Maiden's Saber

by Marion Faith St. James

  It is why the Goddess chose to make the sabers reliant on our mortal energies. Probably, so we do not believe we are like the Gods, and our powers are endless. Those thoughts lead to the shade.”

  “Now you Gareth,” Says the Maiden. “We have seen what you can do with creating portals in rocks and cleaving solid stone; what other marvels does your blade bring forth at your commands?”

  “If any material is from the earth, I can manipulate it to suit our needs. The iron that is deep within the rocks can be extracted and shaped into any item I choose; steel barriers, sharp spikes or bolts for our bows. What can be created is only limited by my imagination.

  I can extract precious stones, gold and silver from the very ground we stand upon. We would have no need of money to purchase food or merchandise.

  As I could open the passage to this place which already existed, the Earth Sword can create new passages by compressing the stone and rock into itself. I can call upon earthquakes and landslides to swallow those of the shade that oppose us.

  Aurelia did caution me as well on its use. In destroying our enemies with powerful quakes, innocents may be caught as well.”

  “Well done Gareth. Now it is my turn to share the magic. When I faced our Goddess and protector, she blessed our quest. She could not interfere when I was taken to the half-sleep of death by the Druids. She rejoiced when Gareth and Natsha restored my earthly spirit and body.”

  Amari takes Katana from it place at her side and held it up. “Katana is the sister to the others of the Kcaj. It binds all five of the sabers as one. When we are together, no force upon this earth can stand for very long against us. This sword has a portion of powers each of your sabers can bring forth. Like your blades, it is limited by the energy that is pulled from my body. At times, I can be a channel and draw energies and powers from your blades. Doing so will weaken you as well.

  Now is the time we enter into a greater battle. At present, we have already fought and won small battles. Not without cost. We have hidden in order to find an enemy’s weakness. We have also at times run away from a fight we could not win. No more! We now run toward the battles. This is the plan I have outlined.

  First—the Druids and their followers are to be put to the blade. Their sacrifices and bondages of the innocents will cease when they are gone. I am not saying we merely drive them away only to return after a time. We need to end them as a people who follow the shade.

  Second—the unjust puppet king and his brother must be brought to their knees before the subjects they were supposed to protect and lead.

  Once Aventine is returned to peace and to its people, we will bring the fight to other kingdoms that resist the light of truth. Too long this world has dwelt in darkness. Aurelia is tired of all the hypocrisy and misery on the earth. People who once worshiped her are turning away. They think she no longer cares, that is why darkness shadows the world. We are to be her right arm. Word will spread quickly that the goddess has sent us to save this realm.”

  Everyone raises a sword in salute and commitment to the quest.

  The warriors spend the next few days making ready. The Kcaj holders stretch their minds and muscles.

  Strong winds dance across the mountains created by Truk, as the highland fortress is swept clean of dust and debris.

  Natsha has created a ring of fire around her and can advance with it intact.

  Gareth uses the Earth Sword to level the old buildings and move the rubble down the side of the mountain and into a wide ravine. He has repaired the walls and roof of the former ruler’s house. He even restored the gardens. Dian brought the rains to nourish the plants and trees.

  As they gather on the day of leaving, Amari kneels on the hard stone ground. The others follow her actions. “Know from this day forward, this is no longer Thunderclan Keep, as those that lived here have perished. This will be our keep and home. A name has come to me in a dream. It shall be called Kinstridder; which means Warrior Kin in the language of the ancients.”

  “A worthy name Maiden,” Truk says and the others agree.

  Armored, belts tightened, and packs slung over shoulders; the seven defenders of freedom and peace emerge from Gareth’s man-made passage.

  “Where are we to go first?” Mimna asks the Maiden.

  “We go to finish what I should have done those many decades ago.”

  “The Druids?” Truk asks.

  “Yes—to the Fire Woods my friends.”

  Along the way, there are two encounters with several soldier’s patrols. The king’s men seeing the enchanted warriors advancing toward them turned and ran away. Leaving a trail of dropped weapons.

  Word is spreading the battle-tested warriors who fight for the oppressed will leave death and destruction in their wake for any who follow the shade.

  One large soldier’s patrol of twenty men confident they possessed the numbers to defeat the Maiden and her followers, decided to fight. The battle was over in minutes. The warriors never used magic, just sharp steel and purpose.

  It was on the fifth day of travel when they came across a long line of peasants stretching toward the horizon and loaded down with belongings. Carts with women and children were also in that stream of people fleeing something.

  Holl-tu tugs at an arm of a monk. “Brother, where are you going? What has transpired that drives these people?”

  “Have you not heard? The Gastalon Horde from over the mountains has broken through and is invading Aventine.”

  “They succeeded escaping the arrows of the archers at the pass?” Holl-tu asks.

  “The Horde did not come that way. Some say that the Druids have returned and found another path under the mountains and are leading them. Hundreds have been pouring into this land for three days. They attacked the defenders of the pass from the rear; killing all who were stationed there.”

  The monk tries to pull away as he is desperate to keep moving, but the wizard’s hold is firm. “What of the king’s soldiers? Did they not form a defense?”

