Fores Eyes of the Lizard Ch. 6

Divine Guide

Rossa was in a terrible position. Figuratively, because she was trapped by the elite Hassasin. Approaching her. Literally, because during her attempted dodge of the sword. She got pinned to the wall in a sitting position. She had to lean on the wall, to minimize the pain. It still hurt. Each movement, just send a new painful sensation from her shoulder. Almost paralyzing her attempts. Fighting the pain emitting inside her body. She tried to pull the sword out. It did not work out. The force thrown by Gex was strong enough to pierce her and embedded itself into the wall. It was stuck too deeply. She could also leave the sword and unpin herself. Even if she somehow endures the pain, by moving herself, she could not. Due to her position. One step would cost to lose her footing. Plus, the problem would be the handle that blocked her way. She tried to shift herself, but that made the blade to move upward, through her arm. She hissed in pain.
- At this rate I will slash my arm out. Wait! – she found a solution. A painful and desperate. Figurative position reminded herself, that she was desperate. She grabbed the handle of the sword and pushed it up(!?). Steel cut through her flesh and scales. She even let loose of her footing. The pain increased, as more and more centimetres of cold steel were severing the warm flesh of her arm. The pain was unmeasurable - Where are these powers when I actually need them! - Enduring it, she pushed through and finally cut loose. Falling hard on her rack. The landing was so hard, she felt like her arm slipped off itself from the rest of her body. Sending another wave of sharp pain. She clutched it with her second arm. There was no time for regret or celebration. The Hassasin noticing this, picked up the pace. Enduring the pain, she got up. Jumped on the windowsill, that was next to her, then on the sword still in the wall. Used is as a trampoline and jumped on the ledge of the wall. While jumping down, an arrow flew past her. She jumped down, feeling that pain again. It felt like her arm severed itself away from her armpit.
- Idiot! – she heard Gex from behind the wall – We need to take her alive! – a hissing argument ensue; she used this time to figure out a plan. She felt warm drips of blood coming from her wound. Her left arm was hanging loose. Severed from her nerves, muscle and bones that were attached. She had no time to check it.
- Ok, I have to run. No wait. Gex is leading, he will predict that. Focus. I must think outside the box. Normally I would run or hide for an ambush attack. However, I would never hide like a coward. That’s it! – with that she quickly made a trail on the sand and dropped some blood on the road. Then she backtracked and hide in the side alley behind some pots, that were used to store trash. She hid just in time. Because the argument stopped and the magickly raised wall toppled over. They walked near her – Go away, go away, goawaygoawaygoaway. – she was repeating in her thoughts. Gex lowered herself near the tracks, next to the pots. Where Rossa kneeled. Holding her arm tighter, increasing the pain.
- Typical – sighted Gex – We must pick up the pace. Be on your guard. She likes ambushes. – Hassasin voices were growing more silent. She was safe. For now. She had a lot of questions. Sow is it that they found her? Hurting arm reminded itself, flooding her mind.
- First, I need to patch this up. – she was afraid to look. But she had to. She slowly uncovers her shoulder. She shuddered; her hand was tainted with blackish/red blood. She looked at her slash wound. The look made her stomach turn. It was a rectangle shaped deep hole with muscle tissues and slowly was filling itself with blood and pus. Pouring outside. Feeling nausea, she knew she had to fight it and tend to it. She ripped her sleeve to stop the bleeding. When she looked again. She noticed the bleeding stopped. Another set of dizziness crawled to her head. She watched in morbid fascination how the gap was slowly closing itself. A web of fibre shot like a spider attaching itself to her muscles. Sewing them together filling itself up. Once the hole was fully closed it filled itself with scales. The only sign there was a anything there where fresh clean scales leaving only a scar. – Well, another mystery… - Her head got woozy.
- Rossa you there? – Lenta telepathically send her a massage. After confirming - Where were you? Hope not slacking off.
- Sorry, got tracked by Hassasin.
- Hassasin?
- Yes. My mother must have pulled all that she could muster.
- No, that is my fault.
- What?
- Well after the operation went south, I order Jes-Ter to send the report about the undead - That would explain, why there are here. That was her fault as well. They were checking in the life priest. Priest were higher ups. It was more than certain someone would recognize her.
- What is your status?
- In pursuit.
- What?! Are you still chasing the White?
- Endurance runs in my family. Wait. Flamma Sphera – and explosion occurred not far from Rossa’s position. – Listen, I understand if that is too much for you with the Hassasin, I’ll try to move the chase to…
- No need, your close. Besides I lost them. Bring him to the marketplace. I’ll be there.
