Beautiful Justice (Part 1 of 4) -
[email protected]
(lisacaitlingrey)
Author's Note: Ok, here it is, ladies and gentlemen...my second attempt
at writing fiction. I don't feel that this story contains the same
emotional depth of my previous story, but of course we are all our own
worst critics, yes? It is significant to me as it is my first attempt
at a completely original work.
I guess I will rely on my readers to give me feed back on what
they think. I don't plan to be a prolithic writer as my muse is fickle.
I am, however, ambitious enough to hope that when I do manage to
complete a story, readers will say, "Oh goodie! Another Lisa Grey
story." If you have any constructive criticisms, please let me know. If
you liked it and want to tell me, then by all means, let me know. Lisa
(
[email protected])
Gemstone Guardians-Book 1 - Beautiful Justice - Part 1: The High Master
Chapter 1
Keelor walked through the idyllic wilderness, grief stricken. He had
just left the village were he had grown up. It was decimated. The
survivors had told of a new warlord of immense power that had come and
laid waste to many of the villages in the surrounding area. He absently
adjusted the hilt of his great bastard sword slung across his back, as
if willing the evil warlord to appear before him that Keelor might
cleave him limb from limb.
Keelor thought back to when last he had seen his homeland. He was but a
lad, wide-eyed and innocent in the ways of the world. He had left his
best friends, Anderpaul and Tesalynn to find his self in the world. He
had invited his friends to accompany him, as they had had many great
adventures in their youth, but the two had grown quite fond of each
other and told him they were to be vow-tied in the spring. They wanted
to settle down and make a family, not something that lends itself to
the traveling life. They had persuaded Keelor to stay until after the
ceremony.
Out in the world, Keelor had made a name for himself as a warrior. He
had trained with many of the great masters, and had even learned to
harness his energy, allowing him to perform seemingly superhuman feats.
He was battle hardened and knew that few people could best him in
combat. For all his strength, he was still kind hearted and just. If he
had one fault, it was his confidence. It often crossed the line in to
arrogance. He was in short a true hero.
His grief was compounded by the tale he had heard when he had asked of
his friends left behind some ten cycles ago. He had been told about how
when Anderpaul was out on the village supply run as a protector,
ruffians had invaded the village. They had taken Tesalynn and killed
their two children. They beat and raped Tesalynn, leaving her to die in
the mud as they threw her into the street. The townsfolk had stood by
paralyzed with fear and had done nothing.
When Anderpaul returned, he went insane with grief and rage. He had
cursed them all and left the village and had not been heard from in
five cycles.
Keelor visited the grave of Tesalynn and her children. He touched the
sapphire power crystal that hung about his neck from a silver chain. It
was a gift from her to him upon his leave taking. His other hand
strayed to the dagger that Anderpaul had given him. He grieved for his
friends and thought if he had only been here he could have prevented
this.
So it was with righteous fury he set out to find this warlord. The man
would feel the blade of justice, Keelor vowed.
========= Chapter 2
Keelor was aware of them for quite some time. He had heard them
approach though they thought they were being stealthy. They had sat and
watched as he had eaten his meal and stretched out his six-foot
heavily-muscled frame on his bed roll and began to sleep, or so they
thought.
They had crept up on him, eyeing his belongings hungrily. There were
three of them. One had drawn a dagger and began to move it toward
Keelor's neck.
As he did so, his intended victim seemed to blur and disappear. At the
same moment there was a crack and one of his companions fell to the
ground lifeless, his head twisted around facing backwards. The other
let out a gurgling noise as he clutched his throat, trying in vain to
stem the lifeblood that suddenly began to pour from it.
"By the gods, another one like the Commander," the remaining brigand
said.
Keelor paused, seeming to materialize in front of the brigand, the tip
of the huge bastard sword resting at the top of his breastbone.
"Speak quickly and you may yet live," Keelor growled. "Who is this
other like me? This Commander of which you speak?"
"Please, Mi'lord, spare me. Not much is known of the Commander. He
showed up in our camp a fortnight ago. Just waltzed in and challenged
our leader for control of the band. He was dressed in a hooded cloak,
and we could discern not a feature of him. He defeated our leader
without even seeming to move. Just sort of blurred and disappeared only
to reappear a moment later in the same spot as our leader fell dead
from an unseen cut so deep it nearly severed his head," the brigand
said with a shuddering glance at his fallen comrade who had met a very
similar end.
"Where can I find this Commander," Keelor demanded.
"Mi'lord, you follow the path about two leagues, until it forks. You
take the left fork for about another three leagues. There you'll see
the palisades of the Commander's camp."
"Very well, Ruffian. You've been cooperative, but I can't very well let
you loose while I must sleep. Can I," Keelor asked. The man grew
visibly terrified at Keelor's words and began to tremble.
"Peace man. I won't kill you but I must bind you until morning."
Keelor suited actions to words, and soon the brigand was trussed firmly
to a tree. Knowing the cutthroat was secure, Keelor settled in for some
rest. Tomorrow he would meet this Commander character, and justice
would be at hand.
========= Chapter 3
Keelor awoke and made preparations to break camp. He then cut the
brigand free and warned him that if he should ever cross Keelor's path
again, it would not go well for him. The brigand ran like a scared
rabbit.
The High Master warrior then set off. He had some distance to travel
and he was quite eager to administer some justice to this evil one
calling himself the Commander. The scum would pay for what he had done
to the villages.
As Keelor approached the fork in the path the brigand had spoke of, he
noticed a hooded figure in a dove grey cloak leaning on a plain wooden
staff at the apex of the fork. The figure shifted as the warrior
approached addressing Keelor.
"Ho, Keelor. What are you about? You wouldn't be looking for the
Commander would you?"
Keelor was a bit taken aback at this greeting. "Who are you that knows
my name and what business is it of yours what I am about."
The figure took down the hood, revealing an old man with close-cropped
grey hair and a mustache. He peered at Keelor with piercing green eyes
that looked far too young in such a weathered face. Keelor's own slate
grey eyes peered right back at the old man with an equal intensity from
under his own mane of sandy brown hair.
"I am the wizard Ashrod," the old man said. "It has been given to me
the knowledge that you are the only one that can stop the evil one you
seek. However, you are not yet ready for what you will face if you
continue."
Keelor chuckled. "With respect to you and your art, old one, I am ready
to face whatever lies before me."
"Indeed, you're one of the most skilled warriors in the land, but the
evil one is, if not your very equal, your better," Ashrod said. "I see,
however, that you won't be dissuaded from this course. You're very
stubborn, Keelor. It'll serve you well...if it doesn't kill you first."
Keelor smiled at the mage. "You're correct, Ashrod. I will not be
dissuaded. How can I stand by and allow these atrocities to continue? I
must be going. I cannot tarry any longer. Well met, my friend."
"Well met, Keelor. Good fortune to you. You'll need it," the mage said
cryptically.
