Chapter Three (really raw first draft)

Chapter Three

Allegra stood over Frey. The light of the moon danced on the auburn hair of the slumbering woman. For a normal human, Frey would be undetectable but because of her elven blood Allegra could see the Sign.

Above the sleeping woman’s right shoulder was a slight speck of blue light. That was all Allegra needed to see and confirm her earlier suspicions but she wondered why her savior was not where she belongs. Why does this woman keep her true identity concealed?

The warrior watched as Frey squirmed a little. The smell of crushed herbs waffled to her nostril from the ceramic mug on the window still.

A sleeping concoction, thought Allegra as she went through the smells in her memory bank. Perhaps she is dreaming from her past. Maybe that’s why she’s out here instead of the Temple.

Allegra turned and found a blanket. She took the blanket and spread it over Frey.

“Goddess,” whispered Frey and then relaxed.

Allegra’s jaw went tight. A flurry of emotions ran through her heart and mind.

“Isiana,” said Allegra under her breath. “Why did you let Arilyn die?”

“Because it was fated,” said Frey suddenly.

Allegra blinked several times. Frey sat up with her eyes still closed. An image of a blue-eyed armored woman appeared over Frey.

“Do not be afraid mortal,” said ‘Frey’.

“You are…,” said Allegra.

“Isiana, the Goddess and Ruler of the heavenly plains,” said Isiana.

The warrior quickly went onto her knees and placed her head onto the floor.

“That is good. It seems I’m lucky you haven’t lost your manners,” chuckled Isiana.

“I am not worthy,” said Allegra.

“If you were unworthy, would I be standing here before you?” mused Isiana.

Allegra looked up. “But I failed to stop Xavier!” she protested.

Isiana looked straight into Allegra’s eyes.

“You can not stop him. Not in your current state,” said Isiana.

The Goddess outstretched her phantom hand and touched the warrior’s forehead.

“Follow my servant, Allegra. She will lead you to your heart’s desire,” said Isiana.

“My heart’s desire?” said Allegra and griped her chest. “All I ever wanted was to spend the rest of my life with Arilyn.”

“Arilyn…she passes from this world, my child,” said Isiana.

“I,” Allegra’s throat swelled from her grief.

“When you can finally move on, your destiny will show. Be strong, Allegra,” said Isiana. She pulled back her hand and her celestial body stood out of her host.

Frey, eyes still closed, turned and laid back into bed. Isiana began to fade away.

“Wait!” said Allegra as she scrambled to her feet.

“Frey will lead you the way,” said Isiana and vanished.

Allegra looked down at the sleeping woman. Frey smiled and pulled the blanket close to her chest.

She will lead me the way? thought Allegra.

% % %

Frey’s eyes slowly opened up. She yawned, stretched and even noted to make tea when she thought about yesterday. It had been awkward with her making food and Allegra starring at the table, not moving an inch. She had twice offered food but Allegra politely declined both times.

I really didn’t know what to say! I must seem so rude when I collapsed on my bed and slept—oh my goddess! It’s morning! thought Frey.

She launched herself off the bed and looked wildly for the warrior. All she saw were her junk.

“Oh! You did it again,” berated Frey and darted out of her cottage. “Allegra!”

She stopped short at the foot of her cottage. She watched with an almost pious position as Allegra, with her long dark hair tied back, bowed to three mounds of dirt. Each mound had a plank carved with the names: Edward Dufal, Viktor Stieg and Arilyn Evergreen. After the fifth bow, Allegra stood up and turned to Frey. The warrior’s eyes were red.

“I took care of your horse while you were asleep. He’s in the stall,” said Allegra.

“Uh, thanks,” said Frey and approached the warrior. “I’m sorry for your lost.”

“I appreciate it,” said Allegra.

A moment of silence stretched between them. Frey scratched her head and tried to think of something to say.

I really have to stop these awkward moments. Perhaps I should offer a prayer to the ones she lost? thought Frey.

“When do you want to leave?” asked Allegra suddenly.

“Leave?” answered Frey.

“To Para,” said Allegra.

“Ah yes, Para. As soon as you want but let me go prep up the wagon,” said Frey. Then she realized it was her moment to give a prayer in good will. “Oh, excuse me for a moment,” she said.

The wanderer walked to the three mounds and went onto her knees. With her hands together in prayer position, she closed her eyes. She recited a small prayer.

“May Isiana, watch over you all,” whispered Frey and got up.

She turned to Allegra. “We’ll have to stop along the way to Moss. The town should have all the supplies we need for travel.”

Allegra nodded and smiled. Like really smiled. Frey secretly pinched herself to make sure she wasn’t still dreaming.

“Thank you again…for your prayer,” asked Allegra.

“What made you change your mind?” asked Frey.

Allegra cocked an eyebrow. “Would you believe me if I said Isiana told me to follow you?”

Frey’s eyes widen. “Isiana? Really? I’ve been trying my whole life just to speak with her—opps!” She clasped her hands over her mouth.

“I knew who you really are before Isiana visited me, priestess,” said Allegra and pointed to her eyes. “Elves can will themselves to see certain magical enchantments and I so happen to inherit it.”

“Oh. That explains it. Well, um, do you think you could keep it to yourself when we reach Para?” asked Frey and hoped that Allegra will not ask why.

“Yes, but how are you going to keep it away from the Right Hand?” asked Allegra.

“It’s alright with him. I was just going to go straight to his private home,” said Frey.

“Ah, I see. I won’t ask any more,” said Allegra and began walking away.

“Where are you going?” called out Frey as she followed the stalwart warrior.

“To help you prep your horse and wagon,” answered Allegra without turning around.

Frey scurried to catch up as her heart thumped in excitement.

“Finally, she’s talking,” she thought.