- But
- No but’s just do it. That is what we desire to solve. - As soon as she ended the discussion Rossa rushed back. She knew, the Hassasin won’t be juked for too long, but she can’t let Lenta to be alone with him. The white one already showed, he is prepared for any occasion. It would be too dangerous. She was doing this all for her. The marketplace was in sight. All she needed to get there and cut his escape route. At that moment she forgot to focus. A powerful shoulder bash knocked her. The Tank-Pilut shoulder bash was enough for her to fly in the air. She did not hit the wall. Instead. She got pinned by the red Hassasin to the ground leaving her left hand free – Mistake! – or she though, cause in the blink of an eye hand grabbed her wrist and she felt a metal piece closing with a click. She got cuffed by Gex. – NO! – Red Substellio got off her and she got forcefully pulled up. Her left cuff was connected to the right wrist of Gex. – Fine you got me. – she grumbled. – At least help Lenta.
- You think you are in position to make demands? – said the Red Substellio
- I am the embodied daughter of a goddess. You must help Lenta!
- The chief enforcer. Why now? - asked Gex. Rossa was right on the money. They were sent here to deal with this. He then tugged Rossa’s arm with his cuffs.
- Would you stop that!
- No. Because you will use that cuff trick. Start talking not tricking.
- Lenta is chasing down the one that is the cause. We have a chance to end this. We just need to cut his way out at the market square. Please help her.
- Redos. – Gex occasionally tugging Rossa’s arm. - Cut the way at the market square. Tank guard here in case of attempted escape from our prime target.
Rossa knew her freedom days are over. Despite that she was more concern about Lenta safety. She had flashbacks of the failed operation. The white one always had a plan back. The longer the chase, then more time he had to formulate it. Maybe, he won’t expect Hassasin attack in his plans. Bad choice though Rossa sending a Rookie not a huge veteran croc to block the way. Well at least Gex is the leader, so he knows what he is doing. If only he would stop that yanking of her chain. Finally, the white one appeared from the side of the market square. Like a white blur passed. Then it slowed down slide through the centre. Now Redos had the perfect opportunity to throw himself in. But to her surprise he just stood there. Gawking.
- The breed are you doing! Go there! – yet he was just standing and trembling. She moved to the side. Despite being chained. What she saw was indeed terrifying. She noticed the white one unmasked. It was undead. Bare fangs, snow white skull and spine. Lenta was not far behind. Fearless. Just as she was about to cast.
- Flamma…
- Murus ignis (Wall of Fire) – interrupted the undead. Lenta did not finished sentencing the spell, which can move towards failed casting or a weak spell that can use a lot of energy. An explosion occurred. Redos only reaction was covering his eyes, by the sudden blaze. The duel of fire began. Both undead white and Lenta facing against each other. One hand throwing fire, while the another blocking or deflecting it.
- Do something! - Rossa yelled. No response only the voice of the chain. Like a dog. The fire was closing in. The skull was showing signs of heating up. The robes he was wearing were burning up, revealing more of the bones. Necklace with the ruby attached was the same colour as the gem. – Maybe she can make it. Come on. – The fire wall closing this time on Lenta. Struggling she was using all her strength. The necklace was used as energy storage. The white one had all that power. Lenta used most of it, during the chase. When the energy is used up, the spell takes stamina to hold the effect that was also drained during the chase. Later it can take more and more of the body till there nothing left, but the life. Lenta could stop the spell, but that was counting as giving up at this point. Her scales started to get singed. Yet, no one was doing nothing. Just watching this morbid show. More red scales appeared on her black scales. Wall was closing in, Lenta was struggling to keep away the flame and burst her own. She looked away probably to shield her muzzle. That’s when Luna’s and Lenta’s eyes met. A shocked expression created on her face, then determination. She was doing it for her. Mutual action. She gained more resolve and started to move the fire away. Her arms were turning red. First her fingers then her whole hand pushing the flames in and away. She did not care she was still pushing it. A grin appeared on her face. Newfound determination pushed her to her limits. It was not enough Wall was closing in, yet again. Pushing again against her. Her proud face disappeared with more struggling. Smoke was coming from her fingers, this time pure white. Soon after the flame consumed her form. – No! Nooo~! LEENTAAAAAAAAAA~! – primal scream erupted from Rossa’s muzzle seeing this. All of memories with Lenta flooded her brain. A mixture of sorrow, hatred and rage mixed up in her. – I have to get to her.