  “No defense, they flee as we do! Look there,” as he points to a man bent over wearing a long cloak, “and there…and there. Those are soldiers taking from the weak whatever they can to hide their uniforms. Some have even killed the owners of those cloaks. The cowards flee as we do. The naves which have not run away have returned to the castle with the king. They have sealed themselves inside the walls.”

  Holl-tu releases his captive and turns to his companions. “You all heard that?”

  “Yes,” comes the responses and head nods.

  “Our task is clear. We must shut that doorway into Aventine first…then track the Gastalon, who are already roaming the lands.”

  “How do we find where they are entering the valley Maiden?” Gareth rubs his sword hilt while asking.

  “You are the one to tell us that my large friend. The hilt of the Earth Sword you are fingering will guide you. You know what we seek. Take the saber from its resting place and point it in any direction. In your mind, picture what the monk said. If there is hundreds of the Horde traveling through a hidden passage. Mother Earth will reveal the wound in the ground where evil pours forth.”

  Gareth unsheathes Helixx. As Amari indicated, points the blade to the west and visualizes a mass of men coming from underground. The powerful blade pulls his arm to the right. Now it is pointing north, and pulling him forward.

  “You never cease to amaze me Maiden.” The large warrior says. “How is it, you know this?”

  “An inner voice speaks to me sometimes. I do not always listen; this time I did. We must hurry.”

  The Warriors Seven follow Gareth at a ground eating trot. It is remarkable the not one lags behind or is tired. Near the sup hour, they crest a small rocky hill. Coming up from the other side are dozens of the vicious Horde. They stop in surprise at the seeing several armored warriors blocking their travel. Amari and her brethren confront the evil faces of one of the most dreaded races in the world.

  There is but a few seconds delay
before both sides go into action and attack. Kcaj Sabers spring alive as the warriors slash at those coming at them. A few of the enemy are able to strike their long blades against Amari and Truk’s armor.

  There is a resounding clang as the enemy’s swords bounce off the enchanted metal. The warriors wade into the sea of men and swords. A path through the middle is cleared as the enemy flows around them like water diverted by a stone in a stream.

  Natsha turns and fires several fire bolts at the Horde’s retreating backs; killing all those that sought to get away. None escaped their blades.

  As Aurelia’s chosen start down the back side of the hill, they can see the opening in the rocks where the Horde is coming out in single file.

  Amari yells to Gareth. “Gareth, close that hole!”

  After slicing the man in front of him in two, he points the Earth Sword at the hole and shouts. There is an immediate rumbling and the hole explodes in a shower of rocks and flesh.

  A great amount of large stones and crushed rocks fall, littering the valley floor. Dozens of the Horde not fast enough to get out of the way are pummeled and flattened.

  Gareth stepping backward toward his companions, he notices hundreds of the evil Horde is massing in large groups all around the warriors. Several flaming arrows are sent into our midst. They bounce off our Godly appointed armor.

  There comes a wild howl as a signal and the Horde attacks from all sides. Gareth puts his back to the circle of his friends.

  Amari yells; “warriors, unleash your powers!”

  With that yell, comes such a power the Horde has never seen. Dian drawing up water from underground is sending ice bolt after ice bolt at the attacking mass. Natsha has created a circle of fire all around her and her companions. The searing heat ring keeps most of the Horde at bay.

  Those that challenge the flames and leap through the blistering fire are cut down by Holl-tu and Mimna. This leaves the others to use their magic. Truk has raised a windstorm, blinding those on the fringes before they can join the attack. At the same time, he brings forth lightning from the sky. The controlled bolts of high-energy light strike the ground dozens of times anywhere Truk points at with his sword. Any Horde near the strike points are instantly vaporized into a fine red mist.

  Like mindless beasts, the Horde advances.

  Amari with Katana in hand sends searing heat at a large group that draws ever closer. Their flesh catches fire, and they drop to the ground…already dead.

  Meanwhile, Gareth using Helixx is pulling trees from the ground; hurling them at the scourge that came from over the mountains.

  Finally, their force decimated the Horde pulls back and scatters. Those that are still close are cut down as Natsha expands her ring of fire.

  Even in retreat, the enemy is still firing arrows in hopes of finding a chink in the warrior’s armor. However, none exists.

  Gareth sets his sword point into the earth and leans heavy on the hilt. “I am weary sister,” he says to Amari.

  “As well you should be Gareth. You called upon a great deal of magic and energy to fight our enemies. We all should be exhausted as well.”

  “Closing the entrance to this valley took more energy than I expected. The way is sealed all the way back to its source. I expect many of the Horde is now fused with the rock.”

  Amari nods her head and says. “We are all still learning the limits of our mortal energy.”

  Natsha and Dian sit near Gareth’s feet, visibly drained. Holl-tu and Mimna with no magic to support their swords both lay upon the ground next to Natsha’s feet exhausted as well. Their armor like the rest of the warriors is covered with blood of their enemies from the close in fighting.

  Mimna tries to wipe off some gore from her chest plate. She wrinkles her nose after opening her helmet visor. “Lord, those beasts stink.”