% % %

Perhaps she thought too soon. The wanderer drove her wagon down the road lined with naked oak trees. The noise of her horse’s hooves and her rickety wagon wheels crackling over the crisped red orange leaves were the only sounds in the air. She sighed inwardly and wondered if the famed mistral, Miriana, was playing in the town they were heading to. She’d trade a harp song or two over this, once again, silence.

Frey stole a quick side-glance. Allegra sat next to her, head inclined and appearing to be focusing on the road. The warrior wore a green hooded cape that Frey had insisted her to wear since fall was giving way to winter.

Maybe I should ask a question? thought Frey. It seems that Allegra was more willing to answer now. Taking a breath, Frey opened her mouth. “Were you always raised in Bastile?” she asked.

Allegra blinked several times as if she was at another world and had just returned. The warrior pulled her cape around her tighter.

“More or less. I did live a few years of my life in Paramecia with my elven family,” she answered with a hint of acidity.

“Better not ask about her elven family,” thought Frey.

“Why did you leave Paramecia?” she then asked.

“My human father was looking for me and finally founded me. He didn't like it that my elven family were actually keeping me away from him,” answered Allegra.

“That is something of never heard of. Usually the elven side would just give the child to the human parent,” said Frey. “I’m sorry if that offended you.”

Allegra wavered her hand. “None taken. I had wondered about that considering my mother had died while giving birth to me. They had no real reason to keep me. I thought maybe they hated my father more than hurling insults at me everyday,” she said bitterly.

Suddenly the impulse to know if Allegra was indeed, Frey gasped in her mind, the illegitimate daughter of King Edward returned. Perhaps that is why her elven family kept her away from her father!

“Very strange indeed. Who was your father?” asked Frey curiously.

Allegra gave a slant smile. “Jonathan Baker. He was King Edward’s confidante,” she answered.

“Oh,” said Frey with disappointment.

The warrior chuckled lightly. “You thought that King Edward was my father?” she asked.

“Yes, well, y’know I’d assume considering Xavier wanted you dead. Did he think you were really King Edward’s other child?” asked Frey.

“Not surprised. That monkey of a king named me next to take over his throne in his godforsaken will,” spat Allegra.

“Surely that would mean you are his child,” said Frey in wide-eyed wonder.

“No, I’m sure of that. I had overheard him speaking to Viktor about his only son’s incapacity to rule before. I just didn’t think he’ll name me of all people! He could’ve named Eric Nightingale. He’s his cousin and next in line after Xavier anyways,” said Allegra. “I really don’t understand why he had to chose me.

“Maybe he thought you were the best?” suggested Frey.

“Or he was senile,” smiled Allegra. “Father always said King Edward was a bit eccentric.”

“Do you miss…your father?” asked Frey carefully. It was plain clear that her father wasn’t alive. If he were, she figured Allegra would’ve sought him by now.

Allegra laid onto her back with her hands behind her head. The sky seemed to mimic the warrior’s eyes with its azure headlines and cotton ball clouds.

“Yeah. He wouldn’t let Xavier get away with this. He wouldn’t even let Edward name me as the next ruler in the first place…by the gods, that shit Xavier has his sword,” said Allegra and looked over to Frey who whistled at the horse to avoid a fallen oak on the road.

“Don’t worry, we’ll get father’s sword back,” said Frey. “I’m sure he’s watching over you from Yaaru.”

The warrior sat up and placed her forearms on her knees, hutching herself over. “Do you think she’s watching over me too? From Yaaru, Arilyn?” asked Allegra quietly.

“Elves are a bit more in tune with the spirits and the gods. I think she’s definitely watching over you,” answered Frey and then added subtly. “I would.”

“I should follow her,” said Allegra. “After I get Xavier, of course.”

“Would she want you to do that?” asked Frey, not intending for that question to sound a bit frantic.

Allegra thought for a moment and then shrugged. “Probably not,” she said finally.

The wagon slowed down to a stop.

“What the? Nar! Why are you stopping?” shouted Frey. She shook a fist at her horse. “Nar, I’m not in mood for one of your tantrums!”

Allegra pulled Frey’s fist down. “There’s something ahead,” she said slowly.

Frey could feel her skin prickled at what that meant.

“Do you think it’s after us?” trembled Frey.

“Nar stopped for a reason,” said Allegra and the horse neighed nervously.

The warrior turned to her side and pulled out a rusted spade. The handle was rough and discolored but it was still good. “If I get into trouble, I want you to hop onto your horse and run away. Got it?” said Allegra.

“I can provide backup—“

“Got it?” repeated Allegra, cutting Frey’s words short.

Frey gulped and nodded. Allegra pushed herself off the wagon with the spade in hand and walked forward. Halfway she stopped and called out, “We know you are there. Come out!”

The wind whipped down on the road with a kind of eerie low whistle and rustling the leaves. Allegra scanned the area ahead of her back and forth. Watching. Waiting.

Frey looked onward and gripped a stone necklace tucked beneath her linen shirt. She wasn’t going to run. Nope. She had a few tricks up her sleeves; after all, she is a priestess of Isiana. She closed her eyes and let herself breath out slowly. A thin pasty cloud came out of her mouth.

“Go seek that of which is hidden,” whispered Frey.

The pasty cloud formed into a white falcon and drove upward into the sky. It shrieked a high note that rang through out the area. Allegra snapped her head around to see Frey wink at her.

Suddenly there was a roar and something dark emerged among the oaks. It stumbled onto the road, it’s beady red eyes disoriented. The smell of rotting flesh uninvitingly entered into Allegra’s and Frey’s nostrils.

“Run, Frey!” shouted Allega and ran at the dark creature with her spade.

