Prologue: The Waiting

Huru snarled as he watched the guards poke at the defenseless Beasts. He kept silent, his mouth shut, his back to the wall, his head limp. None of the guards ever noticed how much his hate-filled eyes stared at them with such contempt.

"Look at this one, I think it’s female. This one shall die sooner than the rest" a young blonde and fairly new addition to the force stated.

"As it should be", remarked another, "What disrespect she holds for such holiness. Jii will not be gentle with her."

The blonde nodded.

Huru bit at his top lip forcing back his sudden rage. He must wait.

*

Lady Matra never bothered to inspect her new arrival.

He was an extremely large young man, probably around 7 feet tall. His rough ash brown hair was cut short so not to get knotted. His gray eyes were blank, as they should be, if they had shown expression however any slave trader would have been plagued with guilt. His mind bound by a spell was as innocent as a puppy’s and his eyes would have shone with that radiance if those cuffs were only removed.

As the Lady entered Trios, her soon-to-come most expensive slave, bowed. She smiled and took out her brush, handing it to her daughter.

"Ah, so this is your newest! He’s a fine one!" she complemented to her mother then looked towards Trios once again, "Once I get you cleaned you’ll be the corn of the crop!"

"Looks like this one will be easy to clean, doesn’t look like there’s any lice at least" Lady Matra stated as she poked her finger through a strand of his hair.

*

Parisia narrowed her eyes as her mother drew closer, her hands gripping her dress at her sides. She yearned to bite at her nails, but she resisted and bowed as her mother finally reached her.

"Isia Par, I have given you passage into womanhood, and now I give you passage to your destiny. Isia Par, do you accept?"

"Elder of Mel, I take upon the challenge the Great Genta has veiled upon me. I accept with courage, honor and deepest respect; for Genta has given my soul light, my path has been flooded with the dark." Parisia could feel the sweat that was forming around her palms and forehead.

"May Jii have patience with your glow to reach his shore." Meljar swallowed.

"May Jii have patience with your glow to reach his shore" Parisia respectively repeated as she stood strait from her bow position.

Meljar smiled and briefly hugged Parisia before pulling her from the stage.

*

Misuchi pushed Saria aside as her hand snatched at the bag. "Give it up!"

"No!" shouted the child as she stepped on Misuchi’s foot, Misuchi giving a slight cry of pain.

"Why you little brat!" Misuchi snapped as she lunged at the youngster, Saria smoothly extended her arm however to prevent Misuchi from continuing.

"Let the boy keep it."

"But he stole it!" Misuchi yelped as she pointed a convicting finger.

Saria smiled. "He has earned it."

The child smiled happily, turned to Misuchi and mocked her with his tongue then took off impishly giggling.

"What the hell was that about?" Misuchi shouted giving Saria a dirty glare.

"He reminded me too much of you as a child", Saria responded as she took her arm from Misuchi’s way, leaving Misuchi dumbfounded.

Misuchi spun around after a moment of thought. "Well I was much cuter than HIM!"

*

Chapter One, Smell of Entrapment

In the beginning there was only one god, he gave birth to three mother Goddesses: Llie the birth-giver, deliverer of the seas and waters; Ree the protector, the crafter of the skies; Corii the maternal, supplier of all gifts that earth is. These three great Goddesses, however, fought for supreme control over the living. Each gave life what it needed to continue, but they could not see that and forever fought. There was a great war, but because not one single Goddess could care for her children without the other two, the outcome was unfavorable for all three. The great father of the feuding sisters, who was wise beyond belief, decided to end these wars by giving them a chance to win a tournament. Each sister was to pick a Chosen and on the day of Warriors, a holiday to celebrate all that is mortal, the Chosen would battle to the death, the winner would claim the victory for their Goddess. And so the Goddesses waited for this day in the far future…

*

Her whole life she had waited for this moment. To become High Priestess, a true honor among her people. Was she ready for it however, yes that was the problem. She nervously chewed at her nail. A knock at her door woke her from her thoughts.

"Yes?" she called out.

"Parisia? Dear? May I come in?" Meljar sweetly asked, her hand fixed on the handle.

"Yes mother, enter."

Meljar slowly opened the door and peeked at her daughter. "You look worried." She smiled with sympathy.

"As a matter of fact I am, mother. High Priestess is a great honor, but as you have always told me, honor comes with responsibility. I don’t know if I can do this" Parisia dropped her hand at her side and stared at the floor.

Meljar’s smile grew as she sat next to her daughter. "Parisia, I have something that I should tell you."

"Yes?"

Meljar stared at her young daughter for a moment, studying the beauty and innocence of her. Fifteen, yet so delicate with her age, blonde hair swept down past her shoulders, her blue eyes radiated a sense of newness in this world. "I’m sure you would make a great High Priestess."

Parisia wandered her gaze to her mothers. "Would? What do you mean?"

Meljar embraced her daughter suddenly. "Go and pack some things, we will be leaving shortly."

"Leaving?" Parisia gasped. "Leaving Gie?"

"Yes" Meljar pressed her lips with thought. "Just hurry, please."

"But why?"

"Do as I say!" Meljar snapped. "Please!"

Parisia reluctantly nodded.

Short after, Parisia had prepared a small bag at her side of a change of clothes and some other small items she would usually bring on a last minute trip to the castle outside Gie. This time, however, she had a feeling she wouldn’t be taking her normal trip to the old Castle of the Lost Gians.

Meljar nodded at her bag then began to wander towards the door. "Come, we don’t have much time."

"Mother… Would you please explain what is going on? Where are we going?" Parisia whined as she slowly followed.

"Parisia!" Meljar shifted her body towards her daughter. "Dear, we do not have time right now. Please just stay silent till we have left Gie’s gates. Our horses are waiting outside, come."

Parisia swallowed. Her stomach was filled with butterflies. What was so awful that it couldn’t be told within their home?

*

They had rode on for hours, neither speaking nor giving each other even a glance. Parisia’s stomach and head both throbbed with the same worry, as for Meljar, she stood strong. She did not show fear, as she never did.

Meljar’s horse soon began to quietly come to a leisurely halt. Parisia yanked back on her horse for it to stop as well. The horse neighed in response, but did as she asked. Parisia sighed, not sure if the sigh was from relief or annoyance.

Meljar pulled her hood back; her golden hair falling over her shoulder and her light blue eyes shimmered in the moonlight. She looked thoughtfully at her daughter then licked her dry lips. "Dismount."

Parisia climbed down from her horse and looked up at her mother with distaste. "I want to know what is going on, NOW! I have been riding on in this night for hours, what is so important that you had to drag me from my bed?" Parisia had decided she was indeed tired and irritated.