The sun was high in the clear azure sky when Keelor approached the
palisades of the Commanders encampment. The crisp autumn air had given
way to the smell of wood smoke and the stench of decay and human
refuse. Keelor could sense the evil emanating from the encampment. It
was almost palpable. He had seen many such places in his life as a
warrior.
Keelor made his way to the gate where he was promptly challenged by the
guard.
"Hold traveler! You have no business here. Be gone or die," the guard
said.
"I seek the Commander," Keelor stated.
"Ah. Then you are the one. We were told a warrior would be coming to
see the Commander today. Very well. Go to the cabin in the center of
the camp and meet your fate," the guard said, grinning a predatory
grin.
Keelor wondered just how this Commander knew of his coming. The brigand
he turned loose could not possibly have beaten him here. He would have
heard the man's rough passage, and he had run the opposite direction.
He shrugged this off. It was of no consequence. Justice was at hand.
Keelor proceeded to the Commander's cabin, noticing as he did the men
begin to follow him. Apparently expecting a show.
Keelor entered the courtyard of the cabin as a large crowd gathered,
cutting off any retreat. That was fine. Keelor did not intend to
retreat, though he could have cut through the men like a scythe through
grass had he wanted. He spied a dark cloaked figure conversing with a
group of men at the far end of the courtyard. The figure looked up as
Keelor strode toward them. Turning toward Keelor the figure made a
sweeping motion with a gloved hand, and the group around him dispersed.
"Ah Keelor. You have come at last," the man said in a strangely
familiar gravelly voice. Keelor couldn't quite place where he had heard
it before.
"I see you don't recognize me old friend. Perhaps this will help," The
cloaked man took down his hood.
"Anderpaul," Keelor gasped. "Surely you're not the one responsible for
all this mayhem committed in our land."
"I am indeed," Anderpaul confirmed. "I am the Commander you seek."
"Why, old friend? Why have you done this," Keelor asked, in shock.
"Because I can," Anderpaul stated simply. "Because I'll take from those
cowardly fools what they have allowed to be taken from me. They will
pay for their affronts."
"You're mad. Stop this. I beseech you. Don't let this travesty
continue," Keelor pleaded with his friend.
"And if I don't," Anderpaul asked with an arched eyebrow.
"Then I must stop you. Justice will be served," Keelor stated simply,
his demeanor hardening.
"So be it," Anderpaul said, doffing his cloak.
Keelor tossed his pack off to the side. He removed his sword and coat
tossing the coat on the pack and drawing his bastard sword from its
scabbard before depositing the scabbard on the coat and pack.
The two warriors squared off against one another, one with white hair,
cruel midnight blue eyes and wearing dark scale armor, the other with
sandy brown hair and intense slate grey eyes wearing bright chain mail
armor. The dark warrior had produced a huge battle-axe seemingly of the
air.
"Last chance, Keelor. Leave this place and don't return," Anderpaul
offered.
"I can't. I must not allow this to continue," Keelor rejected.
With that Anderpaul seemed to blur and disappear. A moment later sparks
flew from Keelor's sword as it blocked a blow that would have
decapitated a man without his training. Then Keelor to seemed to blur
and disappear. To most of the gathered crowd, the battle was only
witnessed as sparks flying from blocked blows and counter blows.
For an hour and a half the warriors strove against one another, neither
able to gain an advantage on the other. They were perfectly matched in
skill and endurance. Finally, the warriors reappeared. They were both
breathing heavily, gasping air. They were both bleeding from unfelt
scratches that seemed to be all the damage they could do one another.
"You have great skill, old friend," Keelor observed.
"As do you, Keelor, but I grow weary of our sport. Let us end this
now!"
Anderpaul began to blur again, and Keelor concentrated on him, ready to
block the next strike. Too late, he heard the dart as it whistled
faintly through the air and embedded itself in the back of his neck.
"Treachery," Keelor cried as his knees buckled. He fell to the ground,
his muscles refusing to obey his commands.
As the world began to go black, he heard Anderpaul say, "Do not worry
old friend you will recover...far from here, but you will recover. Do
not return to this place, or next time I will have no choice but to
kill you."
With that the world went black.
========= Chapter 4
"Unngggg," Keelor groaned as he came to. His head hurt beyond all
comprehension. He started to open his eyes but quickly changed his mind
as the light spurred the pain to even more intensity threatening to
cause him to go unconscious again.
"Master, he awakes," Keelor heard a female voice say.
"Peace, my friend, you're among friends," the female voice said
addressing Keelor. A gentle hand was placed on his brow.
"Drink this," the female voice told him as a foul stench assaulted his
nostrils.
"It will make you feel better, though it won't taste very good."
Keelor took a sip of the fluid. As advertised, he gagged on it. The
little he swallowed did, however, have an immediate effect on the pain
in his head so he quaffed the rest down then fought down the urge to
vomit it right back up. Soon the pain receded first to a manageable
then to a non-existent level.
Keelor cautiously opened his eyes, fearing the pain might return. When
it did not he began to take in his surroundings. He was in a warm
bedchamber. There was a fireplace with a cheery fire burning in it. The
female voice he had heard belonged to a pretty young woman in a grey
robe. Her hair was ash blond and her eyes were a delicious chocolate
brown.
"Where am I," Keelor asked her.
"You have the honor to be a guest in my home," Ashrod said as he strode
into the room.
"Ashrod! What happened how did I get here," Keelor asked. "The last
thing I remember is being hit with that dart, launched by one of
Anderpaul's henchmen. Such treachery. I would never have expected it
from my old friend."
"That's why he beat you. His advantage lies in the fact that he is
willing to use less than honorable methods when it suits him," Ashrod
explained. "He is no longer the man you knew. He is now a Chosen of the
Corruptor, Dagarot. Gods only know why he didn't kill you. He told his
men to carry you to the river and cast you adrift on a raft, with all
of your belongings if they wanted to live. You would have awakened far
from here had I not persuaded them it would be far more healthy for
them to give you to me."
"Dagarot! The god of corruption," exclaimed Keelor.
"Yes. Your friend's grief and anger were such that Dagarot was easily
able to bring Anderpaul under his sway. Very soon he will go to become
a Destroyer, one who is the Chosen of two or more gods, and is of Evil
alignment. My guess is he will go to Alkor, god of mayhem. He will
become unstoppable. Your only hope is to become a Guardian, the
opposite of a Destroyer. I see you are a Chosen of Skyla now..." Ashrod
was saying when Keelor interrupted him.
"No, my god is Kale," Keelor corrected.
"But you do not wear the diamond, the gem of Kale. You wear a sapphire,
the gem of Skyla. Curious," wondered Ashrod.
"Were is my dagger," Keelor asked. The woman handed it to him from were
it rested on the night table.
"See here, here is the gem of Kale," Keelor said, pointing to the
diamond on the hilt of the dagger. "The sapphire was a gift from a
friend many years ago."
"Ah, I see," said Ashrod. "But this could still be the answer we need.
