Xenosaber: Fury of the Stars

by Jedaiah Ramnarine

  Alexa buzzed in the moon elf’s face once the princess was gone. “Hey! Wake up! I know she’s pretty but now’s not the time for daydreaming! We’re going to miss the sign ups if you keep standing there doing nothing. Are you listening to me kid? Wake up!”

  Jaival had forgotten why he was even there for a split second. He grounded himself and faced the direction of the sign-up table. “Right, let’s go.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  Ring of Valor

  LATER THAT DAY, Jaival and Alexa were allowed entry into the Ring of Valor, a mid-sized arena inside a stadium where the Phoenix Knight tryouts were being held. There weren’t many people there. Commoners were not allowed to attend the event – it was not some gladiator ring for entertainment. Only Phoenix Knight officers, captains, commanders, and of course, knight hopefuls, were granted access to the ring and its stadium.

  Guards who were suspicious of Alexa and Jaival’s presence were pacified by the fairy’s mind magic. Jaival became used to her having her own way. If she wanted, she could probably control a large mass of them. He wasn’t certain of the extent of the demigoddess’ power. But there was one who kept a watchful eye on them from the distance – Mikael. Fairies were uncommon in Eira, as they were forest guides. Jaival’s obvious difference compared to the average citizen also caused the ancient hero suspicion. He was curious what the moon elf and his companion were there to do.

  While Jaival suited up in light armor the event coordinators gave him, he and Alexa noticed the tournament had started before they arrived. Two young men, also suited in similar light armor, were out in the dusty arena, battling with non-lethal swords and wooden shields. One of duelers was Danzul. Jaival was curious about his techniques. Mikael found Danzul to be promising since he was the only other Guardian to survive Baldr’s attack. However, the ancient hero wanted Danzul to earn his cape. The tournament was the perfect opportunity.

  Danzul traded clash for clash with his opponent until eventually, the apprentice Guardian gained the upper hand through his experienced footing and patient swordplay. He waited for his challenger to give way due to their own reckless nature and capitalized on the mistakes. Danzul drew his dull blade over his fallen opponent’s neck – a sign of victory based on the tournament rules, should one of the challengers came close to a deathblow. One of the knight captains acknowledged Danzul the winner and it was on to the next round.

  “Listen, I don’t want you using any magic.” Alexa buzzed in Jaival’s face.

  He cocked an eyebrow. “Rather ironic for you to say that, considering you’ve been abusing your powers the whole time.”

  “Now’s not the time to be a smart-lick with me. Do not use any magic. I cannot pacify everyone. There are some who can resist the effects, including the one we wish to impress.”

  Mikael, Jaival connected the puzzle. What was it about him that made the demigoddess flutter? Alexa seemed nervous anytime they were close to him or mentioned his name. Sure, she was not in her true form, but the Sorata Jaival had come to know was a powerful sorceress. He’d only seen an inkling of her true ability.

  “Alright.” Jaival nodded to her request.

  “Besides, you must improve your handling of the blade. Your sword work on Star Moon was sloppy.” she wrinkled her nose.

  “As you say.” Jaival knew when to let a woman have her way. He’d dealt with a considerable amount of them in his time, a demigoddess made no difference. The coordinators called for him to step out into the arena. It was his round.

  Don’t use any magic. Alexa’s words echoed in his mind.

  Jaival marched onto the dusty field, surrounded by watchful eyes in the stadium’s benches. There was a distinct competitiveness in the air. Many of the young men wanted their challengers to fail. The less there were, the less threat to win. Jaival did not care for competition. He was there to meet Mikael and do whatever was necessary to convene with him.

  The gates opened at the opposite end of the arena and Jaival’s opponent marched out. He was a hulking mass of man that towered over the rest of the young elves, covered with scars and an untamed face. The brute’s name was Gnosh, and he was known as The Berserker – the great fighter who was deemed unmatched in the underground ring. Years ago, they said he was too wild to become a soldier, let alone a Phoenix Knight. Now, it seemed the kingdom was desperate. Unlike Jaival, Gnosh had a two-handed wooden maul. With enough force, a big man like that could smash the moon elf’s head to bits with a single swipe.

