Blood Moon Cycle
Chapter Nine

Vesth lay on his back in the small temple room he had been given to stay in. His stomach was full, but he had not enjoyed his meal. Before dinner, the high priest had asked to speak with him privately. Vesth was unsure of who it was that might overhear, as he had seen no other person since they had arrived, but he abliged the old man.

The high priest had sat him down in a small sitting room and asked him if he was going to accompany Rielle. Vesth had told the old priest that his duty was to see her safely to Hortaal. The high priest greeted this with a chuckle and a shake of his head.

“I did not ask what your duties were. I asked if you would be joining young Rielle. Her journey does not end in Hortaal. She must travel much further afterwards, gathering allies to fight against the Telatian High Priest. The Blood Moon Cycle grows close, and even traveling quickly with little rest, it will be difficult for her to gather them quickly enough.” Vesth had turned his head to stare at his boots and remained silent. The high priest sighed.

“As much as you have seen, you should know by now that magic is not evil.” Vesth’s breath caught momentarily, but he kept his eyes pinned to his boots. “Do you know of Alenon?” The high priest asked. Vesth spoke without looking up.

“King Yisu’s library contains books speaking of a great kingdom called Alenon, that sank into the sea.” The high priest nodded.

“Alenon was once a great kingdom, populated by people who were righteous and good. They served others and healed the sick, and were considered good to all people. They served the Deity of Good, spreading their influence to all places… And they were all powerful magic users, blessed with their gift from the Deity of Good.” Vesth raised his head enough to look at the high priest out of the corner of his eye. The high priest nodded.

“But they became overzealous. They came to see the rest of the world as evil and thought they should be converted to good. But if they had done such a thing, they would have thrown the world out of balance and it might have come to an end.” Vesth’s eyes widened marginally. The high priest nodded sadly.

“So, to maintain the balance, Alenon was thrown into the sea. Only the Great Temple of Alenon remained, along with four children of Alenon.” Vesth raised his head to look fully on the priest now. The high priest nodded again, sadness causing him to look much older.

“I was the youngest, only fifteen at the time. The other three were all much older. The oldest was a master mage who relied on balance. His name… was Pravin Solidus, the Gifted One.” Vesth’s eyes widened fully and he fell back against his chair, hanging limply. The high priest nodded again.

“The very same Solidus who has given up his body to sustain the life of Rielle. He taught the rest of us in the ways of balance, peace, and harmony. Then each of us was given a task by our Deity. I was to remain and guard the last remaining piece of Alenon. Solidus became a hermit, and was charged with protecting balance in the world. The other two mages who were left were given tasks that sent them out into the world. We are the remaining Four of Alenon. The only ones left to protect its proud name. Our magic was gifted to us to protect and heal, for good, not evil. Cast aside your doubts, Vesth Dagda, cast aside the limiting bond of the order given you. Think of what Rielle must do, for good, now that Solidus is no longer able to freely travel the world. Think of the danger she will face, the weight of the task that has fallen to her and then decide where your true duty lies.” A bell had then rang somewhere deep in the temple. The high priest stood. And opened the door for Vesth.

“Dinner is ready. Think on what I have told you. You have a long time to think it over. Over dinner, and the rest of your journey to Hortaal.” Vesth had stood, bowed, and silently left the room. He had eaten mechanically during dinner, never really tasting his food, though Rielle had made a great many comments on how good it was. Now Vesth lay on his back on the comfortable bed in his room, replaying the discussion over and over in his head.

“Decide where your true duty lies.” Vesth repeated to himself quietly. He tried to rationalize that magic had to be evil. He had been taught his entire life to view it as such and to fear it. He was certain that anyone who used magic must also be evil, and that he could have no duty that required him to follow such a person. His resolve wavered when he tried to think of Rielle as evil.

He tried to make everything fit together as he had been taught. But the high priest’s words had taken their effect and slowly, over the course of the night, he realized that there was no way he could convince himself that Rielle or Master Solidus were evil. He placed one hand over his heart where he could feel something resting in the place he had left it when he left Serriana. Vesth sat up slowly as the first light of day broke through the window and landed in golden pools on his bed. He quickly packed his things and left his room. Rielle was already awake with a small pack of her things sitting on the floor beside her. She stood talking with the high priest before she noticed his approach and turned.

