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Tournament of Champions! (The game has begun)
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After she had seen Wardnan at the federation building, Tiamat went to her room at the residential buildings. She gathered the equipment and other stuff she needed and headed out towards the barracks and the training grounds where she would see Haide.
The sun had begun to fall down beneath the horizon.
The city was rather quit and empty. "The people are probably at Leandra's theater performance." Tiamat thought as she walked the almost empty streets to the barracks. It started to rain slightly when Tiamat stopped at the front of the barrack. The gate was open but no guards where in sight. They were probably also at the theater.
"But why would Haide want to have a last fight on the very day of the theater play? Did not she also want to see the play?" Tiamat thought as she entered the main room. The candles were still lit and there were some cards and figures, likely from some game or something. The room was empty except for some guard that was lying down in a dark corner, probably sleeping. The room also had a strange but not too unfamiliar smell. Tiamat could not put her finger on what it was though.
She went out through the back door and down to the training grounds. Haide was already there sitting with her back to a wooden wall. The rain drops were still falling from the sky. When Tiamat came closer she realized that it was not Haide but another watchman, sitting with his head down. "Ehm hello?" He did not answer nor react. She looked around but could not see anyone else. She walked to the watchman and spoke even louder but still no response. She lied down on her knees beside the watchman and looked down to see his face. She put her hand on his back. he was completely wet beneath the leather. She looked at her hand and saw that it was completely red. She then realized what that smell had been from. Blood.
Someone began to speak behind Tiamat.
"The blood of humans tastes sweet of iron. The blood of dragons is hot and bitter. I wonder what the blood of a human dragon tastes like."
Tiamat took out her great sword and looked at the approaching man.
"What have you done? Where is Haide!?"
"These poor soldiers. All they wanted was to have a good and calm night playing games and have fun. But. That dragon girl started too give in to her dragon desires, to eat. During the night of the theater play she went to the barrack to satisfy her hunger for flesh. She killed the soldiers but she was caught by Dask Vortel who was tragically killed in his attempt to stop this mad woman. It seemed to be over until one of Friyena's loyal champion Zaralim killed the mad dragon girl."
"What are you talking about!? Where is Haide!?" Tiamat stood up with both her hands on her great sword pointed at Zaralim.
"Ahh yes. The watchman girl. She won't dance ever again."
Tiamat took her sword and ran toward Zaralim striking toward him but he stepped aside causing Tiamat to hit a log instead which was cleaved straight through. Tiamat stepped to the right and swung the sword from its position towards Zaralim. He stepped backwards in a quick step. Tiamat let the sword swing her around and went for another strike which was much lower than the previous one. He jumped aside again but Tiamat struck the ground before her causing stones and dirt to be thrown at Zaralim. While he covered his face, She jumped onto him and struck him in the head with her fist. Zaralim stumbled backwards but quickly regained his balance.
"Hahah! yes! you really can fight. I almost want you to live another day so that I can fight you later when you are even stronger. But that would be too risky and I want your blood. You have to die here."
Tiamat jumped with her sword in behind her shoulder toward Zaralim. He did not step back however. He stepped forward and struck Tiamat beneath her arm with his dagger. Tiamat lost balance but regained it once again. She got another swing but it was far too slow. Zaralim stepped back to a wooden training statue. He took off his mask and raised up the blood covered dagger and took a lick of it.
"Ah yes. Yes! The blood of a human dragon. Sweet yet bitter. Hot yet relaxing. It tastes marvelous. Much better than the disgusting blood of the puppets of the other contestant. Almost as good the life filled blood of a pregnant woman. I need the rest of your blood."
Tiamat swung with her sword yet again at Zaralim who once again jumped aside. Tiamat struck trough the feet of the statue and with her other hand she grabbed it. With the moment of her swing she threw it at Zaralim and hit his left side. He grunted of pain as it hit him and broke into tens of pieces. He fell down on his knees.
Tiamat gave a small smile which Zaralim noticed.
"You think you have a chance against be girl? You are nothing but a low fighter, I am a champion. You can never defeat me. "
Tiamat took and threw another training statue at Zaralim who struck it aside. Tiamat however was just behind the statue with her sword above her head to take a last strike at Zaralim. She did overestimate the damage she had done. Zaralim took out a sword and with the dagger struck Tiamat beneath her both arms. She dropped the great word and Zaralim, with her momentum threw her into the wooden wall beside Dask Vortel. Before Tiamat could react, Zaralim pierced her with his sword into the wooden wall. Locking her in place.
Tiamat tried to draw out the sword but Zaralim cut her hand with the dagger stopping her. He took another taste of her blood from the new cuts without any hurry to finish her.
"What are you waiting for!?" Tiamat shouted at him.
"You might be my only chance to get a taste of human dragon blood. I will take my time with you."
Tiamat heard the door to the barracks open.
Down the path came Sir Wardnan. He walked to Tiamat with very little concern given to Zaralim. He sat down on his knees and helped draw out the sword that pierced Tiamat.
Zaralim was saying something in the background.
He took off his shirt and wired it around Tiamat's stomach as a bandage. He gave her a drinking pouch to drink from. The liquid burned in her mouth but it eased the pain. "Are you ok Tiamat?" He asked with her responding only by nodding her head.
Wardnan stood up and turned towards Zaralim while he drew his sword.
"So now you say hello?" Zaralim said with a nonchalant tone.
"Never have I strived for revenge for my dear wife Marianne. Never have I wanted to betray Friyena's love. But. If my actions may save life. I shall stand before her accept her judgment. As today I shall save Timat by killing you Zaralim, chosen of Friyena!"
