True stone of heaven 1 - The stone of the lost legion
"Horrible, oh so horrible. Awful! Disastrous! horrendous! Atrocious!
I do not know of any words that can describe this awful disaster. This horrendous crime!
This treachery! I do not have the words, but with all my heart and soul I curse the very essence and being of that man of metal whom they call; Seven.
The iron steed is broken, it's heart stolen! It no longer protects the path through the Al'Solahan desert from not only the invaders of the north, the raiders of the sand but also the lost legion.
They have grown in power during this war, greatly. Every day hundreds of soldiers fall, and they are found by the legion. Before only a few travelers or people who got lost joined them, but now... It was only the iron steed that could keep them at bay. Now it's gone. IT'S GONE!
Not just soldiers march in their ranks, not just dogs, horses and camels. Above the legion among the vultures now fly dragons. What began as a mere company of lost men and soldiers, has grown into the third army, the lost legion. The dead are marching."
In the scorching sands. Camps and outposts of both Alsolamoni and Dormanian armies are being emptied as they receive news of the fate of the iron steed and the legion of the sands.The armies escape to the fortresses of their bannerswhere they shall regroup and prepare to fight this new army. And for the first time since the war began, the fighting between the two armies cease, at least for a while.
Far from them in the desert, the vultures fly in huge groups. Some seem almost normal but most of them lack limbs, flesh, eyes and legs. Behind the swarm of vultures follows a dragon with huge wounds down his side, and his eyes are grey as mist. More dragons fly, five more belong to the legion that walks beneath them. Gathered in groups of thousands the legion has form smaller brigades tens of miles from the main force. Tens of thousands march, many of them are from years past, even so far as two hundred years back, but most are from the current war, armed with steel and gunpowder. In the middle of the legion, on six horses rides what was once six priests of Avelade and her children, but now they are just as dead as the soldiers around them. In emblems on their chests they carry misty stones like as if they where made of milky water. The greatest and only true of these stones is carried by the once great priest of Lady Avelaide herself - The stone of the lost legion, the stone of the undying.
"At last it finally happened. It was only a question of time before someone would steal the stone. We just hoped that we would have been given more time. But now the gardens are left undefended, so it time for us to make a move. We will travel north, we will take revenge upon the Alsolamani, and we will take back the stone. This insult, this disrespect, will not go unpunished, not by the Alsolamani, not by them who took the stone who goes by the names; Sara the runaway princess, and the oathbroken warrior Gidel.
The time has come. The great children of Kolgo will join the war, to aid our allies, and punish our enemies. The giants of Zundat are marching to war."
Few warriors of the world, not even the elite of lisakdonia or Dormania, can match the might and power of the giants of the south. Standing commonly ten to twelve feet tall, they have always been incredible warriors even without proper equipment. Though they are few in numbers so they often avoid conflict, sometimes a few of them join the armies of others as mercenaries. Only a few times have the people of Kolgo officially gone to war, often when their safety and existence have been in jeopardy or when their nature is in danger. The loss of the guardian is a great loss for them worthy of fighting for, even if just to ensure the safety of the garden.
But this time is different. The giants have always gone to war with whatever they could collect themselves, so they rarely had armor of anything more than fur and skins, and weapons too small for them. But this time their allies are from Dormania, the kingdom of iron. This time the giants are armored with iron armor and glaives of the sharpest steel. This is true for the one greatest of them all.
Later, a clash of armies in southern Sivali. The Alsolamani army in the north equipped with cannons and firearms, and from the southern jungles the Zumbala armies have arrived. The Alsolamani army was twice as large, but the speed and ferocity of the Zumbala forces would quickly close the gap, and the charge of elephants and giants would tear fear into the hearts of the soldiers of Sivali, Sabrah and Surtur. But the cannons where effective tools against their large opponents.
"Fire!" shouted a captain, which was followed by the terrible exploding sound of firing cannons as balls of lead are spread south towards the giants, one in particular.
When the smoke laid down, the captain gasped for what he saw, and the engineers followed. They had not missed the giant they aimed for, but their shot was useless as he had stopped the cannonball with his bare hand. Though this fourteen feet tall giant was not any ordinary giant. Wearing armor of fur and iron, and a glaive specially made for him he was only known to the Alsolamani as; the Titan. The mightiest known warrior with no living equal as the last equal disappeared long ago. Around his neck he wore a necklace with a stone of sparkling yellow and grey - the stone of the titan, the stone of might.
True stone of heaven 3 - The stone of the Matriarch
"In such short time, the hearts that bow to no masters but the spirit and will of Lady Avelaide herself, have been claimed. This shall not be tolerated. We shall not allow it. We shall take back the stones, but those that carry them are powerful and experienced in combat. The heart of the storm has been claimed by a monk of incredible speed; Godara. The heart of the ground has been claimed by a satyr wizard; Ravina, whom have magic that originates from the lady herself, but that does not allow her to steal from the lady what is not hers. The molten heart has been claimed by a great warrior of Zumbala; Tzhubala. There are also four other stone seekers out there; Seven, Sara, Alissa.
My children, remember these names. You will seek them out, but do not challenge them yet. Instead, get to know them if they allow, or learn from them from the shadows. Make sure that they get to know the locations of the true stones of heaven, for this is their ambitions, and it shall be their downfall. Then from their defeat you will allow the lady to take back her stones.
Kalifa, Seydina, Sahmin, Kodu, Randu, Pascal. Go. find these stone seeker, and stay safe."
The six children, all aged between 15 and 24 with stones around their necks, each one representing a different element, bowed to their mother. Then one after another they summoned an elemental of their element, and headed out into the world.
Kalifa (female, 17) with the element of fire headed for Ravina.
Seydina (female, 21) with the element of water headed for Godara.
Sahmin (femalew 24) with the element of wind headed for Alissa
Kodu (Male, 21) with the element of earth headed for Sara.
Randu (Male, 19) with the element of lightning headed Tzubala.
Pascal (Male, 15) with the element of ice headed for Seven.
The mother then turned towards her seventh child, Lali, the youngest at 12 and master of the dark element.
"My youngest daughter, seek the final stone hunter; Amir. Tell him of the fourth true stone of the heaven - the immortality stone. He is the only one of the seven that I trust with the knowledge of that stone, and the incredible evil it has caused. Now go, and stay safe."
Lali nodded as she summoned a dark horse of shadow upon which she rode away from the castle and the city.
The mother after having waved wished her last child good fortune walked up into a tower behind the throne room. Inside the tower was an incredible storm of elemental energy surging through, around, up and down the tower. The mother raised her hand, the storm formed seven separate forms of energy that traveled into the mother's hand where they formed a stone containing the brilliant power and energy of the seven elements - the stone of the Matriarch, the stone of the elements.
The 3 stones which you may pursue have been revealed. As told in the earlier segment, 6 elementalists (one each) are seeking you out to provide to your character information about the stone that you choose to pursue, because you'll need it.
These stones are a step up from the earlier stones, and they will prove to be difficult to claim by yourselves, even with the stones you have gathered thus. To claim these stones you'll need to exploit the current conflicts or events.
As before, you may begin writing how you go to claim the stones from the moment when you have chosen a stone to pursue.
{The power this one wielded against us proved most formidable, but we may now use it against our quarry.}
(Then we proceed.) Leaving Torna behind, Seven’s face burned brightly with the chaotic energy they absorbed from the warlock’s lightning. Returning to the train tracks, Seven continued the pursuit on the Iron Horse they had trailed for days.
(The tracks grow hotter. We approach the stone.) The train once again came into sight. Down the tracks, the armed and armoured vehicle ran.
But Seven pursued. Drawing on the energy gained from the earlier fight, Seven put on a burst of speed to sprint around to the front of the train. Bullets and shells followed Seven’s dash, but would miss their untrackable mark or were absorbed of their energy by the Kinetic Shield.
This energy gained was about to prove useful as Seven reached the carriage in the front - attached to this, the Iron Horse pulled the train with an inexorable gallop. Channelling vast kinetic energy directly through the Forge Stone, Seven slammed it into the armoured flank of the carriage with the full force of Torna’s chaotic energy.
Moments later, the effects of the stone of heaven became apparent. Crystalline cracks formed, darting from the exterior shell to the axel to the links connected to the Horse. Attempting to continue its advance, the wheels turned but fractured, and…
The train derailed and armoured exterior shattered, it wildly careened off the tracks and flipped onto its side, causing a chain reaction as the next few consecutive carriages turned off the track and released the munitions stored inside. Blood, fire, metal. This beast would no longer heed the call of a master. Death follows the beast of war. Now, it has reached it.
{As planned. The stone is now vulnerable.} {Ware, for that one knows we seek.) A burst of bullets and shouts followed Seven as they took cover behind a flipped carriage. Ahead on the tracks, the Horse’s riders turned and made ready to defend against the raider. [We remove the obstacles and take the stone.]
{We’ll need more energy to channel into the carrier. That is an easy fix…}
(Then we draw energy from these ones, then go in for the metal beast. Just as before.)
Once again appearing from cover, Seven began to harvest the energy from the barrage cast at them by the Horse’s riders, each projectile stopping dead at the shield’s surface as if time briefly stopped. Advancing forward, the glow to Seven’s face began to return.
This would not go unnoticed, however. The stream of projectiles stopped as a commanding call rang out from the defenders to switch tactics - if this light-armoured assailant wouldn’t go down with metal, then they would perish in fire.
Suddenly, Seven’s vision was filled with the familiar burning orange of the inferno. Jets of fire leapt from the Iron Horse’s cannons followed by flasks of fire oil. The garments that once adorned a Vae’Vyn of Tyris burned away…
…but the Vae’Vyn that wore them did not. The metal golem fully uncovered, it leapt from the flames with a glow as intense as the inferno lighting up its face. In the blink of an eye, it was on them. Each soldier was struck down as they strained to track the metal blur that slammed into each one consecutively. Finally, again brandishing the blue glow of the Forge Stone, Seven crashed the quaking power into the Iron Horse.
(At last, the pursuit is over. We may [now claim the) stone {power]( energy [for ourselves…)}] The shell of the Horse shattered, Seven combed the remains for the beast’ great power source. And there it was: a dark, ruddy stone, emanating a detectable prickly energy. …(en[pow){vel]er}[oci(gy{ty})]… Picking up the stone, Seven felt the power course into the body of the metal sentinel they inhabited. Before any more confrontation was to be had, Seven drew energy from the stone to sprint away from the remains of the Horse and train, leaving only the memories of a metal demon behind, and the burning symbol etched on the shield from which they asserted their name - the symbol of a 7.
I’ll write in more detail about it, but Seven will pursue the stone of the Titan next.