The fact the you were given the sapphire means that Skyla favors you. I
think we should set out as soon as you regain your strength. We should
go to Skyla's temple. I think that's our best hope. If you're favored
by Skyla, perhaps she will be willing to confer guardian status on
you."
So it was. Two days later Keelor found himself back on the road, in the
company of Ashrod the mage, journeying to the temple of Skyla.
========= Chapter 5
Keelor and Ashrod had been traveling for three days. The trip so far
had been uneventful, so it didn't surprise Keelor in the least when
they came upon the scene of a horrible battle. There were six bodies
here. Five were Anderpaul's brigands. One appeared to be a cleric of
Gianna. Only one of the brigands was killed by the cleric's mace. The
other four had one arrow each protruding from their chests.
It was then they heard the scream of rage. Keelor was off like a shot
towards the sound, Ashrod hard on his heels. The came on the scene and
saw four more brigands standing facing a ranger. The ranger was the
archer, but his bow was discarded to the side, and he had pulled his
long sword. He had managed to kill one other brigand, and was holding
the rest at bay. He was getting tired though. It was only a matter of
time before the brigands over came him.
So intent were they on the prey, the brigands didn't hear Keelor's
approach.
"So what have we here? Four of you against one man, that hardly seems
fair, now does it," Keelor chided.
Three of the brigands turned, one still keeping an eye on the ranger.
"Fercor, you keep the ranger busy. We will deal with theses others,"
one of the brigands said.
"Ah," said Keelor, "three of you against the two of us, that hardly
seems fair either...to you."
"Yer smart mouth won't be so lively once we slit your throat, fool,"
the brigand said. The three of them charged Keelor and Ashrod.
The first to reach Keelor was unable to stop in time to avoid charging
down the length of Keelor's sword that seemed to appear out of the air
just before penetrating the brigands chest. The muscles of Keelor's
arms bunched as they overcame the resistance of his sword passing
though the brigand's leather armor and penetrating his chest. His
momentum carried him nearly to the crossbar of Keelor's sword. The
brigand looked down in surprise at the steel disappearing into his
chest, and died.
Keelor dropped to a squat, ducking the second brigand's blow, causing
him to over balance and charge right past Keelor. Keelor then pivoted
and yanked his sword from the dead brigand's chest in one fluid
movement, facing the second brigand as the man fought to stop his
momentum.
The third had engaged Ashrod. Ashrod had side stepped his charge and
connected smartly with his staff on the back of the brigand's head
sending him sprawling. As the third Brigand got up, shaking his head to
clear it, his compatriot lunged at Keelor.
Keelor casually defelected his blade and landed a resounding punch in
the side of the brigand's head with his free hand.
"Surrender," Keelor growled.
"Never," the brigand cried lunging again.
He never saw Keelor's stroke. Such was the momentum of the huge bastard
sword, that it cleanly severed the brigand's sword arm just below the
shoulder before stopping several inches into his chest. Keelor withdrew
his sword and the brigand hit the ground dying.
The third brigand saw this and looked at the two new comers.
"Fercor, you're on your own," he yelled and ran.
Fercor turned at the yell and the ranger, seeing the opening, cut him
down.
"Thank you, my friends," said the ranger. "I'm the ranger Falcon.
To whom do I have the honor of owing my life to?"
"I am the wizard Ashrod and this is the High Master Warrior, Keelor,"
Ashrod introduced.
"Well met my friends," Falcon said. "I owe you my life. May I travel
with you, perhaps getting the opportunity to repay the debt?"
"Well met, Falcon. We journey to Stoneville to visit the temple of
Skyla there. You're welcome to travel with us for as long as you wish,"
Keelor said with a smile.
A strange look passed across Ashrod's face ending with a mysterious
knowing smile. When pressed about what it meant he would not say.
========= Chapter 6
As they traveled, Keelor studied their newest companion. Falcon was a
competent man with reddish brown hair and ice blue eyes. He was a few
inches shorter than Keelor at 5'9" but he was lean and well muscled. He
moved with the trademark grace of ranger and seemed to be very alert,
with a sharp eye. He had a great disposition and laughed frequently as
they talked.
Keelor decided the Falcon would be a good man to have at ones back when
things got dicey. As for Ashrod, well, he seemed to accept Falcon as a
friend that had been with him for years. When Keelor thought about it,
he sensed rightness about the three of them being together.
They had stopped to camp one last time before they reached Stoneville.
Falcon had hunted them up a couple of rabbits, and Keelor had found
some wild potatoes, some onions and some herbs. Ashrod was cooking them
up in a stew when Keelor and Falcon gave each other a meaningful look,
and Falcon faded into the woods.
Minutes later a man wandered into their camp. He was a slight man with
long blonde hair that he wore pulled back and tied. His attire was
brightly colored and he had a mandolin slung across his back. He
carried a short sword at his side and a sling attached to his belt.
When he spoke it was in a melodious voice.
"Greetings, friends. Your stew smelled so divine and your fire looks
warm and inviting," the man explained. "I was wondering if I might
share your repast and company in return for a song or two?" The man
gestured to his mandolin.
"Certainly you may, minstrel. Come join us," Ashrod said.
Keelor glanced sharply at Ashrod.
"Oh relax, Keelor. If the man intended us harm he wouldn't have just
walked up and asked to join us," Ashrod chided with another of his
mysterious smiles. "Tell me my friend, what is your name?"
"I am the bard Jarrith," the bard Jarrith proclaimed. "Perhaps you have
heard of me?"
"Alas, my friend Jarrith, I don't get out much so I haven't had the
pleasure," Ashrod said smoothly, adding, "Oh for pity sake Falcon, quit
slinking about in the shadows and join us. We have already established
the man means no harm."
Falcon seemed to materialize out of the shadows next to Jarrith,
returning the arrow to it's quiver, and rolling his eyes. Jarrith's
face drained of color as he became aware of the ranger beside him.
"Well, friend Jarrith, I suppose I should make introductions," Ashrod
said. "This slab of flesh with the massive sword is the High Master
Warrior Keelor, and our stealthy friend there is the ranger Falcon. I
am the Wizard Ashrod. Well met to you."
Jarrith regained his composure and clasped hands with each of them in
turn before gracefully seating himself by the fire. As they waited for
the stew to be ready, they talked. After eating and listening to
Jarrith play a few songs, they grew silent getting ready for sleep.
Jarrith broke the silence.
"So, my friends," he began, "you're all on a quest to stop this evil
warlord Anderpaul, and you, Keelor, expect to become a Guardian."
Keelor nodded. "It all sounds very romantic. Do you think I might tag
along with you? I can see this might be a tale that needs telling. I am
also handy with my blade and sling here, and will be willing to lend it
to your cause if need be."
"I don't see where it would hurt," Falcon said. "How about it Keelor?
Should we let him travel with us?"
