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Post by Emiryal ♕ on Mar 27, 2013 23:49:00 GMT -5
Caspian was standing in the Du Vrangr Gata tent in the Varden encampment. Maybe somewhat foolishly he had joined them soon after he had developed his ability to use magic. He wasn't very adept but they seemed very eager to have him anyways. They had taught him a few spells but nothing as power as he'd seen the other riders use.
He shook his head in disbelief as he re-read the letter, that had been delivered moments ago, once more. His sister was still alive! He had thought his family all dead when the Empire had attacked his town a few years ago, but the letter troubled him. His sister was being held by a some man named Varul. The letter directed him to come to Gil'ead, unarmed. Terms for his sister's release would be discussed once he got there. The letter also promised each day he did not show up in Gil'ead his sister would be tortured and kill in less than four days.
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Post by Aelodil on Mar 28, 2013 12:29:31 GMT -5
Vlaer was walking around the Varden Camp and found the camp of Du Vrangr Gata and smirked to himself before walking in. As he walked in all the magicians hurried to bow and he dismissed them and walked to the foolish young Rider.
"What is in your mind Caspian?" Vlaer asked him.
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Post by Emiryal ♕ on Mar 28, 2013 12:39:18 GMT -5
Caspian hardly noticed Vlaer despite the response of the Du Brangr Gata. He sank down onto a make-shift chair, more of a log standing on it's side someone had put in the tent. What was he to do?
Vlaer's voice caught him off guard and he looked up startled. "Oh Vlaer, it's you...um it's my sister. I pretty much got what you could call a ransom note. I'm to go to Gil'ead, unarmed. If I arrive armed or late they'll kill her on the spot." He held out the letter to Vlaer, it said most everything Caspian had summed up. It said nothing about not bringing others with him, only that anyone who came must be unarmed.
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Post by Aelodil on Mar 28, 2013 13:04:37 GMT -5
Reading the letter Vlaer handed it back and said, 'I'm coming. Belgabad shall not since he is too large and an invisible spell on him would take too much energy. However the Eldunari of his grandsire, Belgabad I shall come in an invisible socket. Fear not, I shall free your sister and come back for you invisible the whole time til I have your sister away from that accursed city."
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Post by Emiryal ♕ on Mar 28, 2013 16:03:30 GMT -5
Caspian took the letter back and folding it up shoved it into his pants pocket. He looked up surprised by Vlaer's offer. "You will help me?" he said. Caspian was probably the youngest and least experienced Rider the Varden had. He had not expected help. "Thank you Vlaer. I haven't seen my sister since the night the Empire attacked out village. She doesn't know I'm a Rider."
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Post by Aelodil on Mar 29, 2013 1:29:18 GMT -5
Vlaer smiled warmly at the youth who was full of energy. "Then, shall we get ready to go?" He asked. "And we need to do it in a way where Belgabad doesn't know I left without him..or else he threatened to lick me-- minus my armor." Vlaer shivered, the tongue of a dragon contained somewhat like hooks meant to rob someone or something of their flesh.
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Post by Emiryal ♕ on Mar 31, 2013 18:00:59 GMT -5
A faint smile appeared on Caspian's face at Vlaer's comment. Being licked by a dragon wouldn't be the most enjoyable. He sighed once and seemed to grow determined now. "I'll need to pack some provisions. I'll meet you at the far north end of the camp behind the rise. Bring a horse, Sephora isn't big enough to carry both of us," he said. His dragon was rather small and while she could've carried them both it would've tired her greatly. Besides if they free'd his sister she certainly wouldn't be able to carry three people.
Caspian left the Du Vrangr Gata tent and went to his own. Sephora was basking in the sun next to his tent. She watched him with concern but said nothing. She had of course offered her aid as soon as Caspian had read the note. The young rider ducked into his tent and began packing a bag, shoving in a few changes of clothes, first aid, and a few other essentials. Walking out of his tent he saddled Sephora and put his belongings into the saddle bags. "Meet me at the north end of camp behind the hill," he said.
