Land of the Lost

Azariah smiled as she listened to Lynn, “Your heart speaks, when you speak of the past.” She spoke as she stepped toward the stairs. “I would certainly hope that humans are not all wretched souls, though, there are several humans that live here, in Yedo that are not bloodthirsty.” She began walking down the stairs. “We may spar, if you would like. Once you get your new gear, of course.” She glanced to Lynn, a smirk on her lips. “Though, I warn you, I do not fight like any human you’ve sparred.” She chuckled as she climbed down the side of the mountain. “The city is filled with all sorts of species, humans, elves, mages, clerics, pixies, fairies, dwarfs, there are even a few trolls here and there. Any creature you imagine, most likely resides here in Yedo. It is a wonderful thing that Master Levin has put together. This city is decades old.”

Azariah then paused, she turned to Lynn. “You do know…that elves…well…mythical creatures, such as myself, we do not age like humans. Right?” She asked and searched her eyes. “In your human years I am….” She paused and thought for a moment, “I would be considered to be 24, yet I’m not.” She smirked, “I’ve been around for a little over a century. The war is the majority of my life. I was young when this all began, when my mother and father were brutally murdered.” She then turned and continued down the stairs. “Humans an Trolls seem to be the only species that age rather quickly. Elves easily live to be 300 without outside influences killing us off.” She noted as they headed into the city. They came to a shop and stepped inside. The bell jingled on the doorway as they came in. It was a bookstore filled with book shelves that were packed full.

A small slender man with short well kept hair peeked from behind a shelf. He was about 4 and a half feet tall. “Ahh Azariah.” He grinned. “It has been quite a while, I was beginning to wonder if I should write of you in a book.”

Azariah chuckled and shook her head. “I’m not in an urn yet, Jenkins.” She looked around the shop and took in a deep breath. “Would you mind grabbing the book on Yedo that you wrote? It has good information in it for my friend here, she hasn’t been around…well any of this.”

Jenkins looked up to Lynn and grinned, “Ahhh you know, out of the species humans do tend to be the most secluded from mythical creatures.” He stepped to the back of the store and easily floated up to the book that was on the top shelf. He returned and handed it to Lynn. “You’ll do just fine.” He smiled and then returned to his work.

“Thank you.” Azariah spoke as they left the store. She led Lynn through the city, winding around until they reached a district that was all residential homes. She walked up a long driveway and lifted a rock from the garden near the door. She pulled a key and inserted it into the handle. “This is Orion’s home.” She spoke as they pushed inside. She curved around in the home and down into the basement which was a huge open area with a few beds. A guest area. “While we wait for Master Levin to return tomorrow we may stay here.” She spoke as she sat down on a couch that faced a shadowy fire pit. “When we travel to the ice caverns, where my king and the rest of my people are…” She paused a moment. “We will have to move quickly, the caverns are laced with magic that will more than likely cause you to fall very ill. I can’t make the antidote, as it is only available within the city in the caverns, the magic that protects the city was made there.” She thought for a moment. “I will get you into the city…I just want you to know, that even traveling at a quick pace, you may lose consciousness. But I want you to trust me, I will get you to safety and I will give you the antidote.” Azariah looked back to the empty fireplace. “That book should answer some questions you may have on the species. Though, I can answer anything else that you may have.” She gave a gentle smile. “I am sure it is a lot to take in.”

Azariah was sitting in the recliner, a book in her hands. The fire crackled and popped. She looked over to Lynn whom was sleeping peacefully. She stood slowly and set her book aside. She reached forward and carefully lifted the book from Lynn’s chest, she slipped a marker into the book and set it aside. She looked up to see Orion come to the bottom of the stairs. Azariah gave a smile and followed him up into the living area upstairs. The city hustled and bustled outside, she could hear merchants speaking in the distance. “How are you Orion?” She asked as she turned to him.

Orion stood with a smile on his lips. “An interesting time for you to return to Yedo, Az.” He spoke as he stepped into the next room over. A huge desk sat with scrolls unwound on top of it, rocks to hold down the edges. “Our master has heard of the turmoil that your people have fallen into. He has heard of the other elves that King Lazarus has stolen magic from.” He traced his fingers over the map. “Why did you come here, Az? You could be putting us all in danger.”

Azariah furrowed her brows. “No, Orion that was never my intention.” She spoke and searched his eyes.

“Oh? And what of the Crusader that you’ve brought with you? Do you think that the Crusaders are not out to end her life? As horrible as it sounds, she broke one of their laws, their code….you’ve seen how violent the Crusaders are, Az.” Orion placed his finger over a red circle.

