Devoid

[Rayster]

Hey. My first story in CB that's not a short story. i'll post each section one at a time ^^
comments will be appreciated esp so i can improve.
thanks for reading!
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well, i wrote a story last year some time after watching Bleach. It's not really a fanfic...but one of the characters is based off Byakuya's personality, and somewhat his ability and status.
fanfic or no...? not sure at all.... lol.
oh well, i guess CB is the appropriate place to post it. it's a completely diff story tho than Bleach and no names of Bleach etc are mentioned.
here goes.
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DEVOID

One

The tall warrior stood at the centre of the clearing, glancing towards the trees. His face was calm, expressionless. One hand rested on the sheath by his waist, the other clenched into a loose fist by his side.
The three archers hidden behind and in the trees waited nervously. The black-robed warrior was not moving. One archer named Nolan, hidden behind the thickest tree, closest to the black-clad warrior looked up to his right at his senior. His senior gestured for the kill. Nolan turned back and notched an arrow to his bow. The warrior in black stood still, facing away from Nolan.
Leaves rustled in the trees to Nolan’s right, and his head jerked towards the sound. His senior had vanished. Nolan felt a cold sweat run down his back. He looked to his left quickly. Panic hit him. His other companion had disappeared too.
A shadow fell across him and he looked up, to see the warrior in black standing inches away.
‘You took your eyes off me, boy.’
Nolan’s eyes widened and he looked down to see the warrior’s sword being pulled out of his stomach. Pain flared where the blade had buried itself a moment earlier. The warrior in black sheathed his blade and had turned before the archer had hit the ground.
‘Lets go Banna,’ called the warrior. A huge man made of muscle descended the trees from Nolan’s right holding a long knife. He had huge shoulders, bulking muscle showing under his black singlet.
‘That was too easy!’ grinned Banna wolfishly as he joined his senior.
Nolan watched the two walk away, the pain spreading through his limbs. He was shaking badly, trying to hold in the contents of his stomach. His vision started to blur. The two warriors continued to walk away, the swordsman in black almost half the size of the one called Banna, yet the black-clad warrior was not a short man.
That Banna… thought Nolan as his eyes closed. Powerful, yet so silent…how did he sneak up on us?

The shallow stream made passed along the stones. Blood tainted the clear water as Kaliado washed his blade. He lifted the sword to his face. It glinted in the afternoon sunlight. Satisfied, he wiped it on a cloth and sheathed it. As he did he caught his reflection in the water. A dark-eyed man with black hair, eyes devoid of emotions looked back.
Banna watched Kaliado turn away, the inside of his black jacket showing white. Banna looked back at the tree he was punching and continued his exercise.
Kaliado seated himself on the grass against a tree. He closed his eyes. Banna continued punching the tree, blasting off chunks of bark, his knuckles seemingly unhurt with each thud. The huge man thundered away.
‘Banna,’ said Kaliado softly, his eyes still closed. ‘That is annoying me.’
Banna quickly stopped. ‘Sorry, sir,’ he mumbled. Kaliado’s face seemed to relax. Banna turned away from the tree.
‘I’m so bored,’ complained the huge man.
‘I need to replenish my energy,’ said his senior. ‘Do something quietly.’
Banna looked down at Kaliado. The man was not even thirty yet, his long hair still jet-black and tied behind the neck. He seemed very thin, yet Banna knew otherwise. Banna felt his own shiny baldhead. Nobles, he thought. They have it all…

[Rayster]

The woodsman froze at the site of Nolan’s body. It was the third. Fortez sheathed his two short swords as he knelt by the body. Blood stained the grass, and the young archer was moaning.
He’s still alive! Fortez quickly took off his jacket, wrapping it around the young archer whom he recognised immediately.
‘Nolan!’ Fortez made sure the jacket was tight. ‘Nolan! Can you hear me?’
Fortez looked around quickly. There was nobody in sight. He heaved Nolan onto his shoulder and slowly stood. Something in the clearing caught his eye. He took a step closer with Nolan’s heavy bulk upon him and saw, in the clearing remnants of…a burn. It was scorched into the earth. The shape was that of two perpendicular squares, no bigger than four feet in length. Fortez’s blood ran cold. Nobles! Here?
Gathering all his strength Fortez carried Nolan out of the trees. Panicked thoughts were racing through his mind as the sun set, the sky seemingly on fire. He was reassured by Nolan’s breathing, though soft it was and almost imperceptible.
‘Do not worry, my friend,’ said Fortez amiably, ‘my cabin is not far. Lana will give us a good meal, eh? You just…hang in there.’

Lana made sure the fire in the hearth was at a comfortable level, and then turned back to Maeg.
‘Ok Maeg,’ said Lana with a smile. ‘I’ll have it fixed by the time daddy gets home.’
The six-year olds face brightened as she gave her ripped doll to her mother.
Lana sat down after gathering a needle and thread, stitching the doll back together. The thread wasn’t the right colour, but it would have to do…
‘Daddy’s home!’ cried Maeg. She was standing on the kitchen counter looking out the window. Leaping off the counter, Maeg ran to the front door and heaved it open.
Lana stood and saw her husband trudge up the hill with a wounded man on his shoulder.
‘Maeg, that man seems injured,’ said Lana rushing to clear some space off the table. Maeg nodded and rushed off.
Fortez made his way in and laid Nolan on the table with a groan. Lana quickly checked his wounds as Maeg brought the first aid kit from the back room.
‘How is he?’ asked Fortez, sweating heavily.
‘Breathing, only just. His wound doesn’t seem too severe. Looks like a sword, from close range,’ she replied while tying the bandage.
Fortez nodded absently and sat down. Maeg carefully brought her dad a mug of water.
‘Thankyou Maeg.’ Fortez looked at his daughter. She had golden hair and bright blue eyes. In one hand she held her favourite doll – though ripped.
‘What is it daddy?’ she asked looking fearful. ‘Is the man going to be ok?’
‘I hope so, Maeg.’
Fortez put down the mug as Lana turned to face him. ‘Where did you find him?’
‘By Dharti stream. It is Nolan, a young archer…you remember him don’t you?’ asked Nolan. ‘He was at the tourney last year. Came third in the archery.’
Lana turned back. ‘Vaguely.’
Fortez leaned back on his chair. Nobles…how many? How could he defend against a Noble? He glanced fearfully at Maeg, who was playing with her doll in front of the fire. Did they know…?
‘What were you doing at Dharti stream anyway?’ asked Lana. ‘That’s miles away!’
‘Huh?’ Fortez snapped back. ‘Um…I was just scouting the area. You know…in case the Nobles returned.’
Lana froze. ‘And?’
‘Don’t worry,’ said Fortez rising swiftly and kissing her on the cheek. ‘No traces of any Nobles!’
‘That’s good to know…’ said Lana biting her lip.

[*Ririn*]

hmm thats interesting Arrn-Car...its getting exciting....specifics are nicely done...keep it up wana read more.:)

[Rayster]

cool thanks. i'll post the next bit up soon...
lol, it's 3 am here, i'm going to sleep now. ^^

[Rayster]

The archer was young again. He approached the tree and measured the distance visually to the target. The tree suddenly became an arrow and he reached out. It felt comfortable in his hand. Ah…this was what he was made for. Nolan. The Perfect Archer.
The archer focused on his target and pulled back the string, the arrow aimed. The target was clear. He was about to release, but the target became blurry. He released.
The archer cursed. The arrow had missed the target.

His vision was at first blurry. Blinking a few times he sited the wooden ceiling. He was in a bed.
‘Wha…?’ He tried to sit up but pain lanced through his stomach. He groaned with the pain and lay down again. As he closed his eyes again he saw the warrior in black standing before him. One word escaped from his mouth, but he couldn’t hear it. He saw the sword again, buried in his stomach all of a sudden and he yelled out.
Nolan heard someone at the door and turning his head he saw a little girl whom he recognised…May…? The girl ran away. Moments later he saw a man enter. It was Fortez. Nolan tried to sit up but pain hit him again and his eyes closed tight.

‘Relax boy,’ said Fortez pulling up a chair. ‘You are safe here.’

Nolan looked up at Fortez. He had great respect for this man. He had seen him fight in the tourney and cheered at his win in the combat division. Fortez had always been respectful to Nolan, even though Nolan was years younger. Many others with such skill were not quite as humble.

‘How are you, Nolan?’ asked Fortez, concern showing in his eyes.

Nolan felt dreadful. ‘Did you…save me?’

‘No, Nolan. I only brought you here …Lana saved you!’ he said with a smile.

Nolan nodded. Oh yes, Lana – Fortez’s beautiful wife. He pictured her, with her long brown hair…he suddenly felt guilty for the thought. ‘Tell her thanks.’

‘I will, boy. Here, drink some water,’ said Fortez offering a mug. ‘I’d best let you rest. Do not worry, Lana is here…in the kitchen if you need anything, ok?’ He stood and made to leave.
Nolan nodded and closed his eyes, suddenly recalling the encounter. His thoughts were interrupted as Fortez appeared again.

‘Say…what did happen in the forest?’ asked Fortez quietly. ‘I mean…you faced a Noble and lived. Now that’s something!’

Nolan’s eyes widened. ‘H-he was a Noble?’
Fortez said nothing.
Nolan suddenly recalled the man. Yes…he was dressed differently, and his walk, his composure…behaviour of a superior individual was all displayed. Nolan cursed. We didn’t stand a chance!

‘Tell me Nolan,’ said Fortez even more quietly. ‘Did the Noble use any of his…abilities? I mean…what happened?’

Now that Nolan thought about it, knowing the man had been a Noble; he saw the encounter with a different view. He played back the event in his mind’s eye.
It was not the huge man, Banna, who had killed his superior in the trees…it had been the warrior in black. That warrior had also dispatched the man next to Nolan. As Banna had come down the tree there was no blood on his knife. And when the warrior had faced Nolan…Nolan hadn’t even heard him coming…the shadow of the swordsman falling seemingly after his sword had plunged into Nolan’s body.

‘Impossible,’ breathed Nolan. ‘It’s…impossible.’

Fortez leaned back. Lines of worry were etched all over his face. ‘Yeah, that’s what all say after facing a Noble. For the short amount of time that they’re alive.’

Nolan swore. ‘Do you know what this means?’ asked Nolan, suddenly wincing as he tried to sit. ‘I mean…to have a Noble in our midst?’

‘I know exactly what it means,’ said Fortez. ‘Thankyou Nolan…’ He stood and this time he left the room. I just hope they’re not sent here to find what I think they are…

‘Hey,’ said Nolan. ‘Where are you going?’

Fortez turned and smiled. ‘To feed the horses.’

*

Kaliado watched Banna move his hands over the footprints. The black-clad Noble’s face was again – or always, as it seemed to Banna – expressionless. Banna looked up to his superior. Kaliado seemed ready to fall asleep, his un-interest apparent to Banna.

‘Tracks sir,’ said Banna.

Kaliado’s face remained fixed yet his eyes seemed to mock Banna.

‘I-I know you can see them, sir,’ stammered Banna. ‘It’s just…well I think a man carried away the archer you killed yesterday.’

Kaliado turned away from Banna and closed his eyes. ‘I did not kill him. Nor did I intend to. Who would carry a dead man back?’

‘I do not understand, sir,’ said Banna looking at the tracks.

‘He left the other two bodies,’ said Kaliado sighing. ‘The ones that are dead.’

‘Who?’

Kaliado’s temper flared, but he held it in check, his face still unreadable. ‘The man who carried the body away.’ He said it slowly and quietly and Banna knew he had irritated the swordsman. ‘Because he carried the body his tracks were more easily imprinted…Now, lead the way,’ said Kaliado turning to face Banna.
Banna, being the expert tracker that he was, led them through the forest past several streams. A short time later he knelt at a cave wall.

‘A fire was built here,’ he said.

Kaliado surveyed the surroundings. ‘Let us take a break.’