I h a v e t o

She turned toward Gex still being held. Once she looked at him, he startled. She took a step toward him and grabbed his sword dangling on his hip and pulled it. Gex quickly regained composure and grabbed the blade while it was halfway out its sheath. And pushed Rossa back. Damage was already done. She raised her left arm showing she made a cut through the middle. She then moved her right hand facing it with an open palm. She punched it. Breaking it. Crack followed with slice sound of her muscles. She broke off her arm to free herself. The hand with the cuff fell. A stump was gushing blood. The Croc witnessing this started his approach. Rossa flailed her stump to spray blood on his eyes. He was still standing in her way. Another big obstacle. While stepping back she regained Gex sword with her right hand. Quickly unsheathed and jumped towards the Croc. Tank was still busy with clearing the blood from his eyes. Saving himself the sight of his fate. Rossa jumped with the sword and her stump with slowly growing bone splinter. And she pressed them both into his neck. More blood sprayed. A roar slowly turned into gurgling. The sword passed through his entire thick neck. And the bone from the stump was deeply placed in his throat. As she was pressing the Croc was collapsing on the ground. She fixed her grab on the handle of the sword. Started cutting his head off. Her left hand slowly resembled her bone hand and fingers. She dashed toward the fire storm. Another obstacle Redos. Which just witnessed decapitation of his comrade. He prepared his arrow and missed the cord. Once he got ready it was too late. Rossa threw the sword towards his head. This time the blade ended up in his right eye. He stepped back Screaming and hissing. Just as she was going to finish the job, she noticed something coming out of the flames. A hand. Lenta? She strafed back leaving the Hassasin with his blade. She saw Lenta with a smile still in the fire partly with black and white scales. Reaching her hand toward Rossa. She did the same as she jumped to reach it. Then her appearance changed. Yet she did not notice, but what fallowed as she touched her raised palm of hand, it started to crumble. She wanted to stop but couldn’t. She was mid-air while jumping. Pushing further and changing Lenta’s hand into crumbs and dust. She passed right through her. Tumble away and landed on her knees. She started shaking. She raised her palm seeing the dust and ashes of her former lover. Her hand was white covered in ash. It was shaking, one last time she hugged it like she was hugging for goodbye.
- It is over.

***

Just as Rossa predicted she ended up in the dungeon beneath the Forbidden Mansion. Surrounded by metal floor and wall’s about 3x3 meters and bars with gems used as the door. Bars were focused with gems. The only things in her cell were a suspended wooden bed, toilet and a small, barred window throwing a little light in. The whole cell was preventing her from using magic. Yet this was not in her mind at the moment. She was mourning. All her happiness died in one day. Her freedom. Her purpose. Her Love. She was replaying Lenta’s last image. Often in tears. Like trying to focus on it. Or maybe not forgetting it. She was so deep in it; she was ignoring all her visitors. Her Brothers, her sister, her master. Even her mother. She even heard a glimpse of her saying:
- I don’t want to see my daughter in this state.
She did not care. She stayed in her trail of thought. She lost track of time. However, one day, she got distracted.
- Can you tell me, how long have you had those rampage moments? – Rossa remained still, sitting in her bed. Her sight focused on the ground – If you are interested, we did comprehend the white one. We burned him, so no more harm could be done. – No reaction. – Your chief enforcer was… - this got Rossa’s attention. She faced her master with an angry look, making him startled again.
- One. ill. Word. About her. – she said with a hoarse voice – And these bars won’t prevent you from my wrath.
- Please listen to reason.
- Like your red pupil did? Not attacking? When the white one was vulnerable? Or you sending a young unexpired Hassasin instead of a veteran?! WHAT BREEDING REASON?!
- Your safety. You must understand. You have your own path to follow.
- You mean your path to follow. – Gex raised an eyebrow by Rossa’s statement. – Don’t pretend. I heard about some plans. Just before I left. At the gardens.
- I must be getting old. I did not sense you. Ok where to start.
- Maybe start from the Truth!
- You already heard the term Construct. Do you know the meaning? – silence prevailed – That answers it. Construct is a life from being infused with the genetic makeup of different species using powerful life and death magic. In your case, you were infused with the power of our most skilful and deadliest warriors throughout the centuries. The cunning of a Cobra, speed of a Viper (Naga Substellio), endurance and strength of a Croc and the dead now Kemeleo. Because of their invisibility. You never wondered why you are the only one with such a gift?
- Congratulations then… – commented Rossa mockingly. That would also explain why those dead warriors from the operation weren’t burnt. – …you created a Living Deadly Weapon. What is the purpose?
- You are more than a weapon. You saw how bad is out there lacking Substellio in some classes. Going to crime instead of normal life. Every Substellio would be equal. No longer the royalty or higher ups will graciously pick the descend to lower class. Everyone would pick who he wants to be. And everything in control of Us. Hassasin. You will be the symbol of it.
- You’re planning a rebellion?
- A Revolution. You will be the symbol and the enforcer of the new order.
- I can’t believe it. You call that equal? I believed Hassasin are the ones who help others, where enforcers or military cant. Yet you want to use me for your own ambition. You betrayed your ought in one day. Do you know how much chaos that can spread?
- That is why I need you. Casualties of war like that enforcer are comm…
- RAAGH! – Rossa Yelled jumped toward the cell and hit the bars. The metal sound echoed through the dungeon. The bars bended from her punch – She was not a casualty. You could easily save her. Yet you sat and watch like a sick show! – she pulled of her fist leaving the bars damaged. Her fingers broke, which quickly healed.
- Maybe few days, of isolation will soften you up and you will see my future more clearly. – with that he left. Leaving her with answers, anger, and sorrow.

