Alexyi
08-06-2001, 04:10 AM
Tensile emptied his cup and motioned to the human serving wench for more. He watched the dancers swaying on the stage and laughed. ‘This is what life is all about’ he thought. He had just returned from the commonlands. Farms, guard posts and villages had been razed. He had only turned away from the carnage when his scouts reported a large force of guards closing in on them. The pain he had inflicted would satisfy him for months to come. The time for pain and death was over, now was the time for revelry and pleasure. The serving wench brought him another cup and he took it in one hand while groping her with the other. The troll bouncer made a move towards him and Tensile sneered at him, pushing the wench aside. “NO TOUCH” the troll bouncer said brandishing his club. Tensile smiled at the troll as he pushed his way past the crowded tables. They met halfway and the troll swung his club at the small Dark elf. Tensile ducked under the blow reaching for the troll. His palm slapped the leathery skin of the troll and he channeled his will. The troll shrieked in pain, dropping his club and thrashing about. The other patrons started running as the troll lost control of his bowels. Tensile grabbed the fleeing serving wench and dragged her from the tavern, flipping a platinum piece to the Bartender as he left.
Nathan left the room, followed by the others. There were tears in his eyes as he walked down the stairway. "We did it,” he whispered. He held the Ghoulsbane reverently as he walked. When they reached the bottom of the stairs he turned to Beladoo. Beladoo looked weary. The last few days had taken their toll on him. Nathan smiled. “Can you take us away from here? Back to the common lands?” Beladoo sighed, “I just don’t have the energy Nathan. Maybe tomorrow after we rest.” Nathan nodded. “Alex, can you lead us back to the lagoon?” Alexyi closed his eyes and thought for a moment. “Yes, follow me.” He led them out of the cursed area back into Guk proper and back down towards the lagoon when he froze, his face going pale. ‘Flop Wop’, ‘Flop Wop’, ‘Flop Wop’. He peered around the corner into a large cavern. He saw the creature from the cells running, in its arms a small box. Following it were over 20 Froglocks. Nathan came up behind him. “We need to move Alex, Now!” he said. Alexyi stared at the froglock leading the pursuit. “That’s him, THAT’S HIM,” Alexyi shouted, charging at the Froglocks. “NO! STOP” Nathan cried. Alexyi ignored him, ignored his own tired body. Ignored the creature running past him. His whole being was focussed on the lead froglock. He collided with the froglock bowling him over. He was on him and beating him with his fists. “You chained me in a pit” Alexyi cried as he beat the froglock. The other Froglocks seemed confused, some pursued the creature, and others came back to aid their leader. “FOR TWO FUCKING YEARS!” Alexyi shouted, a red haze settling over his vision. “Nathan?” Kerna said. Nathan shook, clutching the Ghoulsbane. He saw the Froglocks moving toward Alexyi. His voice quivered “Chloro, lead us back to the Lagoon” was all he said. Chloro nodded and started down the hall. Kerna looked at Nathan. “You can’t just leave him.” He looked down at her, tears coming down his cheeks. He gripped the Ghoulsbane tightly and turned to follow Chloro. Kerna looked back into the cavern. The creature had stopped and placed the box on the ground. It stood over the box and stared at the five Froglocks approaching. Alexyi had been knocked away from his target and stood assailed by seven Froglocks as the rest guarded their leader. Kerna watched the creature move swiftly to the advancing Froglocks moving in and amongst them, fists flailing, tail battering them then moving back to the box. The Froglocks were stunned by the initial assault and slowed their approach. His attackers were hammering Alexyi. He was surrounded. He struck at one savagely catching its arm and sending it into two of its companions. Alexyi leapt into the air and somersaulted landing outside the enclosing circle. He struck another in the back, first the head then its legs, before turning to another. By this time the creature had managed through its assaults to disable 2 of its targets before they finally reached the area the box was placed. Kerna glanced back to Alexyi who again was being surrounded. He dove for the ground knocking ones legs out from under him. He rolled over onto the frog grabbing its leg and bending it backward with an unhealthy crunch. This move came with a cost as one of the frogs double kicked him in the head sending him sprawling. The creature gnashed its teeth as three of the Froglocks approached it. They leapt at it brandishing weapons. The creature swept up the box and rolled out of their way. Placing the box down again it leapt at a spear bearing froglock. It moved low sweeping with its tail. The froglock fell to the ground and the creature wrenched the spear from its hands and plunged it into him. The creature left the spear and the box and attacked another. It swiped its claws across the frogs face. The froglock plunged with its sword, slashing the robe the creature wore. The creature leapt into the air kicking the froglock full in the face sending him sprawling. The final attacker dove for the box grasping it in both hands. It started to run back towards the others but the creature sent the spear after it, pinning it to a wall; still clutching the box. Alexyi had only managed to dispatch 4 of his attackers and the other three seemed to be gaining the upper hand. One leapt on his back crushing him to the ground. He wasn’t moving.
