Chapter Five Part One
A tall woman with long black hair stood naked, looking out over a cliff. Light crept into the sky and the stars slowly faded away one by one until only the moon hovered faintly against a navy blue horizon. The sun had barely peeked its way up from the mountains and would soon overtake the moon as king of the skies.
A wind blew back the side of her face and showed off her half-elven heritage.
“Allegra?” Arilyn murmured.
The woman turned around and smiled with piercing cerulean eyes.
Arilyn teared up and she rushed forward. They embraced tightly. “I missed you,” she muffled into Allegra’s neck. “I thought Xavier might have killed you.”
“No, I’m still alive,” said Allegra and kissed the elven princess on the lips.
Arilyn pulled back and wiped her eyes dry. “B-but how? How did you get here?” The last thing she recalled, before going to sleep near Jaya’s room, was that she was in Arangkor.
“Here? Don’t you remember?” Allegra pointed up to the skies. “We made a promise under the night skies.”
The elven princess looked around and recognized the tall grasses that bended at the mere flick of the wind; the boulder with its face covered in yellow and green mosses; and that tree, old and wizen but still blossoming its white petal flowers.
Allegra held her hand and bent down on one knee. “Is this better? Do you remember it now?”
Arilyn nodded. “How could I not? This is where you asked me to be your wife.”
“And you answered?”
The elven princess pulled her warrior lover up. “I said yes.” She kissed Allegra passionately, their arms entangling as they yearned for more.
“Hmm,” Arilyn moaned.
“Oh, I hope that is me you are dreaming.” Harduke’s voice boomed in the skies.
Arilyn woke up to see Harduke with white garments draped over an arm, standing by her bed. Her cheeks went hot red when she realized she had talked in her sleep and sat upright, adjusting the sleeping robes that were given to her last night after taking Jaya back to bed. “Umm, Yes? Is there’s something the matter?” she stuttered.
Harduke gave a sidelong glance before her face crackled into a grin. “The Overlord wishes to speak with you right now. He apologizes for waking you up.” She handed the garments over to Arilyn.
“It’s nothing. I’ll get ready quickly,” said Arilyn and got off her bed.
“Then I’ll be waking up Jaya. She should be able to walk considering she stood up last night,” chuckled Harduke.
The sage demon left Arilyn and walked a door over. Considering the spell that Krshin had casted over his daughter, Arilyn had to stay near the young pup. She opened the door, not bothering to knock. “You look awful.”
Jaya sat on the edge of her bed, hunched over her knees. Her hair was disheveled and puffiness under her eyes started to form. She ran her hand through her hair to try to straighten it. “Hey, I’m not sleeping well,” she said quietly.
“Her nightmares,” pointed out Harduke as she walked over to Jaya. “Offers still there.”
“It’s fine and don’t ever ask me again,” said Jaya as she managed to get up off her bed while cradling her midsection. “Heard Pa summoned Arilyn. I’m ready.” She grimaced but the pain has lessened greatly since last night.
Harduke sighed. “Must be love,” she murmured.
“Hello, I can hear you,” said Jaya as she pointed to her ears. “How did I jump from like to love?” She shook her head.
“So you admit it. You’ve been charmed by Miss Arilyn. She’s not bad and has a nice set of bonockers,” said Harduke and made a crude gesture over her breast.
“Pervert, come here and help me walk,” said Jaya.
Harduke supported Jaya by having Jaya’s arm around her neck as they walked out of the room. Just then, Arilyn came out of her room wearing a white robe that looked exactly like Harduke’s.
“Why is she wearing that?” pointed Jaya.
“Oh, I made her my student yesterday,” said Harduke and waved at Arilyn before Jaya could reply. “We’re ready to go Miss Arilyn!”
Arilyn moved next to Jaya.
“Uh, you don’t have to do that. Harduke is good enough,” said Jaya shyly.
“You didn’t hesitate to help me.” Arilyn easily slid under Jaya’s other arm. “Besides, friends help each other out.”
“Kuku, look at that, Jaya, you’ve graduated to friendship. Soon your12;ack! I can’t breathe!” whispered Harduke. Jaya’s arm tightened around her neck.
“Huh? Did you say something, Harduke?” said Arilyn.
