the continuation from the previous:
“My Lady, he’s just a little lowly human. What is the matter that we fear him?”
“Silence!” ordered Queen Khoo suddenly, and all voices of arguments died down. “I know of the Archknight, he was once my student. Now that he’s riding to us, no point we despise him. Don’t underestimate him, as I heard that he can combat 11 Dragon-lords at one time. Can you do that?”
This statement effectively silenced Lord Timothy, and now Lord Afdal spoke, “My queen, it’s true that this Archknight is a strong adversary of the Dragon-lords. He’s a combination of swordsmaster, mage and ranger. Formidable is his defenses and nigh invincible.”
“What the?” asked Lord Jerome, who looked surprised. “The Order of the Knights in Koruskan is strong, well-famed, but a Grand Master of this aptitude is somehow unexpected. I shall meet him in person.”
“He may be powerful, but do not underestimate those whom followed him. The Archbishop Master Ran is a master of staff using. The Light is with him and he’s like a paladin. The healer of the Five, his help ensures the survival of his troops, even in the direst situations.”
“Well, Lord Timothy, you’re right. Coupled with our princess, the Five will surely survive the incoming ordeal. What of the lady who follows them? I heard big rumors of her.”
Concern was apparent on the face of Lady Chie Kuan. She wished to know about Lady Yen, as she felt that the latter was equivalent to her, one whom both Queen Khoo and King Ashvin would not look upon her lightly. Even Queen Khoo now lent her full attention, as she desired to know about the greatest leaders of the Kingdom of Ossir, long her neighbor since the foundations of the Kingdom were laid by the first High King about eight centuries ago.
“The Head of the Order of the Magi in Lithorien is the protector of the high seas far in the southern lands. Her powers over the arcane and nature are significant, in which not even the Druids of Karazhan or the stronger Knights of Koruskan can underestimate.”
Immediately after Lord Jerome finished his word, a guard entered the Citadel, waiting to report.
“My Queen, our guards saw a great white light. We think that it was emanated from 20 leagues south of here. It may be that we’ll have visitors coming here very soon.”
“Great,” replied Queen Khoo, and she held her scepter and sent out another beam of light, so bright that it can be seen far away. “You have my leave to go now.”
The light stunned everyone, and Lord Timothy asked of the happening.
Queen Khoo said nothing, only muttered a few words, “The Archknight… he’s coming soon.”
A day later, the four riders arrived at the gates of Istarugah. As the one leading, Master Shang called forth, “I, the Archknight of the Kingdom of Ossir, together with three companions which include your princess, hereby requests entrance to the city.”
Reply came from Lord Jerome, “Our Queen expected your presence long ago. She ordered that we welcome you to the Ithilien Palace.” He then opened the gate, and they entered.
“I’ve not seen architecture of this kind.” said Lady Yen, who never set foot to this elven capital before, was stunned upon looking at the great spires that rose above the buildings. The lights were lit, not by lamps, but by wisps that shone like torches. “It seems to me that… that they… are alive.”
“The elves have great power in magic of all forms. They’re druidic in nature, but their mastery in the arcane is no less either. The five of us were once tutored here,” said Master Ran, but Lady Valerie added on, “We have little tolerance for insolence, as in your city. Her Royal Majesty though, has a great sense of humor.”
“Oh yes…” asked Lady Yen, “is Istarugah the elven capital for the last two thousand years? Who is the de facto ruler? What is the structure of the elves?” She wished to ask more, but Lady Valerie just answered in a way that made her face red, “These… ask your Archknight to answer for you. He dwelt here for almost 20 years, should know what is all these about.”
“Inner Sanctum,” said Master Shang, as they passed through another wall. The Ithilien Palace was in sight now, and all except Lady Yen were deep in thought, recalling memories years ago. The Five, under the tutelage of Queen Khoo, became very powerful in their respective fields. They then left Istarugah to join the Order of the Knights, now becoming the leaders of it. The high winds of time were indeed swift, a decade gone past since they left.
next post comes on the 29th december...
Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
of the part 1 of chapter 6
the sixth chapter commences:
Chapter VI: Councils of the Elvenkind
The city of Istarugah was the capital of the High Elves, and it was built in a wall of silver hue. Great trees grew around the walls, serving as a shield. Arcane towers and guardian rune stones were erected by the elves as a means of protection.
Within the walls, the city itself was divided into parts: the Outer Sanctum and the Inner Sanctum. The Outer Sanctum was the heart of commerce, trade and lore of the elves throughout the elven realm, serving as the shield towards the heart of Istarugah, the Inner Sanctum.