“Did you sleep well?” She asked him. Vesth shrugged.

“It means little how I slept. We should depart immediately. The sooner we reach Hortaal the better.” Rielle nodded and bid goodbye to the high priest. He bowed and bid her farewell and told her to let Solidus know he would do what was needed. She agreed she would and then turned and left through the temple’s ivory doors. Vesth bowed to the high priest and made his way out the door.

As he left, he heard the old man mumble, ’Remember your duty.’, and then the doors shut behind him and he was rushing down the path to catch up with Rielle. They boarded the ship and the anxious crew happily obeyed their captain’s order to set sail. It took them another two days to reach a port in Hortaal where they could buy horses and make their way to the Capital City. Vesth paid an old man several pieces of silver for two horses, grumbling that he could have gotten them at half the price in Gentry. Rielle just smiled and told him it was better than walking to the capital.

“If the weather holds fair, it shouldn’t take us more than a few days.” Rielle told him. Vesth looked warily at the sky. Rielle shrugged, then looked around to make sure no one would over hear them. “Solidus says that whoever conjured the storm that hit us did not weave their magic in balance. It took a heavy toll on them and they won’t be creating any more storms to bother us, not for a very long time.” Vesth shrugged uncomfortably and kept one eye on the clouds overhead.

Their journey was the same as it had been before, back in Gentry. They set out early in the morning and did not stop until it was almost dark. When they stopped Vesth quickly, and efficiently, set up the camp and then continued to teach Rielle to use her sword.

On the second night, Vesth cut two thick branches, about the length of a sword, and gave one to Rielle. They sparred, and Vesth showed Rielle how to use each stance to block and parry and strike at an opponent. Rielle learned quickly, if she didn’t, Vesth would reward her with a sound strike with his branch. He never hit hard enough to bruise, but it was hard enough to remind Rielle how not to use her weapon. Rielle slept soundly that night and woke to replace Vesth already packed and ready to go.

“I don’t like the feeling in these trees.” He explained when she questioned his hurry. Rielle calculated the distance they had traveled already.

“We are in the thickest part of the Forest of Hortaal, apart from the Moon Witch Forest of course. Perhaps it would be wise to ride steady today and not pause if it can be helped. Hortaal is peaceful, but there are places where even the legions of Hortaal cannot reach to keep the peace. Especially now, with the war having spread our forces so thin.” They rode for several hours, and each passing hour left Rielle with a tighter and tighter knot in her stomach.

“Do not hold it back.” Solidus spoke to her. “Your senses are trying to tell you something. Let your power beat and let your mind focus on what they are saying.” Rielle nodded and closed her eyes, willing her inner power to beat faster and directing her energy to the knot she felt in her stomach. Slowly the knot unwound and Rielle suddenly felt as if she could hear something “There are voices.” She told Solidus. She almost felt Solidus nodding.

“They are trying to tell you something. Listen, and see if you can hear what they say.” Rielle listened carefully to the jumble of mumbling voices for several moments before they began making sense to her.

“They are saying something about a shapeless form speaking to a dark personage. The shapeless form is saying something that is making the dark personage greedy, but bound at the same time.”

“Perhaps you have the gift.” Solidus said. “And perhaps not. Time will tell.” Solidus was silent for several moments. Rielle wanted to ask Solidus what he meant by ‘gift’, but she knew he would likely not give her a straight answer.

“You are right about the voices. Another choice is being made and we must move our plans ahead. Let me speak with Vesth.” Rielle nodded and looked over at Vesth as he rode warily down the packed dirt road.

“Vesth? Solidus wishes to speak with you.” Vesth reigned in his horse and turned in his saddle.

“What is it?” Rielle shivered and her eyes turned silver. Solidus spoke.

“Events are unfolding that will require us to move sooner than expected. By the look in your eye I assume you have decided to join Rielle and aid her.” Though caught off guard, and a little dumfounded, Vesth managed to keep a neutral face.

