The Fated Swords (Mystics of V'nairia #1) (5 page)

Chapter VI
I

Mysterious Stranger

Vallus sat under an old oak t
ree in the middle of the forest; he had been there for days planning his next move. The battle with his father had been a close call; he hadn’t been ready to face him just yet. He needed to learn to control his newfound powers first. His father had been poisoning everyone’s mind all along; they were hypocrites for using magick while everyone else feared the mystics and wanted them eliminated. It was his goal to bring peace to the world, and he wanted it all for himself. He never did agree with the way his father governed his people and one day he knew he would put an end to it all.

Suddenly
a figure appeared before him, Vallus recognized him as the man from the hospital. “You again? What do you want?” Vallus asked.

“Weren’t you ever taught any manners?” the man asked.

“I don’t make it a point in my daily schedule to make small talk with mysterious strangers.” Vallus said.

“I guess you’re right, forgive me for not introducing myself
before. My name is Raphael.” He said taking off his shroud. He wore a sharp suit and had black slicked back hair, and also had a white mask that covered half of his face.

“Are you someone’s butler? Bec
ause your certainly dressed the part.” Vallus asked.

“I am simply a messenger, who has come to make sure your task is uninterrupted.” Raphael said.

“Okay then explain to me why you sent me away when you told me to bring you the blades. I could have taken it from him?” Vallus asked.

“The boy is following you, you can lead him to the shrine and finish him o
ff and take the weapon from him there.” Raphael explained. An ingenious plan no less, Vallus had known that Zander would follow him; that part wasn’t hard to figure out.

“So I guess he is trying to bri
ng me back home. Who is accompanying him?” Vallus asked.

“
He is traveling with that girl Kerra, and the mystic prisoner Heiro.” Raphael said.

“So he brought along some extra muscle, it won’t do him any good. Vallus said smirking.

“
There is some more information I’ve gathered, apparently it turns out Zander is a mystic and Heiro has been training him.” He said.

Vallus stood up and pack
ed ebony on his back, “Well someone has certainly been busy, so explain to me why you need the swords.” Vallus demanded.

This
didn’t surprise Raphael that Vallus had been curious as to what he had in store for the swords; he wasn’t one for ignoring the small details. “I need them for a ritual to revive my master Diaboro, the demon king.” Raphael explained.

“Why would I want to help y
ou revive some ancient demon?” Vallus asked.

“You want to rule this world don’t you? My master can make that happen for you, you can have anything you wish.” Raphael said. Thi
s did peak Vallus’ interest, he did want to rule over all of V’nairia.

“So how do yo
u propose we slow them down?” Vallus asked.

“Well I had a plan but it fell through
. They had defeated the Iron Claw Bandits and their leader Jacko.” Raphael said.

“Well think of something else, I need to get to that shrine.” Vallus said.

Raphael knew about the Supreme Judge sending the bounty hunters after them and he would use this information to his advantage, but for now he said nothing about it. “As you wish, Lord Vallus.” He said and disappeared.

Soon V
allus would have the sword from Zander, and revive the demon king. His goal would finally be reached; he would rule all of V’nairia.

The next day Zander and the others had left the small town of Dura and were back on their path through the forest. “Are they plenty of other mystics as powerful as Jacko out there?” Kerra asked.

“Probably even more powerful, were going to have to watch you real close missy.” Heiro chuckled.

Kerra became angry, “Hey! Don’t act like I’m some weakling; I was asleep when I was kidnapped.” She said raising a fist to him.

Zander turned to her an
d placed his hand on her shoulder, “You know Heiro in her defense, and she did save me from the Lieutenant back in the holding cell.” Zander said as he winked at her.

She began to blush; Z
ander always knew how to make her feel better. “Thank you Zander.” She said smiling at him.

As they walked through the forest Heiro got an uneasy feeling, and he heard footsteps behind the bushes. “I feel like were being watched.” He said.

