“A forbidden encounter.”
I
There was a law amongst the gods and mortals which must never be broken. The line drawn between heaven and earth was clear; heaven, the home of the gods and the holy beings while earth, the home of man and his earthly companions. In order for the mortals to enter the realm of the gods, they must only be pure souls and without their sinful flesh. The gods were not an exception. They were too obliged to the Ancient Laws. To walk in the midst of the mortals, they were to forsake their immortality until they return to their place. Obedience to the Ancient Laws assured the balance of the universe.
She looked forwards everyday to the time when her master would send her into the woods of Sage Village to practice meditation. Meditation calmed the soul and kept the mind in sharp focus and was vital for amateur magic users as it helped to develop the right and immense Sacred Energy for them. The strength of a magic user depended greatly on the meditation skill. Sage Village is the only existing land on Senadon where magic users were common and sincerely appreciated.
Treading along the familiar pathway, her ears caught a faint melody. Inquisity prodded her to search for the source. Lorenne walked further on only to find it getting clearer and clearer. There were rarely any musicians in her village. Nevertheless, here she was, listening to a perfect flute solo of a sweet, sentimental song. The music was soothing to the restless, comforting to the woeful and antidote to the sick.
She came to the edge of the woods. The green field opened up before her, showing her the brilliant and talented flutist. She concealed herself behind a tree to spy on him. She did not want to interrupt his piece of music. It would be rude to do so. She was able to see that it was a man playing the flute but could not see his full appearance since she had a sideway view of him.
When he finished, the man laid down the mouthpiece of his flute from his lips and gazed up at the sky. ‘Even I need a rest once in a while from my obligations,’ he thought. This was his favourite pastime; to be alone with his flute.
The wind whispered secretively in his ears. He smiled at the envious wind. She was unwilling to share with another of his presence. He knew he was not alone at the moment. He, too, had sensed another vibration of energy besides his; a gentle energy, young and pure.
“How long do you wish to stand behind the tree, maiden?” he asked aloud without looking at her direction. Lorenne gasped at the thought that she was discovered. Her first instinct told her to run but she found herself rooted to the ground. Instead, she hid herself ever more behind the tree, clueless what she was going do next.
“I never expect Jerusyn to appoint someone timid as her Yamist,” he chuckled teasingly.
Lorenne pursed her lips, provoked. She was determined all of a sudden to show the man that she was not a timorous person and that; she was competent of upholding the honour as the Yamist of Wisdom. She plucked up her courage and came out to meet him. She took a few steps forwards and stopped.
“I am Jerusyn’s Yamist, Lorenne Fierell,” she spoke firmly, though she surprised herself with that. She congratulated herself for her achievement. She normally preferred to keep to herself and would never accept such a challenge.
The man placed his amber-gold eyes on her, smiling benignly. Lorenne blushed slightly. She was caught off guard and was taken aback by his striking good looks. He had long, cerulean-blue hair which was partially tied up in an unusual style. His skin was very fair; almost to the point of glowing radiantly He was also very much taller than her. She gulped. Correction— he was obviously towering over her, about six feet and two inches. That would make him more than a head taller than her. His features were unworldly. It made her wondered if the people of the City of Inspiration, Daiburn, were mostly as attractive as him.
“Then, Lorenne Fierell…” he called her name, fascinated by her innocent nature and beauty, “Have you ever met a god before?”
Blessed by the goddess, Jerusyn, with the gift to know without knowing, his image seared into her mind as his identity struck deep into her. Fear and awe of his splendour and majesty overcame her.
“You are Calith... the god of Righteousness.”
II
“Hey, are you alright?”
Lorenne felt a hand on her shoulder. She was awakened from her trance by the Prince. She sucked in a breath and resumed her usual self.
Raviex looked at her queerly. She was completely unaware to her surroundings. She would have been lying dead if he had not reached her before the two Valkyrians who he had killed did. She just knelt on the spot, clutching her chest. He figured she was hurt but he did not see any physical wound on her.
Lorenne looked up at him. “What are you doing here?” she questioned. “Your friend, Christine, is in need of your assistance.”
He gave her a blank look. Raviex certainly was blown off her reply. He was expecting more of a phrase of thanks.
“How… What…?”
“I am telling the truth,” said Lorenne quietly.
Raviex saw a blue light clashing against a number of men. It was Christine and he was positive that she was not on the losing side.
“Damn it!” he swore as he rushed towards her. He could not ignore the girl’s words. Just to be on the safe side, it would be better if he inspected her situation just to reassure himself that she was fine.