Upon bidding farewell to the dwelling of the departed recluse, Godara embarked on a journey through the labyrinthine territories of Salamon, traversing the tumultuous landscape tainted by the dual forces of war and industrialization that had relentlessly shaped the region. Kazar, once a beacon of innovation, now stood as a testament to the insatiable appetite of war—a ravenous beast devouring lands, gold, and faith.
The war, a ceaseless maelstrom, manifested in the carnage that engulfed the lives of the guilt-laden, the dutiful, and the innocent. Houses crumbled to ash, crops withered, and the once-prosperous land became a desolate battlefield where men stacked crates of weapons, trading the crystal-blue tinted arms of old for the mundane steel and iron of the present.
As Godara traversed the war-torn expanse, riding a locomotive now aged, he couldn't ignore the remnants of a more advanced era. In the distance lay the wreckage of a modern locomotive, not silently smoldering like typical wreckage but, rather, radiating heat—a testimony to the relentless degradation of hot sand on once vibrant metal.
Arriving in the vicinity of the old fisherman's dwelling, who had aided him in Kazar, Godara opted for a silent traverse on foot to the hermit's abode, seeking refuge in the chaos-ridden lands. As he approached, he observed the vestiges of familiar machinery now replaced by more commonplace and less alien contraptions, signifying a shift in the city's reliance on the distinctive energy of the Forge Stone.
Reaching the abode, Godara exchanged pleasantries with the aged recluse, his inquiries unraveling a narrative of continued turmoil. War, a perennial antagonist, remained the same, but now the imperial forces were notably scarce, hinting at a redirected focus. Godara probed deeper into the changes, prompting the old man to reveal a tale of a towering steel warrior—a being of sheer might, known to wield the formidable Forge Stone. This enigmatic figure had singlehandedly dismantled the imperial train housing the Stone during a transfer, surviving blasts that could rend steel and molten metal alike. What was left behind was a numerical insignia—7.
Intrigued, Godara pondered the ramifications of the city's altered landscape, now compelled to employ more conventional machinery without the Forge Stone. Learning of the various stones scattered across the realms, Godara surmised that others, like him, sought these powerful artifacts. The old man recounted tales of the iron warrior (Forge Stone), the colossal warrior with the sun stone, and Godara himself with the Stone of Mists, also rumored to possess the Stone of Storms following a dragon encounter.
The old man's revelations sparked contemplation within Godara. As he considered the potential adversaries vying for the stones, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, a subtle yet persistent sensation that had lingered since his train journey. Despite the benign nature of the observer, Godara couldn't dismiss the notion that unseen eyes were surveilling his every move.
Acknowledging the old man's wisdom, Godara offered assistance with the evening's fishing endeavors, lending his strength to the seasoned fisherman. Amidst the rhythmic battle with the ocean's shifting tides, Godara couldn't escape the awareness of the distant figure— a shadowy watcher who had observed him since his arrival in the city.
The night concluded with a shared meal of their fruitful catch, followed by Godara's immersion into meditation until the break of dawn. The rhythmic waves embraced the monk, guiding him through the realm of inner serenity, yet the awareness of unseen eyes lingered, an enigma woven into the black void of the coastal night.
As the dawn painted the horizon in hues of pink and gold, Godara lent his helping hand to the old fisherman, aiding him in preparing for the day's work. After a refreshing wash along the sea's shallow edge, he gathered his modest belongings and bid farewell to the aging seafarer. Climbing aboard the antiquated locomotive, he departed the chaos-laden lands of Kazar, traversing towards Kalmar, a mere distance from its capital, Murad, in the expansive desert wastelands.
Even within the confines of the rattling train, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, the ever-watchful gaze of a familiar presence lingered. The unseen observer, a constant companion in his journeys, seemed to shadow him yet again. As the train approached the outskirts of Kazar, the aging locomotive, less resilient than the sophisticated machinery of Kazan, screeched to a sudden halt. Bandits, draped in shemaghs and wielding scimitars, emerged from the shadows, disrupting the journey.
Unperturbed, Godara assumed a seat, continuing his meditation as the bandits collected their ill-gotten gains from the passengers. The affairs of the train were of no concern to him, as long as it reached its destination without hindrance. Reluctantly, some passengers parted with their money, while others pled for their meager possessions or wept over lost jewelry. Amidst the chaos, Godara's thoughts dwelled on the absence of the familiar observer; the sense of their presence had dissipated. It appeared that the observer had departed, leaving Godara slightly concerned.
Bandit 1: "Hey you, hand over your coins!"
Godara sighed and handed over his coins.
Bandit 2, whispering to Bandit 1 cheekily:
Bandit 1, brashly: "While you're at it, hand over the sword and ring too."
Godara, indifferently: "No."
In response, all the bandits drew their swords. However, before they could act, the first bandit was sent hurtling out of the window. Panic ensued among the remaining five as they turned to find Godara vanished. Panicked glances were exchanged, and hands reached for scabbards that were no longer there. Metal clinked behind them, and to their surprise, their swords lay dropped beside previously terrified passengers who had swiftly seized the opportunity. In a sudden, almost teleportation-like movement, Godara materialized before them. He calmly walked past the paralyzed bandits, retrieved his coin pouch, and witnessed the passengers, now armed, comically restraining the bewildered bandits. Stripped of their attire, the bandits were cast back into the desert wilderness, and the train resumed its departure.
As the train reached its final destination, concluding the six-day journey, Godara continued the rest of the way on foot from Al' Soran. The faint echo of the familiar observer accompanied him for a fleeting moment, growing weaker as he progressed, until it faded entirely. Amidst the whispers of rumors about another stone—the Stone of the Matriarch, surely better off in Godara's hands than in the hands of the others who sought the stones just like him—he arrived at Monastir, the city of the moon. Nestled across the Mona River, weaving through the cities of Al' Soran, Abad, Jericho, and Jarritos, all within the lands of Lun Aurelia, this desert city of three million inhabitants beckoned.
As he turned toward the sprawling city, it gleamed like a diamond in the sunlight. Monumental sculptures and towering buildings graced the skyline, with one structure in particular capturing the attention. A radiant blue and white light emanated from the pinnacle of an intricately adorned building, decorated in blue gold and white silver. The Temple of the Moon, the seat of the Shambakin, stood as a testament to time. In this affluent city, where fountains adorned every corner, Godara decided that this is where he would start his search, for the Stone of the Matriarch. Perhaps in Monastir, the mysterious observer will make themselves known - until then, Monastir would be a place of rest as much as it is a place of training.
We are closing in on the fights for the true stones of heaven. I will allow you to the 10th to choose a stone. Those whom have not chosen a stone by then will be given one by me to pursue.
The deadline to write any additional stories will be set to15th of January after which the fights will begin in any random order.
Location of the stones
True stone of heaven 1
The stone of the legion is at the moment of kept by the primary undead force that is attacking the city of Nyala where the city garrison and the army is fighting restlessly to repel them. Multiple lesser undead forces are attacking other cities and fortresses in the area as well.
True stone of heaven 2
A combined force of Zumbala warriors and the giants of Kolgo with their Dormanian allies have initiated an invasion of Sivali, Sabrah, Zalan and Khozu. While Zalan and Khozu have almost completely fallen to the unified force, the local Alsolamani forces have consolidated into a great unified army. This army is about to to face the main force of the south at the Sabrah-Sivali border which is also the location of the Kolgo Titan.
True stone of heaven 3
The stone of the Matriarch is in keep in the capital city of Jubaqis in the great south-western island of Kubandai. The island was once unified under a single banner, but due to the death of an earlier monarch with no children and officially chosen heirs, the kingdom ended up divided. Now there are two kingdoms left. The matriarch (who is not an legitimate queen, but an absolute high ranking elementalist) knows that the crown prince of Zatisk, unlike his father, seek to unite the island once again. She has already refused a marriage proposal and now she expects an assassination attempt.
The matriarch also refuses to join the war which have angered her main-land neighbors, Th'ikana, Shala and Chuykudum, whom are devastated by the war. There are factions inside her kingdom who want a legitimate monarch, but not many dare to oppose the greatest elementalist in the world, master of all elements except light. Light being the only element she lacks it is what she seeks but there are only 3 known stones that contain said element - the celestial stones. Thus she wants to use the stone hunters to claim the sunstone for herself. The matriarch in this very moment is crafting a false true stone of heaven to fool which she shall use and then concede to the stone hunter after her loss.
Should the stone hunter allow the matriarch to concede to them a false stone of heaven for a chance to claim the sunstone at Solastir, or should a combined political and diplomatic uprising against her be the storm that helps break her rule?
The hunt for the third tier of stones has begun. Follows is which stone hunter pursue which stone. The fights will begin one week from now from the 18'th of January, and that is the deadline to submit more stories which are garantueed to be taken into consideration for the respective fight.
It didn’t take long for Pascal to find Seven - rumours of a metal man roaming the deserts were a common find. Taking the timings of each reported sighting into account, Pascal quickly found the stone hunter atop a rock, surrounded by sand, motionless.
(One approaches.) Pascal slowly made his way over the desert sands towards the still motionless Seven. He raised a cloth covering to guard against a gust of sand blown across the harsh land. Eventually, reaching the rock, he made the first greeting with the stone seeker. No response. What tongue would this alien machine understand? Pascal tried a few others, before an idea came to him: the ancient language.
Immediately, a response came from Seven, in a metallic tone. “{Your speech is understood.} [What business do you have with us?]” These were clearly two separate voices - a higher pitch one followed by a deeper one. This certainly was a strange creature. “You are the one they call Seven, correct?”, Pascal responded. “(That [We are) more than one]”, chimed the reply. Two voices - the deep one from before, and a new one. The answer itself was a confirmation and a correction, simultaneously. Confused, Pascal decided to press on with the business at hand. “Then I understand you seek stones of heaven. I have knowledge of the locations of three more. But beware, for more than you seek these stones of power.”
This revelation sparked immediate interest from the voices. An unintelligible cacophony rang out, a barrage of questions and statements coming from all three at once. This was to be a difficult explanation, but Pascal knew it would be worth the bother - Seven did not appear aggressive, so his quest was clearly accomplishable with minimal persuasion. An explanation of the stones later, Seven’s verbal barrage of questioning turned to the one held by the Titan.
“South of here, on the border of Zundat, the Zumbala and Kolgo Giants march to invade, beginning with Sivali and Sabrah. It’s here tha-“ “{We know not of these places.} [Finding the track to the horse was difficult enough.]”
“Then perhaps I could guide you. It’s a long journey from here, even by horse.” “(No beast is necessary. We will run there.)” This took Pascal by surprise. Run? This big, metal creature was to run faster than a horse? The rumours of Seven appearing and disappearing just as fast may have been credible after all. “Allow me to show you the direction by map, then.” Pulling out a map of the Asolamun continent, Pascal pointed to two spots. “We’re around here, in the northern deserts. The stone is down here. The direct route crosses two bodies of water, many sovereignties and almost the entire length of the continent. The journey is a long one, in short.” “(Then we shall leave immediately.)”, came the reply. Seven brandished their shield which had set into it a glowing red stone. The shield seemed to absorb the glow of the stone somehow, as Seven’s face began to glow in turn. Without another comment, a thanks or a farewell, Seven stood up and began a sprint across the desert.