“She just said we’d be happy to be your friends. Let’s get going. Pa doesn’t like to wait,” said Jaya quickly and released her arm when Harduke tapped her forearm.
They walked toward the throne room. The signs of battles were clear with scorched earth and crumbling buildings. They passed by five bodies hanging precariously under an arch. Demons were a frightful sight to behold at times but these dead demons, with their face twisted to resemble terror frozen in time, made Arilyn’s skin crawled.
Harduke noticed the bodies too.“ The Overlord does not tolerate traitors though these poor fellas are considered lucky for having such a swift end.”
“I see,” said Arilyn quietly. If that was ‘swift’ death then she didn’t want to know what was a ‘prolonged’ death. “Are those demons going to be there for awhile?” Because if they were, she was going to make a note to avoid this area.
“Ah, don’t worry. The bodies will be burned soon,” said Harduke. “Can’t be leaving any dead demons around. That’ll invite whatever coo-coo who wants to use their remnants for whatever nefarious plans.”
Arilyn nodded. She remembered one time when she and Allerga were walking in the forest; they were attacked by a demon. Allegra killed it and was adamant about burning the body before they left to tell the authorities about the demon. Her lover had said that bad things happen when a demon’s body is left.
“What happen to the students?” grunted Jaya as they went down a step. She had noticed that only soldiers and servants came and go.
“Sent home. There’s going to be a war meeting soon,” said Harduke. “Though I doubt it would escalate into a full blown war with King Eirabas. Come, come, you two walk like old ladies.”
Harduke lead the way. Jaya grunted a few times when going up and going down steps but, as for any other physical pain, she was all right except her mind. Even as they turned around corners, she could feel Arilyn’s memories burrowing into her head. When will she have another melt down just like she did with her battle with Shriva?
“Looks like we’re here,” said Harduke as they approached two very tall demons standing side by side in front of the throne room’s door. “My goodness, what is this all about?”
“Sorry, Sage, but since yesterday’s incident, his Overlord had us guard the throne room,” the demons said and parted the two-sided heavy door. “The Overlord awaits, please enter.”
Arilyn walked in slowly, a little uncertain. The throne room was the same as it was the first time she laid eyes on it. How they managed to rebuild the throne is such a short time, even magic aided, was a great wonder. They walked up to the throne where Overlord Krshin and Kiran sat. For a moment, their outfits dazzled her.
Krshin and Kiran wore matching red and gold robes, patterned on the trim with symbols. The Overlord’s robe, though, opened up down from his neck to his waist, exposing a heavy chained necklace. At the center of the Overlord’s forehead was a red dot, flanked by golden wings ornaments extending from his ears. Not to be out done, Kiran’s hair was up, twisted and interlaced with golden leaflets in a gravity defying way. She, too, had a red dot on her foreheadr12;a symbol that Arilyn would discover later meant, in Arangkorian culture, married life.
Harduke summoned a nearby chair to come to them with a flick of her wrist.
“How are you feeling now, Jaya?” asked Kiran.
Jaya slid into her chair. “I’m fine, Ma,” she said. “Don’t worry about me.”
“As imprudent as ever, pup,” said Krshin. “I suppose it couldn’t be helped that you are here too.”
Jaya made a scowl at her Pa for it was a reminder of the spell he putted her under.
“Hmph, you’ve seemed well with that face your making at me,” chuckled Krshin and then leaned over to Kiran despite their huge height difference. “It’s almost foolish that you and I were even worried about her.”
“Nevertheless, my love, you are happy,” smirked Kiran.
Harduke cleared her throat. “Miss Arilyn is here as you’ve summoned, my lord,” she said with a slight bow.
“Ah, yes, thank you for reminding me,” nodded Krshin. “Miss Arilyn, have you decided what you are going to do?”
“Well, Ir12;“
“Hold onto your answer,” interrupted Krshin. “My pup has still yet to learn her lesson.”
“That’s not fair, Pa! You said the spell is broken once Arilyn decides,” said Jaya. She grimaced at accidently pulling on her wounds.
“I don’t think you understand the severity of the situation, pup. King Eirabas has a way to weaken me. More people will follow him and the next time he shows his slimy face, I fear it will be a legit challenge. The Dharmas may even join him,” said Krshin.
