On the planet Avalon, continent of Dawez, sometime in the autumn, the backwater village of Maria is making preperations for the annual harvest. Among them, a farmer's daughter, Sweiza Serif is making the yearly pilgrimage to a temple up north in the mountains to pray for the annual harvest. Reaching this area involves crossing treacherous swampland, paying fares to other worldly creatures, and otherwise being protected by knights amongst other travelers on the pilgrimage. Sweiza is one of seven others; all female, that make the yearly voyage.

It was sometime in the evening that the five knights were assembled; their main ensemble would be the three young women they'd be transporting over treacherous terrain. The village was assembled en masse, although everyone was not present. Many of them knew each other, some lived as recluses. Different backgrounds, however, came together with a singular purpose - the village was otherwise surrounded by swampland, enchanted creatures and other barriers which kept outsiders out. The goddess of the harvest was the sole thing keeping the village land fertile and the inhabitants living here; legends speak of the land drying up should they lose her favor. This was not just a tradition, but also a coming of age and right of passage for those involved - they would be adults the following year.

---

"The food wasn't that great; dinner was daft as usual; some are blaming it on the pligrimamage last year. I'm hoping this year things will change. I have high hopes of becoming a hand maiden - it is a high honor in our society. I heard some of the knights talking the night before - they are rabblerousers of the lowest sport. One of them is actually cute. - Sweiza"

"SWEIZA!"

Sweiza jumps. Her journal and the pen drop from her hands.

She turns around. There was one of the knights staring down at her; his helmet is up.

"Didn't mean to frighten you Sweiza. You should get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow."

She doesn't have time to answer.

"You should probably put that thing away."

She looks down at the diary. It has big hearts in it and a picture of Lester.

"Prying eyes abound."

The knight walks off. Sweiza resists the urge to stick her tongue out.

---

Sweiza wakes up again. This time several of the knights are talking. She distinctly hears gossip about one of the villagers. She rolls her eyes falls back to sleep.

---

It was sometime in the night again. This time she wakes up. Sleep does not take her this time.

She's stuck looking up at the sky.

Thoughts start to fill her head. "Was sleeping at the edge of the village really necessary?" "Sometimes traditions can be so stupid." "I wonder if they're naked under that armor..." "Lester better not be sneaking around naked again..."

Sweiza then hears an owl hooting. It's head slowly turns around in grotesque fashion; it then darts and disappears outside of the moonlight. Sweiza hears something shriek in the distance.

She is left to look up at the sky again. At some point sleep overrides her senses.

---

Sweiza wakes up one more time; she sits up and looks around. Everyone is asleep. She attempts to fall asleep, but nothing. She starts counting the stars. She remembers counting until the sky slowly turned red.

---

Sweiza woke up to voices and the village bell. It was time to get moving. She immediately bolts up.

She goes to to step forward, but feels a tug on the blanket.

She turns around; it's Lester.

"So, I guess you'll be going then."

"You weren't here last night."

"I was busy."

"What were you stealing this time."

"Preferably a kiss."

He winks at her and puckers his lips.

"Forget it!"

Her hand covers his mouth.

"Sweiza!"

A voice shouts from behind her; it is one of the knights.

She turns around back to Lester; he quickly hands her a note.

"This is for you. Good luck."

He bows and scurries off.

She saves it for later.

---

The path they set forth was one not normally travelled by her people. It lead to a shrine some two weeks distance away. The path was surrounded by trees, no prairies would be seen as they headed into the foothills of the mountains. On either side of them would be either boglands and swamp or desert. Desert was also to the far south, but prairies and farmland were to the west.

There journey was mostly silent. Perhaps it was because they were at attention. One night was on point at all times, while another would lag back about every fifteen minutes. One travelled in the middle, two to either side would walk at pace with the ranks and widen down the path.

The knight on point stops. He waits for the group to meet up.

They were in swampland now. It was about half a day's journey from the village.

He sticks his sword into the swamp. Nothing happens. He does so again. This time bubbles appear at the water's edge. Reeds start to move and the water turns slightly red.

He pulls his sword out of the water. It is covered in blood.

This time he takes his sword and stabs it in the water; he removes it and a fish is attached to it.

He shows it back to the others and simply says, "Do not fall in."

From here on out their journey becomes more treacherous.

The knight from before walks up to Sweiza and flips his visor up.

"So how did you get to be named Sweiza anyway?"

Sweiza stops to the knight. "I was so-named, oh knight; because my father and mother wanted a boy."

She sees his armor shake ever so slightly.

"Don't worry; you may call me Sera after my last name if it pleases you."

"Okay then, Sera it is."

She bows and turns around.

"Aren't you going to ask my name?"

She stops and turns around again.

"Speak."

"What is your name, oh knight?"

"Derek."

"Just Derek?"

"I dont have a family; I was-"

They suddenly notice the other knights and young women were surrounding them.

"We must keep moving."

There's some giggling from a few of the girls. Sweiza's face turns red as they reassemble into their previous formation.

A few hours later...

When 'Derek' comes by her with a sweeping flank, she breaks formation ever so slightly and trips him.

As everyone else walks past ignoring the two; Sweiza finishes their conversation.

"Oh knight; you embarrassed me back there."

"I, um, I; said, well that, um..."

"Your crush needs to stop."

"Um, yes, but, I-"

"I have a boyfriend."

"Oh."

He regains his composure and stands up stiff in his coffin; he regains his dignity and marches back to formation.

She lets out a snicker and follows quickly behind.

The group around them says nothing.

