"Listen..." I start with a sigh as I impatiently tapped a claw, "Whatever is going on, I'm sure there are good reasons... As stupid as it sounds to me... But, can you just forgive her if she has done anything...? I don't know what I would do without her..."
And when I got no answer from my prayer, I pulled myself up to my knees. Wiping away what few tears did come out before I just stared at the statues. Sighing with explicit depressing sadness before I looked at the floor again. My claws were still clutched together, so maybe I still had something in me...?
"Okay, look, if she truly has done something, lay it on me instead! Come on... Thought after what I've done that it must account to something!" I begged once more before I rose in frustration. Tsking at the statues before I sharply turned around and moved to leave. Only to stop before I went past even the first pillar of the temple interior. I didn't hit it hard, but, it was loud enough to echo.
My friends and I have had several extensive talks, but I just can't stop thinking about it. Every day was anguish without Lari. Especially when one considered how she was under threat. And, I was forced by circumstance to stay here within this school...
The man who had hurt her and was still hurting her was over there! In the great city of brass that hated me just like here! I should do something! Yet, Lari was not the only one I cared for.
I may have loved her dearly unlike everyone else, but, I did care for them. So, I slowly started walking again until the Orbital-Halo brightened my view. And, before me, was the people of my dorm. All gathered together for what was formerly meant to be a private thing.
"Hurry up, Nin!" Vadei called out as her tail wagged excitedly while she also hid herself protectively. Which, made her stand in complete contrast to Rose who flaunted about without a care. She lived for the attention and was enjoying every bit she got dressed like that. Einervaene, on the other claw, wanted some privacy as her body was burning up.
"Should've whispered quieter..." Liada comments as she joins me after having gone to a statue of her god. She was very glad one was here. Yet, everyone else who used the temple was confused. They had no idea where that section came from.
And, it made me smile to some extent. Such a simple thing I did has actually altered the world. I unchained a beast under a church. And, I freed a god as a result.
"Don't worry, I'll make a point of spending more time with you." I joke with a smile. Just loud enough for the others to hear so Liada could gloat. But, before I could walk down the steps. I noticed a lack of blue hair.
"What's that...?" Vadei suddenly said, but, I ignored it.
"Omb, where's Tiyanat? She not coming?" I asked the missing one's teacher.
He then shakes his head, "No, she is worried about something."
"Quiet!" Vadei snaps all of a sudden. Then, I felt a strange feeling in the air.
"Wetness?" Omb mutters quietly as we turn to the sky. Something that everyone seems to be doing at the moment. Not just us either, literally everyone I could see was.
"That's magic, isn't it...?" I mutter with some horror as an odd pressure was building. Whatever it was, it was approaching quickly.
.
.
.
"GRAND-GUARD INERISH, WE GOT INCOMING!" one of my surveillance men shouted as alarms started blaring.
"Explain!" I order as I rested a hand on my sword's pommel. Very subtly, but still very much nervously twirling its tail as I took it all in. From what I could see...
"Large, unidentified water magic source on fast approach!"
"Impact area?" I ask as this was perhaps the most important thing. Our city shields could take the blow. But, they did not extend to the Spiral Road or our neighbours.
"Directly within Suhurlodst Academy of Arcane Learning and Understanding!"
"Have they been made aware?"
"Countermeasures have been picked up!"
"Get a scout aircraft as close as you can. I want a direct feed to the anomaly." I order to all men present before I recline into my seat. Whatever measures the staff at Suhurlodst had, they would hold. Yet, I still needed an idea of how to respond to this event. This was a dangerous situation and it demanded it!
Be this either some spell intentionally fired at us or the opposite. Be it a witch of exceptional calibre either. Or, perhaps both. It all determined how I would treat this event.
For a brief moment, I folded my arms underneath my chest. Yet, I quickly shot to my feet once a human outline was finally picked up. Whoever this was, they were exceptionally powerful. And they were breaking the law in an exceptional way...
The magic in use, however, made me cautious as to what was going on. An aura of this strength to have such a distinct water influence... I dreaded one of the many answers it could be. So I started to prepare an order to be sent out.
"Target in sight, Grand-Guard Inerish!" I was then informed. And I felt my heart briefly stop as a clear visage of a spearman riding a worm filled the screen.
"GET ME THE BEST MEN YOU CAN GATHER NOW! I WILL MEET THEM DIRECTLY AT SUHURLODST!" I roared to my staff before I made way to leave.
"We can't just deploy troops into Suhurlodst Academy of Arcane Learning and Understanding without the approval of Thrur-"
And, growing impatient with their long-winded details, "That is an Ibeneroccian Worm Rider! Protocol can wait!" I snap at him before I start to run. All around me, my soldiers were reacting to the warnings and moving to get ready. And, in the immediate distance, I could hear the roar of airship engines.
However, the sudden wave of magic that suddenly pierced our walls shook us all. And, with a cold sweat on my brow, I ignored getting the rest of my gear. We needed to meet this problem now! So I snagged along what men I could and hopped on an airship.
"SUHURLODST, NOW!" I bark at the pilot before we hastily leave the hanger and zoom off. It was a rough, but quick ride and I was soon letting the wind blast me. And, in defiance of it, I shot out into it and came to a stop by some dormitory buildings. Then, I gulped nervously as I felt this power up close.
It was a debilitating experience that felt heavy and crushing. I was quick to draw my sword but my magic did not follow. If I did, he would take me as far more a threat than otherwise. Yet, that creature of his made me tempted to draw it out anyway.
And I might've done so had he not held it back with a soft bump from his spear. This creature was snapping its gaping maw at us with growing ferocity. Yet, this spearman was the complete opposite. He was calm and composed, he saw no danger ahead of him.