"Very well," assented Keelor, "but understand, Jarrith, we are about
serious and dangerous business here. Your life may be in jeopardy
frequently."
"I understand, friend Keelor. I'm neither weak nor cowardly. I'll help
out how ever I can," Jarrith said seriously.
With that they settled in for the night, leaving Falcon to take the
first watch.
========= Chapter 7
Ashrod, who had the last watch, awoke everyone with the smell of spiced
potatoes cooking. They each in turn disappeared in the wood and took
care of their business. They ate quickly and broke camp. They were
eager to reach Stoneville so they could have a tankard or two of ale,
get cleaned up, and sleep in a warm soft bed for a change. They had all
been traveling for the better part of a fortnight and the trail was
wearing on them.
It was mid afternoon when they arrived in Stoneville and found the inn.
By the time they had taken turns at the bath and sent their trail
clothes out to be laundered, it was suppertime. They all met up in the
inn's tavern and dined on steak, potatoes, and vegetables. They also
had a rare treat, fresh bread with whipped sweet butter.
The party was basking in the afterglow of they meal. Keelor and Falcon
seemed to be engaged in trying to drink each other under the table.
Keelor seemed to have the upper hand. They didn't notice someone was
watching them.
Natalia was a girl that knew what she wanted most of the time. Right at
the moment she was a bit drunk and she was eyeing the large man with
the huge sword. The man was handsome but the nose that had been broken
too many times prevented him from being termed beautiful. He was
dressed in leather breeches and a loose white shirt. His huge sword was
leaning on the table at his side. He had a dagger on his belt and a
full purse there also.
Being a thief and a woman, she was having a bit of an uncharacteristic
inner conflict. She could not decide which she wanted more, the man or
the fat purse he carried. Finally she decided she could have both. She
could seduce him and after he pleasured her and passed out, as most men
do, she could make off with the purse. Something inside her said this
was a bad idea, that this man was not one to be trifled with, but the
drink caused that something to go unheard.
Natalia made her way through the crowded tavern, casually avoiding the
wandering hands of the male patrons, and gracefully sat down in the
man's lap. She leaned down and whispered in his ear, asking him if he
would like to dance.
Keelor did not know what to make of the beautiful woman that sat down
so unexpectedly in his lap, but it had been a while since he had danced
with a woman so he assented. She stood taking his hand as he got up.
"I'm sorry my friends, but I can't refuse the lady's request," Keelor
said to his companions with a wink, and allowed himself be led to the
open area in the room in front of the musicians where other couples
were dancing. He didn't notice the mysterious grin once again on
Ashrod's face. He was too busy looking at the girl in front of him. She
had naturally curly dark chestnut colored hair pulled back into a bushy
ponytail. She wore a tight one-piece black leather outfit that laced up
each side, leaving a fascinating strip of exposed skin crisscrossed
with the leather bindings of the outfit. Her moderate breasts were
squeezed into a devastating display of cleavage. Her head barely came
up to his chin he noticed as she turned to him and they began to dance.
Keelor was surprisingly light on his feet considering the amount of ale
he had consumed. As they danced, they introduced themselves. They
danced for a couple of songs until they became too warm then returned
to the table, Natalia once again sitting in Keelor's lap.
Keelor introduced Natalia to the others and they all talked
companionably for a while. Ashrod made a production of yawning and
stretching before he stood.
"Remember we go to the temple tomorrow," he cautioned. "Don't stay up
too late." With that, Ashrod headed up to his room. Keelor wasn't sure,
but he could have sworn the old man winked at him before taking his
leave.
Once again, Natalia leaned down and whispered in Keelor's ear.
"I hope you don't think me to forward, but I would love to share your
bed tonight," she said seductively, nibbling playfully at his ear.
"Not at all. I would like that," Keelor smiled.
"Well, gentlemen," Keelor said to his companions, "Ashrod is right. The
morrow comes swiftly, and we should get some rest."
He stood Natalia up and then stood his self, collecting his sword.
Keelor headed for his room with Natalia hot on his heels. When they
reached the stairs, she looked over her shoulder and gave a little wave
to Falcon and Jarrith. The two looked at each other with knowing eyes,
and burst out laughing.
"Let us go, my friend. My bed is calling to me as well," Falcon
laughed. The two drunken men stood unsteadily and helped each other up
the stairs before each retired to his own rooms.
========= Chapter 8
Natalia lay next to Keelor as he, as predicted, dozed. Her head rested
on his shoulder and her lithe athletic body was pressed up against his.
She was basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking. He had taken her
to highs of pleasure and passion she never thought possible. She was
debating with her self again. Should she stay here and snuggle with him
a little while longer or should she take his purse and make good her
escape? She reached out and caressed the purse where it sat on the
night table.
"That would not be a good idea at all," Keelor said.
To her credit she didn't jump or snatch her hand back guiltily. She
just slowly moved her hand back to his chest and began lightly teasing
the hair with her fingers.
"I thought you were asleep," she said softly.
"I sleep very lightly were my purse is concerned," he said with a
chuckle.
"So why are you all going to the temple," she asked changing the
subject.
Keelor told her of their quest. About how he must become a Guardian to
stop his old friend from enslaving the region and causing so much
suffering. He told her how it was originally just Ashrod and himself,
and about how his party had grown.
"That is serious stuff," Natalia commented.
"Umm hmm," he confirmed.
"Hey," she said sitting up suddenly, "do you think I could join your
quest?"
"What and have to constantly worry about my purse," he laughed.
"Hey," she said reaching down and playfully pinching his side, starting
a gentle tussle until the person in the neighboring room pounded on the
wall.
"Seriously though, I am a trained fighter as well as being experienced
at opening locks and locating traps. What do you say? I promise your
purse will be safe," she expectantly.
"Besides, there are certain fringe benefits to having me around," she
said running her hands down her chest, cupping her breasts after he
didn't say any thing.
"Ok, ok, no need to break out the heavy weapons," Keelor said laughing
at his own joke while she looked at him darkly before breaking into a
huge grin herself.
"Great," she enthused, "you won't be sorry."
"Come on let's get some rest," Keelor said.
She snuggled back up to him, and they both drifted off to sleep
smiling.
========= Chapter 9
The next morning as the companions gathered for breakfast, Keelor told
them of their new addition. Everyone warmly welcomed Natalia to the
party. Natalia actually blushed at being so well received. She was
sitting close to Keelor holding his hand, having expected there to be
more resistance to her joining the group.
"You two must have had fun last night," Falcon commented smiling.
"Only one left," Ashrod said cryptically.
"Ok, old man, talk. You keep getting these curious smiles every time
someone joins the party, then, infuriatingly I might add, you refuse to
tell anyone why. I want explanations," Keelor demanded.
"Very well," Ashrod said holding up his hands in surrender. "The
divination I cast said there was to be six party members. A warrior, a
mage, a ranger, a bard, a thief, and a cleric. I suspect we will be
collecting the cleric later today. There is one perplexing bit though.