“I have considered it.” He said, noncommittally. Rielle/Solidus nodded. “Good. If we are to succeed in gathering quickly enough we must split up. Rielle will go to Hortaal to speak with the High King, then to the moon witch forest to replace one who would join our task.” Vesth sat thoughtfully for a moment.

“Is splitting up a wise decision?” He asked. Rielle/Solidus shrugged.

“Probably not, but we have little choice. You must go to Laytrow, to a settlement to the north of the capital. There you will replace a knight, his pennant will display a diving hawk. You must enlist him to our cause any way you can. When you have him, take him to the cabin at the highest peak in the Mercury Mountains. The path there is cleansed of evil and there is food and shelter. We will meet you there in two weeks time.” Vesth nodded reluctantly.

“Very well. I will do as you ask.” Rielle/Solidus nodded. “Good, make haste, we have little time to spare.” Blue color returned to Rielle’s eyes.

“There is a split in the road just up ahead. If you take it, you will be at the Great Southwestern Gate in a little less than two days. After that any number of roads will suffice.” Rielle told him, Solidus’s voice disappearing. Vesth nodded quietly, then turned and kicked his mount into a run.

When they reached the turn in the road they stopped and Rielle gave Vesth any extra food she had in her pack. “Travel quickly and you should get where you’re going in a week, maybe a day or two more.” Rielle told Vesth. Vesth nodded.

“Be careful when you go to the Moon Witch Forest. There are a great many stories about that place.” Rielle nodded.

“I will be fine. Worry about your own task and meeting us at Solidus’s cabin in the Mercury Mountains.” Vesth saluted and bowed, then leapt into his saddle and headed off down the road. Rielle watched him go, then turned her own horse and set off. Less than an hour of steady riding brought her within sight of the Capital city of Hortaal, Terramine.

The land for a mile around had been cleared so that everything could be seen from the watch towers that dotted the outer wall of the city. The city itself was made of solid stone, seemingly flawless in appearance, without visible seams.

“High King Hortaal used his power to bind each stone together so that the city would seem to have grown from a mountain.” Solidus told Rielle. Rielle nodded and answered aloud. “He wanted the city to appear as he wished his people to become, strong and immovable.”

“I am glad to see that you have learned your history.” Solidus stated. Rielle nodded again.

“It can be very useful as an ambassador to be able to flaunt your history.” Rielle nudged her horse to a faster pace and she soon rode through the main gate. She expertly navigated the streets and dropped from her saddle at the palace gates. The guards, after only a moment’s pause, quickly stepped aside and called for the gates to be opened. Rielle stepped through importantly and handed her reigns to a stableman who was waiting on the other side.

“I wish to be conducted to see my dear cousin immediately.” Rielle stated officially. Immediately orders were shouted and several guards formed around Rielle and marched off as she turned and headed for the castle gates. Once inside, the guards formed a column on either side of her and marched as her escort to the throne room. The doors to the throne room were pulled open as she approached and she stepped through, leaving her guards behind.

High King Morien Toriel sat on his throne, patiently waiting with a carefully concealed smile on his face. He was not a large man, but his muscles stood out on his arms, and his hand rested with an easy familiarity on the pommel of the sword at his side.

“Greetings to you, High King of Hortaal, Morien Toriel, king and kin.” Rielle said grandly and bowed. The king’s smile broadened.

“Rise, Ambassador Rielle. Welcome home cousin.” Rielle straightened.

“There are a great many things which I would tell your highness, but I think it would be best that I speak them only to your ears. It is unthinkable that an enemy could have penetrated into your court, High King, but I have seen a great many things I wish to convey that I would not wish to accidentally replace its way to the wrong ears.” The High King’s smile faded into a neutral line.

“I will grant the ambassador secret audience.” He said. Immediately, a guard at the door clapped his hands twice and the few people who were in the throne room quietly left and the door was pulled shut behind them.

“What is it you wish to say, cousin?” The high king asked. Rielle told her story in the same way she had told it to the king in Gentry. The high king nodded and listened, but no emotion ever played across his face. Rielle finished with Solidus’s warning to defend the cities during the Blood Moon Cycle. The high king nodded and sat silently, contemplating what had been said. Rielle stood quietly, waiting for him to speak. Several moments passed before Rielle suddenly seemed to be able to feel something else in the room, watching them.