Temples, spires and libraries dominated the Inner Sanctum, where it was the heart of all religious activities of the Order of Tirisfil, the religious body of the elves. Within the Inner Sanctum, at the centre stood the long-revered Ithilien Palace, where the great mind, far-sighted Queen Khoo,, High Queen of the Kingdom of Istarugah reigned for two thousand years. The Palace was the nexus of the councils of the five regions.
This day, Queen Khoo sat on her throne, looking at her loyal subjects. Standing beside her was the Holy Guardian Lady Chie Kuan, who was the head of the Order of Tirisfil. She was the embodiment of starlight, whose face reflects so.
In front of them stood Lord Afdal, Shaman of Azjoldin, Lord Timothy, Minstrel of Alterin and Lord Jerome, Arcanist of Silvermoon. Being the leaders of their respective regions, they were all summoned by Queen Khoo to answer the threat of Avernis.
“You’re all hereby summoned here to take council of the threat of Avernis, the Nether Lord who was chained by the combined powers of elves and humans two thousand years ago. Now it has broken its chains and burst forth from the crevice in Anarakor, and ravaged the lands of the Dragon-lords. The Dark Lord of the Dragon Lord Pivinesh has requested for aid. What is your will?”
Lord Afdal, one who was very short, quickly said, “Your Highness, the Dragon-lords are our foe, thus unworthy for us to help. Let us sit back, and see their destruction, thus eradicating our darkest enemies for the last five centuries.”
“I object the Shaman’s opinion on this matter, as the Dragon-lords, though evil in nature, serves…” Lord Timothy stopped for a while, “serves as the buffer zone for us. If it fails, then we’ll be exposed under the direct threat of Avernis, and we’re no match against him.”
“So what’s your conclusion?”
“Your pardon, Holy Guardian, but I wished to say that we can ‘use’ the Dragon-lords as our allies for the moment, and when the war ends, we can take the advantage to destroy their lands once and for all.”
This greatly appalled everyone, and Queen Khoo was dismayed, while Lord Jerome rebuked him, saying, “We’re the elves, and thus immortal. We’re protected by the Light, and we’re tasked to use our Light-bind powers to make the lands a better place. How can we ever consider that to take advantage over others in distress?”
“Then, Lord Jerome, what is your will?” asked Lord Timothy.
“The Dragon-lords can be treated as our buffer, but we mustn’t assail them. Instead, we must help them with all our might. Then they can relinquish their hatreds against us voluntarily. One enemy less is always better than one enemy more.”
This sentence seemed to invoke the thoughts of Lady Chie Kuan, as though as she recalled something of the past. Thus she said, “If you’re thinking of assisting the Dragon-lords, you’ve to ask for the opinions of the human Kingdom of Ossir down south, especially the Knights of Koruskan, who are staunch enemies of them since the founding of the Order.”
“We have no time to ask their opinions. They’re just humble people, not worth it!”
“Lord Timothy, if you’re to say the statement days later, you are dead for sure. The Archknight and the Archpriestess from the Kingdom of Ossir, together with the Archbishop and our princess are now on the way to here, to seek the council of us to ally against Avernis. Just for your information, the one who leads them have little tolerance to insolence and ridiculous statements.”
part 2 comes on the 26th december...
Chapter VI: Councils of the Elvenkind
The city of Istarugah was the capital of the High Elves, and it was built in a wall of silver hue. Great trees grew around the walls, serving as a shield. Arcane towers and guardian rune stones were erected by the elves as a means of protection.
Within the walls, the city itself was divided into parts: the Outer Sanctum and the Inner Sanctum. The Outer Sanctum was the heart of commerce, trade and lore of the elves throughout the elven realm, serving as the shield towards the heart of Istarugah, the Inner Sanctum.
Temples, spires and libraries dominated the Inner Sanctum, where it was the heart of all religious activities of the Order of Tirisfil, the religious body of the elves. Within the Inner Sanctum, at the centre stood the long-revered Ithilien Palace, where the great mind, far-sighted Queen Khoo,, High Queen of the Kingdom of Istarugah reigned for two thousand years. The Palace was the nexus of the councils of the five regions.
This day, Queen Khoo sat on her throne, looking at her loyal subjects. Standing beside her was the Holy Guardian Lady Chie Kuan, who was the head of the Order of Tirisfil. She was the embodiment of starlight, whose face reflects so.