The sun beating down on him, Pascal reflected on the exchange he’d just had - on the one hand, he’d let his mother’s target escape his watch. On the other hand, he knew exactly where to travel to find the hunter again and had successfully set up their ambitions for a downfall. Did Seven even have a plan to steal the stone, running off immediately like that? In addition, he’d kept Seven away from knowledge of his own stone. Summoning an elemental of ice, Pascal began again both his pursuit and cooling down from the harsh desert. Clearly, his was the best of the sibling’s stones…
On the journey to the stone of the Titan, Seven has formed a plan to acquire it. First, they’ll scout the borders for conflicts with the Kolgo giants to find the famed Titan. Next, they’ll use a similar tactic to the one for the Forge Stone - draw away other divisions away from the Titan by feinting attacks on both sides of the army, causing battles from both to draw attention away. Seven plans to go through any who get in the way, but will try to go directly for the stone - for instance, breaking the necklace and snatching its contents as opposed to bringing down the Titan first.
In the heart of Monastir, Godara found himself amidst a desert oasis, the city adorned with cascading fountains that whispered tales of ancient beauty. Despite the serene setting, tranquility eluded the monk, for his quest to locate the revered Stone of the Matriarch had proven to be a relentless odyssey.
As the suns rose and set over three days, Godara's restless spirit drove him to explore every nook and cranny of Monastir, punctuating his journey with meditations that replaced the need for sleep. His body, preserved by the arcane Youthful Breath technique, bore the marks of 250 years of monkhood but retained the vigor of a 30-year-old, thanks to the blazing foot techniques acquired in his youth.
During one of his sojourns through Monastir's labyrinthine streets, tantalizing whispers reached Godara's ears, revealing the elusive stone's presence in the capital city of Jubaqis on the distant island of Kubandai. A pang of disappointment gripped him as he consulted a map, realizing the arduous journey that lay ahead – westward across the vast continent of Avelaide, through the imposing Abadaya Mountains, and finally, to the southwestern island.
The island, once united under a single banner, now bore the scars of a divided kingdom. The Matriarch, a formidable elementalist ruling with an iron will, resisted the calls for reunification and rebuffed a marriage proposal from the crown prince of Zatisk. The specter of assassination loomed over her, and factions within the kingdom yearned for a legitimate monarch.
Godara, aware of the true distance to the coveted stone, deemed conventional transport a luxury he couldn't afford. With a decisive resolve, he eschewed horseback and the sluggish locomotives of Salamon, opting instead to harness his lightning-fast speed. The monk gathered supplies, fueled by the urgency of his quest, preparing to traverse the entire continent on foot.
From Monastir, he raced through the Mona River, bypassing the desert bandits that plagued his train journey. A brief respite in Ail' Orma within the lands of Lun Arelia reinvigorated him before he sprinted through Luna Helm in South Evali. The expanse of Surtur's valleys, bordering the Abadaya Mountains, became a fleeting blur as he navigated with supernatural speed, monk-like patience, and ninja-like dexterity.
A day's pause in Zetarukro allowed him to meditate and replenish supplies, and then he danced through the lands of Maz'Orun, Zimaque, and Ghergeda. The coastal city of Th'olin in Th'ikana marked a pivotal moment, where Godara gazed upon the distant island, plotting his next move.
Resting within the coastal city, he listened intently for every whisper regarding the Stone of the Matriarch, determined to learn more of what dangers layed ahead him, and what kind of person the keeper of this stone was. As Godara contemplated his next move, he deemed it best to replenish his energy expended running through the continent, in he 2 and a half day journey, while preparing for his inevitable run to the divided Island lands of Jubaqis and Zatisq.
"The earth itself is moving. Is this magic of the matriarch, or something else?"
Godara dashed with lightning speed past elemental golems of earth, stone, sand, clay, and even living trees. The golems struck down with heavy blows trying to catch the monk, but he was too fast and instead their blows struck the ground or each other. Golems disintegrated and fell as dust to the ground, but Godara had already found out that they would soon raise again. Godara dashed around a sand elemental when he was met by an approaching boulder as wide as an elephant. With only an inch, the monk dodged the boulder that flew into the sand golem that he had just avoided. An explosion of sand burst into the air, and soon the monk would be surrounded by a blanket of dust preventing his vision.
The elementals would not be halted by the dust filled air. Swift in thought the monk saw his disadvantage. He jumped onto an approaching golem of stone, and jumped high into the air from above the blanked of dust fog. Godara scouted the surroundings for any sings of where his adversary could hide, but besides the golems there was nothing there within miles' distance. Godara would not be given much time before he felt something approaching quickly. He took his sword and turned towards the ground just in time to face the approaching cluster of stones and rocks that flew towards him. Godara struck the closest stone so that it flew into other stones that faced his direction. Three more times did he repeat the process before he landed back on the ground.
Godara dashed on and on while the golems time and again tried to strike him down. Suddenly, multiple arms reached out from the earth. Godara flew through on of the arms and lost his balance for a moment. His adversary was learning about his fighting style while he had still learned nothing about her. Godara raised himself up and ran onto the closest golem and began jumping from golem to golem in his pursue. He jumped and dodged projectiles as he continued to search but he could not see much for the trees.
Then it struck him. He reached for the power of the stone of the storm, and soon indeed a strong wind began to take form.
The wind barely affected the golems, at least not anywhere near as much as it affected Godara with the dust that was thrown into the air reducing the visibility. Godara dashed to a stone golem where he jumped into the air once again as he scouted across the field over the trees who had their branches and leaves being tossed around by the wind. Godara dodged the approaching stones and fell down. He tried the same thing a few more times. Then he saw something. He jumped towards a group of wooden elementals, and landed in the crown of one of them. There among the branches he found a Satyr, the master of the elementals.
@Tonysparks with Godara, the Lightning Chased Congratulations! You have won the match and may now claim the stone of the matriarch (or the counterfeit one) However, the challenge of the stone still remains as the matriarch remain undefeated, but your victory is assured and you may write how Godara claims his third stone.
@DrakeGladis Sadly, Ravina did not claim victory today. I guess there was not much mystery in the result of this match. However I would be very happy if you would like to give Ravina a proper conclusion to her involvement in the story.
Otherwise I thank you for participating in this tournament!
The thunderous sound of blasting guns and cannons, shouting soldiers and the stampede of elephants echoes through the battlefield and the surrounding lands. Soldiers of Asulamun tries to gather themselves and prepare to fire a volley at their attackers but before they can do so, a cannon comes flying at them. The soldiers cry out as the cannon crashes into the sand mere feet from them blowing up a cloud of sand. The captain of the men together with a handful soldiers of soldiers, with sword and bayonet in hand, charge at the approaching warrior. But their attempt is futile.
The captain and two men are struck down by the mighty glaive of the titan. The surviving soldiers open fire at the giant but the bullets barely scratch the skin of him. Another Zumbalan warrior followed by an elephant approaches from the cloud of sand, he pierces the soldiers with his spear. Tzhubala stops still. He can feel a stone of heaven is approaching, two stones, and approaching fast. Tzhubala looks at the titan and with no words spoken he and Katto depart to face the approaching enemy.
Outside the field of battle, Tzhubala rests with his left knee on the ground. He listens to the sounds of the dancing wind, the raging battle, the birds in the distance and Katto drinking from a water hole. Tzubala listens to the ground, the charging of Zumbalan warriors, the corpses falling, the wind dragging and pulling the trees - and the steps of the approaching adversary. Moments later, he grabs the stones that he carry as the ground begins to vibrate. Then suddenly, a boulder explodes not far from him. He throws his spear with incredible speed. Just as Seven crashes into another boulder, the spear pierces into his chest piece.
Seven, with the spear still in his chest, dashes towards Tzhubala with the ground shaking beneath his feet. CRASH! Seven flies forward and crashes into the crashes into the ground with stones and pebbles landing around. A mighty quake shakes the ground as Katto stampedes towards Seven who dodges out of the way. Before him appears Tzhubala who strikes Seven down with his fist. Seven falls to the ground and the following moment, Katto stomps onto the machine man, pushing him into the ground that vibrates forming a hole. As the ground above him begins to shit close, Seven's metal skin begins to burn by fiery thorns. Seven blasts the ground above him so that burning stones fly. Some stones hit Katto in his leg. The mighty elephant falls on his knees.
Seven blasts out of the hole, and as he lands on the ground, a boulder burs out of the ground. Seven blasts through the boulder.
Then something happens, too fast for Seven, or simply out of his control, or a deep and dark part of his soul collective gaining a moment of control. Seven, still moving, withdraws the spear from his chest, put the spearhead against the forge stone so it begins to crystalize. He then throws the spear towards the elephant. Tzhubala steps in front of his friend, and a series of boulders burst out of the ground. But they could not stop the spear that pierces through the boulders and into Tzubala, but it did not reach Katto. Tzhubala falls on his knees with the spear pierced completely through his bleeding chest. Seven watches Katto limping over to Tzhubala, before he turns around and leaves.
Congratulations! You have won the match and may now claim the stone of the titan. However,
the challenge of the stone still remains as the titan remain
undefeated, but your victory is assured and you may write how Seven
claims his third stone.
The redhead elf opened her eyes and found herself laying on a bed under a grey wood ceiling. She sat up to examine herself and a room she's never been before. She was still donned in her red traveling dress and green cloak, but her boots were standing on the floor beside the bed. Her satchel hung from a nearby table's chair, and her sheathed longsword had been placed solemnly onto said table. Evening sun's orange rays shined from the small room's sole window.
By the ancestors, I was out for hours, she thought as she placed her feet into her well-crafted shoes. Someone must have saved me... Is this their home?
The elf girl opened her satchel, and began to worry when she found it empty. The dove! Where is it? Then she heard as something heavy was lifted behind the room's door. Careful to not make a sound, she approached the door and pushed it open.
It led to a slightly larger room with a single wooden dining table, couple of chairs, boxes, and a stone stove in the corner. A cauldron steamed upon the stove, filling the room with a delicious aroma of boiled vegetables and spices. Numerous shelves lined the walls, where jars, cans, and bottles of various contents stood.
A grey wolf with a bandaged leg was resting upon a bed of blankets next to the bedroom door, and the white dove was sitting on a tiny pillow on a windowsill. Its broken wing had also been bandaged, and a tiny bowl of seeds had been placed next to its pillow.