“Close your eyes and steady your breathing.” Solidus told her. She did as she was asked and only barely managed to avoid a sharp intake of breath as Solidus took control of her body. A soon as it was done, Rielle could feel a taint in the air.

“It is the same as in the temple of Tyr Anon.”

“There is a demon here.” Solidus replied. They waited in the silence for a few more seconds. Then, without warning, Solidus sprang into action. A man in dark, Telatian clothing dropped from the ceiling above the throne. In the same instant, Solidus drew his sword and sent it flying through the air. The high king, noticing the motion, leapt from his throne, drawing his sword as he rolled to his feet. Solidus’s sword met the Telatian as he fell, and the force of the blow pierced his left shoulder and pinned him to the wall behind the throne. The high king looked at the groaning man on the wall, then to Rielle. He immediately noticed her eyes had changed color.

“The stories say that the great mage Solidus was so skilled in the magic of balance that his eyes turned silver and one could see all the balance and power of the world flowing through them.” Rielle/Solidus glanced at the high king.

“It is good to see that my teachings to Hortaal Lyvinius have not been entirely lost. I would discuss it, but right now there are more important things to hold our attention.” The high king turned back to the Telatian.

“So the Telatians have begun to send assassins to try and weaken us.” Rielle/Solidus nodded.

“Rielle, I will return control of your body to you. You will need to draw the demon from this man. I will walk you through it.” Before she could complain, Rielle felt herself drawn to the front of her mind.

“Your highness, please keep watch while I attempt to question this man.” The high king simply nodded, seemingly unconcerned that Rielle’s eyes and voice had returned to normal. Rielle stepped behind the throne and stood directly in front of the moaning Telatian.

“Place your hands together, in front of you as if praying.” Solidus told her, and she did as she was told. “Good, now will your power to beat, then visualize this man’s inner power.” Rielle nodded and closed her eyes, the beat of her power already beginning to quicken. When it reached its peak, Rielle turned her attention on the man pinned to the wall. She could see the ebb and flow of his power as it pulsed through the channels of his body. When she found his source, Rielle shuddered and flinched away. His inner power was like an orb of light that beat like a heart and sent warm light throughout his body. But around that orb of light was what seemed like a dark flame, burning away at the edge of it. Each beat of the orb flooded light through the body, but it was tainted by the dark flame.

“Now that you can see it, imagine a glass vial that draws in the flames from the body. Imagine this vial forming between your hands, made of your own inner power and open your hands to make way for it.” Rielle nodded and made sure she was standing tall. At first the image was difficult for Rielle to create, it kept slipping and changing, refusing to remain solid. After a few moments, she tried to imagine the vial as its own small shield and the image quickly hardened. Directing her inner power to her hands, Rielle pulled them apart and willed her power to fill the image of the vial.

“Well done.” Solidus said. “Now, imagine that the flames inside the man’s body are drawn into the vial. It may take several moments to succeed in gathering it all. Once you have gathered all the flames into the vial, imagine a stopper closing it and barring the flames from leaving.” Rielle once more did as she was told. The vial seemed to tip towards the man and the flame began to draw into it. It was difficult for Rielle. She could not force the flame to be drawn from the man any more than a trickle at a time, no more than a thread. The flame fought back, trying to yank free from the vial it was being pulled towards, but Rielle would not let it go. Several minutes passed before Rielle had gathered the flames into the vial. She quickly imagined a stopper plugging the end and sealing the flames inside. “Good.” Solidus said. “Very good, now open your eyes and stare straight ahead and tell the demon to show itself and speak with you.” Rielle opened her eyes and could see that the space between her hands was rippling as if the air were hot, the same way she had seen it happen when she watched Solidus draw the demon from the man at the Great Gate.

