“One shall be a guardian of Fire and the Souls of the World, and killer of he that brought Death.
Another shall Protect the Fire, and steal from the thief, that which is closely guarded.
The bringer of Death shall redeem himself, and save the world from it’s plight.”
–Translation from the stone of the Antiquity
Prophecy for the Age of Rain
Lina shifted again in her saddle, not used to the long hours spent on horse back. They’d left home yesterday, heading towards Hour-Sisi, or Isisi as most called it. Kai hadn’t told her why it was so important that they head there first, or why he seemed upset with Dri. They would reach the small city in a few hours and she hoped to know more then.
“Were making better time then I thought, at the next rise you should be able to see the Tower of Ama-Ra d’Yow. It’s only a few miles outside the city. Since it’ll be evening when we arrive, you can visit it tomorrow. I’m sure the Dryad’s would love to show you.” Kai told her, pointing to the crest of the hill they were now climbing.
“What are Dryads like?” she asked him
“They are hard to explain, but I’ll do my best. When the gods first made the world, Dryads were primarily women. Strong warriors, they were tiny, topping out at just over five feet, if they were lucky. They lived in forest’s, and are close to the trees. History says they used to be connected to there own trees, and as it grew old, withered and died, so did they. That of course meant a longer life span. Of the five races, they are the one of the oldest, second only to the Elves. It’s also believed that around four thousand years ago, the god Eld erOck altered several of them, so they gave birth to males. The few that could were welcome, in spite of the difference. After some time, they felt it would be best to leave, and thus the Kenders were born. Not quite as woodsy as there cousins, they are none the less a feisty race.”
“Back to the Dryads, not long after that, the race evolved slightly, and they left their forest home, to build cities. They were the first to use stone instead of wood. They became singers, dancers, and the such, changing there whole society. No one knows what happened, but many think it was the changes, and the emergence of man that first started the change. Remember, man is still a young race. We elves have been around for over fifteen thousand years, while you have only been here for three thousand.”
“Are they still close to the trees?” she asked him
He frowned, “There is a small order that worships them, but most now worship the Phoenix. You of course know the story of the phoenix.”
“And the Gods warred, causing fire and ice to cover Aurora. In there desire to destroy each other, they destroyed themselves. From there ashes, a form arose. She had wings, and blessed the world. Changing nothing, she returned the lands to there former glory, and asked for nothing in return, but love.” Lina smiled at him, “Sound about right?”
“Sound just like what father told me the first night I met him, when I was five.” He said, thinking back, “That was a long time ago.”
“Must be so interesting to be two hundred and seventy-three years old.” she said, wistfully
“I’m only one hundred and forty one.” he growled at her playfully
“Whatever.” Her eyes caught sight of something, “Is that the Tower?” she asked, leaning forward. “It’s breathtaking.”
Several miles ahead of her was a gleaming navy tower. It was several miles tall, and a mile wide. The color was so dark, it was almost black, and it seemed as though you could see stars gleaming across the surface.
“It’s like looking at the nights sky.” she breathed. “Do you know the story behind it?” she asked
“Never thought to ask. I’ve only been here once before. Dryad’s have little use for mercs. Most of the other races leave them alone. We’ll be staying at the Swaggering Lion. It’s near the west gate.”
“Are you gonna tell me why Dri asked us to come here?”
“He want’s me to call in a favor. I helped someone out a couple years ago, got him get home and such. He’s the best at what he does, and I understand why Dri wants me to ask for his help.”
“Then why are you so upset with Dri?”
Kai glared at the landscape, “I’m upset because, to the best of my knowledge, only three people know what happened. Myself, Kayla, and our friend down there. If Dri knows, then he’s been spying on me, and I don’t like it. d’Illianad is known for having the best spy network in Aurora.”
“And since he’s the guardian for Mara, it’s as his disposal.” Lina finished for him.
“Exactly. On top of that, he used you, to get to me. It’s a common curticy that when asking a favor, you ask yourself. Not another to really the information. It would seem he’s changed. Sounds more like a pollination than a friend.”
“But what if this is really for the best?”