  How is that fair? Jaival pondered.

  The fight might’ve been rigged, considering many were not keen to an outsider having a chance. Then again, it was possible the coordinators probably demanded the brute to use standard weaponry but judging by his sheer size, he may have forced them to have his way. Nevertheless, whatever understandable hesitation Jaival had of his challenger, he pushed it aside to give the brute all he had. He remembered what Baldr did to his mother. It fueled him more.

  Both men advanced toward each other, using their personal strife to drive them to victory. Once Jaival was within striking distance, Gnosh used the advantage of his long reach weapon. He swung his maul at Jaival horizontally, then, using the force of the first swing, swung again. The moon elf backed away from the attacks. Gnosh was powerful but slow. Jaival took note of it. The Berserker struck again, this time, vertically. Jaival sidestepped and lunged at him with a slash, only for the attack to be caught by the brute’s free hand.

  Jaival’s eyes widened. Gnosh was practically lifting him off the ground with a grin.

  The moon elf slammed the edge of his shield into Gnosh’s face, giving some ground between the two men. Gnosh spat out blood. He looked and Jaival and grinned, the heat of battle intoxicating him. Gnosh went on the offensive again. He leapt at Jaival with a flurry of strikes, forcing the young elf back on his footing. Thinking he had the upper hand due to Gnosh’s missed swing, Jaival spun around with a slash. Gnosh parried the attack, tossed his blade away and sent a haymaker to the moon elf’s jaw that made him spin about face.

  The brute raised his weapon high to deliver a deathblow. Jaival snapped out of his temporary daze and blocked the attack from behind, using the brute’s power to move the two men to the edge of the arena. The moon elf climbed on the wall and flipped over Gnosh, rolled away some few feet, and retrieved his weapon. Blood dripped down Jaival’s lips. Both men smirked, breathing in the intensity of the fight.

  Many were curious who would win. At first, they were certain it would be Gnosh, but as time went on, Jaival kept up just fine. Mikael looked on from his seat, engaged by the display. He was also curious what would happen next. Alexa on the other hand, was crossing her fingers, hoping she’d made the right decision sending Jaival out there to fight such a monster.

  Gnosh and Jaival closed the gap once more. The Berserker made a quick jab with his maul. Jaival blocked the attack and slashed for Gnosh’s throat. The brute backed away, narrowly avoiding the slash to counter by spinning around, using tremendous force to unleash a horizontal swing. Instinct pushed Jaival to dive forward so he could avoid the ferocious attack altogether. The moon elf slashed for the brute’s calf from behind. Gnosh raised his leg and stomped on Jaival’s blade, then followed up with a vertical slam. Jaival rolled away.

  The moon elf got to his feet, surprised Gnosh didn’t just charge at him. It was the second time he’d been disarmed. Gnosh kicked Jaival’s blade toward him so that they might continue the fight, having his own code of honor. He wanted his glory by defeating his opponent with weapon in hand. Jaival grabbed the blade and went on the offensive for a change of pace.

  Once Jaival had Gnosh where he wanted him, he performed a vertical jump slash at the brute, only for Gnosh to catch him midair and slam him into the ground. This time Gnosh was certain of his victory. He held his maul high and swung for the grounded elf – but Jaival waited till The Berserker’s attack was inches away from his face, rolled to his right and pressed his shield on the blunt of the maul. Jaival poin
ted his blade at Gnosh’s neck.

  A thick silence washed across the arena. No one had any idea what to say. They were stunned just as much as the two fighters in the ring. Finally, after a long moment of calm, Gnosh released the grip on his maul, grabbed Jaival by his sword arm, and lifted the moon elf’s hand in the air with a howl of respect. The crowd cheered.

  What in void’s moon have I been putting this kid through? Alexa was on the verge of a heart attack. Jaival was her only hope in fulfilling her hidden agenda. She needed him alive. Mikael on the other hand was more curious than impressed.