While the divination spell has proved accurate in all other respects,
it did say there was to be three men and three women. According to my
count, even if our cleric turns out to be female, we are slightly
behind in the count."
"Well men," Jarrith said jokingly, "that must mean one of us is gonna
get turned into a female."
The men all looked at each other uncomfortably until Falcon said, "I
sure hope it's not Ash. He'd make a hideous woman." The table dissolved
in laughter.
"Come, we must be going," prodded Ashrod. "There is no telling how long
this will take."
It was a two-hour walk from the inn but the sun was still low in the
sky when they arrived at the temple. They entered the temple and were
confronted by a statue of Skyla standing in the center of a large round
room. The companions marveled at the statue, because it seemed that no
matter where you were in the room, Skyla always faced you.
An old priest took notice of the group as they walked around the room
gaping in awe at the statue. He got up gingerly from his knees where he
had finished his praying, and made his way to the party.
"Welcome to the temple of Skyla, friends," he said congenially. "May I
assist you?"
"I have come to be made a Chosen of Skyla, should she deem me worthy,"
Keelor told the priest.
"But you already wear the gem of a chosen of Skyla," the priest said
eyeing him suspiciously.
"Indeed I do, but..." Keelor explained how he came by the sapphire
pendant.
"You wish to become a Guardian?" the priest gasped in question.
"He must to fulfill his destiny," Ashrod said.
"Guardians have not walked the land for a hundred years," the priest
said in amazement. "Wait right here. I must talk to the high
priestess."
Soon the old priest returned followed by an elderly woman, obviously
the high priestess. She was remarkably well preserved and must have
been a raving beauty
in her day.
"Sarl has told me what you wish. Understand this though; you will be
submitting yourself to Skyla for Her approval. If She does not approve,
She could do anything. As little as nothing could happen or She could
strike you down in a horrific fashion. Since you are submitting
yourself to Her of your own volition, Kale will not be able to assist
you directly. It is all dependant on what sort of relations the two of
Them have at the moment," the high priestess explained.
"I understand," Keelor said.
"And you still wish to do it?" the high priest asked.
"Absolutely," Keelor confirmed.
"So be it," the high priestess said. "The ceremony will be at sunset
tonight.
You must meditate until then. This is Talynnda. She will instruct you
on how the ceremony will go, and guide you in your meditations." A
young cleric approached at the high priestess's signal while she was
speaking.
"Please come with me," the girl called Talynnda said. "Sarl will see to
your companions."
Talynnda lead Keelor off to a side chamber down a short hallway off the
statue room. She gave him a plain white robe and told him to remove all
his clothing and put the robe on. He did as instructed piling his
clothes and weapons neatly on the floor by the wall. He then went over
to where Talynnda was kneeling on a cushion and she gestured to a
matching one directly before her. Keelor knelt down on the cushion,
facing Talynnda.
"When we enter the judgment chamber, the high priestess will ask High
Master Warrior Keelor to step forward. You will step forward onto a
raised dais. There you will find two pedestals on which there will be
two bowls containing sapphires. These are the sapphires of judgment. Do
you understand so far," Talynnda asked.
Keelor nodded and she continued, "The high priestess will then ask your
purpose. You will say you are here to be judged by Skyla. The high
priestess will then instruct you to remove the robe and step between
the bowls. She will then tell you to place your hands on the sapphires
of judgment. You will place one hand in each bowl. Then the high
priestess will turn and approach the altar. There she will await the
sound of the first bell. This bell indicates that the sun has touched
the horizon. She will then pray to Skyla asking her to judge you.
At this point anything can happen, but remember you must keep your
hands on the sapphires at all times. We will wait until we hear the
second bell, indicating the sun has dropped below the horizon. If this
bell rings and nothing has happened Skyla has found you unworthy and
has decided to ignore you, which I suppose is better than being struck
down. Do you understand what you must do?" Keelor again nodded.
"Are you familiar with meditation?" She asked him.
"I am," Keelor said.
"Then we must meditate together until its time for us to go to the
Chamber of Judgment," Talynnda told him.
They both dropped into meditation.
Some hours later, they were roused by a priest, telling them if was
almost time. Keelor stood in one graceful movement, as did Talynnda. He
became aware of his need to empty his bladder and said so. He was
directed to the chamber pot, and he promptly used it.
Feeling much relieved, Keelor was led by Talynnda to the Chamber of
Judgment. Once there he saw all his companions standing off to the side
as well as a handful of clerics that had come to observe the event. As
soon as Keelor arrived, the high priestess took her place on the dais.
The ceremony went exactly as he was instructed and soon he was standing
naked with his hands stretched out to the sides, each in a bowl of
sapphires. He didn't wait for long before hearing the first of the
bells. He would never hear the second one.
The high priestess completed her prayer. At first nothing seemed to
happen, but then the sapphires in the blows began to glow, steadily
increasing in intensity. The spectators saw Keelor throw his head back.
Then they heard him begin to scream. It was a terrifying lung ripping
scream that seemed to rise in pitch, as the light grew more intense.
Soon the light was too bright to look at and everyone had to look away.
As the scream seemed to reach an impossibly high pitch it stopped and
the light slowly faded. Everyone looked back toward the dais just in
time to see a figure slump to the ground.
The companions rushed to the dais. The high priestess had gotten there
first and rolled the prone figure over just as the companions arrived.
As they stood there with there mouths agape in dismay, the high
priestess addressed the room.
"High Master Keelor has been judged," she said in a booming voice,
"Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we have a new Guardian. He has been
found worthy. Praise be to Skyla."
"Praise be," the clerics intoned as the companions looked from Keelor's
prone form to each other in horror.
***** Gemstone Guardians-Book 1 - Part 2: The Guardian - Chapter 10
Keelor came to in a warm comfortable bed. He felt like he had been
crushed by a huge slab of stone. He was getting really tired of waking
up this way. The last thing he remembered was hearing the bell ring at
the Judgment.
He heard voices approaching, and he wasn't quite ready to deal with
anyone yet so he feigned unconsciousness. The voices belonged to his
companions and seemed to be in some sort of heated debate, so he
listened.
"How can we be sure that is him," Falcon was saying.
"It's him," Ashrod said firmly, adding, "Think about it, it makes
sense."
"Not in my book it doesn't," Falcon maintained stubbornly.
"Guys, please," Natalia said, "I know its him."
"How can you be so sure," Falcon demanded.
There was a pause before Natalia said, "The tattoo. It is still there."
"What tattoo," the men chorused.
"Exactly," Natalia said as if winning the point.
"What," Falcon yelled in exasperation.
"My point is, you all have been with him longer than I have and none of
you have noticed the tattoo. I discovered it during ur...um...exertions
the night before we went to the temple," Natalia explained.
Keelor felt the covers being pulled back gently. He could tell he was
still naked due to the cool air on his bare skin.
"See it," Natalia said triumphantly, "The diamond transposed over the
crossed swords, just below the navel."