Again, days passed like ablur, she did not know how long she was locked. She though it would be cleared once she knew. It did not. It got worse. She was a magic creation. Created for bidding of some Revolutionist. The worst of all his sensei and father figure. This only made her feel worse. It hunts her mind at day and added nightmares at night. Mostly the moment pass of Lenta. One night however the nightmare changed it course when she noticed her hand raising like stopping her just before she perished. She woke up at that moment. Did that meant to stop worrying about it? She did want her to be happy. But is it ok for her? Even if, she needed a miracle to get out of prison. The miracle came in a peculiar situation. Once she woke up, she noticed the guards were in disarray and a commotion erupted. She heard parts of phereses “again?!”, “How did that happen?”, “have you seen her?” and “The empress surely will eat us for this”. The cause of the commotion came in a form of Rossa’s sister. “Birma”. Probably she hid to start a diversion. She slides herself to her bars, gazed a moment then moved out of her view. She picked keys to her cell and asked
- You were happy back there, right?
- Yes, I was. Did you…? – before she could ask, did she cause all this? She put the key on her cell and turned it. (With a help of a stool for her to reach)
- I don’t like to see you sad. Like mom. I want you to be happy, so go and be.
Rossa teared herself came to her and gave a brief hug. That was her miracle she needed it was time to head out. Again. It was as easy as before. With the guards distracted she easily escaped the Forbidden Mansion and distanced herself to the walls. Now she knew the layout of the city. But what now? She could not try again as an enforcer. That was the first place they checked. No. She had to escape and find her place outside of Maximerdis. Outside the empire. But how she could escape? With some luck and deception. She heard by some merchant group to try their sales outside. She turned her invisibility and moved under one of their caravans. And place herself between the wheels sticking herself to it. It worked. She successfully rode out. That luck ended once they stopped at one of the village taverns, where she fell off. She got discovered. This time she maneuverer her words “pleading” to work her travel. They agreed to use her as a guardian of the caravan. Most of the merchants were dwarfs and elf’s and did not have a good relation. Mostly of Rossa’s time were silent. She still had nightmares of Lenta. This was a sign showing that is not why she died for. Rossa knew it.

Rossa was slowly regaining her senses. First was the touch. She felt warm and covered in branches and leaves. She slowly opened her eyes and groaned, by the blinding light. She woke up to a blurry brown and green mess. It began to clear up once she got used to them. She was in the forest; her hearing was back confirming it by hearing chirps of the birds and other noises of the little critters.
- Wait a minute. How did I end here? Last time I remember was high at mountainside at…wait.
Then the smell hit her. She felt the well-known freshly forest air after a rain and sweet scent of meat. She cocked her head upwards (she was laying on her flat belly) and saw a piece of freshly, yet raw meat. Her stomach gurgled. Normally she would prepare herself to the meal, but her stomach blocked all her manners and insisted on a feeding frenzy. She crawled hastily toward the meal and started her chow down.
- Ah good, you are awake. – said a gentle masculine voice, which made her slow down – Go on, don’t worry, I ate my share – after a few bites once her stomach was taken care of, now she can properly thank for helping. She still was a princess after all. With a proper manner.
- I want to thank yoo~ – her jaw hang loose once she noticed who was her saviour. It was a dragon. He was big. He was way bigger than her mother. The tip of the Empress head would touch his upper torso. He was a big muscular dragon with large horns on his back of his head crooked to the side and upwards. He had white scale all over his body with whiskers next to his nose. A define feature was his covered in blue ice upper part of his body going through his whole back. To the tip of his tail. It looked like and elemental Armor. Which means it was an Elementalis. Plus, he had 3 scratches (scars) near his right eye and part of the ‘Ice Helmet” broken that part. The helmet gave a bit vicious look, with the icicles looking like another part of his fangs. His eyes were deep blue.
Substellio’s are known to be descendants of the gods. But dragons are their will and power embodied. Just like Lenta said back at the desert. – sho…should I bow. I should, shouldn’t I? – she asked herself and answered by doing so.
- No need to… You can raise up. Salve I am Karth. And as you can see, I am an Elementis of Ice, Water, and Winter. – he bowed his head and placed his fist on his big chest. Rossa bowed again. That was such an honour. Not only an embodiment but the chosen blessed by a goddess Asra. – May I know your name? And more importantly what a Substellio was doing in such a harsh environment?
- Well… It is quite a long story. I’m not sure you have the time to…
- Then – interrupted Karth, he placed his backside, shuffles a pit for a earth cushion and placed his tail next to him. When he adjusted his sitting position – You should sit too and please tell me your story. Umm? You name?
- Rossa – Luna – Gece.
- Pleasure to meet you.
He was so kind and so well mannered. And as it turns out a very good listener. Asking questions nodding, encouraging her, or respecting her stories she did not want to tell (like the nights with Lenta). Yet she did not lie, which is wise. He got a bit more curious once Rossa started to talk about the failed raid and the undead army that was awoken. He was asking questions more frequently. Like: when? How? And the source of it. He narrowed his eyes looked at the horizon deep in thought, then he quickly composes himself and let her continue. She started to talk about the work in the caravan.
