Chapter 7-Not welcome in Castle Hall

I was trying to figure out what was going on, when a layer of soft and warm sparks began to circle around me. Suddenly, a swirl of purple cloud appeared on this side of the river, totally surrounding me and Souley. Iskala priest fell to his knees, coughing seriously...

I then realised the priest used a protection spell on me while he exposed himself to the gaseous fog.

‘Spirit of light, reveal thy power and glorify the holy name with triumph.’ Souley supported his body with one arm and drew symbols in the air with the other.

‘Wait! Don’t kill him!’ Cass cried out.

A dazzling light encircled the black-robed person like a shining ball. Before I could blink, the ball exploded. The light burned out and the black figure lied on the ground. Cass ran to the person, pulled off his hood and checked his pulse. I stepped into the river and walked to the other side with clumsiness.

‘Where is QQQQ? Tell me!’ Cass shaked the lifeless body desperately.

I got close. The person’s eyes and cheek deeply sank into his bones. His skin was so pale that it looked slightly green in the shadow. His eyeballs rolled then his mouth trembled.

‘Darkness will rule.’

The body stiffened. No more sound came out of it.

‘No!!!! Tell me where my daughter is!’ Cass pushed the body so violently as if he could bring him back to life by doing it. Tears ran down his face. He left the body and sat on the ground, sobbing.

‘Cass……’

The rest of group caught up. Souley crossed the river. A trace of blood was at the end of his mouth. He got down and lifted the sleeve of the body. A line of strange tatoo was imprinted on the arm.

‘These are the same kind of runes. He could be the person who created those monsters.’

‘Why did you kill him? I had questions for him.’ Cass was still crying. He spoke with dismay as well as accusingly.

‘I don’t know the rank of this person. But if his ability was good enough to possess a soul, any of us would die instantly.’ Souley’s tone was serious. ‘I am surprised a dark priest had come all the way to this island. Often, they only exercise their power in the south ……’ Before words were finished, he began to cough. Blood came out of his mouth.

‘Sir, we should go back. You need a rest.’ A warrior came forward to support the priest. Souley’s lips had gone white.

‘Let me carry you.’ Cass wiped his eyes and stood up. He lifted Souley‘s arm over his shoulder. ‘You saved my friend. I am grateful.’

The priest smiled, he then spoke to me: ‘Excavator, I am surprised a skinny Girl like you could carry out such an energetic exertion. You went after your friend so fast, none of us could catch up.’

‘Ah, it was hardwork. And thank you for saving my life.’

‘It’s my duty.’ He replied.

*

Souley promised to look up in the library for records about dark priests and their organisation. Meanwhile, Cass and I tarried around Castle Hall to find out more information for our following journey. I had sold all corns and spent the money on more powerful canons. I also found few engineers to replace some old parts of my ship. The est of Hotmail ocean  was unfamiliar to me. Uncertainty was the most dangerous enemy on the sea. It was better to be prepared.

I promised to meet Cass at our inn to exchange tidings we had collected so far. I was crossing the street when a couple of soldiers came to me.

‘Lady, our lord would like to invite you to his quarter.’

‘What lord?’

Soldiers did not answer me. They held me on both sides and pulled me as they went along. ’This way, Lady.’

‘Hang on. I never said yes.’

I tried to shake off their grip but in vain. The two soldiers were apparently determined to enforce what they had been ordered to do. I relaxed my body and let all the weight fall onto the soldiers. They quickly got hold of me before I dropped to the floor. Since I refused to walk, soldiers had to drag me along in an embarrassing manner. Everyone on the street kept on looking at me and the soldiers and what was going on between us. Hopefully, someone would be able to describe what happened to me to Cass.

After being carried through few blocks, I came to a stone building with turrets at each corner. The white house where Souley’s office was located was on the opposite side of the square. Guards at the entrace opened the gate for us. The soldiers took effort to drag me across the pebbles in the courtyard. Eventually, we arrived the main hall. A man attired in a short tunic and a feather bonnet was sitting at the end of the hall.