The rain became heavier as the silent knight of Friyena and the 15th champion stood face to face. Tiamat lied down against the wooden wall. She was still bleeding but Wardnan's shirt had stopped it from being crucial.
Sir Wardnan held his sword in the right hand and Zaralim's smaller sword in his left.
"May I have my sword back please?" Zaralim said while reaching his hand towards Wardnan.
Wardnan raised Zaralim's sword up and in the next moment a glowing light began to surround the shaft of the blade. The sword broke to a thousand pieces as he clenched his fist.
"So you don't want to play clean. Very well." Zaralim seethed his dagger he had used against Tiamat. He drew out another one. A dark blade with a red edge. "Then I won't either. I don't need your blood so I shall let it rot within you."
While Zaralim spoke Wardnan put his hand onto his sword. The same glowing effect as earlier surrounded the sword but unlike earlier, it did not break. "The only one who shall rot is you." Wardnan struck the ground before him with his sword. This created a white flame before him that forced Zaralim to back off. He repeated the process two times again to force Zaralim away from Tiamat. When they were on a far enough distance, Wardnan jumped into the air and threw the sword towards Zaralim who easily avoided it. As the sword penetrated the ground it light up and exploded. Zaralim flew back from the force into a wooden house. Wardnan landed and jumped after him.
Zaralim tried to react but Wardnan grabbed his foot and threw him into and through the wooden house. Zaralim was covered under a pile of wooden piles. Wardnan stepped onto him and hit Zaralim's head with his fist, breaking his mask. He got two additional hits before Zaralim was able to fend him off with his venomous dagger. While Zaralim crawled out of the pile, Wardnan walked to get his sword. Zaralim threw a bunch of poisonous knives at him but Wardnan struck them down easily with his sword. Zaralim was bleeding heavily beneath the mask so he took it off.
Zaralim took out a small pouch. He struck his teeth in it and blood began to drip out of the holes. He drank from the pouch until it was completely empty then he threw it towards Wardnan. "The last blood of your wife and son Wardnan." Zaralim attacked Wardnan with greater speed and more aggression than he had shown before. He swung swift attacks with his dagger against Wardnan who was able to block them. Wardnan got an opening and hit Zaralim with his fist throwing him back a couple of yards. He was however quickly back on his legs and attacked Wardnan once again.
Wardnan quickly swung his sword into the ground creating new flames. Zaralim did not back off this time. He forced himself through the flames that burned into his face and other exposed areas. Wardnan tried to strike him away but Zaralim had come in too close. Wardnan got a grab on Zaralims right shoulder but he had his left arm still free in which he held the dagger.
Zaralim took his dagger and thrust it into Wardnan breast. Wardnan grunted in pain but grabbed onto Zaralim's shoulder even tighter so that he almost broke his bones. Wardnan left some distance to Zaralim while still holding onto him and swung back with his sword at him. The sword hit Zaralim straight on, creating a huge wound that went from his right leg up to his shoulder. Wardnan lost his grip on Zaralim and fell onto the ground. Zaralim fell back fully covered in his own blood. He took out another pouch and drank the blood from it. The wound began to slightly heal but it left a nasty scar.
After Zaralim had recovered his strength, he stood up and looked at the pouch while he walked towards Tiamat. "Thanks for your blood, mother." His clothes barely hanged on him now as he stumbled on his way towards Tiamat. Tiamat still lied down. She saw Zaralim approach her so she tried to reach her great sword but it was too far away. Zaralim came closer and drew his earlier dagger once again. "Screw the blood. You have to die right now." Tiamat searched Dask Vortel's body and found a bow and some arrows with which she shoot at Zaralim. The first arrow hit him in the leg making him stumble even more but it did not stop him. Tiamat shot another which hit him in the stomach. She prepared a third arrow but Zaralim was very close now.
Then. A glowing sword went straight through Zaralim's body from behind him. Wardnan took Zaralim and threw him multiple feets towards a slope further down. Zaralim landed and stood up again now glowing from the sword. He burst into an explosion of white fire as he fell down the slope.
Wardnan fell down on his knees beside Tiamat. A grey mark had spread onto his neck from the dagger in his breast. He then feel onto his back. Tiamat crawled to Wardnan. Tiamat grabbed onto him. He was still breathing.
Then multiple running footsteps was heard from the barracks and the back door.
"Henric!" Tiamat heard Clementia scream as she ran down towards them.
(After leaving the harbor with Caron.)
Tiamat walked with Caron on the quiet central streets of Legorna. Sunlight's last rays reflected from the windows of the surrounding buildings. Shopkeepers locked the doors of their stores. Some soldiers with standard legornian armors were walking around the streets. A little boy and a little girl ran past Tiamat and Caron. They had wooden sticks which they used as weapons while they were impersonating some contestants of the tournament. One of Mishra's assembly-workers was walking to the direction of the residential buildings while carrying a wooden box.
Tiamat took a swig of water from her bota bag. She had wondered if the pain would've returned after her second match in the tournament, but she hasn't felt anything within herself.
Perhaps my soul doesn't need to do another drastic transformation.
She closed her eyes and wandered to a memory. Tiamat was at her home, on the top of a hill in the middle of a grassland. White clouds sailed in the deep blue sky. The smell of summer filled the air. Flower petals of all colors flew with the winds. She caught one of them with her both hands, then looked at it. It was a pure white flower petal. Calmness and joy filled her as she stared at the simple, yet pretty thing.
Suddenly, the petal withered. Tiamat's mood changed to fear as every plant around her died. The clouds turned black and the sky red. She heard a monstrous screech above her. Tiamat was shocked as she saw the grey drake again. Its eyes were red and it had dark bloodstains everywhere. When it flew above her, dark drops of blood fell onto her face and blue dress. Then she heard someone's scream.
