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Post by Enchant on Aug 3, 2005 19:16:34 GMT -5
Disclaimer: This is all my own creativity and original work, please do not take from it without permission.. Chapter 1 FALL OF FREEDOM All she could hear, was her heavy breathing and the twigs snapping under her bare feet, as she finally made it, to the bottom of the steep hill. How long it would be, before someone realized she had escaped, was unknown to her. She looked over to her left and saw the edge of the trees overshadowing the grassy hills.. Without even looking back , she ran to the trees, while gripping her pregnant belly and fighting the thick branches out of her path. The tree limbs and broken twigs cut and scraped her face ,arms and legs, as she ran pass them . The wet land beneath her feet felt hard, as the cold water beneath, slapped up on top of her feet, with each step. She finally dared to look back and saw only the trees behind her. Stopping still wasn‘t an option, The only thing she could do, was make as much distance between her captures and herself. The night sky flashed with lighting , revealing her white gown through the darkness of the night.. The sky opened up its waters and raindrops fell down upon her head. They rolled down her face, blending with the crimson blood, that bled from it. She looked up, as the watered blood dripped from the side of her eye lashes. She paused to catch her breath and wiped her eyes and brow with her arm. She inhaled deeply , while trying to figure out where she was. Then with a single sound, her heart skipped a beat. She could hear twigs cracking and the distance sounds of talking coming from behind her. They had finally noticed that she had released herself from their imprisonment. The young and desperate women turned back to see if there was a any sign of how close they were. It was too dark to tell and no place to hide. Without a second thought, she turned back and began to run, as her fear ensued her. She couldn’t let them capture her again. She wouldn’t let them have her and especially the baby, she carried inside her. The pebbles under her feet were cutting her skin, as she ran hard upon them. She could hear them getting closer. They were familiar with these lands, unlike herself, who never stepped foot upon them before she escaped.. She had no idea where she was or where she was going, or what she would do, when she got there. The only thing on her mind, was that she and her unborn would be free. The young woman, finally could see light up ahead. A slight feeling of hope immersed in her. Maybe she could find some help. She ran as fast as she could, while gripping her round stomach. Like a flash before her eyes, her hopes turned into fear. What if she couldn’t get help, but the villagers would help those who pursued her? As she made her way, to the edge of the trees, she saw one of the Elders talking with a villager. She couldn’t take the chance. With a retreating step back, a twig snapped, causing a loud crack to resonate into the air. Instantly, the Elder looked up to spy her and hard panic engulfed her. The elder then began to head towards her direction. Without thinking, she turned to the left and began to run with all her might. Devoid of realization, she bumped into a farmer who was pulling his animals inside a gate. She was running hysterically, that she hadn’t even noticed the farmer, was yelling at her, not to go that way. Her running finally had come to an abrupt halt. As she stood there, a sense of hopelessness, overcame her. She stood there and overlooked the steep, tall cliff before her. The sounds echoed, as the water slammed up against the rocks, in the raging river below. Without looking back, she could hear voices coming from behind her. She knew it was them, although she couldn’t make out what they were saying. She looked up at the sky and let the water drop down on her face. She Watched, as the lighting flashed in the sky and listening to the muffled sounds of the rolling thunder, while tears flowed down with the rain, and began feeling the sense of despair starting to consume her. She could feel there presence behind her now. She slowly turned around and all sounds disappeared from her ears. She couldn’t hear anything. Her fear had engulfed her. She watched as the group of hooded men eased towards her. She shook her head vigorously, screaming, “You can’t have me, I won’t go back. I won’t let you.” She looked over her shoulder and inched a step back. She knew she only had two options. One she would allow herself to be taken captive again, or she and her unborn would die free. She slowly turned her head towards them. The sounds slowly began to come back, as she stood there in decision. “I wont be a prisoner no more.” , She yelled at them to be heard over the night storm. One of the cloak men reached his hand out towards her, “we do not want to hurt you, step away from the edge, think about the unborn.” , he said in fear, knowing she might fall. In that instant she felt a sharp pain coming from the back side of her waist. Instinctively, she reached down and embraced her stomach, and suddenly felt a warm flow of liquid rolled down her leg. She then looked up, when she heard several soft murmurs from the cloaked men. “You are ready to birth my child." , the man said in alert. He looked over to his companions , “She cant give birth out side the sanctuary. It will not be accepted, otherwise.”, he said worriedly. He then turned to her and gave her a disconcerting look. “He is right, we must get her back, before the youngling arrives. Senior elder is expecting this birth, She was his chosen. “, said another elder. “I agree, “ said a couple of the others. They all seemed to be worried about what they were going to do. She stood there looking around, wondering could she run again and make it. But the idea was stopped short when another sharp and piercing pain tightened up around her stomach. She let out a slight yell, which seemed to get the men's attention. “She is ready. She wont make it back to sanctuary.", came from another hooded man. " What are we to do? The girl is a chosen and the unborn is a chosen bloodline.", said another. " But the senior elder is not here?”, one of the men burst out saying. “Someone is going to have to do ritual.” “The senior elder will destroy the one who tainted the girl and the unborn.” yelled one of the others. Then there was a slight moment of silence, before one stepped out from the back. His cloak was a little different. His face was hidden and his voice was soft. She watched, as theses men decided her fate. “The senior elder cannot do anything if you all, participate in the