High above in the darkening sky, six of the planet's nine moons shone brightly, sending down their comforting rays as guidance for the coming night. One by one, bright, twinkling stars came out, giving the quickly fading day sky an almost magical look. But below, weary travelers trudged on, barely noticing the approaching end of the day.
Jeneta sighed with fatigue as she held on to the reigns of the horse she was riding. More than anything, she would have liked to just find a town....any kind of town, and just rest and actually sleep in a BED. For almost three days the group had been traveling, looking for the spot where the last Sacred Medallion was thought to have been. But in all that time, nothing had appeared...nothing even remotely signifying that the medallion was anywhere near where they traveled. For the past couple of days they had to make due with sleeping on the ground in the now open terrain, barely any trees to give them shelter and protection from any wild animals. Only a bright large campfire...made clumsily by Kondolar, offered any warning for those nocturnal animals to stay away.
Just then, Jeneta's empty stomach grumbled, and she blushed harshly, hoping no one else heard it. That was another thing hard to deal with. The group had no choice but to live on the short supplies of berries and roots available in the region. Thanks to Angeni's knowledge of living off the land, she was able to detect and recognize plants and shrubbery that were safe to eat base on what was growing around those same shrubberies, and which weren't. I sure hope SOMETHING happens soon. Jeneta thought to herself with another sigh. If this keeps up, I don't know if we'll SURVIVE long enough to find the last medallion.
At that moment, Heather rode up next to her, a worried look on her face. "Are you okay Jeneta?" she asked. She adjusted her glasses on her nose, then tucked back a strand of blonde hair behind her ear.
"Oh...yeah, I'm fine. I'm just a little...worried," Jeneta lifted her head and looked into Heather's eyes. "Heather...what if....what if this is the wrong way? What if I lead us away from the last medallion instead of towards it? Or...or maybe Master Yelsnid was wrong, and I didn't notice?" She hung her head once more. "Somehow..I think I'm supposed to be the leader here, but now look at me...getting everyone lost and maybe even dying in this place! What if -"
"Jeneta, stop it!"
Jeneta looked up in surprise at the English girl, her eyes widening. When Heather knew she had Jeneta's full attention, she smiled softly. "Look, ever since we got here, you've shown nothing but loyalty, strength, and dedication to everyone and our mission here. I don't know if we would have even made it this far if it weren't for you. If that doesn't make a bloody good leader, then I don't know what does." She winked and laid a hand on Jeneta's shoulder. "We'll get through this, I know it. We just have to be a bit more patient."
"Heather...I -" Jeneta could barely speak the words of gratitude she felt then. All her life, she had always doubted herself. No one had ever really taken her seriously because of her small size and the fact she was originally born in a "developing" country as opposed to her English-born schoolmates back home. She suddenly remembered the scuffle she and Heather had shortly after Danji died, and was amazed at how far their friendship had grown since that time. Heather was consumed by grief then, as she was just realizing her feelings for the young warrior, and Jeneta knew now that despite the hurtful words Heather had said to her, it was her the blonde girl needed the strength and comfort from, and Jeneta was only too glad to give it. She knew now that Heather was trying to offer back the same strength and comfort in her time of need, and she was more than glad to receive it.
"Thanks Heather," the dark-skinned girl whispered. She smiled softly and nodded, feeling better.
Heather smiled and nodded back. "Well, at least there's some good out of being here so long. Kumraa might not be able to find us and track us down in this wilderness....and Ling's FINALLY stopped complaining and learned to shut up!" She chuckled and jerked her thumb back towards where the Chinese girl was riding her horse, a scowl on her face.
"I heard that!" she grumbled. She crossed her arms over her chest and sighed. "Man, if we ever do get out of here, the first thing I'm gonna do is take a very LOOOOOONG, hot bath."
"I second that!" said Angeni. She yawned and stretched. "And I'm NEVER going to complain about my bed being lumpy or small ever again...not after these last couple of days."
Sitting behind her on the horse, Kain had a thoughtful look on his face. "Oh, I don't know, I didn't think it was that bad." He then looked down on Angeni with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Beside...I'm sure the rest of you girls wouldn't have wanted to miss a chance to sleep next to a stud like me.....like Angeni did!"
Prya giggled as the rest of the girls looked at the young man in disbelief, then rolled their eyes. "Are you kidding me?" muttered Ling disdainfully under her breath.
Angeni looked behind her and flashed him an annoyed look. "You know, I don't know if girls here like that kind of attitude, but if you were back home in America and said something like that, you'd get beaten to a bloody pulp!"
Kain looked at her curiously. "Aaaa..merik..ka?" He blinked his eyes. "What kind of name for a country is that? I've never heard if it."
"Oh! Errr...never mind!" Angeni chuckled nervously and waved a hand. "Forget I said anything."
Kain smirked and cocked his head. "Well, no matter, I'm sure girls would dig me in that strange country too!" he laughed.