Banna got a fire going by the wall. A chill wind passed by them, and they heard voices on the breeze. Banna saw that Kaliado was sitting against a tree, eyes closed as always, meditating. He stood and gripped the knife at his belt, grinning. He quickly moved away and hid behind a tree as a young couple came into view. They did not seem to notice the fire and continued on their way, carrying baskets with fruit, laughing at each other’s jests.
Banna grinned again and drew his knife. Finally, some entertainment. He moved further away from the fire, disappearing in the trees. He followed them for a while, preparing himself for the perfect opportunity.
After a few minutes the temperature dropped even more and Banna continued to follow the couple through the trees. The young couple turned around once or twice but Banna hid himself – not an easy task. They laughed less and started walking faster to escape the forest.
They continued forward for some time, looking over their shoulders, unaware that Banna was hiding ahead behind a huge tree.
Hunting knife at the ready, Banna waited for the couple to pass. He smiled, licking his lips. A couple more seconds…
Banna suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Kaliado standing behind him, eyes still closed, apparently bored. Banna stood still as Kaliado withdrew his arm.
The couple strode by without noticing.

‘Come,’ said Kaliado simply, turning away.

Banna cursed under his breath. Following his superior he cursed his bad luck. He hadn’t even heard the Noble approach. As he ambled behind the slim tall man he looked down and saw to his left, burn marks upon the ground of two perpendicular squares. He continued on his way, painfully aware of Kaliado’s…‘abilities.’


*chapter 2 comin up soon...*

[SHiKaMaRi]

Yes~ Another story~ =] Beautifully written as always, no mistakes or anything, perfect~ Addicted to your stories >.>

[Rayster]

thanks Shika. this time i didn't do the spacing...does it matter? alsoany improvements need to be made..?
here's the next part - i hope u like ^^
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Two

‘May I ask a question, sir?’ asked the bulking Banna.
Kaliado gave a slight nod.
‘Why did you stop me…sir?’ grumbled Banna sitting by the fire, its heat reflecting off the cave wall thus amplifying its heat. ‘I could have had some fun.’ Banna finished eating the rabbit he had caught earlier on. It had been overcooked.
Kaliado said nothing, sitting silently by the far end of the cave wall. For a moment Banna thought the Noble was asleep, and then his eyes opened. His head tilted towards Banna, who suddenly felt his stomach knot. The Noble’s face glowed from the light of the fire, his shadow dancing about him. Another chill wind blew in, blowing his jacket around.
‘I will tell you why,’ said Kaliado. ‘If their bodies had been found by trackers, they would have known our location, especially from yesterday’s encounter. They would know we were following the tracks.’
‘So sir?’ shrugged Banna, regaining some courage. ‘We could have finished them easily.’
Kaliado closed his eyes again and leaned against the wall. ‘You like blood, do you not?’
‘I love it!’
‘When we get back, I will show you plenty…’
Banna grinned unknowingly.

*

A rushed meeting was being held at the Golit town hall. The leaders of the four clans were gathered inside, their people unaware of the impending danger.
Fortez, leader of the Dharti clan explained their situation. Nolan had managed to accompany Fortez across the mountain and sunset had hit as they had entered the hall. His bandages were wrapped tightly. Even though he had great difficulty in the journey, Nolan had insisted he go with Fortez. The Dharti clan leader had not done much to persuade the young archer otherwise. It was through Lana’s knowledge of herbs and her own…‘abilities’ that Nolan had not died soon after Fortez had taken him home. Fortez, gathering the three other leaders, Ligas of the Farga, Jenas of the Akhel and Minash of the Andher, tried their best to predict the Noble’s location.
Minash, a huge man with a proportionate size moustache sat heavily. He was the much-despised leader of the Andher and he dismissed Nolan immediately.
‘It must have just been a warrior,’ he exclaimed. ‘You Dharti’s have no sense at all. Can’t even fire an arrow without breaking your own bow…’
Nolan was about to erupt when Fortez calmly laid a hand on his shoulder.
‘But Fortez,’ protested Nolan. ‘He is speaking ill of our clan! And you know how many times the Andher have tried to raid our lands!’
‘You can’t prove that!’ roared Minash, slamming his chunky hands upon the wooden table.
‘This is not the time for clan wars,’ said Fortez calmly. ‘The issue is the people of Golit. All of us.’
Jenas spoke, rival yet great friend of Fortez. ‘If there does happen to be a Noble in the woods, what do we do about it? I mean, how do we deal with the situation?’ Jenas was the youngest of the clan leaders, having only been chosen four years earlier at the age of twenty-four.
‘We should mount a defence,’ said Fortez thinking over the situation. ‘But how best to…?’
‘This ain’t an army!’ admonished Manish. ‘’Tis a man!’
‘Two men,’ Nolan interjected. Minash’s face grew red with anger.
‘Wait!’ cried Jenas, ‘You said there was only one Noble.’
‘Each Noble has an accomplice,’ said Ligas of the Farga. ‘They are more of a manservant for their deeds. These Nobles are…quite spoilt.’
No one opposed Ligas’ comments – ever. He was the wisest of all the clan leaders, at a ripe seventy-four years of age, he was also the ruler of the entire Golit clan – thus making the Farga clan the most powerful. Yet not once had he been biased in his rulings, consequently acquiring the most respect.
He sat comfortably on the wooden chair leaning forward on his wooden staff, a long shawl draped over his shoulders.
‘This Noble killed two of my comrades though,’ said Nolan looking at the floor. ‘He did not even break a sweat.’ He buried his face in his hands. ‘I still have to inform their families…’
‘The Noble may have decided that three archers were a bit much for the accomplice,’ said Fortez.
‘Bah! I doubt that!’ bellowed Manish. ‘Three Dharti archers…?’
‘What do you know?’ yelled Nolan on the brink of tears.
‘Hey!’ roared Manish. ‘Do not take that tone with me you little Dharti maggot! You shouldn’t even be in this hall! It is for clan leaders only!’
Nolan jumped to his feet, the pain in his stomach forgotten as his hand whipped out the blade at his belt. The knife swung high and down at Manish. The big man parried Nolan’s blade without hesitation, and sent a riposte flying at the archer’s throat.
A thud echoed in the hall.
Nolan stood frozen to the spot - sweat dripping down his face. A wooden staff rested between his face and Manish’s sword. Ligas withdrew his staff and sat down again.
‘Enough,’ he said quietly, yet with authority. ‘No more. Understood?’
Nolan sank to his seat. Manish sheathed his sword and sat, his eyes ablaze with residual anger.
Fortez gazed at the old man. His movement had been almost indiscernible. When he had moved it seemed as if he had vanished in mid-step. It was then that Fortez saw it. It was small, but noticeable. A burn mark on the old man’s staff – two perpendicular squares, just like in the forest…
‘Ok,’ said Ligas stroking his long beard. ‘As Minash said, the Noble is not an army – but he may as well be. Their abilities are beyond our understanding.’
‘I have heard you possess such powers yourself,’ lied Fortez.
‘Limited,’ said Ligas without looking at Fortez. ‘There is something I have hidden from you…which may explain my quick rise to Golit Leader.’
They all waited.
‘I was a Noble.’
Stunned silence followed. Fortez was not surprised.
‘However my “Talent” was very low and I could not keep up…thus I was cast out,’ continued Ligas. ‘I came to the woods for a peaceful life. My “Talent” allowed me to help many people though, and although they were not aware of it, I was only of any use because of my Ability.’
‘You were a Noble?’ said Jenas with wide eyes. ‘That…would explain some things I guess…’
Fortez sat quietly while Minash angrily questioned Ligas about why he had not shed the information earlier.
‘Master Ligas,’ said Fortez finally. ‘Are those only born with high… “Talent”…able to use these powers and recognised as a Noble?’
Ligas took a deep breath. ‘As you know, you must have a high amount of Talent to reach Noble level.. A common soldier did not have enough Ability…or any at all. Even higher than the common are the Captains, then follows a Major, and then a Colonel. After that you have the three sub-Generals, and then finally the General himself. What I’m saying is that nowadays, to be a ‘Noble,’ you must have Noble blood and be a rank of a Colonel.’
‘That’s sounds pretty high,’ said Jenas nervously.
Ligas nodded. ‘So this Noble you encountered in the woods Nolan, would have to have at minimum, been at Colonel level.’
Jenas swore. ‘I’ve seen a Noble at Captain level fight. He was beyond anything. I was foolish to think I could have beaten him. This guy…at Colonel…’
‘What level were you Master Ligas?’ asked Fortez considering the options.
‘I did not have Noble blood, nor was I at a high level. I was merely a Second Lieutenant,’ replied Ligas. ‘At that time I was considered a Noble.’
‘Have you gotten any stronger since?’
‘Perhaps.’
‘What level do you believe you are at now?’ asked Fortez.
‘Most probably…between a Major and a Captain,’ said Ligas looking straight at Fortez.
‘I see…’
‘Listen Fortez,’ said Ligas. ‘Were I even a Colonel; I would be cut to pieces, let alone a Major. The man Nolan described is young – at his prime. His fighting techniques would also be beyond anything I could envisage. The fact that he knew exactly where to strike Nolan so that he would survive for a short time shows even superior dexterity and awareness.’
Nolan was confused. ‘So that I would survive…?’
Jenas took a quick glance at Ligas. He seemed to be the only one in the room who picked up on the comment about Nolan surviving…for a short time.
‘If he killed your companions so easily, how could he not kill you?’ Ligas asked Nolan.
‘That means he’ll track us back to…’ began Nolan, eyes widening.
‘My house,’ said Fortez fearfully. ‘To Lana…Maeg…’
Nolan looked at Fortez and cursed. He had put his own saviour’s family in danger!
‘We have to go back!’ cried Nolan getting to his feet slowly and painfully. ‘Our horses are right outside. Let’s get going!’
Fortez ran his hand through his chestnut hair. ‘Too late Nolan. We won’t make it back in time.’
‘What do we do then?’

[*Ririn*]

nice...its really good cant wait for more chapters...you wrote a book of this one too??

[Rayster]

thanks rirn, and no i didn't write a book on this one.
i only mangaed to do a few chapters, then had to concentrate on my studies. i've finally continued ^^

[*Ririn*]

i see...but its still good id have to give you that much :)

[Rayster]

thanks, i'll post up the next bit now then.
CHAP TWO CONT...

A day’s ride away, Kaliado the Noble reached a small cabin with his ally, Banna. They had been stopped a few times. Banna had lost sign of the trail over the days, the tracks going over rocks or other hard surfaces…or though the stream. Banna had felt panicked every time he lost the trail…but eventually to his relief, he had discovered them.
Now Kaliado stood looking up at the cabin. He took his time walking up the crest, automatically assessing the house. It was fairly small, a window next to the flat wooden door. The only place from within the house to position for an archer. It seemed to house two rooms and a kitchen. There was a stone chimney, from which no smoke rose. A pile of wood was stacked against the side of the house with an axe lodged into the wood. To the right and at the back of the hut Kaliado could see a stable for two horses – both were empty. Kaliado’s slow walk allowed Banna to walk by him. The big man strode up to the door. His fist came back a long way - ready to “knock” on the door.
‘Wait,’ said Kaliado.
Banna paused, his irritation growing. ‘What…sir?’ asked Banna with a sneer.
‘There is no one home,’ Kaliado said staring at the big man through half-open disinterested eyes. ‘There is no smoke in the chimney and the woodpile has been stored. Also the stables are empty. There is no light inside the house either.’
‘Well I suggest we smash it down!’ said Banna. ‘Maybe there’s someone inside…or some goodies!’
‘Very well.’
The door was kicked down and the huge man entered the house like a wolf. He tore into the house’s contents, seeking anything of trivial interest.
Kaliado watched unamused from the outside. Small minds…
The big man emerged moments later carrying various things. He had a wolfish grin upon his strong slate-like face as he tossed around the ornaments. He sat down by the door and started going through them.
‘It is growing cold,’ said Kaliado. ‘Let us enter and make do for the night. Bring in some wood and get the fire going.’
Banna stood to get the firewood. As he passed behind the Noble, Kaliado spoke. ‘Oh and Banna…if you ever speak to me that way again I will kill you.’
The Noble entered the house and studied the kitchen. Banna stood still. The words were not spoken loudly, or in anger – but in such a blunt tone that it made it all the more serious and terrifying. He slowly made his way to the woodpile.