“Doesn’t matter. Trickery and lies is not the way to find the Sacred Jewel. The Phoenix wouldn’t allow it. If anything, she’d hide it from us. If fathers right, and we’re the hero’s of old reborn, then she can just as easily have us reborn again. You’ve read the stories. Two hundred years ago, all the signs were right, and a group set out to find the jewel. We still don’t know what happened to them. If it’s not done right, she’ll just set it all up to happen couple hundred years from now, till we get it done right.” He turned to look to his sister, “I know you know all this, I just don’t want you to die at only eighteen. You may have a shorter life span then me, but that’s too young, no mater what species you are.”
She smiled at him, “Then we’ll just have to keep him in line. Between the two of us, it shouldn’t be to much of a problem.”
He smiled at her, as they passed through the gates, and into the city. He just hoped she was right.
——-
A young women sat brushing her long raven locks. Streaks of white ran through it, making some parts look almost blue.
“So they went to Isisi first. It doesn’t matter. The point is that their both coming.” she told the man standing behind her.
“It does matter. It means were going to have more trouble with them, then I first thought. I specifically told her they were to pick up the thief first, then the assassin. He’s making the trip take longer then it should.”
The women turned to face him, her green eyes flashing. “If what Lina says is true, then he is not one to be ordered around. You did not hear all that the witch told me, though you tried.” her eyes narrowed, “Which brings up another point. Father trusted you. He once said you were a man who trusted his friends, and viewed the world through open eyes. That you did not see race. I wonder now what he would say of you.”
“That I am protecting his daughter from those that try to kill her, and am making sure she is placed on the throne.”
She waved her hand at him, “I see a man who has let a little power go to his head, and now when he looks at someone, see what he can get out of him. You are like a thief, eyeing your next mark.” She stood, and walked away, “You may leave Dri.” she said, dismissing him.
He bowed to her and left, the door closing soundly behind him.
“Eld I am tired of this.” he said to himself, heading to his own room.
—–
Kai gently shook the prone figure before him.
“Come on Lina. Time to get up.” he whispered
The women moaned, and rolled over, “What?” she grumbled
“Ahh, the genteel fragile Lina, emerges from her bed of roses, soft and feminism, ready to woo the masses.” She glared at him, as he continued, “Get up, I have to leave.”
“You have to leave?” she asked. “I’m not coming with you?”
“Nope. I need to talk to him alone.” he smiled, and opened the door, “Your grace and beauty might distract him.” Kai said, quickly closing the door, barely avoiding the pillow she’d thrown at him.
He headed downstairs to the dining room.
“Morning Sir. Care for a bit of breakfast?” a small women asked
“No thank you Xiriam.” he said to her, pulling out a envelope, “My sister has some interest in the tower. Do you know of someone that could show her around it, and give her some of the history about it. I have to run an errand, and might be gone all day, so this would be a big help.”
She smiled at him, “Oh course. One of our neighbors has studied it greatly. I’ll call for him, if she so desires.”
“Thank you again.” he said, and started to walk away, only to turn back again. “Could you also give her this letter.” he asked
She nodded her head, and took the envelope from him, placing it in the pocket of her dress.
Kai headed out into the small town. It’s residents were still waking, as he navigated the wide streets. While it wasn’t a large place, it was old, and had been built with out purpose. Roads winded, curving back into themselves and were known to end abruptly.
After nearly thirty minuets, he found the right house, and knocked on the door.
It was answered by a young man, with dark brown hair, and honey colored eyes.
Kai smiled tightly, “Hello Viper, I need to call in my favor. May I come in?”
The man glared at him, before nodding, and stepping aside. The tall elf entered, and the man closed the door.
—–
Lina dug through her bag, still in her shift. She pulled out a dark blue dress, and smiled. It wasn’t the best dress she owned, but it was her favorite. She stepped into it, and laced the front up. Since they were most likely staying for the day, she figured it would be ok to where it. A better part of her other clothes were pants, and long tunics. While most women frowned on wearing pants, she preferred them when traveling. Skirts were hard to wear while fighting. Her mother had pointed that out, when she was fourteen, and had wanted to where nothing but skirts.