Azariah stepped forward looking down to the map, her eyes widened slightly. Her home. “Did….”

“Master received a distress from your king…He went with more men than I told you. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier. Not even Cleric knows….Master Levin sought out to assist your King, and you…yet you were never there.” Orion gave a slight nod. “I heard by way of carrier pigeon that Master will be back tomorrow, he found a lot of bodies, but your king was nowhere to be found, and he could not find you. He is hopeful that your people had fled to a safer place.”

Azariah took in a slow breath, the thought of her city getting ripped to shreds defeated her. This whole mission, her getting the scroll, this was about saving her city. She only gave a nod. “I understand.” She spoke and turned to leave.

Orion grabbed her arm gently and pulled her back to him slightly. “Azariah, you should think before you act in this case. You are well outnumbered, especially without your magic.” He searched her eyes.

Azariah gave a nod, “I’m aware.” She spoke as she pulled from him and made her way back to the basement. She sat down in the recliner and after a few moments Lynn woke. She looked to her and gave a soft smile. “Far from a dream, I can assure you that.”

Azariah followed Lynn back through the city to the blacksmith shop. She leaned against a wooden pillar as she watched Sam dress Lynn in her new armor. She gave a grin and a nod, it fit her, much better than the crusader armor. She stepped forward into Sam’s arms and gave a nod. “Of course, Sam. I owe you that at least.” She watched as the blacksmith went back to work. Azariah then gave a smile, “You look excellent in your new armor, Lynn.” Azariah gave a nod to the request for a spar. “We have something much better here.” She spoke as she led her through the city. They came to a large building that was circular in shape with a huge dome on top. She stepped inside and snaked through the halls as if she’d been here a thousand times. Azariah pushed open a door and they stood in a large room with a circular ring. It was surrounded by glass. “This, is where the warriors of Yedo train.” She spoke as she stepped forward. “It is all magic based, but it will feel as real as killing the real thing.” Azariah placed her hand on a device, a slight spark of magic came from her hand. Just enough to light up the turn table. “I’ll show you.” She spoke as she pushed through the glass door and stepped into the ring. Azariah walked to the center and paused. Silence followed. Her vitals appeared on the screen of the device that Lynn stood in front of. It was a sophisticated use of magic.

Azariah pulled her bow and slipped an arrow into it as a tone chimed. Doors on all edges of the arena opened an in rushed a pack of Warg beasts. Devilish beasts that resembled a wolf but they had huge fangs and drool dripped from their mouths. Azariah turned and released her arrow. It sliced through the air and punctured the eye of a Warg beast before the others rushed forward. She made to shoot another shot, she rolled to the side and released her arrow and loaded another as she got to her feet. She released it and it sliced through the air. Then another tone sounded. More Warg beasts rushed into the room. She fought through several waves of these Warg beasts, her pulse increased. The last wave a beast leaped into the air and ripped her bow from her hands.

Azariah slipped a throwing dagger from her thigh and tossed it at the beast just as another creature entered the room. He was a humanoid creature covered in armor, he slipped his sword from his sheath. Azariah took in quick breaths as she finally pulled her sword. As she pulled it from the sheath a blue glow illuminated from the blade, as if it was on fire. She rushed forward and began her attacks. Their swords clattered together. Azariah and the knight danced around eachother for several minutes until Azariah pulled a dagger and continued fighting with her free hand. With the flick of her wrist the dagger cut through the air and sliced into his neck. This brought the brute to his knees. Azariah took her sword and slammed it through his chest, his eyes lit up a blue color before he fell to the ground. Then suddenly the room was rushed with a wave of soldiers.

Azariah spun around quickly. Her heel connected with one, while her elbow slammed into the jaw of another. She sliced through the knights with such precision it appeared to be a well rehearsed dance. Though, she was beginning to fatigue. The creatures would continually become more challenging as she fought. This was the design of the arena. To test even those of the highest skill. Another wave of knights. Azariah spun around, she slammed into on of the knights as he tried to slice through her side. She pinned him on the ground and stabbed her sword through his helmet. Azariah stood as another monster appeared.

Azariah turned as the knight began marching toward her. He had a helmet that had horns coming off of it. He was at least two heads taller than her. His sword glistened in the light of the arena. He held a huge shield in his other hand. His steps were heavy and loud. Azariah took a few steps back, studying him. She then made her attack. Her sword clattered against his armored thigh, the man snickered and slammed his shield against her. Azariah fell backward, her sword clattered to the ground and the blue fiery glow disappeared from him. She rolled to the side quickly as he brought his sword down on top of her, missing by just an inch. Azariah scrambled to her feet. She pulled her dagger, the wording upon the blade illuminated in a beautiful red glow. It was an elvish dagger that held its own magic. She ran toward him and slammed her heel into his shield. The knight stumbled back and sliced his sword forward. Azariah winced slightly and moved to the side. She moved around quickly and kicked the side of his knee. A sickening crack came from his knee. The knight snarled and turned to her, he sliced forward, she blocked with her dagger which clattered to the ground.