Alexyi clutched the locket in his hand. He felt nothing. His mother was dead and he felt nothing. He opened the locket and stared at the picture inside. The miniature portrait was of a handsome man. Fiery red hair and an arrogant smirk were the dominant features, the piercing green eyes the second. He could almost hear the shouting. He felt rage. He felt scared. He focused himself and pushed it down. He closed off that part of himself as easily as he closed the locket. He looked up at the sky. The sun was getting low. He headed for the north wall. As he passed by Crow’s tavern he heard someone speaking. “The age of chaos has come. The chosen ones will walk the land. They will bring peace and war. They will heal and destroy. THEY WILL RULE THIS WORLD. LET THEM ALL COME FORTH AND EMBRACE DISCORD!” The speaker was a man dressed in a long black robe, adorned with Purple trim. He bore a large staff with a glaring skull. A crowd was gathered. Some were laughing and pointing, some were shouting insults. No one was taking him seriously. But the man continued his tirade. One of the rougher looking onlookers, fresh from Crow’s Tavern pushed the speaker to the ground. The speaker seemed to smile. A flash of light erupted and the onlooker crumbled to the ground. “Another fool feels the fury of Discord,” he shouted. The crowd hastily dispersed. Alexyi stood there looking at the dead body on the ground. Then his gaze shifted to the speaker. The speaker stared back at him. “Embrace Discord, chosen one. Feel the satisfaction of crushing your enemies without restraint. Know the ultimate power of freedom unfettered by petty laws. I can unleash in you, your ultimate potential.” The speaker held out his hand, almost slavering with intent. Alexyi hurried past him. The speaker moved swiftly, catching Alexyi by the shoulder. “Wait, take this.” The speaker shoved a book into his arms, and then released him. Alexyi hurried away from the speaker, not looking back.
Kerna saw red and leapt into the cavern. She sent her hand axe flying at the frog on Alexyi’s back. It struck the frog on the head, killing him. Her battle-axe struck the second full in the chest. The froglock slashed her arm causing here to grimace. The other used its spear to harass her. She worked her way past its defenses cleaving its head from its shoulders. She easily finished off the last one. She looked up at the remaining frogs bore down on her, led by their battered leader. The creature appeared at her left side, the box set at its feet. She was stunned as Alexyi leapt to his feet and took his place at her right side. He winked at her then turned his gaze upon the leader and grinned evilly. Kerna cried out and charged; followed by the other two. Alexyi struck at the leader while the creature and Kerna tore through the others. He sent the frog flying time and time again. Kerna with her axe, the creature with its claws, dealt death as swiftly as farmers harvesting wheat. The battle was starting to wear them down, all had suffered a few slashes and bruises, the creature hobbled, it’s left foot wrenched in an awkward manner. Then they heard it. ‘Flop Wop’, ‘Flop Wop’, ‘Flop Wop’. More were coming, many more. Alexyi looked at the Froglock Leader. Green blood was dripping from its mouth and it was trying to crawl away. The surviving Froglocks were intent on trying to stay alive. Alexyi took a sword from one of the corpses and plunged it into the Leaders back. The remaining Froglocks broke and ran toward the approaching force. Kerna looked on as Alexyi cut one of the eyes from the skull. “We have to go,” she said forcefully. The creature had reclaimed its box and was staring at the two favoring its good foot. ‘Flop Wop’, ‘Flop Wop’, ‘Flop Wop’. They were getting closer. Alexyi nodded, and led the way. They ran as fast as they could but they were tired and injured, the Froglocks gained on them. They heard shouts as the Froglocks saw them and increased their pursuit. The creature looked back and saw how close they were. It sounded like it sighed. As they crossed a rickety wooden bridge the creature grasped Alexyi’s arm, bringing them to a stop. It gazed into his eyes. Alexyi stared back warily. The creature placed the box into his hands. “Cabilisss” it hissed. Alexyi looked and saw the Froglocks coming; he looked back into the creature’s eyes. He nodded. Kerna looked back nervously then followed Alexyi as he led her on. The creature turned back toward the Froglocks. The two continued on down to the lagoon. The creature grinned at the approaching hoard. ‘No fear’ she thought. ‘These slaves will not pass.’ She moved as swiftly as her foot would allow. She never stopped striking. With fist and tail she fought, never missing. If he had been there; her master would have wept with pride. The Froglocks howled in frustration as she knocked them off the bridge. But even though her position was strong, she new she would eventually be overwhelmed. She landed several blows to the bridge itself, shattering the rotted wood. The bridge collapsed sending her and the froglocks to the water far below. She attempted to swim away but with one foot badly injured she lacked the speed to escape. They tore her apart…but they did not pass.
