by Philip Read
Though the beast may not have a tongue capable of making human sounds it is likely more than capable of understanding them. My escort of dangerous creatures retreats as the huge beast moves slowly closer. The woman by its side naked except for a loin cloth and tattoos.
“We do not welcome humans here, you take more often than you give and not enough creatures consider you good to eat. You disturb the balance.” The creature conveys into my mind moving so close that it towers of me.
It really is a majestic creature, too bad it has to die.
“pression” I say unleashing my mana as pressure suddenly affects everything within 30 meters. The woman falls on her knees unable to breathe but a roar from the tiger brakes my spell.
“les racines” I say as it swipe at me. Roots of mighty trees thousands of years old stop the powerful paw with a concussive force and immediately wrestle themselves out of my control. It seems I underestimated this forest.
“Feu.” I say using my arms to direct my mana manipulation. Increasing the speed with which the fire travels as it roars into existence and pushes towards the tiger. Burning everything in its path except my target who brushes if off with aura.
My nose bleeds as my mind frays at the edges. Getting foggy and losing focus as I mentally prepare to utter my next word.
“enfer.” I say and an inferno of raging blue flames rise up all around me. I hear the druidess scream as she dies and a few other forest creatures. The fire as high as 300 degrees Celsius in temperature and covering an area of 30 meters all around me.
I stop the flow of mana and the fire disappears as though it where an illusion. The ashes the only sure sign that is really happened. The tattered tiger the only living thing within the domain of ash.
“You should be proud of yourself beast. That was one of my strongest spells and still, you stand barely charred.”
I take out my handkerchief and wipe the blood from my nose. Then drink a mana potion which will quickly help replenish my energy.
The Ancient tiger looks at me with hate in its eyes as it sends a mental attack that takes me almost completely by surprise. I scream as I find myself trapped in my own mind for what feels like hours but I break out knowing it’s been only a moment as my metal protection talisman breaks into pieces on the ground spent.
It took me 12 years to get the ingredients for that. Hot vapour suddenly scotches my skin as I the beast uses it’s elemental affinity. This I’ve been waiting for though.
“supporter“, “bouclier” I say and endure the brunt of it as I enact a shield and use all my mana except a small portion to maintain it.
Though my mana reserves can take it, my mind cannot and may break at any moment leaving me a babbling idiot for the rest of my short life.
But the beast eases up as it rushes me and I release the thing I’ve been carrying ever since I found out what my youngest son had gotten himself into.
“Libération” I say, releasing the spirit at the Ancient tiger before me and let them struggle for control. I’ve weakened the creature as much as I am able. Ancient beasts are not easy foes to defeat, even for a 500 year old wizard.
The struggle between the beast and the spirit is long and hard. Protracted to the point that I worry more of these mighty creatures will reveal themselves. And they do, but surprisingly do nothing but watch as the tiger struggles for control of its own body.
Standing stork still but it’s body quivering and waves of force blowing the air and cracking the ground under its paws. The struggle is epic on a spiritual level I’m uncomfortable dealing in. I usually don’t deal with spirits but my boy and his stupid ‘Circle’ have made a deal with a force so old that Gaia wasn’t even an idea as a world when it was conceived.
Thinking they can outsmart such a creature and make a deal that enables them to come out on top. The arrogance alone deserves the boy a beating.
The only protection from such a spirit, especially at this desperate a time for them is to have another spirit deal with it.
Making a deal with the indifferent spirit I hear better things about as opposed to the malevolent spirit I know will kill my son and take his soul when it’s done. Vritra, how could Damian make deal with a spirit with such a reputation even amongst other spirits?
Spirits are the offspring of the seven creater gods which are themselves are the children of the Trinity. They are all powerful and endless within their domains in the spirit realms and live lives that are fufilled in ways we can’t even imagine in the physical realm.
But because of the war raging in the spiritual realm the past few millennia several hundred spirits have already taken on physical form and manifested into the physical realm.
Diminished though they may be and limited by flesh. The spirits that manage to get themselves worshiped as gods retain more of themselves and more power with the numbers and devotions of their followers.
Thus, the cults started popping up a few hundred years ago. An unintended consequence of being worshiped was being shaped by the idea the worshipers had of each dirty. And the more they remained true to a particular law of the Universe the stronger they became.
Vritra though is being worshiped in secret by those that prefer darker arts and spoken of in whispers. His/It’s name spread wide and spoken of with trepidation and paranoia.
Though most people may not be worshipers, It’s name is known so far and wide that I gets power from the large number of believers alone. Regardless of whether or not they worship it.
A god that grants power to those that sacrifice their fellow men, do unclean acts and commit their souls to its cause. A cause yet unknown by my sources.
The titanic struggle of wills suddenly stops and I wait for the outcome with batted breath. If the spirit I made a deal with is unable to possess this Ancient beast its banished from whence it came and will never be able to possess this particular host again. And I’ll be left in deep shit, having to deal with a pissed off Ancient beast.
