City of IF

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[NeverNeverGirl]

i just wanted to say that i am heaps enjoying this and wil have to add it to favourites as i keep missing the polls!!! keep up the good work fats...

[Fats_Masterson]

Chapter 4: The Safehouse

The trio busied themselves in the small comfortable cave. Kerod and Jaina had searched through the supplies in the safe-house and were preparing a stew with what they had found. Darwyn was returning from outside the cave with enough wood to keep the small fire going until dawn.

“Hmm, yes! That should be enough,” Kerod said as Darwyn entered. “Just put it over there next to the fireplace,”

Darwyn scowled at the rotund middle-aged man, not that Kerod noticed, then put the wood he had gathered next to the fireplace and threw himself down upon a pile of cushions in the corner. Glad to be finished with the mans chores he drew out his sword and began sharpening it in front of the fire. He looked around the small dwelling, but Jaina was nowhere in sight.

“Good! Now that we have enough wood we can start this fantastic supper Jaina cooked up,” Kerod began, completely unaffected by the sound of metal being dragged across a whetstone, and started dishing out portions of stew. The smell was delicious; roasted potatoes mixed with wild dill and chives, with a little fresh mutton to finish the stew. The smell filled up the entire dwelling and Darwyn's mouth was watering even before Kerod passed him his own bowl.

Just as Darwyn was about to dig into his food, Jaina threw open one of the hanging tapestries and entered carrying a large loaf of bread. She crossed quickly to the table and bent down on her knees. Kerod got up and followed suit, displaying a surprising agility for such a large man, while Jaina beckoned Darwyn to do the same. Unsure of what to do and not wanting to offend his hosts, Darwyn sheathed his sword and knelt in front of the table.

When everyone had knelt in front of the table Jaina picked up the loaf of bread and began reciting:

Thank you, Mother, for the bounty you have provided us.
Let us grow on your Bounty, That we may Protect you from Your Enemies.

With that she broke the loaf of bread into three pieces and handed a piece to each of the others. After they had taken their bread Jaina looked up through the ceiling and raised her hands so they were both palms up and level with her head. She then began reciting again:

We offer our thanks and our prayers to You, Mother. We ask only that you,
Watch over us, and Protect us from that which we cannot defend ourselves.
We live in peace, as One, in your Memory.

With that she lowered her hands and looked over at Darwyn. She looked eager and motioned for him to eat. While Darwyn was used to the idea of different cultures having different beliefs, he was surprisingly uncomfortable with the idea of being blessed by a foreign Deity.

Determined not to let his discomfort show, he began eating his meal, which he soon discovered was the best meal he could remember eating. He had only meant to eat a few bites, but as he looked down he discovered he had eaten his entire bowl and a full third of a loaf of bread.

“Been a while since you've had any decent cooking, hasn't it, lad?” Kerod said, chuckling to himself. “Not to worry, you're not the first to react like that to Jaina's cooking. In the village people frequently said that her cooking could bring back the dead!”

As he finished they both turned to Jaina, who instantly flushed beet red and jumped up, and darted past the tapestries into the back room while stammering;

“Me..? Who? No...they never said that, he's just kidding. I have to...um...check on...er.. something in the... back...here...” And she was gone.

Kerod roared with laughter and even Darwyn, who couldn't remember the last time he smiled, let alone laughed, chuckled under his breath, at the shy, young, green-eyed girl. He couldn't help feeling ... something for the girl. He couldn't explain the feeling, even to himself. It had been too long since he had felt anything except the cold swift rush of vengeance. He found himself watching the way she walked and the way her cheeks dimpled when she smiled. He silently scolded himself for being foolish and immature when he caught himself, but his gaze always seemed to fall on her.

It was some time before Jaina returned to the main room. Kerod busied himself with his pipe; scraping it clean, checking the airflow, repacking it. While Darwyn checked on the fire, making sure it would last the night. He also kept an eye on Kerod. Darwyn didn't trust him. Something about his story didn't add up. The Blood Clan never left survivors, Kerod would have had to use very powerful magic to escape them, yet he hadn't done anything remotely 'magical' in Darwyn's presence. From what Darwyn could remember (which, granted, wasn't much) the Magi were incredibly fascinated with their own power. They loved showing it off, and used it at almost every occasion. No something here didn't add up.

