by Katrina Drake                                                    go to the home page of the e-zine of FTL
 
 
 

Kim knelt on the large silk pillow in front of the small fireplace. The inn's lodgings were not as roomy as the young princess’ suite in her father’s palace had been, but she liked it.  As much of her childhood she had spent in the temple training, it had been much closer to home than the palace in the father city of the empire had ever bin. This place here was small and cozy, reminding her of the temple room and the safety therein.  She smiled, finding her thoughts fading back to the day she met Daji, the day her life would change forever.

It was late spring in Moruche, one of the port towns in the Empire of the Golden Dragon. Kim was in the market district running an errand for Master Yoshi, her mentor in the sacred arts of Khro Mo. It was midday when she came across the young ebony-skinned woman arguing fluently with the local oddities merchant. It seemed her "pet" had borrowed a few items from his cart, and he was demanding payment. Kim watched in amazement as the exotic woman, dressed in flowing robes of greens and golds, engaged in a battle of wits with the man, speaking the language of the empire like a native. Kim found herself chuckling as the merchant finally threw his arms up in defeat, allowing the woman to walk away unmolested, a satisfied smirk on her face.

As the woman walked towards her, Kim watched her in awe, amazed by her strength of spirit and the proud way she carried herself, though obviously a stranger to the Empire. The woman caught the young student's gaze, and smiled, her ivory teeth contrasting dramatically against her dark skin. Kim stood there transfixed until startled by a sudden movement under the cloth of the woman's right shoulder. A small, pointed, almost comical face peeked out, and looked around in interest. Kim was not sure what the creature was, but assumed that must be the pet the man spoke of.

Kim closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of the fire chasing away the sharp chill of the winter air, reminding her of the sun's warmth in the marketplace. The young woman's mind only returned to the present as she felt the very cold, tiny nose nuzzle her bare neck "Yes Azu, I know you're hungry." Pulling a knife from the sheath tied to her thigh, Kim retrieved a bit of bacon from the pan in the fire, blowing on it to cool the meat. The champagne colored ferret slid down the high collar of her sheath dress, and landed in the lap of the deep-sea blue silk gown. Kim chuckled as he leaned his tiny paws on her chest, looking up at her expectantly for the tasty treat.

As she held out the meat for him to chew on, her gaze turned to the dimly lit writing desk. Daji had been there all night, bent over like an old scribe, pouring over stacks of book in search of something. Out of respect Kim tried not to interfere with Daji's magic studies, but she worried when the mage became so lost in them she neither slept nor ate.

Setting Azu on the floor to finish his meal, Kim grabbed the mug from the shelf on the far wall, and moved to her backpack to retrieve a small pouch. Taking out a handful of specially mixed herbs, she tossed them in the bottom of the mug and went back to the fire. Filling the vessel with water, she took one of the two plates on the floor and began to fill it with a few large chunks of meat and the flat bread that had been cooking in the fire. She herself preferred a lighter menu, but these were Daji's favorites.
Skimming the herbs that floated at the top of the tea, and tossing them to the flames, Kim took the plate with the utensils resting on it, and the mug, and walked towards the writing desk. As she stood behind Daji, she leaned down to gently kiss the back of her neck, and whispered soothingly in her ear. "You should eat, my love."

Daji sighed in frustration, roughly pushing the stack of books to the back of the table against the wall, and leaned back in her chair. "I'm not getting anywhere so I might as well!" Realizing her sharp tone, she looked up at Kim and smiled. "I am sorry, my little princess. I am tired and cranky." Taking the plate and tea, she sat them on the space she had just cleared at the desk. "Thank you. I think if I didn't have you to watch over me I'd work myself till I just faded away." Pulling the tiny, slender young woman into her muscular lap, Daji smiled mischievously. "I can't complain though. I couldn't pick a more welcome distraction."