The creature raked its claws forward and managed to block Allegra’s blow. It gurgled unintelligent sounds as it rolled to its sides. Allegra hopped to the other side of it, bringing the sharpest point of her rusty spade in a shallow arc.

An ugly scrawl of broken skin trailed down the creature’s forearm. Ink colored blood oozed from the wound. The creature glared, it’s eyes finally focused on a target.

“Damn demon, I wished I had my sword,” cursed Allegra and dodged a swipe from the demon’s claws.

Frey watched Allegra swooped in and out of the demon’s range like a falcon striking its prey. In her hands she was fuddling with a bundle of sticks she had retrieved from a compartment near her.

“Why are you still there? Run, you fool!” snapped Allegra when she caught sight of Frey’s auburn hair, waving in the air like a flag.

The demon lurched at Allegra’s distraction and managed to leave three fine lines across the left side of her face.

“Just a moment,” called out Frey without looking up. Nar stamped his feet and neighed wildly. “This cowardly horse! Hold still, I’m almost done!” Sweat brimmed along her rusty colored eyebrows as she tried to put the sticks into the right positions on her lap.

“One more stick,” thought Frey. Her hands moved to place the final stick on top of the others. There it’s done!

Frey felt a power surge beneath her…which wasn't the spell she was casting. She jumped off the wagon, sending the sticks flying off, and turned to see another demon flashing its obsidian teeth and one claw on the back of her wagon. It was twice as tall and bigger than the one Allegra is fighting.

“M$%&^ F*cker,” swore Frey and grabbed Nar’s harness, pulling off the safety pins that kept the frantic horse to the wagon.

Immediately Nar bolted, knocking Frey onto her ass. The second demon thrashed the wagon to the side with one sweep from its claws.

“No, this can’t be happening!” thought Frey as she got up and made a run to the oak trees in hopes to lose it in there.

But the demon was much faster than she had anticipated. It dashed past her and turned around to cut her off. Frey’s head throbbed and her heart pounded as she tumbled backwards, the demon looming over her.

Frey closed her eyes tight; she could not bear to see her own demise. She heard the crack of the demon’s jaw and the foul smell of its breath. Soon she’ll be heading to Yaaru and she waited for that one snap from the demon’s jaw to shear off her head. But there was nothing.

Confused, she opened her eyes to see the demon’s mouth open with its tongue dangling lopsided over the corner of its lips.

“You alright?” asked Allegra from behind the demon.

The warrior pulled the spade out of the demon’s back with a sticky sound. She pushed the monstrous carcass aside and hauled Frey up.

“You seemed fine,” said Allegra.

“What happen to the other one?” asked Frey.

Allegra dropped her spade, turned and nudged with her chin to a heap of dark mass on the road.

“Over there dead,” said Allegra and then turned furiously back at Frey. “Why didn’t you run like I told you?”

“I said I was going to help, er, but it seems my containment spell didn’t quite work out,” said Frey, ignoring the warrior’s fury. The wounds on the side of Allegra’s face had caught her attention and she tiptoed up to examine them. “By the gods, any deeper and there would’ve been several holes in your brain!” she gasped.

“It’s just a scratch—ouch!” said Allegra and swatted Frey’s probing fingers away. “Just stick some of your healing balm over them.”

“Tch, the wounds are too deep for it. I guess I’m going to have to do it myself,” said Frey. “Kneel for me.”

“I said—“

“Kneel, Allegra,” said Frey sternly.

They glared at each other. Allegra angry that Frey wouldn’t listen to her and Frey was equally angry for she had little tolerance for uncooperative patients. Then Frey could hear Allegra’s teeth grind and see the warrior’s eyebrows twitched. Slowly, Allegra went onto one knee. Frey smiled victoriously.

“Good,” said Frey. She chanted softly and passed a glowing hand over Allegra’s wounds.

“You’re stubborn, you know that,” complained Allegra.

The wanderer smirked and continued with her healing. After a good ten minutes, the wounds on Allegra’s face had healed without a scar.

“I wished Nar didn’t bolt like that,” said Frey.

Allegra rubbed off the blood that had caked onto her face from her wounds.

“He’s coming back,” said Allegra.

“How do you that?” said Frey.

“I just do,” said Allegra and walked over to the demon that had tried to eat Frey. “I’m guessing this one was the brain of the two.”

“Do you think Xavier sent it?” asked Frey. She moved over to her broken wagon and bent down to collect some of her stuff.

Allegra turned over the demon’s left paw. “No. These f*ckers are a class one demons.”

“Class one?” asked Frey.

“We laypeople classify them into three classes. The third class ones are the really dumb of the bunch. The second class ones are a little smarter but much more powerful. Xavier only had the third and second class, but the first class,” Allegra shook her head, “are completely different. Strong, fast and very intelligent…how far are we from Moss?”

“Maybe a half an hour walk,” said Frey.

“Shit!” said Allegra and went for her spade.

“What’s wrong?” said Frey in alarm.

“The town is in danger! Those demons here are only part of mob of them,” said Allegra and start to head down the road in a run.

“Wait, we can’t take them on ourselves! I mean, look, you only have a rusty spade,” shouted Frey after her.

Then again Allegra did just kill two demons—first class ones to boot—with that rusty spade. Though as good of a demon killer Allegra was, Frey was aware that life preyed on the fools with numbers; the warrior was sure to lose going up against a horde of first class demons. Frey sprinted after Allegra and prayed for a miracle.

Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Frey carefully maneuvered her wagon over the dirt road. She nodded to a fellow traveler as she past him. After some moments and making sure the road was empty, she pulled onto the side of the road.

“Now, lets see how you are,” said Frey.

She turned around and peeked under a bundle of blankets. In these past days she had wondered, perhaps even dare surmise, from what Viktor spoke to Xavier that Allegra could really be a contending heir.