"Ok, ok, I believe you," Falcon accepted. "Now cover him up. It gives
me the creeps looking at him like this. It doesn't look anything like
him, that's for sure, and, anyway, I am sure Keelor wouldn't want us
all gawking at his naked body."
Keelor didn't know what to make of all this. He must have been changed
into some hideous monster, if his body was giving Falcon the creeps.
What did that mean. He felt the cover go back over him, as he was
coming to the conclusion the Skyla had rejected him. After all she was
the goddess of beauty. She would not have made him a hideous monster if
she had approved of him. He must have groaned out loud, because Natalia
spoke quickly.
"Shhh, everyone. He is coming around. Remember don't let on until we
know he can handle it."
He felt someone sit on the side of the bed and a hand stroke his hair.
"Keelor, sweetie, how do you feel," Natalia asked.
"Dead," he croaked, further convincing himself he was a hideous
monster.
Cautiously, his eyes fluttered open. The pain he had expected was not
there, so he looked up at Natalia, who was leaning over, looking at him
with her eyes full of compassion. He thought about attempting a
reassuring smile for her but wasn't too sure that it wouldn't look like
something horrible in his present state. Instead, he looked around the
dimly lit room.; Noting that each of his companions was here. They all
seemed to be wearing a cautious, but sad look.
"I take it from the looks you all have, Skyla rejected me by way of
transforming me into a hideous monster," Keelor remarked, trying to at
least put his friends at easy about how he would take his new
appearance.
"Quite the contrary," Ashrod said with an amused look. "You are now a
Guardian, and are surpassingly beautiful."
"Yeah right," Keelor said, smiling weakly at Ashrod's attempt to
lighten the mood.
Everyone looked at each other, unsure on how to proceed. Keelor put his
hand to his face to rub a tickle on his cheek. He felt a tuft of hair
that seemed quite a bit longer than it used to be. He took hold of the
offending tuft and pulled it around where he could look at it. The
first thing he noticed was that it was jet black. The second thing he
noticed was it was indeed quite a bit longer than it used to be. Next
he noticed his hand. It was smallish and had slender delicate fingers,
but definitely not hideous.
It was then that all the clues he had been ignoring fell into place.
The sound of his voice, his hair, his delicate hand, the odd sensations
of his body, they all made perfect sense.
"Oh my god," Keelor said in understanding. He sat bolt upright in the
bed, casting aside the covers, and began laughing hysterically. His
laugh wasn't a pleasant warm laugh, but that of someone who had gone
stark raving mad.
Natalia threw the covers around him while the men turned from his
nakedness, causing Keelor to laugh harder. Natalia put her arms around
him and held him tightly, until the maniacal laughter began to subside
into tears.
"It's ok, Sweetheart, we are here for you. We will help you get through
this," Natalia told him soothingly.
"I was thinking," Keelor said between giggles and sniffles, "that I had
become a hideous beast. I don't know which would have been worse."
"Hey," Natalia said, "Half the population bears up under this, are you
telling me a big strong warrior like you can't?"
"But I am not a big strong warrior any more, am I," Keelor through the
tears. "I am a woman." He then began laughing again, as if he had just
made a joke. In truth it was a sort of joke that Skyla had played on
him. She had made him a Guardian, but at the price of being a woman.
========= Chapter 11
Keelor discovered that he had been out for two days following the
Judgment. A member of the local gentry that was a devout worshipper of
the temple had given the party the use of a large manor house outside
of town. This was done to afford them some privacy. People had heard
that a Guardian now walked among them and had thronged the temple to
see. The companions had to smuggle Keelor out of the temple so that he
would have a chance to recover quietly.
Talynnda had accompanied them to the manor. She had told them she had
been instructed to accompany them when they were prepared to resume
their journeys. She was quite polite if somewhat distant. She appeared
to be a competent cleric, and that would be a great benefit to the
party.
Keelor slowly recovered his...umm...her strength. She was in her room
sulking, looking down between her breasts at the sapphire pendant the
hung there. It to had changed. It was now set in a ring of diamonds,
reflecting her new Guardian status.
She heard a gentle knock at her door.
"What is it," she said sourly.
"May I come in," Falcon asked poking his head in the door.
"Would it make any difference if I said no," Keelor said acidly.
"Of course it would. A gentleman does not enter a lady's bed chamber
without an invitation," Falcon said with a straight face, but he could
not keep from laughing when Keelor cast him a look that would have
killed him instantly, if looks could kill that is.
Falcon entered the room since she had not told him to bugger off. She
had gone back to staring out the window. She was sitting in a chair by
the window with her knees pulled up to her breasts, one elbow propped
up on her knee with her head in her hand. The other arm was hugged
around her knees. Her raven hair contrasted with the white robes she
wore and the paleness of her skin. She was the very picture of feminine
beauty as the bright sunlight backlit her profile. Falcon thought of
telling her so, before remembering who she was and thought better of it
having no desire to have her dagger between his ribs today.
Falcon moved over and sat on the bed. He looked at her for a few
moments longer.
"Keelor, you have almost recovered your strength. You need to get out
of this room, maybe go outside and get some air. How about we go
outside and spar for a bit," Falcon asked.
Keelor's face lit up at the suggestion, but then turned sour again.
"What a lovely suggestion, sir, but I haven't a thing to wear," Keelor
said sarcastically plucking at the silken feminine robes she wore.
"This is hardly appropriate for sparring, is it?"
"I will make you a deal," Falcon bargained. "If I find you something
more appropriate to wear do I have your word you will come down and
work out with me?"
"I guess so," Keelor said without enthusiasm.
"Great," Falcon said happily heading for the door. "I will send Natalia
up with the stuff. See you down in the courtyard." It was then that
Keelor realized she had been played.
"Falcon," she called to him.
"Yes," Falcon paused, barely stopping himself for saying "dear" or
"honey".
"Bring my sword. I am gonna kick your tail."
Falcon just smiled and disappeared.
========= Chapter 12
Soon Natalia was knocking at Keelor's door. She entered without waiting
from a reply carrying a big bundle of clothes.
"Good morning, Love," she said brightly. Keelor ignored her.
"Keelor," she said coming over to her and taking her hands. "I know
this is hard for you, but you must get over it. People need you. The
longer we sit here doing nothing the more people lose everything to
Anderpaul and his murderers."
"Easy for you to say," Keelor snapped. "You are not the one that has
been stripped of everything you once were and dropped into a weak
defenseless body in which you are expected to do battle with the one of
the strongest warriors alive. No, Natalia, you don't know squat."
"Oh, so that's how it is huh," Natalia needled. "You are now a poor
defenseless little girl, fit only for looking pretty and warming her
man's bed. Is that it? Ok, well if that's the way you feel then start
acting like it." Natalia gathered up the clothes she had deposited on
the bed.
"I will go see if I can find you some skirts and corsets, so you can
begin your life as a delicate flower. Then we will see about getting
you married off to some man, so you can begin squeezing out his
children."