Fortez told Nolan to calm down. ‘Do not worry my friend,’ he said. ‘I sent Lana and Maeg to her sisters place. She knows how to not leave tracks.’
Nolan relaxed and took a seat.
‘Here’s a question,’ said Manish tugging his beard. ‘Why is the damn Noble here?’
No one said anything. Jenas looked at Fortez quickly but remained quiet.
‘I think I may know,’ said Fortez.
‘Speak,’ urged Ligas.
‘It may be about…Maeg. My daughter.’
‘Go on.’
‘Firstly, you might want to know that she is not really Lana’s or my daughter,’ told Fortez.
Nolan did not feel too surprised, which amazed him. It kind of did explain how Maeg had blonde hair whereas her ‘parents’ had brunette…
‘Then where did you find her?’ asked Manish.
Jenas sat quietly, knowing all that Fortez was about to say.
‘Maeg has royal blood,’ said Fortez. ‘I remember her mother. She had long golden hair just like Maeg. She had some sort of powers too. Her name was Liya. Her husband was a soldier in the Noble wars, led by the Noble General Deka Tryce.’
‘I remember Tryce,’ said Ligas. ‘He still resides as General.’
‘How so?’ asked Nolan. ‘Aren’t you younger than him?’
‘Yes,’ answered Ligas, ‘but he still appears to be in his forties. He still retains the strength. He has the highest Talent, Nolan and the greatest strategies regarding war. That is why he is General.’
‘As I was saying,’ continued Fortez, ‘her husband was a soldier in the war. During the war Liya found out about General Tryce’s happenings. She found out that General Deka Tryce had murdered the King and the heir to the throne. He took control of the city; destroying whichever cities he pleased to increase his wealth. For seven months his army destroyed city after city, burning homes and murdering innocents. Liya wanted no more of it. As I said, Liya believed her powers were sufficient to defeat General Tryce, so she tried. Deka Tryce defeated her, draining her of her powers, but recognising her potential he spared her and asked her to join with him. That night she fled from the Noble city of Archa with her daughter Maeg, only born that year.”
‘How do u know all this Fortez?’ asked Minash.
‘I heard of this later. I’m simply providing the facts for this to make sense.’
Jenas said nothing at the lie. Minash scratched his beard.
Fortez continued. ‘I found Maeg. She had been hidden in the wagon and was unhurt after the men sent to find Liya killed her. I believe Maeg may have some of Liya’s powers which the General fears. I think the Noble has come after her, to finish off the threat.’
Minash scoffed. ‘How much power can a child have?’
‘Enough for a General of a city to send a Noble,’ said Ligas calmly. He sighed. ‘This is most unfortunate, Fortez.’

Back at Fortez’s house Kaliado sat by the fire on a wooden chair. Banna had dragged the table closer to the fire so the Noble could eat in warmth. The big man had prepared the food himself…dried meat found in the cupboards with some fruits. He now sat on the floor in front of the fire.
Kaliado looked down at the savage by his feet. No more than an animal…he thought while eating. At my feet — like a hound.
Banna was lost in thought, staring at the flames.
A knock interrupted the Noble’s meal. Banna turned and started to get up.
‘Sit,’ ordered Kaliado as he rose. ‘It is dark outside and you have been staring into the flames. Your pupils are not dilated. If it is an enemy you will be cut down.’ The Noble made his way to the door and opened it. Kaliado assessed the man with a glance. The man was standing carrying a big sack. By his left waist was a short sword in a scabbard under the belt. He seemed well built, like a woodsman of the area and had grey hair near his ears. It was also raining heavily outside and the man was thus drenched.
He seemed confused. ‘Hello there,’ he said peering inside. ‘Is Lana here?’
For a moment the Noble said nothing. He was not accustomed to such inferiors speaking to him in a common fashion. ‘No,’ he said finally. ‘There is no…Lana.’
‘That’s odd,’ said the man scratching his head. ‘This is the right house.’
Kaliado began to close the door. ‘You are wrong. Leave.’
The man’s heavy hand slammed down on the wooden door. ‘This is her place! I knew I didn’t make a wrong turn. Why, there is the table I made for her! And the…’ He saw the mess and froze. ‘Who are you people?’
‘Visitors,’ said Kaliado. ‘What is in your sack?’
‘Food,’ said the man, his hand slowly reaching for the hilt of his short sword.
‘Leave them here,’ Kaliado said. ‘You are boring me now. I am bored.’ He said closing the door. He turned and was almost satisfied until the door burst open. The man stood holding the sack.
‘What have you done to them?’ he roared.
‘Nothing.’
‘Answer me you bastard!’
Kaliado turned to view the man, distaste apparent on his face. ‘I do not lie, peasant.’
The man whipped out his short sword and charged at the Noble—
Kaliado sheathed his blade and turned away.
The man stood still, not realising what had happened. Banna watched in shock as the man’s throat exploded in a crimson spray. The short sword clanged against the wooden floor as the man fell to his knees, his head rolling one way, his body the other.
Kaliado sat and looked at his meal. ‘Clean up the mess.’ He pushed his plate away.

*

‘So Maeg is their target?’ asked Manish. ‘Then why not spare further bloodshed and just hand over the girl?’
Fortez’s head snapped up and he gave Manish a cold stare. ‘I did not expect such cowardice from a clan leader.’
‘Cowardice?’ yelled Manish. ‘I’m talking sense! Stop acting the hero and give over the girl! You know you cannot stand up to this Noble. You’ll just get everyone killed anyway!’
‘We can try!’ said Fortez, defiance blazing in his eyes.
Manish laughed. ‘This guy is of the lowest rank. Who knows how many more Nobles there are?’ he mocked. ‘Can you fight them all? Can you fight Deka Tryce?’
Fortez said nothing. He stared at the floor. Manish was right. ‘No…but he is still a man, he can be cut.’
Manish swore. ‘Don’t be an idiot.’
Nolan suddenly fell from his seat. Fortez quickly tried to rouse the archer and realised Nolan’s stomach was leaking blood. Jenas quickly ran to fetch one of the doctors.
‘Hold on Nolan…’ said Fortez, cradling his head.
Nolan’s face was becoming increasingly pale. His eyes opened slightly.
‘Don’t worry Nolan,’ said Fortez calmly. ‘The doctor is coming. You’ve just lost some blood. I told you that you needed to rest!’ Fortez gave a smile.
Nolan started to utter a few words. ‘Noble…’
‘Don’t worry about him!’ said Fortez. ‘We’ll take care of that guy easy!’
Manish gave a snort. Fortez ignored him and turned to Ligas. ‘Is there nothing you can do?’
Ligas closed his eyes.
‘Ligas?’ cried Fortez. He looked down at Nolan again. His face was almost ghost-white.
‘The…Noble,’ stuttered Nolan again. ‘Eyes…his eyes…’
Fortez tried to grasp what he was saying.
‘Dark…’ said Nolan. ‘His eyes…nothing…nothing there.’ For a moment Nolan could see the Noble again face to face, the sword buried in his abdomen. It was like looking into the pit of emptiness. Suddenly Nolan saw grasslands, and a far off tree. He was young again. In his hand was a bow and he released the arrow.
It struck perfectly on his target. Happiness shone through him for a brief second.
His body limped. Fortez cried out. He tried to shake the archer but to no avail. Fortez dipped his head, in despair, laying Nolan gently on the wooden floor.

[sakashii]

OMG. another bootiful story . :):)
i loove it. it never bores me. how do you do it ;]
rofls. one way to improve ; MAKE MORE STORIES. xD

[Rayster]

lol, thanks sakashii.
i hadn't seen u around for a bit, wondering where u went...
oh well, i'll post my next bit soon ^^

[Rayster]

He saw her again reaching out to him. She was suddenly covered in blood.
Darkness.
He saw her face, so beautiful. She lay dead, her long hair blowing in the wind around her. Despair struck him like a hammer and he fell to his knees. Someone was crying out in pain.

Banna finished preparing breakfast and laid it on the table in front of his sleeping Master. Returning with a glass of water Banna cleared his throat and Kaliado awoke. His master as always, seemed as if he had not been sleeping, just opening his eyes after a second or two of closing them. Banna left the room and headed out back to take a shower. He found the water tank and emptied the contents over his body after removing his shirt. He had awoken several times during the night. On most occasions Kaliado would have been sleeping peacefully. The last few nights however, Banna had awoken to see Kaliado stirring in his sleep. The meditations during the day did little to help, though Banna had heard that one hour of meditation a day for a Noble took care of half a night’s sleep. Maybe the Colonel was having bad dreams…
The big man sighed. This was getting boring. Kaliado had not even spared the man for Banna to fight. There would have been some entertainment at least…
He recalled with affection his days in the Noble city of Archa. The buildings, the walls, the wrestling contests…his home.
The Nobles lived lavishly in the huge palace, General Deka Tryce possessing the grandest of all rooms…fit for a King. Banna had been chosen among many to accompany a Noble. He had been disappointed that it had been Kaliado. The man said and did little. All attempts of humour were wasted upon him. Banna himself had wanted to serve under the Major General. His men were…‘well-treated.’
Banna recalled the first days he had served Kaliado. The man hardly seemed to move, lying about all day…but then he had seen the Noble train. He had seen few Colonels’ in his time move like Kaliado. In order of strength, The Brigadier General, the Major General and the Lieutenant General all had their own specialised training. Thus, the General himself had the most rigorous training. Banna concluded that at the level Kaliado was training he was at least the strength if not rank of a Brigadier-General. Why he did not move higher, Banna did not know.
Finished with the shower, the big man turned and pain flared in his left knee. He stopped in mid-step and grimaced in pain. Rubbing at his knee with his thumb he clenched his teeth until the pain subsided. He rose and let out a breath. The pangs were still coming. Making his way back to the cabin entrance he struggled to remember how his knee had become sore. A woman kicking his knee flashed into memory but it did not seem likely to cause that much pain. He shrugged and stepped inside the cabin, a gust of wind brushing by him…from the inside. Banna looked into the room. Kaliado had gone…smoke rising from the floor off perpendicular squares.
‘Let us leave,’ said a voice behind Banna. The big man jumped at the sound behind him and saw the Noble standing, facing away into the trees. Banna mumbled an agreement and gathered things of interest as the Noble walked down the hill slowly. Banna rushed to meet his superior.
‘Where are we going, sir?’
‘To find what we are looking for.’
‘Err…how, sir?’
‘The tracks, Banna. Follow those of a woman and a small child.’
‘Yes sir.’ Banna knelt by the path most walked on and tried to find the tracks. ‘There are some…days old. Luckily it has not rained…’
Kaliado stood waiting.
Banna further studied the tracks. ‘A horse was used…the grass here kicks back towards us. They must have left, yes, a few days ago. We were too late,’ he said rising. He looked down at Kaliado. The Noble was easily taller than most men, yet Banna towered over him. ‘Can I ask sir, why are we so eager to find this girl?’
Kaliado spoke without looking up. ‘She is the last threat to Tryce’s…Kingdom.’ The word Kingdom seemed false. And Kaliado knew it was. After all, it needed a King to rule.
‘How can a child be a threat…sir?’ he added quickly.
‘He wants her to not be a threat. Apparently her mother was powerful,’ said Kaliado studying the trees. ‘If we wait too long, she may grow to rebel.’
‘Doesn’t mean she will…’
‘Tryce is a man of power. He fears others of power.’
Banna looked around and stretched his back. Aw well, her bad. ‘If we don’t find a horse, it will take us a while to find the girl. Who knows how far they have travelled?’
Kaliado knew the big man was right. However, with no horses, their feet would have to carry them.
Banna led the way and looked back every so often to see the Master’s eyes looking straight ahead. Yet every so often Banna would see Kaliado’s eyes shift to the sides, checking every avenue of threat. The big man wondered why Kaliado did not simply Travel to the where the girl was. He recalled something he had heard long ago, something about sensing presences. Kaliado knew Banna’s presence, so he could Instantly Travel to him over a large distance. Not knowing where the others were, or the structure of the land, the Nobles did not know where to go. It all made no sense to Banna. He was a simple man and did not believe in ‘magic,’ and could not understand now Nobles were able to heal or even Instant Travel short distances.
‘The body can heal on its own,’ a teacher in Archa had once said in a classroom that Banna had been passing, while carrying out Kaliado’s requests. ‘It simply needs to be accelerated. The only thing your Talent does children, is speed up various things.’ Banna had stopped to pick up vegetables he had dropped at that time and a child had asked the most obvious question.
‘Where do we get our Talent, master?’ he had asked.
The teacher had smiled. ‘An apt question, young Gerard. Our Talent has become another sense to us over the many centuries,’ he explained. ‘The previous civilisation liked to experiment and shall we say…excel in everything. They experimented with humans to find a way for us to be perfect. Things went horribly wrong and they were diseased. However the children from the people affected from that time discovered unusual abilities. Those who did not die had children of their own. Eventually we believe, our Talent as we call it surfaced…and those who possessed it ruled…and those who did not were deemed unworthy.’
Banna had long since picked up the vegetables but had stood listening. He did not know why, but it was better than serving the various whims of the Nobles in the palace. Banna knew though, that the children in that school did not have noble blood thus could not be Nobles, but all had high Talents. They were training to be the Ninjas of the army, Tryce’s third highest avenue of attack that he could employ. Banna himself had no Talent, and therefore could not be among the higher status city dwellers. His father had been a labourer and complained often at how unjust it was, that those born with Talent could excel. Consequently, Banna had focused all his training into building his body, so he would not have to scrub the floors or labour others’ tasks. He wanted to be a fighter. Yet here he was, serving another arrogant Talent filled Noble.