Angeni glared at him for a moment before turning back around as if she was surveying the land. Then unexpectedly, she reached back her hand and backhanded Kain across the face, making him fall off the horse clumsily with a strangled yell.
She pretended she didn't notice he fell, then at the loud laughing of the others, she stopped the horse and turned to see him on the floor, covered in dust. "Oops! Oh dear, I'm so sorry! I thought I was shooing off a fly...or some other kind of insect!" she said in mock innocence. "Oh my, are you okay?" She gave him her own version of the mischievous grin he loved to give.
"Just fine, thanks!" he said through gritted teeth. He hopped back on the horse, sitting behind her, and wiped a little dirt off his cheek. "You know, keep acting like that, and I might think you actually like me!"
She turned to give the young man a shocked look, not believing he would say anything like that. Then unable to find any remark to shoot back at him, she could only turn her head quickly back around and whip her long braid behind her. "Humph!" she breathed out as she urged the horse to move on.
A moment later, she finally thought of something to yell back at Kain, but just then, the figures of Djoser, Tao, and Kondolar came riding up fast towards them, the very last rays of the sun sending their long shadows before them.
Djoser was the first to reach them, his eyes wide. He stopped his horse and beckoned the girls to follow him. "Everyone, this way, quick! I think we may have found something! It could be a clue to the last Sacred Medallion!"
"Finally!" shouted Ling. She was glad more than ever that Djoser and the rest of the boys decided earlier to go on ahead and scout. Each girl urged her horse into a hard gallop, following Djoser for nearly half an hour until they came to a groove of trees with a small clearing in the middle. Sitting in the middle of the clearing was a small statue sitting on top of a stone painted black and grey. The statue looked to be very old...at least a few hundred years old. The statue was made to resemble an animal that looked to be a cross between a cow...judging from its horns...and another strange animal that the girls couldn't quite place. The animal had six legs and a long bushy tail. What looked to be a large bushel of wool was chiseled on top of its head, and its long snout was open and looked like it was about to eat something. Surrounding the statue were long poles with black rope attaching them together, with small red flags on top of it. In all, it looked like a shrine to a long forgotten god. The group stared in awe at the small shrine as they dismounted their horses.
"Wow..." Prya breathed out. "Is this some sort of prayer grounds?" She looked at Djoser curiously.
"I'm not sure. My studies in school on this country....this continent was very limited. It was too far away. But...I think I've heard stories of a god that might look like this. Like one of the many bedtime stories I used to hear." The young prince moved a little closer to the statue, his eyes narrowed as he tried to remember.
"A god? Then this could be the one that'll give us the last Sacred Medallion!" said Jeneta, walking up next to him. "We have to find some way to awaken it and plead our case."
"Yes, but how?" Tao stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I don't think it might be as easy as tapping it on the shoulder and telling it to wake up."
"I don't know, but we have to at least try!" Jeneta said. She was just about to ask if anyone had any suggestions, when the sound of hooves beating on the ground came up from behind them. They all turned just in time to see a small figure riding a horse gallop up to them. In the early evening light, they could just make out that she was a young girl, only just reached her teens and barely out of childhood, with long dark brown hair and pale skin. But even before she reached them, they all could tell something was wrong....very wrong.
Jeneta was the first to see the stain of blood on the girl's shirt as she finally reached them. Her lips trembled for a moment as she tried to stay steady on the horse...but it was too much for her, and she simply slipped off and fell to the ground. Frightened, the horse whinnied on its hind legs and ran off.
"Oh my gosh!" Heather gasped out. She and Jeneta were the first to reach her. Gently they lifted the girl's head high and tried to assess the injuries she had. On her chest, right above her just developing breasts, was a large, very nasty and deep sword slash. The girl moaned softly in pain as her dark eyes fluttered open after Jeneta gathered her in her arms. When she saw Jeneta and Heather's faces, she tried to raise a shaky hand, but couldn't.
"Please...help.." the girl rasped out. "My...people! There were....demons..devils in black! They're...attacking! I..have to.....get help...from the..Goddess." The girl painfully turned her head and looked at the statue, but even in her young years, she knew she wasn't going to make it.
"What? What do you mean? What's happening? Please, stay with us!" Heather gently took the girl's head in her hands. "Please, you have to talk to us!"
"No, she doesn't. Look!" Djoser pointed ahead. Off in the distance not too far away....maybe a couple of miles, a large plume of smoke was rising in the air up to the now blackened night sky. A red glow reflected from under it, making it obvious that an attack had already happened.
"Please...pray to...the Goddess. Please..help us." The light was beginning to dim in the girl's eyes, making Jeneta only want to hold her closer. The girl looked up at Heather with tear-filled eyes as everyone watched silently, their hearts breaking for the young girl that was too quickly dying. "Tell...tell Mama...I...love her. My....Mama-" The girl's head turned to the side, and she gave one last sigh before her eyes closed forever.
