter and many a' citizen. The walls were lined with advertisements and posters for buildings and companies. The shops were alive and bright, music emanating from the tiny doors. But every lived in fear. Fear that one day, the families of the deceased, like Zai, would come for payback. It had been 14 years since his parents were slaughtered, but that eased no-ones worries. Eventually, they would come. But Zai was torn. Should he fight with his village, the people who had taken him in, cared for him and fed him? Or should he turn against them, and take back what was his. Two lives. He eventually reached the villages town hall, and walked inside. Their village was under King Jaemas rule, and the townsfolk worshipped him like a God. Although Zai thought of him as a cruel and unfeeling monster, he couldn't let this show, it would cost him his life. He made his to the meeting room, and sat down in his chair. He was neither the first nor last commander to arrive. Right in the middle. Where he had always wanted to be. Soon, everyone else filed in, and the meeting began. During this meeting, Zai wondered whether he had made the right choice. After all, everyone loves a little bit of pay back. *** Finally, Lynette was allowed out of the Hospital Wing. She still had scars, but there was nothing they could do about that. They were permanent. Lynette had wept at first, who wanted disgusting scars? But in the end, she had scolded herself, and began to get on with life again. She went home to pick up her weapons, as she needed to train. She looked up to the sky above her, and smiled, as it was a royal blue colour, so she could train the whole day. As she walked down to the training grounds, Lynette thought about her experiences in battle. She had only really fought once or twice seriously, in a proper combat. Normally she just trained, or taught younger fighters. Lynette worked for the Alda, and was one of their key links in the chain. She was a main part of the committee, and that's why she didn't fight that often. The Alda couldn't afford to lose her. Soon, Lynette reached the front desk, and signed in hurriedly. She was in a rush, as she wanted to greet all of her friends. She ran down to one of her best friends, and gave her a hug. Justyna was one of Lynette's students, and her favourite. But that was only because they were best friends before Justyna joined the Alda. She had left behind her mother, and come to do what her aspiration was. Just as they pulled away, and began to start talking, the fire raged and spat, jerking in every direction possible. It rose higher and higher, and grew wider and wider, so it eventually was an inferno. Then it changed it's position, so that there was a circular wall at the back, but the front was cut out, therefore you could see inside. And up emerged a huge body. It looked like the devil, yet had the features of a Sada, however it was about ten times bigger. The whole group of Alda warriors, about fifty people, drew their swords and shields, as did Lynette "Lynette Siforias!" The creature roared. "Show yourself!" <><><><><><><><><> Please feedback, and I'm sorry if I've had to alter your character a bit! It just what I need to do to make my story 'go with the flow' enjoy!
Many archers shot arrows at the beast, but none hit. They all seemingly flew straight through it. Lynette began to walk forwards, but Justyna pulled her back. "No!" She cried. "Who knows what it will do to you!" "It's fine, I'm fine, we will all be fine." Lynette assured her in a soothing voice. She stepped closer to the inferno determinedly, and stood in front of the creature. "What do you want?" She shouted. Lynette was confident and brave on the outside, but on the inside, she was cowering and fearful. "You have twelve days to return the Treasure of Leyong to me, or you will face pain of death." Its voice reverberated around the camp, many hiding behind their shields. It disappeared, leaving everyone speechless. "Someone tell me, what the hell is the Treasure of Leyong?" She bellowed out to the shocked Alda's. Some of the more experienced soldiers answered her. "It is a sacred treasure that once belonged to Heaven. The hoard then was stolen by Hell. Ever since, the two halves have been fighting and arguing, the treasure being tossed between the two." Another warrior took over. "That was obviously a messenger from the underworld, or more commonly known as Hell. Perhaps Hades, or maybe one of his slaves. No one knows." Yet another Alda member spoke. "But we do know this. The treasure has been lost. Both Heaven and Hell think that a human took it. That human happens to be you." Lynette was stunned into shock. 'No way, NO WAY! It can't be me! I'm just an Alda warrior. Why me?' Lynette's knees gave way, and she crumbled to the ground, sobs racking her body. *** Chryorse was exhausted. He had never worked so hard in his life! He had started off by drawing out a plan of how to access the kings castle. Then, he had ridden for four hours, Victoria asleep with her head on his chest. After that, he had helped his men gather some wood and put up the tents. Finally, he had tutored some of the soldiers, and gave them sparring practise. It had been a long day, and he was ready to go to his tent for the night. Victoria was out running, something she did regularly. She was quite interested in personal fitness, so she worked hard to maintain hers. Just as he was about to go and wash in the river, a soldier shouted. "Sada, I repeat, Sada! Come immediately, backup NEEDED!" Chryorse sprinted back to clearing, and saw a herd of Sadas. There were about fifteen of them, but they were huge! "Draw your weapons!" Chryorse shouted, as everyone shifted into a protective stance. "Charge!" All of the men roared, and began running towards the creatures. *** The fight was quick and easy. Soon, all men were asleep and quiet in their tents. Satisfied, Chryorse returned to his own, got changed into his nightwear, and went to sleep. *** Lienia had managed to steal a horse that day, which made her mission that much easier. She had just finished putting up her tent, and made a fire. Once the campfire was burning, she looked up to see a perfect dark blue sky, littered with winking stars. She stargazed for a while longer, before heading into her tent, and resting. *** Lynette's knees still trembled, even when she was safe in bed. She heard light breathing and beds shifting around her, most were already asleep. As she flickered her eyes shut, she thought of the day she had just experienced. Soon, she too was fast asleep. <><><><><><><><><> Hope you liked! Talking of sleep, I want to go to bed too now! again, hoped you liked!