“I command the demon that possessed this man to show itself and speak to me.” Rielle said, focusing her words on the space between her hands. The air was suddenly cold and the space between Rielle and the man pinned to the wall rippled and warped as a figure appeared. Rielle inspected the demon. It was thin, as if it were simply bone covered with skin, and it had long talons at the end of its three-fingered hands. It had short skeletal wings that somehow held it aloft and its entire body was a slick, oily black.

“Ask for its name, knowing a name gives you a small amount of power over the creature.” “What is your name?” Rielle asked. The demon turned it’s beady yellow eyes to her. “Why should I answer?” It hissed. Rielle scoffed.

“You are in no position to argue.” She told it. “I have the power to either destroy you or send you back to the Chaos unharmed. How you choose to cooperate will determine what happens to you.” The demon glared at Rielle for several moments before answering.

“I am Ordinaisilac.” Rielle nodded carefully.

“And who was it who sent you here and what was your mission?” The demon’s hatred was very much apparent.

“A black robed priest in a black stone city sent me. I was to kill the High King after I discovered if the rumors of the death of the great Silver Mage were true.” Rielle frowned.

“Well, as you can see, I am alone in my journey here. And if you heard my story to the high king you will also know that Silver Mage Solidus sacrificed himself to save my life.”

“Ask how long he has had a host.” Solidus said.

“I have one more question before I decide what to do with you.” Rielle told the demon. “How long have you had this man as a host?” The demon made an angry noise.

“Almost a full moon.” Rielle nodded and then took on an expression as if she were making a difficult decision.

“To send him into the Chaos, you must extend your inner power before you and imagine a tear opening between the elements. Do not let it grow too large or you risk other demons coming through. Once the tear is open, press your hands together and imagine the Vial breaking and sending the flames through the tear and the tear sealing behind it.” Rielle took a few moments to make sense of her instructions and then extended her power to open the tear.

“I have decided to send you back into the Chaos, Ordinaisilac,” She placed specific emphasis on the demon’s name. “But know that, should I encounter you again, I will not do so a second time.” Once she had managed to create the tear, Rielle pressed her hands together and crushed her image of the vial. The demon shattered into a thousand pin points of light that were pulled into the tear. The flame disappeared into the Chaos and Rielle set to trying to close the tear she had made.

For several seconds she almost lost control and let the tear widen, but eventually she managed to cause the elements to form a web over the tear and solidify. When she was finished, Rielle willed the beating of her inner power to slow back to its normal pace. She immediately felt the strain and was forced to lean against the side of the throne. The High King sheathed his sword and quickly stepped to Rielle’s side.

“Are you well cousin?” He asked. Rielle nodded slowly.

“Yes, your majesty, I am well. The strain of using magic, especially something as advanced as that, is very tiring.” The High King nodded.

“Shall I call the guards and have them bring you a chair?” He asked, ready to turn and call for the guards. But Rielle shook her head.

“That will not be necessary your majesty. Solidus wishes to speak with you and his strength will be sufficient to support me until I recover.” The High King nodded as Rielle’s eyes turned silver and she stood up straight.

“It is good to see that the High King of Hortaal is not afraid of magic as the rest of his people have grown.” The High King nodded.

“I have long been taught the old ways. Though magic was lost to us many generations ago, I still know it is not an evil strength. Though, as the lost people of Alenon have unfortunately shown us, a thing does not need to be evil to be used wrongly.” Solidus nodded, a little sadly.

“Indeed, but that is of little consequence. I wished to speak to you of your sword and the way you use it.” The king nodded.

“Of course, Master Solidus. My sword was forged in a temple of Earth and Fire in Laytrow. It was a gift from the monks there.” Solidus nodded and smiled, as if he knew something no one else did.

“Very good. And the way you wield it?” The High King nodded and drew his sword and held it in a stance similar to the one Rielle had been taught by Vesth. Rielle noticed the rearing dragon at the base of the blade.

“I was taught many fighting arts when I was young. The art I perform now is the culmination of all those years of learning. I took what styles I was taught and combined them into a single art. It took me years of honing until I had perfected it.”

“My cousin, High King of Hortaal, is considered one of the greatest swordsmen alive.” Rielle informed Solidus. Solidus nodded.

“And you are also a practitioner of Iai. To draw a sword in motion takes a great deal of skill.” The High King nodded and returned his sword to its scabbard.