Tensile threw the human woman onto his bed. The bitch had scratched up his arm, but he would make her pay. He smiled. He would make her pay. The woman was terrified as she tried to avoid him. He grappled her down and crushed her too him. Suddenly his windpipe closed off and the blood rushed to his head. He couldn’t breath; He felt his lungs ache with the need for air. His eyes glared at the woman. She easily kicked him off her, sending him crashing to the floor. He crawled for the door, reaching for the handle when he felt the kick to the back of his head. His vision blurred as he heard her laugh. He heard her laugh a very familiar laugh. Tensile turned back to her, facing an entirely different woman. Her hair was long and white, just like every other Teir’dal maiden, her skin blue and that smug smile that never fell from her mouth. Just as Tensile was about to collapse he felt the spell fade away. He lay there gasping for air as she stood over him. “You kept me waiting,” she said succinctly. “I was busy,” he gasped out. “I was following the will of our master, I was doing my du…” She kicked him sharply in the head. “Your first duty is to me and the house, not your laughable fool of a God.” Tensile saw red. He reached for her leg and channeled his will. The faintest of power flowed into her leg. She looked down at him and laughed contemptuously. “Ooh, that tickled” she mouthed in the way the whores down at the Fallen Maiden would. She followed it up with a swift kick to his midsection. The liquor and the food recently consumed came up as he emptied his stomach on the floor. She placed her foot on the back of his head and pushed his face into the vomit. “Listen closely worm, for I won’t repeat myself. You exist at my sufferance. You will follow my orders to the letter, not deviating in the slightest or I will ensure you meet your god in the most rapid manner possible. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?” Tensile grimaced, the filth dripping from his face. “Yes, dear Sister I understand” he sputtered out. She smiled that irritating smile of hers and laughed that annoying laugh. “Get cleaned up and join me in the library! She left him lying there, amidst the filth. He lay there for quite a while praying to Innoruuk. He would have his revenge; he would one-day rule House D’Nhar.
Lu’Sun looked on as Alexyi walked the beam blindfolded. Alexyi moved cautiously, guiding himself with one foot, carefully sweeping the beam. “You move like a pregnant Cyclops” Lu’Sun thundered, kicking the beam. The beam vibrated forcing Alexyi to swiftly crouch, grasping the beam with his hand and maintaining his balance. Alexyi didn’t need his sight to know Lu’Sun was glaring at him. Alexyi knew how much Lu’Sun hated him. So he wasn’t surprised when he felt a strong push send him off the beam. He scrambled to his feet and stood still. Lu’Sun came up behind him ripping the blindfold from him. “You failed, yet again! Once around the inner city wall! NOW! Alexyi did a bow slowly, his gaze meeting Lu’Suns’ the entire time. He took off at a sprint. Rifor watched the boy rapidly running off against the city wall. He saw the look of satisfaction on the lads face. This was getting out of hand. Lu’Sun fumed in silence, watching the young boy as he ran. “Problems?” Rifor asked, as he approached the master of initiates. “Nothing that I cannot handle Master, Lu’Sun replied curtly. Rifor sighed, feeling the Animosity Lu’Sun exuded. “15 years ago, that boy would have been put on the post and whipped for his insubordination.” Lu’Sun remarked casually. It had been just about 15 years ago that Rifor had come to Qeynos. Rifor smiled inwardly at the memory. He had come from Freeport, ready to change the world. Dressed in a simple silk robe, belted with a blue sash, he had wandered the streets until finding the Clan house. They wouldn’t even let him in the door, when he knocked. The door warden had simply closed the door in his face when he said he was from the Ashen Order. Old man Closk had taught him the secret of dealing with the Silent Fist. When next the door warden answered Rifor’s knock he was seized roughly by the robes, and thrown into the street. Rifor then proceeded to walk in. That door warden had been Lu’Sun. His entrance had raised the alarms and he stood facing the entire senior class and behind them the masters and disciples. Rifor stood in the hall; a friendly grin on his face. “I am Rifor, pupil of Master Closk, Disciple of the Ashen Order. I claim the right of challenge. I challenge your Master of Initiates for his position.” He looked around at the assembliage. “I have something to teach.” Hunri, Master of the Silent Fist was an aged man but still had a lock of coal black hair on his otherwise balding head. He sneered at Rifor. “Only a disciple of the Silent Fist can challenge a master. It takes more then the trappings of a bastard house founded by an exile to impress us.” Rifor frowned. He looked around the hall at the gathered monks. “I challenge a disciple then; pick your best and let us be about it.” Hunri grinned. “LU’SUN!” Lu’Sun smiled “Thank you Master” Lu’Sun bowed to Hunri. “He will not surprise me again!” Hunri frowned “He should never have surprised you at all. But when you win, all will be forgiven.” The others cleared an area and the two combatants faced off. Lu’Sun leapt at Rifor, aiming a kick at his head. Rifor waited until the last second then moved out of the way. Lu’Sun landed and with one fluid movement round kicked low. Rifor did short hop, again avoiding any contact with Lu’Sun. Lu’Sun snarled, snapping several punches. Rifor blocked each of them. The young disciple was fast. He was good too. ‘Hunri had picked well. Skill coupled with shame was a powerful adversary’ Rifor thought. Lu’Sun continued to press ahead offensively. Rifor continued to study his opponent. He saw the slight overextended kicks. He saw the slight hesitancy as a blow was blocked. He saw the slightly worried look as Lu’Sun failed to connect any of his strikes. Rifor had seen enough. He caught a right cross, swept in with his foot and sent a solid blow against Lu’Sun’s right temple. The Young man crumpled to the ground. Rifor took the Purple headband from him and Turned to face the assembly. “I accept the