The Fated Swords (Mystics of V'nairia #1) (12 page)

Chapter XIX

The Tale of Ebony and Ivory

             
Centuries ago the land of V'nairia was once called Astaria. There were no judges or supreme judge, only one king who ruled over the kingdom. The king dwelled in the city of Syterian along with the queen and their two sons. That king was Ardour III and his sons were named Archon and Geinedor. The brothers had never gotten along and the king had often had to break up the quarreling boys. Archon followed the path of righteousness and was a healer. He believed in doing good by others and good deeds would bless him, giving him a long and prosperous life.

Geinedor was mischievous; he was always getting himself into trouble. He had dreamed of ruling the kingdom and enslaving all those who did not possess magick. He saw the human race as weak and useless.

The kings family were the first mystics, they were said to have been blessed from birth by the gods of old. As they had gotten older the king made the boys read books and study the world. Archon loved learning about the world and building on his own knowledge, he learned to control his magick quickly.

Geinedor on the other hand never liked to study and was often caught practicing his sword skills or hanging out by the local whore house. Geinedor was often scolded and whipped but he didn't care, his only goal was to grow stronger than his brother to succeed his father. At sixteen Geinedor was even worse, he began to kill livestock and blame one of the villagers. The king beheaded each villager that was accused. The dark child loved to kill and feel the blood on his skin.

One day the boys sat in the study and were being taught about Astaria's history by one of the king’s disciples. Geinedor began to kick the side of Archons leg. "Looks like father will die any day; I wonder which one of us he will choose to succeed him." His brother hissed.

"I have no doubt that I will be chosen, you’re a terrible diplomat." Archon said.

"One doesn't need a diplomats tongue to rule, you need an iron fist." Geinedor said.

Archon then had an idea, "W
hy don't we have a quick duel after our lessons and see who is best fit to rule Astaria." Archon said.

He knew his idiot brother wouldn't refuse a challenge; it would be a mistake on his part. Geinedor had brawn there was
no doubt about that but Archon was quicker and cleverer, giving him the upper hand.

              After their lessons they met in the courtyard in front of the castle. Archon carried a knight’s sword with a white handle, while Geinedor held a large broad sword. They drew their swords, circling each other waiting for an opening. To no surprise Geinedor struck first, Archon had anticipated this and blocked the strike with his blade. He did however underestimate his brother’s strength; he realized this as the broad sword began to inch closer to his body. He quickly broke the clash between them and jumped out of the way. He ran at Geinedor with his blade in his hand, he thrust it outwards towards his brother’s sternum. Geinedor grabbed the blade with his bare hand to stop the attack. His blood ran down the side of the blade, he didn’t seem to flinch at all. He retracted his sword and came after him a second time. They exchanged blow after blow, sparks flew as the metal scraped against each other.

Suddenly the king appeared. “What is the meaning of this?” He asked.

They stopped the fighting and immediately knelt before him. “It was merely a game father.” Archon said.

“A game? When a battle consists of cold steel, it is no game my boy.” His father said.

Geinedor looked up at his father who was now glaring back at him. “
I’m assuming this was your idea stupid boy?” The king asked.

Geinedor did not respond but only looked the king in the eyes with a fiery hatred. Archon was always the favorite son, their father hated Geinedor. “Stand and draw your blade boy.” Ardour said still looking at Geinedor.

“Father it was nothing I swear!” Archon shouted. The king motioned for his silence as Geinedor rose in front of him. He picked up his broad sword off of the ground and held it.

The king drew his blade as well, “I’ll show you what games cost you.” He said.

Geinedor ran at his father swinging his blade. His father dodged the strike and sliced the boys arm. The king came with his blade again and struck his leg with his blade. The blood dripped from his wounds, hitting the cold autumn ground. The king swept his feet out from under him, and watched him fall to the ground.

“The enemy will not be so
merciless; you might just lose your head.” The king said as he started back toward the castle.

The rain began to fall hard, the drops pounding on Geinedor face. Archon sat and watched his brother, defeated and broken. He loved his brother despite his wickedness, but love could not fix him.

“Archon lets go, leave him be.” Ardour said. Archon said nothing as he followed his father back to the castle.