Meljar pulled her bow and arrow from her pack and with sudden aim and fire, shot Parisia’s horse.

"Mother!" Parisia screeched with horror.

"You’re life."

Parisia’s mouth dropped open, as her eyes grew wide. "What?"

Meljar gritted her teeth with a sudden anger. "I could not stop whatever this is from coming, but you cannot be in the Temple tomorrow." Meljar closed her eyes, as her eyebrows were forced downward. Her rage showing clearly.

"Stop what? Mother! Please explain!" Parisia cried as she neared her mother’s horse’s side.

Her mother sighed as she opened her eyes. Her mouth curved as if she tasted something bitter. "I am not all that sure of what it is that is coming tomorrow, or how it will come. But I know that it is coming, I feel it, as did my Queen Jamia. There is something wrong… and it is coming for you. I am not sure of what it is you hold, or what part you play in this upcoming struggle, but I am certain that you must survive it. Our land will be destroyed; you cannot find shelter with us. Tomorrow a power will wash upon our shores and devour us, but it will not swallow its target. You must stay far from Gie! Listen well my daughter, be careful of strangers, this coming darkness is not taking kindly to you."

Parisia stood in shock not sure if she was actually listening or if she was just in awe.

"I am sorry, my dear daughter," Meljar whispered as she slid down from her horse and slipped her velvety green cloak over her daughter, "I am sorry I could not save your carefree smiles." She briefly hugged her then began to mount her horse again.

Parisia finally snapped back from her short lived paralyzed state. "Mother! You are leaving me? What will become of our people? Have you warned them? Where are you going to go? I’m confused, tell me what you speak of!"

Meljar looked down lovingly at her daughter. "Our people will die honorably saving their High Priestess. I promise I will do my best to save what I can of our land, when I die I promise you the powers of a High Priestess, for they may aid you in upcoming conflicts. I am sorry this is all I have to give…" A suspicious sparkle in the moonlight slid down her cheek.

"Mother! I want to help! Don’t leave me!" Parisia cried as she grabbed at her mother’s leg, the cloak falling from her shoulders to the ground.

"You cannot come with me. I love you daughter, I trust you with the safety of our world" with that Meljar pulled her leg from her daughters grasp and began to ride swiftly away not allowing her gaze to drift back to her daughter.

"Mother!" Parisia screamed with fear chasing after her. Parisia continued to frantically scream for her mother, but it didn’t seem to effect her. Parisia fell to her knee’s sobbing. Fear swept over her and she trembled.

*

The wind softly pulled at her hair as she bowed down near the whispering brook. Her skin was covered with filth, her hair tangled and knotted. She hissed as the cold water wrapped around her ankles as she continued to walk into the water’s depths. Red and dry eyes gave birth to their last tear as Parisia’s body was swept away in the current.

*

Chapter Two, Kissing Irony

His nose wrinkled as the fresh scent of young blood graced his senses. His lips curved into a devious smile as he turned to the direction of his newly found prey. Hastily, yet softly, he made his way towards his next meal. His mouth watered in sync with the impact of his foot to the earth. Soon he could hear the rapids of the Qu’Llie river. He would first feast on the blood then he could finish his meal with a light snack of fish he thought to himself.

He clawed his way up a tree rapidly and swiftly reached the top, there he stood and looked down, searching for his prey. There on the river bank layered in white robes was his meal.

He frowned; it looked as if it had already passed away, what a shame. He was looking forward to a kill tonight.

Sighing, the night creature, Dekca, dropped down onto the sandy beach. He dragged himself to the long awaited meal when he suddenly noticed it was indeed alive. It’s back heaved with breath.

"Aye Saria, I think I see something!" a somewhat short girl on the other side of the dark beach called out.

Dekca growled and slunk back into the bushy forest behind him. If it was the same Saria and Misuchi he knew, which he was pretty confident where the only Misuchi and Saria, then Misuchi would investigate, steal whatever she found on the unconscious girl and then move on without telling Saria.

Misuchi wasn’t unusually cruel; she just wasn’t fond of Priestesses like this one. It was highly doubtful she would announce this to her more-than-willing-to-help-anyone-in-need friend, Saria.

Misuchi skipped across the beach, sand shooting out from under her jogging feet. When she reached the Priestess a scowl crossed her face. "Damn it, a Priestess… Well it is a dead Priestess at least" her teeth flickered in the moonlight as a grin spread. "Well at least I won’t feel guilty for stealing from her!" Misuchi shrugged with sudden glee and bent down to look into her pockets.

The girl moaned.

Misuchi snapped back and fell onto the sand, barely catching herself from the fall. She sighed. "Okay fine, a living Priestess, I don’t care! A priestess is a priestess!" she reasoned with herself.

"Misuchi? Where did you go?" a call came from across the beach.

Misuchi let out a lingering moan. "Umm, it’s just a pile of rocks, I thought it was something else!" She hated to lie to her friend, but she wanted no part in taking care of a Priestess.

Her companion abruptly appeared to her side. "This my friend is no-"

Misuchi screeched at the sudden appearance of her friend. "DON’T DO THAT!" Misuchi yelped as she clutched at her chest.

"As I was saying," Saria replied with a glare, "this is no pile of rocks."

Misuchi rolled her eyes. "Okay so I lied, what of it? It’s a Priestess! I want nothing to do with it!"

Saria smiled smugly and reached down in Misuchi’s hand pulling a hand mirror from her. "So then you won’t be wanting this?" Saria placed it back into the Priestess’s pocket.

"Hey!" Misuchi growled. "Why not? You’re too damn soft! You steal too!" Misuchi accused her as she pointed at the amused Saria.

"Yes, that I do, but I think it may be best for us to take this one in before stealing. It’s bad luck to steal from a Priestess before giving her something back and I think her life may be something worth that mirror."

Misuchi gazed up at her friend. Saria stood tall and slender, her long black hair illuminated a dark shade of green in the moonlight. Misuchi was always so enchanted by the sight of Saria’s hair. It was so captivating to watch it dance within the breezes and glow in the sun or moons light. Her face was long and thin, just as her body, as it should be Misuchi believed. A tight face complimented her thick lips and wild eyes. Her eyes would often exhibit an amused and kind look and a smile to match. She was beautiful to all whom looked at her, but none ever could find the right words to describe her.

Misuchi decided to give up the fight to her best friend, if Saria was so content on the idea Misuchi had no fight against it. "Fine! But I’ll have NO part in this taking care of her! I hate Priestesses; you know that! They annoy me, and if she mutters one word of her ‘oh so blessed god’ then I’ll slit her throat!" Misuchi snarled.