responsibilities of a silent fist disciple, etc. etc. etc.” Rifor said smiling. “Now, who is your Master of Initiates?” Hunri glared at Rifor. “TIFA!” A pale middle aged woman stepped forward. “I want his head” Hunri snarled. Tifa approached Rifor and bowed low. Rifor returned the bow. Tifa looked into Rifors’ eyes. She saw the inner calmness, the assuredness of his stance. She looked back at Hunri. His gaze was far from calm. She turned back to Rifor. She smiled at him. “Master Closk was my favorite of all the teachers here, his exile was regrettable. I think you would make an excellent Master of Initiates. I forfeit that role to you, sir!” She took off her Blue Headband and exchanged it for Rifor’s Purple. Rifor bent to one knee, his gaze never leaving hers. “Thank you” he said. Hunri roared, “What is this? I am surrounded by incompetents and idiots.” He pushed his way to the center. “I’ll fight you myself!” Rifor stepped back alarmed. “I do not accept your challenge Master Hunri. I came to teach. Not to lead.” “If you think I would let one of Closks bastards in my house without a fight, you’re sadly mistaken! Fight or Die!” Hunri kicked low, Rifor back flipped. Hunri charged, snapping punches and kicks with blinding speed. As fast as he was Rifor was faster, rolling out of the way, blocking. Forced into full defense his mind scrambled to catalogue his opponents repertoire of attacks. He took several hits when he miscalculated some of the master’s feints but he kept his head. He watched. He blocked. He bided his time. Every man had a weakness. In his anger, Hunri had forgotten it. Rifor blocked a blow and sent a power kick to Hunri. Aimed right below his midsection. Pain exploded into Hunri. Rifor went offensive. Stunned by the momentary pain. Hunri failed to block several critical well placed attacks. After a few more minutes, Rifor managed to send the Master of the Silent Fist Clan to the floor unconscious. The assembly was stunned. Rifor sighed. He bent down and assured himself that the master was still breathing. He looked at the black headband across his brow. There was no turning back now. He took the headband from Hunri and turned to face the assembly. “I accept the responsibilities of the Master of the Silent fist, etc. etc. etc.” He smiled. He turned to Tifa whose eyes were glowing. “Milady, I believe you dropped something,” he said grinning as he handed her back her Blue headband.
They passed the night in silence. Nathan sat on one side of the lagoon with Beladoo sleeping beside him; Alexyi on the other side gazing at the box. The dwarves and Chloro sat in the middle, Kerna occasionally shifting her gaze to Alexyi. He amazed her, with what he could do with just his hands; and he was fast, so fast. Nathan also would often shift his sight to the Silent Fist monk, but for different reasons. When they had returned he had talked with Kerna. Had found out what had taken place. What he looked for was change, a sense of satisfaction, of completion in the face of the young man sitting across the way. What he saw was apathy. What he saw was emptiness. He stood and walked over to him. Alexyi turned the box over and over looking for a clasp, a lock, anything. One side bore an engraved symbol of five interlocking symbols. “Why are you still here?” Alexyi said. Nathan sat himself beside the young monk. “Why are you?” Alexyi said nothing for the longest time. Then in a whisper, “I’ve got nowhere else to go.” Nathan sighed and allowed the silence to fall over them. “Then come with me. Come with me back to Freeport and leave this place. Come with me to face the darkness that even now prepares to strike.” Alexyi looked down at the box, continuing to turn it over and over. “It won’t matter.” Alexyi whispered. “The darkness always falls.” Nathan continued to stare at the monk. “The darkness always falls”
“Qeynos? Have you the fever dear sister? It’s impossible. Out of the Question. Absolutely not!” Tensile paused for a breath to continue his tirade when he felt a tickle around his throat. He shut up. Ellegra stared at him intensely. “Why not?” Tensile chose his words carefully, “First off, there’s no open path to Qeynos. We are blocked at every point. High Pass, Rivervale, and The Bridge of Karana are all in unfriendly hands. There’s no way through them short of a small regiment. Secondly, my brigade tends to fall over a lot when they don’t eat regularly. There’s no supply line. Third, the preferred outcome to almost any battle is seeing your enemies dead at your feet, not you at theirs. We would be horribly outnumbered, the entire way.” “Are you finished?” she said calmly. Tensile continued to stare at her. “Firstly, you will be going around those obstacles, not through them. I have contracted a wizard at great personal expense to transport you and your crew to a destination about 40 miles east of Qeynos. You will take the majority of the House Guards as well. You will have your small regiment. But not for some petty bridge. Secondly, you will take what food you can, and if you run low, there’s a big inland sea where you can fish and plenty of wildlife on the way to hunt.” Tensile’s face-hardened into a mask of fury “You would ask scions of Innorruuk to hunt and fish? Like common chattel and slaves?” Ellegra looked at him quizzically, “And what do you imagine you are?” Tensile muttered a silent prayer to Innorruuk for control. Ellegra stepped up and stared him right in the eye. Her face took on a harsh and haughty tone. “This is the single most important mission in your life Tensile. If you screw this up, Innorruuk himself will quail at what I will do to you. You will proceed to Qeynos. You will avoid detection at all costs. When you reach Qeynos I will be there to greet you. If you fail to show by the appointed time; if you jeopardize this mission. No place in all of Norrath will be safe for you!” Tensile met her gaze. “This better be worth it. Fair warning, sibling. If you fail, I will cut out your heart with the councils blessings and sacrifice it to Innorruuk myself.” Ellegra smiled, “Well then. Now we’ve both been warned. You leave in a few weeks, start running the guard through drills tomorrow. You are dismissed.” Ellegra left him standing in the library fuming. “One day” he muttered.