The next day was bright and cheerful. Hummingbirds sang their songs, and woodpeckers relentlessly drove their beaks into the wood. The sky was a luscious blue, and a deep sun rose over the horizon. The whole camp was bathed in golden light, yet Lynette did not feel it. She was worried to the point of hyperventilation, and could not think properly. Her quest began today. Lynette had only slept for three hours. The others, she packed for her long journey. As she looked around, she saw others were too. Another emotion she felt was guilt. So many lives were going to be lost for her. So many families half-crazed with sorrow. So many CHILDREN dying. Not many of them were above the age of eighteen. She felt it rise up in her stomach, through her throat, and then it began to mess with her brain. The guilt, the sorrow, the worry…the fear. *** They were ready to go. As Lynette looked behind her, about fifty brave Alda warriors stood with their heads held high. She wished she could do the same. Lynette looked back once at the training grounds, a single tear rolling down her cheek. But she summoned her strength. "Brave Alda warriors!" She shouted, turning her horse round, so she could confront them. They all watched her. "This quest…this quest is a test! You all know very well that I never stole the Treasure of Leyong. You all know very well that I never knew it's purpose, it's name, even to the extent that I didn't even know it existed." Murmurs of agreement washed through the crowd. "But I do know this. We will come back. WITH VICTORY!" All of the soldiers cheered and wooped, chanting Lynette's name. She smiled slightly and glanced once more at the camp. With a deep, shuddering breath, Lynette turned her horse back around, and began to ride him up and over the hill. It was too late to turn back now. ~Three days later~ Entaïr was annoyed. Pimella had been his friend. After his years in a world where no mortal could go, she had been there for him. The one and only person he could trust. Now she had gone over to serve King Jaema. It was just…just disgusting. But soon he would get his revenge on her. He always did. Entaïr was a dwarf. Pimella had been too. She had obviously passed some sort of test King Jaema had given her, because she was allowed into his forte and nation! Suddenly, she had risen up to be his second in command! Pimella had sent Entaïr many letters, telling him of her travels and successes, her pains and her angers. All of which he had ignored. Only time would ease the annoyance he felt at her. *** Lynette had ridden on Calba for three days now. She had asked many soldiers, yet to no avail. Only a handful knew anything about the Treasure of Leyong. All while this was happening, the Alda were preparing for war with King Jaema and the dwarven. Lynette desperately scanned the forest around her, searching for any clues of the so-called hoard. Suddenly, she spotted something in the undergrowth. A shining bronze object, gleaming in the suns light. "Soldiers report back to me! I repeat, report back to me!" She shouted, earning the attention of many men and women. They all rushed to her side, eager for a clue to the treasure. Lynette climbed down from her horse (with the help of a VERY handsome young man), and gingerly walked over to investigate. She carefully picked up the object, and inspected it. "It's a telescope." It was beautiful. It was made out of a thick bronze, and had little diamonds encrusted into it. The glass had a pure, clean, green tint to it. But on one side of the telescope, there were some words. But in the ancient language. "Who here can read and write in the ancients?" She called out to the soldiers, who were waiting in bated breath. "Me, ma'am." A brave warrior stepped forward. Lynette gasped slightly. It was the same man who had helped her off of Calba, her horse. His auburn hair was tousled, and his jaw bone was quite prominent and strong, as were his features. He had a slightly crooked nose and was well muscled. His soul-searching, endless, almost black eyes stared into Lynette's own. "And what may your name be?" She asked. Both did not break eye contact. "I am Carter Bunyard ma'am." He replied, returning her gaze steadily. Lynette thought for a moment, searching his eyes. She had never heard of Carter for being a trouble maker. "Very well Carter Bunyard. You may proceed." At last, Lynette looked away, and focused on handing the telescope to him without dropping it. Once it was firmly in his hands, she let go, but her hand accidentally brushed against his. She suppressed a quick breath, and his eyes shot up. They locked eyes for a moment, before he focused on the ancient words. "It says…'The eyes to trespass on I shall not be the one to die. However, if you want to take a look, you shall have to find a hook, as there is a possibility you may be shook.'