[Rayster]

<< hmm, didn't get any comments for that. oh well, everyone's busy.

here's just a short piece that i found amusing....
i hope u enjoy

[Rayster]

Three

Fortez tightened his belt, strapped his two short swords and checked his crossbow. His bolts were packed and he slung his crossbow over his shoulder. Thanking the man who readied his horse Fortez mounted it and waited for Manish and Jenas.
The bulking figure of Manish mounting the horse was almost comical. Some in the crowd chuckled, especially those of other clans. Fortez had no smile on his face. He was angry – yet fear had clutched him tightly too. He was not sure of the Noble’s abilities, and he worried for Lana. Waiting for the others now, he found himself thinking of when they had first met, at a local tournament.
He had been nineteen and quite confident in his abilities. Archery had never been his strong point, but he decided it would be fun if he took part. And there was prize money for the winner. Extra money had never hurt anyone, he had thought. He had seen Lana among the crowd then, as always, surrounded by lads his age. He had sighed, thinking that if he won he could impress her. She was looking around for something and someone finally strode up to give her a bow. She smiled her thanks, the world seemingly stopping in that instant for Fortez. She had then walked away with the bow, the boys following. Fortez also walked away, feeling low. He had not once been able to say anything to Lana, except "Hi" during the tournament two years prior. She had not heard him among the crowd…or had chosen not to. However one thing Fortez could not understand was why she had the bow. She had never competed before. Perhaps the bow is for her Uncle…? He had been surprised when she strode up to the targets in the competition, and had unleashed arrow after arrow into the targets. Fortez himself tried to replicate the actions, but failed miserably. Lana had won second place and Fortez took eleventh, out of thirteen. He had burned with shame and walked away. He spent the rest of the afternoon thundering arrows into trees, always off by a few feet. His arms hurt but he continued to release arrows, gather them, aim and fire again from his bow. He had dropped his head after some hours and sat exhausted with his eyes closed in disgrace. His eyes had opened to see Lana standing in front of him. Fortez had stammered something between a “hello” and “what are you doing here?” The words had been immensely jumbled.
Lana did not seem to notice it and said: ‘I saw you practicing. Do you need some help?’
Fortez knew he was blushing but he had quickly stood. ‘No thanks,’ he said feeling even more ashamed. ‘I was just…having fun.’ He had looked at the arrows littered around him, way off their mark.
Lana had frowned and placed her hands on her hips. ‘What’s the matter?’ she had asked. ‘Can’t get help from a woman?’
‘What?’ Fortez had cried looking at the arrows on the ground. ‘No! That’s not it! I told you I was just having fun.’
‘I guess you must have had some fun in the tournament too then, hey?’ she smiled.
Fortez’s knees suddenly buckled but he managed to stay standing. ‘Yeah,’ he laughed. ‘I’m pretty awful.’
Fortez’s thoughts were interrupted as Jenas approached at a steady trot. ‘Let’s go!’ Fortez nodded, wheeling his stallion around. He stopped, seeing old Ligas standing next to a horse.
‘I’m coming too,’ he called. He was helped atop his mare. Jenas started to protest, but the old man would have none of it. He still carried his wooden cane on the mare.
Fortez did not care. He had to see his family. ‘Let’s ride!’ he called. Four Golit warriors followed the four-clan leaders on horseback.
The crowd watched them canter away into the distance, reaching the peak of the hill and disappearing beyond it.

*

[Rayster]

here's a bit of the next part i finished ^^
____________________________________________

Fortez dismounted his stallion, tethering it to a nearby tree next to a stream. The horse dipped its head and started to drink. The others followed suite.
They had been riding for most of the day, Manish complaining about his sore behind. He had obviously had little experience with horses.
‘I manage them!’ he had yelled. ‘I don’t ride them all day!’
Jenas had tried to help Manish, instructing him how to sit and to not clutch the sides of the horse with his knees, only his thighs. He gave up after an hour and let the portly man bounce awkwardly. They were all surprised, much to Manish’s embarrassment that Ligas handled his mare with ease. He seemed half his age when riding.
Fortez splashed water on his face and sat back. Jenas joined him, kneeling down by the stream. ‘Did you see old Ligas?’ Jenas asked with a weary smile. ‘Handles himself pretty well, eh?’
‘Yeah. Maybe his talent allows him to age slowly, like the General.’
Jenas looked around. Manish was already eating his food. ‘I’m bored. Let’s practice.’
Fortez looked up and smiled. ‘Sure. If you don’t mind getting beat again.’
Jenas stepped back and pulled out his sword. ‘Draw.’
Fortez drew one of his two short swords. ‘I’m surprised you’re even a clan leader,’ said Fortez with a smirk. ‘I thought you needed some skill with a blade.’
‘Not going to work my friend,’ said Jenas. Even as he was finishing his sentence Fortez had leapt forward with a thrust. Jenas moved back quickly, parrying the attack and sending a reply. Fortez had to come closer than required because of the shorter sword and when the riposte from Jenas arrived he was forced to take an extra step back, even though Jenas himself was moving back. A small slit appeared on Fortez’s shirt. ‘Better draw your second sword Fortez.’
Fortez stepped to his side, staring at Jenas, and attacked again. Jenas parried and sent another riposte. Fortez knew his short sword was too small to go in and out with an attack, so he drew his second blade and advanced. This time Jenas advanced, launching attack after attack, stepping back from ripostes.
The four accompanying warriors, Manish and Ligas watched the two fight, the clash of steel ringing in their ears. Manish noticed Fortez had far greater balance and speed, and was now toying with Jenas. Four chances opened for Fortez to strike but he held back. Excellent with short swords that Fortez, thought Manish. He uses them as if he was in a boxing match! Blocking and then attacking with swings from the side, down and hard. No grace, thought Manish. That’s the problem with swordsmen these days…too cocky.
Fortez was growing tired and decided to end it. Jenas sidestepped from a thrust and slashed up at Fortez, who deftly rolled his blade over the sword and thrust it at Jenas’ throat. Jenas stopped in mid-stride, the blade inches from his jugular. ‘Damn. You won.’
‘Again,’ grinned Fortez sheathing his swords.
Ligas leaned down on his staff and whispered to Manish. ‘Quite graceful yes?’
‘What?’ Manish was clearly startled.
‘His last move,’ said Ligas smiling. ‘Exquisite.’
Despite Fortez’s outwardly smiles, he felt in turmoil. He had no idea how Lana or Maeg were. No idea if the Noble had reached them…Fortez stopped himself. His imagination would not help him in this situation. The best thing would be to get moving. Shoving the last pieces of his bread down his throat with water, he called for everyone to get going. He wanted to reach Lana by nightfall.

[*Ririn*]

nice Arrn-Car...you know i never liked such stories about swordsmen and stuff but this one i got sucked into lol..good work...waiting to read the next chapter..:)

[Rayster]

really? not into the whole swordsman thing? ah damn...
oh well - at least u'r giving it a shot ^^

this one i got sucked into
lol, awesome.

[Rayster]

Picking his path carefully through the bushes, Banna looked up at the sky. The sun was setting. Banna did not like sunset – bad light for trackers: too bright for torches and yet too dark not to use them. He took a look behind. Kaliado was stepping over a root. The ground had grown moist, the wetness sponging the Noble’s sandalled feet. Still he had said nothing, remaining expressionless through the day.
Banna had long since lost the track but Kaliado had told him to continue this way. It seemed stupid – if the duo they were after were on horses, how could they have possibly crossed through the dense forest area? Banna had shrugged, knowing full well Kaliado knew how to track. Apparently the Nobles did not like scrounging around on the dirt looking for clues – no dignity it seemed. Banna shook his head and hacked away at another thin branch.
The dew off the branch landed on Kaliado’s face. He lifted the sleeve of his jacket and wiped it away. The big man was hacking everywhere. The Noble thought to say something but remained silent.
Expressionless.
As he had been trained, to be the ideal Noble. Free of emotion, free of anger and hate – for these were a swordsman’s enemies. With these in mind he could never win. Yet, with it went love and joy. A swordsman of Noble stature had to be devoid of emotions at all times.
The ideal swordsman.
Kaliado had always wanted to be the perfect Noble. Strong, looked upon with admiration and fear at his abilities. The training though, had been brutal, breaking his spirit time and time again. Yet he had persevered over the years, learning everything from his master and over time developing his swordplay beyond even his own expectations. It had taken him so much longer to learn to use the Instant Travel, coming close to death many times from the sheer exhaustion of one step. His master had been painfully strict – which is exactly what the youngster had wanted: someone to teach him so that he would be perfect. However the boy of fourteen years had suffered immensely for his ambitions and over the years learned to mask his anger, and then eventually possess none.
Kaliado had felt it slipping lately. He did not know why, he was at his peak. He suddenly realized his concentration had been hampered by those dreams…he cursed them, feeling hate build at the –
He caught himself in time, and it faded. Then the pictures appeared. He pushed them away.
He suddenly stopped. Banna was still hacking away at the leaves, amusing himself.
‘Banna,’ called Kaliado.
The big man stopped and turned. ‘What is it, sir?’ Kaliado stood still and looked to his left. There was a small puddle in the ground. Banna did not say anything and tried to listen. The breeze shifted. The big man turned at the sound of rumbling thunder. ‘What is that?’
Kaliado moved past Banna and stepped out of the forest. They had crossed the entire forest and now as Kaliado looked to his left he saw along the length of the tree, riders. Eight of them.
Banna stepped out. He laughed. ‘Finally, time to work my skills!’ He loosened the muscles on his shoulders. ‘Don’t worry about it sir,’ he said looking down at the Noble. ‘I can take them all.’
The horses slowed as they approached.
Kaliado gazed at all of them, assessing them quickly. Four common warriors were riding at the rear all dressed in dark clothes. The one riding at the front was dressed like a commoner would be, except that he somehow gave the impression of someone important. Kaliado took it to be the waist length jacket – and the riding boots, both would be a year’s wage for a commoner in the city of Archa.
Now that he approached Kaliado could see the man’s shirt – silk, also expensive. It was his eyes that gave him away though. Anger, pure and undiluted. Two others alongside the one leading were dressed similarly. The one to Kaliado’s right was a big man, almost as big as Banna, made of muscle but had a big stomach and facial hair. A long sword dangled by his waist – lefthander. The other was slim but built like Kaliado himself. He did not gleam with the confidence shown in the leader but sat tall nonetheless. The last man perplexed Kaliado. It was an old man, riding the horse with relative ease. He seemed to carry no weapons, but clung to an old staff made of wood.
Banna was still loosening himself as the horses finally stopped. The lead rider dismounted his stallion and walked in front of it. His anger was evident, but for a second Kaliado saw relief shine in his eyes. He must be related to the girl, Kaliado thought instantly, and knows we are looking for her. If he has caught us here, he knows we have not made it yet.
‘Are you the Noble who’s been murdering innocent villagers?’ Asked the man. Kaliado’s face tightened.
‘Do not speak to me in that tone,’ said Kaliado, calmly.
‘I’m sorry,’ said the man, anger still glowering. ‘I happen to very direct when talking to criminals.’
Kaliado noticed the man had a loaded crossbow by his side. Two short swords were sheathed at his waist.
Banna spoke. ‘You don’t know who you’re talking to you do you, peasant?’
A bolt flew from the crossbow straight for Banna’s face. The bolt was snapped by Kaliado’s sword, inches away from Banna’s face. The sword was held for a few moments in front of Banna’s face, Kaliado holding it up to his right. It was then lowered.
Then Banna’s face twisted with anger. ‘You coward!’ he yelled. ‘Fight me like a man! Know the name Banna! And know fear!’ Banna pulled out his long knife and advanced. Kaliado sheathed his sword and did nothing. The man who had fired the bolt pulled out his two short swords, dropping his crossbow.
‘Come to me, and know pain!’ said the man.
Banna charged. The man stepped in to meet him and their blades clashed.