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Nathan left the room, followed by the others. There were tears in his eyes as he walked down the stairway. "We did it,” he whispered. He held the Ghoulsbane reverently as he walked. When they reached the bottom of the stairs he turned to Beladoo. Beladoo looked weary. The last few days had taken their toll on him. Nathan smiled. “Can you take us away from here? Back to the common lands?” Beladoo sighed, “I just don’t have the energy Nathan. Maybe tomorrow after we rest.” Nathan nodded. “Alex, can you lead us back to the lagoon?” Alexyi closed his eyes and thought for a moment. “Yes, follow me.” He led them out of the cursed area back into Guk proper and back down towards the lagoon when he froze, his face going pale. ‘Flop Wop’, ‘Flop Wop’, ‘Flop Wop’. He peered around the corner into a large cavern. He saw the creature from the cells running, in its arms a small box. Following it were over 20 Froglocks. Nathan came up behind him. “We need to move Alex, Now!” he said. Alexyi stared at the froglock leading the pursuit. “That’s him, THAT’S HIM,” Alexyi shouted, charging at the Froglocks. “NO! STOP” Nathan cried. Alexyi ignored him, ignored his own tired body. Ignored the creature running past him. His whole being was focussed on the lead froglock. He collided with the froglock bowling him over. He was on him and beating him with his fists. “You chained me in a pit” Alexyi cried as he beat the froglock. The other Froglocks seemed confused, some pursued the creature, and others came back to aid their leader. “FOR TWO FUCKING YEARS!” Alexyi shouted, a red haze settling over his vision. “Nathan?” Kerna said. Nathan shook, clutching the Ghoulsbane. He saw the Froglocks moving toward Alexyi. His voice quivered “Chloro, lead us back to the Lagoon” was all he said. Chloro nodded and started down the hall. Kerna looked at Nathan. “You can’t just leave him.” He looked down at her, tears coming down his cheeks. He gripped the Ghoulsbane tightly and turned to follow Chloro. Kerna looked back into the cavern. The creature had stopped and placed the box on the ground. It stood over the box and stared at the five Froglocks approaching. Alexyi had been knocked away from his target and stood assailed by seven Froglocks as the rest guarded their leader. Kerna watched the creature move swiftly to the advancing Froglocks moving in and amongst them, fists flailing, tail battering them then moving back to the box. The Froglocks were stunned by the initial assault and slowed their approach. His attackers were hammering Alexyi. He was surrounded. He struck at one savagely catching its arm and sending it into two of its companions. Alexyi leapt into the air and somersaulted landing outside the enclosing circle. He struck another in the back, first the head then its legs, before turning to another. By this time the creature had managed through its assaults to disable 2 of its targets before they finally reached the area the box was placed. Kerna glanced back to Alexyi who again was being surrounded. He dove for the ground knocking ones legs out from under him. He rolled over onto the frog grabbing its leg and bending it backward with an unhealthy crunch. This move came with a cost as one of the frogs double kicked him in the head sending him sprawling. The creature gnashed its teeth as three of the Froglocks approached it. They leapt at it brandishing weapons. The creature swept up the box and rolled out of their way. Placing the box down again it leapt at a spear bearing froglock. It moved low sweeping with its tail. The froglock fell to the ground and the creature wrenched the spear from its hands and plunged it into him. The creature left the spear and the box and attacked another. It swiped its claws across the frogs face. The froglock plunged with its sword, slashing the robe the creature wore. The creature leapt into the air kicking the froglock full in the face sending him sprawling. The final attacker dove for the box grasping it in both hands. It started to run back towards the others but the creature sent the spear after it, pinning it to a wall; still clutching the box. Alexyi had only managed to dispatch 4 of his attackers and the other three seemed to be gaining the upper hand. One leapt on his back crushing him to the ground. He wasn’t moving.