Harduke leaned over to Arilyn and whispered, “The Dharmas are the law keepers of our land. They have almost as much power than the Overlord.”
Arilyn nodded and appreciated the explanation. Sometimes Arangkorian terms do not translate into her mind, despite the spell Harduke casted on her earlier.
“Well he thought you crossed over again. If we could just go to the Dharmas and make it clear that I resurrected Arilyn, then everything should be okay,” said Jaya.
“He knew that she was resurrected, pup. He is not the only one with spies,” said Krshin. “It matter not to him how our guest got here so long as he can use it for his nefarious plan.”
Jaya looked down. The revelation had brought guilt for if she did not revive Arilyn, then her Pa would not be in the position that he was in. “So it’s all my fault?”
Krshin sighed. “Even if you had not, Eirabas would find another reason to usurp my power. Look up, Jaya.”
Jaya did so but her eyes began to water up.
“I heard you made a promise to Miss Arilyn,” grinned Krshin. “You’re going to attempt something I could not do.” He waggled a finger at his daughter.
“You’ve always seem to try to one up your Pa,” chuckled Kiran.
“Well, I did do a forbidden spell,” said Jaya cockily. She was proud at that feat despite the trouble it brought.
Krshin rolled his eyes. “Then, my daughter, you won’t mind accompanying Harduke and our guest to the Southern lands, to the kingdom of Lakna. You are to deliver a message to the Dharma there.”
“Just to deliver a message?” Jaya was insulted. “You can send one of the servants.”
“We’re not just going there to deliver a message. We’re going to get Arilyn back home too,” said Harduke.
“The barrier is at its strongest there,” drawled Jaya. Then she scratched her head, thinking why the Sage would go there. “You’re not going to try to talk to Isiana, are you? I thought you said you were never going to talk to her and stuff.”
Harduke shrugged. “Got a better plan?”
Krshin raised an eyebrow. “That goddess has a nasty temper. I wish you the best of luck, old friend.”
“You don’t expect to send our daughter right away, my love?” asked a concern Kiran.
“Of course not, dear,” said Krshin and patted his wife’s arm. He turned his attention to the trio. “You three will leave when Jaya is fully recovered. Till then, prepare for the journey. Arangkor is a very unforgiving land between kingdoms.”
“As you wish, m’lord,” said Harduke as she bowed. She and Arilyn then helped Jaya get out of the chair.
“You are seriously going to talk to Isiana? Won’t she, I dunno, try to kill you?” said Jaya as Arilyn and Harduke also helped her walk out of the throne.
“Y’know, for a person who got stabbed in the stomach, you sure talk a lotr12;“ Harduke’s voice cut off when the door closed behind them.
Overlord Krshin rubbed the bridge of his nose.
“You’re not sending them off just to deliver a message are you, my love?” said Kiran.
“No,” answered Krshin. “I’m sending them away to safety. Dharma Vishna and General Hanuman will keep them safe. And my sister is there too if anything should happen.”
“Safety from what?” Kiran was getting a chilling feeling in her chest. “I’ve noticed something has been bothering you these past weeks. Tell me love, what has been eating at your core?”
Krshin hesitated for a moment but the look from his wife’s eyes he could not keep this secret from her any longer. “I don’t know if it’s true but I have received reports that Kalee was spotted out of Gemmington,” he said.
“Eirabas was her sealer….”
“He wouldn’t release her. He hates her as much as he hates me,” said Krshin. “No matter. I’ve called the Council and ask them to check on her. They should be here in a few moments.”
The door opened again and demons started filing in.
#
“Hey, this is not the way to my room,” complained Jaya. “Where are you two taking me?”
They were walking in an open area that was ancient, with crumbling walls and twisted vines wrapped around them.
“I dunno. I’m just following Harduke’s lead,” said Arilyn, slightly annoyed. Jaya hadn’t stopped yapping since they left the throne room. Demons had suddenly appeared and swarmed past them, ignoring them, into the throne. Jaya went on and on about how these were the Council of Aythoda and how useless they were, etc. The elven princess wondered if Jaya realized she was droning.