- (…) They let me work on “Security” until I pay up my debt. But those merchants were the worst of their kind. Not earning even enough for a basic need to feed. I was starving and stressed out. Then they said they will get a “Great investment” on the other side of the mountains. I pleaded “I can’t go there. The cold will be lethal.” They assured that it will be fine is just a one-day journey and will get before nightfall. Trying to warm myself up in the caravan I was questioning myself. The nightmares did not stop. I was lacking sleep food and soon I did not have even tranquillity. Something attacked the caravan. It was something big enough that it threw me off on the tree. I was now hurt and cold. This… made me angry and I needed to release that anger. Pieces of wood merchandise and dead merchants scattered along the winter field. Alive merchants fighting against snow trolls and giant wolves. The Dwarf was spinning his mace to fend them off, yet they got him ripping his head. Then one attacked me and bitten my arm. I responded by sticking a sharp spear in its head. They started to back down. But I felt, I wasn’t done. Then the anger somehow past and I felt the pain, the cold and then nothing. Then I woke up here.
- This brings us here. I took the liberty to save you, sorry you were the only one there. If you think about it this would be a very interesting book by adding some actions scenes and maybe a romance.
- Which I am grateful – said Rossa and bowed once again
- You already thank me by being alive. – said Karth, then he pondered for a moment gracing his moustache-whisker. He lowered his head to meet Rossa’s eyes. His blue eyes were piercing through hers. She felt like he was searching her soul. – You are very young. Yet you saw more than any elder would hope for or wish to unsee it. Because of that you are unbalanced, with your body… – he hit his chest with his fist - …mind… - He pointed to side of his forehead -… and soul. – he placed gently his hand on his chest – that is why you got lost in your way.
- Then where should I go?
- When you are lost, you simply have to ask for directions. I can help you with that. But remember. - he narrowed his eyes - I only advise where to go. The part: If you go Is your own choosing. Isn’t that free will? I know a place where you can regain your balance. It is the Temple of Vivtalis. A place where the Ordo Guardians are trained. But it also has a program for lost travellers. Like you Rossa. We only require your engagement and help by working at the temple. If you will not be satisfied, we won’t be holding you. – this was a very generous proposition. And coming from a god. Or its embodiment. She would be a fool not to take the offer, so she accepted it. – Then let’s get there. Now. Where was it? – she started to look around. He was pressing his paw on the ground like he was looking for something. – Is it? No. No… Ah here. – he placed his paw and said – Fores Porta Templum Vivtalis. (Fores Gateway to Temple of Vivtalis) – 2 giant golden rods erupted from the ground. Slowly sloping and touching each other on the edges. Creating an arch big enough for Karth to pass through. Fores were gateways to far aways and distant places. In many cities they are forbidden, but not in the wildlands (and Temples of Vivtalis). The Rods ignited themselves with energy and created a blurry vison of a different part of the world. It was like trying to watch on a distorted sheets of water – First time? – Rossa Nodded – Don’t worry its safe, although first 5 times are unpleasant. Just step next to it. Take a deep breath and cross it. Oh, and don’t forget to breathe once you cross it. – She did as she was told. Once she was crossing, she closed her eyes and while passing she felt like she was passing through a waterfall. Without feeling wet. Then Nausea hit her and felt like her stomach was vibrating inside of her. The moment passed once she saw the place. It was a pavilion, out in the middle of very tall mountains. Sun was slowly setting showing and orange hue to the land. And it was a busy place. Many people Substellio and Non. Dragons in various colours and sizes. Either in group or single ones. It was amazing. Once Karth passed through – Yes. I know, it can be little overwhelming and a lot to take in, but no worry… - suddenly one of the dragons landed next to him. He was green with a white underbelly and brown horns. Once he laid eyes on Karth. He hastily approached him and started roaring howling and gesticulating. Karth was responding calmly, yet Rossa did not understand their language. For her it was some gibberish ancient words with some animal noises, she could not place. Then the dragon messenger flew off. Karth placed two fingers on his eyebrows and massaged – I can never have a full day off, can I? – he sighted and looked at her – I am terribly sorry Rossa. It seems I have some important business to attend to. But don’t worry I won’t leave you on ice. Because I am carrying these on my back. – he chuckled and looked around – Prosper! Pro-sper come here! – he was calling a Substellio. He was a black scaled and red striped Substellio, wearing white loose robes. He bowed to the dragon and placed his fist on his chest. Karth returned the gesture.
- Salve and Hail Vivtalis. How can I help you?
- Salve to you too. I have a new lost wonderer, Rossa. Please show her around and give a proper welcome.
- Of course, Grandmaster – With that Karth unfold his wings, flapped a few times rising gust of wind with himself and flew off. Once he disappeared from her sight, she heard the Substellio – Follow me please.