Christine’s combat techniques were world-class. She had all the qualities a skilled warrior must possess to be acknowledged as the best: strength, agility, knowledge, style. She definitely had an upper-hand considering that she owned powers as a Yamist.
Abruptly, the blue light and energy which coated her died out.
No, not now!
Her Sacred Energy, which was fifty times stronger than a normal man’s a few seconds ago, had currently reduced to zero. Fighting on a battle ground without any Sacred Energy flowing in one’s body would be thought of as an insane thing to do. The person would not be able to stand for more than a few minutes. Any fighters, may they be non-magic associates or magic users, required at least the minimum amount to perform their skills and maintain their stamina during battle.
She deflected an attack of a heavy sword with her double daggers. That effort had already worn her out greatly. After delivering two more strikes at the same Valkyrian, she felt her breathing laboured. She collapsed to the ground. Anxiety began to fill her. The others sensed their weakened opponent. They decided to attack as a group. She gritted her teeth in frustration. If only she had just even a flicker of her Sacred Energy, she would not be in this bad a condition.
“Blade of the Lion!”
Immediately, by the command, tens of golden glowing crescents flew at the men around Christine, slicing and piercing through their bodies. Some screamed in agony; some sputtered out blood from their mouths before they dropped dead. Raviex rushed to Christine’s side, hoping that she did not receive any fatal injuries.
“Ryn, what happened?”
Christine was stumped by his deep concern. She just stared into his worried heavenly-blue eyes, hesitant of what to say. A shadow abruptly loomed behind him who was unaware. Before he could be a threat, Christine flung her dagger at him, hitting right at his heart. Once again, she startled him by her swift attacks. Raviex looked back to see a dead man with blood oozing out of his chest.
He returned to tending the girl, not expecting any apologies from her. He was getting used to her ways. Sweat was damping her face, strands of her hair clung on her cheeks and forehead. She was exhausted. He blinked, transfixed the second time on the same day by her vibrant, glorious beauty. It was a form of beauty different from Kairalina’s, one that Kairalina could never possess. He blinked again, snapping out of his thoughts.
I know I’m getting sick. It must be it. That’s why I’m having weird thoughts. Yeah, that’s right.
He took a swift glance around them and saw that they were victorious. The Valkyr Empire had lost this small battle and the town was safe. Needless to say, it was time for medical attention for the defenders.
“I’ll carry you,” offered Raviex. He was not going to take ‘no’ as an answer since she could not even support her own weight. Slipping Letaikno into its sheath behind his back, he gave a small cough, a little nervous. He had never carried a girl before which made this his first.
He placed an arm around her and the other right past her knees. She considered demanding him to put her down. But as he heaved her up, Christine felt her heart skipped a beat.
“Raviex…”
She wanted to believe it was because she felt honoured to be actually of the Prince concern but she knew otherwise. She felt the warmth of his body against hers as she was leaning on him.
Raviex glanced at her. He wondered what made this aggressive warrior blushed when their eyes met. Maybe, just maybe, the battle had also the outcome for the better.
He smiled as they started off for Little Dai Town.
“The Kingdom welcomes the reporters who are present this morning for this specially organized conference,” greeted Erik Wilgate, a KACUSA CEO. He was aware that this conference would either result in a positive way or a negative way. Yet, this was the only way to silence the press until the Prince returned. Raviex had asked him to find a way to buy him time. It was not easy, trying to get Sir Damien to agree to it but this was it.
“Colonel Wilgate, we are told that we will be given an answer regarding the Prince today during this conference you have publicly called for,” stated a female reporter with a camera man by her side. She had a pen extended towards Erik, apparently not a tool that only could be used to write but could be used to record a person’s voice.
“That is correct, miss,” answered Erik politely. The crowd murmured in anticipation and curiosity amongst themselves. Before they got carried away, Erik addressed them again and continued, “The Kingdom asks the public press as well as the people to be patient.”
A nosy-looking, large-nosed man scoffed aloud. “Warlords and Governors are already showing signs of rebels and the Kingdom still speaks of patience?”
“Thank you for pointing out the facts for us, mister,” said Erik in a remarkably pleasant tone which irritated the man. “That is why, as the representative and spokesman of the Royal Advisor, I would like to take the opportunity to advise all warlords and governors to not be hasty in their actions.” He was suddenly serious and firm.
Raviex, this is your decision.