---

It starts to rain overhead.

One of the girls lets out an 'you cannot be serious.'

A few of them had umbrellas; one of them walks over to shield Sweiza from the rain.

Two of the girls did not have anything and a knight unhooks his mantle and throws it at them.

They grab the cloak and cover their heads upright.

---

The day passes on and the lead knight stops.

He faces the group.

"We can set up camp here. Two of us will stand guard in two hour shifts while everyone else sleeps."

They used a combination of rope, secured branches, the knights's mantles, and smaller trees to create a makeshift leanto. It fell apart and had to be rebuilt several times during the night; greatly hindering their sleep and stamina the next day.

As morning approached their group did not move, but rather settled in further as the rain lessened and gave way to mild drizzle.

Sweiza woke up once during mid-morning, saw two knights standing guard and at once went back to sleep.

She wakes up again and walks up to one of the knights; he turns around and she motions for him to come closer. She whispers something in her ear. He looks at her in disbelief.

"Well?"

"Well what?"

Her face flushes red. She walks from the group and he follows. He is the only just visible through the trees in the distance to the other knight. They both walk back to the group.

She gives a slight bow and goes back to the leanto.

The other knight walks to the other knight.

"What was-"

"She had to relieve herself and needed a bodyguard."

The other knight says nothing and resumes his post.

---

They left in the afternoon, delayed by more heavy rainfall.

---

The Temple for the Goddess of the Harvest

---

Valkyrie appears and the knights (all male) stand to attention.

Valkyrie decrees that three of them will be knighted valkyrie in training for the upcoming battle.

Sweiza was left to congratulate her comrades at having passed their test. They were knighted Valkyrie in training. Their presence was shown with the temple flashing gold, gold flames everywhere and Valkyrie standing before them. The four young girls that failed the test would be considered keepers of tradition and make the yearly trek to pray for the harvest; much to Sweiza's disappointment. Valkyrie tells them that they may stay for the next three nights to gain favor with the goddess of earth and otherwise bless the harvest.

Sweiza, being a farmer's daughter and not much for the way things are going, decides to camp outside tonight. A figure, more of a shadow, appears before her in the middle of the night.

"Who are you?"

"I am Valkyrie; why do you camp outside young maiden, you should be with your friends."

"They are not my friends."

"If they are not your friends, then why do you travel with them so?"

"To gain favor with the goddess of earth and bless the harvest."

"This is a tradition you respect, is it not?"

"Yes it is."

"Do you know why it is a tradition?"

"Alas, the scrolls of old have been lost and it is but mere legend; we live here out of tradition and rumor that the land is foul. The land is riddled with death and the goddess of earth blesses the land so that we may continue the cycle of nature."

"A wise proverb, recited throughout the ages. I will leave you to your slumber child."

Sweiza barely recognizes the figure, but distinctly hears the sound of ironclad footsteps walk in the distance; she last remembers the howl of a wolf as an omen and the moon overhead before sleep overtakes her.

That night she appears in the dreamworld in a confused state; black space and starscape surround her as she attempts to move and only floats aimlessly. The god of the dreamworld appears before her.

"It is the Zenith. Your test is about to begin child. Are you prepared?"

"No."

The god of the dreamworld, a trickster, now appears before her in the guise of a wolf.

"You come on the annual pilgrimage, seeking favor and fertility with the land and you are not prepared? This is most amusing. Tell me more."

Sweiza says nothing.

"You are aware of the punishment that may ensue for stirring the wrath of a god, do you not?"

Sweiza says nothing.

"Very amusing indeed. You have surely heard of me indeed."

The starscape changes and a field of ice and tundra appear before her. The biting cold nips her ears and otherwise teases her senses. Above her is the aurora and the the distinct shine of their planet's second, but distant sun "Angol".

A giant throne of ice appears before her; the trickster god crosses his legs and waives his hand; Sweiza is forced to her knees by sharp wind.

"I am Demi; trickster lord, god of nightmares, servant of death and he that rides the wind of night. I control the winds of fate; state your desire child and they are yours."

Sweiza says nothing; but a smile creeps across the demi-god's face.

"You wish to be servant of Valkyrie and heir to traditions of old, long and forgotten."

The bitter wind nips her face; her face flushes red and she wells back the tears. Her most private wishes had been violated; and now she stands at the humility of the god of tricks and nightmares.

"Prestigious you want to be, and held in high esteem of your village. You wish to be a servant of good and otherwise protect the peace."

The tears well; her chagrin peaks and her tears burst forth as her voice echoes cries of violent emotion.

"What do you want?!"

"The better question, Sera, is what do you desire? What are your deepest and darkest fantasies?"

If it was a trick, it was lost on the pestilence before her. The demi-lord was now tempting fate and how far he could induce Sera's tantrums and most selfish of desires. In a strange twist of fate, an icycle appears in her hands and she dashes at the demi-god.

"You cannot be bloody serious. Of all of the accursed things, you choose this?"

The ice, of his own creation, was her desire; it had appeared in her hands and she dashed with it straight into the god. She pushed it deep within his chest cavity. Blood, as cold as ice, had come forth and frozen. Her face is now inches from his and she gives him those bitter words, colder than his own ice.

"Go to hell."

He rolls his eyes and waives his hand. She's pushed backwards, into a heap; he pulls out the ice shard and heaves it to the ground.

"The punishment for attacking a god, is death. You've chosen your fate."