." Everyone was silent, thinking over what he had just said. "Right," Lynette said, getting back into business. "Left troops, I want you to find a hook. Right troops, find a sturdy tree so we can attach the hook. When your group have accomplished the mission, come back to this clearing. Carter, follow me." Lynette strode off into the bushes, leaving Carter no choice but to follow her. When they were out of sight, Lynette stopped and sighed. "Carter Bunyard…that's a very interesting name. I recognise it somehow…" "If I may ma'am, I think I know why." Lynette nodded for him to go on. "My grandfather was one of the Final Five." The Final Five were a group of soldiers that were the only people to ever have slain a Mycallae. "Yes that's right," she murmured. "I must ask of you a favour." "Yes?" "I know this is very sudden but…will you be my second in command? I need somebody to help me with my decisions. I haven't appointed anyone yet, and I have a feeling you are the right person to fill that gap." "Yes of course ma'am! Thank you!" "One last thing." "Anything!" By now, Carter was stood up straight to attention. "People are going to think something is a bit 'weird', as they say, if we carry on staring at each other." And with that, she gracefully swept away, towards the clearing again, leaving Carter shocked.
Chryorse jolted awake, listening intently. Something wasn't quite right. He slowly realised with painful dread that Victoria wasn't asleep next to him. Nor was she present at all. Chryorse hurried to get ready. When he was clothed, he rushed to three of the tents, and awoke the men in hushed tones. He had left most soldiers asleep, and had only woken the experienced ones. They all set off, weapons at the ready. Not only was Victoria missing, but there was a foul stench in the air, always a bad omen. He heard a women's piercing scream. The soldiers were tense and rigid, straining their ears so they could work out where the dreadful sound was coming from. They heard rustling in the trees, scurrying of feet and the whispered words of fear. "Stay alert," Chryorse barely spoke, instead whispered. They followed the way of the screeches, the terrifying noise guiding them ever more. "West!" A soldier shouted. Everyone swivelled round so they were facing That direction. In front of them were a dozen of Mycallae. 'Do not harm us.' a voice intruded into everyones mind. 'We are not here to injure you either. We merely are here to aid you on your quest.' All of the men were dumb-founded and shocked. Chryorse definitely could not say he blamed them. 'Will you accept us?' a feminine voice inquired. Chryorse stepped forward, and turned around to face the soldiers. "Do we accept? Do we accept and risk our lives? Do we accept and they are not trustworthy? Or do we accept, and they aid us greatly?" He spoke out to his men, and then murmured the last part. "Decisions, decisions." Then he looked up to their gaze. "Yes, we accept you." "Sir, if I may?" A brave man spoke up. Chryorse nodded curtly. "The young woman we heard screaming…do you feel it is our duty to pursue her?" Chryorse was taken aback. Not once had he been reprimanded by someone of a lower class than him. Yet he ignored this as best he could. "Yes, I am afraid we forgot ourselves." Now he turned back to the Mycallae. "If you would kindly accompany us. I have no idea what will face us when we reach our destination." They all began to travel ground again, humans and Mycallae's alike. Finally, they reached the source of the screaming. The whole army hid behind many trees, but they discovered that the only person present there was a young lady. No capturers or torturers. He ran over to her, and knelt by her side, forgetting about the dangers. "Shh!" Chryorse attempted to calm the female, but to no avail. Eventually though, she quietened down. "Can you hear me?" He asked sternly but gently at the same time. She nodded her head just slightly. The girl really was beautiful. She had slanted eyebrows, and oak brown eyes. Her hair was a jet black, and she had elegant lips. From what he could see, her build was athletic and slim, but quite tall for a female. "What is your name?" She managed to croak out a couple of words, "I am Miriam." "Okay Miriam," he spoke with low, soothing tones. "I'm going to move you now. Then I can take you to some healers, and they will see to you." He nodded to some soldiers. They immediately came over, and lifted up Miriam, careful not to jolt her too much. Those soldiers were to walk back to the camp, whilst Chryorse was still seeking out Victoria. Just as the recruits were about to walk away, Miriam's hair fell away from her face, and revealed pointed ears.