‘It was an effortless journey.’ I said.

‘Please forgive my sudden invitation. But I am concerned with what you have undergone in the forest few days ago.’ He waved his hand at one of servants in the corner. A chair was brought to me.

I took my time to make myself comfortable on the chair. The man seemed to be anxious to carry on what he wanted to say, but showed no sign of impatience. His rigid face expressed a good deal of self control.

‘Your priest was injured because of me, I appreciate it. But it was entirely his choice.’

‘I am glad Souley protected our guest from harm. However, I question his decision to take you and your friend into the forest and consequently put both of you in danger. It was not wise.’

‘I see. But I believe Souley uncovered a lot of useful information because of us.’

I was trying to figure out the main point of this man’s conversation. He apparently started it with self-blamed comments in order to lower my defence and bring in something against me later.

‘I have no doubt in the contribution you have made to us. However,’ his tone turned deep. ‘it is for Castle Hall’s best benefit that no stranger is meddling in this problem. If you could be considerate enough, I hope you and your friend carry on your journey immediately before our people become aware of your involvement.’

The lord of Castle Hall rubbed the ruby ring on his finger with his thumb while speaking. His dark and sharp eyes never ceased staring at me.

‘As far as I understand, Souley is eager to learn more about unusual monsters in order to put it down once and for all for your city ……’

‘The Iskala priest is currently suspended from his duty.’ The lord of the city raised his voice. ‘He is too young to handle this matter tactfully. Castle Hall is a commercial city. We can’t afford to tarnish our reputation with such a scandal flowing around people‘s ears.’

He waved his hand again. Those two soldiers came into sight and lifted me up from the chair.

‘Your ship and luggage will be ready by dawn. I hope you enjoy your time in Castle Hall and I bid you farewell.’

I was taken back to the inn. Cass was at the lobby, looking anxious.

‘Thanks heaven, you are back. Where did they take you?’

‘To see a self-centred man. Cass, listen, we……’

The owner of the inn eyed us with caution. There was no doubt orders had been given to people around us.

‘Come this way.‘

We went out the backdoor of the inn and walked down a narrow stone stairs. It led to a busy and crowded street. I mixed ourselves among people. Soldiers who were following us had to stay in distance in order not to catch common people’s attention.

‘The lord of the city wants to kick us out of this place by tomorrow morning so we won’t have chance to gossip about what we have seen in the forest.’

Cass frowned because of confusion. ’…What?…’

‘Exactly. But I don’t think we should leave before we know what Souley has found out for us. So first thing is to find that priest.’

‘Please tell me you have a plan.’

‘I will go and ask his colleagues.’

‘No way they will let you walk into his office and…..wait! Arya!’

chapter 6-The warriors of the Light

When Arya embarc on her quest, Eragon and the others warriors prepared for war.

I dont believe i will finnally use this shield and this sword again...my clothes still good as ever.-said Eragon

Finnaly we will fight together once again Eragon-said Mantelou

Yes...i was away enough time...its time for me to fight...you think i still got it?

I am sure you still have you are Eragon after all.Not even Vertuz can defeat you.-said Mantelou

She is right-said Vertuz getting closer to us-you still powerfull than me
I agree-Jokey join us-you are my teacger after all

Let´s go my friends war await for us-order Eragon

Mantelou get closer to Eragon and said on his ear "dont die, i need you"
Eragon said calm and slow "I cant let you die even if i die...after all you are my future wife"

A guy enter the room and scream"the ship is ready.What is our course?"

Eragon assume his position as captain and said"Arya already should be in Castle Hall the enemy gonna try to get her by enter Florensia by south so we should head Selina is the best island to counter them..and Selina is famous for be a fortress.so will be easy for us if we stay there.Gonna take us 1 week to get there if everything goes as plan.Let´s go"

Thats our Eragon you dont lose your leadership skills-scream Vertuz-H2O is back together

Now the hopes of the people are with us.Lets protect Florensia with our lives-said Eragon.