Alexyi clutched the locket in his hand. He felt nothing. His mother was dead and he felt nothing. He opened the locket and stared at the picture inside. The miniature portrait was of a handsome man. Fiery red hair and an arrogant smirk were the dominant features, the piercing green eyes the second. He could almost hear the shouting. He felt rage. He felt scared. He focused himself and pushed it down. He closed off that part of himself as easily as he closed the locket. He looked up at the sky. The sun was getting low. He headed for the north wall. As he passed by Crow’s tavern he heard someone speaking. “The age of chaos has come. The chosen ones will walk the land. They will bring peace and war. They will heal and destroy. THEY WILL RULE THIS WORLD. LET THEM ALL COME FORTH AND EMBRACE DISCORD!” The speaker was a man dressed in a long black robe, adorned with Purple trim. He bore a large staff with a glaring skull. A crowd was gathered. Some were laughing and pointing, some were shouting insults. No one was taking him seriously. But the man continued his tirade. One of the rougher looking onlookers, fresh from Crow’s Tavern pushed the speaker to the ground. The speaker seemed to smile. A flash of light erupted and the onlooker crumbled to the ground. “Another fool feels the fury of Discord,” he shouted. The crowd hastily dispersed. Alexyi stood there looking at the dead body on the ground. Then his gaze shifted to the speaker. The speaker stared back at him. “Embrace Discord, chosen one. Feel the satisfaction of crushing your enemies without restraint. Know the ultimate power of freedom unfettered by petty laws. I can unleash in you, your ultimate potential.” The speaker held out his hand, almost slavering with intent. Alexyi hurried past him. The speaker moved swiftly, catching Alexyi by the shoulder. “Wait, take this.” The speaker shoved a book into his arms, and then released him. Alexyi hurried away from the speaker, not looking back.
Kerna saw red and leapt into the cavern. She sent her hand axe flying at the frog on Alexyi’s back. It struck the frog on the head, killing him. Her battle-axe struck the second full in the chest. The froglock slashed her arm causing here to grimace. The other used its spear to harass her. She worked her way past its defenses cleaving its head from its shoulders. She easily finished off the last one. She looked up at the remaining frogs bore down on her, led by their battered leader. The creature appeared at her left side, the box set at its feet. She was stunned as Alexyi leapt to his feet and took his place at her right side. He winked at her then turned his gaze upon the leader and grinned evilly. Kerna cried out and charged; followed by the other two. Alexyi struck at the leader while the creature and Kerna tore through the others. He sent the frog flying time and time again. Kerna with her axe, the creature with its claws, dealt death as swiftly as farmers harvesting wheat. The battle was starting to wear them down, all had suffered a few slashes and bruises, the creature hobbled, it’s left foot wrenched in an awkward manner. Then they heard it. ‘Flop Wop’, ‘Flop Wop’, ‘Flop Wop’. More were coming, many more. Alexyi looked at the Froglock Leader. Green blood was dripping from its mouth and it was trying to crawl away. The surviving Froglocks were intent on trying to stay alive. Alexyi took a sword from one of the corpses and plunged it into the Leaders back. The remaining Froglocks broke and ran toward the approaching force. Kerna looked on as Alexyi cut one of the eyes from the skull. “We have to go,” she said forcefully. The creature had reclaimed its box and was staring at the two favoring its good foot. ‘Flop Wop’, ‘Flop Wop’, ‘Flop Wop’. They were getting closer. Alexyi nodded, and led the way. They ran as fast as they could but they were tired and injured, the Froglocks gained on them. They heard shouts as the Froglocks saw them and increased their pursuit. The creature looked back and saw how close they were. It sounded like it sighed. As they crossed a rickety wooden bridge the creature grasped Alexyi’s arm, bringing them to a stop. It gazed into his eyes. Alexyi stared back warily. The creature placed the box into his hands. “Cabilisss” it hissed. Alexyi looked and saw the Froglocks coming; he looked back into the creature’s eyes. He nodded. Kerna looked back nervously then followed Alexyi as he led her on. The creature turned back toward the Froglocks. The two continued on down to the lagoon. The creature grinned at the approaching hoard. ‘No fear’ she thought. ‘These slaves will not pass.’ She moved as swiftly as her foot would allow. She never stopped striking. With fist and tail she fought, never missing. If he had been there; her master would have wept with pride. The Froglocks howled in frustration as she knocked them off the bridge. But even though her position was strong, she new she would eventually be overwhelmed. She landed several blows to the bridge itself, shattering the rotted wood. The bridge collapsed sending her and the froglocks to the water far below. She attempted to swim away but with one foot badly injured she lacked the speed to escape. They tore her apart…but they did not pass.
Tensile threw the human woman onto his bed. The bitch had scratched up his arm, but he would make her pay. He smiled. He would make her pay. The woman was terrified as she tried to avoid him. He grappled her down and crushed her too him. Suddenly his windpipe closed off and the blood rushed to his head. He couldn’t breath; He felt his lungs ache with the need for air. His eyes glared at the woman. She easily kicked him off her, sending him crashing to the floor. He crawled for the door, reaching for the handle when he felt the kick to the back of his head. His vision blurred as he heard her laugh. He heard her laugh a very familiar laugh. Tensile turned back to her, facing an entirely different woman. Her hair was long and white, just like every other Teir’dal maiden, her skin blue and that smug smile that never fell from her mouth. Just as Tensile was about to collapse he felt the spell fade away. He lay there gasping for air as she stood over him. “You kept me waiting,” she said succinctly. “I was busy,” he gasped out. “I was following the will of our master, I was doing my du…” She kicked him sharply in the head. “Your first duty is to me and the house, not your laughable fool of a God.” Tensile saw red. He reached for her leg and channeled his will. The faintest of power flowed into her leg. She looked down at him and laughed contemptuously. “Ooh, that tickled” she mouthed in the way the whores down at the Fallen Maiden would. She followed it up with a swift kick to his midsection. The liquor and the food recently consumed came up as he emptied his stomach on the floor. She placed her foot on the back of his head and pushed his face into the vomit. “Listen closely worm, for I won’t repeat myself. You exist at my sufferance. You will follow my orders to the letter, not deviating in the slightest or I will ensure you meet your god in the most rapid manner possible. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?” Tensile grimaced, the filth dripping from his face. “Yes, dear Sister I understand” he sputtered out. She smiled that irritating smile of hers and laughed that annoying laugh. “Get cleaned up and join me in the library! She left him lying there, amidst the filth. He lay there for quite a while praying to Innoruuk. He would have his revenge; he would one-day rule House D’Nhar.