Azariah then rushed forward, her arms wrapped around the knights waist as she slammed her shoulder into his chest. The knight lost his footing and fell backward. His sword fell from his grip and his shield clanged as it hit the floor. The knight flipped her and threw a few punches. Azariah moved swiftly and in the next moment the knight was slumped over the top of her, she held in her hand a small throwing dagger that she’d sliced through his armor into his heart. His weight was crushing her. She groaned as she pushed against him and then the simulation ended. His body and the weight disappeared into a flash of light. Azariah stood and took in quick breaths. She gathered her things and stepped to the edge of the ring. A white light surrounded her body and any of her injuries were healed by magic. She stepped from the arena and looked to Lynn with a smile on her lips. “Are you up for the challenge?” She asked with a slight chuckle.

Azariah watched as Lynn moved into the arena. A smile curved up her lips as she watched the precision and skill that the female crusader had. She hadn’t had the chance to admire a true swordsmen and the art that came with that skill. Every encounter she had with the Crusaders she was either running or getting herself into a point where she had the advantage to escape. They Crusaders came with many men, along with other knights. It was why they were a forced to be reckoned with.

“To have a training arena like this, the Crusaders would have to accept that magic is not evil and that those who possess magic are not all demons.” Azariah let out a soft laugh. “Your skill is incredible, Lynn. You would be a worthy opponent, though I am thankful to have you on my side.” The complement was sincere and meant to flatter. “It was very honorable that you allowed your final opponent to live like that, you seem to always surprise me.” Azariah turned and stepped from the arena. She paused for a moment and furrowed her brows. A bell chimed loudly. She could hear shouting in the distance. “No…” She whispered before she took off in a sprint.

The moon offered a glistening silver light over the frozen land. Candles flickered inside lanterns hung from homes. Azariah slid around a corner as she rushed toward the bell that continued to sound. A few of the locals rushed passed, their eyes filled with fear. She turned a corner and a heel slammed into her chest forcing her to the ground on her back. The air exited her lungs and she fought to breathe as she looked up to her attacker.

“Let her up.” Orion spoke, the sound of his sword drawing seemed to bounce off of the walls. The bell continued to sound.

“I have no fight with you, knight.” The man looked over. He was clad in black armor. His helmet held horns and the design was in the shape of a skull. His armor was jagged and dark, his knees held skulls as the armor as well. He had a sword that was drawn darkness surrounded it a deep chuckle came from his chest. “I am here for the elf. She has something that I need to retrieve.” His voice was deep and rumbly.

Orion took a step forward. “She has nothing, her people were killed. You’ve made a mistake.”

The knight chuckled once more. The sound of thundering hoof beats clattered against the cobblestone. “You have no idea what she has. Do you?” He reached down and gripped onto Azariah, shadows came from his hand and snaked over her body which fell limp nearly instantly.

Knights rushed into the area surrounding the dark knight. “Put her down!” Orion rushed forward.

The knight slammed his foot into Orion’s chest and he flew back, slamming against the wall of a home. He chuckled before he reached his hand out. His horse leaped over the heads of the knights and landed. In an instant he was on top of the horse and then the horse took off shadows morphed and surrounded them and the hoof beats became silent. When the shadows settled, they were gone.

Orion was on his knees, he coughed and choked slightly. He stood shakily and looked to a knight that approached him. “Sargent Orion, we couldn’t stop him….he was too strong….” The knight spoke.

Orion looked to his chest plate, it was caved in, pushing against his chest. He reached and unbuckled his straps. He lowered the chest piece and looked to the heel print in his armor. “I thought Abraxis was something of a fairy tale…” He looked to Lynn and took in a slow breath. “That knight was summoned to retrieve Azariah…I understand that you may not know her well…but she holds a scroll that is our only hope of keeping our kind safe…” He rubbed his chest and winced slightly, his armor cut into him where the knight kicked him. “Come with me.” He spoke and led Lynn through the city. They stepped up to a huge home and walked inside. He led her down into a meeting room where a huge map was rolled out upon the table. “I have not way of tracking Abraxis I can only hope that King Lazarus is behind this.” He circled the kingdom on the map and then circled Yedo. “Master Levin isn’t here, so I am next in charge…I can’t leave Yedo without the Master back. I can send help with you, if you choose to accept this…” He took in a slow breath. “Abraxis is a demon, a knight summoned from the dead. He is a thing of nightmares and a thing of stories to scare the children. I have never seen him in real life and I never thought I would…but…he has been brought to life.”