[*Ririn*]

OoOoOo this is getting exciting....its amazing Arrn-Car can hardly wait for the next chapter...finally the fight yay!!...good work!

[Rayster]

lol, thanks Ririn.
here it comes...

i hope it lives up to any expectations...
at the end of next part will be the end of chapter three
hope u enjoy ^^

[Rayster]

Fortez spun wildly thrusting his left sword. Banna was immensely powerful and had pushed back Fortez with all his attacks. Fortez could not block his powerful blows, but had to weave away from them as they struck his blades. Despite having two swords, Fortez realised the man fought almost without defences and there was hardly a time for Fortez to strike with the latter sword.
A thrust came in from Banna. Fortez parried it with his left sword and thrust his right blade forward. The huge man moved surprisingly fast and ducked; coming up to head butt the swordsman off his feet. Fortez flew through the air, landing heavily on his back. He could feel blood pouring from his nose but he advanced again. As Banna came in, Fortez deftly sidestepped. The big man also moved away. They circled one another.
Fortez was confident in the knowledge that the bigger man’s huge developed muscles did not allow him the agility or speed that Fortez himself would have with swords. Had it been fist-to-fist Fortez would have stood no chance at all. However, as Fortez moved in again he saw the bigger man’s attacks were powerful indeed, yet highly inaccurate. The Dharti clan leader took a quick glance at Banna’s companion – the Noble. He was well built for swordplay…
Fortez leapt forward, swinging attack after attack. Banna parried many, sending vicious ripostes.
The rest of the group watched on. Manish was gripping the hilt of his sword tightly. Should he move in…? Jenas and the others waited, faces locked in a nervous wait. The clash of blades continued.
The two parted for a moment. Fortez was breathing heavily. The bigger man was also breathing deeply: sweat pouring off his massive frame. He had various cuts to his body now: gashes to his hip and stomach, a cut down his chest and one just above his left eye after Fortez’s last frenzied attack.
Banna moved forward and slashed repeatedly at Fortez, who ducked and weaved out of the way, sending fierce ripostes, but the huge man kept coming. Fortez was forced down to his knees, and he rolled out of the way as Banna’s knife slammed into the ground inches away. Fortez rose and slashed at Banna with both swords. The huge man stood still as the blade came…and then sidestepped, ducking away to his right at the last possible moment. Fortez cursed as he sailed by, Banna appearing next to him. The big man’s knife came down. Fortez spun… And the sword was smashed from Fortez’s left hand. They both watched Fortez’s left short sword fly away and then the clan leader turned. Fortez thrust at Banna’s stomach with his one remaining sword. The big man was too slow and the blade ripped through his stomach. Banna’s own blade swung down by Fortez’s side. He choked on the sensation and blood escaped from his lips. The huge man fell to his knees. Desperate for one last attack he surged to his feet, bringing his knife up. Fortez jumped back, parrying the blow and twisting the knife away. Banna fell forward with the momentum, and lay still.
Fortez, a determined look in his eyes, blood seeping from various cuts to his face and body now stood facing the Noble. The Noble did not seem perturbed by the loss of his accomplice. He merely stood, waiting - expressionless.
Fortez held his sword in front of him.
‘No Fortez!’ cried Ligas suddenly. ‘Let the warriors handle him!’
The four warriors nodded and suddenly charged past Fortez, running straight for the Noble who stood still. The Noble was standing at least fifteen strides away from Fortez when the warriors first rushed at him. Suddenly, the scene before Fortez seemed to slow down, like everything was occurring underwater. By his left hip, the Noble’s jacket flew back revealing the sheathed sword. Fortez watched as the Noble reached for the hilt with his right hand, the soldiers still advancing. Suddenly the Noble had disappeared the exact moment his hand had clasped the handle of his blade. Fortez tried to move his eyes to the right where he now saw the Noble kneeling on the ground less than ten strides away, his sword finishing its arc from the ground to the sky. Two warriors were behind him now, their throats opening in a crimson spray. The other two were still in between Fortez and the Noble…
The Noble was now standing next to Fortez, his blade resting against Fortez’s throat. Fortez stood shock still. Two of the warriors were still on their feet, the first two starting to fall. Blood suddenly gushed from all of the warriors various wounds and they all fell heavily to the ground. Fortez suddenly knew fear. He could feel the steel upon his neck, and knew that no matter what he did now he would die. Surprisingly, the fear faded and he felt calm. He saw the Noble’s blade.
‘How is it that you have no blood on your blade?’ he asked.
‘I dislike it,’ he answered, ‘so I wiped it on their clothes.’
Fortez smiled grimly. ‘That was indeed fast.’ He closed his eyes. Then he looked up at the Noble. Nolan had been right…his eyes were indeed empty.
‘Die,’ said the Noble.
His grip suddenly tightened on the hilt and Fortez closed his eyes. He saw Lana, and then Maeg appear in his mind. ‘I am sorry, Liya,’ he said to himself, remembering Maeg’s mother. ‘I could not protect her.’
The Noble took a sudden breath. Fortez opened his eyes and saw the Nobel’s face was confusion…he was hesitating. Fortez saw his eyes then, and the emptiness had vanished.
A bolt flew threw the air. The Noble suddenly disappeared, the bolt ripping through the air where he had just stood. He was standing a few strides away, his blade held loosely by his side.
Jenas frantically reloaded the crossbow and aimed it at the Noble. Ligas held up his hand to stop Jenas. He was looking at the Noble intently. ‘Why have you come here?’ asked Ligas.
‘I have business here,’ said the Noble.
‘Who are you?’
‘I am a Noble from the City of Archa, rank of Colonel.’
Jenas turned to Ligas. ‘Are you sure its wise to talk to him? He just killed four of our men!’
‘Silence boy,’ said Ligas. ‘Tell me,’ he called to Kaliado, ‘what is your objective? We would be happy to cooperate if we can. There is no need for this bloodshed.’
Jenas looked past Fortez at the body of the huge man, Banna and the four warriors beyond him. Ligas was right. But what if he wants Maeg…?
‘I seek a child,’ said Kaliado, ‘who is a threat to our Kingdom.’
‘I thought a King was necessary for a Kingdom,’ said Fortez coldly.
‘Who is this child?’ asked Ligas.
‘I have a description,’ replied Kaliado. Ligas was about to speak when Kaliado spoke again. ‘You!’ he said, pointing his sword at Fortez. ‘What is your name?’
Fortez looked ready to attack the Noble. ‘Why?’
‘Answer me and I will let you live.’
‘That’s very kind of you,’ replied Fortez. ‘But why is my name so important?’
‘Tell me!’ roared the Noble, losing his cool.
Fortez smiled, knowing he had cracked the enemie's shield. ‘My name is Fortez. Why?’ Kaliado look stunned, and felt as if he had been struck through the chest.
‘Fortez…’ repeated Kaliado.
Just then to Fortez’s left came a rustling sound, and six Ninjas burst out of the forest. Kaliado turned as the six Ninjas took out their daggers, positioning themselves in an arrowhead formation towards Fortez’s group. One of them turned and saw Kaliado. He bowed low. ‘General Deka Tryce ordered us for your assistance, sir.’
‘I need no assistance!’ roared Kaliado.
The Ninja bowed again. ‘We were told that you may not cooperate with us. If that were the case then you may head back to Archa. Direct orders, sir.’
Kaliado could feel his anger mounting, his training slowly unfolding. ‘I am not leaving. I’ll do this alone!’
‘We feared this sir,’ said the Ninja. ‘Very well, you leave us no other option.’ The lithe Ninja lifted his right hand and from Kaliado’s left six more Ninjas leapt out of the forest from behind the trees. Kaliado turned, his sword swinging horizontally. The blade cut thin air as the Ninjas rushed around him. His jacket disappeared among the Ninja’s daggers – ripped to shreds, and Kaliado turned again to face the pests. He felt pain flourish in his stomach and face, and then he fell to his knees, his sword still held in his right hand. Numerous right-angled squares were burned into the ground around the Noble…but disappeared gradually.
Jenas and the others watched the scene with utter confusion. Who on earth were these black dressed warriors?
‘Ninjas,’ said Fortez. ‘During my time in Archa, I saw them being trained.’ Ligas and Manish nodded. They understood. These men were not to be taken lightly. Six of them had overcome a Noble, and there were twelve facing the four of them.
Jenas cursed. ‘What do we do?’
The ninjas turned their attention to the four whose horses were whinnying in terror. Kaliado was now forgotten; the Noble on his knees from various punches and kicks.
He slowly climbed to his feet. Staggering, he collapsed against a tree. These Ninjas are experts, he thought. They knew exactly where to strike to render a man useless. Kaliado’s hand was still gripped around the hilt of his sword, but he knew that if he moved his fingers even slightly he would lose control of hand and the sword would slip. He watched the man called Fortez hold up his short swords in guard.
I’ll kill you, Kaliado promised as he crawled away. I’ll make you pay for what you did!

[*Ririn*]

:eek: omg!!!! that was amazingly done...there is too many secrets left to be found...oOoOo dont take long to post the next chapter or i might go nuts waiting lol....its just too good..

[Rayster]

lol, thanks a lot Ririn.

i may only be able to write another chapter tho before i get hit with the exam period... :(

but after that i should be ok to write more...

thanks for the support :)

[Iro]

wow i really liked your story, bro.

i just finished reading every chapter and i must say that you are a talented writer.

im still waiting for more chapters :) this has been very interesting to read.