"Natalia, wait," Keelor said.
"Unless of course," Natalia said pausing. "There still beats the heart
of a warrior under those prefect pretty breasts of yours. You are
disgusting, you know that? Anyone would love to be as beautiful and
desirable as you are, yet all you do is feel sorry for yourself about
it."
"Enough," Keelor screamed. "Put the damn clothes down. You are right
for gods' sakes. Now quit being a drama queen and help me get dressed."
Natalie's mouth dropped open in disbelief. Did Keelor just call her a
drama queen? The irony of it caused her to double over in laughter.
Keelor, the very picture of a drama queen had just called her one.
When Natalia quit laughing, which was sometime since every time she
thought she had it under control, Keelor was standing there tapping her
tiny foot with her arms crossed under her breasts, looking at her
imperiously, she began to instruct the new girl how to dress.
"This will hold your breasts tightly and keep them from getting in your
way so much. It will also keep them from bouncing around, which, trust
me, can be painful by the end of the day," Natalia explained to her as
she handed Keelor a leather halter with padded silk lined breast cups.
Keelor stood there holding the contraption with a look of confusion.
Natalia saw the look of confusion and instructed her on how to put it
on.
"You just stick your arms through here and it laces up the front,"
Natalia explained.
Keelor felt her breasts being mashed firmly against her chest as she
laced up the halter. It did feel better not to have them jiggling and
bobbing around every time she moved. She didn't feel so alien anymore.
The halter was a must if one had to have breasts, she decided.
"I saw how much you liked that outfit I had on when we met, so guess
what," Natalia said mischievously.
"You didn't," Keelor said in horror.
"Well not exactly," Natalia laughed. "I got you a pair of breeches
along the same lines."
Natalia tossed Keelor a pair of black leather breeches. After Keelor
pulled them up over her hips and got them buttoned, Natalia showed her
how to lace them up the sides. As the laces were pulled tight the
leather seem to form fit to Keelor's new curves.
"One thing Natalia," Keelor said perplexed, "my...um...bottom is still
bare."
"That is so that the men can have easy access," Natalia said in a
deadpan tone. She kept a straight face for a whole two minutes through
sheer act of will, and the fact she wasn't looking at Keelor while the
girl stood there looking horrified. Then she looked at Keelor's
expression and burst out laughing.
"I'm sorry Keelor, I could not resist," she said finally. "These
breeches were made for the adventuring woman. That flap of leather
hanging there in the front with the long laces hanging from the lower
edge, you pull it up between your legs and bring the laces back around
in front of you and tie them off. There you see. Now if you need to
answer nature's call you just untie the laces and pull the flap up and
all the appropriate equipment is exposed and ready for action. When the
flap in position it conceals everything. See not a patch of skin
showing."
"Fascinating," Keelor said, "I was thinking that by the time I got all
this rigging loose and taken down I would have wet myself. Handy."
"Now for your top," Natalia handed her a loose white shirt.
Keelor put it on and was absolutely swimming in it.
"Where did you get this thing, it's huge," she griped.
"You don't recognize it," Natalia asked, surprised. "It was the one you
were wearing the night we met. Here this will help."
She wrapped a belt around Keelor's waist. Keelor noticed her dagger was
already on the belt. She adjusted over to her left hip where she
normally wore it. Then Natalia helped her lace up the cuffs of the
shirt. They came three quarters of the way up her forearms. Keelor knew
she was smaller than before but she didn't think she was that much
smaller. She mentioned it and Natalia told her that they had altered
the cuffs as the sleeves where much too long anyway. She explained
that the new cuffs had boning in them holding them snuggly in place
while the sleeves were loose and flowing from the elbows up allowing
for freedom of movement while not interfering with her weapons.
"Now for the coup de gras," Natalia said handing Keelor a pair of
cotton socks and a pair of new black leather boots, which Keelor needed
no help to put on for a change. The boots fit perfectly and came up to
her mid calf.
Natalia pulled her over to the full-length mirror that Keelor had been
avoiding thus far. Natalia stood her in front of it and Keelor looked
at herself in awe. The breeches fit to her legs like a second skin
displaying her well-formed legs to perfection. The belt sucked the
loose shirt in displaying her tiny waist and the flare of her hips. The
bottom of the shirt hung down to a little above her mid thigh kind of
like a skirt. The v-neck of the shirt teasingly displayed the top of
her halter and the generous cleavage it formed with her firmly held
breasts. The pendant hung just above the cleavage from its silver
chain. Her raven hair spilled across her shoulders completing the
vision of beauty.
"You know," Keelor said, "A week ago I would have been falling all over
myself to possess this woman. Well I guess I got her now, don't I?"
"Yes," Natalia agreed, "Skyla is not the goddess of beauty for nothing,
I suppose."
"One thing though," Keelor said thoughtfully, "The hair has to go. I
can't fight if I have to keep pushing it out of my face."
"You will not touch those beautiful raven tresses with a blade,"
Natalia said horrified. "Do you know how long it takes to grow hair
like that?"
"Natalia, I don't care how long it takes to grow it. It's my hair and
it won't be growing at all if I am dead."
"You're right it is your hair, but let me show you something first
before you do anything rash. If you don't think this works, then we'll
see about shortening it," Natalia coaxed. "Come sit on the bed."
The girls sat on the bed and Natalia began to fuss with Keelor's hair.
As she worked she explained what she was doing. She also brought up
something else too. "You know," Natalia began carefully, "Keelor is not
really a proper name for a woman."
Keelor stiffened. She knew this was coming sooner or later.
"Well what do you suggest," Keelor said, "You name me. I want you to
have the honor since you are teaching me all the things a mother would
have."
"You are sure you want me to do that," Natalia asked.
"You might as well, if you don't mind," Keelor confirmed.
Natalia fell silent as she worked. She finally finished braiding the
raven hair, and showed it to Keelor. It was beautiful. Natalia had
woven a thick length of snow white silk into the braid, accenting the
black hair marvelously. Keelor was impressed as she tossed her head
from side to side noting that no hair got in her eyes. She smiled
happily for perhaps the first time since she had awoke after her
judgment.
"I've got it," Natalia said after seeing her smile.
"Well, don't keep me in suspense. Who am I to be known as now," Keelor
said expectantly.
"You will be called Keelicia," Natalia said with mock formality, "But
your friends will call you Keeli. Come on. Falcon is waiting and he is
probably gonna tease you about how long it takes women to get dressed."
Keeli smiled at her new name and the girls headed down stairs to join
Falcon in the courtyard.
========= Chapter13
When they arrived at the door to the courtyard they saw that the other
two companions and Talynnda had joined Falcon. Natalia grinned
mischievously.
"Wait here. I will announce you with your new name," she said still
grinning. Natalia entered the courtyard stopping at the bottom of the
short flight of steps, and clearing her throat.