“Maybe someone followed us from town.” Kerra said. Two figures leapt out from the bushes, they had been spying on them. One was tall and wore a red mask and carried a sword, the other was shorter and wore a blue mask and carried an axe.

“Who the hell are you two?” Heiro asked.

“Brother how did they sense us?” the shorter one asked the taller man.

“Well neither of you are mystics or I would be able to sense your magick, and you’re not the best at stealth either. I heard your footsteps.” Heiro said.

“Brother Im tired of his smart mouth, let’s kill him already.” The short one said. The taller man motioned for him to be silent.

Zander had quickly realized
who they were; these were no ordinary thieves or bounty hunters. “You’re the Slaughter Twins; Taru and Tora.” Zander said.

“So you do know who we are, I was beginning to think I would have to give you some kind of back story or something.” Taru said.

Zander stood in front of Kerra, “Stay back Kerra, they may not be mystics but these guys are deadly.” He said.

Heiro pulled out his sword, “It looks like the judge spares no expense on finding us.
” He said.

“When were through with you, you will be unrecognizable.” Tora said.

Suddenly a man jumped out from a nearby tree landing in between both parties. “I think you two should leave, these people have done no harm to you.” The man said.

The brothers looked at each other and back at the man. “Who is this guy? They never mentioned a fourth person.” Taru said. “Guess killing him will cost the judge extra.” Tora said as they readied their weapons.

The man pulled out a rapier, “I can dance all night if you wish.” He said confidently.

“Who are you?” Heiro asked. The man turned to them,

“There’s no time for questions, I’ll hold them off. Take that path into the woods.” He said pointing just to the left of them. They took off down the path the man instructed, they didn’t know who he was or what he was doing there but they certainly were grateful. They were still exhausted from their last fight with Jacko.

They ran for a good fifteen minutes before they finally stopped.
“How much farther do we go?” Kerra asked.

“I don’t know he just said to keep going.” Zander said trying to catch his breath.

“It’s a good thing I came along in time.” A voice said.

The man from
before emerged, “Who are you?” Zander asked him.

“I do believe it’s rude to question one’s identity before revealing your own.” The man said.

“We apologize sir, I’m Kerra and this is Zander and Heiro.” She said.

He bowed courteously, “I am Ryder from the
city of Talias.” He said.

“Is Talias far from here?” Z
ander asked as they proceeded down the path.

“No not at all, it’s just down the mountain
, about half a day’s journey.” Ryder explained. They were relieved they felt as though they had been walking forever. “So what brings you three all the way out here? Judging by your clothes you’re from the capital.” He asked.

The three of them didn’t know exactly what story to go by. “Well you see, being from the capital and all we have never really seen the countryside; so were sightseeing.” Heiro said.

Ryder looked confused, “So why are two very well-known bounty hunters chasing three sight seekers from the capital?” he asked. They were silent they feared that he was onto them or that the judge also sent him to bring them back. “How rude of me, that’s none of my business, my apologies.” He said.

“You sure do ask a lot of questions, didn’t you save us? What’s with the third degree?” Heiro asked, there was anger in his voice.

“I meant no disrespect I feared that the three of you were in some kind of trouble that’s all.” Ryder said sympathetically. The Three of them were grateful to them, so much had happened lately they didn’t know what to do or who to trust.

“We apologize for our rudeness Ryder.” Zander said.

Ryder looked back at him and smiled, “Think nothing of it my friend.” He said. It was
odd he had the same smile that Vallus always gave him, Zander hated that smile.

             
They had finally made it out of the forest and at the top of the mountain path just as Ryder said. “So the city is at the bottom of this mountain?” Heiro asked.

Ryder stopped
and was silent, “What is it?” Zander asked.

“Above us, Move!” Ryder shouted. They had jumped out of the way just as Ryder was struck. It was the slaughter brothers they had come back to finish them. As they smoke cleared they could see
Ryder had blocked both brothers’ weapons with his one sword. Ryder overpowered them and threw them off balance as he leapt away. “I thought I had taken care of you two earlier.” Ryder said.