Saria laughed and patted Misuchi’s head. "You know that you would do the same."

"Ugh!" Misuchi huffed as she pushed Saria’s hand away defiantly.

Saria laughed once again and began to sing a sweet and quiet tune.

Dekca watched as Saria’s tune began to lift the unconscious priestess from the ground and turn her upright, then Misuchi threw her over her shoulder. Dekca began to feel something. Something stirring… Something not too distant, but yet too far to reach in his mind. Something about the priestess, he had seen her somehow before. It was possible, maybe he had once seen her among one of his victim caravans once before, but her face wasn’t frightened. He remembered something more of a kind and soft memory. He snarled and shook his head from his thoughts. He had more important things to do now, like finding himself a meal.

*

Misuchi groaned loudly as she laid the girl on the ground with a thud. "Don’t you have any two-bed rooms?"

The innkeeper stroked his chin with thought. "We do have that barn that’s we use fer newly weds. Has enough room for us to place some hay down fer the girl, I spose." He shrugged. "Of course that will cost ye more."

"Erg!" Misuchi growled as she stomped her feet. "See Saria, I told you she would be nothing but trouble!"

Saria rolled her eyes with a smile, then looked to the rugged keeper. "We’ll take the barn then sir. Thank you." She flashed a wink at Misuchi and started towards the door.

"Saria, we need the key!" When Saria didn’t respond Misuchi grunted. "SARIA! We need to PAY the guy!" Saria once again didn’t answer and Misuchi stomped her feet in a snarling fit. "FINE! I’ll just pay for this STUPID barn with the STUPID girl’s money!" With a loud slam she smacked down a handful of coins. "These good enough for you, you thief of an innkeeper!"

The man smiled a rotted-toothed grin and took the bag into his hands. "Seems ta be heavy enough. Thank ye, ye kind, KIND lass!"

With that Misuchi slung the still unconscious priestess over her shoulder and headed towards the door in a slowly vanishing rage.

*

Dekca ran his fingers through his hair, his almost white –blonde hair. A dismayed look upon his face, he turned to the silhouette of a woman. "I would swear I know her…"

"Maybe a woman you once accompanied?" the woman suggested, looking out into the night.

"No… I would remember, I remember all of them. She’s…different, I know her…as if from a dream" Dekca explained as he swooped up a mug and took a swing from it.

"Then maybe you had seen her in a dream…" the woman replied, sounding bored. "I’m hungry, Dekca," she pouted.

Dekca chuckled. "Then be gone, go have your fun for tonight. But stay away from that village. I want no trouble from those law enforcers. It upsets me to spoil such a wasted amount of meat. Last time you decided to pay the village a visit, I had to feed the excess supply of rangers to the pigeons."

"Oh don’t worry my dear, Dekca" she smugly replied as she walked out from the shadows, a wide grin across her face. "I won’t touch the village, I have something else in mind for tonight."

"Oh? Would you like to share this idea with me?" Dekca answered, interested in her games.

Velvet giggled and twirled to his side, Dekca stopping her with his arm and pulling her to his side. Velvet looked into his eyes, her canine teeth shimmering with her grin. "About a mile from here theirs a family of farmers. They have children…and it’s been so long since I’ve had a child. Their blood is so sweet" Velvet purred as she pulled herself from Dekca.

Dekca’s amusement fell dull, "Children? Boring…"

Velvet closed her eyes, imagining her bliss as she sinks her teeth into a youth’s soft buttery skin and then the luscious, sweet blood would flow into her mouth massaging her taste buds. Her grin widened and a wicked flash lit her eyes. She stretched as smoke wrapped around her body until she was no longer seen. When the smoke began to disappear, a black cat came forth…a panther. It growled as it looked upon Dekca. "You’ll miss all the fun," the cat taunted.

"And I’m sure it will be a fine show, but I’m up to it for tonight," Dekca replied taking another drink from his mug. "I have something I have to do…" He smirked and turned to Velvet, now leaving.

Velvet cackled before she took of into full stride, out into the night.

Dekca stepped further into the cave that he shared with Velvet. He admired the well decorated home. Years ago Dekca and Velvet had found it and prepared it for their new home. Though he never liked goblins, he had "hired" some to craft the stone cave, creating more rooms and refining the walls.

He recalled himself and Velvet arguing over what to do with the goblins afterwards, he didn’t care enough to kill them, but Velvet… Velvet was set on the idea of killing them. She never had tasted goblin before and was a firm believer that if prepared right, goblin could be a fine meal. After the poor goblins had finished their forced work, Velvet killed each one in a vicious frenzy. She then froze the corpses in the lake down in the lowest chambers of the cave so she could test out all her ideas. However, the first one was a disaster, it tasted terrible and Velvet was extraordinarily angry. Instead of attempting another recipe or preparation on the next, she instead pulled all of the bodies from the lake and ripped their corpses apart in a rage. Dekca had found it quite amusing.

Dekca rarely destroyed anything, it wasn’t because he was found it wrong, rather he was simply too bored with the idea of killing. He liked to watch Velvet have her fun however; she was always entertaining to him. Hundreds of years of living often lead a being to become bored, but not Velvet. Velvet could be explained by her victims as insane, which she probably was, but to Dekca… Dekca understood her; he knew her far too well.

After an eternity of walking he found the chamber to his right, his room of worship. The walls were filled with shelves of concoctions. A red rug covered the floor, and in the center of the room was a fairly large table. It was made of glass, and candles covered the surface. The smooth glass glittered with the light of several black candles.

Dekca entered the room slowly. Lowering himself to the pillow next to the altar, he placed his mug of blood down. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "Qurin, Dragon who rules the blood of life, here my beckons tonight."

A draft of warm air flowed over the room, the candles flickering at the call of the master Dragon.

Taking one last sip, Dekca spilled the rest of the contents of the mug into the cauldron of water that sat at his front. He sat for a moment of silence; his eyes tightly closed in concentration. With their last bright flicker of light the candles all blew out, leaving Dekca in darkness. Another moment went by before a red glow illuminated the mixture of blood and water. The light called for Dekca’s eyes. He heard their call and opened them. Looking down into the pool of swarming red, the blood curled and twisted into a picture. At first it seemed it was nothing more than a blur of water and blood but it soon burst with life. Dekca’s trained eyes soon followed the current till it finally chose it’s place and a figure of a girl was shown. Her eyes then opened, and beams of light shot from them and almost blinded Dekca. But he kept his focus, and grinned. "I knew it… She is the one I’ve been waiting for, isn’t she, Qurin? Oh great Dragon of Blood, give me site. Tell me where I can find her this night."