"Aargh!"
Tiamat's mind was in Legorna, once again. She stared at Caron, who was a stone throw's away from the dragon girl. The hunter turned around when the scream echoed in the streets. Then Tiamat looked down and saw as a green little goblin with rags was jumping with his left leg while holding his hands on his right leg's toes.
"You stepped on me toes! Watch where you're goin'!
"Sorry..."
The angry goblin walked away with its bare feet behind a building's corner while cursing something for himself. Tiamat's face was blank as she looked at Caron again, who raised her eyebrow and had her hands crossed over her chest. Then the two resumed their journey.
It didn't take long until Tiamat and Caron were in front of an old brick building. Light came from each window. The sweet smell of food and ale filled the air. Even though it was getting late, a lot of noises could be heard from within the building; talking, laughter, eating, and singing. Caron pointed at the wooden signboard, which was hanging above the entrance.
"This is it. The Old Vagabond."
Tiamat looked at the signboard. It was engraved with the tavern's full name and with a bearded figure, which was holding an ale in its left hand. It reminded Tiamat from the villages and towns, which were near her home within the wilds. Caron patted Tiamat on her shoulder.
"It's the perfect place to remember, why we do our duties and work hard for them. But tonight, let's just relax and let go of our worries for a while."
After a moment, Tiamat turned her head at Caron and smiled a little. Caron smiled back, and then she opened the tavern's door. Warmth welcomed Tiamat as she and the hunter stepped in.
Inside the tavern was a large group, which consisted of people all over the land. Most of them were legornian commoners or soldiers, but a few elves and foreigners could also be seen at corner tables. At the left side of the tavern was a wooden platform above the tables, which was full of barrels. A large, burning furnace was at the back, where the cook made meals. The counter where the maids served drinks was at the right side. Iron chandelier hung from the middle of the roof and carried many white, lit candles.
The rain was pouring down over Legorna. Most of the population was at home or watching the theater play. Some less fortunate ones where at the training grounds.
Tiamat lied down beside Wardnan with two soldiers taking care of her wounds.
Clementia was sitting down, leaning over Wardnan.
"Henric. Please Henric answer me."'
Bristana and the priest where sitting beside her trying to heal Wardnan's wounds.
Oliver and some soldiers had walked down the wet and slippery slope to get Zaralim's body.
Wardnan looked up at Clementia who tried to speak to him but he hardly heard any words she said. The sky become light and Wardnan fell.
He opened his eyes. He stood and looked out towards the sea. The sun was shining and the birds was singing in the trees behind him. He looked around and found his younger brother Robin beside him. In his hand he held a dead deer which they had hunt earlier. Henric looked down on his hands. They were dirty with the deer's blood and they were, young. Robin spoke to him "We must get home soon. Mother and father may begin to worry about us" Henric shrugged his shoulders. "Why are you in such a hurry. Do you believe the abyss will just appear and swallow Santiena whole. Our home city does not have 500 soldiers just for show you know. Come lets take quick dip in the water." They were bathing for almost an over before the sky turned dark and the air became cold. "Akon!?" Robin said as they hurried to put on their clothes. Henric took the deer and they ran up on the road and began to run home.
As they ran, it seemed as if the whole world had turned dark and cold. They got up on a hill from which they could see Santiena in the distance. On the road they met a patrol of mounted soldiers. "Where are you going!?" shouted one of the soldiers.
"We must get home to our family before the Akon attacks." Said Robin while Henric was looking out towards the sea. One soldier further in the back spoke. "I have seen an Akon attack before. This is far larger than that. We must get to Crastine and you should too leave this place." Robin wanted to respond but was disrupted by Henric. "What is that?" They all looked out into the sea and saw a dragon flying towards Santiena. It was no ordinary dragon. It was a large yellow eyed black dragon and a black and yellow aura surrounding it. "It is flying towards Santiena. We must warn them!" Henric shouted as he began to run towards Santiena which where miles away. The soldiers and Robin shouted to him to stop but he did not stop until the dragon was close to Santiena. Black fire begin to escape it's mouth and then it breathed it down onto the whole city. In just a moment, the 15 000 large city had turned to ashes.
Henric stood and was shaking as he looked at the devastation. He dropped the deer and looked down on his hands, covered in blood. His body froze as the dragon roared. One of the soldiers screamed "It is flying towards Crastine! We must warn them!"
Two soldiers quickly took up Henric and Robin onto their horses and rode away as quick as they could with the dragon flying far behind them. They was riding for what must have been hours. The dragon had at two earlier occasions attacked and destroyed nearby cities. Then finally. The huge city of Crastine appeared before them. The soldiers tried to scream to the ones on the wall but they were too late. The dragon flew over them and bathed a large part of the city in flames as it landed in the central plaza. The army answered and covered the dragon with arrows, bolts and much else at the monster but with little success. Most of the army was quickly incinerated. The fleet in the harbor also tried to shoot the dragon but it was also soon burnt down. More soldiers arrived trying to hopelessly hinder the monster from reaching new sections of the city.
Henric watched in horror as the dragon destroyed parts of the city. He then saw a glimpse of light in the darkness coming from the sea. A moment later a golden spear hit the dragon forcing it back. The spear was followed by a winged figure. Some of the soldiers beside Henric fell down on their knees "Friyena save us!"
The goddess flew in and grabbed the spear and struck the dragon. The dragon breathed fire at the goddess who shielded herself with magic and then attacked again. After a couple of minutes, dragon was dead and began to burn with a black and yellow flame. Thousands of people appeared from the city to preach the goddess that had saved them. Henric and Robin went into the city to great the goddess Friyena. When they entered the great plaza, Henric saw a young boy run around searching many of the dead soldiers.