She smiled at the memory, as she pulled her pair up in a bun, grabbed her staff and bag, before heading downstairs.
“Ah, Miss Kerensky. Would you care for some breakfast?” Xiriam asked her.
“Yes please.” she answered, sitting down.
“C’Timoner, please bring out some bread, fruit, and juice for our guest.” she told one of her daughters. Turning back to the young women, “You brother told me you are interested in our tower, yes?”
“Very much so.”
“Ah, then I would recommend Mr. Oshidoa, two doors down. He knows more then anyone, about our great tower. I can have one of my daughters go and get him, if you’d like.”
“Don’t trouble yourself. I’ll head over, as soon as I’m done eating.” Lina said, smiling down at the plate of food, placed before her.
“Very good. As I said, two doors down, on the left. Enjoy your meal.” Xiriam said, turning to go. “Oh, I forgot. Your brother also asked me to give this to you.” she said, placing the envelope on the table, and walking away.
Lina picked it up, and read the contents.
Little one,
As I’m sure you suspected, if all goes well, we will leave here tomorrow morning. Please enjoy the town until then. I should be back for dinner.
Love,
Kai
She folded the letter, and placed it in her bag. Quickly finishing her meal, she wrapped some of the leftover bread in cloth, and put it away.
“Mrs. Xiriam?” she called.
“Yes miss?”
“Would it be possible to have some cheese to take with me? I hope to be gone all day, and it would be easier if I had some food for lunch.”
“Oh course miss.” She answered, rushing back to the kitchen. She returned a minuet latter with a small hunk of cheese, also wrapped. Lina placed them both in her bag, and left the small Inn.
Lina lifted her hand to knock on the door again, when it was opened by a young man, with brown hair, and green eyes.
“Mr.Oshidoa?” she asked
The young man stared at her, his eyes roaming her body, taking in everything.
“Mr. Oshidoa?” she asked again.
“Excuse me?” he asked her, “Can I help you?”
“I’m looking for Mr. Oshidoa. The owner of the Inn told me he lived here.” She turned towards the tower, “I’d like to learn more about the tower, and she told me he would be willing to show it to me, as well as the history of it.” she finished, turning back to him.
He smiled at her, “Well, you’ve found him.” he said, reaching in to grab a cloak, before closing the door. “I’d be happy to show you around the tower.”
She smiled at him, “Thank you so much Mr. Oshidoa.”
“Please, call me Tamin, miss?”
“Oh! Where are my manners. Lina Kerensky. I’m here with my brother. We plan on leaving tomorrow, and since he’s busy all day with work.” she shrugged, “Thought I could study the tower.”
Tamin took her arm, and smiled, “Then let us get to it.” he said, leading her towards the gate.
—-
“Let me get this straight. Princess Mara wants to find some old stone. To do this, she needs some helpers. She already has two, her guardian, and your sister. She wants you as well. Her guardian, an old friend of yours, thinks this thief in Atem-Ra is the fifth, and I’m a perfect sixth? How does he know about us?” The Viper asked Kai, frowning.
“I suspect he used d’Illianad’s spy network to gather this information. Lina and I plan on talking to him about that. I have every intention of letting me know that I don’t like being spied on. Other then that, yes. That’s pretty much it.”
The Viper shook his head, “And you really believe all this stuff about sacred jewels, and mages?”
Kai shrugged, “I grew up with it. My fathers a High Priest of the Phoenix, and I’ve seen some of the things he can do. It’s not all smoke and mirrors.”
The Viper stood, “Your going to insist on me coming with.” the man nodded, “Then you’ll need to start calling me by my name, Kyp. The Viper is a little to well known in some places, and might cause some problems.” he smiled, “And, since we’re going to be working together for some time, you and your sister are welcome to join me for dinner, and even stay the night. It might make things easier tomorrow.”
“That would be wonderful. I’ll go and pick her, and our things up.”
“I’ll come along with. Haven’t seen Xiriam for several weeks now.”