ritual. That way, no one gets blamed for taking his chosen and tainting the unborn youngling, and still keeps the bloodline.”, he said surely. “You know he's right, the senior elder cant dismiss us all.”, spoke out one. “But it has never been done, how would we know the girl, let alone the unborn would survive it?”, spoke another, concerned. “We don’t, but we need to try” She stood there and watched, as the were trying to decide. She couldn’t be taken back. She couldn’t be a slave to the elders hold. She couldn’t let them take her baby and raise it up to be one of them. She only had one thing left to do. She watched, as the men argued among themselves. She slowly inched another step towards the cliff. The pain was getting to be more frequent and longer. The storm was getting more fiercely. Then a loud crackle lit up the sky. This caught the cloaked men's attention. They turned to her, to see she her gripping her belling. “Well we need to do it now, if we are to do it.”, said one. “We have no choice. The unborn is a bloodline youngling and it must be done.”, said another. She decided, as they seemed to resolve there situation. They must have come to the same conclusion, because they were all now focused on her. As they slowly raised there hands, she took strong grip of her belly, as it was indeed time to give birth. She was about to turn , when she felt surrounded by a coldness. She looked up to see one of the cloaked men, holding his hand up and a beam of blue light flowed out and surrounded her. She tried to move, but the light seemed to paralyze her. Even the tight grip to her belly seemed to be still. Then she felt a sudden beam of heat. She felt like her skin was going to melt off her. The pain was unbearable. She tried to look up, but could not. She felt one ray after another. Each seemed to get worst then the one before. She screamed in agony. She wanted to die. The pain was too much. She had briefly forgot about the pain the unborn , had been giving her, but then another beam came to remind her. She suddenly felt a dizziness, and a sudden need to sleep. She felt her life slipping away, as the pain came back to her stomach. They had her and there was nothing she could do. Then at the at moment, she felt a sudden surge . It released her from the cloaked men's hold. She felt a sudden feeling of euphoria, like she was flying through the sky. It was only seconds, when she realized what had happened. Her life seemed to flash before her. She looked up at the edge of the cliff that was now above her and saw her captures peering down at her. This was the end, she knew it. She smiled in relief and closed her eyes, reached down, once again and embraced her unborn with in her womb. She and her baby were now free. ----------------------------To be continued---------------
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Post by seunan on Aug 7, 2005 6:31:26 GMT -5
Well I must say, I like a lot! VERY INTERESTING AND INTRIGUING! Sorry about the caps.... anyway, I would definitly like to see more.
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Post by Enchant on Aug 9, 2005 6:30:50 GMT -5
Well I must say, I like a lot! VERY INTERESTING AND INTRIGUING! Sorry about the caps.... anyway, I would definitly like to see more. Thank you....I am sure tehre is alot of grammar mistakes and what not...not a grammar girl more of a idea girl lol...I will put up anouther chapter when I finsih one Thanks for reading it,
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Post by Enchant on Sept 1, 2005 17:26:44 GMT -5
Chapter 2 River of Blood The smoldering fire crackled, and the smell of game cooking over the fire, filled the alcove. He sat by the fire and watched the rapid waters flowing by. Noticing that the fire needed to be stirred, he poked the fire with a stick, Once done, the rogue man, dress in furs and leather, placed the stick down and stood up and looked around. Something wasn’t right. A uneasiness permeated the air. He walked over to the edge of the wall and looked over the river passing by his feet. He looked at his surroundings, trying to discover, what was wrong . He couldn’t see or find anything and started to turn around, it was then , when he noticed blood flowing in the river and a spot of white, on the ground up towards the rivers bend. He cautiously made his way over to the spot, and looked down through the sharpened rocks. Whatever it was, was submerged underneath several large branches. He saw more of the white when the lightning flashed up above him. The rugged man lifted up the top branch, to reveal a young women clung to it. Her head perched up on the log, just barely above the water. He climbed down to see her red hair wrapped around her neck. and her alabaster skin shaded with blue . He noticed that the young women had many scratches on her body. They were all over her face and arms . He reached down and untangled the girl from the branches and lifted her up and out of the water. Her arm fell lifelessly down, as he carried her. It was then, he noticed that the girl was birthing. He finally reached the alcove. He placed the body down beside the fire. He then looked over the girl. She was quite beautiful. She was wearing a white birthing gown. A really lavished gown. He figured she must have be a chosen. He reached down and pulled the gown up to reveal the women’s stomach. Uncertain of what to do next, he moved over to the otherside of the fire and grabbed a drink. He sat down staring at the dead body that laid before him. He stood up and walked to the edge of the alcove once again. It had been so long since,he had done something like this. He swore never to do such things again. he also knew that if he did , his hideout would be revealed. Filled with hesitation, he shook it off and decided not to do anything. He inhaled with relief. His mind was resolved. He walked back and laid on the opposite side of the fire. He sipped his drink and glanced over at the womens body. As he was about to turn away, he noticed that her lifeless eyes were fixated on a indentation embedded into the side of the mountain wall. He tried to ignore this and placed his arms under his head and slowly began to close his eyes. It wasn't long before he woke up. He quickly sat up, inhaled deeply and took a sip of the the warm liquid beside him. He has been having nightmares for a long time now, and they were always the same. He was bannished for his betrayel. But, this evening, he dreamt, something completely different. This time it was of her. She was glancing at the indentation on the wall. In his dream she was pointing at it. In his dream, she spoke to him. Something about the gatekeeper. He seen