"DROP THE SPEAR!" one of my men snapped, their fears getting the best of them. Yet, before one of them could accidentally pull the trigger under this stressful aura. And, all it took was for me to blink. But I soon heard the rattling of guns and the sound of scrambling, hectic men.
"Why're you here!?" I asked as I raised my own sword. My eyes widened in surprise when it was suddenly whipped out of my grip. And with that I let my dark fire come out in force. If he wanted to make a mockery of our safety, we would fight.
"I seek the unharmed daughter of Lord Sl'Ayiysab." he calmly answered with a voice that pierced the chaos around him. Eventually, however, his magic began to recede and he suddenly turned. And he dropped to his knees and held aloft his spear in his palms.
"So you've arrived..." an Ibeneroccian girl with short, dull blue hair said grimfully.
"You know him?" I asked her as I picked up my sword. Only for it to suddenly slip out my grip and fly away. Almost as if it had been taken from me yet again.
"My dad has requested their help in regards to my sister..." she answered quietly before she started to sniffle in tears. The man, however, kept his submissive posture and made no further movements. Even that beast of his seemed to bend in reverence of the girl.
I know powerful families often sent their children here... But how one with this kind of backing went past me I did not know. Yet, those words he used. Unharmed...
"Is this by any chance related to the recent string of attacks by Smiling Jhurack?" I ask with some annoyance as that killer was a long-time enemy of mine. He had run circles around me my whole career and was threatening its existence. If I could not get the confidence of the Council back...
"He has been called in to deal with him... Yes..."
"So, please. For the good of the Sl'Ayiysab name, step aside." the Worm Rider tells me as he suddenly rises. And the sudden shift of tone did not go well with me.
"YOU CAN'T JUS- GAH!" I started to roar before I suddenly lost the wind in my lungs. And when I caught my breath, I realised that I had been forced away from Suhurlodst. A long trail of dug-up dirt leading all the way back there. And, on that small path of dirt between it, walked a bare-footed spearman.
"Step aside."
"NO! WAIT! JUST WAIT!" the Sl'Ayiysab daughter screamed at the spearman as she suddenly got in his way.
"I implore you to step aside, your sister is in danger." he tells her as he relaxes his posture.
"NO! YOU WOULD'VE BEEN EXPLICITLY TOLD TO LISTEN TO ME! AND YOU WILL DO JUST THAT!" she screamed furiously at him. Then, with a sudden drop, he offered his spear again. But, this time, its point was directly aimed at him.
"Of course, my apologies. Lady Tiyanat Sl'Ayiysab." he tells her with a remorseful tone. And, while this was going on in front of me. I recovered from that sudden, shocking blow.
"If he is here to resolve the incident with your sister... He will have to make a case before the City Council." I wheeze as I hold onto my sore gut.
"And he will... He will obey every standard you enforce upon him within reason and he will save my sister!" she barks with growing fury as the air becomes cold. Yet, compared to this man, she might as well have had no power at all.
However, upon noting that, I briefly smirked, "He will not be able to enter the city unless he surrenders his magic to the flow of the city. His... Worm, must also stay outside the city."
"My skill at arms will be more than sufficient, I will comply." he tells me with a humble bow as his magic starts to flow past me. All this power and he was withholding it with no aid at all!? Thrurstradtur's technology could suppress Suhurlodst in its near-entirety!
How was he able to do this!?
"Are you sure you can...? I know the stories often tell of grand spells and movements done in tandem with..."
"Do not fear for me, only expect deliverance for your sister, Lady Larishazza Sl'Ayiysab." he tells her reassuringly before he twirls his spear behind his back.
"Then, let us make way for the Witch's Gate. We can announce your arrival more properly from there." I tell him as this Tiyanat Sl'Ayiysab worriedly takes a step back. Yet, she seemed to cheer up slightly when that man's worm came to her side. However, it only perplexed me as it looked to be just a mouth with a body...
"Within the limits of your mind, inform me of the criminal who holds Lady Larishazza Sl'Ayiysab hostage." he then tells me.
"There isn't much point until the Council gives its approval."
"If it is so certain, then speak." he says as the taps of his spear suddenly become louder.
"N-Not until..." I start to nervously say as fear fills me. He so casually disarmed me that I knew only death awaited me if I provoked him.
"Regardless, my responsibilities to my Lord Sl'Ayiysab are greater than my respect for here." he warns. And, with a slow, shaky nod. My mind became set on how we would go about this. The Council had to agree to this request...
"Very well, please follow me closely." I tell him as I use my magic to wave down an aircraft.
"To taint myself like this..." the Worm Rider muttered miserably as he got on board alongside me.
.
.
.
"Assemble the Clockwork Council, now." I tell the head of the Gearkeepers. Impatiently crossing my arms as they stared back at me with a raised brow.
"And by whos authority, Grand-Guard?" the man asks back with an unimpressed attitude.
"Take a look in the main chamber, your answer is there." I spit out as this adherence to protocol was getting in my way. I had a job to protect this city and it was stopping me. I could not give the Worm Rider the right to enter the city without it!
"I don't see how..." he started to say before his expression straightened out. Then, all of a sudden, loud bells began to toll throughout the city. So many, in fact, that they could still be clearly heard even within Ihtuntar's Gaze Catcher.
"Make sure they arrive as soon as possible." I tell him before I move to leave. Only for my communicator to suddenly start going off.
"Grand-Guard Inerish, are you there?" it started off with.
"I am, what do you need?" I say as I head to a teleporter system. Using it to get back to my part of the Gaze Catcher before looking out the see-through walls.
"The Seven-Peak Union airbattleship has moved into an attack position. How should we respond?"
"Ignore it, it's just reacting to our recent arrival." I tell them as I look out at the impressive machine. Thousands of magic cannons that could somehow wipe out areas eighteen halfmans wide... Nothing was left of where these cannons hit. Thankfully, our shields were very much up.
