VLR #12 --- In the country of Rolyte, atop a small hill surrounded by a forest, sits the keep of Lord Faran Roane. Atop this keep, there are three men keeping watch in the rain. "Brrrr. Three days. Three wet, cold days. Will this rain ever end?" Aex asks. "A better question brother, is why has it rained for three days." Pos replies. "So tell me then, most wise Pos, why has it rained for three days?" Sition asks. "This should be good." Aex smirks out as he leans against the cold wet stone of the battlement. "You see, the reason why it has rained for three days is that it is a curse, and an omen, wrapped into one. It is a curse because it is making everyone more depressed than usual, thus making the Lord and Lady even more depressed. It's an omen because it means that bad times are on the way. The omen is also saying that we are going to get drenched to the core as the night progresses, adding to our curse. So, it is both a curse and an omen, not only to the Lord and Lady, but to us as well." Pos says. "How ... deep. While I agree with the part about getting drenched, I think the storm is more of a reflection of the mood of the Lord, and Lady." Sition replies. "I agree with that, brother. They are still childless. Year in year out, season in season out, but not a child one has appeared. But, you must admire Lord Roane's faithfulness to his wife. He could be like King Rachiov, siring children left and right with just about anyone, but he chooses not to." Aex says. "He chooses to sacrifice his family line, rather than dishonor Lady Karla. Too bad the king isn't as strong willed as he is." Pos says. "Those numerous offspring will come back and haunt King Rachiov, mark my words." Sition proclaims. "You don't have to be a soothsayer to see that coming." Aex says to his brother. "No argument there. I still think this weather is a curse, or omen." Pos says. "But you forget something." Sition says. "You don't take into account that ancient and venerable proverb, brother." Aex adds. "WHICH wife's tale?" Pos asks. "Every dark cloud has a silver lining." Sition says as he adjusts a leather strap on his armor. "Exactly." Aex answers. "Hmph. Hey, you know that strange horseman that came through town two days ago?" Pos asks as he looks out over the countryside. The rain has let up enough so that the edge of the forest is now visible. "The one wearing the silver armor?" Sition says, still fumbling with the leather strap. "And with the green cloak?" Aex adds. "Yea, that's the one." Pos says. "What about him?" Sition asks. "He was strange. Galloping across the countryside, assailing random peasants, and asking them about the Lord's children, or lack therof. Must have been a foreigner, still I wonder what he was looking for." Aex says as he walks over to Pos. "Perhaps you'll get the chance to ask him. He's coming back, and he's brought his brothers as well." Pos says. Off in the distance, a group of horsemen can be seen coming out of the forest, escorting a six horse carriage. They are making their way toward the keep at a good clip. Pos picks up a bow, and cocks an arrow into it. He draws it and lets the arrow fly across the courtyard, through an open door, and it embeds itself into a keg of ale in the knight's quarters. "Nice shot." Sition says peering down at the knight cursing up a storm in an un-chivalrous manner. "You didn't exactly hit your mark, did you Pos?" Aex asks. "Ehehe, I was aiming for the other wall." Pos leans over the battlements to yell at the knight. "HORSEMEN APPROACH, ESCORTING A CARRIAGE!" "It did get their attention though." He lamely adds. Aex, Pos, and Sition all watch as the carriage and escort pull up in the courtyard. The entire staff of the keep, is up and watching this peculiar visit. Guests and travelers are uncommon in this remote region, even moreso during such a downpour, and carriages are extremely rare. The curious brave the heavy rain to greet these strange visitors. Once in the courtyard, the escort of horsemen dismount, and encircle the carriage. They all wear silver helmets, and dark green cloaks over steel chain mail. None of the 14 escorts wear or display any type of insignia or standard. The carriage as well has no markings or seals upon it. The escorts gather before the door of the carriage and clear a path to the door of the keep. The driver opens the heavy oaken door of the carriage, and helps the lone occupant out onto the street. The lone woman is dressed for travel, a hooded gray cloak trimmed with silver, to protect her against the near constant rains, and sturdy leather boots clad her feet. Beneath her cloak, it is seen that she is dressed in a simple black dress usually worn only by mourners. She is carrying a child wrapped in a dark green blanket to protect it from the harsh weather. Her young face would be fair and joyful, but it looks as if she hasn't slept in days. Her ice blue eyes are red from crying. Atop her head sits a silver band, adorned with a single blue diamond. She walks heavily up to the keep, amidst her escort. As they near the door to the keep, they are met by the 4 knights that serve Lord Roane. The 4 knights block the path to the door. While their swords are drawn, the knights hold their blades point down, with both hands on the pummel of the sword. "Greetings, travelers. Please state who you are, your allegiance, and your reason for coming to the Manor of Lord Roane." One of the knights states. "We are the escort for Lady Gyane, and we pledge allegiance to none but Lady Gyane and her Lord. We have come because My Lady seeks an audience with the Lord, and Lady of this keep." The escort captain states in return. He is holding his cloak over Lady Gyane's head, to help shield her from the rain. "Who is your Lord?" The knight asks. "At our Lord's request, we have put aside his banner, and at his request we wear armor devoid of his crest. With this current business, he wishes to remain anonymous." The escort captain replies. "Then you will not tell us your lord's name?" The knight asks. "Correct." "Then we cannot allow an audience with our Lord." The knight replies. "Easy Toma." A voice says behind the four knights. "There is no need to be harsh, and keep a Lady standing in the rain." Lord Roane strides foreward, and stands before Lady Gyane. The 4 knights bow, and step off to the side. "Please come in Lady Gyane." "Thank you." Gyane says in a soft voice, barely audible above the rain. Her voice, like her face, is tinged with weariness and grief. She and the escort captain follow Lord Roane into the keep. Inside, servants take their wet cloaks, and Lady Gyane stands by the blazing fireplace for several moments, to help warm up. Lady Roane comes into the room and joins her husband across from their guest. Gyane slowly turns toward the pair and examines them. Lord Roane is a large, muscular man, deep set brown eyes, square jaw, short brown hair that is graying near the ears. Lady Roane likewise is a tall woman, perhaps one head shorter than her husband. She has strawberry blond hair bound in a braid, and her eyes are green. Several lines and wrinkles are visible on her face as well. "I ... I," Gyane starts to say but her voice fails her. She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath and gathers her strength. "I came here to ask a favor." She says with a little more strength. "I came her to ask you to take ... to take my child as your son." Gyane manages to say. Both Roanes gasp in surprise. Gyane watches their expressions closely, and she sees the hope that springs into both of their eyes. The two exchange glances, then Lord Roane speaks up. "Why? Why are you giving up your child?" He asks. "My Lord has ordered me to ... he has forbidden me from raising