people being murdered and tortured. It was as if he could see her memories in random images. It didn't all make sense. A small dim light caught his attention, from the corner of his eye. He didn’t want to look, but for some reason felt compelled to do so. He noticed a small light glow dimly shining through , from underneath the skin of her stomach. He sat up and continued to watch. Another color of light began to show through. Soon, it was that of a nebula of dim colors shinning through. The man hurried over to the girl. He looked down, daring to reach down and touch the belly. He reached out his finger . As his finger approached the skin, the light got a shade brighter. He withdrew his extended hand quickly. He was startled by this event. Curiosity go the better of him and he reached out once more. He moved his hand closer to the stomach and once more then skin began to light up,. This time he did not withdraw. He placed his hand on the skin and felt a sudden vibration tingle through his hand. He then thought about how the baby, would not live in its dead mothers body. He inhaled deeply, nodded with a certain understanding, stood up and went to the back wall of the alcove. He removed a large rock, to reveal a leather bag. He pulled it out and carried over to where the body laid. He then knelt He pulled out a small leather sachel from the opening and went back to the young woman, He sat down beside the body and laid the bag to his side. He slowly opened the bag up to reveal an ancient dagger, and some pins. He took the pins and held them over the fire. Then, one by one he put the pins into different places on the body. He then took out a vile of liquid. he poured it over his hands and then placed his hands, into the fire. He began to chant. As the fire caught on to the liquid that covered his hand, the flames began to turn blue. He then brought the blue flames and placed then on her stomach. The stomach glowed and the flames removed itself from the mans hands and remained covering the belly. He took out another vile from the bag and lifted up the dagger. He poured the contents of the second vile over the dagger. After, placing the vile down he drew the dagger to the blue flame. Doing this, while still chanting, he placed the dagger to contact the glowing flesh. He penetrated the woman's stomach and began cutting. The sound of an youngling's cry reverberated through the alcove. The young woman,the youngling's mother, was now nothing but a shell. The new life was held by the man. The man looked over the baby and was confused by what he saw." A girl?, how can this be?”, the man whispered to himself. He looked around to find something to swaddle the infant in. He then eyed the mothers gown. He went over and cut the gown off the girl and used the material to walled the baby. He then noticed the clan pendent the mother wore. He took it off the mother and held it up to the light of the fire and read it. He then realized that the mother was a chosen. The name inscripted on the pendent was Fatetora. He placed the necklace on the newborn, and looked at her. "You must not have been considered worthy of the elders, for if you were , there is no way they would have let you out of sanctuary." He then adjusted the necklace and placing the pendent on the child's chest. He looked up to see that the rain had stop and the sun was rising. He exited the alcove and walked into the warm sun. He held the youngling out and glanced upon her.And with a warm smile, he looked into the shining eyes and said, "I will name you Shaylaun. For your mother was Fatetora, meaning Fate " He was now not alone, he had a daughter. ~~to be continued~~
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Post by Enchant on Sept 18, 2005 4:03:44 GMT -5
Chapter 3 The Visitor's Riddle "How can we confront him? He will be furious, ", Said one of the hooded elders. "How did she escape? Never, has anyone ever escape. Sanctuary was made to be a fortress." said an elder, who was obviously nervous. He always rambled on, when he was dealing with stress. "I say, we don't tell him." The different discussions went silent, as the youngest, of the group stepped forward, and the other looked back at him. "You can't be serious! I think the Supreme Elder will recognize his chosen isn't around.", he looked at the others, "We have to tell the Supreme Elder." The a soft roar of discussion filled the woods, as the men walked back to sanctuary. "I think we should tell him, that she some how managed to escape and took her own life and the life of the youngling, by jumping off the cliff.",Said the youngest elder. "You know Brackien does seem to have a point. The Elder never need know, that we tried to perform the ceramony with out him.", said anouther elder as he stepped forward. "So , we just tell him that she somehow escaped, and ended up going over the side of the cliff. This way we tell the truth." "I am not sure, this is a good idea. It is against our programming to lie to the supreme Elder." Brackien stepped forward. "Tismet, my friend, we will not lie. We will tell him just what we said. If he asks us about performing a ceramony, we will tell him. Otherwise he need never know." Tismet looked at Brackien and reluctantly nodded in agreement. "It's agreed, we pledge never to speak of the incident , unless asked directly from the Supreme Elder." The all put thier hands in the circle and vowed. They then all headed back up the steep hill to sanctuary. Once they reached the top of the hill, Brackien let the others pass him, as he looked out over the technic city. What once was beautiful architectures and sculptures, was now ruins. Only a few ancient buildings still stood, but only with the support of the Technic's technology. Dark and hard looking metals stacked and built many of the structures. The Flying crafts flew over head, where birds once flocked in flight. Sanctuary was a technic city centrally located in a agriculturely flourishing planet. How he longed for the ancient way of life. He then followed the others. When they reached the front entrance, a male youngling, no more than seven, was talking to a guard. Brackien and the others looked down at the child and listen to him giving the guard a hard time. "You best let me in, you be in big trouble. I am here to see the Supreme Elder." The guard stood there , ignoring the youngling. "Hey, you hear me? Now step aside." The youngling, held his shoulders up high and stepped forward towards the enterence doors. The guard, effortlessly, pushed the child to the side, causing him to fall to the ground. "you're gonna pay for that" , yelled the youngling. And he kicked the guard in the shin. The