[Rayster]

thanks for taking the time to read bro, but i'll prob not submit a chapter in a while tho... i jsut started one, so i'll prob just submit that now ^^
thanks for the comments, that's always good to hear :)

[Rayster]

here's a bit of what i just wrote...
i'll always appreciate any comments to help me improve - or for the storyline in general. my focus will be on my stuides for a bit now :sad lol, so anything u like i can implement in the story since i won't be able to think about it for a while....
i have a good idea down already about the entire story... but i wouldn't mind any extra help :D

lol, i think that's enough rambling to take up space for what will be a short addition.

------------------------------------------------------------

Four

Many Years Ago…

Twenty-year old Fortez stood in the line of twenty men in the courtyard of the Archa palace. He was shaking from nervousness - sweat running down his face. His sword had been taken from him at the entrance along with the scabbard. The tests had been done a week ago…and now here he was.
The warriors around him were also tense, their eyes fixed straight ahead at the four men in black jackets. These four men, Fortez knew, would decide the rest of his life. If he was chosen, he could finally return home with pride. He would know satisfaction…success. Then finally, maybe his family would accept him as an individual of worth.
One of the black-clad warriors spoke. Fortez tried to focus on his words but it was hard. The sun was beating down on him, the heat almost intolerable. Sweat continued to run down his face. He quickly lifted an arm to wipe it. The warrior stopped talking and turned away, walking back into the palace. Fortez was panicked. He cursed. What had the man said…?
Another black-clad warrior stepped forward. Fortez concentrated.
‘As you are all aware, only four of you may be selected for the role of protecting noble family members. Obviously Nobles of rank Captain and higher do not need your protection.’ This was said with almost a sneer, Fortez noticed. As if these villagers weren’t worth even being in the palace. ‘Therefore you are required to protect their wives and children and so on…’
The other two warriors stepped forward as the first continued to speak. Their faces were hooded. ‘These two men will now choose the four among you. Bow your heads! These are Nobles of rank Captain and higher! Respect and serve! Even if you are not chosen, this is your life’s goal!’
Fortez bowed his head. The two warriors walked along the line. Fortez had his eyes closed, waiting for the hand on his right shoulder. What seemed like an eternity passed…yet the hand never came. He could feel his stomach knot even more…and then the warrior speaker spoke again.
‘You are now part of the Kingdom of Archa. Lift your heads…and be proud!’
Fortez was in utter confusion. His looked up to see the backs of the two higher order warriors who had walked along the line. They were now walking back into the palace. Fortez turned and looked behind. Sixteen of the warriors that had stood next to him were outside, claiming their swords, dejected looks on their faces. Three men stood next to Fortez. They had serious looks on their faces, so Fortez employed his own.
He had been chosen.

[*Ririn*]

oOoOoO a flash back...nice alot more to go till we know exactly whats going on..nice work Arrn-Car...

[Rayster]

thanks Ririn.
tho as i said i prob won't be able to submit more ina while (damn exams).
cos i'll need to go into some more characters in the flashback, and i don't have time to develop em too much...
thanks for reading and commmenting!

[Evanesque]

OMFG, this is real interesting, nice work Decado/Arrn-car...what should i call you? *confused*...
You'd better get busy with the next chapter as soon as you're through with your exams...btw, good luck for them...
Keep up the great writing...I love the story so far...it's beautiful!

[Rayster]

thanks!!
haha, just call me Decado, it's wat i orig wanted as my user name.

thanks so much for reading this far and for ur comment :)

[SHiKaMaRi]

Omg o.O Crap, I didn't read past my last post >.< Didn't notice that you updated. Hell am I late >.> But I've read them all, now. As usual, it's good, very nice ^-^

[Rayster]

zomg. thanks Shika. i thought u abandoned my stories ><
lol - i thought i might've been writing crap XP

thanks for taking the time to read and for the comment Shikamari ^_^

[Evanesque]

So when are you writing the next chapter, De??

[Rayster]

Below are my four stories that I've submitted so far on CB

My Stories:
| Sheathed (http://forums.bleachportal.net/showthread.php?t=18689) | Knight (http://forums.bleachportal.net/showthread.php?t=18729)| Devoid (http://forums.bleachportal.net/showthread.php?t=20392)| Moon Blade (http://forums.bleachportal.net/showthread.php?t=22964) |

[Nightcrawler]

lol nice work man!!

im so gonna draw fortez, kaliado and ligas!!

keep going, i wanna read more!!

:Domo

[Rayster]

awesome thanks man. that means heaps ^^

[Lex]

You changed your name! No wonder I couldn't figure out who this was! Ha! Now it makes sense, I'll read when I have time, soon hopefully after the exams, I read a bit! Brillent! I'll have to watch you or you'll dedicate a book to David Gemmell before I do! Brillent, it's all I can say!

[Rayster]

wow, thanks Lex!
lolz - that was the plan. if i do write a book, dedication to David Gemmell
i hope u do too.
Thanks again. yeah i haven't had time to update this in ages....but exams are almost over. and when they are i'll read urs and update this aswell.

[7th captin]

you are keeping me impressed every time decado.

this story is really good but it's too long and im starting to feel dizzy:face82:

anyway i really liked the way you chose the words but i still prefer Knight story and i don't mean that the other stories are bad it's just i prefer knight story.

keep up the good work:redbiggri

[Rayster]

really? have u read Sheathed?

as i said, if u liked Knight read Moon Blade.

Thanks for ur comment ^_^

[7th captin]

really? have u read Sheathed?

lol.

decado it seems that u have amnesia:Haha just kiddin.

sheathed is really good but still i prefer knight cuz i kinda like arena battles.

[Rayster]

ok. if arena battles is wat u like - go read Moon Light!!!! >.<
LOL

and yes - i have sh!t-as memory.
btw have u read Sheathed...?

[SHiKaMaRi]

Decado -.-

Decado: Have you read Sheathed?
7th Captin: sheathed is really good....
Decado: Have you read Sheathed?

XD

[7th captin]

Decado: Have you read Sheathed?
7th Captin: sheathed is really good....
Decado: Have you read Sheathed?

lol.

you do have amnesia decado:Haha

[Rayster]

haha, yeh i was jking.
ok we better stop spamming here.

thanks for ur comment. let me know once u've read Moon Blade. :)

[Rayster]

ok, got round to writing the next section of Fortez's flashback. Info-heavy, but worth it. hope u enjoy

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fortez waited patiently with another three men in the allocated area. It had been two weeks since the approval, and they had gone through excessive training during that time. All the while, two Nobles wearing hoods would watch them from a distance, as the normal trainers guided them through various bodyguard style training.
Fortez now sat on a white rounded bench inside the walls of Archa, in a Noble’s guest room. He could see the garden to his right, a high wall growing with vines and gardeners on their knees toiling away.
The other three men with him he had begun to know quite well. But for some reason they seemed to all keep their distance and be quiet. Fortez, coming from a community of villagers, found this difficult to understand. Any sort of conversation he would attempt to strike up would result in a few words and then awkward silence. It was unsettling.
So instead he kept his mouth shut unless there was something that needed to be said. The men relaxed in his company after that. One of them stood. Fortez looked over. It was Rafael, a big man with huge arms. He was stretching, getting ready for the tour of Archa. It was the first time they had been allowed inside Archa grounds since the choosing. That was the reason for the tour. It was the last aspect of their training. They needed to familiarise themselves with every avenue of Archa in case an emergency arrived which would call for immediate action so that whoever they were protecting would be safe.
Fortez had no idea who he would be protecting for the rest of the year. He had begun to miss Lana already, although she hardly ever visited him in the village. Every now and then she would come by, disgrace him in some archery then run off laughing…
His thoughts of Lana were interrupted by footsteps. He turned, as did the other three to see a Noble walk in. he was wearing all the fine clothes that was to expected of him, and he walked with easy grace. Appearing in his late thirties, he had a welcoming smile and was followed by an older man who appeared to be his servant.
The servant ran forward quickly and stood between Fortez and the Noble. All the men bowed.
The servant cleared his throat. ‘May I present, Noble Darkas, rank Captain.’
The men bowed again.
‘And these,’ continued the servant, ‘are the new guardians of our Noble persons. Presenting, Rafael, Formosa, Fortez and Akinao.’
The Noble nodded a greeting. ‘Follow me.’ He spun on his heel and walked away. , Rafael, Formosa, Fortez and Akinao followed obediently as did the servant, who followed from a distance.
Their walk led them outside and across a high bridge, which allowed them view of most of Archa. The Noble, Darkas, paused at the top of the bridge and gazed out over the city.
Fortez saw pride shine in his eyes, and all the men followed his gaze.
‘This, my friends,’ said Darkas, ‘is our pride and joy. The Noble City of Archa. As long as you remain here you will follow the rules and follow proper etiquette. Look over there.’
He pointed far off to the right.
Fortez followed the general direction of the finger and among the gleaming buildings of grey and white in the bright sunshine he saw an open area surrounded by fortress style walls at the rear.
‘What is that…?’ asked Formosa in wonder.
‘That is our stadium. We train, duel and have tournaments there,’ replied Darkas.
Rafael’s excitement grew. ‘Will we see any today?’ he asked.
Darkas chuckled. ‘No, of course not. There will not be a tournament for a long, long time. Not with the current war happening.’
Darkas walked away, the other following. Fortez had little knowledge of the immediate war. He sighed inwardly. Lana always said that men had too much pride, and that there would always be war, in any era in any place. Her depressing theory on man was starting to sound feasible.
Fortez followed Darkas as the cheerful Noble showed them all the streets of Archa, reminding them to walk them everyday to know every entrance and exit, and every rooftop, barrel or door that could hide an assassin. Fortez scanned the rooftops as they walked amongst the common folk. His thoughts returned to the current war. The only he knew was that at this time the King of Archa was planning to take a small mercenary force to back up his General Deka Tryce who was currently engaged in battle against a rebel group. Fortez had told his immediate companions of this before when they had asked.
‘Rebel group?’ Akinao had scoffed. ‘The only rebelling they are doing is protecting their land. The King is the one invading.’
‘He must have a good reason right?’ Rafael had asked innocently, looking to Fortez for support. Fortez liked Rafael, there seemed to be no hostility in him except when insulted. He liked to fight and do his job. That was all. No scheming, no planning…
‘You better watch your tongue,’ Formosa had said aggressively to Akinao.
There was a moment of tension between the two. Fortez had quickly tried to defuse the situation, explaining that the reason of the invasion on behalf of Archa was that they thought the rebel group were inciting attacks on Archa.
Akinao had laughed grimly. ‘Those peasants? Attack Nobles?’
‘They don’t always have to attack them face to face,’ Fortez had said. ‘Which is why we’re being employed. We look after their families to make sure they don’t try anything…’
‘This attack on their land will only lead to more attacks on Archa,’ Akinao assumed. ‘And now they’re forming alliances with all surrounding nations. Archa is sunk. They’ll attack once they’re ready.’
‘Then we’ll kill the bastards if they try!’ growled Formosa, his face tight and eyes burning with hate.
Rafael had sat silently.
Fortez snapped back to the present as Darkas led them to a training hall.
‘The Nobles about to go tomorrow are training currently. Would you like to watch?’ he asked.
Rafael’s face lit up. ‘Can we challenge them?’
Darkas laughed. Rafael’s face darkened.
‘Why are you laughing at me?’ he roared.
‘Easy Rafael,’ said Fortez quietly. Rafael looked at Fortez, then back to Darkas.
‘They are beyond your level my excitable fellow…just watch,’ Darkas explained. He led them inside the hall and up a flight of stairs. They emerged in the seating area of a stadium, obviously an older one now used for training purposes only. ‘Entrance to guests and Nobles only.’
The ringing of blades sounded and Rafael raced forward. In the distance there were six Nobles all surrounded by men, training. Four of them called it quits and walked off, the men around them bowing. The other two continued.
Fortez walked up alongside Rafael as Formosa and Akinao sat a few seats apart in uncomfortable silence, watching the dancing blades.
‘That one,’ said Rafael pointing at a Noble with no shirt, only wearing baggy leggings in between five men. ‘He seems good. I wanna face him…’
Fortez smiled and watched the training.
The five men had the Noble surrounded and they all used iron swords. The Noble had a steel blade. His stance was perfect, his feet well apart, his back bent slightly, his blade to his side and eyes focused forward, yet allowing for peripheral vision.
Fortez heard Akinao approach. He turned to Fortez. ‘It’s suffocating sitting next to that man.’
Formosa called from the back. ‘I heard that.’
Akinao grinned, then turned to watch the Noble as the five men held their swords in their stance and started to close the distance.
Suddenly men from the sides converged, the Noble dealing with them as the others rushed in and the clanging of blades began.
‘The men training him don’t seem too clever,’ Akinao stated.
‘Why’s that?’ asked Fortez.
‘His stance obviously allowed him peripheral vision. It’s always easier to see things move from the corner of your eye, which is why moving into a room must be done at an angle. The men he faced just made use of his greatest asset and attacked from the sides.’
‘Heh, so where would you be placed to attack him?’ asked Fortez with a wry smile.
‘I wouldn’t.’
‘Bah!’ exclaimed Rafael. ‘I could take him one-handed, blindfolded!’
The Noble suddenly crouched, spinning, knocking three of his combatants from their feet, rising to knock the blades from the other two. As one of the blades rose in the air he grabbed it, using both blades to stop both men from unsheathing their second swords.
‘Ok, maybe not blindfolded,’ said Rafael rubbing his chin. ‘But certainly one handed.’
Fortez laughed.
Darkas approached from behind. ‘The tour is almost over gentlemen,’ he said addressing Formosa also. ‘Now all that’s left is to assign you to your client.’
Fortez nodded and followed the servant out of the seating area and Darkas waited for them to go.
Akinao suddenly stopped on his way out, turning to face Darkas. ‘Tell me, who was that Noble fighting?’
‘Ah,’ said Darkas. ‘He’s one of the men sent to guard the King tomorrow as they battle the rebellious Linart. At the moment he’s at Captain level, commanding a squad of cavalry. Good progress for one so young. He goes by the name of Kaliado.’
Akinao looked back over the training field and saw him walking towards the exit, his sword still untainted, his body glistening with sweat. Yet he did not seem tired.
‘I’ll remember that name…’