him." Gyane manages to say, grief and sorrow creeping back into her voice. "Who is his father?" Lord Roane asks. "I'm afraid I am forbidden from telling you that as well." Gyane softly says. She sees the doubt forming in the Roane's eyes, so she continues. "Do not doubt his lineage, or his bloodline, because it is as straight and true as any mortal bloodline can be. It is for a different reason entirely that I am forced ... to give my child up." Gyane turns away, the child still in her arms. She is slowly loosing her strength and resolve. "Please, I beg you! If I can't find someone to take him soon, he will be killed! I am running out of time. Please." Karla Roane looks at the woman before her, who is unconsciously rocking her baby in her arms, barely holding back the tears. For all of her life she has wanted a child of her own, and known the pain of never being able to have one. She feels a strange kinship with this mother who is forced to give up her child. She glances into her husband's eyes, neither need to speak a word. "We will take your child as our son, but on one condition." Lord Roane states. Gyane's heart jumps at his words, and then sinks when she hears the word 'but'. "What is this condition?" She asks, fear tinting her voice. "The condition is, you must tell us what his name is. First name is all that is necessary." Lord Roane states, as he bows to Gyane. Gyane nearly faints, but she is able to sit down into a chair with some amount of grace before that happens. Lady Roane gives her husband a dirty look, and then walks over to where Gyane sits. "Tact, and gentle words are not his strong points dear. But, What is his name?" "Sadaku, his name is Sadaku." Gyane softly says. She pauses and then looks into Lady Roane's face. "Please, may I have one last moment alone with my child." Gyane asks. Lady Roane smiles warmly at her, and then swiftly shoes everyone into an adjoining room, leaving mother and child alone. For several long minuets Gyane sits there, cradling her child, rocking him back and forth. She sings him one last lullaby, an ancient song in a long dead tongue. The song is soft and sweet, but if you could understand the words, it is a somber and sad tale. It speaks of the Night and Day, and how they strike a balance with the Earth, it speaks of the Moon waging war on itself, and how a piece is cast down to the Earth, and the sorrow and suffering that result from the balance being disrupted. The song speaks of many more things, but it has a common theme, or idea that is present throughout. The Earth wishes to return the balance, to reunite the light and the dark, so that the useless conflict and suffering can end. After a few more minutes She stands up, and walks into the adjoining room. There she gives Sadaku to Lady Roane. Gyane gathers up her cloak and prepares to leave. "Wait." Lord Roane says. "At the least stay here a while, and rest. These events and journey wear heavily on you. Rest here overnight before you continue your journey." "No. I must leave. The longer I am near my precious Sadaku, the more likely that I will do something rash, go against my lord's command, and keep my baby. I appreciate your generosity." Gyane says as she walks to the door. She stops and turns to face the Roanes. "Please take good care of him for me." "From this moment on, he is our son. We will treat him with all the love and care that you are forbidden from giving to him. If it may, please let that truth comfort your troubled heart." Lady Roane says. A slight smile comes to Gyane's lips. "Thank you." She turns and leaves, her escort following her out. Outside, the clatter of hooves, and sound of the carriage can be heard as the mysterious visitors disappear back into the driving rain. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Vampire Legend R Episode 12: Silver Linings. By Coyote VLR originally created by Ben Overmyer -------------------------------------------------------------------- Warning: This is a serious story. There are large amounts of beings getting folded, spindled and generally mutilated. There is no humor here, go away. May contain graphic detail of a dragon making a pendant. -------------------------------------------------------------------- The present, in the abandoned city of Izgan, near the western edge of the Rylor mountains, the reunion of mother and child is taking place. Renaku and his mother enter a small building several streets away from the alley where they met each other. The inside is plainly furnished, but comfortable. Renaku assumes this is where Gyane lives. Renaku turms to face his mother, and there is a long silence, as both search for something to say. Gyane speaks first. "I must confess, you keep strange company. A vampiric demon-hunter, an Otherworldly demon, and a vampire hunter all traveling together. That is not a ... healthy mix of company, is it?" Gyane asks, as she sits down in a chair. "Over the years, I have had very few instances where I get to choose my traveling companions, or friends." Renaku says. Gyane silently look at her son for a few moments. "Life has been extremely hard on you, hasn't it Sadaku." She says as more of a statement of fact, than as a question. Renaku stares off into space for a long moment before looking at his mother. "Yes," Renaku finally says, as he removes his sword belt and sits down opposite his mother. He spends another long moment gazing into the onyx core of his sword. He sets his sword aside and closes his eyes, "Yes, I can say that I have not had an easy life, especially these last 30 years." "Please, tell me what has happened to you, of your trials, of your travels, so that I can share your troubles, and perhaps ... ease the burden that you carry with you." Renaku looks up into his mother's face, at her expression of deep concern, motherly concern, and he feels the weight of the years on his mind. He has so many questions that he wants to ask her, about who she is, who is his father, why they abandoned him, how is she involved with all of this. He has hundreds of questions, but he sees it in her eyes as well, the need to know what has happened to her son. Over the next 5 hours, Renaku tells his tale. --- (Egad! I was just going to hit the highlights of Renaku's life before he became a vampire, but I'm SERIOUSLY pressed for time, so I'm only going to get to hit the highlights of the highlights.) --- "I do not remember many details from my childhood, except that I did the usual things, and got into the usual trouble that all young boys do. Mother and Father were loving, but stern parents, and I was taught the code of the knight at an early age. When I was seven, Father took me with him when he was summoned by the King to discuss some strategy or another. In the armory, is where it all started." --- In the armory of King Rachiov, two people are making their way through the stacks and racks of weapons toward the door. One is the quartermaster of the King's castle. He is a short stocky man, with a bushy beard, and short, unruly brown hair. He is perhaps 30 years old or so. He is showing a young Sadaku the armory of King Rachiov. Talpan had taken charge of the young Roane after the boy had somehow gotten involved in the wreck of a molasses cart, and one of the Kings knights. They had become good friends. Currently, the young boy doesn't seem impressed with the armory. "So what do you think of the armory, Sadaku?" Talpan asks. "It looks just like the one at home, 'cept bigger, and has more rusted swords in it. Dustier too." Sadaku replies. "Well, you're the one who wanted to see it, don't complain to me about it. Come on lets go." Talpan turns to leave, and he is to the stairs when he notices that Sadaku isn't behind