No wonder he wanted to kill her so bad, thought Frey and scanned the warrior. A love child, perhaps?

The bruises on Allegra’s face and arms had already begun to fade away into a more dark tan color. She certainly looked nothing like Xavier or the paintings she saw in the markets of King Edward. In any case, it was not her place to be thinking if Allegra was a product of forbidden love.

Frey rummaged in a bag by her for some healing balm and found a small jar. She opened it and applied to them onto the bruises. She smiled as she gently swept the balm over the sharp contours of Allegra’s face. It was obvious that the warrior was half elven, especially her angular ears.

Her mother was probably a shade elf, thought Frey.

Allegra’s complexion and her azure eyes were strangely fascinating if not attractive for Frey. She had met some half-elves during her wandering and all of them took on their elven parent’s eyes of green.

“Arilyn,” murmured Allegra.

Two blue eyes slit open. Frey sighed.

“No, it’s me again,” she said.

Allegra shut her eyes but Frey could see her eyelashes rimming with tears.

“Sleep. You need to save your energy as your body heals,” said Frey.

She pulled the blanket over Allegra to give the latter her privacy to grieve. Since they have escaped the mad prince of Bastile, the warrior had called out that name. Arilyn. Frey shook her head and scattered visions of a bloodied body being stuffed in a cotton tweed bag flickered for a moment in her mind. She rubbed her eyes.

Got to stop thinking about this or else I’d have to use another sleeping remedy again tonight to sleep, thought Frey.

Nightmares had been keeping her from having a goodnight sleep and who wouldn’t after what she had witness.

“Now, let’s cover our tracks,” said Frey to herself.

She turned to her left and flipped a latch open. Then she pulled out a black bag. In this bag were a mix of minerals, ash and a secret ingredient made to cover scent. As a wanderer, she had to be careful. Lando was a continent plagued by the incessant danger of demons and she had her fair share of encounters with them in the past.

Frey climbed down from her wagon and stroked her horse. Even though she used a magical gem to transport herself and Allegra to her wagon on the outskirt of Bastile, the demons could still track them by their scent. She figured the mad prince wouldn’t waste time sending demons after them.

She opened the bag and began sprinkling it around the wagon and her horse. Then she proceeded to sprinkle some on the road. When she was satisfied she climbed back onto the wagon.

“It won’t be long, Allegra. My home is not far and we’ll be there by nightfall,” said Frey.

Frey was met with silence, something she had gotten use to. She opened her mouth to say some words of sympathy but quickly thought otherwise. Allegra would just feel more terrible than before.

We should get home and then think our next move, thought Frey.

Harthor, the legendary demon, had her deeply troubled and since that demon had aligned itself with Prince Xavier, it could only mean that destruction of Lando is underway. Taking in the reigns, Frey moved her horse onward with great urgency.

% % %

It was a dark and cold place but it was His place.

“What is the matter, my prince? Or shall I say my king?” said a deep, melodic voice.

“Your minions have failed to retrieve the bitch and her companion,” said Xavier.

“Aww, do not be angry,” crooned the voice. “It matters not to our plans. Lando will be yours. Just concentrate on getting me out as fast as you can.”

“The bitch we’re talking about is Allegra,” snapped Xavier.

The voice was silent for a moment.

“What can she do but try to assassinate you? She is no friend to Bastile and especially no friend to Paramecia,” said the voice. “Once I regain my full power no one can touch you. Not even the gods.”

“And when I’m not looking you’ll lop my head off, right?” said Xavier off handily.

“My Xavier!” said the voice indignantly.

A dark purple appeared and blended with the darkness.

“Do you not remember our fated meeting at the Chasm? How you cried out for someone, for anyone to save you?” said the voice. “Oh that heart of yours, how drawn I was from my deep slumber! “

Xavier felt a warm glow in his chest.

“You and I are one. What you love, I will love. What you hate, I will hate. Do you believe me?” asked the voice in an almost pleading way.

Xavier sighed.

“You always know how to get to me, Harthor. Alright, I’ll get you your deaths but what will we do of Allegra?” said Xavier.

Xavier felt a curl around the corners of his lips.

“My minions can only do so much in your world. After all, they are animals in the end. Why don’t you send someone of your kind after her? They can cross the lands without someone trying to kill them,” suggested Harthor.

Xavier thought for a moment.

“I think I have a plan now,” laughed Xavier.

“I am pleased, my king,” said Harthor.

“Your majesty,” interrupted Renald.

The dark cold place evaporated from Xavier’s mind and replaced with the throne room and a stocky man before him.

“Um, I’m sorry to interrupt you, but Captain Nico and Captain Winster request an audience with you,” said Renald nervously.

Renald dare not comment on King Xavier’s strange behavior let alone his odd new taste in décor. He was already not on the good side of the king and, since his failure to kill Allegra, he has been demoted to become the king’s personal messenger. Secretly he made a quick vow on Allegra and her companion.

“Let them come,” said Xavier.

Renald bowed and quickly exited the throne room.

Quite convenient that they are already seeking me, mused Xavier.

Several moments later, a lanky man with a goat tee and a woman with a scar over her right eye entered the throne room. They looked a little surprised at the ‘new’ change in the throne room.

“Captain Nico and Captain Winster,” greeted Xavier respectively. “Just the people who I was about to request for.”

Ninco and Winster bowed to the king.

“My king, Lord Nico and I came quickly as we heard of Allegra’s crimes,” said Winster. “I’m still processing that she even killed Lord Viktor, her master arms of all people!”

“I know. I was in shock too. Captain Viktor gave his life to protect me,” lied Xavier.