"No! No! Not me! I swear I will serve you and the Alba! Please spare me!" A bloodcurdling scream cut off his words. More followed, the screams of dying mens. As Lynette looked around, the scene before her was sickening, and it made her want to wail. Corpse after corpse lay discarded on the blood-stained grass. The metallic scent of blood wafted up her nostrils, and Lynette's sword felt heavy in her hand. Her left arm, which held the shield, was numb after countless attacks were deflected. Another enemy faced Lynette. She took a deep breath before launching herself into combat. Soon, his pleading, wide eyes revealed that he knew he was losing, as his life, too, would soon be lost. Just before Lynette drove her sword through his heart, she woke up, sweat pouring down her face and back. Her bedsheets were soaking and her tent was hot. Very hot. She quickly stood up, and got ready for the day ahead. Who knew what today would bring? --- Lynette sighed deeply, frustrated. No one had any idea of what was to come with the telescope. No one had any idea about what it meant, or whether they should follow it. No one had any idea whether it was safe to do so, and no one had any idea if it was even relevant to the mission. But it was worth trying. "Quiet!" She shouted above the deep voices. They instantly turned around and were quiet. "I am here to tell you that I have appointed a new second-in-command. I have thought long and hard about this decision, and finalised that it is a wise one. Carter Bunyard, step forward." Gasps racked the warriors as he made his way to the front. "Well done," she murmured, and then addressed the whole crowd. "Please welcome your new seconder!" Cheers erupted, but many just politely clapped. "You are to follow his orders as you would mine. "Secondly," Lynette's face darkened. "I am about to look through the telescope. I will need your full co-operation, and whatever my orders, you are to complete them without hesitation. Understood?" Nods of silent agreement flowed through the soldiers. "Good. Left team, attach the hook to a strong tree. Right team, be on guard." They all shifted to fulfil their instructions, while Lynette gently pulled Carter aside. "You must understand the severity of the mission." She spoke in low, rushed, hard tones "This telescope may be the key to our quest. If somehow I do not make it whilst looking through the telescope, it would be your duty to ensure that the Treasure of Leyong reaches it destination, Hell. "Do you understand? You must always put the welfare of the Alda before yourself, with myself in command or not." "I understand. But Ma'am, why me? There are far more experienced or knowledgable warriors in the Alda than I." Lynette held his gaze for a long moment. "I saw something in you Carter. I don't know what it was, but there was something. Something that not many people possess." Finally Carter looked away, and his eyes scanned over the working warriors, and chuckled. "Now that's a sight you don't see everyday." Lynette raised her eyebrows, and followed his gaze, only to giggle slightly too. Because two men were waltzing around the clearing, singing loud and clear in a Spanish accent. Lynette composed herself, and began to proceed towards the two of them. By now, many men had stopped their work to gaze upon and laugh at the two comedic men. When Lynette and Carter neared the two soldiers, they realised their position, and hurried to stop. Finally she reached them, and laughed. "That is what we need. Although, now might not be the most convenient time." They both smiled sheepishly. "Sorry Ma'am." They apologised, still half-grinning. "Maybe when we get back to camp, one day, that might be perfect." Still smiling, Lynette swept away again, leaving the males in awe. "How do you do that Ma'am?" Carter asked, amazed. "Do what?" Brushing away the cape-door at the entrance of her tent, Lynette walked inside. When Carter did not follow her, she motioned that he could proceed to enter. When he had walked inside, Carter continued. "Leave the soldiers so shocked and awe-struck. Like you are some kind of goddess." Lynette smiled to herself. "Do I really?" *** Lienia was terrified, scared, but, most of all; alone. The bright, morning sun was alive, and rapidly raising up through the thin clouds. Lienia hated it when she was alone. It left her with doubts and worries, fears and what ifs. Another day of travelling was in store for Lienia, yet she had no idea of her location, or how to reach the Alda. Nor did she even know where SHE was on a map. All she knew was where the Alda were. Lienia had been travelling for many days now. She just wanted to go home. <><><><><><><><><> I know its short. I'm sorry but I'm tired and I just want to leave it there for tonight