Meeting Places

Sweat dripped along his cheekbone and down to his jaw line as he lifted his blade once again to block the blow. The clank of the practice sword rang in his ears as he easily pushed off the advances of his attacker. He could hear distant shouts in the background to which he paid no heed. He was in a zone, his mind clear and empty thinking only of anticipating his opponents lunge. The weight of the armor pressing down on him as the hot sun blazed heating him from within like a roast pig in a cook pot. His opponent was also covered in chain mail. Oothus squinted as he examined each chink on his opponents chest. His examination detected exactly four weaknesses on the chest alone and he made a mental note to talk to the blacksmith when he was finished.

Forward lunge… dodge... thrust… forward lunge… swing. His opponent was being pushed further backward with each successful swing. His steps were quick, quicker than his opponent and he could feel the pressure he was placing build gradually as the challenger stumbled backward with each step. The Gods had not blessed them with rain for some time and the land was dry and barren in the kingdom. Dust swirled around them with each and every step. The fight would soon be over and he would be the champion… again. A small grin appeared on his face while dust whipped up all around them.

It took only a split second but with his highly trained senses he took one last look around him . To his left a set of targets lined the wall of the castle and valiant men in training practiced their skill. The corner of his eye caught a glint from the sun on a dagger as it whizzed toward the target. All around him people watched the battle he was engaged in. Each with a grin on his face or a chuckle. One man held no grin but instead displayed a blank and analytical stare. Dark locks surrounding the man's jaw line and sharp eyes squinted to take in the scene before him with strict unbiased criticism. A group of females tittered to his right to which he paid little attention except to notice their bodice lines were rather low this day and their breasts heaved out of their dresses with each giggle.

A final push forward and his companion lost footing. Oothus lifted the sword above his head and plunged it downward toward the man now laying on the ground in front of him. A small scream escaped his opponent as he watched the blade glide swiftly downward sure to soon have warm blood pumping around it's silver craftsmanship in just seconds. Without giving a second hesitation the blades tip stopped just millimeters from his opponents heart and with that everyone froze. The fight was over and there was a clear winner to this battle. Nobody around the practice ring had any doubt who the winner would be, yet a deep sigh of relief passed over the entire crowd of onlookers. As if giving the signal for everyone to resume movement once again, Oothus straightened up. A grin spread across his face as he reached down and offered his arm to his comrade.

"Well done my friend", Oothus complimented as the armor clad man was raised to his feet. "See the blacksmith, give him your chain, and tell him I will be in to see him later this day." With a nod the young man who had fought so valiantly walked off toward the inner gate of the castle to do what he had been tasked with.

Oothus approached the tall dark haired man, for this was the only man whose opinion he cared to hear. Silver hair became more visible the closer Oothus got to the man. The stern look on his face had not changed since Oothus had noticed him earlier during a quick glance around the practice ring. He stood with his shoulders held parallel to the ground. His gaze was not set on Oothus as the panting student approached, instead he was looking off into the distance at the lower practice rings. With each cock of his head Oothus could tell a mental note was being recorded for later. As Oothus approached his teacher made no indication that he was in a hurry to receive the young man or even acknowledge him. To this, Oothus was not upset for he had learned a to hold a great deal of respect for him over the years.

Magwin was the commander of the king's army. His skill and proven heroism in battle gave him the right to trained all the young noblemen who wished to serve under the king and he was truly great at producing young men worthy of knighthood. It was a privilege to be his student. As young boys, men were told stories before they closed their eyes for the night about the great Magwin and his battles against the people of Faere. Though their magic was strong an equal number of the battles were won after days of planning and strategy. To Magwin strategy was key. A battle was won through thought and not strength. The battle between Azure and Faere had gone on for so long that most didn't know why it had begun in the first place. On any given day at the local market, one could hear stories of how a young knight had stolen a powerful amulet and hidden it away or how tree spirits had ambushed a party on their way to the port leaving none dead but a small baby whom they whisked away never to return. Each story, however, was more fantastic than the last and no one really believed them. The hate between the two races had faded long ago and battles became fewer and fewer. Now most days were spent training rather than fighting, and some had trained for years never to see a battle.

"He let you win" Magwin remarked as Oothus finished his approach. The older man continued to watch the distant rings and did not meet Oothus' eyes. "Your attack is becoming slower, and you refuse to acknowledge your opponents skills. Prince or no prince, you're becoming much too cocky and if that had been a battle in the Fields of Shin'tara you would have surely had your gullet cut in two and your insides displayed for all to see." Magwin's words were firm but not condescending. Even so, Oothus felt every bit of the sting that the words dealt out, but he refused to acknowledge that he'd been bitten. He held his head up high and nodded.

"what do you recommend teacher?" he inquired.