"Royal-Custodian Galanmarck has also opened up a line, shall I transfer?" the female officer asks.
"Yes, put him through." I say with a sigh as I would need to elaborate to him. Make it clear to their side as well. Frankly, I was a little surprised he did not launch into the sky to intercept the Worm Rider... The Union was not on good terms with the Grand-Kingdom.
"Hello, Inerish, how have you been?" Galanmarck asked me with a traditionally disrespectful, casual tone. Which always meant he was worried about something.
"The Worm Rider is not here for your royal pet." I tell him as I drop into my swivel recliner. Crossing my black-booted legs once I was comfortable. Then, I switched from just hearing his voice to physically seeing the man. He could not see me, but, I preferred it this way.
"Then by right of treaty, I wish to know for the sake of His Royal Highness' safety." he says as I watch him briefly expose the emerald-haired prince. A clearly marked target if there ever was one. Many could have their hair altered by the strength of their magic, but few were born with it like that... And it was telling how much power that prince had when so much of Suhurlodst's background magic came from him.
"I take it you are aware of a certain criminal blight upon my career?" I ask him just so I could vent some built-up frustration. That smiling murderer has eluded me for too long... The press ate it up and they were on his side for all intents and purposes. By undermining me they helped him...
To think nothing of how we had so little to work with... Any leads we might've picked up lead nowhere. The suspects were all but proven innocent except for farce investigations that came as standard for stupid reasons. And to top it all off, he mocked us relentlessly by using his strange power to be so close and so far frequently...
"Smiling Jhurack?"
"Indeed."
"So, I take it the Worm Rider is here in relation to the student who was recently attacked?"
"Yes, a direct response from the father. A Lord Sl'Ayiysab." I tell him. And I did not quite expect the way he flinched when I said that name.
"Border colony nobility..." he mutters with some disdain. Then, a knock at the door on my end.
"Hold on," I say before I mute myself, "enter!"
"Grand-Guard Inerish, the Clockwork Council has assembled and await your explanation." a female staff officer tells me. Unmuting myself once she had finished speaking.
I nod at her and return my attention to Galanmarck, "I must go now, I had to call a council meeting in regards to our mutual interest."
"Then may this killer be brought in and the vanquisher depart soon." he bids before his face disappeared. However, I choose to take a moment to just reflect on what could happen. Eventually, however, with a timid nervousness, I did get up. I did not let it show, however.
It was bad enough that I had been so badly humiliated before that school by this man... The Grand-Guard of Thrurstradtur could not even fight one great witch? She could not stop one, petty criminal...? I could hear it all already...
And it frustrated me very much. Perhaps I was too sensitive to this kind of embarrassment. Maybe I have just had enough of it... I suppose it did not matter, so long as I did not let it be used against me...
But, I also had to uphold laws that allowed such vicious rumours to exist... A damning aspect of my career. I enjoyed the power that came with it so much yet the blocks were harsh and clearly labelled. I was kept low on the mountain of power due to historical lessons.
I put these thoughts to the side, however, once I reached my destination. And, in a liberal use of disrespect for the people above me. I walked in through their special entrance and used their stairs. It bothered them and I liked that.
The reactions, however, were all saved for the spearman at the centre of the grand chamber. Which was funny in its own way. A chamber built for royalty, used by a republic... And where the king's throne used to be, stood a representative of the greatest kingdom in history.
A Worm Rider of Ibenerocco.
"Grand-Guard Inerish, b-begin..." the Administrator of Finance encouraged without his usual stiff expression. He may have not had his magic power under his control... But this soldier, he had a reputation that terrified us all.
"Earlier today, the accused came forth within the limits of Thrurstradtur's airspace. Violating several laws of great importance, he then landed within the grounds of Suhurlodst." I start to explain, sort of joyful I could be so casual right now. Wind-People and their insistence on such strict naming annoyed me...
"I did not come here to face trial." the Worm Rider warned as his spear suddenly swung down and carved some stone. With it seemingly having never moved when I suddenly turned to him.
"It's just protocol..." I somewhat mockingly say as I was choosing it arbitrarily, "To get to the point, however. Worm Rider...?"
"My name is unimportant. I am here on behalf of Lord Sl'Ayiysab for the one who attacked his daughter."
"D-Didn't you c-catch him, Grand-Guard!?" the Administrator of the Arts gasped in some shock as his fat body moved erratically.
"No, as I said when we took him in, Surgeon Stolpzhen was another case of Smiling Jhurack setting someone else up. He was acquitted of all charges and currently resides within solitude by his own request."
"Ignoring your incompetence so far, Grand-Guard Inerish," the Stroke of High Noon sneers, causing me to quietly growl, "perhaps you can see us through where she has failed, Worm Rider."
"Do not associate me with your disputes." the spearman started to say before he was suddenly in front of my insulter, "Regardless of your decision, know that I shall go on to do my duty." and, all of sudden, I felt as if I was about to drown. At least, until I pushed back against this sudden force with my own magic. And, for a moment, I stood in awe as this man defied the city to command his magic once again.
The Stroke of High Noon, however, held his ground, "Then you have our approval." he tells him before he strikes with the gavel which conveyed his supreme authority. The right to dictate the decision of the whole city... A king's power...
"You spoke of a surgeon, take me to him." the Worm Rider then asks of me as he relinquishes control of his magic again.
"Of course." I say as I step aside.
.
.
.
"Just go home... Pretend none of it happened... Right...? Right?" I asked myself with an almost crazed tone before I looked at the walls. Sometimes, I swear I could hear his laughter. The people who looked after me even talked about it sometimes... I was not the only one who could hear him.
However, I was concerned as to why I was suddenly being bothered. This was meant to be a solitude cell, no? Weren't they supposed to leave me alone!? Was this just more of that killer's tricks!?