"Presenting," She called loudly, "Lady Keelicia, Guardian Warrior of
Beautiful Justice, formerly High Master Warrior Keelor." Natalia's
voice dropped down to a normal level, "But her friends just call her
Keeli."
"Well its about time," Falcon began, " I swear you women take forever
to get duh..."
His voice died on his lips as Keeli left the darkness of the building
and entered the courtyard. She walked confidently with her head held
high, looking very regal. She stopped at the bottom of the steps and
looked at the companions as if surveying her subjects.
"Natalia, dear, what was that scruffy little man over there saying,"
Keeli ask in a haughty tone.
"I have no idea, Mi'lady, your beauty seems to have struck him dumb,"
Natalia said half seriously.
"I see," Keeli said in the same haughty tone as she approached Falcon.
She stood before him with one arm crossed below her breasts and a
slender finger on her chin. She pursed her lips, head still inclined
regally.
"Well, my beauty must indeed be miraculous to strike such a cretin
dumb. He looks the sort that has something to say about everything,"
Keeli said adding a small smile when the others guffawed.
"I believe I saw a pitcher of juice over there by the others, and I
find I am a bit thirsty," Keeli continued playing the haughty regal
role to the hilt.
"Please join us, Falcon, dear, when you find your tongue. I believe if
you look down you will find it lying there on the ground at your feet."
Keeli then turned and glided regally over to the others before breaking
down giggling herself.
Falcon just stood there for a minute, his jaw working but the
connection between his brain and vocal cords still preventing him from
making a come back. Finally he just shrugged and joined the others
where they all were hugging Keeli.
"Cretin, huh," Jarrith said eyeing Falcon, while Keeli sipped her
juice.
"Well, he deserved it after the way he tricked me this morning," Keeli
said with a smile.
"Hey, that was for your own good," Falcon said having found his voice.
"Look at you. You are smiling and joking now where as this morning you
were a reclusive sour puss."
"Well in truth I do feel almost human again after Natalia finished
trussing me up. Gods, I am trussed up everywhere, my hair, my legs, my
arms, my...well...you know," Keeli finished with a blush.
"Well we are all glad to see our old friend is starting to return even
if in a different form now," Ashrod said sincerely. "We were getting
quite worried about you, you know."
Keeli looked down ashamed. "I know," she said, "I am sorry, I was being
selfish and feeling sorry for myself. Natalia made me realize that."
"Well, new body or no we still love you, Keeli," Natalia said.
"Besides," Falcon chimed in from where he was sitting examining
Keelor's huge bastard sword, "she is much nicer to look at than Keelor
was."
"We'll see how nice I am to look at with your eyes swollen shut,
Cretin," Keeli said darkly, then brightened, "Hey, my sword! May I?"
"I was thinking," Falcon began carefully, "I think you should get a new
sword. This thing is just too big for you now."
"Nonsense," Keeli dismissed. "Let me see it."
Falcon offered her the sword hilt first, holding the scabbard. Keeli
reached out and grasped the hilt pulling it smoothly from the scabbard
with one hand. She had intended to do a showy flourish, but when it
cleared the sheath, the tip dropped immediately to the stone pavers of
the courtyard with a clank. She grasped the hilt with both hands,
looking around sheepishly. With both hands, she heaved the great sword
up holding it out in front of her. The tip bobbed and weaved
unsteadily. After making a few experimental slashes, it was obvious to
Keeli and everyone else that the sword was controlling her far more
than she was controlling the sword.
"I will let you borrow one of mine if you want, Keeli," Natalia
offered.
"Actually I think we should start with something simpler," Falcon
suggested.
"What did you have in mind," Keeli inquired.
"How about we start with a little hand to hand," said Falcon.
"You're on, cretin. Prepare to be pounded by a girl. Hope your ego can
take it," Keeli said rubbing her hands together in anticipation.
"We'll see who gets pounded, little girl. I hope your ego can take it,"
Falcon said with a feral grin.
The other companions winced at Falcon's retort, though Keeli just
returned his feral grin as they squared off against one another. She
fully intended to pound the tar out of him, taking out a little angst
about her condition. Falcon for his part didn't know quite what to
expect. He knew Keelor was a high master warrior, which meant he was
highly skilled in unarmed combat, so Falcon was wary. On the other
hand, Keeli was about 3 inches shorter than him and he had at
least fifty pounds on her. Add to that Falcon was quite skilled in
unarmed combat, and he would normally not have considered someone
Keeli's size a threat.
It turned out it was a mixture. She was very fast, even without using
her super speed, and she could almost land a blow at will. The trouble
was, while some of her blows had hurt (he was going to have a black eye
to prove it) they lacked the power to do any real damage. On the other
side, she was very hard to hit. Her blocks combined with her speed kept
him from doing any real damage to her. Grappling though was a different
story. He dominated her when they grappled. It was after the fifth of
these grapples that she landed skidding on her butt. She pounded the
stones and screamed in frustration.
"Let's take a break," he told her, offering her a hand up.
She looked up at him, sweat running down her face, and narrowed her
slate grey eyes, the one feature she had retained from her former body.
She slapped his hand away and levered herself up and stalked off toward
the table. He smiled at her toughness as he watched her for a moment
before following.
"Would you like some advice," Falcon asked her.
She looked at him for a moment, studying his face for any trace of
patronizing then, not seeing any, said, "Sure, I guess I could use
some."
"Two things I noticed. One, you attack like you expect to have more
power. You seem to forget you have lost, what, 70 or 80 pounds of
muscle. You are simply not as physically powerful anymore. You simply
can't grapple with me and expect to overpower me. Two, your technique
is horrible. No offense, but, in short, you hit like a girl. This is
not really surprising, since I have been watching you for some time,
and you seem to have a lot of female mannerisms that came along with
the body. You need to go back to the beginning and practice your
technique. Do you remember the forms?"
"Yeah sure. I was an instructor too," Keeli said
"Good," Falcon continued, "You seem to have the knowledge but the body
doesn't know how to use it. Maybe we can all learn from you as you
teach yourself."
"Hey that's a great idea," Jarrith interjected.
"I am in," Natalia agreed, as did Talynnda.
"A couple of points of interest," Falcon said. "You are very fast.
Faster, I think, than you were before. Also, I suspect you are more
flexible than you were, maybe even more acrobatic, you know, like
handstands and flips, though you didn't seem to use it."
========= Chapter 14
After lunch, Ashrod asked Keeli if they might go for a walk. Keeli
agreed, feeling a bit cooped up in spite of the manor house's size. So
it was that Ashrod and Keeli toured the grounds of the manor. They
looked for all the world like a grandfather out for a stroll with his
beautiful young granddaughter. This wasn't lost on Keeli, but she was
enjoying the brisk Fall air too much to let it bother her.
"How do you feel, Keeli," Ashrod asked.
"Like I got the crap beat out of me," Keeli replied smiling and
unconsciously rubbing her sore butt.
"That will pass," Ashrod said