As she turns around, she feels the pain of several cold needles pierce her skin. Her fate was obvious, she stirred the wrath of a god and suffered the punishment as such - thousands of ice shards had formed into several large icycles that pierced her body. As the blood rushes from her body and she slowly loses consciousness; the laughs of the demi-god echo in the distance.

She awakens in the middle of the night. She is sitting next to the outskirts of the temple, facing the mountains further up north. The moon shines through the trees and her peripheral vision picks up a figure standing next to her.

"You had a bad dream."

Sweiza was not impressed by the words of the figure before her; it no longer mattered if this was a dream or not. Sweiza struggles to get to her feet as the figure approaches her.

"Your trial is not over Sweiza."

"Wait!"

The broadswide of Valkyrie's lance swings into Sweiza's neck and she crumples to a heap on the ground.

Sweiza awakens in a golden hall; brass lamps and gold flame illuminate the cathedral composed of otherwise golden granite; a rug points the way to the exit.

"On your feet elf."

She freezes.

"NOW!"

She stands to her knees; she is facing the exit.

"Turn around."

She turns around, there are two thrones; one has a young man, another has a more matured woman.

"Youth and beauty," says the man, "age and wisdom," says the woman.

Seconds feel like an eternity. The man speaks up.

"You fail Sweiza."

"A fate far worse than death awaits you."

The woman's words echo the cathedral; Valkyrie steps from the shadows. The woman snaps her fingers and Valkyrie removes her helmet. A skull stares back at Sweiza. She starts backing to the door; instead her legs buckle from under her and she's brought to her hands and knees. She tries to move; her hands fill with great pain; when she looks down to them, her hands are missing flesh and are only bone. They move. She screams.

She wakes up from her dream again. Again Valkyrie stands before her. Her lance points to her chin.

"It would do you well not to stir the wrath of the gods, you are but an elf and a child in the cosmic scheme of things. Do you know what fate awaits you as Valkyrie?"

"I don't want to be Valkyrie anymore!"

Valkyrie removes her lance.

"That is too bad."

Fear now fills the girl. For the first time in her life, she felt real fear. The figure before her was not as benevolent as the tales of her youth and kinfolk had told her.

"Valkyrie is a warrior."

Valkyrie turns around and sheaths her lance.

"Do you have any questions for me?"

Sweiza passes out.

She awakens in a strange hall; as if composed of sword and stone in the shape of a palace; lights and torches adorn walls and chests. Strange shapes animate themselves across tapestries adorning the walls. Stars appear in the windows, but they are unfamiliar to her in this strange castle.

Near one of the larger windows, facing a terrace, is a man viewing a telescope. He wears a strange hat and even stranger trenchcoat. He notices her presence and approaches.

"Ah yes, young lass. What brings you here?"

"Should I be afraid of you?"

He straigtens his glasses and scowls.

"What have those morons been doing to you anyway?"

She didn't know what to say to that. Valkyrie suddenly appears before him. She swings her lance and he catches it with his hand.

"That wasn't called for."

His other hand lights up with fire and he launches it at the ironclad warrior; the smell of burnt armor and oil fills the air. Valkyrie bows and sheaths her lance. She remains present. She whispers something into his ear. He blurts "Sweiza" outloud; this has Sweiza's attention.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

"What the hell kind of name is Sweiza?"

Valkyrie says nothing. He turns to face Sweiza.

"You've been through a great deal already. Eight trials?"

Valkyrie corrects him, "Three."

"Three is it? That's a bit out of order, normally I'm closer to the last of the roundup."

His speaking was odd to Sweiza; he spoke casual with some kind of familiarity and otherwise wasn't phased by what was going on.

"Well then, I'll try and make this brief; you are in for a very long night Sweiza."

Her mouth drops into a small o-shape, and her disbelief at what was going on. This man acted like some kind of benevolent god compared to what she'd been through. He leans into Valkyrie and his random questions escape Sweiza; they take the form of whispers. He turns around to Sweiza, smiles slightly, asks more questions to Valkyrie and otherwise turns around again and gives her this 'oh god' face.

"You're an idiot."

Sweiza pretty much shrinks in place at the comment; she still said nothing.

"I've had about two or three like you before; they weren't to be Valkyrie though. Normally they become like a priestess or something. Valkyrie, you can leave. I'll help this girl."

"Thank you sir." Valkyrie bows and walks into the fade of oblivion.

The man walks up to Sweiza, and extends his hand. She has no idea what he wants. He grabs her hand with both and shakes it.

"You don't know this yet, but you are undergoing the trial to be Valkyrie."

She shrinks further in place.

"Don't be so shy dear; everyone has a profession they choose. I simply chose the role of scientist and scholar. Although I'm quite good at fireworks."

Flame instantly appears around his hand and disappears just as quickly.

"I can't read your mind my dear; so if you want to know something I suggest you speak up."

"Who are you?"

"Douglas, Scholar of Adavan. Chief Scholar really."

"I don't understand you."

He shakes his head and smiles.

"It has been so long since I have gotten to lecture someone, but I'll give you a rhythm."

He starts pacing back and forth and goes into an intellectual monologue.

"You are from the Dawez continent, village of Maria; rather backwater if I do say so. You have no education system to speak of, everything you believe or understand is passed down through tradition. Compared to others in the world, you are an idiot, a bonafide idiot.

She shrinks again, and keeps her mouth shut.

"Yes, yes; you would do that. You do not know about the trial of Valkyrie. You have angered the gods and they are punishing you through your trial. I assume if you pass you become Valkyrie."

She shakes her head in frustration.