Had he come to taunt me more over that damned girl!? Did he want me to know that I had failed to save her!? Did he want to remind me of the blood he spilt on me!? I just wanted to go home and spend some time alone in my bed...
Away from this accursed city...
"Surgeon Stolpzhen, you are requested by Grand-Guard Inerish." a young woman told me. A sight which I immediately looked at with scorn. Since he dumped that poor girl before me, and framed me for her murder... No...
"Leave!" I bark before an armoured man stepped in ahead of her.
"Come on, let's not keep her waiting."
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
"H-HEY! LET GO OF ME!" I shouted furiously as they took me out of the magic-isolating room. It was the only place where that man could not get in. I had heard nothing from him since going in there! They had to let me go back in!
Yet, it was not to be, and, instead, I was forced into a room with a dark-skinned beauty. One I instantly turned away from as I did not want more blood on my hands. In doing so, however, my gaze caught a glimpse of a polished speartip under light. And I looked up at the holder.
"Surgeon Stolpzhen, what can you tell me about Smiling Jhurack?" he asked as he stepped forward.
"W-Why...?" I ask back as I slowly stepped away from the intimidating man.
"You were the last to encounter the killer directly. Tell me what you know." he demanded as I smacked into the wall.
"I don't know anything!" I tell him.
"Wrong."
"I DON'T!" I shout as my hands rise to show my submissiveness.
"What do you know?" he asked calmly, yet, I could feel that he was getting impatient.
"Again, I can just let you go over what we have..." the woman says as she rests a cheek on her relaxed fist.
"Answer my question." the man tells me as he stops moving right in front of me.
"He has a sword and is somehow able to get where he shouldn't be, okay!?" I tell him before I look around in worry. Surely he heard me and was going to do something now!?
"Get in where he shouldn't, how?" the spearman asked further.
"W-When I was... Performing an operation on the Sl'Ayiysab girl, he... Directly took control of the magic I was using to heal her with and turned it against her. Forcing me to resort to tool-based surgery..." I start to explain before his tightening grip made me go quiet.
"Thank you, Surgeon Stolpzhen." he says to me before he suddenly turns for the door.
"And you are going...?" the woman asks as she slowly gets up. And, I was thankful that I was not the only nervous one here.
"To save my Lord's daughter." he answers.
.
.
.
"Around here?" I ask the Grand-Guard of this city as I walk about near a theatre. While it was highly unlikely that the killer would still be around here. All the reports having detailed Wind-People soldiers having been deployed. I might still be able to pick up on a trail.
With or without magic, I could find my way and I intended to do so. Lady Tiyanat Sl'Ayiysab could rest easy as could both Lord and Lady Sl'Ayiysab. However, before I pursued the man I was asked to hunt. I would check in on Lady Larishazza Sl'Ayiysab.
If this man was holding her hostage, I'd like to be able to confirm her safety. And, if it came to it, I would holler for my loyal pet for his assistance. We could both test how far this man's power extended and what he could do. However, defeating him took a professional priority.
I would not deviate from this standard and I would go all-out from the moment it begun. On my honour as a Rider of Worms and in the name of His Majesty. My spear was gifted to me by him, with the backing of the Royal Court. Of which the Sl'Ayiysab's partook.
I would save their child and humbly reserve myself to the dunes of Ibenerocco. Ready to be called up again should I be required. A time I prayed came soon for the empire needed all hands at arms. Such a vast prize required constant vigilance.
"No magic traces..." I mutter with a frown as this was very unusual. All this magic in the city and there was not a slight linger? I understood how this place worked from personal experience. But even the people still kept some tiny control of their own magic.
However, I could not find anything around this location. Faded blood stains were still here as were the brief signs of a fight. Yet, still, no trace of magic. Just more of the great collective I was increasingly familiar with.
"Will you require directions to where Student Larishazza is kept?"
"No, I can already feel her power." I reply before I jump from wall to wall. Flipping over a building roof and dashing upon landing. Vaulting and pole-jumping the distance until I fell down. With the murmur of the crowd nearby signalling my arrival to the ground.
"Impressive..." the Grand-Guard compliments, yet, I could sense envy in her tone. It was not for me to judge, though. So I did not address it the same way that I did not acknowledge the hospital staff. I cast them aside and stood before the one I was meant to protect.
Silently staring at her, at first, "Defender of Mankind, bless this girl. This daughter and friend. Guard her when and where I cannot." I pray to Guareroisncer. If anyone could be trusted to fill in for my failures. It would be He who held back the Fourteen from destroying an ever so infant humanity. And, to make sure my prayer could be heard, I left an artefact behind.
Then, I stepped back out into the streets after observing the operating room. Neither here was there any trace of another man's magic. All I could sense was Stolpzhen's influence and those he worked with. A plethora of feint traces also existed in the observation room beyond the glass.
But, still, nothing that felt malicious within where Lady Larishazza Sl'Ayiysab rested. I questioned somewhat why she remained there. But I quickly discovered my answer as the door ahead suddenly carved out an answer. I was not scared by this, only encouraged.
"Grand-Guard, which way is this place?" I ask as I read the stone script.
"It's a residential area you can find by travelling along the outer wall of the city. I will notify all forces along the wall that you will be likely going along it." she tells me as I leave.
"And which way?" I ask after I quickly ascend the city before spiralling down to the wall's top.
"Head the way you're facing. You'll know when you get there by the sight of a-"
.
.
.
"WORM RIDER!? WORM RIDER!?" I scream through the speaker as we near yet another hour of him having suddenly frozen still. The moon had long since come out and he had shown no sign of moving.
"Pardon, the sight of what?" he asks me as he suddenly starts moving again.
"What in the name of the gods was that all about!?" I ask him with a hiss.