Orion went to the books on the wall and thumbed through an old book, the pages were old and tattered. “Here.” He set the book on the table, a sketch of Abraxis showed on the page. The skull shapes in his armor, his horse covered in armor. “Lynn, I have known Az for years, I can’t let her down…” He shook his head.

**

Azariah woke, her chest felt heavy. She went to move and found that her wrists were bound. A gag was tied tightly around her mouth. She looked around the room. She was stuffed in a cellar of some sort. It was damp and cold. “Ah I see you’re awake.” Abraxis spoke. He stepped from the shadows, his armor clanking with each step. Azariah’s eyes widened slightly as she looked up to him. “You have a scroll that I have been paid to retrieve.” He knelt down before her. “Now where is it?” He lowered the gag.

Azariah stared into the shadows of the helmet. “I don’t have it.” She spoke. She’d left the scroll with a few other things in her pack in Orion’s basement, on the night stand next to the chair she’d been sitting in.

The knight reached forward and gripped her around her neck, his armor was cold. “You will tell me where it is. I must retrieve it.” He growled as he lifted her from the ground and slammed her harshly against the wall.

Azariah choked she struggled with her bound hands and held onto his wrist. “I don’t…have it…” She managed to speak, her voice small.

The knight slammed her against the wall again. A shard of crystal was hanging around his neck. A piece of the crystal that had been used to steal magic. “I will easily kill you.” He spoke.

Azariah reached up to the crystal and gripped a hold of it. She could feel the power as she gasped for air. He brought his knee into her side and a snapping sound came from her rib. She ripped down harshly against the necklace. The knight stumbled back and dropped her. A light flashed from within the helmet. Azariah crumbled on the ground. She scrambled and pushed herself to her feet. Her hands still gripped onto the crystal tightly. She watched as the cloth portions of the armor began to deflate, a white wispy substance came from the armor. She furrowed her brows and kicked the armor gently, the chest piece separated from the head and the hips. It was empty. Her eyes widened slightly. She stepped back quickly and leaned into the wall. She searched around and found one of her daggers. Azariah carefully used her dagger to cut the rope from her wrists. She then examined the crystal more closely. It glowed a purple hue. She took the crystal and hung it around her neck, just as the knight had.

Azariah stumbled back, her eyes lit up bright blue. She gasped and let out a cry as she fell to her knees. The power coursed through her body. She groaned slightly and gripped her fingers into the dirt of the cellar floor. She collapsed and lost consciousness from the overpowering sensation of the powers. It had been years since she’d actually felt powers course through her body.

A few hours later Azariah sat up quickly, she groaned from her broken ribs. She winced and pushed herself up. She looked around the cellar the empty knight suit still lay in the same place. She stepped over him and gathered her weapons before she walked up the stairs of the cellar. She pushed the door open slowly. Several of King Lazarus’ knights stood watch outside. She slipped her sword from its sheath and rushed forward. With quick precision she decapitated one, sliced through the stomach of another, and brought her elbow into the face of a third. She fought off the men quickly and ran forward to the knights horse. She placed her hand on his shoulder. “Alright big guy.” She spoke as she carefully climbed onto him. He reared and then they were off into the night. His huge hoofs trampled against the ground. “Take me back to Yedo, my friend.” She pat his shoulder. The horse breathed quickly snorting slightly as it quickened the pace and changed direction the cut into the forest and dodged tree limbs and huge tree trunks left and right. He even leaped over dead trees. Azariah held on tightly as they rushed along. She had no idea how far the knight had taken her. She only hoped they were headed in the right direction.

Azariah leaned into the cold wind that pushed passed her as she rode through the night. She held onto the reins as she rode along. She didn’t recognize anything around her. She looked back to the huge tower like structure the knight had taken her to. It glowed in the night with the fiery lanterns that were lit all along it. She wasn’t far from it. She climbed up the side of a foothill to the top and pulled the huge horse to a stop. She overlooked the valley looking to the tower. She scanned around looking for any markers that she would recognize. Nothing. Azariah looked up to the moon in the sky and searched for the north star. Once she located it she gave the huge horse a gentle kick in his sides and they were off again. Galloping along. As she rode along she heard a shout and then in the next instant a hot flash of pain caught her shoulder. Azariah nearly fell from the horse. She had an arrow pierced through her shoulder. She looked up just as another came toward her, it grazed her side. She leaned back and tried to keep a hold of the saddle horn but her injured arm lost grip. She fell back and rolled through the snow. Her horse neighed loudly and reared when she fell.