"I don't want to be Valkyrie anymore! Just send me home!"

"That's too bad my dear. You have only undergone three of twelve trials. You will undergo nine more before you are released from your duty."

There was just that look on Sweiza's face like she was being beaten into the ground.

"It is your humility that they want."

"Just please send me home."

"I can't do that; I haven't had company for some time and I so rarely get to brag about myself."

Valkyrie appears to the side and between them.

"It would seem this trial is over. If you have any other questions..."

Nothing comes to Sweiza's mind.

"So be it then. Goodbye."

He turns around and walks towards a window.

"Shall we be going?"

"What? I-"

The ground shatters beneath her and she falls for a time.

---

A massive city, white limestone and towers plentiful, with gardens and other planets (noteably creeping ivy) either adorning the towers or draping over the walls; was ever present as far as the horizon appeared. Sweiza had heard of this city in legends; some of her people had been to it.

Valkyrie appears before her.

"Do you have any questions for me - oh young Valkyrie in training?"

The title did not amuse, nor did it impress Sweiza.

"Why don't you kill yourself?"

"I gave up the right to death in the name of Valkyrie."

Sweiza's tone changed.

"That's not what I..."

She changes her tone again.

"Seriously; kill yourself. Your worthless. Get me out of here, NOW!"

"A fate far worse than death awaits you with this attitude - cautious you should be."

"I don't need your help!"

"Fine then; suit yourself. You are on your own."

Valkyrie does not bow. This time she gives a look of disgust at the young girl and walks off.

"Bitch!"

She sticks her tongue out at Valkyrie as she fades into the distance.

She mutters to herself, "I don't care if I'm stuck in this place." She crosses her arms and lets out a snort.

"Such a rude little girl."

"What?"

She turns around and feels a great pain her thigh. She feels the scuffle of strong hands grabbing her and more pain hitting her body. She is pulled to her feet before she passes out. The last thing she distinctly hears is, "You are hardly innocent."

---

Some say that there are horrors far worse than death. For as long as she could remember, life was stern, stubborn, but innocent and full of duty without remorse; that was until the night she was caught by a band of thieves. She was repeatedly beaten, gagged and whipped that night until she willingly gave sex. The rape of Sweiza marked the night she was stripped of any remorse for rejecting tradition and wanted to die.

Towards dawn Valkyrie appears inside Sweiza's cell. A half-conscious Sweiza recognizes Valkyrie, but just barely. Admist her half-coherent words, Valkyrie distinctly hears, "kill me"; Valkyrie turns around and feels a tug on her mantle. "Please." Sweiza wasn't distressed, but begging.

Valkyrie gives a weak smile.

"You will experience a fate far worse than death, oh young Valkyrie in training. You will be more cautious in the future and listen to your elders, yes?"

Sweiza nods.

"Please wait here, I have a matter of some urgency."

Sweiza sees a flash from Valkyrie's lance; Valkyrie walks through the large gash in the wall and former door. Sweiza hears the screams of men in the distance. Reality slowly fades, she is left to mull her fate. She was a priestess in training, but had committed the ultimate taboo of losing her purity and innocence before five pilgrimages time. She would lose the pride and respect that came with it; most likely in addition to the pride and respect that would be so showered by her people.

This day, was a nightmare, in Sweiza's mind; far worse than death. Valkyrie reappears and Sweiza loses consciousness. Her last words were, 'help me...please'.

---

Sweiza is in a massive garden. She recognizes the temple for the annual pilgrimmage of her village. Trees sway in the wind and massive ferns and other shrubs block her path. They willingly part as she walks forward. A woman, of plant flesh, leaves and vines of hair, wearing plant clothing and what was most definitely boots made of tree trunk; sits from her throne of vines and thorns. She speaks to Sweiza.

"Humility is your virtue; humble in your traditions and those that pass before you; blasphemous to any outside your own beliefs. You are a stubborn child not worthy of priestess of tradition; nor are you worth much as a hand-maiden to the same."

It was clear.

Sweiza drops to her knees. She speaks; the goddess interrupts her.

"Blasphemous to any outside of your traditions. Passionate you are; but humility you must endure."

"Wait! Forgive me, I didn't mean to-"

"You are banished from my garden and temple forever. Never show your face again."

"But, I was-"

"Leave, NOW!"

Sweiza scrambles to her feet and bows, hands together; chagrin hidden, but clear:

"I am not worthy of hand-maiden; I have offended the goddess of my people; I am a weed in your garden and not worthy."

She turns around, lets down another bow and leaves. The shrubs and hedges before her close as quickly as they part.

In the distance, the trees and other plants hear her cries of dismay as the tears do not stop. Three years of her life had been wasted to get to this point.

---

Reality distorts and many landscapes form, but fail to take shape. Reality shatters like glass and reforges the same. Sweiza at one point feels as if her body was something else. She slips in and out of consciousness. She finally comes to in a chamber of ever changing square and rectangular form. A sphere whirs in from the distance and pauses in front of her; it lets out a hum as it hovers.

"Do you have any questions young one?"

"I have been rejected by the goddess of fertility. I am a waste and not worthy."

"Perhaps, but there are many events in the grand scheme of things which are quite small. Do you have any questions?"

"No."

"As you wish."

The orb picks up momentum and whirs off. Reality finally takes shape around Sweiza in a new environment.

---

Sweiza appears seated at a table. It is empty. A voice rings through the hall.

"Do you hunger?"

"No."

"Do you thirst?"

"No."

Food, water and feast all appear before her. The empty hall adorns itself with tapestries and the like.