Kim's deep hazel, almond shaped eyes twinkled in amusement. "Eat before it gets cold." Her heart fluttered a bit as Daji pulled her close suddenly, allowing Kim's small legs to straddle the dark woman's waist. "Daji!" Her tone was playfully indignant.

Daji's laugh was deep and heartfelt, her right hand supporting Kim’s back firmly. "Mmmmm....yes I'd much rather study you." The young mage stroked her beloved’s straight, jet colored hair, her hand moving to the sensitive spot in the small of Kim’s neck. There rested the pendant of her lover's clan, a golden dragon, the symbol of her homelands and her guild. Moving it aside gently she began to kiss the slender neck that hid beneath it, smiling as her princess sighed contentedly. Pulling Kim close against her, Daji moved her free hand to the slit in Kim's sheath dress, and as she caressed the delicious throat with her lips, her hand moved to more hidden places. As their lips met in passion, neither of the women noticed the mischievous look cross the tiny creature's face sitting on the shelf above them.

Daji jumped in surprise as Azu leapt from the shelf above them to the desk. "So, what you working on?" The ferret asked curiously, his nose already beginning to disturb the stack of papers.

Both women laughed, and shook their heads in resignation. Daji gave her familiar the best cross look she could muster, the light of the candle dancing in her dark eyes. "The village has those strange stones in the hills near the big temple, but no one seems to know their history. I was just doing a bit of research."

Azu crawled from the table to his master's shoulder, his normally sharp, chittering voice, now soft and old. "The Stone of the Ancients." He bobbed his small head. "No wonder you’re having trouble with your research. They were here long before any written histories so I doubt you'll find anything but rumor. I have heard many lands call them the Dragon Stones. It is said they exist in some form on all worlds."

"Worlds?" The thought of such a thing was too much for her to try to contemplate. Daji shook her head and sighed. This had suddenly gone become way beyond her. When she had first received her familiar she had been less than pleased at the form it had taken, but now she couldn't imagine life without him. Mostly he was a clown, getting into mischief whenever, and wherever he could. Then there were times like now, she found him to have a deep wisdom to go with his ancient spirit. "I thought it might have something to do with the attacks on the village as of late. We promised we'd try to help."

Kim had not seen the stones her lover was speaking of when they arrived yesterday.  Upon hearing some of the attacks that had occurred in the area Daji had searched the vast area around the village for clues, sending Kim to meet with the counsel of elders.  Most of the council had seemed grateful for the newcomers and their offer of help, though Kim had sensed a bit of resistance from the mayor himself. Kim did know the name Dragon Stones, however. They were a holy place near the temple where she had studied back in the empire. Legend told of them and the great power held within. It was also said that anyone who touched them, and was unworthy would meet a terrible fate. "Maybe whoever is attacking the people here is after the power of the stones. If they are like the stones of my land they are covered with strange runes, yes?” Daji nodded. "It is said anyone who controls them wields the power of the Ancients themselves."

"If that is what they are after, they will keep coming back till they have what they want…or we can destroy them."

Kim smiled and leaned forwards to kiss her beloved gently on the lips. Looking deep in her eyes, she smiled comfortingly. "Then we must prepare for their return."
 
 

Kim knelt down in the low grass that covered the only entrance through the mountain pass. A small force might be able to make it over the jagged rock, but if they were to bring a larger group from the north, they'd have no choice but the come through here. The pit trap she set would be able to stop a few, but she hoped the magical wards that Daji was setting around the village itself would slow them down even more. Satisfied the trap had been camouflage completely, Kim turned to head back down the trail.

As Kim reached the village she could see Daji and the mayor arguing loudly. As she grew closer, their voices carried far enough for her to hear clearly. "This is our home. We will not be chased from it by a bunch of heretics!"

Daji sighed, gritting her teeth. "Fine, then get everyone into your temple. It seems to be the sturdiest building in this town." The mayor sighed and nodded reluctantly, turning to gather the villagers. "Be sure to take plenty of supplies in case the battle goes badly."