"The same thing I recommend every time you win a battle under the good graces that you are a prince." he scoffed back "get your head out of your ass and think about the battle for a change." With that he walked away leaving Oothus standing there, a glare forming on his face. Oothus turned on his heals and walked back to the armor tent to remove his gear. He was done practice for the day and he meant to ride out to the forest and be alone. The armor melted off him quickly as his servants busied themselves unlatching, unhooking, and removing each peace in sequence. Let me win? Oothus shook his head. How could he say that my opponent let me win? That's ridiculous! The last peace of armor slid off his shoulders and Oothus was free to go. He moved swiftly out of the tent and stalked straight toward the stables. Frustration with what had transpired earlier was building, as was his desire to be out of the castle walls as soon as possible. He respected Magwin and his opinion with the utmost of regard but he was still a proud young man who didn't wish to retaliate where anyone could see him. Is there no pleasing that blasted man? He fumed to himself as he climbed up onto the horses back and kicked it a little more fiercely that it deserved. Soon the steady sound of the horses hooves as it galloped along the road and through the meadows brought a methodical peace over Oothus. He knew that Magwin was trying to make him stronger and had resigned himself to the fact, long ago, that many things said between the two of them were simply for that purpose. However as the horse moved onward he resolved to work on his "cockiness" the next time he was in the ring. His horse began to slow as his mood began to calm almost as if he and the horse were in unison.

Oothus began to sit upright in the saddle as the gallop became a canter and the canter thus became a trot. Soon his horse was walking and Oothus began to look around. He had never been to this section of the forest before, but this was no surprise to him as the forest was seemingly endless and there was no way one could explore each part of it in a lifetime. He knew he was heading East away from the ocean and deeper into the forest. His course veered slightly northward as he reached a ridge that was impossible to ascend with a horse. In the back of his mind he navigated the terrain. Maps popped into his mind as if they were sitting directly in front of him. These were the very same maps he had studied for many days in his youth with his tutor. Though he had never been to each part of the forest and beyond he knew them well, the parts that had been documented at least. If his calculations were correct he was heading toward the Fields of Shin'tara themselves.

Many a battle had been fought on those fields, though none for some time now. Oothus was well aware of the history between the Faere people and the human kingdom. While other only had stories to occupy them on a trip to market, Oothus had documented facts. The battles had first begun not because of some silly ambush or a hidden amulet, but because of the one thing that caused so much passion in man, a broken heart. Oothus recalled the story as the trees creaked and groaned around him.

Years ago, the young prince of the Faere was betrothed to the princess of Azure. Their union would secure the ties between the kingdoms and produce an heir. This heir would be a true king of both nations having the blood of both kingdoms coursing though his or her veins. The prince new his duty to the throne, but one cannot help who one falls in love with. Tragically, he held no love for the princess of Azure and his heart instead belonged to another young maiden of the Azure's court. The prince was carful not to betray his heart by speaking of such a scandal. He knew his duty and had resigned to carry out the task, but the princess could not help but notice the glances, the smiles, and the attention that the young maiden received and that she did not. The young maiden too noticed the Princes attention and couldn't help but return the favors the prince had bestowed upon her. A tragic love never to be realized, yet the joy it brought to each of them when they were in the same room was hard for anyone to miss. The princess' jealousy consumed her. With each glance the prince gave the young maiden or subtle nod across the courtyard her heart became harder. One morning after walking with the prince he bid her farewell without so much as a kiss on her hand. She was furious as she sat in her room she began to scheme. The next morning she went to her father and accused the girl of conspiring against the crown. She told of how she had overheard the young maiden talking about disturbing making a move at the royal wedding. Poison was to be slipped into the princesses wine and once dead the young maiden could have the prince for herself. She cried and said how she feared for her life. Unfortunately the young prince and maiden had not hidden their affection for each other well and the king believed his daughter immediately. The king ordered to have the young maiden executed and invited the entire royal family of Faere to witness the execution. .

All were gathered to watch in the market square. A seating area had been erected for the Royal families to sit and watch. The young prince was distraught. He knew that the accusations were absurd for he had not so much as talked to the young maiden before. Still, he feared that the burden of her death would be his to bear and his heart was thumping with an dread of anticipation for the worst. Whatever feelings he held for the princess turned to a dark tar stain on his heart and his hate for her grew with each moment. As the crowds gathered the prince grew restless. Guards stood around a large stage like structure, and the walls around the square were lined with archers ready to stop anyone who would come in the way of the orders of the court. The prince began to wring his fingers as he sat impatiently trying to think if anything that could stop this tragedy. The executioner sharpen his axe partly for ease of the kill and partly for an added show to the crowd. Not willing to let his true love die the prince lunged forward, jumped the barrier between the noble and the common folk and ran toward the stage. He pushed through the crowds trying desperately to reach the stairs. Drums began to play as he reached the bottom step and the executioner raised his axe above his head. A young guardsman saw his movements. Before there was time to think about who was crashing upon the stage the already notched arrow was sent flying. The arrow whizzed through the air as time began to slow. Time seemed to stand still as the prince reached the last step. The arrow struck him in the back piercing through his heart. At that same second the axe moved easily thought the neck of the young girl. Seconds before each took their last breath, their eyes met one last time. "I love you" was still on his lips as the Faerie prince crashed to the hard wood of the stage. Gasps arose from the crowd. A scream from the Faere Queen. People rushed forward to aid the prince or to see closer with their own eyes what had just transpired. It was too late.