"So was this him?" he asks as I watch him suddenly turn to face the currently present moon of Sinannan.
"We cannot..." I began to reply before laughter filled the control room. In response, I drew my sword as did everyone else present. Any weapon, really, was brought in. Yet, we were suddenly getting reports of laughter throughout the city.
"Why, hello!" that damned voice said before it suddenly yelped.
"In the name of Lord Sl'Ayiysab, I shall slay you." the Worm Rider casually told Smiling Jhurack as he engaged him. Yet, the mad killer was more than able to match the speed of his swings and thrusts.
"Do not interrupt me like that!" he complained as he suddenly appeared far behind him. The distance, however, was soon closed and the Worm Rider displayed his physical might. At moments it seemed like his spear moved, but at others, it looked like it was in two spots at once. It was far beyond us to properly observe in real-time...
"Get me a good view on that damned bastard. If this Worm Rider is our best shot, I want to help him however I can!" I order all present staff with a slam of my fist. Glaring intently on the somehow still amused Jhurack as he was put on the back foot. Did that have grave implications...? I could not see how the Worm Rider would treat this half-heartedly...
Perhaps I had misjudged his character...? Or was Jhurack beyond a scale we could've possibly conceived. However, as usual, his tell-tale sign of activity was present. Magic sensors were malfunctioning and misreading what was going on.
"Get me eyes in the air, now!" I send out to the hanger before moving closer to the screen.
.
.
.
"Oh, look at that, your own little guardian pets." he jokes as some aircraft start to approach. Unlike him, however, I did not turn my attention away from the battle. I know I have grazed him and delivered blows. So why was he still taking this as it was?
Did I perhaps have to call back my magic? Escalate the fight in order to do my duty? I admit, my Lord Sl'Ayiysab was not a subtle man. He'd have blown this city up should it mean saving his family.
But, perhaps I could save the embarrassment to His Majesty?
"Why do you continue to run?" I decided to ask him before a loud clash of steel rings out around the city. His sword had caught my spear tip and his arm did not quiver.
"I prefer the term... Dance." he says before he suddenly retaliates. And, to my surprise, I was now forced to back away. His relentless chase, however, I stopped with a flurry of blows. I may have only been one man, yet the illusion of a whole square of pikes lay before him.
Like the cannonball that broke such tactics, however, his sword tip made it through. Until my fingers swiftly blew it away. And, with the opening that my actions had made for myself. I swung my spear's rear spike at him.
Initially, I scored a hit right through his jaw. At least, I thought I did, but the sound of gnawing drew me back. It confused me at first, but, I saw the finer details too late. For he was right on top of me.
"HAH!" he let out as my shoulder suddenly burst open with an exaggerated flow of blood. And, then, I picked it up, he had started healing my wound just to gloat. A power that I had to admit was as terrifying as it was elusive. Normally, a witch played by a set of rules, he was invalidating it all.
How could he change where he stood if he could also strike with an enlightened sword? How could his voice boom so far if he could become one with the wind? How did he freeze me still when his blows cursed one with perpetual pain? What exactly was he...?
"Do not get ahead of yourself." I tell him as I swung around him to then thrust up. However, to my shock, no blood came as the sky boomed in response to my piercing blow. His hand just removed the spear and he balanced on it. And his foot soon found my face.
"While you are here, I have a request for you as I cannot find him right now." he started to say as I jumped away. Twirling my spear about defensively and attacking each of his blows. What I could not grasp, however, is why new wounds opened on my body. I felt no sting from his steel, I just felt the wounds suddenly open.
Suddenly, I then fell to my bloody, pierced knees, "If I must die to save Lady Larishazza Sl'Ayiysab, I will gladly meet Lord Undwote!" I tell him before I sliced my useless legs off. Bouncing about between my spear and hands as I reinvigorated my attack.
"Embarrassing, start walking again, please." he says as I suddenly strike him with my bare foot. Hooking his head with a returned leg and plummeting against his face. The blow that should've mattered, however, missed completely. My normally true spear-aim drew no blood or sounds of pain.
And, to my true embarrassment, I came to a halt as I took in the futility of my actions. If he got close to me, I tried to slay him. But, a new wound would suddenly open up and stain my garb further. The walls were dripping with several times my actual blood amount...
"Good, good... So, the favour you will do for me..." he starts to say as he sheaths his sword. Yet, even as he presented himself so openly. I knew that I would not be able to harm him. So I gritted my teeth and stared as dozens of new cuts kept opening up.
Where were the spells!? I could not see or sense any! What degree of mastery did such a low-minded man have...? And, for the sake of His Majesty's empire, was there more like him...?
"There's a particularly unique student within Suhurlodst. I want you to tell him I want to see him!" he told me before he started to cackle in laughter.
"GAH!" I let out as blood suddenly filled my mouth. It was as if I just swallowed many small blades in one go. However, when I looked down, I saw his sword was in me. From back to front.
And, somehow, we were no longer on the wall of the city.
"Off you pop, go." he encourages before he vanishes with a tap of his sheathed blade. However, I suddenly dropped down to my knees yet again. I groaned and moaned and tried to call back my magic. But, I was too weak right now to heal my broken body.
And I understood what his method was... He wanted me to show adherence to my willingness to live... Unfortunately, I would have to play into his desires. So I slowly began to struggle onwards towards Suhurlodst Academy.
.
.
.
"You're joking..." I let out in disbelief before I collapse into my seat. Around me, dark fires cackled like he would. And, I hid my face behind my hands. How could this have happened!?
Just earlier, that spearman had struck fear into all those in the city and our neighbours! A bodyguard of Union royalty was scared! The city needed to be put under lockdown! Yet, that damned Smiling Bastard made little work of him...
He put on a show with our help... And while we were also suffering from a mole in my staff. A problem I had yet to take care of because of Smiling Jhurack's crimes. And, before I knew it, I was getting a call from those I despised.