Watching the man walk away, a despairing look crossed the young mage's face. She knew these people followed Filia, the goddess of creation, and held fast to their faith in her protection, but Daji could only shake her head. She appreciated they prayed to the daughter, and had to respect their strength of faith, but she couldn't understand the temple to her that they cared for so diligently. The three ladies, according to the beliefs of Daji's people, should always be worshiped together so the others did not grow angry and jealous. Filia, Mater, and Avia, the maiden, the mother, and the crone, were the great trio and as a whole Daji believed them to be the most powerful force that could be called on. Even if this village did not understand that, Daji prayed silently to them for protection and guidance.

Kim found her beloved standing with her eyes closed, in the town square, and was afraid to break her concentration should she be casting her magics. When Daji's eyes opened slowly, the dark woman smiled at the sight of her princess. "Are all your traps set."

"I found every spot I thought they could access and left a rude surprise. As long as they come from the North like we've been told they do, we should be ready for them. The other paths from the mountains surrounding this place seem too sleep to climb without great skill." Kim put a hand on Daji's shoulder, opposite from where Azu was seated. "What if they use magic to cross the mountains?"

Daji shook her head. "I doubt it. The amount of magic it would take to move a large force over these mountains would drain most mages. No one would want to do that to themselves before a battle."

"Then now we wait." A cry came out from one of the two wooden towers they had built as lookouts. "I guess not." A grim smile crossed the young woman's face. As Daji dashed for the tower that was her post, Kim sped towards the line of villagers that had gathered on the path to the village. These people had decided they'd rather fight to save their homes with what they could find, then cower in the temple for safety. She understood how they felt, but still wished they had stayed behind. These were not experienced warriors, and she was sure, should the fight last long at all, many would meet Mors, the Death Bringer, this day.

As the small wall of defenders stood facing the entrance between the mountains, they could hear muffled grunts and growls moving towards them. As the first figures crested the horizon of their vision, Kim swore under her breath. The front line of the enemy could be seen clearly, and the sight made the blood run cold. Undead. Not just skeletons or zombies, though she could see some of those as well among their ranks, but some of the creatures in this accursed legion were like nothing she had ever seen. Kim had faced some minor undead before, as part of her training in the Empire. They were easy enough for a warrior to deal with, though some moved faster than others, they fell quickly when being fought hand to hand or when using her fighting sticks. These were very different. Even the types of undead she recognized looked much stronger and bigger than those she remembered facing, and the ones she didn't know looked like something out of her nightmares. "What in the name of..."

"Not sure but looks like there might be some skeletons, mummies and ghouls among them, maybe even a few hecuva too. Never seen one of those before but read about them in my studies."

Kim glanced back to see a boy, not much older than 8 or so, standing behind her, a strangely shaped dagger in one hand. He wore the trappings of the nomad clans to the east of here. Beside him was a mountainous man with fiery hair, and blue eyes that seemed to blaze as he looked upon the creatures up ahead. His Great Kilt was well kept, and his face clean-shaven. Looking more closely at the boy she laughed. "When did you get here, halfling?"

Sensing her good-natured tone, the halfling grinned. "Just a bit ago. Me and my friend thought you looked like you could use a hand."

Kim's eyes narrowed suspiciously as she remembered this was the only path in. "How did you..."

The man spoke to her in a soft voice, much unlike what she might have expected from as gruff a warrior as he appeared to be. "Tis all right, las. I kin explain. Tochenu's mother moved here a lon' time ago, an since she became ill we visit quite often. She has a...'special' mirror that we use tae come an go unnoticed when we need to. This place as become like a second home to us."

Kim nodded, vaguely remembering a tiny woman she had seen looking at her through a small window when she and Daji first arrived the day before "The sweet little lady from the tailor's shop? I didn't know she was a halfling.”  Her narrow eyes grew wide suddenly.  “You don't think someone could use her gate to attack the village do you?"