They both offered to help.
Henric later saw the same boy stand and talk to a captain. The captain shouted "Mikhas" and a young adult man with yellow silk robe came walking with a gold-red box. He gave the box to the captain who took out two necklaces and reached them to the boy. The boy backed off and shook his head. As if he was in denial. The boy then ran away. One of the soldiers from earlier had joined Henric. "Family emblems. Most likely the boy's parents'." Some hours later when the dead bodies had been removed from the streets, Henric once again saw the boy. He was on his knees before Friyena, offering his loyalty and service. Robin sat beside Henric. "You know Henric. We should also offer our services. Since we don't have anyone left to return to. Under her we would be given a purpose again." Henric accepted and they became knights under Friyena. Henric became really skilled and became a chosen knight of hers but the blood and the memories still haunted him so one day when he was hunting an Akon down south he came to a small city named Legorna. Here he met a lovely girl named Marianne and he fell in love.
Wardnan was back in the training grounds. He looked up at Clementia and told her. "Clementia. Take care of Veronica for me."
He once again opened his eyes. Someone was singing. He looked back and saw Marianne stand there with a baby boy in her hands. Behind her stood Keralda and was singing for them to follow. Henric took Marianne's hand and they followed the singing god.
"I will take care of her Henric." said Clementia before Wardan's heart stopped beating. She held him tight while. The rain did little to help her hide her tears.
"Lev'foralt Sir Henric Wardnan." said Bristana beside her
The soldiers came back up the slope holding the sword of Sir Wardnan. "My lady. The body of Zaralim. It is nowhere to be found."
"Behold! The contestant, who made it to the semi finals! She, who defeated an ethereal assassin and a skilled detective! The hero, who slew the corrupted drake of Trogon forest; Tiamat, girl with the force of dragons!"
A loud cheer followed when Caron finished her presentation. Some clapped and others raised their mugs. Tiamat felt how a strong, yet gentle warmth filled her upper body. She waved at everyone while having a bright, genuine smile. When the greeting was over, Caron pointed at the table on the far left side of the tavern. Tiamat could see a familiar group sitting there. The chubby one waved at the archer and the dragon girl.
"There they are," Caron said and beckoned at Tiamat. "Come!"
Wedge was the one who waved. He was sitting at the opposite side of the table from Biggs and Elidyr. The spearmen had their old iron armors except they had removed their gauntlets and the helmets. Elidyr had his leather armor. He was drinking ale while his hood covered his head. Tiamat sat next to Wedge and greeted the three young men with her right hand. Caron was standing at the end of the table and looked at everyone.
"I'm going to get the drinks for us," she said before going to the counter at the other side of the tavern.
"No drinks for Elidyr, though! I think he's had enough," Biggs shouted to Caron as she left and pointed at the hooded archer with his thumb.
"Don't lishten to him. I'm just gettin' shtarted," Elidyr shouted.
Wedge, who was eating porkchop, gave Tiamat's side a nudge with his right elbow.
"We were watchin' your last match, but we didn't know wha' happened in the tunnels," he said while he still had food left in his mouth.
The others turned to look and listen to Tiamat. The dragon girl tried to remember that part of the match.
"I'm not sure myself. Apparently Leandra drugged me with something, but it wasn't enough to defeat me."
Biggs slapped the wooden table while laughing.
"Even when you're drunk, you could probably beat a dozen of contestants with your bare hands!"
Wedge joined Biggs' laughter. Tiamat chuckled and Elidyr stared at his empty mug in silence. When the taller spearman calmed down, he continued.
"Speaking of contestants, what do you think about the other two who made it to the semi finals, Tiamat? The metal monster and the crippled genius?"
"I haven't thought about them that much. All I know is that they're opponents who should not be underestimated."
"Elidyr's drinking shouldn't be underestimated," Wedge said while chuckling. "Did something happen today."
"Nothing much," the archer said while his face was slightly red. "I jusht returned the dead hunter'sh signet ring to hish old mother. Apparently his name was Andras, the only child of that widow."
Tiamat had a cold feeling within herself. She wondered if Niven's squad would've made it in time to that section of the Trogon forest if she didn't spend so much time preparing. Biggs patted Elidyr's shoulder.
"That's rough. I hope Andras' family has peace now that they know he has moved on."
Suddenly, five wooden mugs, which were full of brew, were placed in the middle of the table. Caron had returned from the counter with the drinks. She sat down at the end of the table.
"These are on me! Let's have a toast for the contestant who is spending this evening with us!"
The spearmen were the first ones who took a mug. The archers followed instantly. Tiamat hesitated a little for a second, but then she took a mug as well. Everyone raised their mugs to their eye level, then Caron began to talk again.
"To Tiamat! May you gracefully fight through this tournament and become a hero whom we have faith in!"
Then the legornian soldiers, archers and the dragon girl touched each other's mugs with their own before taking a swig of golden brew. Wedge gave a loud belch afterwards.
"I jusht don't get it," Elidyr said with a frustrated voice. "Why do we keep praishing these freaks? Every tournament is one big charade!"
Caron turned her head at Elidyr. Her face didn't look as cheerful as it did a second ago.
"What did you just say?"
Elidyr continued with even louder voice and pointed his finger at Caron.
"You dare say we have faith in these bloodthirsty mutants which become 'heroes' once they've fought in the cursed tournament? You think Zaralim, the previous champion, is god damn hero material?"
"I am not bloodthirsty nor a vampire," Tiamat said to Elidyr angrily.