Another voice; a familiar one - Valkyrie; sounds behind her.

"Eat child; you've earned it."

Sweiza's head turns around to Valkyrie.

"I'm tired."

"Do not make demands of the powers that be."

Valkyrie stands behind Sweiza in silence as the girl stuffs her face in a less than dignified fashion. Her wounds and chagrin disappear as if by some unseen force. Her mind reverts to a giddy child by the time of the last bowl; she stops and turns to Valkyrie.

"The iron-clad warrior is hungry?"

Valkyrie says nothing and the scenery fades.

"Wait."

Valkyrie appears before her again.

"You were hungry, right?"

"Sometimes."

Valkyrie fades again.

---

Sweiza appears a few feet from the ground below her; the ground looked weird - shiny rock - much like the steel swords she'd seen before. She drops to the ground and dusts herself off; once on her feet she is greeted to lightning and thunder in the distance. Lightning strikes overhead and hits a large mast; it repeats the procedure around the enbankment. All she could see was clouds all around her. She walks to the edge of the platform expecting ocean, instead all she sees is more clouds. There was interestingly enough an aurora further in the sky still. Her assumption was that they were up in the sky. She buckles to her knees at first and finally regains her landlegs. She'd been on ships before, and this platform did rock and sway every so slightly, but not enough to gain much notice.

There is no one there to greet her. She wanders the platform a bit, finds several closed windows - among other things; but finds no entrance. She sees glowing lights on the doors, hesitant to touch them at first; she finally gives in with no other choice - she hadn't been killed yet.

The door slides open. Inside is a family at a table; they turn in surprise at the girl. One of the members of the family looks at her, lets out a shriek and hits something next to the door - it slams shut in Sweiza's face.

"I didn't mean it."

She says it to the door and no one else in particular.

"If that was your intent, than no harm done."

"Valkyrie, I wish you would not sneak up behind me."

"I cannot appear before you when your face is to a door."

Sweiza turns around; her face flushed red again.

"Young Valkyrie in training will accompany me to central control."

"Where are we?"

"A weather station; one of many that helps control the world's weather."

"Are we in the sky?"

"Yes."

"Is this where you live?"

"No."

"Why am I here?"

Valkyrie stops and looks down at Sweiza.

"One would think it was obvious by now; you have passed inauguration as hand-maiden; you are being escalated to Valkyrie as origially invested."

"I don't want to be Valkyrie."

Valkyrie says nothing.

They approach a stairway shaft. An orb, similar to one as before, appears before them. It emits a red light at Valkyrie. It lets out a chirp; it whirs to Sweiza, lets out a red beam and lets out a buzzing noise.

"She's with me."

The orb lets out another chirp; it sounded almost puzzled. It jumps and darts in front of Sweiza a few times and then sends out another red light. It lets out another buzz.

"What's going on?"

Valkyrie looks down at Sweiza.

"There are some things you are not meant to understand from this one's mouth. You may ask later."

"I want to know now!"

The orb lets out another red scan and buzz and finally sents out an electrical current at Sweiza. She jumps; but it overloads her senses and she passes out.

"Absolutely brilliant."

---

Sweiza finally comes to. She sees strange stars housed in chambers. A few golems were walking about. She jumps up when she sees them. Several orbs whir by her; they emit the same red light; this time they let out a chirp as the light appears. Whatever it was, was now over.

Valkyrie approaches.

"It is easier to approach you if you do not pass out."

Sweiza sticks her tongue out at Valkyrie.

"Due to the nature of this trial and the fact it was the orb's error; you have been granted an automatic pass. Those that assist central control appologize for the inconvenience. They also want you to have this."

Valkyrie hands Sweiza a slip of paper.

"What is this?"

Several orbs appear, let out a pop and confetti flies around them.

Valkyrie rolls her eyes.

"Keep it safe; but now is not the time."

The orbs whir on the ground to clean the confetti up. It took all of ten seconds.

"Why are they..."

Several dozen orbs fly around her; Valkyrie backs up.

"Your next trial Sweiza. Fair thee well."

"Wait, I don---"

She feels an electrical current pulse in her body; not strong as before, but enough to jostle her loose and into unconsciousness.

---

Before she regains her senses, Sweiza is on a strange ship. It was made of the same material of stone and sword; yet it also moved under its own power in the water surrounding them. A multitude of these ships, thousands, moved in formation. Above her similar, but smaller structures boar the sound of thunder as they plowed the skies. The sound was deafening. She hears metal greaves behind her; it was definitely a knight of some sort, but it looked weird. His eyes glowed yellow. Only, when it spoke it sounded more like a sword; more clanging of sword came from its mouth. It finally spoke in a strange voice that sounded like thunder, only weaker.

"You are one of three chosen of twelve; defended by three and chosen for twelve. You will accompany us."

She didn't say anything. This creature was almost romantic, but terrifying at the same time.

"You will come with us, or force will be used to bring you forcibly. As future Valkyrie you have little choice in this matter."

"Are you a sword?"

The creature answers; "I am both sword and sentinel; human. I am here to escort you to our leader. You have business as future Valkyrie. You will comply or be subdued."

"Okay, okay."

She winces at this foreboding creature; but comes along anyway. They step onto a strange light emitting emblem on the ground and Sweiza suddenly finds herself next to another ship. They walk along a multitude of these pads and jump from one ship to the next.

"Do you have a name?"

The sentinel stops and his head turns.

"I am one of seven of the third fleet of naval origin. I have been assigned as your escort. Please continue, we have a long way to go."