A flash of light filled the square. The light appeared to come from around the prince himself and sent everyone around him flying across the yard. "Do not touch him!" the Faere king roared. Another flash and people were sent backward in a torrent of bodies. The blast of energy had been so strong that all who were touched by it immediately fell dead on the ground. "You shall pay for this!" The Faere king and queen were instantly beside their son. The next second they and their son were gone and nowhere to be seen. Thus the battle between Faere and Azure had begun.

All but a handful of people had forgotten the real reason for the battles. All were weary of fighting battles that they did not believe in and thus the battles became less and less. There had not been a battle on the fields of Shin'tara for over 10 years and not since Oothus was a child.

Oothus' intuition told him he was getting closer to the fields. The map in his mind told him he would enter the clearing just over the next hill. Dismounting, he decided to walk up the last rise into the fields. As his feet touched the ground almost soundlessly, his ears perked up. His eyes darted left and then right again as he strained to decipher the sound that was suddenly reaching his ears. It was coming from the Fields themselves. The sound was a low, soft, musical humming. He stepped slowly up the rise carful not to disturb the branches strewn across the forest floor. The many hunting trips he took with his father had taught him stealth. As he approached, the humming became louder and almost enchanting. Never had he heard anything so beautiful in his life. Closer and closer he came to the crest of the hill. Tying his horse to a tree just below the peak, he crawled upward toward the crest. By his calculation the sound was coming from someone or something just over the top of the hill. His head peaked over and there before him he saw… nothing. The song continued to play as if coming from a spot no more than six feet ahead of him. He cocked his head in disbelief and stood up preparing to walk forward. Just as he took his first cautious step he felt the tip of a dagger press against the back of his neck.

"What business do you have at Shin'tara?" came a musical voice from behind him. In fact he was certain it was the voice that had produced the music he was just investigating.

Suddenly it occurred to him, A woman! I was bested by a woman! He cursed to himself. Maybe Magwin has a point, I need to work on my arrogance if a mere woman can best me! Then he heard a voice in his head that was not his own.

Maybe a mere woman I am not. You presume too much when you assume that one's gender dictates ability.

"What is this trickery?" Oothus swung around grabbing the wrist of his attacker. "Who are you and how dare you point a dagger at me. Do you not know who I am?" His anger was stopped dead in it's tracks as he met her gaze. She allowed him to hold her wrist as she cocked her head to one side contemplating him. Her eyes were as gray as moonlight reflecting off a pool at twilight. Her hair was dark and flowed around her slender neck toward her breasts. Her cloths were different from what he was used to seeing. These cloths, though the colors seemed to indicate nobility were not adorned with jewels and cinched as tight as they could be. Instead, they flowed along the length of her body accentuating each subtle curve. Her lips were a brilliant red color, but natural and not enhances with berries as so many were doing these days. In short, she was perfect.

The question Oothus is not if I know who you are, but rather do YOU know who you are? The voice returned to his head as a small smile rose from her perfect lips. Oothus was stunned and the young woman took advantage of her opportunity and swiveled her wrist around grabbing Oothus' wrist instead and bringing his arm around behind his back. Her dagger dropped into her other hand, and in one fell swoop it was instantly resting at his throat. Do you yield?

Oothus struggled momentarily before realizing this young woman's grip was stronger than he had anticipated. By the Gods how is this possible?

Maybe it's not your God's that give me strength.

"I yield," Oothus conceded more out of curiosity than defeat. He was released and he turned once again to gaze upon his attacker. "If it pleases you to stay out of my head." he glared at her trying hard to clear his mind lest his thoughts be read again.

"If you insist." the young girl said and she casually tucked her hair behind her ear as she sheathed her dagger. At that moment Oothus understood his opponent. Her ears were as pointed as a writing quill and her skin was as pail as parchment. She was a Faerie. He was sure of it. He had never met one up close but had seen pictures in the stories and histories he learned as a child. This explained the power she had to keep him from moving. She had magic on her side. If he had anticipated he could have beat her easily he told himself.

Don't be so sure of yourself, came the voice in his head one last time. She smirked at him "One of the first things I learned as a child was to throw my voice. It comes in handy from time to time when you wish people to look in another direction." She had a queer way about her, but it was interesting and Oothus was spellbound by each movement she took as she walked toward the clearing. "I bid you no ill will. Come on then, Shin'tara was where you were heading so here we shall go together."

This is the end of the first installment. YOU can directly influence what happens next. All you need to do is comment or email me (librarygoddess2@gmail.com) your choice. Your choices are simple, one of two things can happen at this point.
1. Oothus will follow the young Faerie in to Shin'tara or
2. Oothus will jump on his horse and ride home to report the news to Magwin.
The next segment will come on Sunday. You will have until Friday to submit your votes to me.