The blood again began to dance within the water, this time showing Dekca an inn. He knew the inn; in fact he had just been there a week before. A large and wicked smile graced his face.

Chapter Three, Acquaintance

Shivering Parisia pulled the blankets up to her neck before finally opening her eyes. For a moment she thought nothing of her current arrangements until she recalled her last memory. She stirred from her bed of hay and looked around the room in confusion. She was to drown in a river, what was she doing here? She took in the sights of her surroundings: a messy bed lay next to hers, a small table at the other end of the room and then there was the door. She made her way to the exit and took a peek out. No one was seen, so she continued out.

She now knew she had been in a barn, next to the barn was an inn. Not really that big, not like the places she usually staid in. She fought the desire to enter the inn and ask where she was. For all she knew, she could be walking into slavery. She had heard of slave traders and had no wish to become a slave herself.

"Lost?" a voice called from the woods.

Parisia gasped and turned about trying to face her asker. "Who’s there?"

"No one really, just a wanderer" answered the trees.

"Then why don’t you show yourself?" Parisia requested, back walking to the inn door.

"No need to be afraid Priestess" Out of the woods stepped the speaker, his cloak draped over his face.

"Why shouldn’t I be afraid? It is pitch black, I am alone and I am hearing strange voices of men calling from the woods. Uncover your face, I want to see you." Parisia ordered, still afraid.

He slid his cloak back revealing his light skin and white hair. "As I said, I am just a wanderer, coming to this inn for the night."

Parisia calmed slightly, seeing he looked human…though a bit on the pale side. "So, what do you want?"

"Nothing more than talk. I grow lonely on the trails." He flashed her a smile.

Parisia questioned his motives, but his smile seemed sincere enough. Though pale he was quite handsome, his cold blue eyes starred into her soul. "I’m sorry sir, but I have no time for talk… I… I must be going."

"Where," he questioned, his smile spreading.

"I…" she thought for a moment then turned to gaze upon him again. "That’s none of your…" but he was gone.

"None of my business?" he whispered into her ear, his hair tumbling down her shoulder.

Parisia screeched in surprise and jumped away. "WHO OR WHAT ARE YOU?"
"I’m a friend," Dekca replied matter-of-factly. "Just someone to help you along the way."

"Are you aware I am a Prie…" Parisia corrected herself, "HIGH Priestess?"

"From what you’re wearing I would have guessed. No matter," Dekca strode over to her, looking down at the short Priestess. Grabbing her arm gently he went on, "we must be on our way."

Parisia attempted to pull her arm from his grasp and screamed wildly before he finally just let go, making Parisia fall down on her rear. He chuckled amused with his games.

Parisia, embarrassed and still a bit terrified of this whole ordeal narrowed her eyes. "I warn you! I’m more powerful than I look!"
He grinned, finally revealing his large canine teeth. "Oh?"

"VAMPIRE!" Parisia yelled in shock, pushing herself backwards.

"Finally caught on?" Dekca raised an eyebrow. "Not very bright are we? The pretty ones never are… Enough of this." Bending down he extended a hand to her.

"Stay away hell beast!" Parisia cried forming a barrier over herself.

Dekca rolled his eyes, stepping right through the shield. "I’m not going to hurt you Priestess… Give me your hand and you’ll be away from this nightmare."

"Stay back!" a call from the back of him sent his face to snarl. He whipped around to see Misuchi and Saria.

"Somehow I knew this would happen" Dekca sighed.

"Get the hell out of here, she’s ours Dekca!" Misuchi warned making her way towards the pair.

Dekca turned to regard Parisia one last time before he left. "Priestess…" he softly spoke before taking her hand and kissing it. "We shall meet again." With that he vanished, as if he was never there.

Saria sighed with relief as she walked towards the barrier Parisia continued to hold up. "It’s okay Priestess, he is gone."

"Before I let down this shield I want some answers! Who are both of you? Who was he? And what am I doing here?" Parisia snapped.

"I told you she’d be nothing but trouble" Misuchi chorused to Saria.

*

"So you rescued me?" Parisia stated as she sipped some tea from her cup.

"That is correct" Saria replied with a smile.

"On behalf of both myself and Gie I thank you" Parisia said, returning the smile. If there still is a Gie… "Is it possible for me to catch a boat back to Gie?"

Saria and Misuchi both shook their heads. Saria’s face displayed a look of concern. "All of the ships from Gie have suddenly stopped. I have not seen a Gian ship in almost a week."

"Weeks?" Parisia gawked. "Just how long have a been lying there?"

"Well you’ve been lying in the bed that you awakened from for three days," Saria answered. "Before that we had you in the sweet with us, but we couldn’t afford that for long."

"Yeah for a Priestess you’re pretty poor," Misuchi grumbled handing Parisia her, now empty, money pouch back.

Parisia, ignoring that they used her money, went on asking questions, "Is there any way I can get back to Gie? I must get there as soon as possible!"

"You’re in no place to be making demands," Misuchi snorted.

Saria’s concern came back to her eyes. "Why do you need to get back to Gie so soon? Is there any way we could be of service to you?"

Parisia nodded her head. "It is urgent I go back to Gie… I need to see… Never mind the cause, all you must know is that it is urgent!"

"High Priestess, I beg your pardon, but I don’t know if that will be possible. To make it over those mountains…I don’t know if just us could make that." Saria announced sadly.

"How do you know I am a High Priestess?" Parisia asked, shocked.

Saria smiled kindly at her. "I am not a human like yourself, I can feel the magic you have within. You are no simple Priestess."

"Then it is true…" Parisia groaned as she clasped her hands into fists.

Saria cocked her head to the side in unease. Misuchi stood at the door, as she was, not caring about what was going on with the priestess.

"Are you alright?"

Parisia held back a tear. "Yes, I must be on my way…" Parisia whimpered, keeping her hair covering his face. She abruptly stood up and headed towards the door and opened it, causing Misuchi to be shoved to the side.

"Hey where are you going?" Misuchi questioned with a look of disapproval.

Parisia didn’t respond and ran from the entrance out into the dark streets of the village.

Misuchi growled and looked to Saria. "Should I go after her?"

Saria shook her head. "No, she will be back."

*

Parisia drifted down the street in a daze. Her emotions reminding her of the day her mother took her from her bed and swept her off to some part of the forests outside Gie’s boundaries. She had no real sense of direction; her mother had ALWAYS guided her. For the first time she was lost, in both physical and mental forms of the word.

The day after her mother had left her she had awoken in the same place she had fallen when she had tried to chase after her mother’s horse. She had just lay there and sobbed until she fell asleep. She kept hopping her mother would come back and tell her everything was okay.