Rossa learned from Prosper that Ordo Guardians were founded after the Second Necro Rebellion or how others called the Fire-Shadow Alliance. When The Dark worshippers started their invasion, by spawning Necro rebellion in the region. Dragons were forced to stop them, so the little kingdoms could defend themselves. While the demons launched their invasion and fought them off as soon as they stop, they would help. Since everyone were busy, the dragons created a group among them that would deal with the rebellions and invasion, so they would operate on all fronts. Not govern by any of the lands. Empire of ZEW was against it and soured the relationship between others forgetting the long fought First Necro-Rebellion. They all settled in a secluded part of the Mountain range. And created the temple of Life. Many people, Substellio and dragons joined in. Each added something so their kind could live here peacefully and be ready when the world would be in such a risk ever again. Some were fighters, other caretakers, monks or just people who were lost. Rossa was on one of the mountains for the lost ones. They were many like her here (as seen on the pavilion). She quickly got the layout showed by Pro-sper. After that she got her room where she could be settled for the night. Once she settled Prosper gave her a pamphlet of the activities, she must attend to regain her balance. The room was simple. Plain wood with a bed and a desk and a room for the bath. She decided to check the plans for the day and get quickly to bed, first order of business was to wake up at dawn.
- Why is it always dawn?

The next day few days Rossa was trying to adjust to her new routine. First order of business was one of the most challenging. So far. After that morning meditation and/or prayer. Then breakfast (which she could skipped), morning workout, Controlling magic lessons, chores at the temple. Usually cleaning and picking up items from training. Study time, evening workouts again, free time, Supper, bedtime, and repeat. She was a bit reluctant at first. Mostly, because she was in the minority. Other races easily outnumbered the Substellio here. Once adjusting she noticed that the people were looking at her differently. Plus, when she tried to open to them. She was shut down with cold or minimal response. The look in their eyes were cold and filled with hatred. Later she was informed that some of them were aware of the Substellio gossip as Lusty or Evil Lizards, by the ones who were hurt by them. Hostility become clearer once they were sparing with wooden blades. They were hitting harder than they should. Her next big challenge was discrimination and loneliness. One day however she had a talk with Grandmaster Karth. The talk was about her state she was entering.
- Looks like when you are highly stressed it activates some sort of Revenant state – said the Ice dragon.
- Revenant state? – she asked. Finally, Rossa was about to learn something about that. Blessed be the wisdom of the Dragons – It the first time I heard of that.
- Of course, it the first time. I just made that up. Still, it fits the description of the state. Revenants are vengeful spirits, possessing bodies and destroying everything that stands in their path to reach their goals. Usually Vengeance. During your, sorry for the word. “Design”, they probably implement some Revenant spell.
- I-is there a c-cure? – asked Rossa
- In theory. Yes, but too risky – replied Karth – There might be a counter spell, but not knowing the exact words it can kill the caster or even you. It is as safe as resurrecting the dead to their alive from before. Which is not safe at all. For now, I think we must reschedule your training and …
- Ale mistrzu! – interrupted the guard, speaking his language, so Rossa would not understand. – Nie sądzę, że to roztropne. Mieć taką maszynę do zabijania w naszych szeregach.
- A byłoby roztropne zostawienie potrzebującej w takim stanie? To jedynie dodatkowy powód by jej bardziej pomóc. Rozmawiając z nią poznałem ją bliżej. Może być dla nas bardzo pożytecznym sprzymierzeńcem. Niezależnie od jej wyboru.
- Jesteś pewien?
- Kto tu jest mistrzem? Zaufaj mi – with that he left a friendly smile, which made it look a bit more of a predatory. Yet she felt like Karth has told something to calm the guard down – For now Rossa rest. At dawn things will become brighter.
- Why do I have a De Ja’Vu feeling? – said Rossa going back to her quarters. She more eagerly was thinking about leaving. That foreign language - They don’t trust me or planning something. Plots again.

Back to her routine, but this time with rescheduled therapy and different studies. Therapy was just a talk with Prosper. Probably to calm her emotions (soul). Plus controlling her state. Each day however she felt more distant. She was not feeling it. It hit her hard on emotions. She wished she had someone to talk more openly. With Pro-sper was just talking about nothing and how she is doing. She wanted a heart to heart with someone. Someone who would like her. Someone like Lenta. She missed her. What would she do or say? For a while she just goes in routine.
Evening workout rolled around. She entered as usual to the dojo. It was a training hall designed for spars with many weapons on the wall mostly wooden swords and mannequins to build. During her warmup the drill sergeant came in. He was an elf, long blond wavy hair. Average height and thin.
- Rossa! – addressed her, the sergeant - Prepare to spar.
- Spar? – though Rossa – With who? – that was not the end of surprises for Rossa. Her opponent was a 15-year-old child. Had short black hair and brown eyes. Wearing black shirt with denim pants and boots. Wooden sword was tied to his back. His height was reaching middle of her breast – A kid? You send a kid to fight me?
