of the beginning of chapter 10

the tenth chapter of the 1st part at last...

Chapter X: The Dark Tide Invades

Inside the Ithilien Palace, the lights of the lamps shone through the Room of Healing. Within the room, there were only three people present, who were Queen Khoo who sat on a chair, Lady Chie Kuan who sat near her queen and Lady Yen, still haven’t recover from the aftershocks of the effect.
“What happened?” Master Shang rushed in, and he felt an intense headache in him. Immediately he collapsed, and Queen Khoo walked to him, trying to get him up. It was quite obvious that he knew that the queen knew what befell.
“Well,” said Lady Chie Kuan, “the waves of summoning were too great for her to withstand, thus she fainted. It can imply only one thing, which is that Avernis has returned to full power, hence the full strength of all the factions is needed.”
Queen Khoo began to channel her healing powers once again, in her attempt to heal the devastating effects inflicted on both Lady Yen and herself, but once again to no avail. The reason behind was that her powers were not applicable to heal, as the two forces cancelled each other out, rendering the process useless.
“I’ll go to the Elostirion Pool for a moment, by the way I feel that her hands are cold,” said Master Shang in concern, not for anyone, but for the safety of the two kingdoms. He left his sword at the bed where Lady Yen lie upon, then walked out.
“What do you feel from his sword?”
“Your Highness, a great aura emanates from it. One can feel warmth when the wielder’s intent is of benevolence, as it can cancel out all dark spells. The protection is divine and none better. Probably she’ll be awake in an hour’s time.”
That night the stars were veiled, moonlight has diminished. Right in front of it many High Elves perceived danger, some even knew what it implied. Master Shang, as the Archknight of the Kingdom of Ossir, felt himself obliged to call for a council soon. “Peril is coming forth, as the darkness is spreading.” He thought, but now he had only one thing in mind, which was to cure the aftershocks suffered by his beloved lady.
Apparently Lady Chie Kuan was right about the effects of Master Shang’s sword, as Lady Yen woke up about an hour later, asking of her whereabouts, and what happened. Patiently Queen Khoo told her everything, while she showed her the sword, the latter broke down, and all were surprised to see it.
“Where is he now? He cannot hide away like this.”
“Be calm, my lady,” replied Lady Chie Kuan, “I personally think that he’ll eventually return to Koruskan soon. He’s now in the Elostirion Pool, probably meditating to find out the truth and happenings in the Dragon-realm. Let me take you there.”
Lady Yen nodded her head, and both left to find him. They managed, but the face of Master Shang was so pale, greatly differed from his look about an hour ago. Wanting to know what happened, they quickly rushed there, only to find him greeting them in a strange manner.
“Don’t talk to me now. I feel very tired.”
Upon looking at him, Lady Yen said nothing but an elven sentence, “anor tor inor isildin” which literally meant “may the light of the sun not consumed by the shadow, and to be protected by moon’s grace”, much to Lady Chie Kuan’s surprise, who quickly asked her regarding her it.
“You… you can speak the speech of ours?”
“Important is one to master several tongues,” she answered, “I suppose that he understand it as well, as he always used this speech to converse with me whenever he had the chance. Perhaps you’re the one who taught him this, right?”
Lady Chie Kuan just stood there, “I’ll leave you with him, as I got to do some preparations for the travel southwards to Koruskan.” Giving her the sword of Master Shang, which she asked it to be returned to him, she then went off, leaving the two masters of their respective orders alone.
“How do you feel now? Are you still alright?” asked Master Shang.
Recalling the offensive words that he hurled at her before, she decided not to answer him directly. Thus she asked again, “Given your condition now, don’t you think that I should be the one asking you?”
“I know that you still begrudge me for being offensive at you. Sometimes I felt that I think too much , too vigilant of anything that moves. I should have faith in everyone whom I befriend, including you.”
Now she decided to ask him another question, “How do you know that I can learn the elven tongue from you at the first place?” Master Shang just smiled, and answered, “Instincts…”
He was now deadly tired, as unbeknownst to her, he transferred part of his energy to her via his sword just to cure the effects. All of a sudden he remembered the thing he treasured the most - his sword, which was like his life and wife to him.
“Master Shang, you proved your grace as the Archknight, in which I have not realized at all before. But by entrusting your sword to me, I know that you had placed your trust on me. Thank you, be united with it, as I know it’s your life. Good night, we have a long journey ahead soon.”
Expecting him to be silent, Lady Yen left, but Master Shang muttered, “ithil tor innor zin” which meant “the grace of the moon protects her corporeal embodiment”. Reunited with his sword, he hugged it and entered his dreams.

the next part will be posted on 7th march...