When she woke up there she had the feeling it wouldn’t happen, but she didn’t care, she ran with all her might to make it to Gie in time to maybe find some way to save her home and only family. She almost had herself fooled she would to, but as anyone else would have guessed she didn’t, she was lost in some place outside Gie. No matter how fast she had run she wouldn’t have made it.

As she ran she began to feel the explosions within her, the magic held within, boiling. It was transforming; her mother’s final gift was surging into her. Panic brought her to all new speeds. But finally, the bolt of magic that was running rapidly through her veins struck her down. It was her mother’s magic, but in another sense it was her mothers death.

Parisia shook her head at the memories. That was when she had decided to drown herself. As fate had it though, it was not her time to die. Parisia took this as a good omen. It was possible that the force that she had felt that night might have been the evil her mother spoke of and not that of her mother’s powers. Maybe if she went back to Gie she’d find it exactly the same way she left it, everything the way it should be. Her mother would embrace her and tell her how sorry she was for being wrong and that everything would be okay.

Yet another tear dropped to the ground. Parisia looked up at the night sky in question, as though she was looking at her God, Jii. She would never question her god or any other god as a Priestess, but as a girl she would often wonder if there were actually gods out there. And if there was why weren’t they there to save her home, her mother – A HIGH PRIESTESS? She worshipped the gods her whole life and what good did it really do? Her mother’s soul was doomed; she committed a sin to save her daughter. Parisia clenched her fists struggling to keep from shouting out to the gods, to keep from begging for her own destruction and most of all, to keep her sorrow from turning to hatred.

She turned suddenly at the sound of a voice, but when she looked no one was there. The wind blew gently in the cold night air; her curly blonde hair tumbled about in it. Fear kept her eyes locked on the place she’d sworn she had heard the voice. Nothing was there except some dirt and a bush. Shaking her head she started back to the Inn knowing there was no other place for her to go and the night was a scary place to be these days.

Chapter Four, Hope

Misuchi’s eyes opened to slits as her eyes tried their best to reject the bright sun. Groaning she pulled to the side bringing the blankets with her over her face, but her estimate of how far she was from the ledge was smaller than expected and she fell to a heap on the floor. Growling she pushed herself up only to be pulled back down by the blanket wrapped around her foot. "DAMMIT!" she roared ripping the sheet in two and finally finding her way to her feet.

Parisia startled by the sounds sat upright and looked at the scene in curiosity. Misuchi gave her a glare and Parisia pulled her eyes away. "So where is Saria?" Parisia yawned.

"Probably off doing some shopping before we go" Misuchi mumbled pulling her hair back in a ponytail.

"You are leaving?" Parisia questioned reasonably.

"Of course" Misuchi shrugged. "Why would we stay here?"

"So you two just wander the land? You never stay in one place?" Parisia asked, sounding almost disgusted with the idea.

"Is there something else that we should be doing?" Misuchi retorted.

"Well, yes in fact. I’m sure you both could find a place in society. I mean why in the world would you wish to continue a homeless life such as now?" Parisia snorted.

Misuchi growled and turned to her questioner. "Place in society, you say?" Misuchi hissed. "So we can look up to high classes of the communities? Doubtful all high priestess! I would rather die than bow to such foolish leaders as the ones of today!"

"Foolish?" Parisia snapped. "Genta has never been more peaceful!"

Misuchi stomped off to the door and swung it open then looked to Parisia with a sneer. "Nor has Genta ever handed out so many deaths, and to what? To the commoners who fill your pockets with gold and then feed their children your scraps! Go back to your beloved Gie that you so greatly yearn to return to!

Just the thought…I HELPED YOU! I should have left you to die, and I would have if it hadn’t been for Saria! Good day, your greatness!" Misuchi venomous words sank their teeth into Parisia’s heart as she stomped off away from the inn room.

Parisia sat for a moment in thought. If only Misuchi knew…

Just a few moments after Misuchi’s mouthy assault Saria entered. She peeked her head through as the door squeaked open. "Parisia?"

Parisia stood up and nodded. "Misuchi left…"

"I know" Saria replied as she stepped into the room. "I saw her huffing her way down the hall and bumped into her. Did she upset you? If she did, I apologize. She’s somewhat rough around the edges, but once you get used to her she’s very kind."

"No need to explain. It makes no difference to me. I’ll be leaving you two shortly… I suppose I should make my way to the harbors, look for a ship back to Gie."

"Oh yes, I almost forgot", Saria smacked herself in the forehead in play. "I over heard two merchants discussing a ship that they are taking to Gie to bring some of their goods. They are leaving tomorrow to go to Yochee, that is were their ship is."

"Really?" Parisia smiled with happiness. "Then I will be going home!" If there is a home to return to…Parisia thought with sudden discouragement.

"There is a catch…" Saria sighed as she bit her bottom lip. "They will not be taking passengers…so you may need to sneak aboard."

"Whatever it takes. I must return home." Parisia declared stubbornly.

"Well then you will be on your way tomorrow, just follow the merchants and don’t let yourself be seen" Saria directed with a confident smile.

Parisia looked to Saria in sudden dismay. She was not so sure she wanted to go out into the wilds by herself. Especially after meeting that vampire… "Will you accompany me? I will pay you well."

Saria slowly shook her head. "I go no where without Misuchi, and I don’t think you want to put up with her", she chuckled.

Parisia sighed. She knew no one else to ask, with a loud exhale she gave in. "Fine then, I will hire Misuchi’s aid as well as yours."

Saria grinned and nodded. "Great, we will leave tomorrow. You should rest up, I will go find Misuchi and tell her the good news." With a pat to Parisia’s shoulder she left to find her companion.

Parisia stood in the silent room with her thoughts. "I can’t believe I just hired two women I hardly know and one of them I can hardly stand!" Parisia took a deep breath and closed her eyes in prayer. "Oh mother, please be there when I return home…"

*

"Oh I see why you find her so attractive" Velvet purred looking over Dekca’s shoulder.

Dekca grinned. "It is not that which I am after however…" Dekca replied, "well for now anyway. I have far greater plans for her…"

Velvet giggled in glee. "She’s the one we’ve been waiting for isn’t she? She’s the one who’s going to open it!" Cautiously Velvet lowered her finger towards the water that they both peered into. It was as if she was in a trance, she wished to touch the girl who held so much power. However when she touched the surface she retracted her finger as if it has been burnt. She hissed in pain and back away, startled. "She holds more power than any! Oh Dekca…I feel it… I FEEL IT! She is the child of the Gods themselves!" Her eyes wild she laughed hysterically. Tilting her head to the side and calming her cackles she smiled wickedly. With a loud inhale she moaned in bliss.