             
Geinedor’s hatred for his family began to grow at an unhealthy rate. One evening in the midst of his plotting, Geinedor crept into his parent’s bedroom. He walked over to his mother’s side of the bed and pulled out a small dagger from his belt. He covered her mouth, and her eyes sprung open in terror. He held a finger to his lips motioning for her to remain quite, and then with one quick stroke he slit her throat wide open. He reveled in the sight as the blood flowed from her corpse. To him it was almost poetic, killing off the ones who gave him life; what a wretched life he had anyway. He moved on to his father’s side next, he despised the sight of the old fool lying there without a care in the world. He covered his mouth like he did his mother only to find the same reaction. This time he pulled out a sword, his father gazed up at him in terror.

“You might just lose your head.” Geinedor whispered to his father and with one blow, sliced off his head.
He quickly and quietly snuck out of the room carrying his father’s head.

             
The next morning there was a knock at Archon’s door, “Prince Archon come quickly!” one of the guards shouted.

Archon rose out of bed and dressed himself and ran down the stairs. He opened the double doors to the throne room, he glanced over at the throne
and saw something; but couldn’t quite tell what it was. He looked closer and it was his father’s head dripping blood from the seat of the throne.

“What the hell happened? Who has done this?” Archon asked frantically.

“There was no sign of a break in sir.” The guards reported.

Then it hit him, and he knew then what had happened. “Guards search every inch of the castle for Prince Geinedor and bring him to me at once.” Archon said.

They nodded and hastened out of the throne room to search the castle. Archon walked over and knelt before his father’s remains, “I swear on my honor father, I will avenge you.” He said.

  A soldier walked in with a grim look across his face. “Sire, it’s your mother we found her in her chambers with her throat cut.” The man said sorrowfully.

Archon sat at the throne and thought for a moment, and the more he thought the more tears ran down his face. He began to weep over his dead parents, the only love he had in the world was gone. They guards had come back shortly and reported nothing, Geinedor had fled the castle.

             
Geinedor had gotten word of an old tree on a mountain top that could grant a person any power they desired. It was a large oak tree that bared no leaves, and had three faces imprinted in the trunk. It was said to have been grown by a powerful shaman that was linked with demons. Geinedor wanted the power for himself to overthrow his brother as king and enslave all of humanity. Archon and Geinedor had met at the mountain top where the tree stood to finish their childhood rivalry once and for all. Archon had an idea, and again knew his brother would accept.

“
I have a proposition my brother, I propose that the shaman craft us to weapons of incredible might and power and we shall fight to the death on this very peak.” Archon said.

Geinedor hated to wait but certainly agreed to the terms. “If I defeat you I will become king and enslave the entire human race.” Geinedor said.

“If I defeat you, you will transfer your magick to me and will be exiled from this land until the day you die.” Archon said. Both sides agreed and the brothers parted ways.

             
After a month had passed the shaman had finally created the powerful weapons they required. Archon’s blade had a white scabbard and was known as Ivory, the holy blade. Geinedor’s sword was known as Ebony, the blade of hellspawn. However the blades were cursed, the chosen wielders of the swords were said to be eternal rivals until death claimed one of their lives.

Ebony used Geinedor’s anger and hatred to consume him; transforming him into the Demon king known as Diaboro. Ebony consumes the heart of its wielder until finally no humanity is left. Ivory’s power comes from the purest of hearts
, it is said to lead its wielder down the path of righteousness and justice. The purer the heart, the stronger the wielder. Their battle raged on for days, until Archon used Ivory’s power to seal away Diaboro in a shrine below the northern mountain. He also used Ebony’s power to make the seal even stronger, thus the seal can only be broken by having both cursed swords. After defeating his brother, the two blades disappeared across the kingdom never to be found again, except for those the swords choose. Archon fled the kingdom and was never heard of again.

Chapter X
X

The Shrine of Diaboro

             
“That is a tragic story.” Kerra said.

“Yes, very tragic and true.” Lycos said agreeing with her.

“So after all this time no one has ever heard of what happened to Archon?” Zander asked.

Lycos began to pour himself some more tea, “No my boy not a soul, I would imagine his bones are dust by now.” He said.

“So what ever happened to the tree?” Heiro asked.

“Come with me.” The old man said rising from his chair.

They followed him outside to the old tree beside the house. “This was the very tree that the shaman had grown, but it has long since lost its power.” Lycos said.

“There! I can see the imprint of the faces.” Kerra shouted pointing to the trunk of the tree.

“So then Geinedor did absorb the power from the tree?” Zander asked.