"No, you're the daughter of a deshperate human and a fire breathing monster, I guess," the hooded archer said and stood up. "I just wonder who will be praished as the almighty champion next! The metallic and soulless golem? The half-dead man with dozens of iron puppets? Or the wizard which takes grotesque forms? Not to mention the tree hugging girl which makes plantsh grow unnaturally!"
"Calm down, Elidyr," Biggs said and reached his hand at him. But the archer with the crossbow stepped away from the table and didn't shut his mouth.
"So yes, congratulations, Tiamat, for making shure that blood will be spilled over the dead performers of Legorna's theatre for years to come!"
Few commoners from the nearest table stood up and tried to push Elidyr out from the tavern, but the young archer pushed them away from himself. One of them fell onto the wooden floor, another onto a table, dropping all drinks and food onto the floor in the process. Third man, a legornian soldier, ordered Elidyr to leave. This made Elidyr to take an almost empty bottle from the hands of the nearest sitting person and throw it in the face of that soldier. The bottle shattered when it hit the soldier and made him lose consciousness. When someone just entered the tavern and saw all this, he walked up to Elidyr and put his left hand onto the archer's left shoulder.
"Stop this, Elidyr," the man shouted.
But Elidyr immediately turned around and punched the man into the face with his right hand. Elidyr's rage suddenly vanished as he recognized the man in legornian captain's armor. It was Niven, whose right arm was still bandaged from the hunt. Silence filled the tavern as Elidyr just stood and reached Niven with his shaking hands.
"Niven, I'm so sorry...!"
"You've had enough?"
Niven's mouth was bleeding from the new injury as he asked that question. Haide, who was standing at the entrance, watched as Elidyr suddenly ran past her out from the tavern with tears in his face. The watchman ran after him into the shadows of the buildings. When the door closed, Niven turned around and saw as everyone was staring at him. He just shook his head and walked at the table, where his squad was. Maids started to clean the mess the fight had caused. The two men, who were pushed by Elidyr, stood up and went to help out the unconscious soldier.
The squad captain stopped next to Caron, whose right hand covered her eyes. Wedge's eyes and mouth were wide open from what just happened. Biggs leaned onto the table with his right hand, which covered his mouth. Tiamat was sitting silently with her hands on her knees. She stared at her dress angrily while a few single tears glittered within her eyes.
Just a reminder; The Old Vagabond is a flashback which happened way before A Monster Worse than the Akon - Part 3. )
Don't worry. I remembered that it was after match 3 and before match 4.
Just a note: Haide has not been confirmed dead and it would be unlikely to be so.
As said, she went to Crastine one day before when Zaralim was still under the watch of Dask Vortel.
ASAP.
R5-T4 was admitted by three larger then average Assembly-Workers. One led the way down a dimly lit hall while the other two followed immediately behind the metal competitor. Before opening an ornate door, the second on the right, the lead Assembly-Worker demanded that R5-T4 allow him to attach restraining apparatus to his upper limbs, these would stop him from doing anything too rash as they emitted electronic and magnetic pulses to reduces automatons mobility and halts the use of any external weaponry. R5-T4 agreed and was permitted to enter the room once the Assembly-Workers had finished.
"What brings you here, champion?" Mishra began. "Nevermind. You've come because your ashamed of what you believe to be 'foul play' and because your disgusted with your 'technicians.' I think it was excellent, albeit unintentional, programming that made you decide to come to me about it. Come, we have much to discuss."
[to be continued]
(Sorry, I'm at work and have to get back to it. I'll try and get some more written tonight and I'll reveal the next 7CMC iteration of Mishra.)
The rain was pouring down in the dark night outside.
Tiamat lied in her bed with Bristana nursing her wounds. Tiamat saw in Bristana's eyes that her heart was broken from Wardnan's death so she did not speak to her. She let her nurse her in silence.
The raining outside turned into a storm.
When Bristana was finished, she took Wardnan's blood stained shirt and put her hand on Tiamat. "It was not your fault. It was his choice and his alone." She then stood up and headed to the door. In the doorway she met Radhe which held a pot with a grey flower in it. Her eyes were red and her hands were shaking when she entered the room. She did not say anything. She just put the pot with the ugly grey flower beside Tiamat then she left.
The storm outside turned more violent.
The morning arrived to Legorna and the sun was shining. Mishra was sitting in the harbor overseeing his assembly workers help fixing from last night's storm. The city was out-of-the-ordinary empty from people this morning. It must have something to do with the death of one of the hosts last evening. Many of the soldiers where helping with the funeral that would take place today, the same day the contestants’ departure initially was planned but the ship had not yet arrived. Mishra could see one of the goblins that worked with R5-T4 stand and discuss with a sailor at the end of the harbor.
"We do not accept this kind of delay. We have a highly strict schedule for our champion to attend to and we won't accept setbacks." said the goblin.
"We're very sorry but yesterday's storm came from the north and forced the ship and its crew to land and overnight at Crescent Island. The ship has been damaged and is under repair so they won't be here until earliest two days from now."
Mishra returned to oversee his assembly workers. There was still much work left to do before the funeral later that day.
R5-T4 did not like the electromagnetic array constraining him. It reminded the automaton too much of the stuffy assembly rooms deep inside Nivix where Grand Architect Thibble brought him down in stasis. He never remembered what happened down in the laboratories until the day before.