Dekca watched in total calm, for years he had known her to have outbursts like this and was rarely excited by them. She had never been a very stable woman. "I feel it too… But I also feel as though I have known this one before, but her powers don’t seem familiar –and a power such as hers, I would remember…"

"She is our creator" Velvet sighed happily as she spun around the room like a child.

Dekca ignored Velvet’s outrageous words and tried with all his might to remember, but there was nothing. It was as if he was trying to recall something too distant in his memory. Maybe she just reminded him of a former woman he knew long ago and his aged brain was just confused.

"When do we pay them a visit?" Velvet suddenly asked, finally coming to her senses again.

"Tomorrow night, after they leave for Yochee."

*

The next morning seemed to drag on for hours more than a morning should and after a mile of a complaining Parisia, Misuchi threatened to stuff Parisia’s mouth with rocks. So they went on in silence, Saria keeping perfect timing with the merchants and without being seen.

Finally night began to fall and Parisia was more than pleased due to the fact she believed she would finally be able to rest. However, Saria and Misuchi proved that theory wrong as they began to set up camp.

"Parisia, I’m giving you the simplest of jobs. I want you to go around the campgrounds and pick up any rocks and twigs you see so that when we sleep tonight we will have a flat bed. Understood?" Saria flashed Parisia one of her usual sincere smiles.

"Alright… I suppose that makes sense" the exhausted priestess grumbled.

"Misuchi is out hunting and I will not be too far away, I’m going to collect wood."

"Why is Misuchi hunting? Don’t we have enough food?" Parisia complained, believing she could be getting some well-needed rest while Misuchi picked up the site.

"Yes, that we do…however she wished for some deer for tonight’s supper" Saria calmly answered. "Well I’ll be back soon, if you run into any trouble just whistle."

Parisia nodded.

Parisia hummed a song to herself to keep the silence of the forest from getting to her. As she picked up the rocks and twigs she could find under the piles of leaves she fantasized about Misuchi off in the woods taking a nap. "That’s probably what the wretch is doing…" Parisia mumbled to herself. Never before had Parisia had to journey so far from home on her own two legs. She was so tired that she forced herself from the urge to just take a quick nap.

Hearing Saria’s return she turned to greet her. "I picked up all of them I could find", but she cut herself short as she noticed it was not Saria who stood in front of her.

"You…" Parisia gasped.

"I’m glad you remembered" Dekca grinned stroking his chin, examining Parisia.

"Stay away demon! SARIA!" Parisia called desperately, but before she could call out the name again a hand was placed over her mouth and her hands held behind her back.

Dekca’s grin widened. "Thank you, Velvet."

Parisia’s screams where muffled as Velvets hand clamped down harder over her mouth.

Dekca strolled up to Parisia, a wicked look in his eyes. "I much rather be able to discuss all that I wish to tell you with you able to speak as well. But if you continue to scream like that I’m going to keep you like this, understood?" Dekca explained as he caressed his hand down her neck, his face closing in on hers. His eyes embraced her gaze.

Parisia ceased her screams and tried her best to calm her fearful breathing, slowly Velvet let her hand slip away from her mouth.

"I haven’t come to harm you, I only wish to bring you to your destiny" Dekca’s voice soothed.

"What destiny?" Parisia managed to quiver.

Dekca leaned closer, his breath brushing over her neck. "You’re going to open the gates between ours and heaven."

Parisia cocked her head back in shock. "What?"

"I have waited for you for so long" Dekca stated as he inhaled the scent of her hair. "You see, you are the only living being who possesses what I need to enter through the gates."

"What…why though?" Parisia stuttered.

"It is destiny. It is also my destiny to enter heaven’s gates. There I will have a gift awaiting, something that I have yearned to hold since childhood."

"What will happen to me?" Parisia swallowed.

Dekca smiled and moved his head back so he could view her whole face. Nervously she turned her head away but Dekca moved his hand under her chin and forced her to look at him. "If you don’t cause me any trouble, nothing" he answered, his thumb tracing her bottom lip.

Velvet giggled as she tightened her hold on Parisia’s hands.

"What if I refuse to help you?" Parisia fearfully replied.

Dekca just laughed. "You wont if you know what is best for you, my dear Parisia."

Parisia whimpered. "Well I refuse to help you demons!" she readied herself for an oncoming pain, but none came.

Dekca laughed again, "Very determined, I like that…" He licked his canine teeth, his eyes becoming narrowed, then he grinned once again. He suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him, Velvet letting her arms free finally. But before Parisia could even try to resist Dekca, he touched her forehead and placed her under a sleep spell. "Sleep well" Dekca remarked, throwing her over his shoulder and leaping up into a close by tree. "You coming?"

Velvet shook her head. "I want to wait for my friend to return" she playfully answered.

Dekca just shrugged and then took off into the night.

*

Misuchi lazily returned to the campground. "Well, I couldn’t find one damned dear!" Misuchi looked around finding no one was around to hear her complaints. "Where is everyone?"

"Well Parisia took off with Dekca and Saria is still out looking for wood." A panther answered as it pounced off the tree branch it had been waiting at.

"Velvet!?" Misuchi screeched in surprise.

Velvet roared in response as she sat on her haunches and licked a paw. "I’ve been waiting for you, my fiery one!"

Misuchi narrowed her eyes. "And this will be the last time…" With that she charged at Velvet, but oddly Velvet didn’t move.

The black leopard purred and with a puff of smoke, where the leopard once stood bloodied, now stood a woman. Her eyes a terrifying gleam of insanity in them, her hair blood red. A velvet strip wove its way around her, not covering much but enough to be called clothing. At her side a spiked wipe hung. "Now that I have the taste of blood in my mouth, we can begin." She cackled as she wiped the blood from her mouth.

"Don’t worry you’ll be tasting a lot more blood!" Misuchi cried.

Without another word Velvet dove back into battle. Her arm pulling back for a punch to the side of Misuchi’s face, Misuchi defensively pulled her arms into an x to shield her face, but Velvet grinned and dropped to the ground spinning her left foot and sending Misuchi’s feet out from under her.

Misuchi closed her eyes for just a moment as she shrieked in pain, just enough for Velvet to slam her elbow into Misuchi’s stomach as she flopped down onto her. Misuchi coughed with hurt then gathered herself. Grabbing Velvet hair she pulled her off and forced herself and Velvet to their feet.

Velvet snarled with rage as she ignored the throbbing of her skull and grabbed Misuchi’s leg twisting it and the caught-off-guard Misuchi into a tumble on the floor. Misuchi absent-mindedly had released her hair as she twisted to the ground attempting to catch her self.