Guard didn't move and the youngling grunted. Amused by the younglings braveness, Brackien, smiled and called the boy towards him. " you, youngling, come here." The male youngling made his way over to Brackien. " I am here to see the Supreme Elder." "Well, maybe I can pass the message along to him? The Supreme Elder, doens't make it a habit of talking to anyone, you know." Brackien gave the child a wink. The male youngling shook his head aggressively, " I am not allowed to speak to anyone,but the Supreme Elder." With this statement, Brackien walked over to the other elders , who had been standing there watching in ammusement, as well. "I think we should let the youngling have an audience with the Supreme Elder. I think it will be a nice distraction.", He glanced at the others , with a mischevious look. "We will inform him that one of his chosen, had escape and that she is dead. And then we will inform him of our visitor." He glanced back at the male youngling, who was obviously trying to ease drop. The elders all nodded in agreement. Brackien called the boy over to him, "I will take you to the Supreme Elder. But first we will need to see him first.And then, you may have his audience." The youngling smiled, "Thank You." Brackien guided the youngling through the halls, and showed him a place to sit. "Now, sit here and dont move." And then he and the other elders entered the double doors in front of him. "HOW DID SHE ESCAPE?", a loud and thunderous voice echoed throughout the large room. "Who let her escape?" Brackien stepped forward, "we do not know Supreme Elder. We followed her to the edge of the villiage and she with unborn went over the cliff and into the river below. She could not have survived." The Supreme Elder slouched into his throne and inhaled in fustration. He then looked up at the others. "Did you bring back the body?" The elders all looked around to each other and then shook there heads that they didn't. "Supreme Elder, there is no way anyone could survive that fall. And the raging river below could have pulled her body anywhere. The Supreme Elder then pinched his fingers on the top of the bridge on his nose and let out a large sigh. Brackien stepped forward once more, "Supreme Elder, you have a youngling who claims to have a message for you. Do you grant him your audience?" The Supreme Elder, asked without looking up, "what is the message?" "We do not know , he refused to tell us. He claims, he has to give it to you, personally." "Very well, send him in., " he said tiredly. Brackien nodded and went to the double doors. They slid open to reveal the boy wasn't sitting where he was supppose to be. He was running up and down the corridors. The child stopped, when he saw Brackien standing in the center, blocking his way to pass. "The Supreme Elder will see you now.", Brackien said , trying not to smile , remembering his childhood. The youngling followed Brackien into the large hall. Then, Bracken stepped aside and let the youngling pass. The Supreme Elder looked up and gave a half smile tot he child, "I am told you have a message for me. Well, let's hear it." The boy stepped forward and nodded, " Follow to a world of blue, Into the mouth, that has no thirst. go to the belly where the heart echos like drums, and stir while the ancient guardians come. Hear the wind, and smell the air, feel the way and eyes closed if you dare. Only the worthy , will make the corridor pass, and only the strongest will survive this task." The Supreme Elder sat up straight and tall, as if his every desire had been answered. Brackien and the others looked at him bewildered. "What does this mean Supreme Elder?", questioned Tismet. The Supreme Elder looked at him and smiled, "It means, we will be going on a spiritual quest my elders. A journey I was born to make." Brackien and the others were so curious ,as to what all this was about ,but the Supreme Elder didn't reveal anything, not even a hint. It wasn't long before the Supreme Elder and the others were getting ready for what appeared a long journey. "How long will we be gone?" The Supreme Elder glanced over at Brackien and smiled with effort. "As long as it takes." Hours later, The youngling stood at the edge of the far off hill and watched, as the center ship lifted off the ground. He watched till it was passed the clouds and could no longer be seen. He then said, " I delievered you message, just as you asked, I told him word for word, can I have my reward now? " The boy took the rope that was handed to him from over his shoulders.He turned around to see a beautiful black stallion, had been tied to the other end of it. And on the stallion was a leather sachel and a box. He turned to thank the individual, but was now all alone. He climbed up on his new horse and looked into the sachel to see a small fortune in coin. He then opened the box and pulled out two items. One was a strange necklace, and the other was a weapon a unusual laser blade with a strange marking on it. He then went to place the items back in the box, and noticed a inscription on the cover....You will know her , by her true name. ~ to be continued~
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Post by mizuhime on Sept 20, 2005 10:45:08 GMT -5
as i said on messinger, you severly under estimate your own talents, your an awsome, writer. I loved chapter 1 and 3, chapter 2 i had hard time getting into but i don think thats your fault.
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Post by Enchant on Sept 21, 2005 5:41:02 GMT -5
as i said on messinger, you severly under estimate your own talents, your an awsome, writer. I loved chapter 1 and 3, chapter 2 i had hard time getting into but i don think thats your fault. I am glad you liked it...why did you not get into pchapter 2 you think?
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Post by Weird Rob 87 on Sept 21, 2005 18:11:52 GMT -5
Very good pieces Enchant.
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Post by Enchant on Dec 4, 2005 8:09:49 GMT -5
Thank you thats sweet, but what did you like about it? I want to see what type of things are appealing to other readers..
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Post by Evil3 on Dec 19, 2005 17:08:47 GMT -5
Excellent fic Piffy.
I always love your writing. Your style jsut keeps people interesting, and you have a good plot.
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Post by Enchant on Dec 24, 2005 21:10:05 GMT -5
Excellent fic Piffy. I always love your writing. Your style jsut keeps people interesting, and you have a good plot. Thank you, I am glad you like it, yeah I try to be original in my stories....will be working on the next part soon...