"No!" Jeneta yelled out. A sob escaped her lips as she held the girl closer, almost willing her life energy into the her.
"What kind of monster would have...would have done this?" Kondolar said, his hands balling into fists.
"Kumraa," Tao said with loathing. "He'll pay for this...I swear!!"
For a long moment, no one said anything, the scene almost too sad to comprehend, then Djoser stood to his full height and laid his hand on his sword hilt. "Come on!" he commanded. "We have to see if anyone survived!"
No one needed to be told twice. With sadness growing in her heart, Jeneta gently laid the girl down and hurried with the others to her horse. Don't worry, small one. Jeneta thought to herself. We'll avenge you and everyone's death. I swear it!
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The group rushed as fast as they could, but even as they arrived on the horrific scene, they knew there was very little chance they could be of help to anyone. The place they reached was a small encampment...or at least used to be, made by the group of people that were obviously traveling from a great distance, and hoping to stop for a good night's rest.
All around were burning tents, carriages, and supplies. There was an eerie silence in the night air as the fires ravaged everything. Jeneta gulped as she and the others continued to walk through, keeping a safe distance from the fires. Everywhere they looked, there was carnage. Even the bodies of horses burned, the fire peeling away the flesh from their bones. Bodies of men and women were scattered all about, some with their hands stretched out as through begging for their lives.
Prya gasped and pointed to the left. When the rest of the group saw it, their hearts nearly stopped. Not far from them were the bodies of a group of children, their still faces streaked with still wet tears. Most of the children didn't look like they were older than four years old....there were even the bodies of a few infants, eyes closed as if in sleep. Some looked as though they stabbed through with a sword, others strangled.
"This...this is terrible." Jeneta said, falling to her knees. Tears threatened to fall as she continued to look around. "The...the children. They even killed the children! How could they be so...so heartless?!!" The tears spilled then, and heartbreaking sobs wracked her small body.
Unable to help herself, Prya too let the tears fall down her brown cheeks as she turned her head away and placed her face in her hands, knowing she would never imagine the anguish the parents must have felt seeing this. Many a time she had seen children die from malnutrition and disease in her country, and every time her heart broke at the parents' helplessness. But this...this was more than even she had ever seen in her short life.
Kondolar walked over and gently took her in his arms, giving her whatever strength he could give her.
Kain, Heather, Ling, and Angeni could only look on with helpless, sad looks. It was true.....Kumraa was ruthless, and the more time they delayed, the more innocents would die by his hand. They HAD to find the last medallion, and fast!
Unknown to them, a group of shadowy figures silently walked up towards them. Djoser was the first to catch the movement, and he quickly drew his sword out, followed by Tao. "Who's there?" Djoser demanded.
"My, jumpy, aren't we?" said a very smooth voice. The figures of about twelve men, all dressed in long, black robes, walked closer, their steps very sure and determined. They quickly surrounded the group as they looked on in surprise, making sure there was no way to escape.
"Who are you? What do you want?" Ling yelled out, going into a fighting stance.
The one who spoke...obviously the speaker of the group, stepped out from the circle they had created. "We are the messengers of all that is dark and evil. We are the ones who will make sure your deaths are long and painful to please our Lord Kumraa. We are the ones who will bring back the blessed chaos."
From under the hood, the girls could feel as well as see the wide, evil grins the men gave. "We are The Brothers Of Darkness. Prepare to die." the speaker finished calmly.
Angeni's body shook as the felt the evil presence of these men, more powerful than the other gods they have fought. In fact, the evil in them was just as strong as the evil she felt when they first met Kumraa. "You guys, we have to be careful. These guys aren't like the other enemies we've fought before."
"The Brothers Of Darkness?" Heather narrowed her eyes at them, dismissing Angeni's warning. Her hands balled into fists. "You're the ones who slaughtered all these people, aren't you? All these innocent people that did nothing to you!" She turned to see her friends standing around her, their faces hard and full of determination. She turned back to the group of men facing them. "We won't let you get away with this! We'll fight you, and make you PAY for what you've done!"
"Really?" the speaker said, cocking his head to the side. "Well, you can try." The man threw his head back and laughed.
"Oh, we'll do more than try!" Ling raised her hand and silently called forth her sword, followed closely by Heather, Prya, and Jeneta.
"How brave." the man snarled. "But don't be under the illusion that you'll get out of this alive. Because you won't." He reached up and gently pulled back the hood from his head, signifying the others to do the same. In the light of the six moons that shone down, the girls could see that the evil that had invaded these men had twisted their features so much, they barely resembled anything human. Lips and eyes and noses were grotesque and mismatched, almost as though they were put together by a child.
But whatever more thoughts they had on the looks of these men were cut short, as they suddenly charged, swords glowing in their hands. "Destroy them all!" their leader commanded.
For the next few, long moments, each one of the group of friends fought desperately for their lives, hoping beyond hope that they would make it through alive, and avenge those who have lost their lives this very night.
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To Be Continued....
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