Velvet cackled and slammed down her heel onto Misuchi’s back. Misuchi panted and then grunted as the heel dug into her flesh.

"Scream!" Velvet snarled.

Misuchi disregarded the heel that imprinted itself on her back and tossed herself upwards, throwing Velvet off balance of onto her back. Misuchi whipped around to look down upon Velvet and then sent her fist heading towards Velvet’s lip. Misuchi allowed herself to fall onto Velvet in a straddling position as her fists continued to wail down onto Velvet’s face.

Velvet took five punches before she finished the spell to form herself into a snake. Quickly she slithered from Misuchi grasp and up into the trees.

Misuchi roared in rage as she stood and looked up at the trees. "Come down coward! Let’s finish this now!"

Velvet answered by jumping down from the opposite side Misuchi faced and onto her back. Misuchi slammed down onto the ground, Velvet comfortably sitting on her back and holding Misuchi’s fists. Bending down she whispered into Misuchi’s ear "Have you lost fiery one?"

Just then a scream erupted from the forest; a sound so enchanted by magic that it knocked Velvet from Misuchi and into a tree. The scream began to heighten in pitch and locked Velvet in place. Velvet shrieked in pain, her ears spewing out blood.

Misuchi, however, was not affected and stood to face Velvet with a smirk.

The screamer emerged from the woods, a smile also upon her face.

Misuchi worded a thank you to Saria and the two closed in on Velvet.

*

Chapter Five, Confusion

"Where has Dekca brought Parisia?" Saria interrogated as Misuchi held Velvet by the throat.
Velvet only laughed, though her laugh was stifled by the grip Misuchi held.
"We’ll get no answers from her…" Misuchi growled, her lip in a curl. "Let me finish her and be rid of this nuisance now."
Saria shook her head. "No Misuchi, we cannot. Only if she continues to refuse will she die." Saria gave Velvet a look of sincerity. "It is your choice, tell us where your master has brought her. Tell us now or die." A grave look passed over Saria’s face.
"He is not my master!" Velvet hissed. "What concern of yours is it anyway?" Velvet’s crooked smile exposed one of her terrible fangs.
Misuchi clamped down on Velvet’s neck. "TELL US NOW!"
Saria narrowed her eyes, "What about Parisia concerns you and Dekca?" Saria replied evenly.
Velvet chuckled, amused at Saria’s wits. "Very well, Saria" Velvet looked to Misuchi, "It looks as though you wont be killing me tonight fiery one, Dekca should be just south of here. He’s on his way back to the ruins of Qurin."
"I knew she would come around", Saria smiled then looked to Misuchi, "Let her go Misuchi."
Misuchi grunted disapprovingly, "I can’t believe your allowing this CREATURE to live!" With one more glare at Velvet she let her go and then was off, stomping away fuming.
Velvet roared with laughter, "I shall see you again my fiery one!" she taunted, then vanished and was replaced by a wolf before trotting off into the night.
Saria ignored the remark and just gave Misuchi a reassuring look. "You can bring her the demise you wish upon her another day, we cannot go back on our words Misuchi", Saria explained.
"Yeah" Misuchi grunted, still angry. "When she kills me I’m sure you’ll be happy."
Saria looked at Misuchi hurt, "I have faith in your fighting Misuchi, please don’t make it sound like I wish for your death. We have only allowed her to live due to our honor."
"Well I for one, would have rather seen her blood than continue my stolen honor" Misuchi said softly as she rolled her eyes, a playful smile on her face. Thieves were not well known for their honor, of course.
Saria beamed with relief that her friend was not still angry with her. "Next time I’ll play innocent and you can go ahead and kill whoever it is we have at our mercy", Saria chuckled along with a wink.

*

So this is the one Qurin wants… Dekca thought as he played with a golden strand of Parisia’s hair. She was a very sound sleeper; it only proved how naïve she was of the world around her. Anyone who lived outside royalty either learned to wake at even the smallest sounds or died. The night was a time of death and unless you were ready for anything in the land of Genta, you died.

He had brought her back to the cave that he and Velvet shared. He lay her down near the altar on the velvet pillow and waited for her to wake.

Never before has a Priestess captivated me so much as you… It will be sad to see you leave into the realm of Gods, but I suppose it’s the right place for such beauty as yours. Dekca thought to himself as he gazed unto Parisia. Of course I could always keep you… Dekca snorted. He liked that idea. It would be fun to have a female by his side once again; maybe he would allow her to drink from him. What an interesting idea, a Priestess of Jii, one who is supposedly pure, to become a vampire, an evil creature of Wahrd. "What do you think of that idea, Priestess Parisia?" he mused.

Parisia mumbled in her sleep and turned to the other side taking Dekca from his thoughts. Reaching out he shook Parisia gently, "Wake up High Priestess, we have things to do."

Parisia grunted and ignored the calling.

Dekca sighed and forced her up by her gown.

Parisia, realizing her surroundings, gave a startled gasp.

"There we go…" Dekca nodded appreciatively. "You remember now, good girl."

"What do you want?" Parisia yelped snatching her gown away from him.
"Something that rightfully belongs to me" Dekca replied his eyes narrowing. "You’re the price for it unfortunately."
"Why? I will be paid to whom?" Parisia questioned backing away from Dekca.
"Don’t worry Priestess, you will be in peace. Isn’t the realm of Gods the place all religious beings wish to go when they have died?" Dekca grinned.
"…I don’t want to die! I’m not ready to die!" Parisia screeched bolting for the door.
Dekca ensnared her around the waist and pulled her back down to the floor. Parisia kicked and screamed with all her might. "Try as you wish, you’re not leaving Priestess. A sacrifice to the gods isn’t really all that bad is it?" He teased.
Parisia cried out for help once again before she began to sob in fear.
Dekca’s eyes softened, he had never been so hurt by the tears of another, and now he suddenly was vulnerable to the tears that poured from her eyes. "Why are you crying?" he growled annoyed by his weakness.

Parisia just continued to sob pitifully.
"Stop!" Dekca roared embraced her waist forcefully to confirm his command.
"Please" Parisia cried, "Please don’t kill me!"

Dekca could no longer stand the pain he was inflicting upon her and himself. With a grunt he allowed her to escape from his grasp and pushed her to the floor as he stood up. "You will stay here until I return!" he snapped as he rushed from the room, closing the door behind him and locking it from the outside.
Parisia just laid in shock, terrified and confused at the same time.