Lu’Sun looked on as Alexyi walked the beam blindfolded. Alexyi moved cautiously, guiding himself with one foot, carefully sweeping the beam. “You move like a pregnant Cyclops” Lu’Sun thundered, kicking the beam. The beam vibrated forcing Alexyi to swiftly crouch, grasping the beam with his hand and maintaining his balance. Alexyi didn’t need his sight to know Lu’Sun was glaring at him. Alexyi knew how much Lu’Sun hated him. So he wasn’t surprised when he felt a strong push send him off the beam. He scrambled to his feet and stood still. Lu’Sun came up behind him ripping the blindfold from him. “You failed, yet again! Once around the inner city wall! NOW! Alexyi did a bow slowly, his gaze meeting Lu’Suns’ the entire time. He took off at a sprint. Rifor watched the boy rapidly running off against the city wall. He saw the look of satisfaction on the lads face. This was getting out of hand. Lu’Sun fumed in silence, watching the young boy as he ran. “Problems?” Rifor asked, as he approached the master of initiates. “Nothing that I cannot handle Master, Lu’Sun replied curtly. Rifor sighed, feeling the Animosity Lu’Sun exuded. “15 years ago, that boy would have been put on the post and whipped for his insubordination.” Lu’Sun remarked casually. It had been just about 15 years ago that Rifor had come to Qeynos. Rifor smiled inwardly at the memory. He had come from Freeport, ready to change the world. Dressed in a simple silk robe, belted with a blue sash, he had wandered the streets until finding the Clan house. They wouldn’t even let him in the door, when he knocked. The door warden had simply closed the door in his face when he said he was from the Ashen Order. Old man Closk had taught him the secret of dealing with the Silent Fist. When next the door warden answered Rifor’s knock he was seized roughly by the robes, and thrown into the street. Rifor then proceeded to walk in. That door warden had been Lu’Sun. His entrance had raised the alarms and he stood facing the entire senior class and behind them the masters and disciples. Rifor stood in the hall; a friendly grin on his face. “I am Rifor, pupil of Master Closk, Disciple of the Ashen Order. I claim the right of challenge. I challenge your Master of Initiates for his position.” He looked around at the assembliage. “I have something to teach.” Hunri, Master of the Silent Fist was an aged man but still had a lock of coal black hair on his otherwise balding head. He sneered at Rifor. “Only a disciple of the Silent Fist can challenge a master. It takes more then the trappings of a bastard house founded by an exile to impress us.” Rifor frowned. He looked around the hall at the gathered monks. “I challenge a disciple then; pick your best and let us be about it.” Hunri grinned. “LU’SUN!” Lu’Sun smiled “Thank you Master” Lu’Sun bowed to Hunri. “He will not surprise me again!” Hunri frowned “He should never have surprised you at all. But when you win, all will be forgiven.” The others cleared an area and the two combatants faced off. Lu’Sun leapt at Rifor, aiming a kick at his head. Rifor waited until the last second then moved out of the way. Lu’Sun landed and with one fluid movement round kicked low. Rifor did short hop, again avoiding any contact with Lu’Sun. Lu’Sun snarled, snapping several punches. Rifor blocked each of them. The young disciple was fast. He was good too. ‘Hunri had picked well. Skill coupled with shame was a powerful adversary’ Rifor thought. Lu’Sun continued to press ahead offensively. Rifor continued to study his opponent. He saw the slight overextended kicks. He saw the slight hesitancy as a blow was blocked. He saw the slightly worried look as Lu’Sun failed to connect any of his strikes. Rifor had seen enough. He caught a right cross, swept in with his foot and sent a solid blow against Lu’Sun’s right temple. The Young man crumpled to the ground. Rifor took the Purple headband from him and Turned to face the assembly. “I accept the responsibilities of a silent fist disciple, etc. etc. etc.” Rifor said smiling. “Now, who is your Master of Initiates?” Hunri glared at Rifor. “TIFA!” A pale middle aged woman stepped forward. “I want his head” Hunri snarled. Tifa approached Rifor and bowed low. Rifor returned the bow. Tifa looked into Rifors’ eyes. She saw the inner calmness, the assuredness of his stance. She looked back at Hunri. His gaze was far from calm. She turned back to Rifor. She smiled at him. “Master Closk was my favorite of all the teachers here, his exile was regrettable. I think you would make an excellent Master of Initiates. I forfeit that role to you, sir!” She took off her Blue Headband and exchanged it for Rifor’s Purple. Rifor bent to one knee, his gaze never leaving hers. “Thank you” he said. Hunri roared, “What is this? I am surrounded by incompetents and idiots.” He pushed his way to the center. “I’ll fight you myself!” Rifor stepped back alarmed. “I do not accept your challenge Master Hunri. I came to teach. Not to lead.” “If you think I would let one of Closks bastards in my house without a fight, you’re sadly mistaken! Fight or Die!” Hunri kicked low, Rifor back flipped. Hunri