him. He goes back into the armory. "Sadaku? I told you don't ..." Talpan stops short as he sees what the young boy's attention is fixed on. Sadaku is staring at one of the swords on the wall. The sword that Sadaku is staring at is a plain long sword. Its hilt is made out of steel surrounding an onyx core. Not one of the more eye catching swords. "When I become a knight, I want this to be my sword!" Sadaku says as he tries to lift the sword off of its rack. "So, it seems that you found out that there is more than dust and rusted junk down here, eh Sadaku?" Talpan teases, except that the boy dosen't seem to notice. "You want to know about that sword?" "Yes, please tell me!" Sadaku says. "That's a strange and peculiar sword there, young Roane. That sword is perhaps the oldest sword in this armory, yet one has ever used that sword, for at least 800 years." Talpan says, slightly amused at the young child's attempt to lift the large sword. "Why? It looks good to me ... is it forged wrong or something?" Sadaku asks, as he leans forward to examine the hilt. "No, that sword is exquisitely forged. Denalor himself said that the sword was flawlessly forged, as close to perfection as a mortal can achieve. It is just that the design and balance of the sword makes it difficult to wield effectively." Talpan walks over and kneels beside Sadaku. He draws the sword from its sheath, and turns the blade over for the young boy to examine. Sadaku runs his small finger over the smooth silvered surface of the blade, the reflected light glinting in his eyes. "It feels cool when I touch it. Why doesn't any one want this sword?" "The foolish disregard this blade because it lacks the flashy ornaments, and trim. The wise always chooses a sword that fits their style and movement. The fools overlook it, and the wise always find a better match. Perhaps when the time has come this blade will be yours." "It will. I want this to be my sword." Sadaku says, with all the certainty his young voice can manage. "That, most likely, won't be your decision to make. Besides the day you will receive your sword is still what, 15 years away?" "No! 11 YEARS, I'm 7 years old now!" Sadaku reminds the quartermaster. "In 11 years then, we will see if this blade becomes yours." Talpan sheaths the sword, and puts it back into its place. "Now, Roane, come along, unless you want to be lock up in here for the rest of your life." Sadaku takes a final one long look at the sword, and then runs off to do his assigned tasks. --- "For the next eleven years, I worked toward becoming the best swordsman I could be. And at the age of eighteen, I was inducted into the Knights of the Moon. In recognition of this King Rachiov allowed me to choose a sword from his armory. My choice had already been made, more than a decade before." --- In the armory of King Rachiov, the now gray haired quartermaster Talpan leads Sadaku, Knight of the Moon to a particular sword. The young knight picks up the sword with ease, and draws it from its sheath. "I remember one day 11 years ago, the first day you had ever been in the armory, you went straight to that sword." Talpan says. "You laid claim to it right then and there. Do you remember that?" "Like it was yesterday." Sadaku says, as he tests the balance and feel of the sword. "You were right, this sword does have a unique feel and balance. It will take some practice to get used to it. Hehe, so what does that make me, Talpan?" Sadaku asks. "Eh? What does what make you?" Talpan asks in reply. "If I'm not a fool, for choosing this elegant sword, and I'm not wise for not choosing a sword that is a perfect match, then what am I?" "You do have a good memory, Roane. As to what that makes you ... neither a fool, or wiseman." Talpan replies. "How ... profound." Sadaku deadpans. "Isn't it though?" Talpan says with a broad smile. "If you want profound statements, and deep insights, go talk to the clerics. If you want stuff that you can use, and keeps you alive, talk to me." "I will keep that in mind, Talpan." Sadaku says with a smile as he attaches the sword to his belt. "Just like last time, you need to get going, unless you want to miss your own formal induction into the order." Talpan says to Sadaku. Sadaku puts his hand on Talpan's shoulder. "Take care, old friend." He then walks out of the armory. --- "Three years after I became a knight, King Rachiov was assassinated by an unknown party. The struggle for succession plunged the whole country into a bloody civil war that lasted five years. The Order of the Moon, my father, and several other Lords that were still loyal to the King's successor, Kumopan Rachiov, were just one of four opposing forces. During what would turn out to be the pivotal battle, we were betrayed by one of the other Lords, and we lost the battle. When the war ended, Lord Roane lost his land and title. Father was exiled from the country, as well as the Moon Knights." "The betrayal, defeat and exile were extremely hard on father. Two years later, he died, and mother died soon after. I find it ironic that the our former country of Rolyte fell into anarchy at the same time. I buried my two foster parents at Roane Keep, which had been deserted in the resulting anarchy." "After their deaths, I ended up roaming the country for about a year, until I found myself before Master Mardin, who was one of the very few people who can truly say that they have mastered the sword. I studied under the master for three years." --- In the town of Snyder, is the keep of Master Mardin. He uses the keep as a school to teach a select few, the more advanced ways to use a sword. Every so often, he holds a tournament. Through this use of this tournament, he is able to pick students that have the skill level, and the potential to learn what he has to teach. Before him now stand the five students he choose from the tournament. Master Mardin at first glance is not an imposing figure, average height, short black hair, well kept beard, and brown eyes. On closer examination, however you see that he has a lean, muscular build and all his movements are smooth and precise. His eyes and face are cold and hard from his travels, trials, and the sheer amount of fighting that he has been through. He wears no armor, except for heavy traveling clothes, and steel gauntlets. At his side hangs a plain steel sword. "I have chosen you five from among the 300 odd contestants in the tournament because I see that you seem to have the skill and ability to learn what I have to teach. There is no set graduation date in my school. When you have learned what you need to learn here, I will release you from my charge. Until then you have much to learn." Mardin stops and looks each student in the eye, to make sure what he is saying is getting through. "Up till now you have been learning how to swing sharp bits of metal around like an over-glorified club. Starting now, you will begin to learn how to use a sword. All your previous training and experience have now been for only two purposes, to condition your body to wield the sword, and to weed out those who lack the willpower to master it." Master Mardin says. Mardin draws his plain steel blade. "Now, the best way for me to gauge your skill is by fighting you directly. Don't get any funny ideas though. If you get cocky, you will be humiliated. I want to see your skill, not your attitude." Master Mardin takes them on one by one, taking note of their technique, footing, balance and style. Two of the students test him on his words about humiliation, and they end up on their backs, in short order. After the 'fight' Mardin and his students are down in the keep's armory. On one wall of the keep, there are six cubbyholes recessed in the stone. Beyond a