He does not wait up for further questions. Two hours elapse as they move from ship to ship.

"One of seven of third fleet of naval origin... wait! WAIT! STOP!"

The sentinel stops once he hears her voice.

"One of seven of third fleet of naval origin... I'm tired."

"I will never understand you humans; you cannot recharge your internal metabolisms as you move. You need to shutdown for seven hours each night. You are indeed a strange species."

"This wouldn't be a problem if we could jump straight to the ship."

"Be that as it may; I am also capable of transforming and taking us there."

"What?"

He transforms into a strange flying machine that hovers from the ground.

"Why didn't you do this sooner?!"

She walks up and punches him; pain rings through her hand. This was clearly a mistake, but the sentinel is unphased. He transforms back into a bipedal knight.

"Because, you did not ask - and because I am forbidden when future Valkyrie undergoes her trial."

Her face shakes red and violent.

"You are to understand the hardships of each trial or learn from your mistakes accordingly."

"Why do you talk so?"

The sentinel answers.

"I so rarely get company; I speak frequently and almost non-stop with my own kind. I rarely get to see humans..."

"I'm an elf."

"Pointed ears or no; you are still human; you share a common ancestor."

"What? Wait. Do you know the history of..."

"Time for this in the future and a different place; human."

"We will meet again?"

There was hope in her voice; although she tried not to show it. She liked this knight.

"Time and fate permitting; I will submit an application to my superior."

Her eye twitches.

"Also; I like how long you take to say my name - my kind says this with a single chirp."

He lets out a chirp; which is presumably his name.

"We oscillate different notes and waveforms to dicate our name. We are however, at an end to this conversation. A pity."

They were before a large tower on one of the larger ships. Sweiza had not been paying attention; they had been walking again - but she was too enthralled by this knight.

"I bid you farewell human."

He transforms and a large burst of magic, the light of a torch; jumps from what should have been his boots. He literally lunges into the sky and disappears. He was a strange creature indeed.

The door to the tower opens. She walks in; several stairs leading in different directions, both up and down await her. Another sentinel appears before her.

"To your left and up."

She looks up at the sentinel. His arms were crossed and his foot was tapping. He was growing impatient; he points up and to the left.

"Up and to your left miss. You must hurry. You are delaying me and several others by standing here."

"Yes, but..."

"Up and to your left please."

He walks forward and starts nudging her; he finally pushes her and she starts walking. He continues following her as several other sentinels also follow behind.

"Why are they following us?"

"They are not; they have business elsewhere and are on duty."

The rest of the trip is spent in silence; the sentinel however, lets out several consistent chirps along the way. Sweiza trips at one point and the sentinel grabs her to her feet.

"Your servoes appear faulty. I recommend you get them upgraded."

Sweiza says nothing; he makes no sense to her. She was beginning to feel like her backwater village was more than just backwater in the scheme of things.

They stop at the throne of the tower. This throneroom was different - weird archiecture was before her; the controls of a ship most definitely, but there were many instruments, almost like a compass that were before her. Windows surrounded them on all sides. Swords hilted next to many of the compasses were also all about. She lets out a squeak when a hand rests on her shoulder. The sentinel points to her right at a sentinel in the distance; it was larger than the rest. It was red and had a distinct beard and moustache.

"What the hell?"

She mutters to noone but herself.

"He can be."

"What?!"

She turns around at the sentinel; that seemed to be smiling.

"He is on holiday when he is drunk."

"What the f--"

The sentinel escorts, rather pushes her forward and then backs away. She turns around, but he is gone. Instead she is before the great sentinel. He does not move, but rather his voice is louder than the other sentinels before.

"Young Valkyrie; what is it you wish?"

"I am not a Valkyrie!"

"Soon to be, young Valkyrie; what is your wish?"

"Will I get to see one of seven of..."

"Your application has been submitted and will not be approved without due process. What is your next wish?"

"What are you?"

"I am a machine."

"Are you male and female?"

"We are seven."

"What?"

"One is a gender. Two is a gender. Three is a gender. I am three of seven of..."

"Oh..."

"Our society is determined by social caste."

"What?"

"Each gender has a role they serve for life. One of seven is what you know as both a male and a knight; he is considered what you call a scout..."

"And you are...?"

"You interrupt too much."

"You are too long winded old-man."

His laughter fills the tower. Several machines stop what they are doing. Clicks and chirps surround the room. The master sentinel lets out a roar of thunder and they all stop clicking and chirping and proceed back to what was presumably their duties.

"In your tongue you are too impatient; but trust me; these machines around you are far long winded than a lifetime of your longest winded scholars."

He lets out another roar of thunder.

The machine says nothing; he finally smashes his hand on his chair-arm.

"Ask your next question."

She seems puzzled.

"Why are you so..."

"One cannot get enough of your kind. So rarely we run into you; you communicate only as you need to or simply do not at all - and always to the point."

"WHAT?!"

Her face flushes red.

"These rusty nails around me spend a life time communicating and never get to the point. I am probably the best communicator here."

Her flabbergasted coughs finally escape. The machine lets out another thunderous laugh and more clicking and chirping takes place. This time it doesn't stop; nor does the master sentinel stop them. She finally gets it.

"I'm tired!"

"We do not have what you call beds. We are solar powered and driven by batteries in times of need."

"I'm hungry!"

"Mech-fluid is not for sentients."

"What?"

"We are sentinel; you are sentient. This is very amusing."

Her face flushes red again.