The man laughed heartily, his eyes locked on the abominations ahead. They seemed to have stopped coming forward, as if waiting. "She adopted him when he was young. She is actually from the east somewhere, I forgit specifically where. She made the portal herself an we need the amulets she gave us tae use it t'all, so I doubt it could be use 'gainst us."

"What do you think they're up to, big guy?" Tochenu stared forward at the undead army, his gaze darting around nervously.

Kim gasped as a figure rose from above the mountains. Even her sharp eyesight could only see a figure in black, flowing robes. It was almost as he had no face at all. She pointed towards the newcomer in the sky. "Maybe waiting for him!"

Daji leaned on the wall of the guard platform, staring hatefully at the figure floating towards the tower. "So you still live, Kizuu Kivuli. What a pity. I had so hoped you'd be long gone from this plane, joining your master Malum in the Abyss."

Kizuu Kivuli laughed spitefully. "Not as if you and the other Windaji didn't try their best. So, Gizamwindaji, now that we are here together shall we dance one last time?"

Daji snarled and rose into the air, the arcane power that linked her to the earth itself, crackled around her. Even though the sun had started to set, the eldritch lightning flaring around the young witch lit the sky like the sun. Kim shielded her sensitive eyes, her heartbeat pounded in her chest at the thought of her love facing this monster alone. "What do we do?"

Seeing the creatures stepping back fearfully at the light from above, Tochenu looked to his companion questioningly. "Seamus?" The massive warrior had turned his gaze to the mages’ battle above, his hand above his eyes protecting them from the harsh light. Turning to look at his small friend, his eyebrows raised questioningly. "If we beat the master, his creations might flee." Tochenu looked up at his friend hopefully.

"Mayhaps, but there is nae way tae be certain they will nae attack the village tae protect him, or in anger iffin the master is defeated. Iffin there was only a way to trap them..."

"There is a pit trap about twenty feet between them and us, but it is not big enough to hold all of them." Kim watched as the sky lit up now in flashes as the spell battle began.

Seamus bit his lower lip in thought. "Tochenu could you..."

"Already on it." Taking a flute from his inner pocket, the halfling began to play a deep, resounding tune. Kim's eyes grew wide at such a song coming from the small instrument. She could feel the ground beneath her shake slightly and she looked at the bard in surprise. "Now, can you two make them come forward?" Both nodded, and silently beckoned the villagers to move back.

Kim pulled a sling from her sash, and reached down to grab several rocks from just beyond the path. Loading them into the weapon, she began to chuck the large stones at the creature ahead, hitting one each time she threw. The tiny bard grinned, impressed at her accuracy and speed with the weapon.

Seamus closed his eyes, and clutched an amulet that hung from his neck. It was made of a blush-silver metal, circular in shape, with three female forms intertwined within the circle. The priest reached out with his free hand towards the accursed army. "The wind picked up around him, and his breathing became deep, and rhythmic. "Piuthar, Mathair, Seamhair, shoh shelghr guthair na troor dy usga vraane. Ttilg ad shoh, na breinn cruitheachd, mollachd for bith che."

The creatures began to scream, some rushing away down the path in terror, others crumbling into dust where they stood, but the more powerful undead creations became angry, rushing forward in a blind rage, only to find themselves tumble into the awaiting pit. Kim listened as they fell for a long while before crashing at the bottom and smiled. She now knew what had made the ground shake. Nodding her head and smiling, she turned to the halfling. "Impressive." Looking up, her smile faded. As the magical battle continued, both combatants seemed to be tiring quickly. Putting her sling back in its place, Kim moved towards the tower. "C'mon." Both men followed close behind as she began to swiftly climb the ladder to the platform.

Daji could feel herself drained past the point of safety, but she could not pull back now. She could tell he was weakening, but she could not chance how much. Drawing her sacred dagger of the Windaji, she leapt forward. She grabbed onto the creature's robes with the one hand, and lunging with the knife in the other. He grasped her wrist with both hands, trying violently to dislodge the weapon. Daji struggled with all her strength as the two spun in the air, locked in combat.