Knights rushed from the sides of the trail, their swords drawn. Azariah staggered to her feet, blood ran down her arm. She looked to the arrow and cursed under her breath. She was already losing feeling in her fingertips. She slipped her sword from its sheath and waited. The knights rushed forward toward her, swinging their weapons. Azariah jumped to the side and moved quickly, slicing through the men. She let out a cry as a hammer came down against her armored calf. She stumbled and fell to the ground, she collapsed into the bloody snow. She winced and pushed herself up, she rolled to the side just as the man made to swing for the kill.

Azariah pushed herself up to her feet and rushed forward to him. She tackled him to the ground and stabbed one of her daggers through his eye socket. She took in quick deep breaths as she stood slowly. She pulled herself up onto the huge horse and once again gave a gentle kick in his side. “Come on.” She spoke softly. Blood dripped from her fingertips as she rode onward, leaving a trail of blood droplets in the snow.

She rode for a few hours like this the sun was beginning to come up by this point. She held her injured arm to her stomach now, she’d broken the tips of the arrow off, now only part of the arrow remained in her shoulder. She gave a little kick for the horse to quicken his pace, she gripped onto the reins with her good hand and they rode onward. Azariah still didn’t recognize anything around her. She’d never been in this part of the land before. She pulled at the reins, searching for a main trail, to get a glimpse of something she knew.

Azariah rode onward, her body slumped slightly. “Is it…this way?” She breathed as she looked to the snow and trees around her. She came to a clearing. Her eyes fluttered slightly. She gave a gentle kick. She rode on like this for a bit longer until she sound came from behind her.

Halt!

Azariah glanced just as Sam came around the front and her horse came to a stop. Within moments she was on the ground. She looked to Sam and gave a weak chuckle. “Getting away is always the easy part.” She spoke. She staggered slightly.

“Not so fast there, Azariah.” Sam spoke as she steadied her. “Leo.” She spoke and looked to the Cleric as he walked up. “She has a nasty arrow wound.”

Cleric Leo stepped forward and looked it over. “You broke it off.” He looked to her and shook his head.

Azariah looked to Lynn as she approached, she let out a soft chuckle. “It seems that way, doesn’t it?” She took in a small breath. She reached up around her neck and pulled the crystal from beneath her clothing. Her eyes lit up a bright blue for a moment as she removed the crystal. She gasped slightly.

Sam held on tighter, “What….where did you find that?” She stared to the crystal, she grunted slightly as she held Azariah up as she slipped the crystal back around her neck. Her eyes glowed slightly now the beautiful periwinkle blue.

“The knight was a puppet.” She spoke, “A set of armor with a crystal attached to it. I ripped off the crystal and he disintegrated.”

Leo looked her over for a moment. He smirked. “I can feel your power.” He spoke as he placed his hand over her shoulder. The white light came once again and his arm had inscriptions along it in the bright blue glow. When he pulled his hand back he held the piece of arrow in his palm.

Azariah took in a breath and moved her arm. “That was horrible.” She muttered. “The hunters…” She thought for a moment. “Are we in River’s Vail Forest?” She asked.

Sam returned a nod, “That we are, that knight took you quite a bit away from Yedo.” She then searched Azariah’s eyes for a moment. “Master isn’t going to like this, you know.”

Azariah looked away and gave a slight nod. “I’ll gather my things and I will be on the road. I understand.” She spoke, her voice soft. She knew she couldn’t stay in Yedo, if the King was rising Demons from the grave…what else could he unleash? She didn’t want to think of it. “I need to find my King and my people, to see who survived the attack.”

“Attack?” Sam questioned, her brows furrowed.

“Orion informed me of the real reason Master left the city. My home was attacked, the king sent a distress to Master Levin.” Azariah spoke softly. “For all I know nearly everyone has died. Master will know more.”

Sam let out a long sigh. “I’m sorry, Az.” She pulled her into a gentle hug that lasted a long moment. “Let’s get moving then huh?”

Azariah gave a nod. She turned and climbed onto the huge horse. It was a shire, which stood taller than Bonnie. The horse was over 7 feet in height. It made Azariah look tiny. She pet his shoulder and he bobbed his head slightly. “Sam, could I trouble you to help me alter this guys armor? I don’t want to go around looking like Abraxis.” She chuckled.