The elf farmer was sitting at the table. Like the wolf and the dove, he was bandaged as well; around his left shoulder. His semilong wavy silver hair was tied into a ponytail and he had changed his clothes into clean ones: A dark blue linen shirt and a grey hosen. He was dismantling an iron-jaw trap which he had just placed on the table, but he lowered his screwdriver as a plank creaked under the elf girl's boot.
He slowly stood up from his chair and stared at the elf girl silently, which made her realize she didn't have her hood on to hide a golden tiara around her ponytail. She glanced at the room's corner nervously, but then steeled her face, closed eyes, and performed a well-practiced curtsy to the farmer.
"Er... Ahem! I thank thee for dealing with those wretched brigands," she said courtly. "Had thou not arrived... I know not what I would have done."
The farmer turned his back to the girl, walked to the stove, then stirred the pot's contents with a wooden scoop. "Hungry?" he asked.
"Um, yes... famished!" she said, distracted by the farmer's seemingly disinterested attitude towards her. He pointed at the chair in front of the girl before scooping soup from the pot and picking a wooden bowl and a spoon from a shelf. She sat down while the farmer placed the bowl of soup before her. Sliced bits of carrots, potatoes, and cauliflower floated in white milk based soup along with peas and herbs. The girl, keeping her back straight and her left hand on her lap, picked the spoon with two fingers and tasted the warm soup.
Another taste, then she grabbed the bowl with her free hand and began shoveling soup into her mouth like there was no tomorrow. Not long until she asked for seconds, then thirds. The farmer gave her the third scoop of soup, and resumed dismantling the trap at the opposite side of the table, avoiding eye contact with the girl, who had finished eating, held back a belch, then began eyeing him curiously.
"What's thy name?" she asked. The farmer was quiet for a few seconds.
"Avner," he said slowly, like he's not used to introducing himself.
"Uhuh... and," she looked outside the window and saw a small yard with a barn and a vegetable garden. Tall woods of the wilds surrounded the whole place. "Where are we?"
"At my home, south from the plains of these wilds."
"I see... Well, Avner," the girl said, looking attentively at his statue-like face. "I thank thee for thy generous hospitality, but..." She tilted her head, searching for reactions. "Does thou happen to know who I am?"
His eyes almost locked into hers, but then a screw rolled loose from the trap and fell from the table's edge. "I don't think we've ever met," he said as he picked it from the floor.
"Really? Then why did thou save me?"
"I would hate to leave my own kin in trouble," he said and dropped the screw into a small wooden box where it jingled with others.
"How noble of thee," the girl said and leaned her head on her arm as she eyed the cramped room again. Outside the window right next to the table, birds sang and forest leaves rustled with the passing winds. "The honest humans which I've met in these woods... They live together as large families in their homesteads. For they're certain nobody would last long on their own." She glanced at Avner and chuckled a little. "They told me many stories... about some 'guardian elf' who had helped save their homes and loved ones from many kinds of perils and disasters... which had happened in the past four decades or so."
He almost smirked. "Idle people let their imaginations run loose in any listener's mind."
"Sure as the sun! And my story... My journey... It began a moon ago when I left my kingdom, my home behind... To search for a certain master of blades and combat... who disappeared four decades ago. One of the greatest of his time. Stopped all manners of beasts which threatened the kingdom's borders; raiders, giants, and even dragons! Minstrels still recount how his silver blades and silver hair danced on the battlefields as he toppled enemies before him!"
Avner let go of the screwdriver. He could no longer focus on dismantling. The distant look in his faded green eyes confirmed the girl's suspicion, and her deep blue eyes widened from excitement.
"Huh!" she exhaled with a quivering voice of joy. "It's a great honor to finally meet thee, Master Gidel!" She bowed her head, almost slamming it onto the empty bowl before her. While her face beamed with the accomplishment of her search, the farmer only furrowed his brow in silence.
"Gidel," he muttered to himself as he stood up and leaned against the window, gazing into the distant depths of the forest. "Gidel... I never thought I'd hear that name again... in these wilds... in these walls." A moment passed until Gidel's mind seemed to return to the present time. "And what is a princess such as thyself doing so far away from home without companions?"
"It's Princess Saramintha," she said as she quickly stood up, slammed her palm onto the table, and placed other palm over her chest. "Rightful heir to the throne of Lohtoreth! I know thou saved my life, offered food, and gave a bed to sleep upon, but thou haven't asked for my name, which I find quite rude. I'll forgive thy little misstep in manners for now, given how thou have lived in solitude for decades, away from the court thou were once part of."
Gidel turned towards her, his eyes and a corner of his mouth subtly tensed from slight amusement. He placed his fist over his chest, other hand behind his back, and bowed like a knight in a palace's painting. "My apologies, thy Highness. Had I been notified Princess Saramintha would be visiting, I would have met thee halfway at a worthy noble's premises in the nearest city."
She was taken by surprise again; a tint of red appeared on her face. "Ah, just call me Sara," she said and turned to hide her blush. The wolf looked into her eyes from its bed, and she slowly approached it. "We're all away from the court anyway." She let the wolf sniff her open hand before she petted it. "As for not having companions... well..."
Gidel took two wooden cups from a shelf, then approached another shelf and moved bottles out of his way until he could find the dustiest one, wiped it clean with his sleeve, then placed it in the middle of the table.
"What is that?" Sara asked as she returned to her seat. Gidel gave her one of the cups, dug a corkscrew from a box, then opened the black bottle with a loud Pop!
"Dragon berry wine," Gidel said as he poured dark red liquid from the bottle into the cups, then sniffed. A bit sweet, yet musty odor. "Let it breathe," he said and lowered his cup. "So, about thy escort..."
"I didn't have any!" Sara said quickly, then she lowered her gaze and looked at her reflection in the dark drink's surface. "I... escaped! From my uncle, who took the throne when my father withered away."
Gidel changed his position on the chair. "What? The king is... dead?"
She nodded, still looking at the cup. "Left us a decade ago. Yellow sickness claimed him. Back then, my uncle convinced me he would rule until I was fit to bear the crown. For years I studied, watched, and waited. 'Not quite yet, young Sara,' he would say. 'The kingdom's future is a heavy responsibility, little Sara. Thou are not ready to carry it.'" She furrowed her brows. "I'm not a child anymore! My promised coronation should have already taken place at last Red Dawn's day, and he knew it!"
"Why is thy uncle keeping the throne for himself?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Sara asked and twirled the cup in her hand, sloshing the wine in it. "Power, authority, control... It's a tale as old as the Gods." She sighed. "Well, my uncle knows I haven't the means to take the throne from him..." She locked eyes with Gidel and leaned forward. "... unless thou will help me, Master Gidel."
He shook his head. "I've broken my oath, which led to my exile from the kingdom. All ties which bound me to thy royal family and its subjects were severed long ago. I'm not going back to fight thy uncle. That life is dead and buried."
"I'm not asking thee to return!" Sara said as she waved her hand, then raised two fingers. "I only have two requests. First: Take me as thy student in Trahaernan Longsword style!"
Gidel raised an eyebrow, then glanced at his bandaged shoulder. "I saw how thou fought," he said. "Poor footwork and reckless swings. 'Tis useless to attempt advanced techniques when one does not grasp the basics."
"I'll practice vigorously! I was never allowed to try my hands at martial arts, my uncle made sure of that... But with thy guidance, I'll fight like a true warrior ere long!"
Gidel looked at Sara, but found no signs of hesitation in her steely gaze. "A sword will only get thee so far, Sara," Gidel said, staring deep into the Princess's blue eyes. "Thy uncle has over a century's worth of experience behind him, tactical prowess, and the resources of a majesty. Fighting him would be suicide."
"With a sword alone, definitely," Sara said confidently, then stood up. "Which brings me to my second request." She quickly walked to the bedroom, took something from her satchel, then returned to the table and put a small folded piece of green cloth on it. Ceremonially, she unfolded the cloth, revealing a polished yellow gemstone, fitting for a necklace. It had a transparent surface with an orange tint, but at its core, brilliant golden veins spread like winds on desert dunes.
"May I borrow thy hammer?" Sara asked as she reached her hand towards Gidel's toolkit. When he gave one, Sara tapped the gem with it. Clink! Then again. Clink! Gidel watched attentively, Sara licked her lips, and she put slightly more force on her third tap.
Swoosh! Light pulsed from the gem, and a wave of tiny red flames spread from it to the edges of the cloth, like a ripple on a water surface. It ended as quickly as it started.
"A magic gem?" Gidel asked.
"Not just any kind," Sara said as she gave the hammer back and held the gem on her palm. "A stone of heaven... well, more like stone of the sky, as the vendor explained. Bought this as a gift for... Well, it doesn't matter now. This stone is nothing more than a tiny shard of one of the greater stones which are scattered throughout a vast land to the west, across the ocean. It is said each great stone of heaven holds an immense amount of arcane magic. All I have to do is to travel there, claim a few stones for myself, and use them to take back my throne from my uncle!"
Sara closed her hand into a fist around the gemstone and smirked. A smirk which turned into a frown as she thought of the dangers ahead. "But I can't do this alone," she said and flipped the gem into the air towards Gidel, who instinctively caught it. "So... Will thou help me find the stones of heaven, and teach me how to fight along the way?"
Gidel held the gem with two fingers and raised it above his head until the setting sun's ray pierced it from the window, causing it to glow like a firefly. "A blessing from heaven," he said silently. "Potential to achieve one's dreams." Gidel smiled, then rolled the gem back to Sara. "I no longer believe in such fantasies."
Sara barely caught the rolling gem before it fell from the table's edge, then she looked at Gidel, mouth open from disbelief. "What? No, this is real, this has to be! I need these to--"
"Princess Saramintha," Gidel said in his sharp tone as he stood up. "My love for our home is what forced me into exile. And in this exile I've come to understand... Heaven does not grant boons to mortals, unlike the very earth which carries us. I'm not a warrior anymore, but a farmer. I did not plow this land for decades waiting for someone to show up and invite me away from this peace and quiet. As someone fated to lead our people in the future, thou should know better than to resolve conflicts with force."
"Think thou I haven't considered my options?!" Sara said with gritted teeth as she also stood up. "That I haven't tried anything else afore coming to this savage land?! This is my only hope of stopping my uncle from leading the kingdom into ruin! I've seen the plans he's drawn; conquest, invasion, war against other nations, other races! He's consumed by his idea of a perfect world, and no one dares to stop him. I alone must stop him, but I can't do it without thee, Master Gidel! There are no allies left for me in home!"
Gidel picked his wine cup and drank it empty. "I'll ride thee to the kingdom's border at dawn," he said as he lowered the cup back on the table and turned to walk towards the front door, not even glancing at Sara. "The people of Lohtoreth can handle a warmongering tyrant--"
"He's sold our people to slavery!!" Sara shouted, slamming her palms onto the table. The wolf and the dove startled, and Gidel stopped before the door, facing away from Sara. She gathered her breath for what she had to say.