"Head to the Council Chamber, Inerish." spat the Stroke of High Noon. And I recoiled in anger before I abruptly ended it.
"Bastard..." I growled lowly as this was now clearly going to be pinned on me. They wanted me to focus my everything on Smiling Jhurack whenever possible. Yet, they completely forgot that whenever moments like this happened. When the city got a full, public broadcast of a dreaded criminal winning against a great fighter...
The press would eat it up and further tighten the noose around my position. After all, why'd they let that half-breed Errakurd take the position? She wouldn't care at all about this city! Never mind the fact I have spent years here!
I have kept them safe for all this time and one criminal was all it took... One smiling madman was all that was needed to turn the world against me... It made me snort in disgust. Perhaps I should just leave them to it, let them forever be tormented by one killer.
Not my problem after all... I was the Grand-Guard of Thrurstradtur, such petty men did not concern me. My job was to watch out for dragons, survey Suhurlodst and stalk the Union's intentions. One criminal was completely and utterly beneath me!
"You called for me?" I asked with forced politeness as I entered with none of the disrespect I showed earlier.
"Yes... Explain to us why a full broadcast of that fight, just made it into everyone's homes!"
"I don't know." was all I had to say. Our equipment was completely separated from the citizen's standard. There should have been no way for them to interact. So unless I have been lied to about the capabilities of my own workplace...
"And how do you not know, Grand-Guard Inerish? That broadcast came from one of the airships you dispatched!"
"NO AIRSHIP UNDER MY CONTROL HAS THE CAPACITY TO PERFORM A CITY-WIDE BROADCAST YOU IGNORANT FOOL!" I shout back at whatever administrator just spoke to me. Lighting up the chamber with my dark fire before I regained my composure. Something I made sure to do quickly to mitigate the already tremendous damage that outburst had done.
"Then present your theory as to how it is done, Administrator of Communication Gobboels." the Stroke of High Noon says as he brushes it aside. At least, that is what it seemed like and what I hoped was true.
"They would've had to have a direct connection to my facilities. It is Grand-Guard Inerish so firmly put, she does not have the equipment for it." he answers. Details I was very thankful for even if it was clear that he did not do it out of kindness for me. No one did kind things for another within these walls.
"Then perhaps you'd like to explain why such a broadcast got out?" the Stroke of High Noon accuses. Words that made Gobboels flinch in disgust briefly.
"It was my daughter's humiliating death that brought the issue of Smiling Jhurack to the Grand-Guard!" he angrily admits in response to the question.
"I know, but those who work for you don't have that same badge of loyalty. Perhaps, Smiling Jhurack is even one of your staff?"
"Impossible, if someone as powerful as that walked in here, we'd know! Not to mention with a face as distinct as that!"
"Could he not just heal those strange cheeks of his...?"
"No, scars form as a result of lacking magic during the healing process. His wounds are likely irreversible." the Administrator of Healthcare and Safety points out.
"So, Grand-Guard Inerish, how do you suppose we will handle it now?" the Stroke of High Noon asks me with a reluctant sigh. And, from my position down below, I watched as he leaned back into his seat.
"We've exhausted all options currently known to us. It may come to the point we have to spend in order to recruit independent witches."
"Finance mercenaries? PAH!" the Administrator of Wealth comments with a sneer.
"If you have a better idea where to spend our defence budget, I'd love to hear it." I quietly snap as I turn towards him.
"Maybe we should just strip you of your rank and be done with you? One less pen pusher to waste our money! All rise?" he bites back with before he stands up.
"Sit down!" the Stroke of High Noon orders to any who took the insult seriously.
"As I just said, outside help is clearly needed. Failed as he might have, the Worm Rider was the closest we have ever gotten. My troops have accomplished nothing over the years. Yet he was at least able to present the hope he could be beaten."
"He made a complete fool of the world's most prestigious warrior group... A Royal Ibeneroccian Rider of Worms..." one of them reiterates to undermine my words.
"Regardless! We are at our wit's end and no solution is in sight within our walls!" I tell them all before I turn to leave.
"You have not been dismissed, Inerish!" the Stroke of High Noon disrespectfully tells me.
"Unlike you lot, I still have a job to do." I viciously sneer at every single man and woman in the chamber. Letting the door slam behind me as I made way for my office once more.
.
.
.
"Don't worry, you can go to him." I tell the Worm Rider's worm after it started looking at me for permission. If it was suddenly like this, then I was left fearful of what this would escalate into... A dead Worm Rider in the Land of Wind? It was not going to turn out well...
If he had succeeded at the cost of his life, then I needed to speak to Undwote. Pass on my thanks to him before the God of Death took him beyond my reach. However, when I saw the worm rapidly return. I caught on to that, that was not the case.
But I was horrified by the sight I saw all the same when the worm landed. For a moment, it looked like it had devoured someone whole. Yet, the fear I felt when the bloodied Worm Rider crawled out of his beast was different. How could he have lost...?
What kind of monster had taken my sister captive!?
"I... Am sorry, Lady-"
"You need to get to the hospital!" I interrupt, urgently trying to apply what magic I could. But a man of this strength and power, I could barely affect his body! It did not help either that my magic was being sapped away by that city like it always was!
"Of course, but, when the morning comes, please, come to me. I have important information that I need to tell you. And you will need to pass it on to Lord..." he tries to say before he starts to go quiet.
"Worm, ride!" I order the beast as I slap it with freezing, but urgent strength. Thankfully, this animal was learned and it knew where it needed to go. And I quickly went back inside before I came back out with a cardigan. It was a very cold night that I was active in...
Eventually, I reached the hospital and saw the worm hovering before a glass window. The Worm Rider must've been taken up there? The hospital staff were confused slightly by me also coming in. But, they let it pass when the Worm Rider intervened on my behalf.