Sephora spread her wings and lept into the air circling once before flying east, she'd loop around later to the north when she was out of sight. Caspian didn't want anyone else to find out where they were going. The Varden had enough problems of their own without his sister's plight.
Caspian walked towards the food tents and slipped into a supply tent. There he hurriedly packed a few chunks of dried meat, flat bread, dried fruit and two canteens for water. Tossing it into a bag he left for the sables. Destier nickered softy in greeting when he saw his rider. For being a horse, Destier was probably as loyal as any dragon was to their rider. He'd been though a lot with Destier. He led the horse out of his stall and saddled him. Draping the bags of food over the front of the saddle he hoisted himself into the saddle. Then with a flick of his wrist on the reins the brown horse trotted out of the stables and Caspian guided him towards the north end of camp.
It wasn't unusual for him to be taking Destrier out, he did it quite often probably spending as much time with his horse as he did Sephora. Desending the hill on the north side of the Varden encampment he saw his golden dragon there waiting. Dismounting Destrier he took the food and placed them in Sephora's saddle bags. She watched him with liquid golden eyes.
Destrier watched the dragon only somewhat nervously. He'd known Sephora since she was a hatchling and was only nervous of her size. The golden dragon glanced at the horse. "You know I wouldn't hurt you," she said to him. Her emotions in her words seemed to get through to him and the horse calmed. Sephora knew Destrier meant a lot to Caspian.
"Any sign of Vlaer yet?" Caspian asked pulling out a map he had packed in the saddle bags. He rolled it open and looked at it trying to plot the quickest and easiest way to Gil'lead on horseback. Sephora looked over his shoulder. "No yet, I'm sure he'll be here though," she said.
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Post by Aelodil on Mar 31, 2013 22:37:54 GMT -5
Vlaer stopped the invisibilty spell and answered Caspian, "Yes I am.". He then walked over to him, borrowed Caspian's sword and put energy into the gem, "Use that in case of emergency. I shallrun along under Sephora. Lead the way."
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Post by Emiryal ♕ on Mar 31, 2013 23:43:47 GMT -5
rider of Sephora | varden rider Caspian jumped and turned quickly to see Vlaer. His hand had flown to his sword but he had failed to pull it out in time. He still had quite a ways to go as far as training went. "Are you sure? You can ride Destrier if you want," he offered. Then as Vlaer put energy into his sword he shook his head and took the sword back indicating for Vlaer to stop. "Thank you but that's not necessary. Don't you recognize the blade? This is Naegling, Oromis' sword. There is more energy in the gem already than you could begin to imagine....no offense Vlaer."
Sephora took off without Caspian and the boy got onto, Destier. A quick nudge brought the horse to a light trot that he could keep up for some distance without tiring. He glanced at Vlaer, if he hadn't been an elf keeping up on foot would've been impossible.
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Post by Aelodil on Apr 1, 2013 9:38:53 GMT -5
Vlaer shook his head and just smiled. "I take no offense. I shall run belong you, for I know evil shall come near, and I have not the heart to put such a noble horse into danger because of my slefishness."
He ran behind Caspian easily and stayed with stride next to him with ease, and put on an invisible spell. And so, next to Caspian ran a shadow and foot steps ran, plowing the sand under his feet.
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Post by Emiryal ♕ on Apr 1, 2013 11:14:12 GMT -5
rider of Sephora | varden rider Caspian glanced back towards Vlaer or where he thought Vlaer was. "Destier has faced danger many times," he commented. The horse was surprisingly loyal and had survived many hard times, traveling across the Hadorac Desert and a dragon attack on their town.
"Vlaer can you exclude me from your invisibility spell. It's unnearving not to know where you are," he said. He wished he could see the elf. Gil'ead was not a short day ride from where they were, and Caspian reined in Destier to a stop shortly before nightfall. He did want to get there fast but he'd be useless if he got there to exhausted to fight.