“We have come to an agreement *#” $5&$#%& and I. ” the beast broadcasts mentally to all around.
“We will eventually become fully one being and share this body from this day onwards. From now on I will be known as Bái Hǔ, The White Tiger of The West.
“And you wizard. You can come to me for help once, only once. After that we will be enemies and the next time we meet one of us shall die.”
I bow to acknowledge my new enemy. There is absolutely no point in arguing, though I have done a great service for the spirit, I have attacked the beast. Whatever happened between the two forces must still be taking place.
“I will sleep the next seven years. Let none wake me before then.” The great tiger then shimmers as it moves away. Dispersing as though made of smoke. Leaving behind the unharmed druid I thought I had killed in my inferno.
“You were lucky, not many who venture into the Red Woods leave with their lives.” She says as the other three Ancient tigers sneak me a moment and silently disappear.
“I know, its why I chose this place. It’s infamous for its number of Ancient beasts living in a single territory. Sorry about the trying to kill you bit, nothing personal.” I say with a shrug.
“It was personal to me wizard, but your kind are known for their disregard for life. Leave this place, you are not welcome.”
I bow to the druid, then start walking away with a relieved sigh. I’m glad the Ancestral beast didn’t choose to deign me with it’s presence.
*
Talia
I sigh as the wizard walk away as cool as can be. Had Byakko not shielded me instead of himself I’d be a gonner. It has been many years since I came so close to death and the feeling hasn’t gotten any easier to stomach.
I feel the stranger through the forest walk away until he reaches the boundary of the Red and enters the Asleep part of the forest. What’s with Byakko wanting to be called by another name now anyways?
Whatever the wizard did, it will have profound ripple effects on the forest, and maybe
the world as a whole that much I can feel with certainty.
Maybe it’s time I got back to training, maybe its time I showed these wizards and mages that occasionally trespass here not to underestimate a druid.
Chapter 14
Brandon
I follow my escort of 12 to the edge of the cliff. My horse neighing nervously at how close to the edge I direct it but I really don’t mind dying nowadays. I’m so tired of this life and I’m nervously dreading what judgement father will pass on me for killing my cousin, a royal scion.
The generals have no authority to pass capital punishment on a Royal or even a member of the Houses, though I did get twenty lashes before being sent on my way. You’d think you’d get numb after the first few strokes. Not the case at all.
“Beautiful isn’t it?”
Captain Arusmus says as we gaze at the view of Central Province from the cliff. Where my sentence will be passed down. I swallow a large ward of saliva, I’m seriously contemplating dying from a fall. Much better than the spectacle it could be once we reach Capital.
The central province of Sandoria is quite beautiful though, and its flat enough that from here we can see far and wide. I can even identify two towns, one I can clearly see, the other hidden within a slight valley and woods but clearly identifiable by the plumes of smoke.
Central is a valley protected on two sides by the Mountain Ah and Ba. This gives it two deep flowing rivers as the snowcaps melt from the peaks in Spring and natural protection in Winter as the two Mountain passes become difficult to cross.
The valley itself is vast and forested. Resulting in a natural wetland and thick forests that have been culled through the years to make room for towns. The two rivers flow in different directions. One flowing from the mountain Ah and going south of the province. The other from the mountain Bha going north.
This geometry resulting in Central province being the easiest territory to defend of all its neighbouring provinces and the birthplace of the kingdom of Sandoria. Having never been conquered or had any of its cities or towns sacked it boasts Capital, a fortified stone city that has been the center from which all other neighboring kingdoms have been conquered and annexed into the provinces and states of Sandoria.
And it boasts of Urban, a metropolis of learning, art and wealth. The first city build by the wealth the previous kings have acquired through the years of war and conquest. Urban is the biggest city in the kingdom and the richest with merchants and noble Houses varying for influence there. But Capital is still the power base in the kingdom, followed closely by Elysium in recent years. At least according to lectures by Magister Foast, I’m surprised I retained as much as I did from his lessons.
Though newly built and still growing the city of Elysium is the most beautiful in the kingdom even being the smallest still, barely larger than a large town. Each building built meticulously planned years in advance to prevent the clutter and claustrophobic atmosphere most cities develop as the population grows.
Located between Central Province, Stormhold Province and the Woodland Forest, Elysium is in some ways becoming more central than Central Province. The city growing around the opulent palace and every building design approved by the royal architects before being built.
I grew up there and i grew to love the city I think with a sigh. I will face my fate soon.
“Did you hear the offensive on the barbarians will continues soon!” One of my escort asks his comrade. A stern faced no nonsense woman who rumour says is a disguised royal guard instead of a soldier.
“Yes I heard. A new alliance with the dwarven kingdom beyond the Moari desert islands.” She says with a nod. My ears perk up at that. I’m sure we killed many thousands of barbarians but they’ve definitely killed more of us even with an unknown fate looming before me its still an interesting topic of discussion.
“That will help ease pressure as the kingdom gathers an even greater force. By the time they think they’ve dealt with that force we’ll be ready with fresh troops.