Then they depart from cardiff island capital Roxbury.The best warriors in the warriors of the light were ready to fight agaisnt the Dark alliance of the Elfs and dark priest.

Chapter 5-the 1st real fight

After going back to the city centre, we were led into a square white building. People inside looked at us with great curiosity. The priest directed us through a wide marble corridor and opened one of doors for us.

‘Please come in. This is my office.’

Not much decoration inside the room except a symbol of light on the white wall. A servant brought in some tea and snacks.

‘How long has those animals troubled your village? Are there always the same kind of animals?’ The priest went straight to the point.

‘What do you mean same kind of animals?’ Cass looked confused. ‘Sometimes we saw bears and wild boars, sometimes tigers and foxes. Well, at least we don’t see monsters.’

‘There used to be normal animals wandering into our living area. But people began to see monsters a month ago. It caused great fear among citizens. We have sent investigating teams into the forest, and all we found are just burned twigs and some funny marks.’-said The priest

‘Marks looks like twisted runes?’Said Cass

‘Yes. Have you seen them before?’

‘Few times near my village. I think we have something in common.’

By the time Cass and the priest came to a conclusion, I had already drunk two cups of tea and finished all biscuits in the tray.

‘Arya, the priest agrees to let us join their investigation.’

‘Excuse me.’ The priest interrupted. ‘Are you taking your friend as well?’

‘she is with me. I won’t go without her.’

The priest sighed. ‘Oh well then. I will bring more guards with us to ensure her safety.’

Next morning Cass equipped himself properly and we went to meet the priest and his contingents outside the city. A soldier and a low-ranked priest were assigned to walk next to me. The grass became higher and higher when we moved towards the woodland.

‘Maybe we should cut off the weed, sir.’ The warrior at the head of the group said. ‘It prevents ambushes.’

‘You are right. I will see what can be done.’ The priest responded.

It was quiet inside the woodland. A light charcoal smell lingered in the air. The group advanced with slow steps and everyone looked around carefully. The silence was broken up when a bird flapped its wings across branches.

Several strings of light went through layers of leaves, tossing their dim marks here and there on the damp ground. The priest pointed at certain direction; a trace of camp fire was only few steps away. He got close and put his hand on top of the ashes.

‘It’s lukewarm. Whoever staying here had left before dawn.’ He then looked around searching for footprints. ‘We go this way.’

The group moved on, going deeper into the forest. No sound could be heard from living animals now; even trees and bushes stood as still as rocks.

‘Look at those runes.’ Cass went forward and removed the branch away from a trunk. Several small rustic symbols, crawling like insects, were drawn on the tree with charcoal.

‘I always doubt those beasts are not creation of nature.’ The priest muttered. ‘So it is very possible a person wielded with dark power manipulates creatures in the wild.’

Everyone searched around for more runes. Few fresh crumbs digged up from dirt lied all the way to the impenetrable darkness of the forest. It is intermittent, but if you drew a line across those crumbs, it looked like a winding and curvy thread, twisted to one side and another.

I was curious where the trace would lead to. The further I went, the less I could see. Thick leaves and unknown shadows blocked most light. Then I noticed a tiny noise like something robbing against trees and bushes coming from behind. I stopped. An obscure figure was approaching me.

‘lady, …’ The figure spoke and it sounded out of breath. ‘you shouldn’t leave us….’

‘Ah, miss soldier. If you can help me to identify the print on the ……’

‘Lady, please come back with me.’ The soldier grabbed my arm and dragged me to the opposite direction.

‘Yes, yes. But let’s have a look of this mark first. It is interesting.’

‘You are not helping us by wandering off. Now we go this way.’

I was about to explain my intention once more, a large shadow rose in front of us. Two horrendous eyes as large as round shields sparked with eerie light. It circled around us and hissed.

‘I can’t see very well. Is it a snake?’

‘Lady, step back!’