charged, snapping punches and kicks with blinding speed. As fast as he was Rifor was faster, rolling out of the way, blocking. Forced into full defense his mind scrambled to catalogue his opponents repertoire of attacks. He took several hits when he miscalculated some of the master’s feints but he kept his head. He watched. He blocked. He bided his time. Every man had a weakness. In his anger, Hunri had forgotten it. Rifor blocked a blow and sent a power kick to Hunri. Aimed right below his midsection. Pain exploded into Hunri. Rifor went offensive. Stunned by the momentary pain. Hunri failed to block several critical well placed attacks. After a few more minutes, Rifor managed to send the Master of the Silent Fist Clan to the floor unconscious. The assembly was stunned. Rifor sighed. He bent down and assured himself that the master was still breathing. He looked at the black headband across his brow. There was no turning back now. He took the headband from Hunri and turned to face the assembly. “I accept the responsibilities of the Master of the Silent fist, etc. etc. etc.” He smiled. He turned to Tifa whose eyes were glowing. “Milady, I believe you dropped something,” he said grinning as he handed her back her Blue headband.
They passed the night in silence. Nathan sat on one side of the lagoon with Beladoo sleeping beside him; Alexyi on the other side gazing at the box. The dwarves and Chloro sat in the middle, Kerna occasionally shifting her gaze to Alexyi. He amazed her, with what he could do with just his hands; and he was fast, so fast. Nathan also would often shift his sight to the Silent Fist monk, but for different reasons. When they had returned he had talked with Kerna. Had found out what had taken place. What he looked for was change, a sense of satisfaction, of completion in the face of the young man sitting across the way. What he saw was apathy. What he saw was emptiness. He stood and walked over to him. Alexyi turned the box over and over looking for a clasp, a lock, anything. One side bore an engraved symbol of five interlocking symbols. “Why are you still here?” Alexyi said. Nathan sat himself beside the young monk. “Why are you?” Alexyi said nothing for the longest time. Then in a whisper, “I’ve got nowhere else to go.” Nathan sighed and allowed the silence to fall over them. “Then come with me. Come with me back to Freeport and leave this place. Come with me to face the darkness that even now prepares to strike.” Alexyi looked down at the box, continuing to turn it over and over. “It won’t matter.” Alexyi whispered. “The darkness always falls.” Nathan continued to stare at the monk. “The darkness always falls”
“Qeynos? Have you the fever dear sister? It’s impossible. Out of the Question. Absolutely not!” Tensile paused for a breath to continue his tirade when he felt a tickle around his throat. He shut up. Ellegra stared at him intensely. “Why not?” Tensile chose his words carefully, “First off, there’s no open path to Qeynos. We are blocked at every point. High Pass, Rivervale, and The Bridge of Karana are all in unfriendly hands. There’s no way through them short of a small regiment. Secondly, my brigade tends to fall over a lot when they don’t eat regularly. There’s no supply line. Third, the preferred outcome to almost any battle is seeing your enemies dead at your feet, not you at theirs. We would be horribly outnumbered, the entire way.” “Are you finished?” she said calmly. Tensile continued to stare at her. “Firstly, you will be going around those obstacles, not through them. I have contracted a wizard at great personal expense to transport you and your crew to a destination about 40 miles east of Qeynos. You will take the majority of the House Guards as well. You will have your small regiment. But not for some petty bridge. Secondly, you will take what food you can, and if you run low, there’s a big inland sea where you can fish and plenty of wildlife on the way to hunt.” Tensile’s face-hardened into a mask of fury “You would ask scions of Innorruuk to hunt and fish? Like common chattel and slaves?” Ellegra looked at him quizzically, “And what do you imagine you are?” Tensile muttered a silent prayer to Innorruuk for control. Ellegra stepped up and stared him right in the eye. Her face took on a harsh and haughty tone. “This is the single most important mission in your life Tensile. If you screw this up, Innorruuk himself will quail at what I will do to you. You will proceed to Qeynos. You will avoid detection at all costs. When you reach Qeynos I will be there to greet you. If you fail to show by the appointed time; if you jeopardize this mission. No place in all of Norrath will be safe for you!” Tensile met her gaze. “This better be worth it. Fair warning, sibling. If you fail, I will cut out your heart with the councils blessings and sacrifice it to Innorruuk myself.” Ellegra smiled, “Well then. Now we’ve both been warned. You leave in a few weeks, start running the guard through drills tomorrow. You are dismissed.” Ellegra left him standing in the library fuming. “One day” he muttered.
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