He even placed a hand over his heart and forced his eyes to water up. Nico kneeled down before Xavier.

“I’m sorry, your majesty, but I still can not believe,” said Nico.

Oh Nico, I would have you killed too if it weren’t for your stupidity and gullibility, thought Xavier.

“I have proof. Moments before killing herself, dear Princess Arilyn wrote her confession on her collaboration with Allegra to poison my father. Plus, a Grand Healer of Isiana confirmed the poison in my father’s body was the same as the poison found in Allegra’s room,” said Xavier.

Nico looked up wide-eyed and turned to Winster who shrugged.

“I-I am deeply, sorry your majesty!” said Nico and stood up. He pounded his chest. “Allegra must be brought to justice!”

“Your majesty, does that mean we go to war with Paramecia?” asked Winster.

It was no secret that this woman, known as the quickest sword master of all of Lando, despised Allegra for her elven heritage. Xavier nodded. He could always count on Winster on anything involving going against the elves.

“Captain Nico, since you wish to bring Allegra to justice, I need you track her down and bring a swift end to her wickedness,” said Xavier.

“I will use all means,” said Nico while crossing his arm over his chest.

“Good. Captain Winston, I need you to deliver a Declaration of War to Para along with Princess Arilyn’s confession and body. We shall let all of Lando know that we do not tolerate such aggression,” said Xavier.

Winster smiled and crossed her arm over her chest.

“It will be done, my king,” said Winster.

Xavier watched the two captains exited the throne room. Soon there will be enough souls for Harthor to materialize in Lando. He clapped his hands.

“Renald!” called out Xavier.

Moments later, Renald entered the throne room.

“Yes, your majesty,” said Renald.

“Get the heralds, the chancellor and all of the dignitaries to me. It is time to announce what has come to past in Bastile,” ordered Xavier.

“It will be done, your majesty,” said Renald.

Renald bowed and exited the throne room for the second time of the day. Xavier leaned back into his throne and closed his eyes.

“How was that for a start, Harthor?” asked Xavier.

“I couldn’t have done it any better,” said Harthor.

Xavier smiled and let his mind feel the pleasantries of Harthor.

% % %

Frey guided her horse to a small empty clearing in the middle of four giant boulders.

“We’re here, Allegra,” said Frey.

Allegra had woken up earlier and sat emotionlessly with a wool blanket wrapped around her head and body. Frey waited for a response but as usual Allegra remained silent.

“Yeah,” said Frey and trying to break the awkwardness building inside of her. “I know it doesn’t look like anything is here but I have to ward off demons, thieves and all sort of baddies somehow when I’m not at home.”

Without looking for a reaction from Allegra, Frey raised her right palm.

“By the protection of her grace, Haram, I am home,” she spoke.

Her voice reverberated off the four boulders and slowly appeared a modest cottage in the middle of the boulders. Frey’s horse neighed in delight as he parked himself and the wagon in the front of the cottage.

“Now shall we have a real meal?” asked Frey.

Expecting another silent answer, Frey began collecting her stuff.

“You have a home?” asked Allegra.

The warrior’s voice startled Frey and she nearly tumbled off the wagon. It was the first time that Allegra spoke and was not under some delirium or dream.

“Ah, yes, I’m not much of a wanderer if I have a place but I am also a collector of magical items and trinkets. So I have to store those items some place,” answered Frey with a slight chuckle. “Are you better now?”

Allegra didn’t answer her question and slid off the wagon.

“Wait! Stay!” said Frey and she scrambled down her wagon. “Please stay. It is safe here and we can think of what to do next.”

Frey held Allegra’s arm. “Please, come inside,” she pleaded.

Allegra looked away but didn’t fight Frey’s hold.

Gently, Frey led Allegra into her cottage. The moment they entered, they stopped. Before them was a cascade of trinkets, stones, sticks, metal scraps, magical hats and all sorts of second grade magical items littered on every space imaginable.

“Whoo, forgot to clean the last time I was here,” said Frey meekly and rushed to clean up the place.

Frey kicked her way through the living room, making a semi-path way to a pile in the middle of the room.

“Uh, wait a moment until I clear the table,” said Frey. “Oh, I was looking for this and this too!”

Frey grabbed an iron ladle, a feathery hat and then some until she her arms were full.

“Do you need help?” asked Allegra as she watched Frey strain to reach a copper spoon will cradling her other items.

“What did you say—eek!” Frey tripped on a wooden chair and all of her items flew out of her arms. “I think I found the chair, ow.”

Frey grimaced and rubbed her shoulder as she hung over the chair. Then she felt strong arms gently take her by the waist and raise her to her feet. The smells of spices mix with earth were unmistakably Allegra’s.

“Oh, thank you,” blushed Frey.

Allegra moved around her and sat down on the wooden chair. Frey clasped her hands together and tried to put on her most cheerful smile.

“I’m going to cook. So what do you want to eat?” asked Frey.

“I’m not hungry,” answered Allegra.

A moment of silence stretched before them as Frey tried to figure out what to say next.

“Thank you,” said Allegra, breaking the silence. “For saving me.”

Frey pulled a large bucket from a smaller pile, turned it upside down and sat on it.

“I had to. I couldn’t let this injustice go unnoticed,” Frey hesitated, “I guess it’s time I spilled the beans as they say.”

Frey took a deep breath and folded her hands onto her lap. It was time to reveal why she was at the castle in the first place.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to. As of now I am a fugitive, traitor and failure,” said Allegra. “Oh goddess, I couldn’t…I couldn’t even get revenge. The bastard was right in front of my face and I couldn’t even hurt him!”

Allegra slammed her fist onto the table and then slumped her shoulders. Angry muted tears brimmed on the brink of bursting down her azure eyes. Without thought, Frey reached over and held Allegra’s tight fist.