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Post by Enchant on Dec 26, 2005 10:01:36 GMT -5
Chapter 4 Birth Right The cracking of wood hitting wood echoed through the valley, as she fought her opponent effortlessly. Through the years, she had developed a natural ability to learn the moves quickly and with a sense of ease and grace, exectute any of the fighting skills the Gladiaons would teach her. She swung her stick over her head and down to her side causing her opponents hands to loose control and drop their stick. The long red, curly haired girl was now standing over the large muscular male with dominance in her face and compassion in her eyes and her stick positioned above his throat. "Does my teacher yield?" she asked tauntingly. "He does." He watched, as she removed the stick from his throat and still gripping it,let her arm fall down to her side and with her other hand reached down in assistance to help him up. "You have learned well. Your father will be pleased.", he said assuringly. "I don't know why he insist I learn all this stuff. I have found no use for it.", she said as a matter of factly. "Well, your father believes that knowledge will lead to the truth." , he stated. She paused and looked directly in his eyes."Truth? , Teacher, all my life I have been asking him about the truth. He hides these things from me."She watched as her teacher smiled and then continue to walked. "He does love you, its just how and who he is.." He stated knowingly. "I know.", she said as she watched her teacher walk ahead of her, and then she muttered to herself, "I just wish he would open up to me." That night,while laying down, she imagined what she should expect for the next day. It was to be her 16th birth cycle and it was the day she would be tested. Every year, on her birth cycle, she would go through the same test. She often wondered what the test were for, but never dared questioned them. Trying not to think about it, she closed hers and let the night carry her away. Death was everywhere. Rivers of blood and skies of fire were the only things to be immediately seen. Sounds of cries and thunderous explosions filled her ears.Then in the cloud of smoke a figure moved towards her. It was hard to make out who it was or any distinctive qualities. But a new voice rose through the air"Fatetora". She could smell the burning of flesh and the smelting of metals.But the voice coming from within the smoke, was comforting. "Fatetora". . She then felt an urge to turn and run away, but when she did , she walked directly into a cold figure dressed in white and gold. A majestic looking mane dressed in white and gold and with a cold vast darkness in his eyes. He grabbed her by both her arms and looked directly at her, "Shaylaun". Shaylaun jolted up and sat there trying to catch her breath.Shaken till th core, she wondered what that dream was all about. Without thinking, she looked up at the stars in the sky and whispered the name Fatetora. Instantly, a rush of emotions came flooding to her.A tingling sensation vibrated throughout her body and a sudden rush of energy seem to burst through her. She began to illuminate different colors of the spectrum and a subtle hum shook around her.The moon began to take form. A image of a women came towards her. She was transparent and bright. As she moved towards Shaylaun, she smiled, "It's Time." Pounding noises woke Shaylaun from her trance.The images and surge of energy and emotions dissipated and the room came back into focus. She hurried to the room door and lifted the latch and opened it. Her father and teacher were both standing there with concern. Her teacher was the first to speak."Are you alright?" "I ...I am fine. Must have been a bad night vision.", she said confusingly. She watched as they both seem to be standing their curious as to what had really happened. "I am fine, just go back to sleep, sorry I woke you." She slowly closed the door and then leaned up against it. She was scared and wondered what had really happened and who was that woman she had seen. Did she have something to do with the dream she had been having? She moved toward the bed with all her thoughts consuming her. She laid her head down and went to sleep. She woke up to the song of the day. The birds were singing and the wind was humming. The villagers were all up and had started their day already. Climbed out of bed and moving to the window, she noticed it to be a crisp and sunny day. Inhaling the clean morning air, she pulled her boots on and exited the room. It didn't take long before she reached the table where her father and teacher sat. He looked up at her anxiously, "Good morning daughter." "Good morning father.", she said. "Today is your test. But not like those you have had before. You have reached your 16th cycle and that requires a special test. I just wanted you to know it."he glanced at her concerned. She looked at him curiously, "What kind of test?" He looked over at the teacher and then her." It is forbidden to tell you of it before your test. It is thought to be a way of cheating the test. Just know that I have all the confidence in you and love you dearly." She smiled at his honesty, but wondered what the secrecy was. "I hope so father." The mid day arrived quickly and the tribe council had all congregated to the edge of the village. There were tall wooden statues surrounding the entrance to a cave. All the years, she had been to this village, she had never noticed it before. In the tall wooden statues, there was a mouth that contained a jewel the size of a large man's fist. From what she could tell , they were to signify each of the lands elements. She was escorted to the center of the circle, by her father and teacher.They both nodded and looked up at the tribal leader. He stood up and silenced the land. He looked down at the father and nodded. "Shaylaun, has reached her 16th birth cycle and must be tested. She must pass through the mouth of Sedah . She will be tested on her fighting, her cunning and wit, and her enate abilities. She will enter the mouth when the two moons come as one.". he stated authorial. He then sat down. The ceremony began. a girl brought her a bowl to drink out of. She sipped the drink to see what it was and noticed that its taste was quite pleasant. It had a sweet and joyful taste. She drank the sweet nectar till the bowl was empty. The youngling smiled at her and gentle nodded, taking the bowl from her hands. The tribe began to dance and sing in celebration of Shaylaun. She was having a joyous time.As soon as night came, the celebration began to take an usual turn. The clouds above began to close , and the moons disappeared, and the night sky began to rumble. The tribal leader stood up and watched as the darkness began to light up with streaks