He dismounted and unsaddled Destrier and Sephora. The horse he led to a small stream that ran near by for a drink before he tied the horse to a tree. "Vlaer?" he called not sure if the invisible elf was still there or not. Caspian wanted to build a fire for warmth but he didn't want to risk the light being spotted by anyone in Gil'ead so he opted not to build one. They would arrive in Gil'ead about mid day tomorrow.
Caspian fetched some blankets he'd brought and spread them on the ground near Sephora. Then he pulled out a piece of bread and some dried meat, he had pulled out two portions one for him and one for Vlaer. He began eating his and left Vlaer's on his blankets.
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Post by Aelodil on Apr 1, 2013 11:22:58 GMT -5
Vlaer laughed, filling the air with music and ended the invisibility spell saying, "I shall stay in sight til we reach close enough for me to see the city." Vlaer gratefully picked up the bread saying, "Ah, I thank you Caspian. I am usually mistaken for a man, as I am almost never seen and therefore am given meat. Though I do not reprive you of your luxuries."
After the snack, Vlaer perked on the top of a tree nearby, hidden in the branches and took out his bow from within his quiver, which contained three dozen enchanted arrows, he enchanted each differently. One would burn, another would paralyze and therefore, he stayed perked awake perfectly to protect the small company.
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Post by Emiryal ♕ on Apr 1, 2013 11:30:09 GMT -5
rider of Sephora | varden rider Caspian smiled glad to be able to see Vlaer again. If Sephora were invisible he'd still be able to know were she was through their connection. Vlaer however was like trying to follow your own shadow in other words it was impossible. His expression fell realizing his mistake. "Oh my apologies Vlaer. I forgot you do not eat meat. I rarely spend any time among your kind," he said. He took the meat back and put it away and pulled out some dried fruit he'd brought. "Have these instead," he offered.Feeling a bit self conscious now Caspian ate his dried meat and bread. He laid his sword near his blankets so he could easily grab it should danger arise. "Wake me when it's time for me to keep watch," he said before laying down and drifting off to sleep. Wait didn't elves sleep less than humans? Even an elf couldn't stay up all night though without being exhausted. They were strong but not invincible. When he was woken for watch he'd take his sword and go to the same place Vlaer now stood.
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Post by Aelodil on Apr 1, 2013 11:51:33 GMT -5
Vlaer stayed up, long until he was certain that he could not stay long too much later without being exhausted for the next day. He walked over to Caspian and gently shook him saying, "I shall attempt to rest, for I am weary and tired. Keep Sephora rested, she needs it."
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Post by Emiryal ♕ on Apr 1, 2013 17:59:02 GMT -5
rider of Sephora | varden rider Caspian's heart raced when Vlaer woke him. For a moment he thought maybe something was wrong until he realized it was just time for his watch. Time seemed to fly by, he felt like he had hardly slept. Regardless he got up and buckled his rider blade to his belt. "Alright," he said with a yawn. He didn't bother Sephora and went to stand watch where Vlaer had. He sat down on a rock and let his eyes gaze over the dark landscape.