  “Bring him to me.” he ordered his guards from the stands.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Crux of The Matter

  JAIVAL WAS ESCORTED alongside his fairy to see Mikael in the captain’s office of the Phoenix Knight’s quarters. The escorting guards were not rude but they weren’t friendly either. They carried an attitude that warned Jaival if he were to try anything, he’d be cut down swiftly. Once they arrived in the office, the guards left and waited outside the door. The captain’s office was quite large. There was a desk to the northern end, and behind it, standing with his arms folded behind his back, looking outside the sun-glazed window, was Mikael.

  “You’ve traveled a long way, Moon Elf,” Mikael announced calmly. “Why are you here?”

  The way the ancient hero spoke was intimidating. This was the voice of a man who’d been to hell and back – he’d seen it all. There would be no room for nonsense. Alexa was strangely quiet, filled with nervousness, but for her own reasons.

  “I came to seek your aid.” Jaival stated.

  Mikael turned about, his eyes looking over the moon elf with caution.

  “And why would I help you?” he challenged.

  “Because of this.” Jaival unhinged the light armor from his wrist and unveiled Sorata’s wristband.

  Mikael froze.

  “Where did you get that?” The ancient hero asked.

  “From the Succubus of the Wilds – Sorata.”

  Mikael’s tongue twisted. He knew well of that bracelet, more than he cared to admit. It stirred old memories of a time when he was happy, and a time when he’d lost it all. Furthermore, he knew well of that name – Sorata. More than anyone else could dare say. Alexa hid behind Jaival. She didn’t want Mikael to know who she really was.

  “You know of it?” Jaival noticed the ancient hero shushed.

  “More than words can ever describe.” Mikael twitched. He shrugged off the thought and focused on the matter at hand. “Come with me.”

  ***

  Mikael led Jaival and his silent fairy down a series of hallways and corridors, past watchful guard and curious noble until the three came to a private sector in the western wing of Eira Citadel. There, among the vine-covered, graceful pillars, was an open-air patio surrounded by a beautiful, well-groomed garden, and in the middle, a small statue of The Ancient Goddess posed for all to see. Water flowed out of her hands, symbolizing the giving of life. Yet that was not the best part of the place for the moon elf. See for Jaival, the best part was the one who sat by the fountain, dipping her hand in the water. Arya.

  “Princess?” Mikael called. He knew it was her time of meditation but the matter was urgent.

  She snapped out of her daze and looked at the trio. Her eyes widened and her jaw nearly dropped when she saw Jaival.

  “My apologies if I have disturbed your meditation.” Mikael went on.

  “It’s fine.” Arya kicked herself internally for being nervous. She wasn’t used to having such problems, but with Jaival there, something sparked in the two of them. Both were drawn to each other – more than they could understand.

  “Who is this person?” Arya asked then tilted her head to see Alexa hiding behind Jaival. “And a fairy? Does it have a name?”

  Mikael turned to Jaival and Alexa, and recited what the moon elf had explained on their way.

  “This is Jaival, a native of Star Moon, and his fairy companion, called Alexa. She is his guide here in our world. Jaival has shown a rather impressive display of skill during the Phoenix Knight tournament. He will be a promising candidate.”

  Arya was happy to know his name, though she wouldn’t dare show it.

  “I see. Well met in that case, Jaival of the Moon, and Alexa, the fairy. I am Princess Arya of Eira.”

  She’s even more beautiful up close, the moon elf pondered.

  “It’s an honor to meet you, Princess.” Jaival downplayed his excitement with a thin smile.

  Arya gave a pleasant nod, turned to Mikael, and asked. “Why have you brought them to me? Shouldn’t he be at the academy?”

  Mikael faced the princess. “A few days ago, Jaival’s village was attacked by Baldr and his men. They murdered his people. He is the last survivor of The Shadow Clan.”

  Arya gasped and covered her mouth – a sickening guilt clutching her chest over what her brother did. “I’m so sorry.” she whimpered.

  Wait a moment, she is the princess and the one who slaughtered my village was the prince?

  Utter confusion rushed into the moon elf’s mind when he connected the dots. He had become so enthralled by the Princess that it hadn’t occurred to him his mother’s murderers were led by Arya’s brother. It was hard not to feel some sort of contempt toward her, though his gut warned him she was not at fault.

  What must he think of me? Arya lowered her eyes in shame.