“The Kingdom’s Supreme Council hereby declares that within the duration of six months, if His Highness, Prince Raviex Katelion is unable to return to his throne (may the Light forbid), without a second in the line, the Royal Family will be forced to forfeit the throne of the Kingdom.”
A deafening silence rang throughout the Land. The pronouncement shocked the entire Kingdom altogether. The reporters stared at him, waiting for him to say some sort of comedy punch line but none came. Almost simultaneously when they registered it, they started bombarding him with questions and inquiries.
IV
“She must be someone really important to you. I do not suppose the Royal Prince has an unofficial fiancée… do you?” queried Sonia. She let her silver spear retract and take on the length of seven inches and deposited it in the pouch hung around her waist.
Raviex was tongue-tied upon hearing her direct question. Lorenne had asked for privacy to treat Christine’s injuries. So, they left them in Christine’s room and went into the guys’ room. He had no choice but to trust the strangers for he was clueless when it came to healing skills. He had been pacing restlessly, waiting for Lorenne to announce her well being, which led to Sonia asking the question.
“No, I mean… we… we’re just friends,” he stammered. He bit back at his words. ‘Just friends,’ he sighed heavily. They shared an uncommon past and they were led by chains of fate into another’s lives yet again only recently.
This is one weird friendship.
“Would it make you feel better if we talk?” offered the girl. It might be just her but she was almost sure that the Prince actually cared for the Yamist of Righteousness more than the credit he had given himself.
“That’s a splendid idea!” seconded Kyoden with a sardonic smile. He could not bring himself to forgive her for her pompous doings back then. Sonia’s eyes veered sharply at him, insulted. “Why not start by explaining your rudeness towards the Prince and also myself?”
Raviex winced at his offensive interruption. He really did not need these two bickering over his head at the moment. His head was already filled with enough fretfulness. Just as Sonia was going to snap back at him, he intervened. “What Kyoden here, means is that… (Raviex wrecked his brain for a fix-up) well… maybe you can introduce yourself… Exactly! I don’t think I’ve caught your name.”
She relaxed. After another glare at Kyoden, she turned to answer him.
“I am Sonia Fierell of Sage Village. The girl who is tending to your friend is my younger sister, Lorenne Fierell. She is the Yamist of Wisdom and I, the Messenger of Wisdom. We were on a journey to return to our hometown when Lorenne received a premonition from Jerusyn regarding an attack from the Valkyr Empire here. We were right on time, I guess. Lorenne was instructed to find the Prince who would be in the company of the Yamist of Righteousness and Messenger of Prosperity.”
Raviex nodded in comprehension. ‘So, our meetings are not just a coincident; we are indeed bound together by the will of the Light,’ he pondered. He glimpsed at Kyoden. He unquestionably looked unhappy. He was clear about the thing that they did not exactly meet at the best way possible.
“Well… you’ve found me.”
Sonia beamed and then asked nonchalantly, “So… who IS the Messenger of Prosperity?”
“I am the Messenger of Prosperity!” Kyoden bristled, crossed. How could she be so rudely ignorant!
“You?” doubted the nineteen year old lady, an eyebrow raised.
“What’s THAT supposed to mean!?” he fired, his nostrils flared.
“Hey, I did not expect the Messenger of Prosperity to be such a big idiot!” Sonia retaliated.
“Guys, please, cool down. You don’t have to quarrel about this.” Raviex did not know why he even bothered to be the peacemaker.
“I might be a lady’s man (Sonia snorted), but since you do not in the least strike me as a lady, I am totally capable of beating you up!” threatened Kyoden.
“That is IF you can actually lay a finger on me,” she challenged.
“Fine! Let’s fight!”
Raviex sighed helpless. Why me?
“You shouldn’t push yourself too hard, Christine.” Lorenne helped to put her clothing over her bare skin. She was finished with the healing session. Her Sacred Energy had returned to a stable state, enabling her to have a speedy recovery. However, she was spiritually tired. Christine kept in silence as the emerald-eyed girl combed her hair like how a sister would.
“Lorenne, tell me, why did my spiritual energy disappear like that?” she finally asked. “I don’t think the other Yamists experience this complication… Where is my god when I need him?” She was tired and thwarted. “How am I to battle against the Darkness without knowing if he is with me?”
The girl bit her lower lip. She did not know what the best thing to say to her was. She knew, however, that the cause of Christine’s ‘Sacred Energy-failure’ was connected to the god whom she served, Calith.
“But you must have faith in him, Christine. You must always believe in him.”
Just as how I always will.