Kai shook his his head, “How do you do it? You, the best, or second best as you call it, assassin in the world, yet you live in this simple town. Your friends with your neighbors, and most of the town. Don’t they wonder about what you do, that keeps you living so high an mighty? Besides that, how can you be so… so… normal? You do kill people for a living. Invade there lives, sometimes become their friends, or more, just to assassinate them.”
Kyp smiled again, as they left his house, “For starters, my father trained me that you should be two people. The Assassin, and the Man. Or in my case, The Viper and Kyp. They live differant lives. The Viper only comes out when he needs to. As Kyp, his memories don’t exist. Kyp is just an amazing fighter. He dosen’t see what the Viper does. As to living here, that’s the beauty of the Dryads. They keep to themselves for the most part. Why do you think so many scholars live in their small towns? Because they can do so, and nobody cares who they are, or why there here. As long as you treat them well, they’ll leave you alone. No, don’t turn there.” he said, as the Elf started to turn to the right, “It’s much faster this way.”
“I’ve only been here that one other time, so it still feels a bit odd.”
“It took me almost three months to really learn how the locals navigate this place.”
—-
“So then, the God’s of Ahmana’itka placed this tower here, to signify the end of the their time.” Tamin said, as he lead Lina around the inside of the tower.
“Then, they left before the great war of the Gods.” she asked him
“Um… Yes, they… ah… Sensed the war, and left before it happened.”
Lina gingerly touched the walls, “Amazing. I’ve never heard of God’s that left before the war. I was taught that all the God’s died in the great War.”
Tamin walked up behind her, and smiled. “There is so much in this world to learn.” he said
She turned around, surprised at his closeness, “Can we see the other levels?” she asked, walking towards the stairs.
He frowned, and followed after her. “Only a few. The upper levels are closed off.”
“Why?”
“They take to long to get too. It was believed at one time, that there were bedrooms, and the such, at each floor, above the fifth.”
Lina turned to him, smiling, “Could you imagine what it must have been like? A whole city, in this one tower. Inns, stores, on every floor. It must have been amazing.”
He ran a finger down the side of her face, and grinned, “Amazing in deed.”
—-
“Ah, Mr. Kerensky, you are back. And Mr. Kyp, it has been sometime.” was the greeting from Xiriam
“Hello Xiriam, is my sister back yet?” Kai asked
“No, she’s still out with Mr. Oshidoa.”
Kyp turned sharply to her, “Oshidoa’s out of town. He left just last week. His do nothing nephew’s watching his house for him. When did she leave?”
“Just after breakfast. She planned on being out all day.”
Kyp turned on heel, and walked out, the elf close on his heels.
“I take it you don’t trust him?” Kai asked, as they headed towards the gate.
The brunett shook his head, “He’s a pig. From what I’ve been able to find out, he likes women, and has been known to take what he wants from them. Where are you going?” he asked, as Kai started towards the gate.
“Lina wanted to see the tower. Once she gets an idea in her head, she won’t stop till she’s happy. Besides, I get the impression that most of the locals leave it alone, so it’s perfect for what your suggesting.
—-
Lina looked out the window, and gasped, “Oh my goodness, I hadn’t realized how late it was. I have to get back to the Inn, or Kai will worry about me.” she said, walking to the doorway, that led to the stairs.
Tamin grabbed her arm, her staff falling to the floor, and pulled her close to him, “But we were just starting to get to know each other.”
She glared at him, “Let me go Tamin.”
His hold on her tightened, “But I haven’t gotten what I wanted from you yet.” he said, trying to kiss her.
The girl swiftly brought her knee up, slaming into his groin. His grip on her loosened. “Oh, a feisty one. Haven’t had one try and fight back in some time.”
He leaned in again, his lips brushing hers. Lina leaned back her body pressed close. She lifted her leg, and threw him over her. Tamin went crashing to the ground. She picked op her staff, and pointed it at him.
“Don’t come any closer.” she told him.
“Oh come now sweet pea, you don’t think that lil staff is goin hurt me, do ya?” He said, slowly advancing towards her.
She narrowed her eyes, “I will use this.” Lina said.