"i NeEd A pLaCE tO hIdE, sIR" R5-T4 rattled. "i MaDe A lOT Of PeOpLe mAd. tHeY haAve bEen fOlLoWiNg mE SIr aND tHeY wAAnt mE tO cOmE bACKk aND bE a GoOd cHamPIoN aNd tO Do sO pEaCeFuLlY. bUT i DoNt bElieev tHeM"
"tHeY'Ve hURnt mE" R5-T4 whispered. "i DoNT wAnT tO gO bAcK. yOu aRE sMaRrt, rIGht? yOu WiLl pROtEcTt me?"
The great automaton bent down to Mishra's height.
"rIGht?"
It was about two hours into her period of incessant weeping that Radhe ceased to feel any sorrow or pain. A kind of floating numbness enveloped her instead, a state where she doubted the reality of everything around her. She now barely remembered recent events, barely remembered Hans running up to her door, breathless, with red-rimmed eyes, as he spoke those dreaded four words.
Sir Wardnan is dead.
She didn't believe it possible initially. Here was a titan of a man, a giant both in stature and in heart. He couldn't have fallen. But she knew. She knew what Zaralim was like, the way he oozed malevolent power.
Zaralim. She would never forget that name.
She thought of Wardnan again, and the thought brought fresh tears to her eyes. She remembered how she first met him. If she had not investigated the flower garden that day, she'd have never met him, never bonded with him, never have experienced this crushing grief.
Never have survived the Akon attack, she realised. In so many ways, he had become the most important person in her life these few months. And now he was gone, an ephemeral butterfly that had briefly flitted into her life and made it joyful while it lasted. And how had she repaid this? By being churlish and sullen after the match with Kara. She hadn't spoken to him since then. Not a word.
I never got to say goodbye. The mere thought broke her on the inside, triggering a fresh wave of tears. He had given and given, and she gave nothing back. She thought of the life he had given her, when the Akon could have just taken it away. A gift she would never forget. A gift she did not deserve.
She contemplated taking that gift away, such was her guilt, but she knew it would hurt him if he were around. She looked around her room. Shovels. Seed dibbers. Children's books, to teach her to read. Grey peacemakers in pots. More gifts undeserved.
She did not deserve the grey peacemakers. They stood for everything he was and she was not.
She got up, and tried to lift all three pots, but her little arms couldn't. She decided to proceed with this one by one. One would go to Hans and Veronica in Wardnan's house, and one would go to Tiamat, yet another contestant whose life Wardnan saved. He wasn't under any compulsion to do so, both with her and with Tiamat. It was just the kind of person he was. The last she wanted to plant at his grave. She hoped it would help him rest easy. Wherever he was.
Part 1 by @Jonteman93 )
"Stand there" Mishra motioned R5-T4 to a corner of the room; there was a chair there, but asking an automaton to sit was pointless. Mishra wheeled himself into an adjoining room and shut the small door behind him.
The proverbial and literal gears wear turning within R5-T4's theft-proof head as he wondered what would happen next. Had Mishra finally decided that feigned diplomacy wasn't getting him far enough fast enough? Would he have R5-T4 dismantled and then misplaced? Had his abrupt and desperate manner infuriated the genius? These thoughts were but a scant percentage among the whirring computations which eventually caused R5 to engage his cooling systems.
Actually, Mishra had only been gone thirty seconds or so before he reentered with a metallic step.
[to be continued]
It was early dawn in Legorna
Tiamat was up already and walked outside of the residential building. Outside the federation building she saw Clementia stand and talk to at least 30 soldiers and watchmen on horses. She was angry and upset. Behind her stood Nathan, Bristana, Oliver and some other soldiers. After she had finished talking she gave the mounted soldiers and watchmen order and they rode out of the city. Tiamat tried to walk out of sight but she was too late. Nathan had seen her and approached her. "Tiamat! You are already awake? how are you feeling? are you ok? Do you need anything?" He said as he proceeded to give Tiamat a hug. "oh ouch ouch!" Nathan released her. "Sorry sorry. I forgot your wounds"
Behind Nathan Clementia approached them.
"I am happy to see that you seems to be feeling fine." She said with a neutral expression which hid both a little anger and sadness.
"I suppose that you know that Zaralim is still on free foot somewhere in the county. I have ordered my men to find him but I have little hope that they will succeed.
Since Zaralim is under the protection of law as champion it will be difficult to justify against him. Even though we have some kind of proof." Clementia revealed the red edged dagger which she held wrapped in cloth. "I tell you this Tiamat since you will be going to Crastine and as you will become stronger. If you ever get the chance I ask you, to kill Zaralim. As a contestant of the tournament for the championship. You should with this proof be able to defend such act. I will do what I can for your cause."
Tiamat did not know what to say. She nodded to Clementia which replied with a thank you before she went back and spoke to Bristana.
Nathan spoke. "Let's go downtown and do something before the funeral later today. So that we have something better to think about." Tiamat took Nathan's hand and they went down to the center.
The sun was shining over Legorna.
Radhe was sitting in Wardnan's flower garden, trying to calm her thoughts with the scent from the flowers. She looked at the ill smelling Rainbow skies. They reminded her of Zaralim and she just wanted to stomp on them. It would not help though.
The bucket was out of water so she stood up and went to get more from the well. When she stopped at it and began pulling the rope she saw something in the far sky.
It was too far away too see what it was but it seemed to be a human with wings. Angel? The being flew towards Legorna and seemed to landed out of sight from Radhe.
She paused and looked down into the well, then around herself. Why is she watering the flowers when they were almost drowned from the storm yesterday?
She could not think straight. She needed to get something else on her mind for the moment. She went and got one of the grey peacekeepers and headed to Wardnan's house.
She got to Wardnan's house. Dust was standing on the side eating grass. She went to Dust and gave her a hug. She did not know if she was trying to comfort Dust or herself.