In front of them stood Lord Afdal, Shaman of Azjoldin, Lord Timothy, Minstrel of Alterin and Lord Jerome, Arcanist of Silvermoon. Being the leaders of their respective regions, they were all summoned by Queen Khoo to answer the threat of Avernis.
“You’re all hereby summoned here to take council of the threat of Avernis, the Nether Lord who was chained by the combined powers of elves and humans two thousand years ago. Now it has broken its chains and burst forth from the crevice in Anarakor, and ravaged the lands of the Dragon-lords. The Dark Lord of the Dragon Lord Pivinesh has requested for aid. What is your will?”
Lord Afdal, one who was very short, quickly said, “Your Highness, the Dragon-lords are our foe, thus unworthy for us to help. Let us sit back, and see their destruction, thus eradicating our darkest enemies for the last five centuries.”
“I object the Shaman’s opinion on this matter, as the Dragon-lords, though evil in nature, serves…” Lord Timothy stopped for a while, “serves as the buffer zone for us. If it fails, then we’ll be exposed under the direct threat of Avernis, and we’re no match against him.”
“So what’s your conclusion?”
“Your pardon, Holy Guardian, but I wished to say that we can ‘use’ the Dragon-lords as our allies for the moment, and when the war ends, we can take the advantage to destroy their lands once and for all.”
This greatly appalled everyone, and Queen Khoo was dismayed, while Lord Jerome rebuked him, saying, “We’re the elves, and thus immortal. We’re protected by the Light, and we’re tasked to use our Light-bind powers to make the lands a better place. How can we ever consider that to take advantage over others in distress?”
“Then, Lord Jerome, what is your will?” asked Lord Timothy.
“The Dragon-lords can be treated as our buffer, but we mustn’t assail them. Instead, we must help them with all our might. Then they can relinquish their hatreds against us voluntarily. One enemy less is always better than one enemy more.”
This sentence seemed to invoke the thoughts of Lady Chie Kuan, as though as she recalled something of the past. Thus she said, “If you’re thinking of assisting the Dragon-lords, you’ve to ask for the opinions of the human Kingdom of Ossir down south, especially the Knights of Koruskan, who are staunch enemies of them since the founding of the Order.”
“We have no time to ask their opinions. They’re just humble people, not worth it!”
“Lord Timothy, if you’re to say the statement days later, you are dead for sure. The Archknight and the Archpriestess from the Kingdom of Ossir, together with the Archbishop and our princess are now on the way to here, to seek the council of us to ally against Avernis. Just for your information, the one who leads them have little tolerance to insolence and ridiculous statements.”
part 2 comes on the 26th december...
Monday, December 22, 2008
of part 3 for the 5th chapter
the last part for the 5th chapter:
This scared her a bit, and she walked up to the tower summit in a nervous manner, much to the amusement of Master Shang, who commented on her with sarcasm,
“Apparently the Magi took pride of their punctuality, but what I have seen today is of complete inverse. The Archbishop is right, you’ll somehow disappoint me…”
“If not because of my efforts, I don’t think you can get the reason of Dragon-lords’ request. Does that answer your question now? If yes, then can I have a seat, and to help me answer my doubts?”
Knowing that it was unwise to begrudge her, he bade her to sit down.
“Alright, Lady Yen. What are your doubts that trouble you and your mind?”
As though as blood was drawn through the first prick of the needle, this question surprised Lady Yen completely. Nonetheless, to avoid incurring his wrath, she then told him the full story of the Holy Guardian’s message, which involved the breaking of the crevice, eruption of Mt.Quindor, darkening of the skies, culling of Adium, the purge of Torheven, threat towards Quinoros and many more, eventually the feeling of all these were coming true covered their minds.
“To Istarugah for once is your wish, right?”
“What are you thinking of now?”
“All these things that you told me, half of them have happened, while the threat of Quinoros is now present. I need the help from the Elven Queen now, it is beyond me…”
“Beyond you? But you are the Archknight, the Grand Master of the Order of the Knights, and deputy head of the Five. Great are your powers, and now you telling me you cannot handle it alone?”
This remark really annoyed Master Shang, and he shouted in a manner so scary that he was like a lion roaring “What is this? You think that I’m more powerful than a god? You think that I’m divine? Too much you think of!” Then he suddenly stopped, as though realizing his error, and said, “I’m truly sorry. Even though I’m not beyond godlike, I shouldn’t have raged. Nonetheless, I expect that four of us will be ready to travel. Have some sleep under the grace of the stars.”