              “We won’t go down so easily.” Taro said.  Ryder held out his sword as it began to glow a bright blue.

“We simply do not have time for this, Soul Cutter!” he shouted. Within the blink of an eye he appeared behind the twins, and sheathed his sword. The brothers fell to the ground; they were no more than hollow shells. Ryder had extracted their souls and absorbed them into his blade.

“What kind of technique was that?” Heiro asked.

              “I don’t know but just be glad you weren’t on the receiving end of it.” Zander said.              

Ryder walked back over to them and smiled, “Now
, shall we move on.” He said. The three of them followed him down the mountainside to the city of Talias. They hadn’t known much about Ryder or why he was in the forest at the right place at the right time, but they certainly welcomed his help.

Chapter VII
I

Order of the Cursed Blades

             
Ryder had led them down the path of the mountain to the entrance of the city of Talias. “So Ryder, this is where you’re from?” Kerra asked.

             
“Yes I grew up here; I haven’t set foot in Talias in over fifteen years.” Ryder said.

Talias was a very large and beautiful city,
although it wasn’t as grand as the capital city they were from but it had seemed like it would be a decent place to make a living. There were many shops throughout the city, selling anything from weapons and armor, to fresh fruit and trinkets.

“This seems like a very nice place Ryder, why did you ever leave?” Heiro asked.

Ryder stopped and turned to look at him, “I would rather not speak of my past, my apologies.” He said. He seemed rather offended; from the moment they had met him Zander had a strange feeling about Ryder.

“We need to find the inn, I’m feeling a bit tired.” Kerra said. 

“It’s over there.” Ryder said pointing to the tall building across the street from them. As they were about to walk insi
de, they were approached by a couple of the city’s guards.

“Good evening folks are you all new to the city?” one guard asked.

“Yes sir that’s right.” Heiro said. The other guard held up a sheet of paper with their pictures on it. Zander noticed that the word “Wanted” had been printed at the bottom of the paper just below the pictures. There had also been a large denomination of yol.

“
It looks to me like you’re the ones from this poster.” One of the men said.

“I don’t understand what’s going on, we aren’t criminals.” Zander spoke up.

“Quiet you!” a guard said. “The three of you are coming with us; the Baroness wants to meet with you.” The other guard explained. They grabbed the three of them and walked them down the street, leaving Ryder behind. Zander had found it quite strange that Ryder had helped them before but now stood by and watched as they were taken away.

             
The guards had arrested them and taken them to the estate of the Baroness. She ruled over the city of Talias and reported to the Supreme Judge, they had thought for sure they were going back to the capital and who knew what was going to happen to them then. The guards had walked them inside the large double doors of the mansion. Inside the walls were painted white and red; there were bouquets of red roses perfectly placed upon the walls in each room. There was also a large staircase that had spiraled up into the higher floors. The guards had begun to unshackle them, and had instructed them to wait in the entranceway for the Baroness.

Zander thought it was strange, why take them to see the Baroness? Why not just throw them in a cell to rot? The law certainly didn’t discriminate against anyone, in V’nairia anyone over fifteen was considered an adult and had been tried as such.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” A voice said.

At the top of the staircase, there had been a woman in a long blue dress; she had long curly brown hair. She had to be in her late twenties Zander thought staring at her beauty. When she made her way down to the entranceway she greeted them with a smile. “I am Thesia, Baroness of Talias.” She said. The three of them knelt before her,

“It is an honor to meet you your highness.” Kerra said.

“Please rise there are no need for formalities.” The Baroness said. Her kindness somehow put Zander and the others at ease.

“If you don’t mind me asking your highness,
why are we here?” Zander asked.

The B
aroness began to laugh, “You are just as curious as your father was.” She said. Zander was in shock, she had known his parents? How could that be? He thought.

“How did you know my parents?” he asked.