V
“You lost, General,” said Dark Valkyr coldly. Defeat was unacceptable to him. He had never failed him. He had slaughtered those men in the Kaza War and personally killed King Levon.
Lazachus stood at attention. From the side, General Hendrix Crone added oil to fire. “Victory was the condition, First General. You pledged victory when you took Valkyr’s men and Z-Genes with you to Little Dai Town of which it was only based on your words that the Prince was hiding there.”
“General Crone, I believe I have not reported to our Lord Valkyr regarding you fleeing away like a rat during the attack on the Floating Land after the Imperial Army arrived. Is it that you treasure your life more than the burning desire to serve the Empire?” said Lazachus with a smile on his face, infuriating him.
“You insolent—”
“Be quiet!” commanded Dark Valkyr, rubbing his temple. “The Empire does not need her generals quarrelling amongst themselves.”
“My Lord, then send me. I will accomplish what the First General could not and capture Prince Raviex for you,” Crone volunteered patriotically. He was eager to prove himself to Dark Valkyr and to humiliate Lazachus.
The cloaked and half-masked general chuckled and shook his head in pity. “Send you… to return with even more casualties?” The court of Valkyr’s Forty Generals sniggered upon hearing his mockery.
“What’s the meaning of this!” demanded Crone; his dignity hurt. He loathed every single part of the Dark Lord’s son.
“First General Lazachus is right,” a child’s voice spoke quietly. The boy was standing beside Crone.
Crone could feel his veins throbbed in undefined fury. First he was overshadowed by some freshman because he was the son of Dark Valkyr, and now, he was attacked orally by a child of ten who had not even reached the height of his waist.
“Thank you, Shajou,” Lazachus reached for his hair and ruffled them. The boy with purplish-black and violet eyes smiled at him. “Before we conduct another strike force, we must find out a little more about our opponents. Rushing ahead without any proper plan will lead us nowhere.”
Shajou nodded. “An Ultimate Praetor was at the scene. First General Lazachus’ defeat is reasonable.”
Lazachus patted on his shoulder friendlily. Shajou was his pride. He met him in Kaza City during the terrible war; one of the few fortunate survivors. He did not take under his wings because of sympathy, definitely not. The only reason was that he was of high value to him.
“An Ultimate Praetor?” questioned Dark Valkyr with a spark of instant interest.
“Nullef Dragaina,” answered Lazachus calmly.
“Lazachus, Shajou, I will assign the mission of investigating on Nullef Dragaina to the both of you. I want you to confirm which side he is on and I want a full report on him,” he ordered. He had grown up knowing Valkyr Leo as the only Ultimate Praetor that existed. Was it possible there were more?
“Rest assured, my Lord. Your orders will be fulfilled,” reassured Lazachus charmingly, dipping his head. He turned to Shajou and took his hand.
“But before that, let’s get a tailor to make you a perfect cloak. Yours looked too big for you, Shajou,” he commented lightly. Shajou nodded without a word. Lazachus led him out of Dark Valkyr’s court, like bonded siblings.
‘Damn those two brats of Lord Valkyr! Damn them both,’ cursed Crone bitterly.
VI
“Grandmamma, what was the Righteous god, Calith, doing on Senadon? Mother says gods live in the heavens with pretty stars!” quipped little Kishari innocently. Vekenai smiled at her words. He was very fond of his adopted sister.
“My child, Kishari, I will tell you as you and Vekenai grow along with my tale,” the aged lady laughed quietly.
The small girl did not like it but she trusted her. She looked keenly at the person whom she enjoyed calling ‘Grandmamma’. “Great-grandfather is a funny man!”
Grandmamma gave a little laugh. “He was indeed a funny man, Kishari. His Imperial Majesty had favoured his companionship very much and they were the best of friends.”
She eyed Vekenai with peculiar interest. Vekenai sensed it. He looked at her, wanting to ask if she had something to tell him. But it escaped his mind when Kishari spoke again.
“Calith must have been really handsome! Won’t you think so too, Grandmamma?”
Grandmamma laid a wrinkled hand on her head. Her eyes flooded with memories and reminiscence of the past, a nostalgic feeling touched her. It was too long ago. She knew her life was drawing to an end. They were living in a terrible era. All she could offer was prayer for the little ones with her now.
“I am sure he is, Kishari.”
“You have seen him, Grandmamma?” asked Vekenai inquisitively, noticing her instance of silence.
She considered an answer. She must only reveal at the right time to prevent any alteration of the planning of the Light. The consequences would be severe if she interfered at the wrong time.
“Perhaps, Vekenai, perhaps…”
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