“Grieve, you must but you are blameless. Though we cannot stay here for long. As soon as we can, we must go to Para,” said Frey.

“Para…no, I can’t,” said Allegra and shook her head. Allegra could not return to her lover’s kingdom and the memories spent there with the lovely elven princess spasm achingly in her heart.

Frey sensed Allegra’s outright opposition to go to Para was connected to Arilyn. She sympathized with the warrior. Losing a lover is a very painful experience that she was lucky to never have gone through. However, she had never been in love either.

Still, Frey would rather not go to Para for a personal reason if it weren’t the unfortunate discovery of Harthor’s return. “The Right Hand needs to be warned and I can go there while you stay here if you want,” she said.

“What are you warning them about?” asked Allegra.

“A great evil has appeared again in this world through Prince Xavier. The demon Harthor,” answered Frey.

Allegra face became grave.

“Xavier said that name before blowing a hole through Viktor,” said Allegra.

“That is just one of the many things Harthor can do. Apparently, according to the scriptures of Mosak, the demon cannot be killed. So don’t feel too bad that you couldn’t defeat Xavier,” said Frey.

“Not helping,” said Allegra and then studied the shorter woman with the keenness of a leopard.

“Sorry,” apologized Frey and looked away quickly. She still felt Allegra’s intense stare piercing through her. “I don’t quite know the details but the Right Hand should know what to do. Harthor had been defeated by Her grace before. Is, um, something on me?”

“For a wanderer that likes collecting magical items, you sure know a lot about this Harthor and demons,” said Allegra. She was quite aware that through out their trip to Frey’s home, the wanderer had covered their tracks. She figured it was from Xavier’s demons. That was not a very common knowledge.

Frey laughed nervously.

“Oh, I read a lot when I was little. I was a very curious child,” said Frey and smiled brightly.

“Hmph, maybe you should tell me why you were at the castle anyways,” said Allegra.

“Well…to steal,” confessed Frey. “Well, I was leaving compensation too!”

Allegra raised an eyebrow and perhaps a very slight grin. Frey coughed and tugged on her collar.

“You see most of this stuff here belongs to my friend, Mr. Connor. He died a month ago and named me as sole inheritor to his properties. But he’s a funny man even in death. In his will, he asked me to retrieve an item he had regrettable sold off and bury it in his grave. I managed to track it to Bastile castle but the late king had somehow obtained my friend’s item. Asking or buying it back was out of the question,” explained Frey.

“So you decided to sneak into the castle and steal it,” said Allegra.

“Yeah but I kind of overheard Xavier’s plan for your demise and, well, you know the rest of the story,” said Frey.

Allegra bowed her head to contemplate.

“I am impressed. Not many would try to stop a royal conspiracy let alone help a total stranger,” said Allegra.

Frey cheeks lit up like a candle.

“T-thank you,” said Frey.

The warrior looked up and gave a sad little smile.

“Your bravery burns like the Goddess Isiana,” said Allegra.

“Ahahaha, oh now I’m hungry so I’ll go cook something for myself,” said Frey rapidly.

Is she figuring it out? I hope to the goddess she doesn’t! yelped Frey internally.

Frey got up and clumsily made her way to her kitchen.

Chapter One

Legend of the Wandering Warrior

Chapter One

Allegra could smell the copper tainted scent on the walls. Someone had recently died here. Hot tears streamed down her dark tan cheeks and her lips trembled.

“Arilyn,” she whispered to herself brokenly.

She imagined Arilyn, the elven princess of Paramecia, lying before her in the darkness of the cell. She could see Arilyn, with her fabled alluring golden eyes, looking up at her with hollowness. The once pink lips she used to kiss now were ashen and agape. Her body? Allegra bit her lips and her eyes lit up like a pair of blue flames. The image of Arilyn’s naked body peppered with colors of black, blue, red ripped through Allegra’s mind.

“Xavier,” she screamed.

She yanked on her chains with all her might.

“Xavier,” she screamed again. “I will kill you!”

“My, my, such words for a traitor. I should be afraid but then again,” Xavier’s voice faded away.

Allegra slumped down, panting. It took her a moment to realize she wasn’t hearing Xavier’s voice at all but had heard his words. An hour ago the Prince of Bastile, Xavier Dufal, had paid her a visit. He was there alone, standing behind the small opening of her cell door with mocking eyes, crooning sweetly how he had murdered Arilyn.

“Arilyn,” said Allegra to herself again.

“Oh man, she really lost it,” said a guard outside of her door.

“It takes a crazy bitch like her to kill the king and then try to take the throne. I dunno what made her think she’d get away with it. Thank the goddess that the prince caught onto her,” said another guard and spitted.

“I didn’t do it! I was framed,” shouted Allegra suddenly. Her chains jiggled franticly.

“Look what you did, you got her all worked up,” said one of the guards.

“You scared? The bitch is going to die in an hour,” said the other guard.

“Excuse me, sirs, ” said a sweet voice.

“You aren’t suppose to be down here,” said one of the guards.

“Wait, there is another set of guards ahead of us. Why didn’t—“

Allegra heard sound of flesh hitting flesh and the rattling of keys. With two clicks and a clock, her cell door swung open. A woman with green eyes and wavy auburn hair stood in the doorway holding a staff. The stranger wore a typical wanderer’s clothes complete with a brown-patched cape, worn boots, white sewn tunic and black breeches.

“Allegra?” asked the woman.

Allegra stood up slowly and nodded. She was a tall woman of a formidable height of six foot and one inch. Azure eyes searched the stranger before her. The shorter woman smiled and slung her staff into a sheath behind her back.

“My name is Frey and I am here to rescue you,” she said and moved quickly to Allegra.