of flashing light pulse out. Shaylaun watched as he stepped down from his thrown and run to her father and teacher. He seemed quite angry. "She cannot take the test. The heavens don't want her to." he screamed over the wind. Her father looked at her frightened. "She has to take it. It is her birth right. She must walk through the mouth." "Then she must do it alone." The tribal leader walked over to Shaylaun. He looked deep into her eyes. "Do you know what has happened child?" "No", she stated honestly. He looked at her father, then the commotion in the sky, "The heavens disagree with this test. I cannot not send you through. I cannot be the one to test you. The heavens have decided that I am not worthy. They have something different and special in store for you. You cannot enter with a companion, we are not permitted. You have to enter alone." He placed his hand on his head piece as the wind whipped by forcefully. "GO, go now." Shaylaun stood up and turned to her father. He looked frightened for her. "I am sorry my daughter. I had no idea. we can leave this planet now, if you wish." She could sense his fear. But something compelled her to be tested. She instinctively knew she must enter the mouth of Sedah alone. She gave her father a lovingly look and nodded a thanks to her teacher, she then looked at the tribal leader and nodded in understanding. She turned and walked towards the mouth. She passed the first set of wooden towers. The red jewels began to light up. Seeing this happened caused Shaylaun to pause. But she wouldn't let her curiosity permit her from going further. She passed the next pair of towers and the blue jewels that laid in their mouths began to light up. As she passed through each set of towers there respective jewels glowed as if fire was inside them. She turned around to see her father, but when she did a wall of shifting multi- color lights was was standing there. She reached her hand out to touch the wall, but pulled it back quickly, as if she knew something bad would happen. She turned back towards the darkness, but she was in a small cavern. On the other side of it, was two openings into two separate passages. Sitting in front of them was a small stone table. Upon the table laid a leather belt and small sachel. The buckle on the belt had a unique looking design inscribed on itand sheath that was attacked to it. She placed the belt on her waste and pulled out the blade from the sheath. It glimmered, as the reflection of the wall behind her reflected of it. She placed it back in its sheath and looked at both openings. She was uncertain as to which one she should take. Her mind told her the one on the left, but her heart said the one on the right. She decided to throw caution to the wind and go to the right. She entered the right mouth , the torch automatically lit up and the entranced caved in from behind her. She was now committed. She pulled the tourch from the wall and held it out in front of her. She would have to push forward or die. ~~to be continued~~
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Post by Enchant on Jan 10, 2006 6:50:32 GMT -5
Chapter 5 The Warning He enjoyed the everyday pleasures of life that wealth brought, as he sat at the end of the wooden table. One lady sitting on his left knee, anouther sitting on the bench to his right, and the full audience of the tavern hanging on to his every word. "So Jarett, why haven't you settled down and mated yourself a companion or two?" the waitress asked, as she leaned over pouring more wine. After she was done, he brought his metal goblet to his lips and took a sip of his wine and then placed the goblet on the table. Then teasingly mocked,"Because no one has been able to stir my pot the way you do." He then leaned over and looked towards the bar, to insure the barkeep would hear, " And if that old man of yours would ever leave I might show you my true intentions."The whole tavern laughed. "Are you going to let him court me like that Enish?" the waitress yelled, at her husband. The barkeeper looked up and laughed and pointed to Jarret. "You bed her , you can't give her back." The waitress through her cloth at him and snarled," You dirty good for nothing.." , the whole tavern bursting into laughter. Jarret decided to call it a night and head out. He said his farewells and exited out into the night. He stretched his arms out and gave a yawn , as he glanced over at a dark stallion grazing in the ,under the light of the two moons. He walked over to the mare and petted his nose. "You look very much like your mother." He climbed upon his horse and rode towards the line of trees. He thought about the evenings events and the comment about his finding a companion. The truth be told , a women with long locks of auburn, and eyes of elementals blue fire, and skin of alabaster haunted his dreams. He had dreamed of her ever since he was a child. It wasn't long before he reached an opening in the center of the woods. There standing in the middle was a smooth , tall metallic tower. At the foot of it sat a small pod ship. He galloped over to the tower and jumped off the horse. He watched the horse move back away from the tower and then entered through metallic door. With a heavy sigh, he removed his tunic and went to the elevator standing in the middle of the metal room. The shaft was made of glass with metal railings going down the sides. He watched as the round circular floors moved below him as he rose to the top. Soon, the glass doors opened and he stepped out of the elevator. The room had no outer walls, it was all glass. He went to the bed and kicked off his boots, and socks. You will know her by her true name He leaned back and looked over at the table beside him. He pushed a small flat button on the table and a small container rose up from it. He opened the container and pulled out the a necklace. He had that necklace ever since he was a small boy. Jarret held it in his hands and studied it, like he did every night. "Who are you? Are you the one I am dreaming about? "he said to himself, as he caressed the metal between his fingers. He reached down to his side and unsheathed a dagger from his holster. He studied it as well, holding it next to the necklace. He watched as the blade reflected the night moons on it. He suddenly heard something over head. he placed the necklace and dagger upon the bed and walked to the glass windows. Once he reached it, the glass parted making an opening onto a metallic deck. Walking out into the night air, he noticed the sounds were coming from above. A small regiment of Elder cruisers and fleet pods were passing over head. Realizing that as all it was he went back in and sat back down on the bed. He watched as the lights in the sky moved above him and the rumbling and now distinguishable