"When morning came, Lady Tiyanat Sl'Ayiysab." he answers with a heavy breath as a machine pumped him full of magic. I could hear discussions about finding a means to apply water magic to his body. But they had settled on just giving him a respirator hooked up to the main magic supply.
"I'm sure the night is coming to an end anyway..." I tearfully joke as I start to consider how things will escalate from here. If a Rider of Worms had failed... What hope was there for my sister?
"Please do not stain your face, I may have failed your family. I may have lost my pride as a Rider of Worms... But Ihtuntar has given us a light to guide us..."
"The Sun God is dead..." I remind him, an evident truth all knew.
"And even so, the night is going away." he tells me before he looks out the window. Not at his worm, but at the school beyond.
"Did something happen...?" I ask as surely there was a reason he was alive? Did the madman spare him? Was this just an attempt to humiliate him...?
He groans in pain before he looks at me again, "He asked me to find someone for him... I did not get many details, so I am sorry about that. But, I was hoping you'd might have an idea?"
"Nin...?" I question quietly as I have overheard him on occasion. His nightmares, he was always just too late to save her. He laments that he did not do more than just punch that scum away from my sister...
"It must've been more obvious than I thought..." he breathes before I see him smile and laugh quietly despite the pain. Admittedly, as well, I was surprised I only just acknowledged that he had been undressed. The traditional garments of our greatest soldiers were on a wheeled, metal table. Bloody and cut apart, just like him.
"What did he say about Nin?" I ask, just going along with the idea that it might be him.
"Not much, just that he wished to see him." he ominously answers.
"To kill him?"
"No, I can't see that being it... To torment, that seems to be how this man works." he answers before he looks down at his legs for some reason.
"Did you at least wound him...?" I asked, if Nin heard this... Then what everyone had done would be for nothing. That anger and rage would come back to the forefront and he'd be killed. If not by Smiling Jhurack, then by the Thrurstradturians!
He shakes his head and clearly ignores the pain it caused him, "I landed blows, but drew no blood."
"No..." I let out in defeat as this made no sense. How could you spear a man through or strike him with a metal chunk and draw no blood...? Was he that skilled he could heal himself soon after? Was that what he was saying?
That his efforts were essentially futile...!?
"Lady Tiyanat Sl'Ayiysab, worry not. For the sake of your family. Keep a strong heart." he tries to encourage as I start to cry again.
"A WORM RIDER JUST TOLD ME HE COULD NOT SAVE MY SISTER! HOW CAN I KEEP A STRONG ANYTHING RIGHT NOW!?" I scream at him as all the worry I was filling up with suddenly came out. Father would bring damnation upon this city just like he did to a home of ours once before. War would burn the land and all for one girl...
My sister, his daughter...
"By trusting in this Nin. If you need to, go attend a congregation or pray in solitude. But, do not let your mind fill with dark thoughts." he tells me, displaying his solicitude for those he served.
"But Nin isn't you... He's not a great fighter... Not a great witch... He's just a boy heartbroken by the loss of his friend... My sister..." I tell him as I try to wipe away the tears.
"Then he has room to grow." he utters.
"What...?"
"If he is not great now, then ordeal shall make him one. For the sake of his beloved friend, whatever this man has planned... He will pull through."
"If he finds out about your defeat, though... He will be killed... He's not like us, not human... Not in appearance, anyway." I tell him, showing some signs of how my sister has affected me. Where once I tried hard to keep the two separate because I have heard about what osibindah were... I now acknowledged that his eyes truly were the gateway to the soul. There was a man behind that insect-like appearance.
And my sister saw it before anyone else really ever did... It frustrated me, really. Of all the people to be held in such a cruel state. It was the girl who could never stop smiling, the one whose greed for joyful friends was never-ending...
Life was cruel, so very, very cruel...
And it would be even crueler if I let him know. Nin could not know about this! He simply could not hear about this in the slightest... It was me telling him that the Worm Rider was coming that helped him settle down...
Regardless of if he somehow did the impossible and actually stopped this man. My sister would never forgive me. She'd want to see her friend and I would have to tell her he died... Because even if he could win, I just could not see him surviving...
A Worm Rider... By the gods above, a Worm Rider failed to stop this man!
"Do not speak of this, at all." I then say as I rise to my feet with a heavy sigh. In the meantime, I would have to figure out how to explain this to Dad... Maybe another one was needed? A greater one...?
Perhaps even he himself could come...? I know it was far-fetched given what he was, but... I just needed to stop this from escalating. I needed to stop it...
"With all due respect, Lady Tiyanat Sl'Ayiysab, you cannot stop this from evolving." the Worm Rider says as if he just read my mind.
"No, I will... My sister will see her friend again alive and well and we will not lose our friends to some vengeful warpath!" I sternly tell him.
He just shakes his head, however, "You will slip up. This is too much for you to keep ahold of." he warns me. And, he was probably right. Which is why I was probably getting so angry at this. If I was a different person, I might've laughed at this clear vision I had as wrath filled me.
This anger, however, gave way to weeping, "I know..." I admit as it was all just too much.
.
.
.
"Is Nin here?" I heard Tiyanat ask quietly in the other room. And while I showed no interest at first. It did stick in my head, the more I thought about it. So, I got up and moved to the doorway I heard them speak beyond.
"Hm?" I let out curiously, only to watch as Tiyanat flinched and looked at me agasped.
"N-Nevermind..." she muttered, full of frustration before she just went upstairs. Whatever it was, it was clearly bothering her enough to break her usual cool. I then turned to Einervaene for an idea about what it was. Yet, she had no such suggestion either.
"Give her some space, Nin." Einervaene seems to caution from experience before she goes off to do something. But, now, I couldn't help but want to look into it. She asked for me, yet, essentially ran off when she saw me? In my experience, it meant she was hiding something.