"For many moons," she said with slightly wavering voice. "He's sent his slavers to the poorest parts of the capital and its nearby cities, where they break into families' homes, separate the children from their parents, and take them somewhere far away. Thousands of elves put into chains so he could fund his war, and I've been blind to it for so long!"
Sara shook her head furiously, teardrops falling onto the table and the gemstone. "This gem," she said as she held it once more. "... It was a gift for my friends. I've known them since childhood. They lived in a slum hideout known only to other orphans like them. We played many games there, pretended to be great warriors in grand tournaments with some silly reward to the victor. A reward which they had found from garbage that week. I wanted to surprise them with this gem as a prize for the next tourney. But that day... When I visited them like any other day..."
More tears streamed from her eyes as she squeezed the gemstone in her fist. "The slavers had found them! Dragged them out, beaten them, and put into caged wagons! I followed and called out their names... But I couldn't do anything to help them! And now I'll never see them again!!"
Sara turned away from Gidel, who was still standing before the front door silently. The Princess wept quietly for a short moment, then she calmed herself. "Thou would hate to leave our kin in trouble, so thee mentioned," Sara said and wiped tears from her face. "So please, Master Gidel... Help me save Lohtoreth from my uncle."
The door creaked open behind Sara, then was shut. She turned. Gidel was gone.
The golden sun was setting behind the distant trees of the horizon, its final rays reflecting from a surface of a small silver lake. Near it, a humble wheat field swayed with the cool evening winds. Gidel leaned against a wooden fence post at its edge, hands crossed, and the holey sunhat covering his head once again. For a long while he watched the sunset and listened to the rustling of forest leaves and the chirping of crickets.
Art: Astri Lohne
He reached his fingers under his shirt's collar, and pulled out a thin chain necklace with a brass locket. After unlocking the chain, he slid the locket onto his palm. Though the size of a leaf, it had an elaborate appearance; Three blue roses sat upon green leaves and brass vines, all crafted with great care. Gidel attempted to open the locket slowly, as if it was a great castle door, and pulled a tiny slide lock with his trembling finger. When it clicked open, Gidel looked within, and the world fell silent. He could only hear the slow inhales and exhales of his own breath and the calm rhythm of his beating heart.
The locket clicked shut, and the world was alive again. Gidel stood tall as he looked at the sunset once more, then at the sparkling lake and the swaying wheat field. He turned and marched along a path which led back to his home behind nearby trees.
Night was falling. Gidel grabbed a lantern hanging from a wall hook next to front door, and lit it with a fire striker and a piece of flint. He walked to the small barn, where his brown mule was laying asleep. On the wall, various old tools hung: Rake, pitchfork, scythe, and a shovel, which was the one Gidel took with him.
He walked deeper into the woods surrounding his home, carrying the shovel on his uninjured shoulder and the lantern with his outstretched hand. With each passing minute, the forest grew darker and more stars appeared in the dark blue sky. Bats screeched above the tree branches, an owl hooted somewhere far behind, and occasionally a pair of animal eyes glimmered in distant shadows.
A moment of walking, and he reached a glade with a linden tree standing at the middle. At its foot, a moss-covered gravestone. Gidel stood before it, and looked at a family crest carved upon it: A shield with long angel wings on its sides, two slender curved swords crossed under the shield, and at the shield's center, a heart surrounded by flames. Below the crest, a motto, written in elvish.
He lowered the lantern onto the ground, stabbed the grave's surface with the shovel, and started digging. The wound on his shoulder made it painful, but he kept digging stoically. When he had dug one meter deep, his shovel hit something solid. He dug some more, then put the shovel aside to unearth the rest of what was buried: A trapdoor. Gidel took a firm grip from two rusty metal ring handles of the thick wooden door, and pulled. The pain got even worse, but with great effort, he opened the heavy trapdoor with a shout. Slam! Rocks and grass fell into a dark hole which the door covered, each hitting stone and wood surfaces below. Gidel picked his lantern to reveal a couple of wooden steps. He climbed them down, then his sharp ears twitched and mouth fell open.
It was a tiny cellar, just as he remembered, but the memories stored within -- Far greater than what a mortal human could accumulate in a single lifetime. Monster trophies, weapons, armor, potions; mementos of adventures from simpler times. Gidel placed his lantern on a table with the potion bottles, and traced his fingers along the shelves as he took a little tour.
Tree roots had grown from dirt walls and ceiling, wrapped around many weapons and trophies. Sharp teeth, claws, paws, tails, humanoid hands with monstrous fur, wings, multi-headed snakes, skulls with long fangs, tentacles with eyeballs, various other eyeballs with peculiar pupils, and many more proofs of victories. On the other wall: Broken swords, one cleanly cut apart, another with a melted blade, and another with a warped blade. Many daggers had chewing marks on their blades, and all weapons had more or less stains of various nasty colors.
Gidel returned to the potions table and inspected them one by one, opening some and smelling their frowsty odors. "Hmm... these have gone foul," he said as he put aside brown and dark-green bottles, then he shook a red one and watched its bubbling liquid inside. "Only one restoration potion..."
Holding his chin thoughtfully, Gidel placed the potion back onto the table, then he walked to the far end of the cellar, where a large grey cloth covered something as tall as him. Slowly, he placed his hand on the cloth, then yanked it off. Woosh! A cloud of dust spread around him, and as it settled, he met a dear old friend on an armor stand. Gidel smiled, and dropped his sunhat on the floor.
Morning sun rose behind a veil of clouds, and the singing of birds echoed far. Sara, who had lied awake on the bed for an hour, sighed in frustration. "I can't return to my uncle," she said to the dove, which she had carried from the windowsill to the bedroom table last night. "He'll keep me locked up forever, or marry me to an illiterate prince of a neighboring kingdom. And after I've become numb due to decades of living as nothing more than a decoration of lords, he'll send an assassin to liberate me from his cruel game. Just another pawn lost, rendered harmless early on, outlived its usefulness."
She sat up to the bed's edge and looked at the dove, which ate seeds from the bowl while still laying on its tiny pillow. "Gidel is stubborn, but I have to convince him somehow. I'll sleep in the barn, take care of his mule, practice farming -- Ugh, he'll be stuck with me! Until he either changes his mind, or..." Another sigh. "... or when I come up with some other plan... afore it's too late..."
The dove blinked its dark brown eyes as it watched the frowning Princess. Her face softened, then she stroked the dove before pulling her boots on and leaving the bedroom.
"Huh?" Sara said in surprise when she found the wolf's bed empty. Only a bloodstained bandage was left on it. The front door was wide open. Some boxes, jars, cans, and bottles were missing. On the table beside the wine and the cups, an empty potion bottle laid sideways, red drops sparkling in morning light.
A familiar voice grunted outside as something heavy was being lifted. Sara walked through the front door and saw the wagon in the middle of the yard, brown mule attached in front of it. Gidel was on opposite side of the wagon from Sara, out of her sight. She scoffed in denial.
"No... Thou can't be serious! Thou will not take me back to the kingdom!" She marched around the wagon with clenched fists. "I won't be leaving --"
Sara's sharp eyes twitched under her hair and her heart skipped a beat as she saw a very different Gidel before her, one she'd heard stories from. Dirty farmer clothing had been changed to an armor worthy of a renowned warrior: Solid breastplate, pauldrons, and fauld of high quality steel and bronze leaf-like trimming over grey gambeson. Reinforced leather gloves and boots of traditional elven craftsmanship. Night-blue cloak, though worn and torn from its edges, waved stately as he turned to the stunned Princess.
"Not leaving? Thou have a changed mind?" Gidel asked with a raised eyebrow, his hand placed on one of the many boxes of the wagon. Dumbfounded Sara stared at him and his armor, covering her open mouth with her palms. Gidel shrugged and started lifting the heavy box off the wagon.
"No, no, no!" Sara said quickly and put her hands on the box, stopping him. Gidel stepped back as Sara pushed the box against the others, then turned to him, blue eyes glimmering with hope. "I should be the one to ask thee that question," she said while holding her hands together courtly on her lap and standing straight. "Have thou decided to help me on this journey?"
Gidel looked at Sara, hands on his fauld, then he looked at the home he had known for so long: Small hut, tended vegetable garden, barn which needs fixing, and the closest trees, which have had countless bird nests built on, abandoned, then built again during the decades. He turned back to Sara.
"There are two things we need to make absolutely clear," he said solemnly and raised a finger. "First: I am not thy servant, but thy Master. Thou will do what I tell thee, regardless of thy thoughts or tasks of the moment, and thou will do so even if going becomes difficult or oppressive."
The Princess nodded without blinking, staring intently into Gidel's green faded eyes as he raised another finger. "Second: I am not helping thee for thy or Lohtoreth's sake, but for the sake of the peace thou have broken. Once thou have thy stones of heaven and are able to fight effectively with a sword, my part is done and we go our separate ways. I'll live my life here in peace and thou will return to the kingdom to do what thou must."
Sara's thoughtful gaze shifted past Gidel. They both stood still silently, a howling gale waving Sara's red hair, dress, and Gidel's silver hair and blue cloak. Then Sara's eyes locked into Gidel's again.
"I wholeheartedly understand," she said with reverence, and extended her right hand gracefully. Gidel grabbed it, and the two firmly shook their hands, as if sealing a pact during a holy ceremony with thousand witnesses.
Afterwards, Sara hurried back inside, attached her sheathed longsword to her belt, took her satchel, her cloak, and gently carried the dove and its pillow onto the highest box of the wagon. Then the two elves climbed to the seat, Gidel flicked the reins, and the mule started pulling the wagon along a road which led them out of the woods and into an open plain, where grey sky clouds sailed in their full glory. Gidel picked up a mask hanging from his belt, a matching piece to his armor, and placed it over his lower face. Sara put her green cloak's hood over her head, as she had a similar feeling: An unfamiliar world awaited them, called their souls, and distant eyes seemed to follow their very beings.
The grey wolf looked on as they shrunk in the morning horizon, then it walked back into the forest's shadows with its healthy legs.
"Amir, we can't linger much more. Dusk is here and we must get back to the fortress."
"I know, Aban, I know! But we must find the high priest or the fortress is doomed. We will not survive the night." Amir said while scouting with his telescope at the approaching undead legion."
"And if we find them, what then? We can't do anything by ourselves. The captain will certainly punish us if we bring back bad news, but better that than not returning at all." Aban said as he hastily prepared the camels.
The oldest soldier of the group of eleven, Ismad, now spoke: "We will only be punished if we survive the night, and that would be a victory worth any punishment. Murad, Tarak, We leave now. Dark will already catch us before we get back to the fortress."
Murad and Tarak where scouting the sky mumbling between each others.
"The red scourge is out there somewhere. I imagine dying by dragon fire must be worse than by the claws of the undead." said Tarak.