As Darwyn was lost in his own thoughts, the tapestry keeping the doorway to the back room hidden lifted up and Jaina swept back into the room as if nothing had happened.

“Sorry, I forgot I had left something in the oven,” She muttered quickly as she vigorously attacked a wrinkle in her dress. Darwyn didn't even know there was an oven in the back.

“Oh, excellent!” Kerod exclaimed, clapping his hands together. “An after-diner snack, that would really hit the spot,”

“Which one, Monseigneur, you seem to have developed a couple?” Jaina asked dryly. “You have more than enough meat on you, you're not going to starve,”

Kerod looked stunned. Seeing his face, Jaina continued, “If I am going to be cooking on this little trip You are going on that diet we talked about,”

At once both Darwyn and Kerod jumped up voicing protests and promises that they would share in the cooking duty.

“Tut, tut. I'll hear none of that. I happen to enjoy cooking, and judging from Darwyn's reaction to my stew I doubt he cooks any better than you do, Monseigneur. I'll cook and that's final, you two can figure everything else out between you. You two would probably end up poisoning the lot of us,” she muttered the last part under her breath.

There was a moment of silence and then Kerod's deep, throaty, laugh broke the stillness of the dwelling.

“Very well, Belle. I know not to argue with you once your mind's made up. I guess I have become rather fond of Matron Saville's cooking,” Still chuckling to himself, Kerod sat down next the fire and picked up his pipe, “Now I believe I promised you a story, come, sit down. I'll tell you all that I know,”

Kerod motioned for them to sit next to the fire as he took a long draw from his pipe. Jaina pulled together a few cushions and blankets and curled up in front of Kerod, Darwyn simply sat cross-legged on a cushion with his sword on his lap. As Kerod exhaled a pungent, spicy aroma filled the air.

“Now you had asked me about the Orinth'Alen, and if I could give you more information about it, hmm?” Kerod began, using the end of his pipe to point at Darwyn and emphasize his statements. “Well, it just so happens that one of my other duties for the Council was to study the Stone itself. It is one of the most important relics of our Order, yet we know hardly anything about it. It's an amazing thing really, but you wouldn't understand,” he paused, thoughtfully, “And there are things that the two of you need to know... I guess I should just start at the beginning...

“Three thousand years ago, the world was a very different place. Vast cities made of steel and stone covered the land and reached for the clouds. People lived everywhere and did so without the use of magic. They used 'Science' to master the Forces of Nature and created marvelous wonders, not the least of which were enormous flying machines. It was a grand age. Unfortunately, something happened.

“A war broke out, we don't know who started it. In the end it didn't matter. The war was between two of the greatest nations at the time, Galaria and Valenia. We don't have any specifics of the war, but we do know that Galaria was developing a weapon, something that had never been seen before. What happened next no one could have expected.”

“I remember that war...” Darwyn interrupted almost dreamily. “It ended with fire...”

“...Raining down from the Heavens upon the continent of Galaria. Yes, I was getting to that,” Kerod finished, indignantly biting down on the end of his pipe. “Now if you'll let me continue..”

Kerod waited for some sign of acknowledgment, when Darwyn finally muttered something like an apology into the folds of his robes, Kerod began again.

“Now where was I? Oh, yes... the End of the Old World. It was utter madness. Agaia, the Spirit of the Planet herself, appeared in the sky, across the whole planet. She shrieked of oath-breakers and warmongers, and called down fire from Heaven so exact her vengeance. Magic erupted everywhere at once, raw destructive magical energies. Millions perished at once. The meteor that Agaia had called down on Galaria, shattered the continent like glass. The Sea of Stones, far to the north, is the shattered remains of that once proud nation. The few that survived the destruction of the continent were cursed by the enraged Spirit, and are now forced to forever wander, outcast and homeless, across Agaia's violent landscape.

“Galarians! Trouble-makers, all of them!” Kerod interrupted himself to spit on the floor and then looked directly into Jaina's eye's. “Now Belle, I have asked precious little of you in these last few years, but this is important,” He was deadly serious now. His voice had none of the joyful mirth or storytelling flair it had just a moment ago. “Galarians are bad news, if one ever crosses your path, leave quickly. They will act nice and proper, most of the time, but they are soulless and desperate and will stop at nothing to undo this curse of their's. Promise me.”