  Truk seems to be the only one not visibly drained. “If you do not mind a little water, I can help with the blood and carnage smeared on your once bright armor.” He raises the Mystic Wind Sword and brings clouds laden with water over their heads. A few words and a downpour rains upon them. Surprisingly, it is refreshing and soothing. The sound of rain tinkling on the armor is reassuring of the metal which protects their frail bodies.

  It does not take long before all the stains of battle are gone—washed away.

  Natsha laying there on the ground has enough strength to cover them all in a layer of warmth.

  “All of you conserve your strength.” Amari stresses. “We have many more battles before this scourge is wiped from Aventine.”

  Gareth adds. “According to the monk, the passage is now open to others to invade our lands. With no archers to protect the passage, the Horde and other enemies can enter unchecked.”

  “You are wise in your tactics my brother,” Amari says. As the Horde is scattered throughout Aventine, we must divide ourselves and search them out. Traveling together, although safer with our combined powers, it will take too long to root them from our borders.”

  “Tell us your thought’s Maiden,” Dian asks.

  “Gareth, take Mimna with you and close the passage. You can reopen it later when there are sufficient men to set guard on it again. As that is to the west, shorten the lives of any of the Horde you come across.

  Holl-tu and I will go east. Truk and Dian will go north. Destroy any of the Horde you find. Natsha, you will have to go alone, but your magic saber is the most powerful of the others. This I will give you as well.” Amari rests her forehead against Natsha. She whispers a series of magic words. “Tell me sister…what do you see?”

  “I can see beyond this hill in all directions. I have your gift of reaching out with my mind.”

  “Yes, the magic sight will protect you as you travel alone. Heed its sight.”

  She looks at her companions and a slight tear gathers at her eye. “We have not been apart since we first came together. I will miss you all until we are back in each other’s embrace.”

  They all gather around the Maiden in a tight circle. She blesses them all and adds a measure of fortune to their journey. “Be wary of your enemy. They are crafty. If their numbers are too great, it is better to whittle them down with hit and run tactics. As the Druids are sure to be behind this, they may be about as well. Many know magic…so be on guard for cast spells.”

  The warriors rest the night at the spot of the hill battle, gathering strength and energy from the earth. In the morning, rejuvenated and ready, they go off in the directions appointed to them.

  Only Dian turns to watching the companions she loves disappear. She keeps having those Visions of Nam—the future. She can see Amari and the others lying dead at the feet of the Druids.

  Truk waits patiently for her. “Are you well sister?” He asks.

  Shaken from her stare, she looks at the dwarf standing there. “A feeling I have had for a long time. It feels like every battle will be our last.” She forces a smile and puts her hand on Truk’s wide shoulder. “Come my friend, our destiny awaits; mine is the foolish thoughts of a young girl—never having lived the adventure.

  Chapter 23 - The Black Wars

  Two scouts just returning to the underworld realm rush into the Council of Ten receiving chamber without asking permission. “Lords,” one of them says while bowing. “We have opened the portal through the mountains. The Horde is entering Aventine. Your plan for the invasion is working!”

  Edalvin slowly rises from the chair, facing the spies. “You have instructed their leaders again on our wishes. Only the soldiers or those who resist are to be dealt with. The peasants and farmers are to be spared, along with their lands. We will have no one to rule if the populace is dead.”

  “Yes Edalvin! Your commands to the Horde’s rulers were given many moons ago. Grumbling, they agreed to your wishes. They have been passing into these lands for a full three days now. Hundreds have attacked the archers from the rear at Ymroddi pass. The hidden passage is open as well, though the bulk of the Horde army is massed on the other
side of the Black Mountains waiting to enter. Only a small score has attained Aventine by that now unprotected route.”

  “Very good,” the leader of the Druids says while turning to face the council. “My time of rule of Aventine is almost at hand. Our powers grow with each rise of the blood moon. Even the Gods will grow to fear us!”

  One of the aged Druids slowly rises to his feet. “You are mistaken Edalvin. No one man will rule these lands. The council will be the supreme rulers of Aventine. You are the warrior leader of the Druids, but you are also part of the council. What transpires from this point on is for us ten to decide. We do not lessen what you have done for the growth of the Druids. It has been decades since the day only we nine survived the battle against the warriors of the light. Ours was a shameful defeat.”

  Edalvin glares at the old Druid. “It seems Erwell, that a mere woman possessing some magic spells defeated you. What makes you think that you have any chance of defeating her this time?

  Adding to the fact, she and her warriors now possess all the Kcaj. Our only saving is we have collected all books and manuscripts pertaining to the workings of the Kcaj. They cannot evoke any considerable magic without knowing the proper spells and incantations.

  What the Maiden and her followers possess are but simple swords at present. We will take from their dead hands when the Horde overwhelms them in battle. Our scribes are deciphering the contents of the texts. Soon we will know how to invoke the powers those blades contain and turn them against those fools who think to conquer the shade”

  Tarrino has returned and stands at the entrance and requests an audience with the council. One of the old Druids motions for him to enter. He goes to one knee with head bowed.

  Edalvin throws a small stone at the head of the Druid kneeling before him. “Stand fool—what have you to report?”

  Master Edalvin, my ravens have found those you seek.”