"I don't think we need worry. The undead dragons will keep her at bay - I hope." said Murad as they returned to the group.
Darkness of night fell over the desert sand and surrounding land as the eleven soldiers made their way back. An hour and then two passed as the soldier thinly spread out as to now draw unwanted attention. Only the stars and a dim moon spread weak light over the land as the last calm before the approaching battle grew shorter and shorter.
"The red scourge! She is here! She is here!" Murad shouted from the depth of his lungs.
Ismaid and the other soldiers hurried towards where Murad had shouted. When they reached him they saw the red haired woman riding a camel, and a knight by her side. Some of the soldiers scared to their boots scouted the sky while the others raised their guns at the woman and her companion.
"What should we do? It's her, the red scourge, we can kill her now! We can be heroes! We won't get punished. We can... we.". Aban said almost suffering a mental breakdown.
Boom, Boom!
Cannons and guns began to fire from the fortress in the distance at the approaching legion.
Ismaid scoured the sky and at the woman. Something was not right. Was this a trick?
Then the woman began to speak in a language unknown to Ismaid, almost as if she was beginning to sing. Murad hurried forward towards with his bayonet in hand. He stopped a few feet from the woman who stopped singing. The companion held a firm grip on the sword in his hilt.
The guns continued their fire with the echo traveling through the land.
"What should we do, Ismaid?"
Ismaid tried to keep his head calm. He was not a captain but he was the most experienced of them. He stepped forward towards the woman.
"Who..."
Then, suddenly, the sky burst out in red light as a inferno blew up from the barricades of the fortress. Everyone turned towards the fortress. From the burning flames and ascending into the sky was a black dragon, and upon its back was a rider dressed in red with long red hair.
"The red scourge! It's her!"
"Hurry! Back to the fortress!" Ismaid shouted. For a second he looked back at the red haired girl, whom he now saw was an elf. Then he and the other soldier hurried towards the burning fort where the remaining guns now where firing towards the dragon.
Sara and Gidel, still on their camels, watched the dragon rider. "Why are the undead dragons not attacking her?"
The dragon then stopped in the sky facing the fortress, and it's rider held up something in her hand. A faint light began to glow in the white object. It was the stone of the undead legion. The undead legion now charged towards the fortress.
Sara and Gidel walked to the top of the sand dune and witnessed the battle unfold as cannon barrages and guns fired into the relentless legion. The elves waited as the battle raged on. The waited as the dragon time and time again descended and covered the fortress in fire. They waited as guns fired in desperation towards the dragon and undead. An hour passed, then additional cannons began to fire from the hillside beyond the battlefield.
The dragon rider once again raised her stone and it began to glow. At that moment, Sara grabbed the heart of the guardian and reached it into the sky. She stone vibrated violently with energy. Then it discharged a bolt of lightning into the sky that bounced down onto the dragon. As the lightning struck, the dragon fell for a moment before it could regain its flight, but the rider had dropped she stone held. The stone, still glowing, fell towards the battlefield. Sara and Gidel now hurried out towards the battlefield and the stone.
The undead where easy to circumvent as they focused on the fortress
and the reinforcing army at the hill. Sara and Gidel reached the site
where the stone had landed. Sara jumped off the camel, and grabbed the
stone. She raised it, and it began to glow. The rider had not been given
much time to collect what had happened, before two undead dragons where
upon them. Biting, clawing and striking the black Royal dragon which
she rode. Sara forced the undead legion to cease their attack, and back
down.
But it proved more difficult than she
had thought. As the fortress and army continued their fire upon the
undead, the legion continued their assault regardless of Sara's command.
Then the sky burst out in red light. Sara and Gidel looked up and saw
one of the undead dragons burst up in flame and fall to the ground. The
dragon, Kamurik, quickly descended in an arc. He covered a large portion
of the undead in flame as it landed not far from Sara and Gidel. The
rider dismounted and jumped down, and Kamurik once again took flight to
fight the undead dragon that pursued them.
The
rider rose up and looked deep into Sara's eyes. Gidel drew his sword
and stepped in front of Sara facing the rider. It seemed to Sara that
they had the advantage with the undead legion, and not many humans could
stand up to elves. Gidel knew better though as this was no ordinary
human. This was Alissa, the red knight.
Why would this woman dismount her dragon into a legion of the undead which her opponent now controlled while facing off against an old elf, master of the combat arts? It did not make sense. Then Alissa did something that made even less sense. She withdrew two stones from her pocket. She revealed them as the stone of mirrors and the stone of fury. Then she threw them aside. She would fight in her disadvantage without stones? Sara with sword in took a step forward. Gidel told Sara in elvish to stand back. Alissa drew her weapon which looked like a sword but with a very long blade, and a much longer handle, making it closer to a sword-staff than a merely sword. The blade was beautifully decorated in red symbols and lines, like that of a tree, or blood vessels.
Alissa moved the blade around her and stopped it when it rested behind her. Gidel did not look away from Alissa's eyes for a second. Then a glimpse of red flashed in her eyes. Gidel moved forward trying to catch Alissa in her move, but instead of moving forward or staying in place, she stepped backwards with her right foot. Gidel was met by the swordstaff swinging around and up against him. He deflected the blow. He took a step to the side and moved forward but Alissa was very experienced. She took another step to the side and swung the blade around forcing Gidel to deflect it once more. Gidel took a step back and then three quick to the side, but once again, Alissa was on him with her own steps. She thrust the blade towards Gidel at an angle, so when Gidel tried to capitalize by dodging the thrust, Alissa was already moving to the side.
Gidel saw that this opponent would leave no clear openings for him. Her blade was too heavy and her control of it was too great for him to force her off balance with deflections, and her reach was greater than his own. Gidel knew that to break past her defenses he would need to be even more aggressive, but he felt that Alissa was holding something back. He did not know if he could risk it, if he misjudged her... Gidel now saw Sara move closer, ready to intervene.
"Do not intervene, Sarah" Gidel said in elvish. "That is what she is waiting for."
Sara stopped. She looked at Gidel and Alissa, and at the undead soldiers. She had already learned earlier that if she used them, and Gidel accidentally struck one down, they would attack him and she would not be able to stop it. And if he did not strike one down it was a risk that he would be stopped from moving around with the undead around. The battle thus far had already proven that Gidel needed more room than Alissa. It was too great of a risk to make without Gidel be given perfect sense of the undead soldiers whereabouts.
Sara then realized what she would do. She grabbed the stone of song and beauty, and the stone of the undead legion, and she began to sing songs from her childhood. Gidel, hearing the song, began to sense the undead in his head. Now he could move freely around the undead who would move out of his way. Then a small group of undead began attacking Alissa. Alissa swung around her sword-staff, decapitating four of them. Gidel moved forward towards Alissa. He swung his blade at her. She blocked, and the two where locked blade at blade. With the undead moving forward, Alissa pushed past Gidel, and with her blade gliding against Gidels, he felt a sudden intense warmth. The moment after, a breath of fire burst out from Alissa blade and burned through the undead attackers.
Gidel moved back as Alissa made wide swings with her burning blade clearing an area from the undead legion. Gidel, now aware of Alissa's secret ability, moved forward once again with blade in hand. Sara ordered a large group undead to attack. Gidel and the undead forced Alissa back, and her strikes became more predictable and desperate. But even with that Gidel could not find a safe opening as Alissa swung widely yet controllable around her against the undead. Then Gidel felt a power surge within him. Sarah was singing holding the stone of the guardian to her chest lending the power to Gidel.
Gidel dashed forward with lightning surging through his blade. With blade raised he struck down at Alissa who raised her bled to meet his. A surge of lightning traveled through her blade and into her body. Gidel saw in Alissa's eyes that he had caused pain to her. Her stance was weakening. The undead where approaching her from behind. She gasped for air. Blood dropped onto the sand below. Gidel then saw that the blood had come from Alissa's blade, then in her eyes he saw deep fire as the blood was set ablaze.
Sarah looked at the fight, when suddenly an ill feeling came over her. Then the next moment she flew backwards. She landed in the sand but quickly rose up again. She ran back onto the hill and was met by a battlefield set ablaze. Tall pillars of flame poured from the corpses of the undead, and there inside the flames stood Alissa. Burning blood was dripping from her blade. She raised her sword and swung towards the approving undead. A storm of fire poured out from the blade up to a hundred yards before her piercing into the undead legion. Alissa turned around and looked at Sara. Her eyes where burning with anger, and the elegance was merely a shadow. Sara drew her blade without knowing how she could possibly fight Alissa. The undead that made it forward where quickly dealt with by Alissa's burning blade long before they could reach her.
Boom!
Cannons from the distance, that had been firing the entire time now sounded different, as if they were pointed towards them. Then a moment later, the ground beside Alissa exploded as a cannon ball struck the ground. Soon came another cannon ball followed by another. Sara could hear the shouts of men from the distance.
"The red scourge is wounded! Kill her!" They shouted as they charged on their camels and horses. Some began opening fire at Alissa whom now had turned to face them instead of Sara.
Someone grabbed Sara by her shoulders. "Come on! We must go!" A wounded Gidel almost dragged Sara from the sight. They ran towards the camels, mounted them and hurried south. Far away from the battlefield.
As Sara and Gidel had come miles away, they looked back witnessing a bright red light in the sky. Kamurik, Alissa's dragon had set ablaze another undead dragon. On top of Kamurik rode the red scourge, Alissa the red knight. Now with a personal vendetta against Sara and Gidel. She would hunt them all the way to Solastir, the ancient city of the sunstone.
Congratulations! You have won the match, and claimed the stone of the undead legion. However, Alissa is now hunting Sara and Gidel, and she will hunt them all the way to Solastir. Your victory is assured and you may write how Sara and Gidel succeeds in avoiding and surviving Alissa's pursuit all the way to Solastir.
This is an interesting outcome. There where only supposed to be two players left for the finals with two NPC contenders. But now there are three for the finals. Though I don't think that will be a problem.
Now only the sunstone in Solastir remains.
I will write Amir's story this week and then the introduction to the sunstone and Solastir as he sets off towards the city. You who have won may already now begin writing your journey towards Solastir and upgrade your hero card to a maximum mana value of 7, and add an additional signature or companion card.
Godara soared through the air, a ballet of combat where each leap and twist was a defiance against the elements seeking his demise. An hour had passed since he embarked on the treacherous journey to the divided island, where Jubaqis and Zatisq stood as contrasting realms. Upon his arrival, the very land rebelled, golems emerging from the earth, hurling boulders with relentless force, a symphony of chaos orchestrated by the formidable Matriarch, an elemental sorceress of legendary repute.
Yet, the onslaught was not as overwhelming as Godara had anticipated. With a mesmerizing display of agility, he danced through the barrage, executing triple flash kicks, shoulder rolls, and a seamless fusion of dodges and weaves. It was as if he had become an untouchable specter, eluding the elemental onslaught. However, the Matriarch adapted, and earthy appendages thrust forth from the ground, challenging Godara's evasion. Weaving through them, he avoided their grasp, but the near-misses disrupted his balance, a subtle sign that the Matriarch was studying his every move.