"Do forgive me; but we have kept you long enough from your next trial."

Sweiza's red face doesn't deter him. He points to her right; she looks over and sees Valkyrie.

"Valkyrie wait! I don't want to go!"

It was half whimsical and pleading, half begging and enthralled.

Valkyrie shakes her head at the sentinel.

"The sentinel lets out a chirp at Valkyrie. She says nothing. He lets out more laughter as reality shatters around them.

---

When Sweiza wakes up she sees the night sky and several shooting stars. She frantically looks for her hands and finally seems them under the moonlight. Her hands are once again flesh and bone. She lets out a sigh of relief. The clouds overhead lift and she can see she is in the middle of a town. However, the structures are aged and dilapitated. She is left alone, but can hear the rustling of something in the distance. She hears footsteps behind her. She turns around, but nothing. She turns around to face the rusting and still sees nothing. This goes on for several minutes as her pulse and blood pressure jump. She feels it skyrocket when the clouds once again part and she hears an owl in the distance.

She doesn't know what to do and wants to cry herself to sleep; only this foreboding seems very real. Fear overrides intelligence and she's left to run. The town stretches on forever and she finds herself right back where she started; only it was slightly different.

"A maze?"

She didn't understand what this was.

"Valkyrie?! HELP ME!"

Valkyrie appears before her and bows.

"What is your desire young one?"

"What is this?"

"You are in the ghost town of a once great civilization. They performed experiments on themselves a long time ago to prolong long life. They succeeded at the expense of being turned into creatures of the night."

"Gargoyle?"

"Yes, and then some."

Sweiza is left in silence.

"They are mindless creatures of the night. Some, if their will is strong enough, will take the form of man. However, none approach. You were never meant to undergo this trial at night young one."

"What?"

"Pass."

It was all Valkyrie said and everything goes black.

"Valkyrie, wait."

Valkyrie appears before her again.

"Please don't go. I'm scared."

"Alright."

---

"An inferno?"

It was desert most definitely but a strange one; to her right was nothing more than volcanoes and magma lakes with lava rivers flowing here and there. She was in the sand and at the edge of this borderland; to her left seemed a great civilization was or bits and pieces of one was here and there. To her left statues, pyramids and strange structures littered the distance. Cliffs with moving sand waterfalls were here and there; the air was either humid or dry depending on the direction of the wind - it seemed to change frequently. This strange land left Sweiza confused.

"Our world's greatest civilization built from nothing."

"Valkyrie, is this hell?"

"I will walk with you for a time. We must hurry; these outskirts are prone to acid rain. You will be burned and risk death if you are out here for too long."

Sweiza could smell brimstone.

"Valkyrie, are we in hell? Why am I being punished?"

"The answer to your question; both, is no."

"Valkyrie, why would anyone live here?"

"You can see that for yourself."

Sweiza didn't know what she meant.

"They are here because they are here."

Her answer made sense, but not quite. Valkyrie was not going to explain herself further. They walked in silence for what seemed an hour crossing several bridges - the first with a magma river; and then another with sand.

"How is it that the sand flows so well here?"

"It is a form of water, mud and sand mixed into one. Beyond the dunes is a jungle."

"What?"

"Beyond that jungle is your home. You pray to the goddess of the harvest for prosperity in that region."

"And beyond that region is this..."

Sweiza was in wonderment. This was quite the opposite of what she was used to. She was now glad her people made the yearly pilgrimage.

Thunder arose in the distance; they were quickly approaching a massive crystal structure. A gate drops before them and they enter. Sweiza turns around to see sand falling in the distance; more importantly the gate was rising. She could hear the ground around her rumbling. She looks at Valkyrie.

"Whats going on?"

"We are sinking beneath the sand."

"I don't want to die!"

"This civilization lives above and below ground depending on the area and weather. Gaze in awe young Sweiza."

Valkyrie smiled for once; she was clearly more than just a foreboding creature from above.

They pass several rooms; statues beside each entrance along a great violet rug - they make their way to a grand hall in the distance. The area is familiar and seems to be much like the gold hall she was in on a previous trial. She realizes she is in the midst of another trial.

A man on a thrown claps at her arrival.

"Well done."

Is all he says.

"What?"

The floor beneath Sweiza shatters and she falls into oblivion.

---

Valkyrie appears yet again next to Sweiza and asks her if she got the answers that she needed. This time Sweiza does something different - she steps forward and dashes the Valkyrie. Her lance was at the ready.

"Your time isn't yet - young one."

Sweiza doesn't have enough time to react; instead, she gets sucked into the void that Valkyrie's lance rips open. Sweiza's screams exit the void as she free falls into oblivion.

"Your journey is only beginning."

Valkyrie disappears into the distance.

---

After free falling for what seems like forever, but roughly only thirty seconds; Sweiza's fall slowly lightens and she remains suspended in air. Slowly, lights illuminate the distance. Streaks of light speed by her, lights in the distance strobe, and strange patterns slowly strobe and illuminate the distance. Before her, stands a great building, slowly revealed with the light to be a giant statue. It's voice fills the void as if thunder.

"Ask your questions young one."

Sweiza says nothing, but thinks better of it considering the being before her.

"Return me to my village, NOW."

Valkyrie appears beside her.

"Odin will do no such thing young one. You have been chosen, as have two others from your village. You will do the bidding of Odin."

Odin; the accursed one and most powerful god in the Universe. The one with full knowledge to manipulate space and time and he was here before her.

"I don't want to die!"

Sweiza breaks down crying. Odin's mechanical and ominous laughter fills the distance and switches to something far more electric.