Within seconds, the chains were removed.

“There you go. You are now free,” said Frey happily and rested her hands on her hips.

The warrior looked past Frey at the stairs that were a little beyond where the guards lay and then back at the shorter woman. Frey shifted her feet under Allegra’s gaze.

“Ahum, we should get going—“

Allegra pushed Frey aside and bolted out of the cell.

“Wait! That’s the wrong way!” shouted Frey after her.

Allegra ignored the stranger’s words. Yes, she was going the wrong way but now it was her chance! Revenge! The word chanted in her mind like a mantra as she made her way up the stairs and into the castle hallway.

At this point everything was a blur. Allegra could only recall breaking someone’s arm, two or three people screaming, and smashing someone’s head on the floor when she finally found the right door. She kicked open the door and immediately zone in on the weapon rack.

Tucked between a halberd and a claymore was a gleaming medium length sword. It was finely crafted with the hilt meticulously carved to resemble twisted vines. At the tip and running down the blade were a series of elvish symbols.

Allegra rushed forward and snatched up the sword from the weapon rack. The sword had been her father’s and was the only thing she had of him. He was a good man who strongly believed in justice and it was only befitting that she use the sword to oft Prince Xavier’s head.

“There you are,” said a voice behind her.

Allegra spun around with her sword and met the stranger for the second time.

“Leave at once,” commanded Allegra. “I shall take my revenge!”

“Listen, there is an army of guards about to rain on us! We have to escape,” said Frey.

“Did you not hear me? Leave now!” shouted Allegra.

“No,” said Frey.

Allegra stared down the shorter woman and realized that Frey wasn’t going to leave. She moved around Frey and grabbed a nearby leather armor.

“Wait, don’t tell me you’re planning on fighting them?” asked Frey as she watched the warrior put on the armor.

“That is the plan, sort of,” said Allegra. “You should escape when the guards are occupied with me.”

The warrior snapped on bracers and wrapped a belt with a sword sheath around her waist.

“This is suicidal,” said Frey and sidestepped for Allegra to search the other side of the room.

“I didn’t ask you to follow me,” said Allegra harshly.

The warrior sheathed her sword momentarily and strapped on a bronze shield with Bastile’s emblem, a lion’s head, on her arm. The room shook a little.

“Damn, they’re here,” said Allegra.

The warrior rushed out of the room as she withdrew her sword. Frey followed and found the two of them surrounded by guards.

“Allegra,” snarled the head guard. He was a man with a thin mustache and stocky built. “So the elven princess was not the only one in your scheme.”

Allegra ignored the head guard’s comment.

“Where’s Xavier?” she demanded.

“Like I’m going to tell a traitor,” smirked the head guard. “Guards, kill them!”

The guards withdrew their blades.

“Halt! Stand down in the name of Captian Viktor!” shouted a page down the hallway.

The guards parted way for Viktor and his page. Viktor was a dark man with brimming eyebrows and broad shoulders. His armor glimmered under the sunlight that slithered into the hallway from the open windows.

“Sir Renald, I shall be taking Captain Allegra to his majesty,” said Viktor to the head guard.

“I’m under orders by his majesty to kill Allegra if she tries to escape,” said Renald.

Viktor pursed his lips and walked up to Renald who only came up to his chest.

“She wishes to see his majesty of which I do not constitute as escaping,” bellowed Viktor. “Do you understand?”

Renald gulped and nodded his head.

“Yes, Captain,” said Renald and backed away.

Viktor turned to Allegra who slowly sheathed her sword.

“Come, his majesty awaits us,” said Viktor and wavered his page to come to him.

“You may go off,” said Viktor to the page.

The page bowed and ran off. Viktor motioned Allegra to follow him. Of course Frey followed suit and managed to flick an offensive sign to Renald as they past him. The head guard cursed under his breath as he watched the trio turned the corner toward the throne room.

When they were far from Renald and his guards, they stopped. With his back against Allegra and Frey, Viktor spoke.

“Am I to believe what is laid upon you?” he asked.

Allegra shrugged.

“Believe what you will but I’m going to run my sword through that bastard,” said Allegra vehemently. “Don’t stand in my way.”

“Hot headed as ever,” scoffed Viktor. “I’m reluctant to believe that you poisoned King Edward and was in lieu with Princess Arilyn to take the throne of Bastile.”

“He killed her,” spat Allegra. “How could I? I loved his majesty as my father! And Arilyn….”

Tears pooled in Allegra’s eyes. Frey ached for the warrior for she knew the truth. In search of a stolen item of an old friend, Frey had infiltrated the Bastile castle and witness the terrible prince…Frey pushed the horrible memory away. She was in no mood to relive what she saw and heard.

“I see. And this woman beside you?” asked Viktor.

“Uh, I just, um—“ said Frey and quickly thought of a reason for her presence. Lying was out of the question.

“She rescued me,” cut in Allegra. “That is all you need to know.”

“So be it. I admit I came late and therefore was not present when evidences and accusations were laid against you. Before the prince, I shall judge them and if you are guilty,” Viktor stopped talking and turned to Allegra.

“I don’t give a damn,” said Allegra.

Allegra marched ahead.

“Better catch up with her before she reaches the prince,” said Frey.

Viktor nodded and the two followed Allegra. They had caught up with Allegra when they entered the throne room. The windows were strangely covered up and purple flames lit the room. No one was around.

“The prince has bad taste,” commented Frey as she looked around. Inside of her she could feel an eerie vibration rumbling through her bones.

What is this feeling? thought Frey.

The throne room had been completely revamped. The long velvet red carpet was removed and replaced by a purple one; skull heads hung in place of the emblem crest of Bastile; and, save for the throne seat itself, no other furniture or fixtures were around.