It was a new moon and difficult for him to see much, his eyes were not as sharp as an elf's nor dragon's. He didn't complain though or bother the others. After a while he found himself jumping at every sound, a cricket, the wind, a snap of a branch as a larger creature roamed. "You alright little one?" a familiar voice reached his mind. "I will stay up with you,"
[/b] Sephora offered. Caspian glanced back at Sephora who was watching him now. "No, but thanks. I need you at your best when we reach Gil'ead," he said. The dragon rested her head on her paws to settle down. "Very well," she said. Caspian turned back to watch the dark landscape. "Sephora?" he asked. "Hm?" she replied sounding tired and half asleep. "Do you smell or hear anything odd?" he asked. "No, should I?" Sephora asked opening her eyes to look at him again. "No I'm just nervous, and I can't see as well as Vlaer or you in this light," he said. "You don't need to see exceptionally well to stand watch you just need to remain alert. Trust yourself Caspian," she said. Then falling silent she went back to sleep. Caspian missed the company and wanted to speak with her more, but he knew she needed her rest. With a sigh he went back to watching, this time feeling a bit more relaxed and confident. Much to his relief nothing strange happened during the night. The sun was beginning to rise and they needed to move out to make Gil'ead by noon. He walked over to Vlaer and shook him awake. He handed the elf a canteen of water and went to fetch some breakfast. He hadn't packed much of a variety, so he gave Vlaer some more dried fruit before eating some himself. Then he proceeded to pack up their camp supplies and saddle Sephora and Destrier. "Vlaer? Do you think we'll be able to rescue my sister? It's just the two of us and Sephora....there could be an entire army waiting to trap us," he said handing Destier's reins to the elf. "I'll be riding Sephora today," he explained. "We'll tie up Destier just outside of Gil'ead and use him to escape since Sephora can't carry all of us." He knew Vlaer was powerful and strong but he was sure even Vlaer had his limits. If there was an army waiting he didn't know what they'd do. Besides if they attacked they might threaten his sister's life. [/color][/blockquote][/blockquote]
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Post by Aelodil on Apr 1, 2013 22:56:32 GMT -5
Vlaer looked at the troubled youth's face, knowing his distress. "Do not worry Caspian. The army that may be there, if there even is an army there would be small. I guarantee that we will be able to save your sister without much trouble.". Vlaer accepted Destier's reins with a pang of annoyance, though he did not show it. With the horse traveling with him, he'd have to slow down.
"Then we would do well to get going." Vlaer said to Caspian, quickly getting on Destier and having him trot in his way.
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Post by Emiryal ♕ on Apr 1, 2013 23:16:31 GMT -5
rider of Sephora | varden rider Caspian hoped Vlaer was right about small defenses. He had never done anything like this before. He climbed onto Sephora and tightened the straps as she took off. She flew overhead keeping Vlaer in sight.
Destrier responded to Vlaer's urging to trot. He seemed to realize Vlaer thought him ill suited. He snorted in annoyance and slowly picked up his pace into a near run as if to show Vlaer wrong. Destrier while he came from farm horse lines was well breed and was strong. His burst of speed was rather admirable and he could keep it up for a fair distance without having to slow. He tossed his head slightly to glance back at Vlaer as if to say 'impressed yet?'
They traveled in this manner until Gil'ead came into view. Sephora landed behind a hill just outside of the town, she was small enough she wouldn't be spotted there. Caspian climbed down from her and waited for Vlaer to join them. He peered over the hill at the gates to the city, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. "The note said to meet the captors in the cathedral," he said to Vlaer.
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Post by Aelodil on Apr 2, 2013 9:50:07 GMT -5
Vlaer smiled and pat Destrier, before reaching out with his mind, showing his appreciation and how wrong he was to think the noble horse ill-fit for such a run. As he neared Caspian and Sephora he said, "If that is so, then go there and I shall follow invisible til I learn where your sister is held captive. Do not presume to look at my shadow, nor my foot steps as that will give away my position."
Vlaer handed Destrier's reins back to Caspian, saying, "I was wrong about your noble horse, Caspian. He sure seems to have a big spirit." all the time smiling. Before they set out, Vlaer cast the invisibility spell and Belgabad I's Eldunari insisted on giving Sephora energy as a gift before they entered the accursed city that killed their old friends. "My gift to you..." came the voice from Belgabad I's Eldunari, ancient, old and powerful beyond imagine. His voice older than that of Vlaer's and Belgabad II's, large amount energy ammasing into Sephora before they set out.
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Post by Emiryal ♕ on Apr 4, 2013 20:48:16 GMT -5
rider of Sephora | varden rider Caspian nodded it was strange to know Vlaer was there and not try spotting signs of him. He accepted Destier's reins and tied them to a near by tree. Destier was a loyal horse but he was still a horse and could run away if not tied up. The boy smiled at Vlaer compliment about his horse. "Destier has been through more than most. I trust him nearly as much as I trust Sephora," he said. The horse had been with him a long time and he knew he could count on him.