long wooden trunk, the armory is empty. The students are standing before Mardin, still in their armor. "For the next six months or so, you will not need your armor, or swords, so they will be kept in here. When I ask for your name present your sword to me." Mardin says. "We will start with you, Knight of the Moon." "Kayan Hoji, Knight of the Moon." Hoji says as he gives Mardin his sword. Mardin briefly examines the sword, before putting it up on the wall. He then opens the long wooden trunk and rummage around in it. He pulls out a long length of pipe and hands it to the Hoji. "What's this?" Hoji asks. "That is your practice sword." Mardin replies. "But it doesn't feel anything like my sword." Hoji complains. "Exactly." Mardin says, as he motions to his next student. "You, what's your name?" "Dalton Ross Cayman, Knight of the Rose." Dalton says as he steps foreword. He presents his sword to the master. Mardin hefts the sword, and examines the hilt. "The swordsmith Denalor made this correct?" He asks. "Yes. How can you tell?" Dalton ask, a little surprised. "He always puts a little more weight in the hilt than is necessary." Mardin replies as he hands Dalton a rusted broad sword, with the pummel missing from the hilt. "Next." "Vikipa Arket, from Cantanalva." Arket says. Mardin examines Arket's blade. "Who made your sword?" He asks. "My father did." Arket replies. "Your father does good work." Mardin says as he hands Arket a huge two- handed sword, except the blade has been broken in half. "Promeh Daealus." Daealus says simply, presenting his sword to Mardin. Mardin draws the sword, and looks at the blade. "This sword used to belong to Shiro Long. How did you acquire it?" Mardin asks as he puts the sword up on the wall. "He fell in battle, and he gave me that sword." Daealus replies. "How did he die?" Mardin asks. "He took and arrow in the chest." Daealus replies flatly. "He was a good student." Mardin says as he hands Daealus a wooden club. He turns toward Sadaku. "Sadaku Nan Roane, Knight of the Moon." Sadaku says as he hands his blade to Mardin. Mardin unseats the sword and hefts it in his hand. He then examines the blade and takes two pratice swings. "Hmph, that explains that mystery." Master Mardin says to himself as he hefts Sadaku's sworn in his hand, again. "Your sword has a peculiar feel and balance, Roane, and your fighting style reflects that. How long have you had this sword?" He asks as he resheaths the sword, and puts it on the wall, next to the others. "I have had that sword for 9 years, since I was inducted into the Order of the Moon, Master." Sadaku replies. Mardin rummages through the stack of practice swords, and selects one. He gives it to Sadaku. "You did well acquiring that sword, Roane." Sadaku examines the 'sword' that he was handed. It is a rusted iron blade that has had 8 horseshoes, and a length of chain fused to the blade, and the pummel has been replaced by the head of a hammer. He examines it with a mixed expression of being bemused, and being confused. "While I do not name my weapons, this one is screaming to be called 'Smith's insanity' " Sadaku says as he takes a few experimental swings with it. Mardin notes this as he begins to walk up the stairs. "Remove your armor, and place it in the bins below your swords. You won't need it for some time. Be up in the courtyard before 3 bells, we will begin the training then." They all watch as the master walks up and out of the armory. Dalton is the first to speak up. " 'Smith's Insanity'? Well, I name mine 'Rusted piece of Shit!'" and then he throws his 'sword' across the room and into the wall. "By the gods. This better be worth the trouble I know its going to be." He continues as he begins to take off his armor. "It is going to be much trouble." Daealus replies flatly. "You don't become a master of the sword by chance and skill alone." "I know that, I want to know if it is going to be worth it." Dalton repeats a little louder ,and a little angrier. "If you have to ask that, then why are you here?" Daealus replies again just as flatly. Dalton growls inwardly, tosses the remaining pieces of armor into the bin and stops out of the armory. Sadaku finishes taking off his armor, and goes over to his fellow knight. "Kayman, while your not the last person I expected to find here, your pretty close." Sadaku says with a smile, as he offers his hand. Hoji takes the hand." Give me some credit, Roane. Or do you forget what type of trouble a certain chandelier destroying knight usually gets into?" Hoji adds with his own smile. "You are never going to let me live that down, are you Hoji?" Sadaku asks. "Not as long as we both live, my friend. It's good to see you. How are Lord and Lady Roane doing?" Sadaku's face darkens. "They both died, a year ago this coming fall." "Not to sound harsh, Sadaku, but welcome the club." Hoji says as he puts armor into the bin. He picks up his length of pipe and puts it over his shoulder. Sadaku nods solemnly. "So many people lost too much in that war." Sadaku says. "Even the victors didn't get the spoils." "Look on the bright side," Hoji says, motioning to Sadaku's 'sword', "At least to got an actual sword, instead of a piece of pipe." Sadaku holds up the sword. "It may be a real sword, but your piece of pipe looks more like a sword than this thing will ever look." The two knights make their way out of the armory, swapping stories and generally catching up on events. --- "For the next six months we went through what Master Mardin called basic training. What we called it was slightly more abrasive. At the time we could not see the point behind most of the drills and training methods Mardin employed, but the results could not be denied. After the basic training was over, Master Mardin took us out on the road, where he began to teach us the various styles and techniques of using the sword. We roamed the lower half of Vantana, basically looking for trouble, and new challenges to hone our skills." "Besides the constant danger, and harsh life, it was never boring. I must admit, that some of the things we did, and the challenges we faced were nothing short of insane. By the third year of our training with Master Mardin, we could match most bard's tales with true stories of our own, with little or no exaggeration. The five of us and Master Mardin made an exceptional team." "But like all good things, our travels and training came to an abrupt end in the country of Helips. In exchange for food and lodging, we were guarding the road between the port city of Beaulive, and the capital city of Helena. Ships arrived almost constantly at the port, so there was traffic between the two cities even during the night. We had taken on guard duty because during the past week, several travelers had been killed on the road. We volunteered to guard the most dangerous section that runs through the forest." --- Sadaku patrols alone in the deep forest. It is several hours past midnight, and Sadaku is starting to wonder if any real threats were going to present themselves. He had already been attacked by five orcs that night, but he had overcome them easily. The bonfire that he had made to dispose of the bodies still burns in the clearing, some distance behind him. "That was unpleasant work." Sadaku reminds himself. When they drew straws to see who would patrol where, he, Kayan and Dalton had drawn to patrol the deepest part of the forest. Arket and Promeh were patrolling the outskirts of the forest on either side. Master Mardin is patrolling the forest at large, occasionally dropping by to check his charges, and make sure they're not slacking off. Sadaku was approaching the heart of the forest now. The orc bonfire was on the edge of his patrol