Sam stepped in front of the horse and gave a smile, “For you? Of course.” She spoke before she climbed onto her horse. “I have a set that I believe will fit him nicely. What’s his name Az?”

Azariah thought for a moment, “Winslow.” She spoke and the horse bobbed his head happily. Azariah chuckled and started forward. She followed Sam’s lead back toward Yedo. They stayed up on the ridges, trying to avoid the hunters.

“Halt!” A voice called from the forest.

Azariah looked, a man stood with a few others, arrows drawn. “You’re making a mistake.” Azariah spoke. Her eyes glowed blue.

The man chuckled. “How about you jump down first beautiful? We’re going to have fun with you.” He licked his lips and looked to the others. “All of you, drop your weapons, get down off of the horses. Now! Do it or we will shoot!” Azariah slipped from the height of her horse. She pulled her bow from her back and pulled her belt from around her waist that held her sword. She looked up as the man approached her. Her eyes still held a beautiful blue glow. He reached forward and touched her cheek. Azariah turned her head away from him. “Ah, we will keep you around for awhile, huh?” He gripped her chin and looked into her eyes.

In that moment something happened. Azariah reached forward and slammed her fist into his chest. Her hands lit with a blue glow. Where she’d hit his chest ice covered his body. The man stumbled back, choking, unable to breathe. Azariah stepped forward and shoved him back, the ice shattered from his body. The men that had arrows drawn turned their attention to her, they were aimed in on her now. “I told you that you were making a mistake.” Azariah spoke, her voice low.

The man staggered to his feet, he began chuckling, a wicked grin on his lips. “Oh you think you’re funny, don’t you?” He smirked. “With your little tricks. I bet you can’t do it again. Hm?” He stepped forward and gripped around her neck, he lifted up slowly, her toes just barely touched the ground.

Azariah choked and squirmed around, she lifted her arms up, her eyes began to glow bright blue. She gripped onto his wrist tightly. Ice began to crawl up his arm and spread over his chest. He began to choke and his grip loosened on her. Azariah fell to the ground. She kicked her foot into his chest, sending him to his back. In a swift motion she had her bow in her hands, she drew arrows and let one go. In another instant she released another. An arrow sliced through the air and grazed her side just as she let out the final shot. Azariah grit her teeth as she turned, another arrow docked and ready to go. She then walked up to the man and placed her foot on his chest. She stared down to him and released the arrow, it squished as it punctured into his skull. Azariah then turned and walked back to Winslow, she put her belt back on and climbed back up onto the monster of a horse.

Sam stared at Azariah, “I didn’t realize you could…” She spoke, her jaw loose.

“The crystal grants her the ability to use her magic again.” Leo spoke with a chuckle. “Good show, Azariah.”

Azariah gave a smile, “Thank you, it feels good to have my powers again….” She spoke as they started once again toward the city.

Azariah glanced to Lynn as she spoke of the bruising around her neck, she could feel the heat of the blood as it pooled and rushed to the surface of her skin. She gave a slight nod. “Yes, Leo can fix it.” She spoke, she gave a slight chuckle. “It felt strange to use magic…” She climbed onto Winslow and they were off.

She was the next horse in front of Lynn as they rode along, in front of her was Leo and Sam took the lead. Azariah thought as she looked over the land as well, she listened to Lynn’s words. “You are entirely right, King Lazarus would seem to be watching my every move, I can’t lead him to my people...the only benefit that I have is the forest that leads to and surrounds the caverns is full of a magical essence, a spell that will incapacitate humans, or those without magic. My only fear is the case of this devil knight that he sent after me, it was brought to life with a shard of magic crystal…” She let out a sigh as she thought.

Azariah stared up to the gates of Yedo as they opened before them, a warm welcome from the guards that stood watch. Orion stood on the city wall and gave a nod down to the group, a smile on his lips as he looked to Azariah. She slipped from her horse as Sam tied up her own in the stables. Sam gave a smile. “You two get to planning your strategy.” She gave a quick hug. “I’m glad you’re alright, Az.” She spoke and then led Winslow off toward her shop.

Azariah looked to Lynn for a moment before she led her toward the center of the city. “The scroll holds the placement of several relics, tombs of ancient Elves. The importance of this is much like that of this crystal.” She paused a moment. “You are right, I will need everything and everyone that I can get by my side. This mission that my king has put me on has turned into much more than he anticipated. I do not believe that he thought that Lazarus would spoil the crystal in such a way by breaking pieces off of it to bring dead assassin knights to life. I’ve heard of it in texts. Ancient relics that are laced in magic used to create a puppet that will do anything you ask of it.” Azariah took in a breath and sighed slightly, “I appreciate everything that you’ve done for me Lynn.” She pushed into a building. It was a hall with several elegant statues, knights, clerics, elves, dwarfs, all statues of heroes of the past. Azariah led Lynn down the hallway and to a door which she pushed open.