“No, Archon confronted him before he could absorb its strength,
after sealing his brother away Archon had killed the shaman and the tree lost its power.” Lycos explained.

“After hearing the story I think I know what I have to do.” Zander said turning to them.

“So you have figured out the meaning, have you?” the old man asked.

“
If I have to kill Vallus to save the kingdom from the reawakening, then that is what I must do.” Zander said.

He had thought Kerra would have been shocked and became angry, but instead she lowered her head and stared at her feet. She knew the truth and she knew that it would eventually come to this.

“The longer Vallus possesses the demon sword, the faster his heart fades to darkness.” Lycos said.

“Zander we are right behind you, we won’t let the kingdom fall.” Heiro said punching him in the shoulder.

“Thanks Heiro.” He replied.

“Hey I may be a thief but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a heart.” Heiro said.

“Kerra? Are you okay with this decision?” Zander asked her.

She looked up at him and smiled and
he instantly felt relief from the pain in his gut. “Yes we must save V’nairia at any cost.” She said.

“I don’t care what we have to do, let’s just go kick some ass.” Ashe said. That was Zander’s sister that’s for sure, hotheaded as always.

             
“The training I normally provide can take months, but given the kingdom’s current state; we don’t have time to dawdle.” Lycos said.

“You’re giving us the stone?” Ashe asked.

“Yes I have faith in the four of you; I know you will save the kingdom.” The old man said as he walked up to the tree. “Sacred Art: Binding Seal, Release!” he shouted.

The others watched as he pla
ced his hand through the tree, Zander began to rub his eyes. Lycos actually put his hand through the tree without any force. As he began to pull his hand out in his palm, was the stone. It was beautiful, different parts of the stone were different colors to represent a different elemental magick. He had brought it over and gave it to Zander.

“Now my boy there is one more thing you must know, there is another way to defeat Vallus other than the purifying seal.” Lycos said.

This was surprising, they thought the seal was the only way to stop Vallus and restore his heart. “What is it?” Zander asked.

“You must pierce the evil heart and Ivory will purify it.” The old man said.

“Well that sounds easy enough.” Heiro said.

“There is however a condition that must be met; you must sacrifice a pure heart to complete the process.” The old man explained.

“No! No one else is dying; enough blood had been shed already.” Zander said.

The others fell silent, they thought to each of themselves if they were worthy enough to help Zander with the purification. None of them were entirely certain if they had a pure heart. “Now I can finally go in peace.” Lycos said.

“What? What do you mean go in peace?” Zander asked.

The old man began to laugh, “My life force is connected with that stone, it’s a spell me and my brother cast ages ago that’s why I’ve been around for so long.” He said.

“So the Godsage had you protect the stone all this time.” Ashe said.

“Yes he did.” Lycos said.

Kerra began to weep for him, they had only just met him and now he was going to die. Zander was depressed also, it seemed like everyone that had known anything about his past was dying around him; it was frustrating.

“One more thing, no matter how bleak the situation seems; there is always a solution to be found never forget that.” The old man said smiling.

“Thank you Lycos, for everything.” Zander said.

The four of them gathered around the stone and placed their hands on it. There was a flash of light; they could feel the energy surging through them. They were completely refreshed, as if there was new life breathed into them. After the transfer of power was complete they looked over at Lycos, he had begun to fade into particles of light.

“Lycos don’t go please!” Kerra shouted.

“Protect each other always.” He said as the last
of his spirit faded.

Zander had saw a tear fall from his eye just before he faded, he truly believed in them and now they would have to believe in their selves. The
y immediately left the mountain peak in search of the shrine.

As they walked north to find the shrine, Zander’s mind began to wonder. He began thinking about everyone who has lost their lives to the Vallerus and Vallus. So many have died and he would finally have the chance to avenge them. Kiarra, Thesia, and Lycos; their deaths would no
t be for nothing. Soon they would all be back in the capital in warm beds and be called heroes by the people.

“Zander are you okay?” Kerra asked him.

“Yeah I’m fine.” he responded.

She was always good at picking up on weird vibes he had put off. “We will be home soon Kerra I promise.” Zander said smiling at her.

“I love you.” she said smiling back.

“I love you too.” he replied.

Their love for each other had definitely grown, Kerra often thought about marriage or having children with him. This journey had taught them many things, but for Zander it had definitely matured him. “Is everyone prepared? Do you know the plan?” Zander asked.