- A kid? – said with a raspy voice the 15-year-old.
- Great. The last bit I had to say out loud. He will probably say something like “How can you call me a kid, I’m something teen years old, which makes me adult” and created more stress which she wishes to avoid. Better defuse the situation – she inhaled, slowed down her breath and said – I’m sorry you don’t understand…
- Oh, I think I do understand - said the teen, and pulled his sword out pointing at her from afar. – You are scared. Scared of a teen that can be easily beat…
- Audax! – reprimanded the Sargent
-C’mon I was going to a point of the joke.
- Battlefield is not a place for Joking the enemy. You must remember…
- I know, I know – dismissively wave his hand Audax – Don’t underestimate the enemy, mind your own strength and before I cross a road, I must brush my teeth.
Rossa let out a short giggle (, which surprised her. She did not let out in a long time), the Sargent only sighted and ordered both to get in their battle stations.
- You know the drill. Each hit with a sword is a point. We don’t count slightly touches and hitting the blade. We fight to 2 points. Bow, draw your weapon… – Rossa decided to go like always. She will go on defensive to know his way of fighting. Plus, she needs to control herself. – Fight!
With that he attacked. She noticed he was a newbie. He was signalling his attack by having his sword on the left side ready for a side or upward slash. Easy block able. she moved her sword in its attempt. The hit was more powerful, then she anticipated. He was a teen, yet he hit stronger than adults, if not for her firm grip of the handle, she would be disarmed. Soon after he slides his blade against hers and was going for the stab. Rossa deflected it, revealing his side for her counter. She used that opportunity; he dodges her attack by ducking under and backing up in his previous position. His motion was very fluid. Plus, she forgot she was taller, so her attacks had to go lower. Rossa continued the attack, he blocked it with his own attack. She tried again, it got blocked with his own attack. Again. This action repeated a few times. It was time for a clash. He was strong enough to withstand her push. She judged by his presentation, but maybe he would outwit him if she did the tactic of rising her sword and headbutting him. Once she started her lift after the clash. Audax did something unprecedent. He twirled his sword sideways grabbed the other end with and open hand and jumped up. Sliding upwards her wooden blade. Jumped over her doing a front flip and landed behind her. She won’t be able to block this, she closed her eyes to prepare for the powerful smack. She felt a tap.
- Point for Audax – announced their referee.
Rossa got surprised, well it counted, but… She saw his smile. Something was different with it. No arrogance, was he having fun? He may be dismissive about his lessons, but he kept in “mind your own strength”. Sergeant reminded Rossa to take her place back. Second round started and he did his rookie mistake attack. This time she was about to surprise him with a backflip kick. She missed, once Audax stopped. When she landed on her feet she dashed forward. Going for the side slash. He jumped out of the way. She repeated her slashes each with the same result. Then he was running on the side. Rossa followed. He started swinging, she was exchanging. Wooden smacks echoed in the dojo. They ended the chase as they reached the wall. This time Rossa went with the clash, which Audax blocked. During the clash, Rossa gently wrapped her tail around is ankle. Then she made a faint dash on the next side. Audax tripped and landed on his knee. Rossa return his gesture by tapping his neck, gaining a point. Audax only blinked a few times and responded
- Got to learn that move… Once I grow tail. – She answered with a slight giggle.
For a while Rossa forgot about her problems and sorrows. All that was counting was this fight she was focused on. The third round ended with a stale mate. Each of them dishing all sort of attacks and succeeding in avoiding them or blocking. After an hour they were panting and barely holding their weapons most of the times leaning on them.
- Enough! – sharply said the Sargent
- But <huff> it’s a tie… And you said <huff> there’s no ties <huff>… in battles.
- Right in a battle scenario… - he swiftly came to them took away their training weapons and smacked both of them in the head. Both rub their aching heads. –… the enemy would come and kill your exhausted asses. No quickly to the mess hall I’m starving, and we got 20 minutes before it closes.
- Hey not my fault she is a capable fighter… - Audax said as he was chasing down the Sargent. His voice growing silent until Rossa was met with silence. That peculiar teenager just planted seeds of doubt in her mind.
Rossa felt exhausted, but not sleepy. She felt conflicted. Its times like these she usually takes a walk. She decided to walk to the pavilion, where she first ended up. The moon was full and calm cool air filled the atmosphere. There were some dragons gazing at the stars. Some people that were leaving just at the sight of her. She went to the edge of the balcony and gazed aimlessly. Just as she was about to answer some questions, she heard.
- Surprising. – that cause enough startle to flicker her cloak. It was Audax, dressed the same way as during their fencing. – Neat trick. Hope I am not disturbing.
- Not at all. Actually.
- Seeking for answers or looking for relatives.
- Relatives?
- Yeah, Dragons believe that they end up it in the sky with their close ones and look down on us. Helping in time of need. If that is the case, you are looking for answers I presume.