The soldier drew his sword and stood in front of me. But he trembled so much that he could barely hold his weapon. The hissing sound got closer. Next moment a giant python  with glowing blue and green scales stepped out of the shadow.

‘Aaaarrrggh!!’ The soldier raised his sword and charged towards the monster.

I gathered my concentration. A warm and tingling sensation rushed through my blood, which made me numb but also excited. The wave of energy began to shape an unreal but visible force. Odd and strange sounds flowed out of my mouth. The old memory gradually wakened up, reviving every particle inside my soul.

i took my guns and fired then agaisnt the monster with my magic vermelion ataack...the monster was down.
‘What is that?!’ The brave solider was shocked. ‘Is it dead?’

‘It is not dead. I just put him to sleep. You go and call the rest of people. I will wait here.’ I cleaned one of rocks and sat down.

Not long afterwards the group came into my sight.

‘Arya! Stop wandering off again!’ Cass grabbed his head and screamed.

‘Sorry for my curiosity. But I think you may want to have a look of this snake.’ I pointed at the large ice cube next to me.

‘It is not a normal python.’ The priest stepped forward and looked at it closely. ‘I can only related it to the work of dark power. The best thing …’

The  python awake and starts twitched.

‘It’s back to life!’ Soldiers shouted, holding up their weapons.

I extened my finger. and vermillion ataack put the snake to sleep again

‘That will do. Please continue the discussion.’ I waved my hand.

The priest coughed. ‘The best thing to do is we carry on our expedition. Soldiers, burn this python.’

Red flame engulfed the monster. We were waiting for the priest to decide which way to go, when another shadowy figure flew across trees at the corner of our sight.

‘This is a busy forest.’ I said while my eyes followed after the shadow. ‘What do we have this time..….Cass?’

My friend pulled out of his cariead; his face had turned red because of anger.

‘It’s a dark priest. I have to catch him!’

Without any extra word, he dashed into the darkness with incredible speed.

‘Hey, you told me not to wander off. Look what you are doing now!’ I complained and wasted no time to chase after him.

Cass figure could only be seen at the very end of my sight inside the dark forest. Running was such a easy thing for a excavetor if i dont have this heavy things in me...

I did my best to follow Cass while he constantly turned to different directions. After running (crawling) up and down several slopes, a river stopped me. Cass was at the other side of the bank, slashing his cariad against a small person in black robe. The person avoided the attacks and chanted a series of awkward sound. A dark purple fog came out of nowhere and surrounded Cass. It was apparently poisonous. Cass stepped back and began to cough.

I quickly directed the energy inside my body. My guns heated up like burning. Then a white and yellow flame became visible over my gun. Without delay I threw the shotting nova agaisnt the man in a black robe.

That person groaned as the shot landed on him. Although still coughing, Cass jumped onto the enemy. He grabbed him at shoulders but bounced back right away. Pain was expressed on Cass‘s face as he held his hands in agony.

The person started chanting again. I gathered my mind, hoping to be faster than him. But before I took the action, a bright white light shooted out of somewhere , knocking the person down to the ground.

  Souley came out of the darkness. His face was red because of running. The person got up and drew some signs in the air. An invisible shield simmered around him. He then began another strange chant.

‘No! Spread out!’ Souley shouted at me.

I was trying to figure out what was going on, when a layer of soft and warm sparks began to circle around me. Suddenly, a swirl of purple cloud appeared on this side of the river, totally surrounding me and Souley. Iskala priest fell to his knees, coughing seriously.

Chapter 4 The Magnel Island, finally in Castle Hall

After passing through the thunderstorm, I had to reset our course. The ship was moved away from its original path considerably that all the measurement and culculation had to be done again. Cass had reovered from sea sick and was practising his magic on the deck.

‘We shall arrive Castle Hall in two days.’ I clapped after seeing him jumping over two barrels and tripling one of my sailors over.

‘Great. I can’t wait to go back to land.’

‘We can stay at Castle Hall for few days to search for news about Dark Alliance of the Elfs and navigation beyong this island.’