Undeterred, Godara rose with swift determination, seamlessly leaping onto the closest golem, initiating a relentless pursuit, jumping from one elemental guardian to another. He gracefully evaded projectiles, a masterful display that rendered the towering trees mere blurs in his focused vision. Amidst this aerial ballet, a revelation struck him.
In a fluid motion, he unsheathed his shaolin-inspired sword, its hilt embedded with the stone of storms, and thrust it skyward. The stone's power manifested, birthing a tempestuous wind that swept across the battlefield. The colossal golems resisted the gale, but Godara became ensnared in the storm, surrounded by swirling dust, leaves, and foliage.
Undaunted, he continued his airborne acrobatics, the wind-choreographed dance of nature's wrath serving as his stage. Dodging approaching stones, he executed shoulder-tuck tumbles with grace. Then, a glint caught his eye, and with supernatural speed, he cut through the air like a hot knife through butter, leaving behind a vortex of pristine atmosphere. Descending upon a group of wooden elementals, he landed atop one, sword drawn.
In the treetop sanctuary, he confronted a Satyr, the elemental master. Swift as lightning, Godara thrust his sword with a speed that could sever thunder, stopping short of the Satyr's bewildered visage. The creature staggered backward, dropping one of the stone of heaven, just like the one he wielded - but not the one he was looking for. In a deft maneuver, Godara whipped his sword downwards, impaling the stone with his blade and shattering it,before sheathing his blade. A sigh escaped him; this was not the elusive Matriarch but a fellow seeker, driven by the same quest.
With a turn and a vanishing act that defied perception, Godara left the Satyr in bewilderment. His eyes scanned the horizon, determination etched on his features as he continued his quest across the war-torn island.
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Leaving Torna behind, Seven’s face burned brightly with the chaotic energy they absorbed from the warlock’s lightning. Returning to the train tracks, Seven continued the pursuit on the Iron Horse they had trailed for days.
The train once again came into sight. Down the tracks, the armed and armoured vehicle ran.
Drawing on the energy gained from the earlier fight, Seven put on a burst of speed to sprint around to the front of the train. Bullets and shells followed Seven’s dash, but would miss their untrackable mark or were absorbed of their energy by the Kinetic Shield.
Moments later, the effects of the stone of heaven became apparent. Crystalline cracks formed, darting from the exterior shell to the axel to the links connected to the Horse. Attempting to continue its advance, the wheels turned but fractured, and…
The train derailed and armoured exterior shattered, it wildly careened off the tracks and flipped onto its side, causing a chain reaction as the next few consecutive carriages turned off the track and released the munitions stored inside. Blood, fire, metal. This beast would no longer heed the call of a master. Death follows the beast of war. Now, it has reached it.
{As planned. The stone is now vulnerable.}
{Ware, for that one knows we seek.)
A burst of bullets and shouts followed Seven as they took cover behind a flipped carriage. Ahead on the tracks, the Horse’s riders turned and made ready to defend against the raider.
[We remove the obstacles and take the stone.]
This would not go unnoticed, however. The stream of projectiles stopped as a commanding call rang out from the defenders to switch tactics - if this light-armoured assailant wouldn’t go down with metal, then they would perish in fire.
Suddenly, Seven’s vision was filled with the familiar burning orange of the inferno. Jets of fire leapt from the Iron Horse’s cannons followed by flasks of fire oil. The garments that once adorned a Vae’Vyn of Tyris burned away…
…but the Vae’Vyn that wore them did not. The metal golem fully uncovered, it leapt from the flames with a glow as intense as the inferno lighting up its face. In the blink of an eye, it was on them. Each soldier was struck down as they strained to track the metal blur that slammed into each one consecutively. Finally, again brandishing the blue glow of the Forge Stone, Seven crashed the quaking power into the Iron Horse.
(At last, the pursuit is over. We may [now claim the) stone {power]( energy [for ourselves…)}]
The shell of the Horse shattered, Seven combed the remains for the beast’ great power source. And there it was: a dark, ruddy stone, emanating a detectable prickly energy.
…(en[pow){vel]er}[oci(gy{ty})]…
Picking up the stone, Seven felt the power course into the body of the metal sentinel they inhabited. Before any more confrontation was to be had, Seven drew energy from the stone to sprint away from the remains of the Horse and train, leaving only the memories of a metal demon behind, and the burning symbol etched on the shield from which they asserted their name - the symbol of a 7.
I’ll write in more detail about it, but Seven will pursue the stone of the Titan next.
Chapter Five: The Man Of Metal
Upon bidding farewell to the dwelling of the departed recluse, Godara embarked on a journey through the labyrinthine territories of Salamon, traversing the tumultuous landscape tainted by the dual forces of war and industrialization that had relentlessly shaped the region. Kazar, once a beacon of innovation, now stood as a testament to the insatiable appetite of war—a ravenous beast devouring lands, gold, and faith.
The war, a ceaseless maelstrom, manifested in the carnage that engulfed the lives of the guilt-laden, the dutiful, and the innocent. Houses crumbled to ash, crops withered, and the once-prosperous land became a desolate battlefield where men stacked crates of weapons, trading the crystal-blue tinted arms of old for the mundane steel and iron of the present.
As Godara traversed the war-torn expanse, riding a locomotive now aged, he couldn't ignore the remnants of a more advanced era. In the distance lay the wreckage of a modern locomotive, not silently smoldering like typical wreckage but, rather, radiating heat—a testimony to the relentless degradation of hot sand on once vibrant metal.
Arriving in the vicinity of the old fisherman's dwelling, who had aided him in Kazar, Godara opted for a silent traverse on foot to the hermit's abode, seeking refuge in the chaos-ridden lands. As he approached, he observed the vestiges of familiar machinery now replaced by more commonplace and less alien contraptions, signifying a shift in the city's reliance on the distinctive energy of the Forge Stone.
Reaching the abode, Godara exchanged pleasantries with the aged recluse, his inquiries unraveling a narrative of continued turmoil. War, a perennial antagonist, remained the same, but now the imperial forces were notably scarce, hinting at a redirected focus. Godara probed deeper into the changes, prompting the old man to reveal a tale of a towering steel warrior—a being of sheer might, known to wield the formidable Forge Stone. This enigmatic figure had singlehandedly dismantled the imperial train housing the Stone during a transfer, surviving blasts that could rend steel and molten metal alike. What was left behind was a numerical insignia—7.
Intrigued, Godara pondered the ramifications of the city's altered landscape, now compelled to employ more conventional machinery without the Forge Stone. Learning of the various stones scattered across the realms, Godara surmised that others, like him, sought these powerful artifacts. The old man recounted tales of the iron warrior (Forge Stone), the colossal warrior with the sun stone, and Godara himself with the Stone of Mists, also rumored to possess the Stone of Storms following a dragon encounter.
The old man's revelations sparked contemplation within Godara. As he considered the potential adversaries vying for the stones, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, a subtle yet persistent sensation that had lingered since his train journey. Despite the benign nature of the observer, Godara couldn't dismiss the notion that unseen eyes were surveilling his every move.
Acknowledging the old man's wisdom, Godara offered assistance with the evening's fishing endeavors, lending his strength to the seasoned fisherman. Amidst the rhythmic battle with the ocean's shifting tides, Godara couldn't escape the awareness of the distant figure— a shadowy watcher who had observed him since his arrival in the city.
The night concluded with a shared meal of their fruitful catch, followed by Godara's immersion into meditation until the break of dawn. The rhythmic waves embraced the monk, guiding him through the realm of inner serenity, yet the awareness of unseen eyes lingered, an enigma woven into the black void of the coastal night.
Chapter Six: Stone of the Matriach
As the dawn painted the horizon in hues of pink and gold, Godara lent his helping hand to the old fisherman, aiding him in preparing for the day's work. After a refreshing wash along the sea's shallow edge, he gathered his modest belongings and bid farewell to the aging seafarer. Climbing aboard the antiquated locomotive, he departed the chaos-laden lands of Kazar, traversing towards Kalmar, a mere distance from its capital, Murad, in the expansive desert wastelands.
Even within the confines of the rattling train, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, the ever-watchful gaze of a familiar presence lingered. The unseen observer, a constant companion in his journeys, seemed to shadow him yet again. As the train approached the outskirts of Kazar, the aging locomotive, less resilient than the sophisticated machinery of Kazan, screeched to a sudden halt. Bandits, draped in shemaghs and wielding scimitars, emerged from the shadows, disrupting the journey.
Unperturbed, Godara assumed a seat, continuing his meditation as the bandits collected their ill-gotten gains from the passengers. The affairs of the train were of no concern to him, as long as it reached its destination without hindrance. Reluctantly, some passengers parted with their money, while others pled for their meager possessions or wept over lost jewelry. Amidst the chaos, Godara's thoughts dwelled on the absence of the familiar observer; the sense of their presence had dissipated. It appeared that the observer had departed, leaving Godara slightly concerned.
Bandit 1: "Hey you, hand over your coins!"
Godara sighed and handed over his coins.
Bandit 2, whispering to Bandit 1 cheekily:
Bandit 1, brashly: "While you're at it, hand over the sword and ring too."
Godara, indifferently: "No."
In response, all the bandits drew their swords. However, before they could act, the first bandit was sent hurtling out of the window. Panic ensued among the remaining five as they turned to find Godara vanished. Panicked glances were exchanged, and hands reached for scabbards that were no longer there. Metal clinked behind them, and to their surprise, their swords lay dropped beside previously terrified passengers who had swiftly seized the opportunity. In a sudden, almost teleportation-like movement, Godara materialized before them. He calmly walked past the paralyzed bandits, retrieved his coin pouch, and witnessed the passengers, now armed, comically restraining the bewildered bandits. Stripped of their attire, the bandits were cast back into the desert wilderness, and the train resumed its departure.
As the train reached its final destination, concluding the six-day journey, Godara continued the rest of the way on foot from Al' Soran. The faint echo of the familiar observer accompanied him for a fleeting moment, growing weaker as he progressed, until it faded entirely. Amidst the whispers of rumors about another stone—the Stone of the Matriarch, surely better off in Godara's hands than in the hands of the others who sought the stones just like him—he arrived at Monastir, the city of the moon. Nestled across the Mona River, weaving through the cities of Al' Soran, Abad, Jericho, and Jarritos, all within the lands of Lun Aurelia, this desert city of three million inhabitants beckoned.