“It smells funny,” said Viktor.

Allegra walked up and bent down on a dark spot. She touched the dark spot and pulled back a thin membrane of goo.

“The blood had started to turn black,” commented Allegra.

She stood up and pulled out her sword.

“Welcome!” echoed a voice.

Prince Xavier stepped out from behind the throne. He was a skinny man with raven hair and sapphire colored eyes.

“You bastard!” raged Allegra.

Viktor stopped Allegra from launching into a killing frenzy.

“Let me go!” glared Allegra.

“There’s something wrong,” said Viktor between his clenched teeth.

Xavier observed the three and tilted his head as his eyes came upon Frey.

“I expected that Viktor was going to rescue you,” said Xavier to Allegra. “I didn’t calculate that a third party be involve too.”

He sat down on the throne and placed his sheathed sword over his lap.

“No matter, I’ll just kill her along the two of you,” he said and snapped his fingers.

The door to the throne closed with a heavy thud. Viktor and Frey withdrew their weapons.

“What is the meaning of this, prince?” shouted Viktor.

Frey squinted. Something surrounded the prince in a reddish haze. Suddenly it clicked in Frey’s mind what were the vibrations in her bones.

“He’s allied with a demon,” said Frey fearfully.

Out the shadows, stalking and hissing, demons crawled out their hiding among the purple flames. Hungry eyes of yellow, red and purple gazed at the three.

“We’re surrounded,” said Viktor and brandished his sword.

“No shit,” said Allegra. She pulled Frey by the waist behind her. “Stand behind us, Frey,” she said.

Frey nodded and griped her staff tighter.

“Stand down!” commanded Xavier to the demons.

The demons obeyed and stepped back. Xavier rose from his seat and unsheathed his blade.

“Two at a time or even three, it does not matter. I will kill you all,” sneered Xavier and chucked the sheath away.

Xavier somersaulted and landed in front of Viktor and Allegra.

“You insolent little brat,” snapped Viktor and brought his sword in an arc.

Xavier easily dodged the overhead slash. Allegra quickly moved behind him and stabbed forward.

“Too slow,” grinned Xavier and spun around, Allegra’s sword barely missing him.

“You talk too much, bastard,” said Allegra and launched another attack.

Frey kept her senses at the demons lined at the walls as she watched Allegra and Viktor futilely fight Xavier. Her eyes continually detected the soft red glow surrounding the prince as he parried, blocked and striked back.

Oh goddess, what have I gotten myself into? I was just going to steal back Connor’s trinket and be out of this dreaded castle before anyone noticed, thought Frey.

She hadn’t expected to witness a murder, helped an innocent warrior be free, and fight a mad prince aligned with a demon.

“Had enough?” asked Xavier at the two panting warriors.

“Allegra…he’s too much. He’s inhumanely strong and quick,” whispered Viktor to Allegra. “I’m going to distract him, you go in for the kill.”

Allegra knitted her eyebrows.

“What are you planning to do?” asked Allegra suspiciously.

Viktor smiled and turned to the prince.

“Are you two done talking?” asked Xavier.

“I was just thinking, if you ever wondered why Kind Edward appointed Allegra?” said Viktor cockily.

Something in the prince’s eyes snapped and his face flushed bright red.

“He favored her!” shouted Xavier and recklessly slashed at Viktor.

Viktor blocked the slash and pushed the prince backward.

“Why?” asked Viktor. “Surely, you must’ve heard the rumor concerning Allegra and his majesty.”

“Die!” screamed Xavier. The prince brought his sword in a wide arc at Viktor’s throat.

“Now!” ordered Viktor.

Allegra launched off from her heels and threw her sword like a javelin. Clang! Xavier’s sword dropped to the ground. The prince gripped the hilt of Allegra’s sword while stumbling backward.

“Hahaha, Allegra…she’s no Dufal. Never was,” Xavier straighten himself, “never will be!”

Xavier pulled out Allegra’s sword out of his chest. Viktor and Allegra stood in utter disbelief. Xavier pointed at Viktor with the sword.

“In the name of Harthor,” he said.

Frey froze immediately upon hearing the name.

Harthor? Oh goddess--

A red light shot off from the tip of Allegra’s sword and pierced Viktor’s chest. Blood spilled out of the dark man’s mouth as he fell backward.

“Viktor!” cried out Allegra.

“Forgetting about me?” said Xavier and slashed at Allegra with her sword.

Allegra helplessly blocked with her shield, blow after blow. Frey rushed to Victor’s side and took up his large hand into her’s.

“Hold still! I will heal you,” said Frey and placed her other hand over the gaping hole in Viktor’s chest.

“No,” he gurgled. “Help…Allegra. S-she’s, gah!”

Viktor’s eyes rolled the back of his head and his hand limped in Frey’s.

“Oh, how sweet this will be,” said Xavier.

Frey looked up to find Allegra unconscious and the warrior’s shield gnarled at her side. Xavier stood over Allegra with her sword held high over his head.

No! I must stop him, thought Frey.

Instinctively, in one swift motion, she thrust her staff into the air. It floated in midair.

“Guilda, shine for me!” said Frey.

The tip of her staff glowed hot yellow and shot rays of light all around. The demons along the wall scowled and covered their eyes.

“You witch!” snarled Xavier and snapped his eyes shut.

Frey ran over to Allegra and pulled out from her sleeves a white gem.

“Tanaka, the wind god, take us away from this dreaded place,” she prayed.

The gem burst into a dazzling glitter over the two women. Xavier opened his eyes when he heard the staff dropped to the ground. Frey and Allegra had disappeared. The demons along the wall howled in anger.

“Find them and kill them!” ordered Xavier.

The demons jumped into the purple flames and disappeared.