area. Dalton was to the east of him, and Kayan was to the west. "I wonder if they have seen any action." Sadaku thinks to himself. He had met Dalton here in the depths of the forest several hours ago. Neither had seen anything by that point. Sadaku considers waiting for Dalton to show up again, but he decides against it. He is about to start heading on the westward leg of his patrol when he spots a lone figure running towards him. Even in the broken moonlight created by the forest canopy, he can tell it is one of the merchants from Beaulive. He is running in a blind panic, a good sign that something is chasing him. Sadaku begins to close the distance to the running merchant. About halfway there, Sadaku spots the two shadows following the man. They are vaguely man shaped, but covered with fur. "Werewolves." Sadaku thinks with a predatory smile. He has never fought werewolves before. "This should be challenging." "Help! Please, ... beasts behind me! Fierce!" The man manages to say as he runs behind Sadaku, and cowers there. "I see them." Sadaku says, then he turns to the man. "Do you see that fire in the distance?" Sadaku says as he points west. "Nnn No." The man stammers out. Sadaku drops into a combat stance as the werewolves approach. "Then keep running down the road until you come upon a fire. Stay by it until someone comes for you. Go!" Sadaku yells as the werewolves attack. He ducks the attack of one, and nicks the other that was about to attack the man. Both decide to concentrate on Sadaku. "Now that I have your attention." Sadaku says. They don't respond, but instead they both attack at once. Sadaku counters with an overhead slash attack, forcing one to dodge out of the way, the other ones attack connects to Sadaku's back, but his armor deflects the beast's claws. The two werewolves back off a few paces, and circle Sadaku for a moment. Sadaku reverses his grip on his sword, and readies the Mandion Arc. The two attack simultaneously, and Sadaku spins. He catches one in the side but the other one dodges the arc. It swings its clawed hand at Sadaku. He cannot dodge in time, but he continues to rotate, allowing his armor to take the brunt of the attack. The werewolf hits him in the shoulder, and his armor on his shoulder is torn apart. Sadaku is thrown to the ground and the werewolf pounces on him. Sadaku shakes off the blow, tosses the werewolf off of him with his feet, and rolls back into a combat stance. The wounded one charges him, but Sadaku dodges to its wounded side and cuts cleanly through its chest, right below its arm. It goes down. Sadaku pivots and drops back into a defensive stance as the remaining werewolf attacks again. He deflects its claws with his blade, and the werewolf pulls back its cut and bleeding arm. Sadaku seizes the advantage, and cuts it diagonally across the chest. The blow splits the werewolf's left lung and destroys its heart. It to falls dead. Sadaku leans heavily on his sword, and attempts to catch his breath. He hasn't had such an intense battle in at least a week or so. Sadaku slowly stands up, and examines the two werewolves. This being the first time he has seen or fought one, he is curious what they look like up close, and dead. Sadaku is so intent on the dead werewolves that he doesn't notice the presence of another figure come up behind him. His only warning that he receives is when his head is jerked back, and a sharp pain lances through his neck. Sadaku Nan Roane dies at the hands of the vampire. --- Elsewhere in the forest, Mardin is moving down the road toward the center of the forest. He has his sword drawn. When he went to check on Arket at the edge of the forest, he only found a large pile of dead goblins. Arket was nowhere in his assigned patrol area. When Mardin had crossed into the area that Cayman was supposed to be patrolling, he found the bodies of many orcs, and one beheaded troll. While such carnage is quite common with his students, and them not being in their assigned areas is not uncommon, Master Mardin was quite sure that something was wrong. Perhaps they had joined forces to take down a powerful opponent. He had found no bodies, yet. Master Mardin's stone like face hardness even more as he breaks into a run, and heads for the center of the forest. --- Sadaku lays motionless on the forest floor. "Am I dead?" Sadaku thinks. His body feels distant, like he's floating above it. He feels lightheaded and faint, but his thoughts are still strangely clear. Sadaku is made aware that something is moving through his body. It feels like a black slag oozing through is veins. The ooze seems to burn and freeze at the same time as it creeps along. It spreads out from his neck, stretching toward his heart, and is about to engulf his head. The darkness suddenly shifts course, and begins to flow into his right arm, as if being sucked out by some force. The darkness flows out of his hand and into his sword. His sword, he's still holding his sword, a demon-slaying sword, as they had found out during a particularly nasty job of ridding a dungeon of monsters about year or so ago. It is warm, as if he had just killed a demon. His thoughts get blurry, and his senses seem to go numb, as a red haze clouds his mind. He can't feel his body, but he can feel something else, it almost feels like water flowing through him. It spreads out from his heart, and flows to his extremities. Through the red haze, his body feels light, strong, and refreshed. He feels himself stand, and his sword drops from his hand. Sadaku could swear he was flying, even through the red haze, he feels wind whipping around him, and he is moving, but his feet aren't touching any ground. He suddenly feels hungry, famished. T The red haze gets thicker and Sadaku ceases to fell anything. --- Deep within the forest Master Mardin is nearing the area that Sadaku was patrolling. His sword is red with the blood of numerous dark creatures that have come out of the depths of the forest. Though his face does not show it, he has a growing feeling of dread and concern for his charges. He spots the dying embers from Sadaku's orc pyre, and a figure huddled close to it. The figure immediately runs toward him. "Oh gods, oh gods, oh gods please help me!" The man says as he latches onto Mardin's arm. "Please! You must get me out of here!" Mardin jerks his arm away, and glares at the man. "Be quiet!" The man complies with the request. "The east path is clear for the moment. Follow the string of dead monsters and make your way quickly out of this forest. There is a powerful evil in this forest." He suddenly spins, and catches the overhead blow of a familiar figure. Mardin lunges foreword, and kicks the undead form of Dalton away. He grimaces, his fear for his students being realized. The traveler passes out cold. Arket flies in and attempts to catch Mardin from behind, but he parries the blow, and spins around to intercept the attack by Daealus. His three attackers back off and prepare for another attack. Mardin locks eyes with each of his students. The trio's eyes are all dark, and lifeless. He leaps straight up as they attack and flips over them. In midair he slices through a black shape, and a piece of a black cloak falls to the ground. "Enough games, vampire. Show yourself." Mardin says, shifting into a defensive stance. The vampire floats down from the darkened canopy of trees, half of his cape missing. "I am impressed human. You, unlike the other five were able to sense my presence." "I suppose you have a reason for being in this forest, vampire." Mardin states. "I am here looking for students, actually. The five I found, and you will do quite well, once I fix you of your weaknesses. While they were quite skilled with the sword, the