"You speak as if I'm punishing you."

Sweiza doesn't say anything.

"You've passed young one."

Valkyrie smiles at her, bows at her lord and walks away.

Complete confusion sweeps over Sweiza. She had just been through hell, surely this malevolent being before her was going to punish her more.

"What do you want from me?"

"Your dedication, loyalty and devotion - Young Sweiza Serif of the backwater village. You are full of angst and represent this emotion well - show it to the world in servitude under me.

"You ass!"

More of his laughter rumbles into the distance and a grand city of strange stone and metal architecture appears.

"Since you have no questions - I will tell you of your place in the universe. You are before the god Odin; I am the supreme being and ruler of the Universe. I am the accursed one that hung from the tree of life Ymir; I have the knowledge of everything from the fruit of wisdom. Your job as per your traditions of your backwater village and choice made by y-o-u-r-s-e-l-f is servitude under me. You will comply."

"You are no god; you are an ass of the worst sort! You take young maidens and punish them for your own amusement - You are nothing but a joke and will return me to my village NOW!"

More malevolent laughter reverberates and echos throughout the distance.

"Perhaps you have changed your mind."

"I have."

Valkyrie was standing next to her again.

"You are a very selfish girl Sweiza."

"I didn't ask to be punished - Valkyrie."

"Oh? And here I thought Valkyrie was a knighted maiden, brave and strong - she gives the world truth, virtue and justice while bringing good deeds to the people of the planet. She is the chosen one by Odin."

Sweiza faces Odin.

"Why don't you go f--"

The statue's eyes glow red and his voice thunders in the distance.

"I would watch your tone child. I can show you what real terror is. The trials you have undergone are only a test of what you're going to endure."

"I don't want to be Valkyrie."

Two of the chosen maidens of ten appear along side her. Knighted as Valkyrie; they are clad in armor, but of different design and color than the Valkyrie the village was accustomed to.

Their voices chime with clairvoyance and understanding.

"Sweiza is a child."

"You are a disappointment to your village."

Sweiza does not challenge her own kin.

Odin's voice rings throughout the distance.

"Young Sweiza Serif has loyalty after all."

"My loyalty is to my village."

"Then so be it."

Dark indigo and black armor adorned with gold trim appears around her.

"Your name henceforth is ANGST. Now begone."

"I d-..."

Sweiza's body is pushed out of existence. She reappears on the outskirts of village. Was it a dream?

She looks down. It was no dream; she was still in the armor. On her shoulder, now catching her attention, was the name Sweiza; on the other was "ANGST".

Valkyrie appears before her.

"You will perform basic sentry for your village. You will look back on this and realize how stupid you were to defy Odin."

"I will do no such thing. My duty is to my village only - that's what I chose."

"It is what you chose, isn't it?"

Sweiza feels a great electrical energy fill her body and she yelps.

"If you move beyond the borders of your village, you will understand what true pain and agony is."

Sweiza charges Valkyrie with her lance; Valkyrie steps aside and swings the broadside of her lance at Sweiza's backside; Sweiza topples to the ground, but when she turns around she is frightened by a far more sinister sight - Valkyrie's lance points down at Sweiza.

"Do you have any questions young Valkyrie?"

Sweiza turns away from the lance.

"No..."

"You defy Odin and lie to Valkyrie."

"I'm not li..."

Valkyrie's lance inches closer to Sweiza.

"I will be performing sentry duties with you. Should you have any questions during that time I will be at your service. I suggest you get some sleep - you have been through a rough day. Good night - Angst."

"My name is Sweiza!"

Sweiza nearly trips as she scrambles to her feet. The armor was heavier than it looked.

She did have on question; she frowns while she says it.

"What is your name?"

"I am known as 'Strife'."

"What?"

Valkyrie's mood lightens; she knew damn well where this was going.

"You are the Valkyrie known as Angst; I am known as Strife. I am pleased to both work and meet with you Sweiza."

"No, that's not wh-"

"If you want to know my name; earn my respect first."

"Well, I..."

"I am so tired after today, Angst. Please allow me to sleep."

"I will."

Valkyrie bows and hands her lance to the ground before Angst.

"Thank you."

Valkyrie walks up to a tree, slides down the trunk and slumps to the ground. Her eyes were fast asleep.

Sweiza didn't know what to think at this point.

"Absolutely ridiculous."

---

There was one last order of business though. She opens the note from Lester.

"YOU!"

It was a drawing; Lester was holding the peace sign asking for Sweiza's autograph.

---

"Dear diary; today I have met the god of creation "Odin". Odin is not as menacing as legends describe; he is far more malevolent with his sense of humor. I have been given no choice as to my fate - I have chosen my fate based on the traditions of my people. Instead, I have been given a sick sense of irony at the hands of my 'creator'. Strangely enough; Valkyrie, when she is being personable, is as legend describes. It would seem as if my punishments do not end and I am branded with the name 'Angst'. I hate this name as much as I hate the ritual of Valkyrie. It is not fair that I should be adorned with these duties and rights of passage at the hands of a spell that wasn't described by tradition and legend. This is not the fate I want, I want out. Yet when I choose my fate according to my will, I am in fact a slave to a supreme authority.

I am at least a slave to assisting my village. However, there have been no threats for the last two centuries. I suppose this is why. I can only wonder what fate and 'Odin' have in store for me. It however, looks as if Valkyrie will be my friend.

Lester had better be taking care of my shit while I'm gone!

Love Sweiza."