“Since the days of High King Hortaal it has been mandatory of the High King to learn Iai before he takes the throne. It is quick, precise, and impossible to read. It is the perfect art for protecting the king in his throne room. But to practice it on the battlefield, against an enemy, it is far too risky to use.” Solidus chuckled and turned, grasping the sword in the wall. He removed the sword and flicked the blood from it as the body of the Telatian assassin fell to the floor. A smooth movement returned his sword to its scabbard.

“If one can react with speed, and has good timing, it is an art that is indispensable to any swordsman.” Solidus suddenly stopped. He looked to the ceiling and smelled the air.

“Another one to join us has revealed themselves.” He said. The High King looked around his throne room as if another assassin might drop from the ceiling.

“Who has revealed themselves?” The High King asked. Solidus closed his eyes and turned slowly, reaching out one hand as if feeling the touch of something unseen.

“One who will join Rielle in bringing the world back into balance.” He said as he turned. After a few steps he paused, his arm outstretched, and opened his eyes.

“Someone in that direction.” The High King looked where Solidus was pointing. “Southwest. There is nothing in that direction except the Moon Witch Forest.” Solidus nodded.

“And Bitreel.” The High King looked back to Rielle/Solidus.

“You cannot be serious. Those who inhabit Bitreel and the Moon Witch Forest would not aid the outside world even if their lives depended on it. The people of Hortaal have hunted them for far too long. I wish it were not so, but even if I made a law that forbade anyone from harming those in the forest, there would be none who listened. The enmity between Hortaal and Bitreel has existed since the Purge. Only the line of High Kings of Hortaal that have been taught in the old ways have kept it from escalating to full blown war. If the army were not disciplined so rigidly to follow my commands, Bitreel would have been wiped out long ago. No one there will help anyone out here.” Solidus half smiled.

“That may be so, but remember, I am not of this outside world. Rielle is of Hortaal, but she is now a mage and, as such, is now feared and hated by most of the known world. Of all people in this world, we are the ones who they may be convinced to follow. And it is only one of them that we need to convince. There is only one who can help restore the balance.” The High King sighed.

“There is no point in arguing then. I could no more ask you not to go than I could command High King Hortaal to rise from the grave. And I know better than to try and give my dear cousin Rielle an order she does not want to follow.” Solidus chuckled.

“Indeed. But your worry is unnecessary. No harm will come of this journey.” The High King nodded.

“Very well. If you cannot be dissuaded, then travel due southwest from here. The trees… change when you reach the Moon Witch Forest. Not far from there is a small village. If you pass too close to it, the guards there will stop you. Tell them the High King sends you in peace to speak with the Matriarch on a matter of great importance. They will conduct you safely to the Matriarch, who may be able to help you replace the one you are looking for.” Solidus nodded.

“Very well, Rielle will need supplies. I grow tired from controlling Rielle’s body and must rest now, but I am sure she can take care of the details.” The High King nodded once.

“Of course.” Rielle’s eyes returned to their natural color and she suddenly slouched. She took a few moments to compose herself and then spoke, Solidus’s voice having disappeared.

“I will need several days rations and a good horse.” She said. The High King nodded.

“Of course, but you must rest now. You are tired and in no condition to ride. You can set off in the morning when you wake. I will have everything prepared for you while you sleep.” Rielle nodded and the High King called in a guard to escort Rielle to her quarters. Rielle was taken to a large set of rooms that were decorated lavishly with tapestries and paintings. A warm fire burned in the hearth set against the wall opposite the door. Two servant girls came into the room and quickly drew a warm bath in a copper tub and helped Rielle out of her travel clothes. She thanked them and dismissed them and settled into the bath to let the warmth soak into her tired body. She could feel Solidus in the back of her mind, as if he were pacing, but she was too tired to ask what he was thinking and simply lay quietly in the water.

Rielle jerked awake when the servant girls returned with fresh clothes and realized she had dozed off and the water was beginning to cool. The servants helped her out and dried her before helping her into her clothes. They bid her good night and, with her approving nod, they left Rielle to seek her bed.