"Heads up, we got trouble!"

Kim had about reached the top when she felt the ladder shake beneath her and heard Tochenu call out from below. Looking behind her, her eyes grew wide. As the three warriors held fast to the rungs, a group of large skeletons had taken hold of their ladder and begun to shake it like they were trying to get apples from a tree. Looking past to where the villagers were fighting, she could see they were being overrun as well. "Where did these come from?"

"Must have been reinforcements waitin' nearby. Now what?" The big man looked critically at the distance between him and the ground, wondering if a leapt from this far would injure him or not. Seamus startled as he saw the woman who was above him fall past to the ground below, landing almost soundlessly, knees bent.[d.] Standing swiftly, she assumed her battle stance. "Well..." Seamus shrugged and dropped to the ground, wincing as he landed flat on his feet and a shot of pain went through his legs. "That was a bad idea." Pulling his flail from his waist where it hung, he moved to place his back against Kim's. "Havin' fun yet?"

Tochenu looked from battle to battle, unsure where he could do any good. It was looking bad all around and if it didn't end soon the village would be lost. He sighed in frustration. Everywhere he went he had always had trouble getting anyone to take him seriously. Sometimes he wondered if they were right, if he was just too small to ever be the hero he dreamed to be. Seamus was the only human besides his mother that had ever showed faith in him, and now the small bard felt helpless to assist his friends.

As he looked back to the mages spinning above, an idea suddenly sparked. Grinning, he clambered up the ladder, dashing to the edge of the tower platform. As he reached the wooden wall, he climbed to stand on the edge, leaning over slightly as he squatted there. Concentrating as he mother had taught him to do, he felt the energy welling in him. As his body tingled he giggled gleefully. It was working. Opening his eyes he could see the air swirling about him as he soared through the air towards the battle.

Kizuu Kivuli looked up in time to see the bird's talons as they dove towards his face. Instinctively he threw his hands up to protect his eyes, gasping as he realized his mistake too late, and flailed backwards fearfully. Taking the opportunity that presented itself, Daji sprung forward, lodged the sacred dagger deep into the necromancers forehead. As the black smoke was released, Daji let out a cry of triumph, never seeing the falcon that stealthily flew away.

As Kizuu Kivuli's screams began to fade, the warriors below were relieved the see the army begin their path back down the trail out of the village. As the ghouls reached the pit, one by one they stepped forth into it, as if forgetting it was there. Kim motioned quickly to the villagers to step back and began to search for something to fill the hole. Chuckling to himself, Tochenu walked from the base of the tower to stand at the edge of the pit after the last of the foes entered in. Playing the Song of the Earth once again, the hole began to slowly close. Sighing in contentment the halfling turned to see Seamus helping a fatigued Daji from the ladder.

"Kizuu Kivuli has been finally defeated. He will trouble this place no more." Daji swayed slightly, and Kim rushed to help her to a nearby tree, slowly lowering the weary mage to sit at its base. Daji looked up at the two men and smiled. "I thank you both for your help. We can now rest, knowing this village and the stones are once again safe."

As Tochenu moved to the group assembled by the tree, he listened to find they had finished introducing themselves and were now sharing stories like old friends. He could feel the new sense of pride and self worth welling up inside him. Tales had been told when he was little of the Windaji of the deep jungles and their fierce battle against the beings of chaos. He had heard that so few of their kind were left, and seeing one so young among their ranks, he was certain it must sadly be true. Knowing all of this, he also knew it was important to the dark huntress to have defeated the necromancer alone, a sense of honor for her clan. She need never know his part in it all. Sitting next to Seamus, he was pleased at the warm reception he got from the two ladies. Neither looked at him with scorn or annoyance, but greeted him like an old and respected friend. Tochenu began to join them all in their revelry under the soft moonlight, as the villagers returned to their homes, finally at peace.

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