Edgard, the leader of this little escort spits. “Those savages are a force to be reckoned with. But they will surely be ground to dust long before the reinforcements are ready. The dwarves are fielding 200 000 men and they are already halfway to the Tundra.
“By the time we head back we will be picking scraps, all the looting already over.”
“Well that’s not fair. Did you hear the number of spiritual weapons found among the dead? At least twenty through the few years of fighting. And so far the kingdom is buying them from the soldiers instead of just taking them. Can you believe that?” Another whose name I don’t recall says excitedly.
“Its every soldiers privilege to loot the dead, always has been. Only the possesions of the royal foes are turned over to the Generals, and well the barbarians dont have kings so every man can keep what he finds. They would have a riot on their hands if they tried to brazenly claim the loot from us.” Edgard says.
Another grunts as we continue our journey closer to my death. I hate the barbarians, but at least there I would have died doing something. Not here where my neck will the cleaned for the headsman or the rope.
I tune out the conversation for the rest of the trip. I have my own demons to face now. I still can’t believe I slit her throat like that…
* * *
Sachihiro
The meeting between the Brave and the chiefs takes place immediately after dusk the day after my arrival. I am back at the strange big building almost in the middle of the city with all 9 of the Brave Blossom vampires facing the chiefs, the elders, the seers and a few fae and dwarves. Asriel I haven’t heard from in over fifty hours but I’m not worried.
I’m just not used to going so long without seeing him. Strange the things we get used to.
“The agreement is understandably in Japanese as Hiro is not literate in any other language.” Seiji Hirao says in awkward and accented Sandersonian. A language the Brave and a few of the Hito have been learning in preparation for open communication with the rest of the continent.
“Our agreement as it stands is for a fixed amount of celestial ore for certain services, services I am sure Hiro has already explained to you. For the forging of a soul weapon regardless of whether or not the intended recipient dies is charged at 100kg’s of ore per person. The fee our help in establishing a foothold and a settlement in the Underworld Hiro has already paid.
“For all other trade, that will be a per product cost but can be conducted in normal coinage. But if you build a settlement within our borders we also expect to build a settlement within yours to help trade and discouraging disagreements people our peoples. We require land somewhere within or towards the mountains clearly marked with allowances for growth that will not be a source of contention between our people.
“As for our teachings, Hiro and his descendants are the only outsiders who will be taught our ways as things currently stand. And only those descendants born from the Hito people as the mixing of our peoples is something we can make allowances for.”
“This soul forging seems awfully pricey at 100kgs of raw ore especially considering the risks involved. And the value of such weapons is yet to be truly established to our stisfaction. We cannot agree to such a price.” One of the seers says quietly but vehemently.
“Can the use of such weapons be demonstrated? Say, a friendly spare to compare normal spiritual weapons with these soul forged weapons.” Chief Bjorn of the Savage says with a toothy grin.
The man seems to have gotten slightly larger since Awakening and his aura is controlled but menacing for anyone sensitive to such things.
“Certainly. I’m sure Hiro would be more that happy to demonstrate against any for you pitted against him” Seiji says smoothly as Chief Bjorn scowls, cheated from a fight against a new and interesting opponent.
An Awakened fighting me one on one would be a quick fight soul-sword or not, or so Bjorn and everyone around him immedietely assumes. I’m nervous to test myself against other tribesme
n but I’m excited, my stomach seemly dancing within my body. Though my zanpakutō is more malleable and care free, she is still a weapon of death and I’m not sure whether or not I’d be able to stop myself from killing anyone I faced with her in hand.
“Well then if its the youth that will test these weapons I suppose it is fair to go all out.” Chief Stomm the Bloodletter of the Norse says leaning forward.
“Sachihiro, you will face my grandson Victor who also wields a longsword so the match should be balanced. We will pit your weapon against his and these Hito teachings against waht we know of fighting. Victor has also been getting tutoring from both the fae and highland instructors so I warn you lad. The young man is currently the best fighter we in his age group and a veteran of battles against the Southerners. You have away too long to have been tempered by battle like he has in this war so I advise you put pride aside and think carefully about participating in this demostration.” Chief Stom says seriously.
I try my best to school my face. I honestly try hard, but eventually the grin spreads slowly across my face and my eyes sparkle. This will be fun!
Chapter 15
Sachihiro
I now know what the fighting sand circle at the Council of Chiefs building is for. Victor stands before me bare chested and bare footed, wearing nothing but a kilt and vambraces on his forearms. I’m glad he seems to be taking this little ‘spare’ seriously because I am.
His body is scared but whole, a testament to he being a survivor of numerous battles. In battle experience he has me beat as he now qualifies as a veteran warrior.
The spiritual longsword he wields a testament to that fact. One of 16 made by a dwarven master blacksmith.
I recognise the beautiful deadly sword by the jewel embedded at the base of the guard. A yellow jade that promotes personal power among other things if I remember my lessons with the twins correctly.