“Don’t you get thirsty from moving your mouth so much,” joked Harduke. “I swear, by the amount of talking you’ve been doing, I think you’ve fully recovered.”
“Just because I got stabbed in the stomach doesn’t mean my mouth won’t work,” said Jaya.
Arilyn sighed deeply.
“Oh, are you bored, my student?” said Harduke. “Perhaps Jaya’s mouth has gotten to you?”
“Y’know, my mouth isn’t the only thing working. My foot can,” Jaya kicked a foot up and instantly cringed. “Gah! Stop! I think I pulled something.”
They stopped with Arilyn and Harduke both releasing their hold on Jaya.
Jaya crumpled to the ground onto her ass. “Augh,” she grimaced and managed to stretch out onto her back. She closed her eyes. “You two could’ve let me down gently.”
“Just rest, young pup,” said Hardue and then pointed to Arilyn. “You, my dear, are going to start training right now.”
“Training?” asked Arilyn.
“Yes, remember you agreed? Today is your very first lesson!” said Harduke excitedly as she clasped her hands together.
“What are you training for?” Jaya still had her eyes closed. So far, by talking non-stop, she managed to keep Arilyn’s memories at bay. She hoped Arilyn hadn’t notice. Her mind was already at its limit, those dark images slowly creeping on her.
“Why, Miss Arilyn is going to be a master swordswoman!” said Harduke.
“Muahahr12;oww!” Jaya turned over and cradled her midsection.
“And that, my new fine student, is karma,” said Harduke while jutting her chin at Jaya.
“Do you think Jaya is fine? Maybe we should take her back to your room or something,” suggested Arilyn.
“Hmm, watch me closely then,” said Harduke. She walked over to Jaya.
Jaya opened her eyes. “What are you doing?”
“Weakness,” Harduke, completely ignoring Jaya’s question, “is sometimes apparent and sometimes not.” She bent down onto one knee beside Jaya. She placed a finger on Jaya’s forehead.
“Er, I dunno if I feel comfortable you doing that,” said Jaya slowly.
“But everything has one,” said Harduke, still ignoring Jaya.
It was like a shot of lightning through her body, Jaya jerked violently before going still, her eyes rolled back into her head.
“Don’t worry! She’s fine,” said Harduke before Arilyn could respond. She stood up. “She’s, believe it or not, sleeping. I couldn’t stand her opening her mouth for another moment.”
“You sure?” Arilyn looked over to Jaya and was relieved to see the halfling breathing.
“Of course! You must place your faith in me,” said Harduke as she leaped into the air and was now standing in front of Arilyn. She took the elf woman’s hands. “Sit and let me tell you the first mantra!”
Arilyn let herself be guided to the ground where she sat cross-legged in front of Harduke who was doing the same. “Mantra, is that, uh, what is it?” That was another term that didn’t translated into her mind.
“A mantra is something you say over and over. It is not like a spell so you do not have to worry about learning demon magic, kuku. Now, the first mantra is: ‘Believe in the impossible,’” said Harduke.
The elven princess arched an eyebrow. “Believe in the impossible?” That was something commonly said by optimistic people.
Harduke nodded. “That’s one. Now say it over and over until you hit one thousand.”
“What?” balked Arilyn. “What does this have to do with swordplay?”
“Everything. Come now, you have nine hundred and ninety-nine to go. I’ll even start you off. Repeat: ‘Believe in the impossible.’”
“Uh, believe in the impossible….”
“Again. Believe in the impossible!” Harduke urged. “More passion! Make me believe that you believe in the impossible!”
It was absurd but she did agree to let Harduke train her so she tried. She took a deep breath. “Believe in the impossible. Believe in the impossible….” At the tenth repeat she had lost track and her mind became numb from hearing her own voice.
“Okay, we’re done for the day,” said Harduke. She offered a cup of warm tea.
Arilyn blinked several times. The sunlight was gone and replaced by moonlight from the six moons. She turned around and didn’t see Jaya anywhere. “Where’s Jaya?”
“You were taking a while so I got up and took Jaya to a nearby room to rest there,” said Harduke. “
“But that can’t be right….” Arilyn could’ve sworn that they maybe spent a few minutes but hours had gone by. “What happen?”
Harduke smiled. “You believed in the impossible.”