  Jaival remained silent, fighting the burning desire to give in to his bottled rage. Alexa shook her head. She thought Mikael to be insensitive – both to moon elf and princess alike, so she shoved her nervousness aside and spoke up.

  “It was horrible what happened to my friend,” the little fairy twinkled in their faces. She looked back at Jaival, urging him not to give in to his anger. “But we know it is not your doing Princess. For every tragedy, there’s a victory. That is why we need your aid,” Alexa glanced at Mikael. “And the aid of the Great Guardian, Mikael.”

  Mikael paid close attention to Alexa. She had stirred his curiosity.

  Why does this little fairy remind me of her? He thought to himself.

  “Of course,” Arya felt obligated to help. “What is it you need?”

  “When Jaival’s village was attacked, Prince Baldr stole something that ruptured the balance of power in our worlds. He has taken the Void-Star Blade.” Alexa continued.

  “Oh my stars.” Arya shook her head, knowing where this was going.

  “With such power, he’d soon be out to retrieve the other half – The Starlight Blade. It is unfortunate but your brother, Prince Baldr, has fallen to The Dark Lord. If he is to get his hands on The Starlight Blade, then it is obvious what will happen next. Baldr will combine the blades to recreate the Xenosaber and open the portal between our worlds where The Dark Lord resides. He will unleash an evil greater than the time of The World Breaker. Baldr is a threat to all life on this planet and its moon. He must be stopped at all costs.” Alexa warned.

  “Then it is just as you’ve said, Mikael,” a worried look came over Arya’s face. “My brother has become the very thing he always hated,” she looked at the ancient hero. “What should we do?”

  Mikael peered at Jaival who became far too uneasy. “We prepare.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  The Order of the Void

  SOMEWHERE FAR IN THE OUTSKIRTS of civilization, a dozen elves, wearing black armor with red capes, led their dark steeds into a scorched land where skull and bone lay scattered across the ground. They drew closer to their destination – a forbidden kingdom. There, a series of black castles stood tall on top the desert hills, surrounded by twisted void magic. Dark clouds circled the fortresses as if being harnessed by the ominous ramparts while thunder and lightning struck from on high.

  Leading the band of acolytes with the Void-Star Blade secured on his back was Baldr. They’d been pillaging temple after temple, libraries, and holy grounds in search of ancient relics and forgotten history. This was but one of the obj
ectives of The Order of the Void, a sect so elusive, most rejected the idea of their existence. They were on a mission to recover what many sages, historians, holy men, kings, and queens had erased from modern education. In their eyes, Star World was taken from its true lord, The One who was cast into the Void, betrayed by his own people. That is why they had their belief in restoring balance – restoring the one true order.

  Baldr and his men rode into the steel gates of The Forbidden Kingdom where they were greeted by the observant eyes of The Order’s armed guardians – elves who had become so twisted by void magic they had degenerated into something demonic. The Prince hopped off his horse, as did his men, and led the dozen into the dark castle. Inside, eyes of other acolytes shot at the Prince and his followers. Some were curious of their progress while others had interest for competition. There were multiple groups that pursued various Order agendas, and each one of them wanted to prove their worth to the Dark Lord.

  “Welcome back, Prince.” a rugged, guttural voice called from the shadows.

  Baldr looked in the direction it came. A stocky but fit, hooded orc with pale purple skin, moved in front of the Prince and his men. The orc’s eyes were glowing red – a sign of overwhelming addiction to the Void. It was Magnus, former Commander of The Ethion tribes – a once proud folk of orcish descent. He betrayed his people for power promised to him by the Dark Lord, and he was granted much of it. Magnus became an adept twister of void magic to an extent so fierce, it instilled horror in the hearts of many acolytes. Baldr knew well to respect the dark wizard’s gifts, as did the orc the Prince’s skill. Both saw promise in future alliances.

  “It seems you have returned with a relic most would kill to have the honor of possessing. This is a promising victory for The Order.” Magnus peered at the ancient weapon on Baldr’s back. It was the main reason most of the other acolytes were staring. Sure, some were jealous of the prince’s past glories before his time in The Order, but as the days went by and Baldr achieved greater things for The Order, the more insecure many became. Magnus on the other hand, saw opportunity.