Destrier nibbled at the grass near the tree Caspian had tied him to. "Thank you ancient and honorable one," Sephora said. She took to the sky and circled above Caspian as he entered the city. No one stopped him or questioned him. The city was bustling with people buying and selling things. Caspian slipped through the crowd unnoticed. The cathedral wasn't far, he stopped outside it and opened the large ornate door. It was heavier than it looked. He left it open a bit longer than he normally would've pretending to admire the decoration on the door. He wanted to give Vlaer time to get in as well. The roof creaked as Sephora landed on it. Cries of surprise and alarm showed that people had seen her but they seemed to relax when she caused no harm.
The chapel was empty and light streamed in through stain glass windows. "Hello," Caspian called as he walked in. His voice echoed throughout the room. A lone figure sat on the first bench, Caspian was startled and wondered why he hadn't seen him before. The figure turned and smiled maliciously at him. His face was covered by a hood. "Where is my sister," caspian demanded. "In time, rider in time. First you must pay the ransom," he said in a raspy voice.
Caspian had been walked towards the front of the chapel but stopped at these words. "No, I won't even consider it until I see her," he said. The figure laughed. "And loose my bargaining power by giving you a chance to take her by force? No I don't think so. Drop your sword rider."
Caspian's heart raced. What should he do? "Sephora?" he called desperate for some help. "I'm here little one. Play along, short of swearing alliance in the ancient language no words will be binding,"
[/b] she said. Caspian nodded, he untied the golden sword and placed it on the ground and slid it towards the mysterious figure. "Good," the raspy voice said picking up the sword and admiring the old blade for a moment. Caspian cringed, he didn't like anyone else with his sword, let alone a stranger. The figure indicated with a wave of his hand for Caspian to come closer. He complied his breath coming rapidly. "Who are you?" he asked. The figure did not answer but pulled out a metal ring, the figure grabbed Caspian's hand and slipped the ring onto his wrist. The ring shrank until it cut into Caspian's skin. He wouldn't be able to remove it easily. He grimaced and pulled his hand back. The figure smiled. The ring was powerful protected by magic so only one word could release it and only spoken by him. In a corridor another figure and a girl came into view. The girl was beaten and looked in poor shape but she was alive. At a loss for words Caspian darted towards her and embraced her in a hug. "I never thought I'd see you again," he said. "Do you know what happened to mom?" His sister shook her head. "No, I don't we were separated....your a rider?" she asked surprised but sounding weak. "Yeah, crazy huh. Are you alright?" Caspian asked. His sister nodded and he led her to a bench to sit down. He didn't want to leave without his sword, but he wasn't sure they would let him go without a fight. "Let's get out of here," he said quietly to his sister. The figure grabbed him from behind and pulled him away. "You are staying Caspian, it's part of our bargain, you for her," he said. He shoved Caspian down to his knees and pressed a dagger to his throat. "Get out," he said jerking his head at Caspian's sister.[/blockquote][/blockquote]
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Post by Aelodil on Apr 5, 2013 2:35:44 GMT -5
Vlaer had stayed in the shadows, invisible in the cathedral until the man had whipped a dagger to Caspian's throat. In that instant, he remembered an old anger he had not experienced for hundreds of years. He cast a werelight quickly and shut off the invisibility spell, Oblivion had simply slipped out of it's sheath and was now on the man's throat as he took the dagger and broke it with magic.
"Ah, but I do believe I could tag along eh?" Vlaer said. And with that, he reached into the man's mind, attempting to find the word to remove the ring from Caspian's finger. He searched around his whole entire mind yet there was one spot that he thought to contain the word, but it was heavily protected. It seemed almost as if he had an Eldunari."So do you, Rider of my grand-child. Let us rid this poor youth of the ring and take his sister to safety!" Belgabad I's old and ancient voice thundered angrily. As they attacked the stranger's mind, Vlaer took a second to heal Caspian's sister.
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