other five lack certain skills. Under my guidance they will reach their full potential. Perhaps you would like to join them?" The vampire says. A smile comes to Mardin's usually emotionless face. "There is nothing that you can teach me vampire. Life has taught me all I need to know, death can teach me no more." "I disagree. You are old yes, but I am much older. While you have perhaps only 15 years of life left in you, I will never die. There is still so much more for you to learn. Like the fact that you have no hope of defeating me." "Do you care to test your words vampire?" Mardin asks, his voice even and unwavering. He shifts his stance. "I do actually. I have already taught your three companions more than enough to defeat you. The other two should be along in a moment." The vampire turns to the undead forms of Daealus, Arket, and Dalton. "My students, take him to school." The three charge as one, two attack with a low arc attack, while Dalton descends on Mardin with a vertical slash. He meets Dalton's blow, and parries it, and shoulders Dalton into Arket. Daealus sidesteps the pile, reverses his grip and swings as his former master. Mardin rushes him and attacks before he can set his attack. Mardin's blade passes through Daealus wrist and neck, killing him. Dalton leaps at Mardin from the ground, in a tiger spear move. Mardin sidesteps the very linear attack, and beheads him in one smooth action. He squats, and spins, allowing Arket's attack to pass cleanly overhead. Mardin's blade slices through both of his kneecaps, causing Arket to fall foreward. He is beheaded on the way down. Mardin walks toward the vampire, with not a scratch on him. "What an impressive display human. You almost give credit to your pitiful race. But we are still your superior, and I am still your master." The vampire boasts as a sword appears before him. Mardin doesn't even bother to respond. The vampire charges foreward, swinging the sword in a powerfull sideways arc, Mardin blocks the blow, but the vampire overpowers him, and he is tossed backwards. He block several mid-air attacks by the vampire, and rights himself, and lands on his feet. Mardin immediately rolls to the left and the vampire plants his blade into the ground. Mardin moves sideways, and lunges foreword, his blade barley slicing the back of the vampire's neck. The vampire slashes at Mardin, who blocks, but the blow catches him off balance. The vampire presses the advantage, and goes in for a killing blow. Mardin dodges, and falls down on his back, where he is in perfect position to bash the vampire in the head with a swift kick as it passes over. The vampire screams and levitates away for a second. Allowing Mardin to catch his breath and prepare. The vampire flies foreword with incredible speed, attempting to overpower Mardin again. Mardin anticipates the vampire's move, and attacks with an upward arc. Catching the vampire off guard, It crashes to the ground with a massive gash across its side. Mardin is instantly upon it. It manages to block his blow, but then it abandons it sword, and transforms into a bat to attempt to flee. Mardin rolls foreword, and clips the vampire's left wing. The vampire falls to the ground, and transforms back into a human. It levitates away, just avoiding Mardin's killing blow. The vampire dissapears into the night, screaming. "Who indeed is the master, vampire." Mardin says to the retreating vampire. --- Several minutes after the battle, Mardin comes upon the bodies of two werewolves, near the heart of the forest. Beside them he finds Sadaku's sword. He picks it up and puts it in his sheath. A sad sight escapes from his stone like face. He continues his search. An hour later Master Mardin finds Sadaku in a farming cottage several seguael from the main road. The door of the cottage has been smashed down, and the inside is illuminated by a dim, and dying cooking fire. Hunched over the body of the owner of this cottage is Sadaku, with blood on his face and hands. "He ... it should be so busy feeding that it shouldn't sense me, until it is too late." Mardin thinks to himself, as he prepares to attack. "He ..." He stops himself again," IT will spring foreword, and roll to the right when it senses the attack." Mardin charges silently foreword, sword at the ready. He springs foreword, in anticipation of its spring, but the vampire doesn't move. He adjusts his swing accordingly to decapitate the vampire where it kneels. Sadaku suddenly looks up, and into his eyes, as Mardin's killing blow descends on the vampire. Mardin stops his blow inches from Sadaku's neck. When he saw Sadaku's eyes, Mardin saw something that is never in the eyes of a vampire. He saw something that he didn't see in his other three former students. He saw emotion, fear, sorrow, pain. There was still a soul in those ice blue eyes. Sadaku buries his face in his hands, his chest heaving from the tears that won't come. "Do it. Kill me. Please." Mardin takes a step backwards in surprise. Of all the things he expected to happen, this was not one of them. "Roane?" He asks in confusion. "Master, I've failed you. I am a monster now. Please kill me." Sadaku says in a grief stricken voice. "Roane, what has happened?" Mardin asks as he lowers his sword. "Please Master! Kill me. I have been defeated by the enemy, I have ... I have k-killed this INNOCENT family, killed those kids, in cold blood!" Sadaku gestures violently to the small bodies lying in the corner. "Please!" Mardin is quiet for a few moments as he contemplates this turn of events. The cooking fire continues to dim, and the shadows outside begin to deepen as clouds begin to form in the moonlight sky. "No." He finally answers. He takes Sadaku's demon-slayer blade from his sheath, and tosses it beside Sadaku. Sadaku looks in surprise at the demon-slayer blade, and then back up at Master Mardin in confusion. "Why?!" "Because he is weak, and he is a fool." the twisted version of a familiar voice says from the newly formed shadows outside. "I will be doing him a favor, by killing him." "Hoji. I've been looking for you." Mardin says, his back still to the door. "Once I am done in here I will come for you. Leave." "You are a fool for turning your back on me human!" the vampire that used to be Hoji yells as he leaps toward his former master, sword in hand. Sadaku watches the event in slow motion. Kayan, his comrade in arms, his friend, descending on Master Mardin with supernatural speed. There is nothing Sadaku can do to stop him. Master Mardin simply spins, his plain steel blade in his hand, and he swiftly beheads the undead form of Kayan Hoji. Resheathing his sword, he turns back to Sadaku. "This is why I won't kill you, young Roane." Mardin says as he motions to the dismembered head of Hoji. "The vampire that attacked you also killed and transformed Hoji, Cayman, Arket and Daealus." Mardin's voice is still as harsh, and cold as ever. The weight of this night's events seem to have no effect on him. "All 4 of them became vampires, soulless and evil." He pauses to let that sink in. "You are different. Your soul is still within you, as well as your mind and memories, I assume. You are still Sadaku Nan Roane, that is why I won't kill you like I had to do with the other 4." Still kneeling, Sadaku finally turns toward his master, and wipes the blood off of his face with his cloak. When he looks up into Mardin's face, he sees not anger, or rage, or hate, just grief, barley visible behind his usual stone cold expression. Sadaku looks away. "I'm sorry master. I'm sorry that we've failed you, that I've failed you." Sadaku finally says, and he bows his head. A long moment of silence passes before Mardin replies to Sadaku's apology. "I have been