"In regards to...?" I asked myself as a strange stiffness seemed to form inside my chest. I feared it might be in relation to Lari. Had something changed about it all...? I wasn't sure if her help had arrived yet.
There was that odd magic incident the other day, but she has not spoken about it. We never investigated it but when we saw her later... There was that odd creature. We all just sort of looked at it and then got on with our day.
That, however, did not answer why soldiers were around here either. Members of staff were outraged at the trespass yet simmered down all of a sudden. So, perhaps, it would've been better to say her help had arrived...? She never once talked about a pet worm, thing...
To not draw suspicion, however, when I went upstairs, I went to my room. Far away from Tiyanat's in the building layout. She would not hear me and I her. However, her sister had taught me many skills in regards to moving about a building.
And I was quickly on the roof of our dorm. Immediately after getting my footing, I tried to envision the halls. Slow, thoughtful steps preceded me sitting down. And, I spent a few more moments wondering if this was thereabouts.
I did not really go near Tiyanat's room beyond very brief passings. So I was not sure if I was in the right spot. However, her cries of frustration helped me answer that. I was in the right area.
"If she doesn't want me to know..." I then said to myself quietly as I rubbed my claws around each other. If me knowing was clearly a bad thing, then I should back away, no? But, a need to know also compelled me to stick around. Eventually, the feeling that took me here won out and I kept my ears open for anything.
"Well? Where is my Lala?" an accented, older-sounding voice asked Tiyanat.
I could only assume he meant Lari, but, Tiyanat was crying, "Dad... Please..." she started to beg.
"What!?" he asked with a loud, clear gasp as the sound of other disturbances also made it to my ears. And, I don't know how I would describe it... But, something was starting to snap inside of me. She had mentioned her family had prepared something... I stood aside because I trusted that claim or feared where my actions would take me.
"Dad... I know it sounds impossible... But, it's true! Not even the Worm Rider could do anything!"
"A nasty predicament..." the father lets out slowly with a loud, audible tap. And that sealed it for me. Twice now someone was meant to help Lari and they failed... But if someone that powerful failed...?
"Now before you do anything!" Tiyanat suddenly and aggressively blurts, "There is one thing..."
"Did the Worm Rider at least injure this scum? Weaken him enough for another to finish it!?" the clearly enraged father asked his daughter.
"The Worm Rider said something to me in the hospital... The man who has done this to Larishazza... He wants to personally speak to a friend of ours... I don't know why, but, there seems to be a mutual interest between them..." Tiyanat explains as my body stiffens up. Oh, so he wanted to see me personally? Yet, he defeated someone so powerful that it disturbed the whole school!
As much as I hated hearing them, having been on the end of many vicious ones. I had heard very much so how it was said even Vapooliar showed concern when that power appeared. Her of all people... The great warrior who has always been so far ahead of me...
So what was I meant to do...? What was I going to do!? This man wanted to speak to me! That killer who has haunted my mind since that night was doing this because of...
Me?
Maybe I could find out if I went into that city, if I did the thing I shouldn't. But, as I stared at the city, having moved closer to it. I felt no intimidation at the sight. I felt only anger like I did during our return to Tobaballe...
There was a clear and present threat to something dear to me and I had to do something... Yet, if I did, I would die. Gunned down like the soldiers always wanted to happen to me. I could not help Larishazza if I was dead...
It frustrated me even more just knowing that. Tiyanat's help had failed, and I was left having to worry about the woman I loved. But, I could not step out of this school... I couldn't do anything...
"DAMMIT!" I ended up roaring with a sudden, violent burst of power.
"Nin!?" someone from below snapped. So, I just put on a liar's face and leaned over. If they knew that I knew about the failure of the help. I'd never hear the end of it... We would get nowhere...
"Hm?" I replied with, showing a frustrated, but rather casual expression.
"What was that about...?" Vadei asked me as she stood at the dorm entrance holding something. And, soon after Einervaene came rushing out.
"Getting frustrated at this spell..." I lie but to them, it was just a meek admission.
"Why're you practising on our roof anyway!?" Einervaene asks, clearly annoyed by what was likely a sudden tremble in the building.
"Done it up here before..." I remind her. As, thankfully, I have tried a few things up here before with her. Granted, that was a long time ago in regard to my magic education. During the worst entrance exam I ever had to take...
"Do it where you're meant to do it!"
"In the field so I can explode and reform?" I genuinely joke, even if I did not live up to how I usually did it.
"Shut up!" she snapped before she went back inside. Vadei, however, just looked up in curiosity.
"What sort of spell?" she asks as she seems to start to look around for a way to get up here.
"Something that lets me reach out further..." I lie on the spot as I was not expecting to be asked this. I have not even really considered new magic since I started learning that explosion stuff. It did not seem practical to try and learn new magic in such a gluttonous way.
"Maybe I have something that can help?" she jokes as she turns around and teases me with a few wags of her tail.
Yet, my lies had led me here, so I needed to do it or dismiss her, "Clearly, I'm struggling here..." I remind her. Technically speaking of a prior lie rather than anything real.
"And maybe you just need a goal you can actually touch?" she rhetorically asks with a wide grin as she starts to sway her hips with her tail.
"Perhaps you are right..." I quietly say to her as I stand up properly. Placing one foot on the dorm's edge before I hopped down. Breaking my fall slightly by grabbing that same ledge until I hit the ground with a thud.
"Use the spell!" she reminds me as she runs off into the distance. And, here, I decided to stop calling it a lie. Maybe practising my magic would help it stay out of my mind. Just think and do everything I can to stay true to this goal...
Yet, even then, it always came back to me... How could I use this to save Lari? That is what I kept asking myself as I went off to practise with Vadei.