 Castle Hall is a large island with busy harbours. Merchants and advanturers from all over the world gathered here to seek fortunes. This place offered hopes as well as opportunities. Anyone could easily become a luckier person when he landed his feet here.

I ordered sailors to bring out as many sacks of corns as they could. Once this merchandise was sold, I should get enough profits to buy supplies for the following journey.

While I was talking to various potential buyers, a young man with smiling face approached me.

‘How do you do, sir. My name is Souley, the priest of Iskala temple. I heard that you are from the South Cardiff island right?’

‘Yes.’ I looked at the stranger carefully. His eyes were clear and innocent, not a single shadow at all.

‘This city is currently troubled by wild beasts at suburbs. I pray you and your companions stay within the city during your time here.’

‘I thank you for the warning. I will pass the message on.’

The young priest bowed and left.  Then I noticed there were other official-looking people addressing to new comers at the harbour in a similar fashion.

‘So they have beast problems here too.’ Cass came to me.

‘Why do animals leave their habitas? Is there anything in forests or is there not enough food? said Arya

‘I don’t think they are looking for food. At least in my region. It is more like they lost the sense of direction.said Cass
‘There may be some connections. I would like to have a thorough investigation myself.’-said Arya

‘How are you going to do it?’

‘Go for sightseeing around suburbs.’

After making arrangement for my ship and sailors and sorting out the lodging for Cass and myself,  walked through the residential area and arrived the south end of the city. Several workers were putting up fences along the field, while soldiers were guarding at side. One of them became alert when he saw me.

‘Back to the city, citizen. It’s dangerous here.’

‘I just want to look around this area for a bit. I won’t disturb your work.’-said Arya

‘Back off. If you got killed I will lose my job. Chuuu! Chuu!’

The soldier brandished his spear in front of me, trying to chase me away.

‘Ease, brother. All I want is to go over there for ten minutes. I won’t touch anything.’ I began moving to the field. The woodland was not far.

‘One more step I will arrest you! Now back!’ The soldier shouted.

‘It won’t do you any harm. I will leave as soon as I have a look around.’ I tried to persuade the soldier while struggling through the long grass by lifting the end of my robe.

‘Don’t go any further! The monsters will …… Ah, priest, please come here. There is an unreasonable man trying to go into the field.’

‘I can see. Sir, would you stop there?’

I turned around. The priest I saw at the harbour was standing next to the soldier, smiling.

‘Don’t worry. I will come back before you are off from work.’ I continued through the grass.

‘Sir, I won’t say it again.’said the soldier

Suddenly, a sharp pain ran across my body; an invisible whip was tightened around me. Totally paralysed, I fell to my feet.

‘No! Let him off!’

From far away Cass was running to this way. He dashed into the field and picked me up.

‘Are you all right?’

He then turned to the priest, glaring at him with anger. ‘What are you doing?!’

‘I apologise for the pain I incurred on you, but it is for your own safety.’ Despite of his young age, the priest spoke with a firm voice.

Now Cass turned to me, staring with anger. ‘Arya, how come you just disappeared?’

‘Well, it is only a twenty minutes tour. I don’t want to bother anybody.’ I robbed my elbow. ‘These people are quite forceful. Not even giving five minutes away.’

‘Of course not! They are here to enforce the law. They can put you into jail!’

‘So serious?’ I squeezed my eyebrows. ‘I just want to walk to the other side of the field…..’

‘Arya, this is a proper city governed by a lord and his officers. You can’t wander around like in the wild. They set up rules and people have to follow.’

While Cass and I were talking, the priest came to us.

‘I am afraid everyone in this city has to abide by our lord‘s order, no matter what his origin is. Now could you both return to the city?’

‘Are you sure I can’t go into the field? I am really curious about those wild beasts. Just a quick look ……’said Arya

‘Sir! This odd man is a country pumpkin!’ The soldier yelled. ‘He thinks he is a tourist here!’