through too much, fought too many battles, killed too many and seen too much to grieve for the loss of my 4 charges." For a moment Mardin's eyes get distant, his face finally showing the years of conflict he has endured. "But, because of all that I have lived through, I can easily see the hand of fate, and it is at work here. Fate has dealt you a severe hand, Sadaku Nan Roane, and you alone must play it." Mardin reaches down and offers Sadaku his hand. He takes the hand, and is pulled to his feet. For a long moment, deep brown eyes search ice blue eyes. Mardin finds what he is looking for. "I am no longer your master, Roane. Fate and Life have become your master, the world has become your training ground. Whether you succeed or fail is entirely up to you." Mardin puts both hands on Sadaku's shoulders, and locks eyes with him one more time. "Perhaps one day you will become your own Master. I release you as my charge." The events of the past hours have numbed Sadaku beyond feeling anything but pain and sorrow, so it takes a few minutes for this to sink in. Sadaku mechanically takes off the mantle that marks him as Master Mardin's charge and hands it to the Master. He then kneels before him. "Rise, Sadaku Nan Roane. Take your sword, and be on your way, to wherever Fate and Life will it." Mardin says as he salutes Sadaku with his own sword. "I have one request Master Mardin. Please tell my family and friends that I was destroyed by the vampire. My failure will not taint your reputation, or theirs. I renounce my name, and my title." Sadaku says, his voice still heavy with sorrow. "That is not necessary for my, or their sake, or reputation." Mardin replies. "It is necessary for MY piece of mind." Sadaku says. Master Mardin studies the young vampire's face for a long moment, then nods. "What are you going to call yourself instead, Sadaku Nan Roane?" "I will call myself ... Renaku." --- *** Intermission: Renaku finds himself under a featureless gray sky, with broken buildings, and bones and bodies scattered across the ground far as the eye can see. In the distance he can see flashes of light, like some climatic battle is taking place. Renaku takes one final look around and begins to fly toward the battle. All the sudden the sky is blasted away, and the broken buildings melt away like ice. The bodies sprout multicolored flowers, each with a human face on it. They turn to Renaku and begin to chant "Free us, Free us, Free us," The sky is replaced by a translucent glass sphere. A red mist boils from the scorched ground, as dragons fly across the sky. Out of the red mist, a vision of a woman tied to a steel cross with razor wire appears. Her eyes are hollow sockets, and her hair is wild and unkept. "Renaku, my son, you must go to Tokyo." The female apparition says, as winged monkeys fly in intricate patters across the sky. "What? What's Tokyo?" Renaku asks. "You must join the band." "What? Who are you? What is all of this!" Renaku says as he draws his demon-slayer sword. "Renaku, my son, you are the chick, the world is your egg. In order for you to be truly born, you must shatter the world." Small demons chatter, and dance around the steel cross. Renaku has had enough of this. He jumps up and cuts the razor wire off of the woman with two quick swings of his sword. She falls to the ground in an ungraceful heap. On his way down, he neatly bisects one of those winged ... things. "Now tell me what is going on here!" The woman looks up at Renaku. "Waitaminute, something's amiss here." She says as she turns around, puts her eyes back into their sockets, and removes a wig to reveal neatly kept black hair. She turns back around, and she is looking at a clipboard. "Well, this says that you're Renaku, but that definitely isn't the sword I gave you. Which means one of two things, either there have been some SERIOUS changes that no one told me about, or some one screwed up royally." Renaku isn't quite sure what to make of all of this. "Damnit, He did send me to the wrong place." The woman growls out, as she leafs through the clipboard. "That's the second time this eon he's done that. Joe! I know you're listening! Open up the gate already!" A glowing gate opens beside the woman. She turns to Renaku. "Sorry about all the confusion. Think of it as a midsummer's night dream or something, and it'll get better. Chow!" She steps through and disappears. Renaku watches as the scenery disappears, and is replaced by the familiar gray expanse of his mind. "Why me?" *** --- Thiesra wanders the streets of Izgan aimlessly, the recent events troubling her thoughts. She is consciously avoiding thinking about Asgani, she has more than enough to worry about. Perhaps AFTER she sorts out one of the two problems that lay before her. The most troubling being the revelation by Zeorx of the true nature of her people. It would be so easy if she simply assumes that Zeorx is lying, way too easy. Zeorx has always been very direct, and blunt, not like Makath at all. He still could be trying to deceive her, to manipulate her, but why? He seems to have no interest in forcing her to come back to the demons, he only seems to want Renaku to leave the Rylor mountains. Or was that a lie too, To get Renaku to go to the Rylor mountains and whatever lies in its depths? Or ... Thiesra growls to herself, and shakes her head to clear out the infinite number of what-if's. She is developing a serious headache. Thiesra shifts to her natural form, to help ease the pain, and conserve her magic. Worst of all, Zeorx's story made sense on some level. It seemed to answer most of the questions she has about her race, but the ones it didn't answer ... "I need to talk to Renaku." She thinks. On top of all of this, Renaku is starting to act strange. The whole thing with the rock ride, him running along the canyon wall, his temporary transformation by the Wolf Medallion to name a few, were troubling her. There was just something ... irrational in his eyes. He is still Renaku, no question about it, and she still trusts him. Now that Asga..., Renaku is the only one she trusts entirely in the whole world. "What happened to him in those mines?" She asks no one in particular. They had discussed at length what Renaku went through, from the irrational thoughts, to the encounter with Lady Diana, and everything Renaku could remember about that particular adventure. Neither could come up with any good explanations. Yet, something did happen to him that much is obvious. When she searches his natural magical aura, she can almost see something. Nothing definite, but very fleetly, more like an afterimage all but hidden deep within Renaku. It's not the shadow of his bloodlust, nor is it an evil presence. It's something deep, something powerful, and whatever it is scares her to death. She has already lost Asgani, she will NOT loose Renaku. "Asgani, why did you have to be so careless." She mutters softly. "You, demon! What are you doing here?" Thiesra is jerked out of her thoughts, and notices the building she has wandered into. It is the run-down church near where they first found Renaku's mother. Near the front of the church, Trevant rises from a meditating position. "Were you trying to sneak up on me and kill me, demon? Answer me!" Trevant says as he approaches. Thiesra briefly entertains the though of throwing him through the nearest solid wall. "Nahh," she thinks to herself "Even if Tervant is a jerk, I would hate myself in the mourning. Plus he is good to have in a fight." "Don't flatter yourself, Trevant. If I was going to kill you, I would have done it several days ago, and saved myself the headaches." She answers. "Leave, demon. This is holy ground. I will not allow you to defile this place." Trevant