“Oh I knew Lillian and Zephyr quite well; they used to care for me when I was young.” Thesia said. Zander finally knew their names, at this moment he couldn’t have been happier. He could finally get some answers about his past and his parents.

“As for the reason as to why you’re here, you will need to follow me to discuss that.” She said.

They had followed her up the long staircase and finally reached a large portrait at the top, it was a painting of a group of warriors battling a large demon. Thesia had pressed a button behind the painting, revealing a secret passage in another room. They walked down the narrow passage into a room that had been filled with many books.

“What is this place?” Heiro asked.

“This is the hall of the Order of the Cursed Blades.” She said.

Zander looked down at his swor
d, “You mean the cursed blades Ebony and Ivory?” he asked.

“Yes Ebony the demon blade and Ivory the holy blade.” The B
aroness said. 

             
Kerra looked around at the many books, there were thousands waiting to be read. “There’s a book for everything here.” She said. Kerra and Zander both loved to read, that was one of the things that had made them so close growing up.

“What exactly is the Order of the Blades? What do they do?” Z
ander asked.

“The O
rder protects V’nairia from all threats and we also relay information back to the capital about any and all dark activity.” She said.

“So then you’ve
heard about Vallus, son of the Supreme Judge.” Zander asked.

Thesia motioned for
them to have a seat. The three of them sat down at the large table in the middle of the room. “Yes we know all about your friend Zander but I think there are some details you may not be aware of.” The Baroness said. This had definitely gotten their attention, they hadn’t really known why Vallus left the city and they needed to know the truth. “Vallus is making his way to the shrine just below the northern mountains; there he is going to resurrect the Demon King Diaboro.” Thesia explained.

Heiro stood up and took a nearby book off of the shelf and examined it, “Isn’t it true that the demon king was sealed away by the order?” he asked.

Thesia nodded, “Yes the instruments used to seal his power away were the cursed blades.” She said.

“So t
hat’s why he had tried to take Ivory from me back at the capital?” Zander asked. “Precisely.” The Baroness agreed.

“Legend says that the shrine is in a cave below the northern mountains and is protected by a door that can only be unlocked with a certain key.” Heiro read from the book.

Thesia pulled something silver out of her pocket, “It’s referring to this key.” She said holding up a silver key with an onyx stone placed in the top of it.

“You have the key to the door!? When he finds this out he will find you and kill you.” Heiro said excitedly.

“I do not fear death.” Thesia said. She turned to Zander and grabbed him by the hand, “Zander as leader of the Order I ask that you and your friends join the Order and help us prevent the reawakening.” She said.

“Yes we wi
ll help you, I’m going to bring Vallus back from whatever dark place he is in right now.” Zander said. This had relieved her knowing they would help.

“You would each make your parents proud, each of them were also members of th
e order.” Thesia explained.

“Each
of our parents?” Kerra asked.

“Yes, that is why I believe it was fate you were brought together.” Thesia explained.

              A soldier walked into the room and gave a salute to the Baroness and her guests, “Your highness the Fire Drake’s squad is returning from their mission they should be here in a day’s time.” He reported.

“Thank you C
aptain you are dismissed.” She said.

“So who is this Fire D
rake?” Zander asked.

“The
Fire Drake is the title we have given to our strongest warrior, for they are a master of fire magicks.” The baroness said.

“A master of fire
magick sounds pretty interesting; I hope to meet him soon.” Heiro said.

Thesia began to laugh, “I believe you will, but for now you may go; but meet back here tomorrow for more discussion please.” Thesia said.

They would definitely be back; they had so many questions that needed answering. They got up and walked out of the passage and down the stairs. As they left the estate they waved goodbye to the Baroness and headed back to the inn.

“Zander are you okay with this?
What if he doesn’t come back?” Kerra asked.

“He will come back I swear he will.” He said.

She knew from the look in his eyes he was determined, that had been one of the things she loved most about him. He never gave up. They were finally getting closer to bringing their friend home and one step closer to saving all of V’nairia.