“I will take Raphael.” Heiro said.

“Kerra and I will take the other guardian.” Ashe said.

“Zander are you sure you want to fight Vallus alone?” Kerra asked.

“I have to it’s the only way, I will wait on you three to finish off the guardians and then we will prepare the seal.” Zander explained.

Their plan would soon be set into motion they were nearing the shrine, Zander could feel a
sharp pain in his stomach. The very sight of Vallus at this point pained him, not just the fact that he missed his brother but he was angry and wanted to end the fighting. He was going to save V’nairia even at the cost of his own life. He had already decided that he was going to sacrifice himself to save Vallus but he wasn’t going to tell anyone that.

                They had finally come up on the entrance to the cave where the shrine was. It was dark; Ashe and Heiro used fire magick to light the torches on the sides of the cave. After they had lit up the path to the shrine, Kerra froze and didn’t move.

“Kerra what wrong?” Zander asked.

“What if we don’t make it out of here, what if one of us dies?” she asked as she began to sob.

“The purifying seal will work Kerra you just need to have faith.” Ashe said.

Zander grabbed her chin and kissed her, it was if she was instantly brought back to life. “You okay now?” he asked her.

“Yes
I’m fine, just a momentary freak out.” she said as they continued on.

They came up on the shrine, on top of it was a stone statue of a large demon with long horns and it was holding a broad sword. “It’s just like the story, that’s Geinedor after he transformed.” Heiro said.

“He was a pretty big demon.” Ashe said.

“So glad of you to join us.” a voice said.

They looked behind them and saw Raphael walking over to greet them. He glanced over at Heiro and smirked,

“Still kicking I see.” he said.

“The only kicking around here will be of your shady ass.” Heiro said.

“Quite a temper you have, it matters not you will all perish soon.” Raphael said.

“Where is Vallus?” Zander asked as he drew his sword. “

Master Vallus isn’t ready for you yet.” Another voice said.

They turned back at the shrine and saw a young girl in a blue dress; it was Lyra. “Just who the hell are you?” Ashe asked.

Lyra began to giggle, “Im Lyra, one of Master Vallus’ guardians.” She said.

“I’ll ask again, where is Vallus?” Zander asked her.

“The master did say you had a bit of a temper, if you must know he believes this party is a little too crowded.” Lyra explained.

“What do you mean?” Heiro asked her.

“I’ll show you what she means.” Raphael said as he snapped his fingers.

Portals of darkness began to appear below them all except for Zander. They began to pull the others in,

“Guys are you okay?” Zander asked.

“Don’t worry about us, there just trying to separate us.” Heiro said struggling to get out of the portal that was swallowing him up.

“Zander stall V
allus until we get back.” Ashe said.

Kerra looked over at him and didn’t speak; he could tell she was frightened. Before he knew it, he was the only one left in the cave.

Ashe had
awoke from what seemed like a long sleep, but she was in a strange place. She was in a forest near a waterfall surrounded by trees. Across from her she saw Kerra lying on the ground asleep, she ran over to her to wake her.

“Kerra wake up!” Ashe shouted.

Kerra rose up and turned to see Ashe sitting beside her, “Where are we?” she asked.

“It’s some kind of forest, but not one that I’ve ever been too.” Ashe said.

They got to their feet and began to look around; their location was unfamiliar, they had never seen a more beautiful place before. “I wonder how long we have been here.” Ashe said.

“Only a few minutes.” A voice said, it was Lyra’s but they couldn’t see her.

“Where are you, you little bitch?” Ashe asked.

“A lady mustn’t use such terrible language you know.” Lyra said.

“
I’m not a lady! I am the Fire Drake!” Ashe said as flames began to surround her body.

“Temper
temper.” Lyra said.

They looked around but still saw no one; she had to be playing games with them. “Oh and then there is the shy one.” Lyra said referring to Kerra.

Her voice swirled around them; they were getting quite annoyed by it. “So you’re supposed to be Zander’s lover. That’s interesting you don’t look like you would know the first thing about being one.” Lyra said provoking her.

Kerra became angry; her words were like needle pricking her in the back of the neck. “Why don’t you come out and fight?” Ashe asked.

“If that’s what you wish.” Lyra said. They looked over toward the waterfall and there she stood, sword in hand ready for a fight. “Shall we begin?” she asked.