—-
Kai raced in the building, and called out for his sister. He turned to Kyp, “Are there upper levels?” He nodded, and the two men ran up the stairs. They searched the next two levels, with no luck.
As they neared the forth level, Kyp heard voices.
“They’re in here.” he said, “And she sounds pissed.”
The elf smiled, as they tried to open the door, “She’s a fighter. Could probably take him down, no problem.”
“Then why are you so worried.” the man asked, pulling out a lock picking kit, and getting to work on the locked door.
“Two reasons. One, I don’t know what he’s like. Might be, he could best her. Two, he might get lucky, and knock her out. I’d be willing to bet she’s wearing a dress, thinking there’s nothing to worry about.”
Kyp looked up from his task, “She doesn’t normally wear dresses?”
“Mother was a merc. Couple years ago, Li wanted to where nothing but skirts and dresses. Mom challenged her to a fight, and more then kicked her ass. Since then, she rarely wears them. Mom had some pants made for her, and some long tunics.”
The brunett opened the door. In front of his stood a man, holding a women close to him. He kissed her, and she threw him over her shoulder. Kai pushed in behind him, and they saw her pick up her staff. The tall elf placed a hand on the assassians arm, holding him back.
“Let her take care of this.” he said
Kyp looked again at the women, and his breath caught. She was breathing heavy, her breast heaving, seeming to strain at the neckline of her bodice. Some of her hair had escaped her bun, wisps of it framing her face. The dress was a newer style, and hung low on her hips.
“Don’t come any closer.” she told him.
“Oh come now sweet pea, you don’t think that lil staff is goin hurt me, do ya?” He said, slowly advancing towards her.
She shifted the staff, so it was pointing at him. “I will use this.” she said.
Kyp saw her grip on the staff relax, as the man stepped forward. Her eyes closed, and she started to mumble to her self.
The tip of the staff glowed red, and all three men stopped in there tracks. Behind her, the sun was setting, causing shadows to dance on the walls. Tamin sneered and, not seeing the other two men, continued forward. Kyp stared at her, as light seemed to surround her. The other man’s eyes suddenly grew wide as, what seemed to be a bird, flew from the end of her staff, knocking him over. He flew back several feet, and feel uncouncios to the floor.
She opened her eyes, and frowned, “Of all the days to where a dress, I pick this one.” She said, looking at the two men. “How did you know I was in trouble?”
Kai grinned, “We went back to the inn, and heard you were out. Kyp remembered that the man Xiriam had told you to visit, was out of town. He doesn’t really like this guy, so we came to save you.”
She raised an eyebrow at him, “Kai, you haven’t saved me in close to five years.”
He walked over to her, picked her up, and held her close to him, “Don’t care.” Is all he says, and he hugs her.
Kyp walks over to Tamin, “Don’t mean to interrupt, but what are we gonna do with him?”
“Leave him.” Lina says, “He won’t wake up for several hours, and he won’t be able to walk until tomorrow.” She pulled away from Kai, “Would you please put me down?” He smiled, and set her down, “We can let someone know he’s here, or just forget him. I don’t really care.”
Kyp looked at her, surprised, “That’s pretty cold for a priestess.”
“I read his thoughts before knocking him out. He planned on beating me, raping me, and leaving me somewhere.” she looked at Kyp and smiled, “I’m Lina. Thanks for helping my brother find me.”
He smiled at her, “Kyp. Your not an elf?”
“Nope, human.” she started to the door with him, “Kai found me, and I was raised by our parents. Do you have a last name?”
Kyp laughed, as they headed down the stairs. “Not that I know of. My father lived a very, interesting life. He found, and raised me. Why are you so interested in the tower?”
Kai followed behind them, as they traded questions back and forth.
“Listen, why don’t I go back to the Inn, pay Xiriam, and pick up our things. You two go on ahead to Kyps house.”
“We’re staying at Kyp’s house?” Lina asked, her eyes wide
“If you don’t mind.” he asked he, hoping she’d say yes, not sure why.
She smiled at him, unknowingly heating his body, “I’d love to.”
He smiled back at her, and led her towards his house, while Kai headed back to the inn.