“Of course, Monseigneur, I promise but...” Jaina replied, but Kerod quickly interrupted her.

“Tut, I'm sorry, Belle, but I can't explain. Now where was I, again?” Kerod, absentmindedly, took another long pull on his pipe. Filling the air anew with the earthy, spicy, aroma of the pipe tobacco. “Hmm...yes, that was it. The Dark Age. The return of magic and Agaia's rage, decimated the population. Million upon millions of people died, cities were destroyed, nations fell. Humanity was scattered to the winds and left to fend for itself. As if this wasn't enough, the land itself turned hostile. Trees attacked those survivors that sought shelter in the forests, rocks would hurl themselves at those who fled to the mountains. The deserts would swallow whole villages in the night. Even the beasts of the wild became fiercer and more violent. It was a dark time, indeed. Yet, even then when Agaia's rage was at it's rawest and freshest, there were spirits strong enough to resist her commands and wise enough to see that the future lay within humanity. These spirits, ancient and powerful like the Orinth'Alen, sheltered and protected what was left of humanity. They allowed communities to reform and civilization to rebuild itself in this hostile environment.

“This brings us to the Orinth'Alen itself, almost fifteen hundred years later. It is an ancient spirit that has long shepherded and taught humanity. The village of Orinth'alen is one of the oldest settlements on the continent, as the Stone has always provided a safe environment for humans. It was here that a young man, named Orinthalus, was born and raised. He lived in this very village for fifteen years before hearing the Call. Orinthalus never wrote about this first experience, so all we have to go on are second-hand accounts and legends which are obviously embellished. However, most of the stories agree that one day Orinthalus simply got up and left the village and disappeared into the forest. He brought nothing with him except the clothes on his back. For a month he was missing, the villagers combed the forest, examined the enormous stone in the forest. They searched out from the village, as far as it was safe. The land surrounding the village was still hostile, even if the forest wasn't. No trace of Orinthalus was found. They had given up the search and simply assumed that he had wandered out of the forest and was killed by something out there. They were wrong.

“Orinthalus returned a month later. He walked out from the forest and directly up to the village square. He was dressed in the exact same clothes he had been when he left, yet he seemed larger, different somehow. People noticed his eyes had gone from a deep brown, to a sickly milky white. He had been blinded. Yet he walked, without falter and unaided, straight to top of the mound at the center of the village square. People had noticed his strange appearance and demeanor and had gathered around him, by the time he reached the top of the mound most of the village was crowded around the base, eagerly waiting to see what would happen next. Orinthalus raised his hands and the clamoring crowd hushed instantly. He then softly cleared his throat and began his first speech as Magi of Agaia:

Welcome all, I come bearing a message from our Patron, the Stone.
It wishes to thank those who live in it's shadow and give it Purpose.
It also wishes to lead Humanity back to the glory of our Destiny.
To this end, It has called me, Orinthalus, to be Its servant and messenger.
It has taught me to See, to Command, and to Control the very essence of reality.
I do not say these things to frighten or intimidate people to my service.
I am the ultimate servant, I exist to protect and shepherd humanity.
I call all those who would serve, those brave enough to See,
Strong enough to Command, and Humble enough to Control.
Come with me so we may teach the world and return humanity to
Our Rightful Destiny!

“Orinthalus did many great things after this. He was the worlds first Magi. He traversed the continent searching for those that would understand his lessons and bring his teachings to the world. In the end he found only nine students capable of mastering the essentials of magic. These nine were the founders of the Nine Houses of House Magic. It is through these Houses that magic was taught to the world at large. Humanity was finally able to fight back against the environment. Tracts of land were tamed and cities began to grow...”

The room was filled with what sounded like a snapping twig, only multiplied a hundred times. All three jumped to their feet, startled by the sudden deafening sound.