[SHiKaMaRi]

Rawrr. Awesoem update, Decado~ I love the names <3 So unique. ^-^ Whee

[Rayster]

hehe, thanks Shika. :biggrinki

[SHiKaMaRi]

You're becoming an author in the future. And giving me free copies <3

*dreaming* Your next update is going to be .... ?

[Rayster]

lol - i wish i could be an authour.... who knows

next update should be soon, possibly in the next couple of days. most prob by tomz if i get time to write. thanks for asking shika

[Rayster]

well i just did the next bit =D
still a bit info-heavy, but obviously now it'll be less since it's taken care of ^^

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fortez strolled the streets of Archa, free from his exercises during the day, Rafael accompanying him. Darkas had showed them where to be so that they could be assigned to an individual whom they would protect. There was still time, so Fortez walked amongst the common folk of Archa. They seemed peaceful enough, much like the people in his village, except everyone here was more rushed and the market places were very crowded.
Fortez looked up at the sky, the sun shining brilliantly, and Fortez was happy to be here, yet nervous to meet his client. He didn’t know why.
Rafael had stopped to look at a few items at the stalls, which Fortez didn’t really find interesting, until he thought of Lana. He smiled. Maybe a gift would be nice for her…
He started to look through the various brooches, necklaces and accessories on stall. Rafael scratched himself while looking around. ‘I’m bored,’ he complained. Looking at the stall owner he asked, ‘Don’t you have a err… what’s it called. House… for women.’
‘For women?’
‘For men’s entertainment.’
The stall owner pointed away to his left. Rafael started walking in that direction.
‘Hey, Rafael!’ called Fortez. ‘What, you abandoning me already?’
‘I don’t know about you, Fort,’ he said. ‘One minute you’re looking at the sky, the next you’re looking at women’s accessories.’ He gave a funny look.
Fortez turned back to the stall. ‘It’s for a … friend.’
‘A special someone eh?’ chided Rafael. ‘Well, I’m off to find her right now.’
‘Make sure you’re back on time you oaf,’ called Fortez as he walked away.
Rafael laughed. ‘No promises.’
Fortez sighed, and finally chose a brooch with a beautiful arrow design. He was sure Lana would love the way the arrow was shaped.
‘How much?’ he asked.
‘20 silvers.’
Fortez stood shock-still. ‘20 silvers?’ he repeated.
‘Yes. It’s a very expensive brooch. I brought it all the way down from the highlands.’
Fortez looked at the brooch. The guy was obviously ripping him off, knowing he was new to the area.
‘Can’t you lower the price at all?’
‘Not at all. I already brought it down from 25 because it’s a bit dirty from the trip.’
Checking his coin bag Fortez realised he had brought his entire savings with him – 27 silvers. I won’t even have enough for a meal after tomorrow…
The owner saw the grimace on Fortez’s face, and thought he would decline. But the man produced the 20 silvers in full.
‘Thankyou,’ said the owner. ‘It’s a lovely piece, I’m sure your friend will be thrilled.’
Fortez watched his coins being shoved into the man’s pocket and took the trinket for Lana. Oh well, it's worth seeing her smile....
He placed the brooch inside his jacket pocket safely and walked off again.
The one thing he noticed on his short walk was the Noble’s house. They were farther away than normal residents, and much, much higher up on the hills. They were indeed mansions.
Darkas had told them that the higher your rank the greater your house and the higher on the hill it was. Thus the King’s palace was just about the highest and the hugest, the General’s following a bit lower down the hill.
Fortez glanced at the sun. It was almost time, so he decided to head back, relaying the last piece of information Darkas had given them which, for Fortez, had answered a lot of questions on his mind.
‘As you may have known, we Nobles can Instant Travel…’ Darkas had said.
The Captain ranked Noble had explained to them the history of the world and how the previous civilisation had killed the earth with some sort of chemicals, radiation and some other things Fortez couldn’t wrap his head around. Darkas had said a lot of information was missing, so all they had were theories and pieces from the vaults of history. Basically the human race seemed to have evolved slightly.
Akinao had asked how ninjas, with absolutely no “Talent” could still move like Nobles.
Darkas had explained that ninjas were ordinary humans, trained to a degree that they could move in almost unbelievable ways. However, that was still not enough. The priests of Archa had experimented with many possessions from the Old Age and had finally created a jewel which when kept on a person, could enable them to emulate Nobles movements, of rank Captain or below for a short amount of time.
‘Then why not use these ninja’s to protect the Noble’s families?’ Formosa had scoffed.
‘At this stage,’ Darkas had continued patiently, ‘there are only twenty ninjas. But with education and training, we aim to triple that number in a decade. Ten ninjas do protect the wives and children of the higher ranked Nobles. The others are on missions to ensure the safety of Archa at all times.’
It was then that Darkas had explained the ranking system, which allowed the group more insight into who they would protect.
‘Anyone below a certain level is protected by normal people with exceptional abilities like yourself,’ Darkas had said. ‘For example, priority is given to the General, thus his family would have protection of Ninja’s.’
Fortez wasn’t too sure on how this Talent worked… but over the months of training, up to selection and the two weeks of training afterwards, he had discovered something about himself which he knew was not common among the other three.
He could see Noble’s movements. It was very minimal, maybe a flash of he Noble reaching for his sword before the attack was already over… but it had allowed Fortez to surprise a trainer during training. Fortez hoped that it wasn’t that single ability that had allowed him to progress to this stage, and that his intelligence and good swordplay had a say in the matter. However that moment in training when the soldier with Talent on his way to becoming a Vice-Captain had tried to show-off to his superiors was when Fortez first realised he could use it.
The soldier had known he could easily defeat a Talent-less, and had taken it easy. Fortez had held his sword out on the retreat as the soldier had walked up. Countless times this had happened to Fortez, where the soldier would seem to disappear and the blade would already be on his neck. This time however, the soldier had vanished from sight.
And Fortez had seen him move. He had seen the soldier run to his left, Fortez swinging the blade down, as the soldier instantaneously appeared behind him, landing his blade on Fortez’s neck.
The soldier was shaken. The commoner had seen where he had intended to go. Or was it a lucky swing? Even though he had dodged it, his superiors had seen the lack of imagination in his attack.
Fortez forgot about the soldier as he reached the waiting room, seeing Akinao was already there. A nod was the greeting. They waited outside the room.
Fortez sunk back into his thoughts. For some reason he could only seem to use that ability against Nobles. As if something inside him was activated…others couldn’t seem to see it. It was troubling.
Within the hour Formosa appeared and leaned on the wall waiting. Darkas appeared moments later, and greeted them.
‘We seem to have a member missing,’ he said.
Fortez shook his head. I knew I should’ve stayed with him.
A crashing noise came from round the corner and a barrel rolled in site. Seconds later Rafael came tumbling round the corner with pumpkin on his face. He started apologising and wiping his face.
The Noble waited until the man was quiet, then walked inside the room. They all followed, Fortez glaring at Rafael who smiled sheepishly.
Inside waiting in a line were four men dressed in white. They all carried parchments. Fortez and the others lined up in front of them as Darkas ordered.
The men came forward giving each a parchment. Fortez took his, opening it as the others did to reveal a name. Liya Anushri.
Fortez glanced at the others. Rafael had two names. Akinao and Formosa also seemed to have one.
Rafael noticed this and started cheering. ‘I knew I would get more than you children!’
Formosa glared at Rafael.
Darkas stepped forward. ‘Each of you have received an individual to protect. In your case, two Rafael. Fortez, you are protecting the wife of a Captain ranked Noble. Rafael, you are protecting two of the children of a Captain ranked Noble.’
‘What?’ erupted Rafael. ‘I don’t protect a child!’
‘Akinao,’ continued Darkas. ‘You are protecting the daughter of a Captain ranked Noble, and Formosa, a Noble’s mother.’ Formosa cringed.
Fortez looked at the name again. Liya Anushri. This would be whom he would protect, sparing nothing to keep her safe. His face was grim, and he looked up at Darkas while Rafael continued his complaints. ‘It’s now time for you to meet them.’

[Nightcrawler]

lol decado, dont i know you have shit as memory!! LOL

eg of wat happens:

Kuro Taichou: hey Decado, guess wat!, i made!! i made blah blah blah!
decado: COOL
...
...
...
2 sec later
wat did you make again? :P

lol
newayz, im gonna read teh story now!!

[Rayster]

hehe...
that's true. but not as bad as urs.... i swear. u know it too.

ok - it's a bit info-heavy and well admittedly not my best work ever but i think the necessaties of the story are in place now......well...almost all *cheeky grin*
XD

[SHiKaMaRi]

Whee, another update <3

*Reads* Beautiful.

I demand more :p

[Rayster]

hehe, thanks Shika!! XDD

tho not until tomz prob ^_^

[M-50]

Absoloutly amazing story dude. Loved every word of it. Now after mine is finished let's see whose is better. lol. That is good. I liked how the noble just owned four warriors in like a second, kinda like byakuya owning ichigo at the start.

[Rayster]

thanks Rohil.

lolz... tho if i do compare stories i would compare Sheathed to anyone elses...
depends which one ppl like better tho..

[*Ririn*]

wow two amazing chapters...keep them coming De i need to have more :P...good work *hugs*

[Rayster]

hehe. thanks ririn! ^_^
i'm happy ppl still liked these info-filled chaps..

[*Ririn*]

i dont like it...like is too little for it...i LOVE it...hehe

[Rayster]

lol..

really? well thanks again ririn.. i need to get started on the next bit as well ...

edit: when i cam back on u were gone =(

[Evanesque]

De...we're waiting for your fic...*waits*...
Hey rem tht 350 word story thingy you tld Rin abt? Lol I made up tht story...you like? You can use it if you want or take ideas from it. I don't mind.