sound assisted him to sleep. She is the key to our salvation, here me, believe in her, have faith my friends.A bell woke Jarret from his dream. A dream he hadn't had before. Was it prophetic, or was it just a dream. He was puzzled when he realized why he had wakened. Someone was at the door. He leaned over to the table and pushed anouther flat button, that lit up when he touched it. Soon holographic image appeared. "Jarret, let me in, we have trouble coming." He jumped off the bed, ready to head down, when he realized that he had left his two prized possession on the bed. He placed the dagger back in its sheath and without thinking, he put the necklace around his neck. Quickly, realizing what he did, he was about to remove it, when the man in the holograph called out to him. realizing it must be important, he disregarded removing it and tucked it into his shirt. "What are you doing here?", Jarret asked as he opened the door. The small man, looked behind him, as if checking, to see if he had been followed. When he was satisfied, that he hadn't, he entered the tower. "Jarret, the High Elder and the others are returning. My sources say that the High Elder has gone mad. They have been gone all these years on a quest for something a young boy told them. The brotherhood of elders are questioning his sanity and the High elder is feeling the pressure. No one has challenged him, for they fear him. He is heading back to find the boy who told him the riddle." The man removed the hood from his head and looked directly at Jarret. " He is going to be looking for you, and the one who sent you to him with the fake clue to the Key of the Heavens." Jarret remembered when he was a boy and was hired to tell the High Elder the clue. At the time, he had no idea, how that particular moment would impact the rest of his life. He had received the mother of his male stallion, a satchel of coin and his two most prized possessions. Rubbing the necklace underneath is shirt,"It will be alright. They have no clue it was I who told them the riddle." "But Jarret, they will. As soon as they land, it wont belong, till they work their magic and find you. You have to leave." Jarret looked up, something in him knew he was right, but he was waiting. Waiting for something he know not. "I can't leave, not just yet. I am waiting." "Waiting? waiting for what ? To die?" Jarret shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know, something is holding me back." The little man slid the hood back on his head and looked at his tall young friend, "You have been warned. There is nothing else, I can do for you. Good luck my friend." And the man turned and exited the tower. Jarret knew something was going to happen soon. Something he seemed to have been training and waiting for most of his life. He went to the closet and pulled out a bag and searched through it, making sure all the required contents were in it. Then with a compelling urge he exited the tower, without looking back and headed towards the pod ship. He gave out a whistle and the black stallion came running. "Well Night Gust, looks like we are going on anouther adventure.", he smiled, as they stood there, waiting for the ships outer hull doors to open. Soon, Night Gust was loaded up and Jarret reached up to pull the lever to seal the doors, when he saw a figure just outside the doors lurking within the dark. It was impossible to see who the figure was, as he was careful enough to stay out of the light and stay within the shadows. "Who's out there?", he asked inquisitively. A soft and confident voice replied. "Have you forgotten me so soon? I am the one who gave you your treasures you wear and your stallions mother." "I remember who you are. You left me a boy with a prizes, but now I am a man with troubles.", he said. "Troubles, you say?" , the man laughed in the dark. "You mock me , someone who remains unseen?", Jarret asked angrily. "No, Jarret, I do not mock you, I envy you. For you will be hers and she yours. You will know her as no other. A fair price, for whats to come." Jarret's heart leaped. He knew who the mysterious man was referring to, but didn't want to show his knowledge." Who do you speak of?" "You know who I speak of, You will know her by her true name." , the mans voice seemed to dissipate into the darkness. Jarret looked out into the darkness, and the pulled the lever down. As the doors were shutting, he saw the man briefly, when he yelled,"Let your dreams guide you" and then the doors sealed shut. ~ to be continued~
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Post by Enchant on Mar 18, 2006 1:51:19 GMT -5
Chapter 6 A VIVID DREAM "We have arrived on the outskirts, Supreme Elder.", said the darked clocked servent. The High Elder nodded assuringly, "Good, good,I want my shuttle ready whenI get back from meditation" The servent bowed and held his hands together and then stoof up and walked away. It wasn't long when the supreme Elder heard a familiar voice coming up form behind him. "SUpreme Elder, Why have we come here? This planet hasn't been colonized with technics." The old man smiled and then continued to walk forward."Brakien, have you ever had a dream, no.."He paused in and shook his head, "Not a dream, a reality vision, yes, a vision."He then continued to walk pointing both fingers out in front of him as to make a point."A vision that was so profound that , it was as if you have always known it to be true." Brackien looked confused,"I can't say that I have High Elder" The old man continued, as if not to hear Brackien."I saw my destiny, I saw myself having reached the end of my quest. I saw myself laughing. You were thier Brakien, you and a handful of Elders and someone else. I am not sure who, I couldn't see." This caught Brackiens attention and stirred a bit of curiousity in him. "You didn't see who it was?" The Supreme elder shook his head, "I remember walking into a large mouth, it was dark and I felt like I was being swallowed whole. The air was think and hard to breath. But when I cast a light , I saw writing on the stone wall, it was something I have never seen before. It had to be extremely old. I heard arguing and remember seeing a light flickering on the cavern walls up ahead. I followed the sounds. I couldn't see who was argueing, but I remember seeing a powerful light and thinking I final found what I was looking for." Brakien was puzzled and intrigued, "So, you didn't see who was argueing?" The Elder shook his head, "But it doesn't matter, don't you see? I had reached it, I was happy and felt the victory. I still can feel it, as if I had already have it." Brackien looked up at his elder, "So why are we here at this desolate planet?" The elder placed his hand on Brackiens shoulder, "Because, I beleive this is the place the riddle the boy spoke of is." Brackien then stopped,"But sir, we have been to so many planets looking for the place you speak of, what makes this one different? Why do you think this is the one?" The old man laughed, "I have seen it." Brackein watched as the Supreme Elder walked down the corridor. Soon, two fellow elders cam up from behind him and inquired,"So, did you find out why we are here?" Brakien turned around to see two of his fellow elders. "He had a dream." They looked at him startled and in unison spoke* "A dream?" Brakien nodded and followed the Supreme Elder down the corridor. Then the tall elder looked to shorter one."Oh, well that makes sense."he shrugged his shoulders. "Yep, he had a dream. You hungry?", asked the shorter one. With a nod, they turned and walked in the oposite direction of Brackien and the High Supreme Elder. ~to be continued~