- Maybe I just like the sight of the stars?
- Do you? – he smirked – Correct me if I am wrong, then. You are in the section of the temple, that helps people or ee liz… – she gave an evil look, she softens it up once he stopped. - Substellio’s. first round you were cautions. Probably due to the new place and new opponent remembering the pains inflicted by others. On the Second you got more confident. Finally finding some pleasure during that, becoming bolder. On the third we ended with a stalemate, like you were looking what you were missing that time. – a silence filled the pavilion – You did not interrupt me. Am I correct?
- What are you? Specialist melee reader?
- No, but I did see the same pattern. In my moves. Just before I got in my training for the Ordo.
- How long have you been here?
- Hmmm. Let’s see, it’s full moon tonight, minus 3 days… My whole life.
- What?!
- Yep, I was found on the doorstep of the temple and accepted in it. When I learned to talk and carry a weapon, they started training me.
Are… - Rossa was surprised, this teenager was a bit like her. Trained to be a weapon. Was he proud of this? Well, she did have the same feelings. Before she was found out she is a Construct. And that she was designed for someone’s revolutionary needs. She had to be sure – Are you sure you want to do this? I mean, you are trained to be a weapon to do others biding. Are you sure?
- Well, like you since you did not contradict my words. I also had my doubts at first. The trainings are a torture at times. Being able to fight even when your muscles are begging for rest. Pulling full potential in magic and fighting. It seemed a chore and only to be able to protect others.
- Are you the same Audax that was joking around?
- Your right I did not said a single joke in one hour, something is wrong. – he smirked and noticed she did also.
- As in killing others. And what if you fail them?
- A weapon kills. And the Ordo guardians knows when to fight so they can protect others. Just like Dragons fighting foes the other race can’t. Some of their works are just not violent. Sometimes we just track down monsters, so that folk can live or just convince a solution. Finding treasures, solving mysteries and we got all the independence in our decisions. Of course, there are bad moments or losses in life, but without them our lives would be incomplete. We are just trying to tip the good on our side when evil weight it down. As for the losses we learn from them and try to do better. Of course, there are rules to follow. But mostly they are just not to spread sheer stupidity or just our moral compass. Our decisions are our own. That is what a life being can do to choose your path to be happy.
Rossa was stunned by that speech. She felt the fire in her soul lighting up. Something she though was lost. That what she was searching for. The passion and the cause she wanted to be in the Hassasin in the first place. The Ordo are equal or even better with no involving politics. She was afraid of the chores, but they had to be the bad things for the good things that follow. And do better each time. She smiled and spoke
- You rekindled my fire you know. - Then in blink of a moment she saw Lenta smiling and reaching her arm. For moment she even saw a similar stage. She was like Lenta. And she said the same words of choosing our paths. Suddenly she felt slight breeze and s speck rose dancing and gleaming in the moonlight
- Well look at the time – Audax stretched out – Sorry, but I feel drowsy. Well see you in the morning. I’m looking forward for a rematch
Rossa was focused on the speck, yet she did wave him goodbye. The speck was dancing for a while and slowly rising. She exactly knew who that was.
- Thank you.
She decided to stay. What’s more she decided to become the member of the Ordo Guardians. The training was hard. Besides having to fight the discrimination (thankfully had Audax as a friend) and the harsher training to overcome. She became the best Infiltrator/Tracker of the group. Her sharper skills earned her the nickname Crimson Mist. Of her colour and disappearing like Fog. Good thing that they did, because they were going to be very useful in one of the biggest tasks yet.
10 years later she was walking though the hallways of the guardians to meet up with Audax. He was away with the highest guardian Enesia on a special mission. A mission that took him to another world. As she was all ears of the temple, she had to know the ins and outs of it. Audax was talking with the rest members of the team. Audax now full grown 25 years old man, with a tall and buffy man next to him and the dwarf. Enesia was gone. Well, she did what she did best introduce herself by turning her invisibility and sneaking in. As she was approaching, she heard part of the conversation.
- (…) My story involves a Dragon and a Volcano.
- How did it look like - asked the buff male
- You know, Big like a mountain with a hole that throws volcanic dust and lava.
- I was asking about the dragon, jokester. – sighted the man
- Well, it was a dragoness judging by the build. Radiant blue with some red fragments 2 pair of antlers that split curl upwards and downwards
- It was Railith – reappeared Rossa between them – The first of the youngsters that achieved her exams status.
- Stop. Doing. That. – gritted his teeth the male. – Listen I’m still forcefully restraining myself from punching you. But one day I will lose it and I will beat you!
- Yeah, yeah. – intervened Audax – Then she will hit you back and I will start selling tickets on a brawl Tharan vs. The Crimson Mist. Now knock it off and focus the attention on my story. Because this story will lead us to a mystery. A mystery we desire to solve.

End of prologue.
To be continued…

Made by Zielnik aka DragonKnight.
Thank you :D