says in a haughty voice. Thiesra watches the vampire hunter approach, hammer at the ready. "Then again, throwing him through a wall would be fairly therapeutic." She decides on a different approach entirely. "Tell that to the rats, spiders and bugs, Trevant." Thiesra retorts, motioning to the debris and general disrepair of the church. Trevant ignores her, and holsters his hammer. He walks back to the front of the church, mumbling under his breath. Thiesra looks around at the general disrepair of the church. The parts that are still standing seem to be fairly structurally sound, except for a few spots. On one side of the church, a portion of the wall had collapsed, taking part of the roof with it. Fragments of wood, brick and clay roofing tiles are scattered about, and several large beams have fallen on some of the wooden pews. "At least it's something to keep my mind occupied" Thiesra thinks, as she walks over to the rubble, picks up a broken pew, and throws it into the street. Trevant nearly come unglued. "What do you think you are doing DEMON?" He yells at her, planting his feat, and dropping into a combat stance. "What does it look like I'm doing 'HUMAN'? I'm cleaning up this filth." Thiesra replies, as another pew flies into the street. "Why ..." Trevant starts to say. "Because its obvious that we won't be leaving any time soon, until Renaku and his mother catch up, and sort things out." Thiesra says as she casually tosses the broken ceiling beams into the street. "So I'm going to do something constructive for the time being, or would you rather sit around and do nothing but make menacing faces at each other?" She breaks a pew in half, uses it as a shovel, and begins to scoop the rubble off the floor. Trevant has no counter for that logic. After a few seconds, he shrugs his shoulders, leans his war hammer against the wall, and begins to clear out the debris. --- Inside Gyane's house, Renaku is just finishing his tale with how his little band ended up in Izgan. Gyane is silent for a long moment, as she digests all that her son has told her. She looks up at Renaku and smiles. "I'm sure you have a few questions that you would like to ask me, correct?" She asks Renaku. "Yes, I have many questions that need answers." Renaku replies "I will answer the questions that I can." She says. "Who is my father?" Renaku says. Gyane's shoulders sag, and she lets out a sad sigh. "I knew you would ask that question. I can't tell you who your father is." She says. "Why?" Renaku asks. "Because I am forbidden from answering it, ever since you were born." Gyane replies. "Can you tell me where I was born?" Renaku asks. "No." Gyane replies. "Can you tell me why you had to leave me?" Renaku asks. "I am forbidden from telling that as well." Gyane says sadly. "Why? Who forbids you?" Renaku asks, starting to get frustrated. "My lord, and your father forbids it." Gyane replies. Renaku lets out a long sigh, as he runs his hand through his long silver hair. "Can you at least tell me what the folly you mentioned last nigh was?" "My folly? My folly was that I had you, Sadaku." Gyane says. "When I had you, it was the straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak. I can't tell you anymore than that." Renaku feels like screaming. In his mind he is so close to piecing it all together, he just lacks a few, vital pieces. He paces back and forth. Gyane watches her son struggle, trying to piece together answers she can't give him. Her face brightens up all the sudden, as a thought crosses her mind. "Sadaku? It is well past dawn. You need to get some sleep." "No, there are so many questions that I need answered. I ... " Renaku starts to say. "If you lay down and go to sleep, I will sing you the lullaby that I sung to you when you were still very little." Gyane says in her sweetest and most motherly voice, cutting her son off. Renaku looks up in confusion at his mother. "What?" "Please." Gyane says, her voice bordering on pleading. "Does she still think I am a child?" Renaku thinks to himself, and is about to comment on it when he sees the look in her eyes, and he understands. He lays down on the bed, and she sits by his head. Gyane begins the ancient song, and hopes that her son will understand. Renaku listens to his mother's sweet lullaby, for the first time in 60 years. He doesn't remember the song, but it does stir something within him. As he listens to it, he doesn't know what the words say, but somehow he knows exactly what the words mean. Another piece falls into place. Gyane comes to the end of the song, and she looks down at Renaku. "Do you understand now?" she asks, as she stands up. "I am beginning to." Renaku replies. "Will I see you again?" "I'm afraid that is entirely dependent on your actions now." Gyane replies. "Please remember that your father does not hate you, Sadaku. He just can't acknowledge that you are his son, because of the balance that governs him." "I understand." Renaku says. Gyane turns to walk out of the building. "Wait." he says. Gyane turns around. "Yes?" "Thank you." Renaku says. His mother smile warmly at him. "Sleep well, my son." Gyane walks out of the building and disappears down the street, leaving Renaku alone, to ponder what he is going to do now. --- Deep beneath the Rylor Mountains, the four remaining Fumu Masters gather, three of them are in astral form. "Why have you summoned us here Quoth?" One of the masters asks. "The time is not yet right for us to execute our plan." Another says Quoth, who inhabits the petrified body of Asgani faces the astral images. "Things have been happening that require us to accelerate our plans." "The gate cannot be easily opened until the proper time Quoth, and without expending massive amounts of energy, you know that. What has caused you to accelerate the timetable?" "Gai, The Lord of the Earth has interviened to protect this world's cursed balance." Quoth says with a sneer. "Oh? And how do you know that he has intervened?" "The Dragons are coming." --- --- Notes: Ok, the first part where Gyane gives the young Sadaku to the Roanes, I really don't like that whole subplot, because its been done so many times. I think it's one of the most overused plot elements out there, 'The brave and handsome hero/ine who was abandoned whilst still young is revealed to be the king's/Nobleman's/Big important person's child'. Same thing with ancestral swords and mystic dohickeys, overused too much. While I thought of having Renaku be the son of some lowly beggar or such just to break the monotony, that wouldn't have fit with how the rest of the story is setup. As it is, I tried to give this tired plot element some amount of new life. Perhaps I succeeded. Nobility and bloodlines are overrated in my opinion. Good genes are good to have, but what you do with them is much more important. Master Mardin's fight with the vampires: Some may think that this is way too one sided. Well, he is a MASTER of the sword, meaning he knows every trick in the book, and what he doesn't know, he can make up. Besides, most of the time, the master is usually turned into a convenient plot device, despite their skill, and the student ends up killing the master in a climatic duel. See previous note about overused plot elements. Thiesra's inner dialogue is supposed to be somewhat erratic, and vague. Thiesra and Trevant's argument. For some reason I enjoyed writing that part, perhaps more than I should. I wanted to make this part longer. Dragons. If there's a prophecy nearby, or the world is about to end, there's gotta be dragons somewhere. See previous note about overused plot elements. Of course what I had in mind for the dragons was a little different ... Email c&c to: Coyote@tomserver.phys.ttu.edu