“One of my 'devices' outside. It let's me know if people are coming,” Kerod said as he turned to Darwyn. “It came from over on the eastern side of the rock. About a hundred paces out,”

Darwyn simply nodded. He still didn't trust Kerod, he didn't want to leave them alone. He wasn't afraid for Jaina's safety, but he knew that Kerod didn't trust Darwyn either. This could just be a diversion to get rid of him.

If the sound was real, however, who or what could it be?

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Alright Ifians here you go, what do you think Darwyn should do?

And what do you think the sound should be?

The poll will be about Darwyn's choice, but I am taking suggestions for what the sound could be (I already have an idea but maybe {probably}, you guy's can think of a better idea.)?

[Crunchyfrog]

Nicely written, FM! I enjoyed the development of the relationships between the three characters.

The Orinth'Alen has already given up its protection over Jaina and delegated protection of Jaina to Darwyn. Darwyn may not want to leave Jaina's side, then.

We are still no wiser about the Blood Clan, who the Orinth'Alen has told her to beware. Are these the Galarians the Wolf Snakes that had previously attacked Jaina and Kerod?

Whoever they were, I believe it is these wolf snakes who are again approaching.

I think Darwyn should stick with both Jaina and Kerod, and find out everything Kerod knows about these beasts, and of course, the Blood Clan. I have a feeling the two groups are related...

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[Fats_Masterson]

I have to admit Z, that I have been developing this story for quite a few years now. And I know that the idea of post nuclear fantasy stories are popular as well. However, I decided to continue with this story for some very important reasons.

To begin with, a small detail but, the war that broke the world wasn't nuclear. Secondly, the war and it's effects on the world are very much a part of the story and plot (even though we don't know it yet ;) ). It will soon become apparent that the war is more than just setting. Lastly, I hope to develop the setting as more than just another fantasy world. I plan to focus more on the differences from our world to the world of Agaia.

[NeverNeverGirl]

I am getting the feeling that the war had to do with genetic mutations and that the wolf snake people are a result of the experiments that pee'd Agaia off.

As for what Darwyn should do? He should stick to Jaina. If the old bloke has the ability to set up magical perimeteres then suely he can tell who is coming?

And who is coming? Someone new and entirely unexpected. A herald from Darwyns former mistress/employer. No. A hitman from his former employer.

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[Fats_Masterson]

Oh I'm not being defensive, I quite agree with you. I was just stating my reasons for choosing this setting. I feel that setting should be more than just window dressing. The difference between sci-fi and fantasy is just setting, so one's choice of setting should be for a reason, more than just; dragons are pretty, or lasers are cool.

Although, if you can make a good story on those ideas, power to you. I'm just a little anal retentive. ;)

[Fats_Masterson]

Ok guys, sorry I've been away for awhile. RL is really bogging me down. Anyways I just wanted to tell everyone that I'm back and I'll be posting a poll on Monday or Tuesday. So if anyone has any last minute suggestions speak now or forever hold your peace (or at least until the next poll)

[Mephistopheles]

nicely written masterson. wish that i had caught on to this one sooner! as for the approaching entity? my first thought was a servant of either the stone or Fate. but intent, well, the tone would be for help, the fate, perhaps to warn? otherwise, no ideas, right now. good job though!

[Fats_Masterson]

Ok Poll's up!

Sorry about the wait, I've just been really busy and have been concentrating my energies elsewhere. No excuses, though!

I hope I got everyone's ideas in here, and I added a few for interests sake, but if not PM me and I'll fix it up.

I hope to run the Poll until Friday or Saturday and have a new chapter up some time next week.

[Crunchyfrog]

For the second time in a row I have changed my mind on voting!

I think this last one could prove an avenue for suspense, if Jaina is left alone.

:D

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[NeverNeverGirl]

voted soemthing that i completely cant remember.. opps sorry
will try to remember

[Fats_Masterson]

Ok guys, I've got some input...it's been awhile since the poll went up...and the poll isn't tied. I figure if it stays this way until Sunday night, I'll close the poll and get a chapter out to you wonderful folks as soon as possible.

[Cyberworm]

Heh, I just got here and catched up, so count on another reader in here... :D

[Lilith]

Hey there! Nicely done this 4th Chapter, Fats. And don't worry about the RL thing... it happens to the best of us. Keep going with this! I want to see what happens!