‘I understand our customes may be strange to a foreigner, but it is for your own good. Let me escort you back to the city.’

The young priest extended his arm as a curtesy to let me walk before him. Puzzled and slightly annoyed, I couldn’t figure out why I was not allowed to go where I wanted, especially when it wouldn’t bother anyone. I lifted my robe and struggled through the grass again.

I was about to leave the field when soldiers began to mutter. Workers left the fence and ran behind bushes, setting up a row of crossbows.

‘Go back to the city. Quick!’

The priest returned to the field, giving orders to soldiers. Everyone took up his post with some sort of nerves. The grass near the woodland started moving and parting. The low beast-like noise groaned  and hawled across the opening ground. The shadow of a creature gradually emerged and made appearance in front of human eyes.

‘What the hell?!’ A soldier gasped.

A gigantic four-legged animal, no, monster, came out of the grass. The thick and dark mane grew around its large head and went along its back down to the tail. Its black fur shone with the movement of muscles when the beast walked. After glancing through the minor creatures at front with its large red eyes, the monster roared furiously.

‘Is it a …lion?’ I wondered.

‘I don’t think there’s black lion.’ Cass looked up and down the beast. ‘It doesn’t look happy.’

‘I am going to sit there and watch.’

‘Are you not going to help?’said Cass

‘That priest looks capable. Besides, I don’t want to step on another unknown rule of his.’

Under the priest’s command, numerous darts were shooted out from bushes. Obviously, they couldn’t inflict any harm on the beast because of its thick fur. Soldiers tried to attack with their spears. None of their weapons went through either. The priest murmured some words. Next moment a warm light emerged from his palms and hit straight on the creature’s chest. The beast stepped back and groaned painfully.

The priest held his hands together again to summon for next holy power. The beast shaked its head and turned around, slashing its tail towards the priest.

‘Watch out!’

Cass warning managed to help the priest in time. He dodged the beast’s attack. But it came after him now. He was too busy avoiding the attack to say his pray.

‘I shall lend him a ….ah, I left my wizard cariad  in our lodging.’ Cass realised his back was empty when he lifted his arm for the weapon. ‘Arya, give him a hand.’

‘He may put me into jail.’

‘Don’t be narrowed-minded. He needs help.’

Before I could say anything, Cass ran to the soldiers and grabbed a spear.

‘Hey, you hairy straw, try this one!’ After shouting at the beast he threw the spear to it. The spear was manoeuvred with such a force that it dived into the beast’s flesh.

The injuried monster turned towards Cass. It charged across the field with great speed. Cass grabbed another spear to toss at it, but the creature avoided the attack this time. It lifted its claws to try to catch the empty-handed warrior. Cass jumped to the side and ran away as fast as he could.

Cold wind blew and the sky darkened. Suddenly a lightning stroke down from above and blasted the creature. A burned smell soon spreaded across the field. The monster collapsed and lied on the ground still.

‘Is it dead?’ Soldiers went to poke it with their spears. The body didn’t move at all.

‘I hope you won’t blast the lightning on me.’ Cass joked.

‘Your brave deeds helped me in time.’ The priest walked to the dead monster and examined it carefully.

I moved close to the monster too. Soldiers eyed me with suspect.

‘You are not going to take it home as souvenir.’ One of them said.

‘Ah, is it a rule as well?’

‘It is legal evidence for official investigation. No one is allowed to touch.’

‘I see.’ I was amazed by these people who could set up rules on everything around them.

A while later the priest ordered the body to be burned. Workers went back to the edge of the field to carry on building the fence.

‘You are not ordinary citizens. None of you showed any sign of fear when the creature appeared.’ The priest said.

‘I am a wizard in my village we have same problems too, although animals we encountered were not that vicious and hostile as we saw here.’-Said Cass

‘So it happens in the South too?’

‘I am not sure about the South. I am from the west borders.’

The priest pondered as he heard what Cass said.

‘Is it convenient for you to come to my office now? I would like to ask more information about the animal problem.’