Cheers :Haha

[Rayster]

lmao - i already have one which i've posted in the div a few days ago. but thanks.....
wait a min. ririn told me it wasn't u at her house yesterday? o_O


neway, i updated twice last week for Devoid, hopefully u already saw that... i'll update soon..

[Evanesque]

Lol...When rin told you abt her being called cuteness tht was my bf who said tht ages ago. You asked her if I said tht she said no...but she dint say I wasn't there...:Haha...
I was hanging out at Rin's yesterday...
:D

[Rayster]

but i asked her if the best friend at her place was Evanesque (you), & she said no. maybe she got confuzzled with my questioning :P

[Evanesque]

Huh?...*thinks*...No no no...I remember after she told you about the 'cuteness' thing, you asked whther I said tht...She said no her best friend said it...best friend meaning my bf...lol...Rin, me and my bf are best friends...you must've gotten confuzzled yourself...But to make things clear...yeh I was there yesterday not anybody else...:Haha

Dude...I also noticed you've got amnesia :Haha

[Nightcrawler]

Hey ppl!
this is like selling myself but hey what r u gonna do eh? lol
neways, if you like D's stories check out my pics of characters in the fanart section!!
tell me wat u think! XD
and btw im revamping kaliado so that one is jus temp!!

[Rayster]

lmao...sell away...

wat r friends for... =P

[Rayster]

Liya Anushri descended the steps in her palace, her long dress dragging behind her. She paused halfway down as she saw the man at the palace doors. He was dressed in dark colours, a sword sheathed to his left and in an unsure stance. He hadn’t seen her yet, and she quietly continued her descent.

She looked upon the man with aversion. Why a commoner had been assigned to protect her she had no idea. She had seen commoners…they were filthy creatures. Drinking, whoring, gambling. They had no morals, no virtues to cling to. Though she did know a select few who abhorred those traits.
She reached the bottom of the stairs and the man finally saw her. A nervous smile sprang to his lips as he looked at her.

She wanted to tell him to keep his boorish eyes off of her, but she would have to deal with him for a long time, until her husband returned and her normal palace bodyguards would be sufficient, so she maintained an expressionless face and slowly walked up, making sure her servants were close by.
The man bowed deeply, as if he was indebted to her already. She was both amused and affront at the gesture. Her beauty had that affect on men.

‘You name is Fortez?’ she asked politely.
The man raised his head. ‘Yes Lady Anushri.’
She realised he was almost a whole head taller than her, even with her high heeled shoes. ‘That title is already seeming too long,’ she said. ‘You can call me Liya if you wish.’
‘Yes Madam Liya.’

She smiled inwardly. ‘Come. My servants have prepared drinks. We can discuss our new relation better in the formal rooms.’ She turned and walked away.
Fortez followed obediently, noticing the massive palace from inside.
The stairs itself would take up most of m village home, thought Fortez. He noticed the chandeliers, the paintings on the high walls, the tables, the elaborate chairs, the fine colourful carpets both on the walls and floors and the overall brightness of the entire area. The servants were also well dressed, he realised, more so than himself. Though the Nobles gave these clothes as proper bodyguard clothing.

Liya Anushri reached the seating area and adjusted her long dress to sit down on the padded red chairs. Fortez stood until she smiled for him to sit. The feeling of the chair was indescribably. Fortez didn’t realise how simply sitting in a chair could be so relaxing. He almost forgot where he was until the servants came with the drinks. Even these were perfection. Waiting until Liya Anushri had taken a sip he drank from the long glass. It was icy cold, but not enough to hurt the teeth. The taste was exquisite, the finest fruit’s he’d ever tasted all in the one drink.

He put down his drink as the servants backed away to a corner and looked at Liya Anushri, who was sitting comfortably, staring at him but with polite eyes.
‘Well,’ she said finally. ‘It seems as though you’re my guard, at least until my husband gets home.’
‘Oh, he has already left?’
‘This morning.’
‘I see.’
An awkward silence developed.
Liya Anushri adjusted her heavy dress. ‘Is there anything you wish to ask about me?’
Fortez thought over the question. What did he need to know? He had already been filled in on all necessary information. He was to be her escort wherever she went, except in her own house where he would have a room nearby. After some thought, Fortez asked, ‘Is there any reason you need particular protection?’
‘Not really,’ she said looking out the window, obviously bored. ‘My husband is just paranoid.’
‘He must love you very much.’
She turned to face him, an involuntary smile on her lips. ‘Do you have a wife?’
‘No,’ chuckled Fortez. ‘Not yet.’
‘How old are you?’
‘I just turned twenty-one.’
‘And still no wife? I heard commoners here marry by age of seventeen?’
‘I come from the Dharti clan, the highlands of Golit.’
Her eyebrows rose. ‘From that far?’
‘Yes Madam Liya.’
‘Why did you decide to come to the city?’
‘My master sent me.’
‘You always do what your master says?’ she asked.
Fortez wasn’t sure if she was trying to undermine him but he answered right away. ‘Of course.’
She looked out the window again.
‘Although, in my village we also marry at that age. How old were you when you married?’ asked Fortez.
She turned, raising an eyebrow and a wry smile beginning to form. ‘How old do I look, Fortez?’
Fortez flushed. ‘Err, well you seem young…’
She laughed. ‘I am.’
Fortez nodded quickly. ‘Is your husband also young?’
‘He is. Why?’
‘I’ve heard young maidens are married to old men with lots of money and power…’
‘They are not married,’ she said, her face darkening, ‘They are sold!’
Fortez remained quiet, averting his eyes. It’s not like he did anything anyway.
‘I guess I’m one of the lucky ones,’ she said. ‘And to answer your earlier question yes, my husband loves me very much. Though his King seems to be of more importance to him,’ she added bitterly.
Fortez sensed some harsh words had been exchanged before their parting that morning.

Suddenly the cry of a small child pierced the air. Liya Anushri was instantly alert, rushing to her feet and exiting the room. Fortez stood and quickly followed as his new client ran up the stairs, hitching up her dress so as to not trip and fall.
Fortez made it to the stairs and looked up, hearing a conversation from above. He began to climb the steps when he saw Liya exit a room, holding a small bundle of blankets in her hands. Fortez realised it was a infant in between the blankets, and it was still crying, it’s little hands reaching up to Liya’s face. She cooed the child until it quietened then looked at Fortez.
‘I’d like you to meet my little girl,’ she said proudly. ‘Naina Anushri.’

[SHiKaMaRi]

An update! Whee~ Couldn't spot out any flaws and stuff, good work, Decado!

[Rayster]

hehe, thanks =)
i should have a lot more tomz

[SHiKaMaRi]

And I look forward to it. Go get this published XD

[Rayster]

lol...i doubt it's up to that standard.

if i do get anything published it would be a full length story on Sheathed (which i haven't started writing...) XD

[Evanesque]

W00t an update from De...after AGES!!!

I like the name Anushri...sounds pretty...good stuff DE...me want more
*huggles*

[*Ririn*]

De it keeps getting better and better..your a pro man...you seriously need to get this published...waiting to see more...:)

[Rayster]

thanks! and thanks for readin

@Eva: yeh i haven't had much comp access lately...
also
all of the girl names i use are Indian :O they sound pretty ^^
except maybe for Liya i just kinda mix names sometimes

[silverwolf801]

Another master piece. Why won't you stop and give us other old chumps a chance.

[Nightcrawler]

nice
i love the names dude theyre mad, also you better have more soon coz this isnt gonna tidde me over in the slightest!!
lol
cant wait for more

[Rayster]

thanks!

this isnt gonna tidde me over in the slightest!!

?? ^^"

[Rayster]

Fortez slept in his new room that night, a few doors down from Liya. He lay back on his new bed, his thoughts flying to Lana. He realised Liya and Lana were quite similar, especially in their assertiveness.
Not just that. They both beautiful…
He instantly felt guilty for the thought. He was protecting Liya…and she was married. He chuckled to himself.

Sitting up he looked around his room again. It was quite small. The door in front of the bed, a closet and drawers to the left and a window behind him. On the right was a study desk with a wooden chair, his sword sheathed; in the scabbard which was hung on the back of chair.
Looking out the window he surveyed the garden and the wall. There really shouldn’t be a threat for Liya. It made no sense to someone to just randomly attack her.

Lying back he thought of what she had said during the day. Her husband was off with the King, fighting against the rebels of Linart. Fortez had allowed a messenger to enter earlier that day who talked privately with Liya. All she had told him was that the King had come close to being killed, and that her husband was one of his key defenders on the battlefield.
Fortez realised with this bit of information that the man was quite a fighter. The King had to be well guarded, since the Linart would know that bringing down the monarch was a great morale victory in itself, so all attacks would be directed at the man. If they were clever, they would seek to deviate the King to an area where he would be easily targeted.
When she had told him about the King’s near death she had hurriedly rushed off, Fortez following her to the General of the Army’s palace, Deka Tryce. He was, obviously, not present. Instead she had a private conversation with his wife and then had returned, Fortez escorting her personally.

A scrape of cloth on stone outside his window disturbed Fortez from his thoughts. He flicked his head around, trying to find the source, but there was nothing. To make sure he opened the window and looked both down and up.
Had he been half a second earlier he would have seen an agile figure creep onto the roof.

Seeing nothing Fortez closed the windows. Still uneasy, he strolled outside his room to the main corridor. The stairs leading down were still quite a distance away, and he looked down past the railings. The house as dark and silent, the light of the moon creeping in through the windows on either side of the main door. Liya’s room was on the opposite end, and there were no more noises, so Fortez sighed and made his way back to his room.

As he was walking back he felt something out of place. Not knowing what it was he continued on his way, the anxious feeling not disappearing. He entered his room, knowing something was wrong…

It’s nothing. Your first night and you’re already scared of the responsibility like a child. Grow up.

He sighed, collapsing on his bed. Suddenly he realised.
Fortez shot up, sitting on the bed for a second and then racing to the door, yanking it open, running to the railings of the stairs and gazing at the main doors.

The windows on each side! There were supposed to be guards there. There were no guards!

Panic shot through him as he eyed Liya’s door. It was still closed, but he ran at full speed towards the room, his bare feet pounding the carpeted floor.
His thinking finally kicked in after the initial panic. There must be more than one intruder. There were two guards. Unless this guy is a ninja of some sort there’s no way he could have taken out both. Even then…

The door seemed only to get further, his heart pounding in his ears.

Where is your sword? Fortez cursed under his breath, forgetting his sword in his room. Forget it! If u go back you’ll be too late!

‘Liya!’ he yelled, slamming open the door with his foot. Instantly the two masked ninjas dressed entirely in black turned to face him, their daggers flying out of their hands.
Fortez instinctively rolled away to his right, the blades thudding onto the doorframe. As he rolled he saw their positions in his mind again. One was kneeling by the open window. The other was on the bed closest to Fortez, on the foot of the bed and Liya had been curled up on the far side of the bed with her covers gripped tightly.

As he came to his feet the closest ninja unsheathed a dagger, thrusting forward and down. Fortez spun away, knocking the dagger from the ninja’s hand. The second came at him almost instantly; already moving after the dagger was thrown. This one gripped his dagger backhanded, slashing down in a wide arc. Fortez ducked, going down, spinning on the ground, his foot spinning in a circle catching the ninja’s feet. The ninja’s feet flew up, crashing to the ground.
Fortez was instantly up as the first ninja turned and attacked again, throwing a flurry of punches, some catching him across the face.

A scraping steel noise sounded, and as the second ninja rose, Fortez still backing from the first’s attack, he saw Liya Anushri leaping towards him, a sword in her hand and a scabbard in the other.

The ninja rising from floor immediately tried to grab her, h