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Post by Enchant on Apr 29, 2006 18:16:10 GMT -5
Chapter 7 Specter of the Cavern Shaylaun walked slowly forward, as she held the torch in front of her. She could see the dark sharp rock edges glimmering off the tunnel wall and the cob webs hanging from the ceiling...The air was thin, and every move she made echoed. All she could think about was what the possible test were that laid ahead of her. Why wasn't she allowed to take someone with her. Was there a need for the gods to wish her to be tested more? No matter what she thought, she some how knew that it was meant to be this way. It wasn't long before she came to a large opening. The light from her torch showed a oil pot ahead. She reached the torch out and lit the oil. She then pulled the torch back as the flames on the oil reached high and began to spread throughout the cave along a small crevice in the cavern walls. Soon the large cavern was lit and the light from the flames reflected off the crystals hanging from the ceiling and protruding from the ground. Shaylaun gasp at the wonder of the large room. In the center of the room there was no bottom. It was a large whole in the ground. She leaned over the edge and saw nothing. But she knew it wasn't bottomless, as a soft whisper arose into the air from it. She followed a pre-made path to the middle of the cavern. Once Shaylaun looked around and saw no other way out of the room except the way she had entered. She stepped back and looked at the crystals surrounding her. They were mesmerizing, as they dance with each flicker of the fires flames. Without thinking about it, she moved toward one of the glassy stones, raised her hand and touch it. It was as if she had done it many times before. Upon her flesh touching the cold crystal, she felt a hard gust of wind rise up from the cabin's depth and blow out the flames. Suddenly, the wind stopped and she stood there in utter darkness. She thought she should be more afraid then she was, but Shaylaun had more of a feeling of expecting. She then reached both her hands out, trying to feel her way back to the entrance, so that she could retrieve the torch. But before she got far, a soft light began to shine in the center of the cavern. The light was getting stronger, soon she could vaguely see throughout the cavern. She looked down into the whole and saw what looked like a large crystal rising up within it. The closer it got to the top, the brighter it lit the room. Soon she could see the enormous crystal before her. In the center of it looked like a glass throne. Cautiously, Shaylaun moved closer to the edge and could see something moving upon the thrown. It was translucent. "Why do you awake me?", the ghost asked. Shaylain looked at it with wonder, "I..I am sorry, I didn't know. I am on a quest and I am not sure why." The specter looked at her saying nothing as if waiting for Shaylaun to answer. "I was suppose to have my right of passage, but the gods forbid anyone to guide me through the trials. I have no idea what to expect or what I am doing." She seemed to speak her words quickly, without caution. This seemed to get the spirits attention. "You have no guide? what is your name youngling?" "Shaylaun", she said with pride. "Shaylaun? Shaylaun..aww I know you some how. How is it I know of you , but do not know you? What is it you seek?" "I have no idea. I entered the cave. and it closed behind me, I followed it here. I touched a crystal and then I am speaking to you." The specter stood up, and moved closer to Shaylaun. "You you awakened me by touching the crystals, how did you know which one to touch?" "I don't know, I just did it.", She said innocently. The specter moved even closer. she seemed to study the young girl as if to memorize all that she was. "I suppose you wish to travel to the wall below?" "I do not know, do I?" The specter glided back to her throne within a blink. She then waved her arm and crystals began to protrude out of the walls one after another causing a step like effect. The specter nodded to her. Shaylaun slowly moved toward the stairs leading down into the darkness. But as she was about to step down onto the first step, the specter wailed causing the crystals to ricochet the sounds and make the whole cavern shake. "Before you step into the depths, know this.. Things are not always what they seem, and sometimes they are." Soon the spirit faded with one more last comment , "I will see you again young Shaylaun.", and the lights dimmed in the cavern. and slowly the lights began to dim on the steps. "What in the gods was that suppose to mean?", she said to herself , as she hastily began her decent into the abyss. She hastily went down them and the light seemed to follow. "Things are not always what they seem, and sometimes they are. I mean honestly, the spirits couldn't come up with something more profound?" She continued. Soon the lights going out had caught up with her. She was descending down into the whole with out any light. She pushed herself along the wall and slowly proceeded down, stretching her foot out carefully, using her toe to feel the next step, keeping in mind that the next one could very possible be the bottom of the cavern or the end of her life. Fortunately for her, it wasn't much longer till she felt the the softness of the ground.with very small steps and her foot stretched out to test her path with each step she continued to move on. The air was very cold here, and it smelled musty and old. With her hand dragging along the walls, she paused.. It felt like she was going around in circles. She then paused and sat down in the blackness. she could feel something crawling on her and began to brush it off. "Now what?" she muttered to herself, as she sat there in the dark, and the only thing she could hear was her heart beat and breathing. ~ to be continued ~
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