As he turned toward the sprawling city, it gleamed like a diamond in the sunlight. Monumental sculptures and towering buildings graced the skyline, with one structure in particular capturing the attention. A radiant blue and white light emanated from the pinnacle of an intricately adorned building, decorated in blue gold and white silver. The Temple of the Moon, the seat of the Shambakin, stood as a testament to time. In this affluent city, where fountains adorned every corner, Godara decided that this is where he would start his search, for the Stone of the Matriarch. Perhaps in Monastir, the mysterious observer will make themselves known - until then, Monastir would be a place of rest as much as it is a place of training.
Edit: I will make more entries when I get time, because I don't intend to pass through the mountains.
The hunt for the third tier of stones has begun.
Follows is which stone hunter pursue which stone.
The fights will begin one week from now from the 18'th of January, and that is the deadline to submit more stories which are garantueed to be taken into consideration for the respective fight.
True stone of heaven 1 - stone of the lost legion
Pursued by: @TenebrisNemo & Alissa
True stone of heaven 2 - stone of the titan
True stone of heaven 3 - stone of the matriarch
True stone of heaven 4 - stone of immortality
Pursued by Prince Amir
(I update the new champion cards for the fights)
Good luck stone hunters!
Pascal slowly made his way over the desert sands towards the still motionless Seven. He raised a cloth covering to guard against a gust of sand blown across the harsh land. Eventually, reaching the rock, he made the first greeting with the stone seeker. No response. What tongue would this alien machine understand? Pascal tried a few others, before an idea came to him: the ancient language.
Immediately, a response came from Seven, in a metallic tone. “{Your speech is understood.} [What business do you have with us?]” These were clearly two separate voices - a higher pitch one followed by a deeper one. This certainly was a strange creature. “You are the one they call Seven, correct?”, Pascal responded. “(That [We are) more than one]”, chimed the reply. Two voices - the deep one from before, and a new one. The answer itself was a confirmation and a correction, simultaneously. Confused, Pascal decided to press on with the business at hand. “Then I understand you seek stones of heaven. I have knowledge of the locations of three more. But beware, for more than you seek these stones of power.”
This revelation sparked immediate interest from the voices. An unintelligible cacophony rang out, a barrage of questions and statements coming from all three at once. This was to be a difficult explanation, but Pascal knew it would be worth the bother - Seven did not appear aggressive, so his quest was clearly accomplishable with minimal persuasion. An explanation of the stones later, Seven’s verbal barrage of questioning turned to the one held by the Titan.
“{We know not of these places.} [Finding the track to the horse was difficult enough.]”
“(No beast is necessary. We will run there.)”
This took Pascal by surprise. Run? This big, metal creature was to run faster than a horse? The rumours of Seven appearing and disappearing just as fast may have been credible after all.
“Allow me to show you the direction by map, then.” Pulling out a map of the Asolamun continent, Pascal pointed to two spots. “We’re around here, in the northern deserts. The stone is down here. The direct route crosses two bodies of water, many sovereignties and almost the entire length of the continent. The journey is a long one, in short.” “(Then we shall leave immediately.)”, came the reply. Seven brandished their shield which had set into it a glowing red stone. The shield seemed to absorb the glow of the stone somehow, as Seven’s face began to glow in turn. Without another comment, a thanks or a farewell, Seven stood up and began a sprint across the desert.
The sun beating down on him, Pascal reflected on the exchange he’d just had - on the one hand, he’d let his mother’s target escape his watch. On the other hand, he knew exactly where to travel to find the hunter again and had successfully set up their ambitions for a downfall. Did Seven even have a plan to steal the stone, running off immediately like that? In addition, he’d kept Seven away from knowledge of his own stone. Summoning an elemental of ice, Pascal began again both his pursuit and cooling down from the harsh desert. Clearly, his was the best of the sibling’s stones…
On the journey to the stone of the Titan, Seven has formed a plan to acquire it. First, they’ll scout the borders for conflicts with the Kolgo giants to find the famed Titan. Next, they’ll use a similar tactic to the one for the Forge Stone - draw away other divisions away from the Titan by feinting attacks on both sides of the army, causing battles from both to draw attention away. Seven plans to go through any who get in the way, but will try to go directly for the stone - for instance, breaking the necklace and snatching its contents as opposed to bringing down the Titan first.
Chapter Seven: Godara's Long March
In the heart of Monastir, Godara found himself amidst a desert oasis, the city adorned with cascading fountains that whispered tales of ancient beauty. Despite the serene setting, tranquility eluded the monk, for his quest to locate the revered Stone of the Matriarch had proven to be a relentless odyssey.
As the suns rose and set over three days, Godara's restless spirit drove him to explore every nook and cranny of Monastir, punctuating his journey with meditations that replaced the need for sleep. His body, preserved by the arcane Youthful Breath technique, bore the marks of 250 years of monkhood but retained the vigor of a 30-year-old, thanks to the blazing foot techniques acquired in his youth.
During one of his sojourns through Monastir's labyrinthine streets, tantalizing whispers reached Godara's ears, revealing the elusive stone's presence in the capital city of Jubaqis on the distant island of Kubandai. A pang of disappointment gripped him as he consulted a map, realizing the arduous journey that lay ahead – westward across the vast continent of Avelaide, through the imposing Abadaya Mountains, and finally, to the southwestern island.
The island, once united under a single banner, now bore the scars of a divided kingdom. The Matriarch, a formidable elementalist ruling with an iron will, resisted the calls for reunification and rebuffed a marriage proposal from the crown prince of Zatisk. The specter of assassination loomed over her, and factions within the kingdom yearned for a legitimate monarch.
Godara, aware of the true distance to the coveted stone, deemed conventional transport a luxury he couldn't afford. With a decisive resolve, he eschewed horseback and the sluggish locomotives of Salamon, opting instead to harness his lightning-fast speed. The monk gathered supplies, fueled by the urgency of his quest, preparing to traverse the entire continent on foot.
From Monastir, he raced through the Mona River, bypassing the desert bandits that plagued his train journey. A brief respite in Ail' Orma within the lands of Lun Arelia reinvigorated him before he sprinted through Luna Helm in South Evali. The expanse of Surtur's valleys, bordering the Abadaya Mountains, became a fleeting blur as he navigated with supernatural speed, monk-like patience, and ninja-like dexterity.
A day's pause in Zetarukro allowed him to meditate and replenish supplies, and then he danced through the lands of Maz'Orun, Zimaque, and Ghergeda. The coastal city of Th'olin in Th'ikana marked a pivotal moment, where Godara gazed upon the distant island, plotting his next move.
Resting within the coastal city, he listened intently for every whisper regarding the Stone of the Matriarch, determined to learn more of what dangers layed ahead him, and what kind of person the keeper of this stone was. As Godara contemplated his next move, he deemed it best to replenish his energy expended running through the continent, in he 2 and a half day journey, while preparing for his inevitable run to the divided Island lands of Jubaqis and Zatisq.
Congratulations! You have won the match and may now claim the stone of the matriarch (or the counterfeit one)
However, the challenge of the stone still remains as the matriarch remain undefeated, but your victory is assured and you may write how Godara claims his third stone.
@DrakeGladis Sadly, Ravina did not claim victory today.
I guess there was not much mystery in the result of this match. However I would be very happy if you would like to give Ravina a proper conclusion to her involvement in the story.
Otherwise I thank you for participating in this tournament!
Congratulations! You have won the match and may now claim the stone of the titan.
However, the challenge of the stone still remains as the titan remain undefeated, but your victory is assured and you may write how Seven claims his third stone.
The Master Returns - Part III
The Master Returns - Part IV (Final)
Art: Lauren Spruit
Art: Astri Lohne
* * * * * *
Art: Lauren Spruit
Congratulations! You have won the match, and claimed the stone of the undead legion.
However, Alissa is now hunting Sara and Gidel, and she will hunt them all the way to Solastir.
Your victory is assured and you may write how Sara and Gidel succeeds in avoiding and surviving Alissa's pursuit all the way to Solastir.
This is an interesting outcome. There where only supposed to be two players left for the finals with two NPC contenders. But now there are three for the finals. Though I don't think that will be a problem.
I will write Amir's story this week and then the introduction to the sunstone and Solastir as he sets off towards the city.Now only the sunstone in Solastir remains.
You who have won may already now begin writing your journey towards Solastir and upgrade your hero card to a maximum mana value of 7, and add an additional signature or companion card.
Good luck stone hunters!
Chapter Eight: A Dance With The Earth
Godara soared through the air, a ballet of combat where each leap and twist was a defiance against the elements seeking his demise. An hour had passed since he embarked on the treacherous journey to the divided island, where Jubaqis and Zatisq stood as contrasting realms. Upon his arrival, the very land rebelled, golems emerging from the earth, hurling boulders with relentless force, a symphony of chaos orchestrated by the formidable Matriarch, an elemental sorceress of legendary repute.
Yet, the onslaught was not as overwhelming as Godara had anticipated. With a mesmerizing display of agility, he danced through the barrage, executing triple flash kicks, shoulder rolls, and a seamless fusion of dodges and weaves. It was as if he had become an untouchable specter, eluding the elemental onslaught. However, the Matriarch adapted, and earthy appendages thrust forth from the ground, challenging Godara's evasion. Weaving through them, he avoided their grasp, but the near-misses disrupted his balance, a subtle sign that the Matriarch was studying his every move.
Undeterred, Godara rose with swift determination, seamlessly leaping onto the closest golem, initiating a relentless pursuit, jumping from one elemental guardian to another. He gracefully evaded projectiles, a masterful display that rendered the towering trees mere blurs in his focused vision. Amidst this aerial ballet, a revelation struck him.
In a fluid motion, he unsheathed his shaolin-inspired sword, its hilt embedded with the stone of storms, and thrust it skyward. The stone's power manifested, birthing a tempestuous wind that swept across the battlefield. The colossal golems resisted the gale, but Godara became ensnared in the storm, surrounded by swirling dust, leaves, and foliage.
Undaunted, he continued his airborne acrobatics, the wind-choreographed dance of nature's wrath serving as his stage. Dodging approaching stones, he executed shoulder-tuck tumbles with grace. Then, a glint caught his eye, and with supernatural speed, he cut through the air like a hot knife through butter, leaving behind a vortex of pristine atmosphere. Descending upon a group of wooden elementals, he landed atop one, sword drawn.
In the treetop sanctuary, he confronted a Satyr, the elemental master. Swift as lightning, Godara thrust his sword with a speed that could sever thunder, stopping short of the Satyr's bewildered visage. The creature staggered backward, dropping one of the stone of heaven, just like the one he wielded - but not the one he was looking for. In a deft maneuver, Godara whipped his sword downwards, impaling the stone with his blade and shattering it,before sheathing his blade. A sigh escaped him; this was not the elusive Matriarch but a fellow seeker, driven by the same quest.
With a turn and a vanishing act that defied perception, Godara left the Satyr in bewilderment. His eyes scanned the horizon, determination etched on his features as he continued his quest across the war-torn island.