She went to the door and took a deep breath before she knocked. Hans opened after a moment and let Radhe in. Veronica was sitting at the table, holding Sir Wardnan's sword.
She looked up at Radhe, then on the flower and then back on the sword.
Radhe put the grey peacekeeper on the table.
"I don't except you to forgive me. If i had just talked to him after..."
"Dad became a knight of Friyena to protect the people from monsters. What made that snake any different from those?
Dad should have destroyed him last year when he killed mom.
Radhe, don't do the same mistake as dad did. If you ever get the chance. Kill Zaralim."
Before Radhe left she saw Veronica take the grey peacekeeper and comfort it.
Radhe walked back to Legorna to get the last peacekeeper for Wardnan himself.
The funeral would begin in just a little more than one hour.
An Assembly-Worker removed R5-T4's restraints and moved to join the others in the room.
"Your autonomous plea for protection is sincere. I will protect you, within reason." The robotic voice caused by the helmet Mishra wore had only added to his typical delivery, not altered it. "You must first submit to slight re-configuring so that I can be assured you won't turn on me or mine at an inopportune moment. After which, I can fashion a construct guise to hide your form, otherwise it might not be possible to keep your comings and goings secret. Your obviously a very capable machine; would you like a small command of Assembly-Workers to accompany you at all times? You'll be accompanied either way, but you'd be able to direct them if you chose."
All the while Mishra spoke, he manipulated various components while intermittently ordering and procuring other components from gathered automatons.
"While your functions will be uninhibited, you won't be recognizable. Do you wish to continue in the tournaments? If so, we can have you arrive and leave arenas in secret, though you may run into issues during battles when you're no longer in disguise."
[to be continued]
Mishra's Signature Card:
"oF cOuRSe sIR" R5-T4 said, hope glinting in its photoreceptors. "ThAnKk yOu vErY mUCch sIr. iT wiLl sPaRe mE uNTiL tHe nEXxt bAtTtle."
Mishra smirked, savoring the irony. R5-T4 smiled back, relieved.
Radhe stepped out onto the fields outside Legorna.
The funeral was surrounded with flowers, There were flowers of all colors but mostly white. Wardnan's body lied holding his sword in a coffin at the front. Clementia, Veronica, Nathan, Bristana, Fedron and also the red haired woman stood closest to the chest. Hans was standing beside Dust at behinds the rows of benches. Leandra and Tiamat was sitting beside Radhe at the very front of the rows.
There were many hundreds if not a thousand people at the funeral.
Mishra was also there, sitting behind some the high ups he had spent his time amongst during the tournament matches. Radhe believed she could also see R5-T4 hiding at the back. 'was he hiding from someone?'
Clementia was giving the wrapped dagger to the woman. She looked at it with a disappointed expression. She then gave it back to Clementia and said something.
Bristana began to speak. "We have all gathered here today to take farewell of Sir Henric Wardan. Sir Wardnan was a loyal knight of goddess Friyena for multiple years when he was given a mission to hunt an Akon that had where loose in the mountain pass around Astra Vika. Sir Wardnan were wounded badly after his encounter with the monster. Despite his wounds, he tried to travel back to Crastine by his loyalty. He did not reach longer than the Trogon forest where he collapsed and were found by a scouting party. He was brought to here to Legorna where he was nursed back to health. He fell in love with the doctor's daughter Marianne and choice a life in peace instead of the only life he had ever know since he first offered his loyalty to Friyena.
Throughout the many years Wardnan has lived here in Legorna he have not only been a very good friend and mentor, but also a warrior hero. A few months ago he saved our city and in particular a little girl from an Akon that had appeared in Trogon forest. Yesterday he gave his life to protect another woman.
I first met Sir Wardnan 8 years ago when I was accountable for the federation's connection to the church. Sir Wardnan made me relax and breathe when I was stressed and for everything he has ever given me. I am forever grateful. Lev'foralt Sir Henric Wardnan."
Then Clementia took the position to speak.
"I first met Sir Henric Wardnan when I was 10 years old. A group of drunken Lisakdonian soldiers were harassing and disturbing the peace in Legorna. No one dared to stop them since the execution of the theater performers. During one occasion, the soldiers began to harass me. I was however saved by Sir Wardnan. The soldiers threatened to call the captain and have Wardnan executed. I still remember the fear in their faces when Sir Wardnan told them that he was one of Firyena's chosen knights.
Sir Wardnan helped Legorna get her freedom from the oppression and became a hero.
For that I am ever grateful. Lev'foralt, Sir Henric Wardnan."
Veronica took the position.
"Dad always told me that, even though the past hurts, our actions will not change it. All we can do is to ensure that we get a good and safe future. Ever since my mom died, Dad changed. Instead of being proud of his past as a noble knight he began to avoid it as if it was the fault for mom's death. Dad did not even mention his past until the Akon came two months ago. He realized that behind all killing he had done through the years. He had done it for the protection of others. He was no killer. He was a hero. In my heart I know that dad now is back with mom. Dancing with Keralda singing the same song they married each other to. Dad, mom. I miss you both and I wished I could see you now when you dance together. Lev'foralt, Dad, Henric Wardnan."
Some people began to sing behind Radhe.
The red haired woman stepped forward but not to the speech position. She walked to the chest where she spoke to Sir Wardnan directly. Radhe was close enough to hear what she said. "Sir Henric Wardnan, Jan tris de'st liksean dainder eter. Tris ma'st lohred wedarisan pest kedron dajern Marianne tashjen Keralda. Levoral foralt. Sir Henric Wardnan."