Dekca marched up the stone hallway to his chambers and slammed the door behind him. He grabbed his head with annoyance and searched his mind for answers. He wasn’t mortal, he wasn’t supposed to care for others besides his own kind. What was happening? He was becoming weak. He screamed with rage throwing a stool with books atop of it across the room, smashing it to pieces against the wall.
Why did he care what happened to her? He hardly knew the woman and he was willing to sacrifice his wants to keep her alive? What was it that was keeping him from slitting her throat? It was that feeling of a memory… Something about her –something about her that happened too far in the past- was preventing him from obtaining his desires. He threw himself to the ground, his head throbbing in thought. What was it? What was it in his mind that he couldn’t reach…there was something there he was missing. It was as if he was trying to remember some memory that wasn’t his.

Then it came to him, nothing large, but a small piece of something he lost long ago. A smile, a simple smile returned to him. Parisia’s beautiful smile graced his thoughts only for a moment, but he knew it was there. He had never seen her smile before in his life, and this was not just imagination. He KNEW it was something in the past… Just like he knew this wasn’t the first time he had fallen in love with this girl…

*

Parisia listened to the footsteps coming back down towards the door. She wondered if it would be Dekca or some sort of servant.

The only thing that she could think of after he had left was why? Why had he left her alive? Was he just prolonging her torture of knowing she was going to die or was it because he possessed compassion? She racked her brain for answers, but none came.

The door swung open and Dekca swiftly entered. Parisia opened her mouth to speak but before she could form even one word her mouth was suddenly occupied.

Dekca’s lips pressed against her own and she gasped with surprise but didn’t dare pull away. She almost enjoyed it, but she was so confused. Then, suddenly, her mind blinked. For only a moment she felt as if kissing him was a habit, something she would do every day…like it was familiar even. When she finally allowed the uneasy feeling to slip away he had already pulled away from the kiss.
Parisia glared at him, remembering how much hatred she should feel towards this vampire.
Dekca only smirked in response, "I’ve decided on another way to accomplish my goals… I no longer need you –at least for that purpose. However, I’ll be keeping you for a bit longer."
"But… Why?" Parisia asked, her voice just above a whisper.
"Because I wish to, that’s all you need to know" Dekca replied, somehow keeping Parisia under his charm. With a kiss to her hand he coolly exited the room, leaving Parisia to her bewilderment once again.

*

Chapter Six, Tossed to flames, caught by wind

Lady Matra rushed through the streets, behind her she dragged a cuffed young man. The slave went along blindly, Lady Matra pulling him from side to side to keep him from knocking into ongoing traffic. She knew what she must do with this living evidence. She felt cold sweat trickle down her forehead. It was as if every person she walked by knew what she was doing… Each one of them looked on at her with a disapproving glare. Her steps became more hasty and clumsy.

She finally had made her way to the northern town exit when she came across a short, black haired girl. The girl, also in a rush, tumbled into Lady Matra, causing Matra to stumble to the ground and pulling the slave along with her.

"Watch where you are going, foolish peasant!" Lady Matra snapped without giving the girl a second look as she dusted herself off.

Tossing her black hair away from her face she presented her angered countenance. "Don’t tell me where to watch where I’M going, Lady! If it wasn’t for my rush you’d have a fist through your face!" Misuchi snarled, looking up at the tall Lady Matra.

"I have no time for your idiotic bellowing, peasant! Now, move aside" Lady Matra haughtily demanded.

"Refer to me one more time as-" Misuchi was cut short of her words however, Lady Matra didn’t give her a second glance before storming away towards the exit.

Misuchi growled with rage at the woman’s obvious arrogance and turned to watch the woman continue her walk.

"Misuchi?" Saria called as she came up behind her.

"I hate the merchant class, a bunch of damn over confident morons!" Misuchi replied to Saria’s innocent greeting.

Saria just rose an eyebrow and took her leave, allowing Misuchi to settle down from her current state.

Misuchi huffed and began after the Lady Matra.

*

"You have sent the Red Master?"

"I couldn’t send Tcu without the threat of Kayd finding us out…" she reluctantly stated.

"It is best you keep in contact with the Red Master till only dawn, if he fails kill him. He has one night to fulfill his mission. Is that understood?" the stern voice coldly declared.

"Kill him?" the soft voice gasped.

"Kayd will be conscious again by morning and we cannot allow her to find out. Remember sister, the existence of our people depends on this! She cannot know he is alive!"

*

Lady Matra pushed the slave towards the top of the mountain. She had never heard of a slave resisting against its master, but she took no notice to it and continued to push him along the way. She had to get rid of him before they came for him. If he was found alive she’d be the one to pay the price.

"Move you stupid slave! Move!" she growled as he tipped backwards against her.

As they pushed on, a hot wind whipped around them. Lady Matra knew they would soon reach the top, and so did the slave for he began to fall back on Matra even more.

"Never have I seen a slave so hard to command as you! Damn you! Why couldn’t I have sold you this day?" she hissed as she jabbed him in the back causing him to tip forward onto his face.

Lady Matra snarled with anger. "That is it! I’ll have you dead NOW!" She grabbed a nearby rock and threw it at him, but her aim was terribly off and it only soared by his head and hit another rock…a much larger rock. The rock made a roar of protest and then tumbled down the side of the mountain. The sounds of the boulder crashing down upon rock upon rock made her cringe, but suddenly the noise halted. She sat and listened, confused.

Before she could find her way to the ledge to see what had stopped such a large stone she was toppled over in fear. The boulder sailed over her head with ease and landed behind her. "What in the seven hells!" she cried in terror.

Misuchi bolted up the mountainside after the forced boulder took flight back towards its origins. She wasn’t sure if the oncoming boulder was intentional, but she was furious none the less.

When she reached the ledge she peered over to see the Lady Matra still panting from the sudden shock of everything going on.

"You! First you push me and blame ME for it; then you throw boulders at me? Lady, I hope whatever it is your heading towards is worth a sore lip!" Misuchi fumed as she tensed up her muscles and came towards Matra.

"You… How? What?" Lady Matra only looked on in awe.

Misuchi soon found herself kissing the ground however. Something had tripped her. "Ah, the slave… I forgot about him" Misuchi recalled as she looked at the blame of her fall.

Lady Matra’s face lit up. "You are right young woman! I was in the wrong and you the right! I feel just terrible!" Standing up Lady Matra brushed herself off of dirt. "I am so sorry that I wish you to take my finest slave! In fact, I insist! Well, good luck!" Lady Matra hurriedly said as she began to slowly back away.

Misuchi was confused and stared at her prize for a moment. "So you’re giving me him? And what for…to save your worthless hide from my fists?!" Misuchi egotistically reasoned. When she turned to regard the slave trainer, however, she was gone.

"Huh… I guess she was more scared of me than I thought." She looked at her new slave and shrugged. "Now what am I gonna do with this…"

*