He left the summit, and left her to be alone there, though not before he gave her his robe to cover her from the winds. A thought arose in him, “If the Holy Guardian sees you, surely she’ll be very delighted, as one who mastered divine magic meet the master of arcane and druidism. One who beholds the grace of the moon, the other beholding the light, inevitable…” It struck to him that eventually something will happen soon, perhaps sooner than he expected…
Meanwhile, thoughts of anxiety engulfed the mind of Lady Yen. The High King has expected that she can relieve the feud and estrangement between the Knights and the Magi. Now, deep in the city of the Knights, she felt that though they were still accepting her presence, there was something amiss, something which has riled her heart for some time.
The Dragon-lords, knowing very well that they cannot meet the leader of the Knights in person, requested her to send forth their request and message to him. Knowing that she will risk the wrath of Master Shang, but got the sake of fulfilling their dire request, she took the risk and brought them up to him. It ended up that she was to go to Istarugah with him, to find the Elven Queen to answer their doubts. To her it is totally a surprise, and she resolved not to think of it anymore, until she entered the city of Istarugah. Thus, with a deep heart, she walked down the tower and walked towards her chamber, having a date with her dream.
chapter 6 commences on the 24th (or if delayed, 25th december..)
merry x'mas to all!!! -- the archknight
This scared her a bit, and she walked up to the tower summit in a nervous manner, much to the amusement of Master Shang, who commented on her with sarcasm,
“Apparently the Magi took pride of their punctuality, but what I have seen today is of complete inverse. The Archbishop is right, you’ll somehow disappoint me…”
“If not because of my efforts, I don’t think you can get the reason of Dragon-lords’ request. Does that answer your question now? If yes, then can I have a seat, and to help me answer my doubts?”
Knowing that it was unwise to begrudge her, he bade her to sit down.
“Alright, Lady Yen. What are your doubts that trouble you and your mind?”
As though as blood was drawn through the first prick of the needle, this question surprised Lady Yen completely. Nonetheless, to avoid incurring his wrath, she then told him the full story of the Holy Guardian’s message, which involved the breaking of the crevice, eruption of Mt.Quindor, darkening of the skies, culling of Adium, the purge of Torheven, threat towards Quinoros and many more, eventually the feeling of all these were coming true covered their minds.
“To Istarugah for once is your wish, right?”
“What are you thinking of now?”
“All these things that you told me, half of them have happened, while the threat of Quinoros is now present. I need the help from the Elven Queen now, it is beyond me…”
“Beyond you? But you are the Archknight, the Grand Master of the Order of the Knights, and deputy head of the Five. Great are your powers, and now you telling me you cannot handle it alone?”
This remark really annoyed Master Shang, and he shouted in a manner so scary that he was like a lion roaring “What is this? You think that I’m more powerful than a god? You think that I’m divine? Too much you think of!” Then he suddenly stopped, as though realizing his error, and said, “I’m truly sorry. Even though I’m not beyond godlike, I shouldn’t have raged. Nonetheless, I expect that four of us will be ready to travel. Have some sleep under the grace of the stars.”
He left the summit, and left her to be alone there, though not before he gave her his robe to cover her from the winds. A thought arose in him, “If the Holy Guardian sees you, surely she’ll be very delighted, as one who mastered divine magic meet the master of arcane and druidism. One who beholds the grace of the moon, the other beholding the light, inevitable…” It struck to him that eventually something will happen soon, perhaps sooner than he expected…
Meanwhile, thoughts of anxiety engulfed the mind of Lady Yen. The High King has expected that she can relieve the feud and estrangement between the Knights and the Magi. Now, deep in the city of the Knights, she felt that though they were still accepting her presence, there was something amiss, something which has riled her heart for some time.
The Dragon-lords, knowing very well that they cannot meet the leader of the Knights in person, requested her to send forth their request and message to him. Knowing that she will risk the wrath of Master Shang, but got the sake of fulfilling their dire request, she took the risk and brought them up to him. It ended up that she was to go to Istarugah with him, to find the Elven Queen to answer their doubts. To her it is totally a surprise, and she resolved not to think of it anymore, until she entered the city of Istarugah. Thus, with a deep heart, she walked down the tower and walked towards her chamber, having a date with her dream.
chapter 6 commences on the 24th (or if delayed, 25th december..)
merry x'mas to all!!! -- the archknight
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