Radhe looked questioning at Leandra. Leandra was numb, she just stared at the woman. She then noticed Radhe's expression to which she said. "I do not know all she said but I think she said something like. (I release you my chosen knight from your duty. May your loyalty be remembered for many years to come. Now dance for eternity with Marianne to the song of Keralda. Levoral Foralt.)"
Radhe was a little shocked but not really surprised. She put her hands together and said
"Levoral Foralt Sir Wardnan."
Leandra put her hand on Radhe's "You should not say that. You should say Lev'foralt."
"Why? What is the difference?"
"Lev'foralt is a blessing and a wish for the deceased one to rest in peace after death. That the gods will take care of him or her. Levoral Foralt is not a wish but a promise.
Only gods may give that kind of promise."
Radhe sat back "Lev'foralt Sir Henric Wardnan." She then remembered Veronica's request. What would she say if she succeeded. "What do you say if you don't want someone to rest in peace?"
Leandra looked at Radhe with question on her own mind but remembered Zaralim. She wanted to say something like don't do it but it is Radhe's choice.
"Lid' foralt. If you wish them misfortune after death, you should however be aware of using it as it may cause misfortune upon you as well. There also another phrase.
Akon Foralt - May your soul burn in the abyss for eternity. I do not know whenever it is used however and none of the Legornians has ever heard it been used."
After the funeral ceremony was finished. Radhe took her flower and walked to the coffin of Sir Wardnan to say her own connection to him. She did not think anyone was listening until the red haired woman appeared beside her. Radhe looked at her with shame for what had happened to her knight Sir Wardnan. "Forgive me. It is my fault miss Friyena that your chosen knight Sir Wardnan is dead." The woman gave Radhe a comforting hug. It was really soft and nice hug. She put her hands outside of Radhe's hands which were holding the pot with the flower. "Don't be sorry for what Sir Wardnan did. He had ever since he became a loyal knight wanted to become and die as a hero. His wish was granted." The flower in Radhe's hands began to glow and change form. When it stopped glowing it had grown into a very beautiful flower that smelled adorable. "Sir Wardnan is with Marianne and Keralda now. So don't feel sorry for him. Now, should we plant the flower at Sir Wardnan and Marianne's grave?"
Radhe felt much better and when the coffin had been lowered into the grave beside Marianne's. She and the woman planted the grey peacekeeper.
The ship arrived in the afternoon the following day.
Leandra was sitting on a bench in the center of Legorna, reading some new found books about old heroes while she wrote the script for another play.
After a while, she saw a kid flying around with magical wings. Leandra inspected the bottle of wine she had beside her. She looked back at the kid which now where three.
they laughed and played around in the air. Some old man told the kids to get down but they refused.
A couple of Mishra's assembly workers went from the residential buildings down towards the harbor. They were all carrying large boxes and other equipment. Some of R5-T4's goblins where waving angrily at the assembly workers who almost ran over them.
A captain and some soldiers came walking from the harbor up towards the federation building. Nathan and Tiamat was walking down the street, talking about something.
Nathan suddenly stopped when he saw the flying children. He began to run towards the harbor but then stopped and ran back to Tiamat who still had difficulties moving her torso. He seemed very eager to get down to the lower section of town that he almost dragged Tiamat behind him.
Tiamat had difficulties keeping her legs in balance while Nathan pulled her across the bridge and into the downtown. Some girl sat on a box with a couple of children outside the Moxartine house. She created magic wings for the children with which they could fly.
Nathan left Tiamat alone in the middle of the street as he sneaked and hid behind a wall of a store. He created a bird which he let fly to the girl. The bird flew and landed on the girls head. It started to drag in her hair while Nathan was laughing in his "hiding spot".
The girl chased the illusionary bird into the air which began to taunt her. She looked around and then noticed Tiamat. Tiamat became nervous and looked at Nathan.
The girl noticed it and gave herself wings. She flew out towards the water and behind the house. Nathan peeked out of his hiding place but he did not see the girl. The girl appeared behind Nathan with a bucket in her hands. She flew above Nathan. Nathan looked at Tiamat and then up. He was greeted with a bucket full of water before the girl herself fell down on him. She forced him down on the ground. "Is this... how you... treat your own sister's homecoming... Nathan!" Nathan was stuck in her grip and could not get loose. "I had to pay back from last time." he struggled to say.
"Excuses excuses." she said before she let Nathan free while she approached Tiamat. The illusionary bird came back and sat down on the wet Nathan who lied in the grass.
"I'm sorry for the Moxartine business you had to witness. My name is Sophieanore von Moxartine but please, call me Sophie. I am the wet one's sister. What is your name if I may ask?"
Tiamat was surprised by the strange sibling connection. "Ehm, nice to meet you Sophie. My name is Tiamat." she said while Sophie was shaking her hand.
"So. Are you perhaps Nathan's you know. Girlfriend?"
"No no no, She is not my girlfriend. Or well I think she's not. Lil sis don't know what she is saying. You are not my girlfriend right?" Nathan said while he crawled himself up and approached the girls.
Tiamat looked at him with almost a little disappointment. "See what you did to poor Tiamat. You have not changed at all since last time. Come Tiamat. Let's go. I have so much I want to know about you and what had happened and everything."
Nathan was left only with his illusionary bird as company. The bird began to laugh at him. With a grumpy face expression he dismissed the bird. Now he was completely alone.
Edit: Fixed it.
@Gelectrode @Faiths_Guide @TenebrisNemo @KalamMekhar
The last evening is here. It would be interesting to know what your champions do/did the last night before they departure to Crastine.
Nathan won't be alone for too long. His sister is just kidding with him.
Mishra's assembly workers have been loading most of Mishra's equipment and materials onto the ship.