The room behind the door held a huge desk at which a man sat, he was old, small, he had a white beard upon his jaw and his hair was kept short and neat. He looked up from his seated position. “Azariah.” He spoke and stood. He glanced to Lynn as he stepped forward and pulled Azariah into a hug. He turned and gave a nod to Lynn. “I’ve heard a few spoken words of you, Crusader.” He smiled before he turned his attention back to Azariah. “Your king escaped the attack.” His eyes were sad, “Many died in the attack, it seems they stormed the city by force, your king only had enough time to flee. I’m sorry.”

Azariah gave a slight nod, “Orion told me, it is hard to believe, we’ve gone so long, without an attack at home, it seems unreal that something like this has happened.” She shook her head. “I will find them.” She searched the old man’s eyes. “Master, we need to create a diversion. Lynn has brought a valid point. I am certain that Orion told you of the demon knight that attacked the city last night, with only one mission, to take me back to King Lazarus and get the scroll.”

Master Levin gave a nod, “Luckily for you, I have thought of a plan myself.” He looked to Lynn and gave a bit of a sly smile. “I’ve managed to pull an old scroll from the shelves that didn’t have much anything of importance on it, the words have faded away from the years. We can use it as a diversion. Of course, you are to take the real item. I want you to take the scroll to the tombs of Winchester, it isn’t too far to the south, you will be headed back in the direction of the kingdom, no less under the eyes of his guard. You will need to take the scroll inside and place it here, for safe keeping. I have already stepped up the patrols, and fortified the city the best I can. Though, we can not hold up to a full fledged attack, if he brings his army to our gates, we will not survive.”

“I will not allow that to happen, Master.” Azariah spoke as she took the fake scroll from him when he offered it to her.

Master Levin looked to Lynn, “I would see it wise to work closely with Lynn, she was a Crusader, she knows how their minds think, the tactical aspect of the battle field.” He smiled, “It is good to have you on our side, Lynn.” He then moved back to his desk. “I need you to leave as soon as possible, I can’t risk an attack on our city.”

“I need a favor, Master.” Azariah spoke. “Lynn spoke of a diversion, a group that leads the kings men in the opposite direction of us, he will split his troops.”

Master Levin thought for a moment, his old eyes looked over the two before he gave a nod. “Of course, I will put a team together.”

“We need traps set, to hopefully wound the knights. Is that at all possible?” Azariah asked.

“I will have my men do the best they can.” He nodded, “I will lead them to the west toward the coast.”

“Thank you, Master.” Azariah spoke as she turned and left the room, she was silent as she walked through the hall of heroes. Once they reached the street she paused and looked to Lynn. “Now would be a good time, if you have any doubts about following through with this, Lynn.” She searched her eyes. “I know I am asking a lot of you when you’ve only just met me….I promise I will repay you.” She turned and headed toward Orion’s home. Azariah slipped inside she was met by Orion whom held her pack full of things, and the real scroll. “Thank you.” She spoke and gave him a hug before she headed down to Sam’s blacksmith shop.

Sam was fitting the last piece onto Winslow. She looked over as the horse neighed slightly. He had a beautiful black plate that was shaped to resemble a dragon, with fairings that resembled the wings of a dragon. Along his neck were scales to protect him. He had blue and silver chainmail along his chest and a blue blanket that added to the appearance of the armor. “What do you think?” Sam asked with a grin. “I’ve had this stuff of a long time, not a horse big enough for it.” She chuckled.

Azariah stepped forward and ran her fingers along the dragon scales. “It is perfect, lighter for him I’m sure.”

“He was happy to get the other armor off.” She nodded.

Azariah looked to Lynn. “Is there anything that you need before we go?” She asked.

“We will have to do dinner another time then?” Sam chuckled. “I’ve owed you dinner for years, Az.” She grinned and looked to Lynn.

