part 1 of chapter 9

today begins the 9th chapter of the story:

Chapter IX: Plight of the Dragon-lords

The Great Tower of Dragon in Quinoros was the nexus of the power of the Dragon-lords. From there many decisions took place, such as every invasion against the Knights, quelling of any rebellion and schemes which can be said as diabolical.
Quinoros itself was the capital of the Dragon-lords for a time period of seven centuries. Built on a volcanic plateau near the volcanic mountain of Mt.Quindor, the sky above it was always dark and flaming red.
“How about the recent situations?”
“My Lord, Angobar was utterly destroyed. Avernis is heading forth, preparing a second assault against Nirven. We have repelled them once, but we can’t repel them twice. What about the aid you seek?” Lord Reshan responded in dismay.
Lord Pivinesh then answered, “I requested the Archknight in Koruskan, but you know, Lord Reshan, that months before we were constantly at a state of war. Never before we seek aid from our adversaries.”
“Then what’s the outcome?”
“By the grace of the Archpriestess of the Magi, the Archknight agreed, albeit reluctantly.” The Dark Lord looked at his subordinate, while Lord Reshan tried to know the full details. He managed to secure his line at Nirven and Osgorain from the minions of Avernis, however he knew it very well of a fact, that he was failing.
Meanwhile, Lord Sai Keet of Angobar managed to evade capture, and came to them. He reported that the city was completely destroyed, and Avernis had managed to grow into full power. Worse off, from this moment, he would probably begin to lead the attacks himself. “We cannot hold him at all,” he said.
“Your fears are right. Our forces cannot defeat him, and we’re fighting a losing war here. Help must come soon, as our time is never enough. Everyday lost hastens our defeat.” replied Lord Pivinesh.
“What about the High Elves of Istarugah?” asked Lord Reshan. He expected that help would eventually come and deliver them from their plight. The High King Ashvin has agreed to help should he can obtain the consent of the Knights. As for the High Elves, they had to wait, as they had no way to even go near the city itself.

Queen Khoo saw all these in her meditation pool. From there, she then asked someone to summon Master Ran and Lady Valerie. They arrived within a few moments.
“Greetings, great Queen. What is your wish?”
“Tell Master Shang to contact the High King that I’ll go to Koruskan soon, to discuss of the matters of war. By the way, where is he?”
“Still in a discussion with the Holy Guardian.” replied Lady Valerie.
Meanwhile, at Elostirion Pool, Lady Chie Kuan gave Master Shang a bowl containing the water from the pool. The water was hallowed and should one drink it, his or her stamina would be replenished. He immediately drank it, aware of its effects
Lady Chie Kuan smiled, and gave him another bowl of water. However, as he tried to drink it, a bolt of fire appeared suddenly, much to his shock.
“This is what happens if a vigor of rage and anger is present in a soul. It will taint even the holiest of minds. Same goes to you, your anger and rage effectively scared her off your presence. Your emotions has nearly mastered you just now.”
“I know,” replied Master Shang, “this rage of mine is hard to control. I have my own principles to adhere upon. One mustn’t trust anyone so easily, vigilance is a must.”
She gave a sigh, grieved that her friend here had really lost control of his mastery to trust. Lord Len Jin of the city of Torheven delivered their plight to her, and she was fully aware of the fact that the Dragon-lords were desperate for help. As such, she had to be quick and decisive in action, as this cannot afford to be delayed. However, Master Shang’s anger served to be a blockage of this.
“I’ve spoken to her, and she asked you to agree on the Dark Lord’s request.”
“Where is she now?”
“Tower of the Light, if you wish. But please do not disappoint her anymore.”
He nodded his head, and left.
As both Master Ran and Lady Valerie left for Ossiros, Queen Khoo came to speak with Lady Yen.
“Are you still hurt by his words?”
This sentence, though only seven words long, was enough to comfort her. Thus she replied, “Your Highness, I’ve expected things like this to happen anyway. Even though so, he’s just trying to protect himself from any external harm.”
“I sensed something amiss,” said Queen Khoo, “there exists a possibility that you’ll be someone whom he worried. Backstab, I fear. By the way, he’s leaving soon.”
“Why?”
“To tell the Dragon-lords that we agreed to help them, and to invite them to attend a great council in the city of Koruskan. He may be threatening with his words, but he’s overall benevolent. He seems to care for you, no less than the Five, more than others. I advise you to see him before he leaves at dawn tomorrow.”
“Ishnu-dal-dieb, I will,” answered Lady Yen, who out of the blue heard something of summoning deep in her heart at the same time, and suddenly she felt so shaken. Never before was the effect so great, so great to such an extent that she couldn’t withstand it anymore. She fainted right at the spot, much to Queen Khoo’s surprise.
At this time, Lady Po Ee turned up, and also showed surprise at the scene. Queen Khoo immediately commanded that she was to be taken palace for healing. Immediately the order was obeyed, while Queen Khoo headed to the Elostirion Pool to get some healing water.
She met Lady Chie Kuan on the way, and asked for the whereabouts of Master Shang, who got the idea to leave Istarugah immediately to meet the Dragon-lords, was preparing himself for the departure, at the gates near the Inner Oriental Gate. Queen Khoo asked her to look for him.
With a speed swift as the high winds of the north, she ran through the pools and fountains all the way to the Gate, until she saw Master Shang with his horse. “Halt! Something is at hand!”
“I felt my heart shaking as well, my Lady. The face of mine looked pale, right?”
“Exactly. I think that something’s amiss. I suppose that you feel it right?”
Immediately when Master Shang heard this question, he replied, “The Archpriestess fainted due to a sudden surge of power from the East assailing her heart. This I felt, it shook the core of my mind. It will be a lie should I say that I’m unaffected.”
“Anar’alah belore, I know as well. Perhaps you should delay your trip there?”
“Though I can’t present myself there, I’ll still contact them via telepathy. Give me some time.”

the next part will be posted on 21st february 2009...