Azariah was quiet as they journeyed out of the city. Her mind was moving at a thousand miles per hour, thinking over everything. Formulating a plan. When Lynn asked her what the plan was she looked over, a bit of a defeated look in her eyes. “The ultimate end goal is to retrieve the crystal from the king, though, we have no idea where he has hidden it. That crystal contains the magic of many people, magic that he has stolen away for his own dark intentions.” She shook her head. “I must find my king, to be assured that he is safe…King Lazarus wants the scroll because of the magical artifacts, it is much like the crystal, if he can figure out how to use the crystal using one of the magical artifacts would be simple in comparison. I’m not sure who he has working for him, but he has someone that is a mage, he must…”

Azariah shifted slightly, “I will need to gather the artifacts, to keep them safe, and to gain the power from the artifacts. This crystal, it will not hold long, just from the single use I can tell that I have zapped it of some of the power that was stored within. The artifacts are enchanted, they can withstand the use of my magic and assist me in regaining my full strength so that getting the crystal back is even a possibility.” She gave a slight sigh, “The other artifacts are to help restore power to the warriors in my kingdom, if they are even still alive, so that we have help…this isn’t a small task, Lynn.” She fell silent then as she continued to think. “The forest…” She spoke after a few moments of silence, “The forest will be as soon as we set this distraction. As soon as we feel it is safe to venture to the north. It will be a week long journey to get to the edge of the forest, I will protect you, and I will get you to the ice caverns where I will supply you with the antidote.”

Azariah then listened to Lynn as she spoke of the banners and the bald eagles. She looked up into the sky, half expecting an eagle to be soaring above them that very moment. It was then that Lynn asked about her home, she felt a pit in her stomach as she thought about it. “From what I know…” She spoke softly. “A lot of my people died…we will pass through Kyat Enyore on our way to the north, we will see then just how leveled my city is.” Just the thought of her city being ripped to shreds made her eyes sting, her chest heaved slightly as she fought the urge to cry. Her people had done nothing but cooperate with King Lazarus and his family over the years. Yet, this is what happens.

Azariah furrowed her brows as she was handed the bounty poser. She looked at the sketch and took in a long slow breath. “That is a hefty bounty…” She agreed. “We are going to have to figure out a way to keep from eyesight.” She pulled up her hood, “As soon as we make this diversion, I will take us on the back pathways, the routes that few know. That should lessen our odds of being spotted and hunted down.”

They rode forward for a few hours then, Azariah watched around them, all the while she felt as though they were being watched. A snap of a limb sounded then. Azariah shot her head to the side just as a net flew through the air. It had weights on it that instantly wrapped around her body and clasped together. Azariah toppled to the ground, Winslow reared and snorted, barreling off from fear.

From the forest stepped a man clad in black, a cross bow in his hand, he was aimed in on Lynn. “Keep riding and we won’t have to hurt you as well.” He warned.

Two other men stepped from the forest on the opposite side of the pathway, their bows drawn as well. A final man stepped from the forest a smirk on his lips, he wore a long thick parka. He had a pistol in his hand, a rather expensive item and another small pistol on his ankle. He walked right up to Azariah whom was wrapped up in the netting tightly, her arms bound to her sides. Her eyes glowed a bright blue, the netting was frosting over. He gave a chuckle as he placed the barrel of the rifle against her chest. “I’d stop that if I were you, I know you’re an elf, an elf that has magical powers. However.” He reached forward and slipped his finger through the netting. He lifted the string that the crystal was tied onto and used the small blade on the side of his pistol to slice through the string. Azariah fought against the netting as he pulled the crystal from around her neck. The light from her eyes vanished and the frost on the netting dissipated. He kept the pistol pressed against her chest and chuckled. “Lazarus took your powers.” He smirked and dangled the crystal over her before he tossed it, the crystal shattered against a nearby tree. A small explosion came from the crystal and a flash of white light before smoke lifted into the air. The man looked up to Lynn then as he stood and placed his heel on Azariah’s chest. “You wouldn’t be causing any trouble then would you, miss?” He asked as he aimed his pistol at her.

Azariah struggled against the bonds, she couldn’t breathe with his weight on her. The smoke from the explosion held in the air and floated toward her. It swirled around her body slightly before it disappeared. She shut her eyes tightly as a few sparks came from her fists. The sparks turned to flames.

“Boss!” One of the men called, his eyes widened as he looked to the flames coming from Azariah’s hands.

The man didn’t take his eyes from Lynn. He pressed down harder against Azariah, “I’d stop that if I were you.” He warned, pushing down even harder against her. “You think I would come to capture an elf without my own magical tools?” He chuckled. “You’re wrapped up in a netting that withstands magic, go ahead and try what you want, you’re not breaking free.” He cocked his gun. “Now, you will leave.” He stared at Lynn, his brows tucked together. “I have a bounty to collect.” Azariah choked, her eyes opened, a fiery ember glow lingered in her eyes. She tried to speak, but with the amount of weight he had on her chest she couldn’t get a word out.