In the dead of night there was a shooting star, the purest most silver streak across the sky, only the odd few saw it and some heralded it as an omen, some said it was nothing more than a dying star and made a wish on its descent.
In a small copse of trees outside the town a figure rose from where it had landed, as it stood proud and tall, wings would be seen, large black wings, folded and disappeared. The armour the figure wore melted away and became clothes, plain, unassuming, but there was nothing unassuming about this tall figure, nor the sword at their side. They walked out of the trees into the moonlight and a man was revealed in the pale light. He was handsome, well built with jet black hair and eyes the colour of silvery starlight. He wore black breeches and boots, a black shirt over which sat a black tunic threaded with silver and covering him over was a long black woollen cloak.
He started towards the town...it was the last known location of where his sister Arina had been along with her Nephilim offspring. He would seek the truth of her passing and in doing so find the boy...he needed to be seen... to be judged...whether he could be taught or was too much like his demon father.
On entering the town the first thing that struck the Angelic was the stench, it was only something that one like himself might smell, the scent of Humans, misery, pain, and debauchery. There was noise coming from the end of the street, an inn...perhaps someone there might remember Arina.
Alorin was not fond of Humans at the best of times, he found them lacking in many of the better qualities other races possessed. The only thing that he considered worse than a Human was a Demon and he smelled their kind here too. The Demon scent was strong in all areas of the town alongside something else as yet unidentifiable.
He shook his head, and started to walk towards the Inn, his steps firm and steady, providing these Humans were not too drunk or fornicating too voraciously perhaps he might get some answers.
He pushed open the inn door to have his nostrils assailed by the smell of alcohol, Humans and tobacco smoke, not necessarily in that order. The candles had burned low making the place dim and hazy and in some dark corners there were people slumped asleep, up stairs his sensitive hearing picked up sounds of carnal desire, moaning and groaning and creaking beds. Alorin closed his eyes momentarily a look of disgust shadowing across his face.
He stepped within the establishment and walked towards the bar, his hand resting on his sword. Why would Arina have ever come to a place such as this town. How could she have mated and married that piece of demon filth...worse still had a child with him?
He reached the expanse of stained wood that served as their counter top and looked about.
Who in this god forsaken hole would have information?
Opaas had just finished his mug of ale. His blue eyes searched the room and he raised his mug to indicate another please. He place the mug down and scooped his loose chestnut brown hair into a ponytail. His pale skin illuminated by the glow of the candles. He stood tall and was well toned. He had a bow slung over his back and two swords on either hip.
He leaned with his back to the bar and appeared to just be watching the room. The barmaid Ingrid told him to wait so there he was at the bar when this man with a disdainful expression approached and looked about. He could relate. How in the hell had his parents ever let his sister go was still beyond his comprehension. From what he gathered this Lord Hernon was a brute.
He had caught up with his parents a few weeks ago in La'marri. He had not seen his family in over six years but they did correspond through letters. They never mentioned That after the first month of Flori going to Lord Hernon that she stopped writing. They lied to him in their own worry. When they tried to get her back he showed a false document and said if they tried to take her back he would have her killed. They did the only thing they thought they could and left without their daughter. Now that he knew of the real situation he was too late apparently some unknown noblemen bought her for a night of pleasure. He made a disgusted face, his poor sister. Then left with her. The Lord found butchered. But they were here so Flori was not a suspect but the noblemen she was with and another whom also just disappeared was. They even had words here.
He looked for the barmaid, he need to know what she had seen that night and he wasn't going anywhere until he found out.
Alorin looked about for someone that might be in charge of this hole so he might ask his questions and leave. His eyes moved to take in a gentlemen further up the bar, looking more alert than most. He tilted his head in greeting and approached the fellow.
"Good eve Sir....are you from this place....I am searching for information." He said his tone somewhat icy and steely.
"My sister died in this place and I search for her son."
He hoped this man might know rather than having to question the half drunk locals. He seemed of a worthy nature the Angelic could sense that much about him, an Elven too which made him superior to Humans too. It seemed that he might also have a purpose at being in this place, not one suited to his ilk.
"The boy would be eighteen years of age....dark hair....grey eyes?"
Opaas watched the man approach. He held himself in such a way that Opaas had to wonder what he was doing here. He didn't have to wait long it turned out.
He listened to the man and from what he had gathered from those he had spoken to a boy fitting that description disappeared about the time his sister did. He sensed the man wasn't here on any other pretense and thus decided to tell him what he knew and why he was here.
"Evening, names Opaas." He nodded the man's tone did not offset him in the least. "I may have some information. Let me tell you what I know. Turns out I too am in search of someone dear to me." He shifted.
"I am looking for my sister her name is Flori and she was being held by a man named Lord Hernon, whom happened to trick my parents into signing a false document handing her over. She was enslaved by him these last five years. Turns out he wasn't above to selling her out for the night." His voice full of disgust and contempt as he spat out the statement. "To a man no one had seen here before." He went into describe the nobleman. "It was told to me a young man followed them into Lord Hernon's home but the next time he was seen was here by that barmaid." He pointed to Igrid. "So I am awaiting to hear what she has to say as she let the room to the noble and was last to see the young lad whom fits the description of the one you look for."
He then told him of the story he was told by the stable master who had been present for the words between two nobles with one slapping the other. While his sister was at the foot of the one. He began to tell him he thought something more was involved but he just wasn't sure.
By now his ale was replenished. "If you care to stick around maybe we can find out some more as to what happened here."
Alorin listened to the man's words and the description of the so called angry nobleman was not unknown to him, nor the one he had argued with. He had crossed paths with both in his time, their being here definitely had something to do with the boy.
"I will stay and hear what has to be said." He said finally after listening to everything.
"But the description of these so called noblemen are not unknown to me....the one that hit the other is known as Belisarius, a Demon General....the other one if the description is correct goes by the name of Sabre...a Demon prince."
Alorin's hand move to caress the pommel of the blade at his side.
"If your sister was with Sabre....then she is his by now....wholly and unreservedly." He said matter of factly.
"And likely the one or both of the demons and your sister have knowledge of the boy I seek."
His words sunk in and Opaas covered his eyes. Poor Flori. He rubbed his eyes. Now she was in very real danger. In the grip of a demon. And a demon Prince. Damn why didn't his parents tell him sooner.
Letting his hand fall. "None the less I will still look for her. Demons? What manner is this young man? A halfling of human and demon mixed?" He asked.
This was going to be much harder than he first anticipated but his sister deserved to be free. "Yes stay. We may be able to figure this out. I will not leave her in the hands of a demon." He looked at the man and shook his head. "I mean no disrespect of the one you look for. Just my sister has not had such a good hand dealt to her and while I am not a wholly religious elf I want her to have something better."
Alorin gave a wry smile at the elf's confession, being an Angelic he was always concerned over people's faith, but this elf was not his concern right now....that would be the boy. He was in two minds whether to speak of the boy's true heritage but he did, he was not one for lying.
"The boy is a Nephilim." He said coolly.
"The blood of a Demon and an Angelic run in his veins...he is a danger, a creature that straddles two bloodlines of immense power, he could choose to be what he wants but he can be corrupted, his power turned to darkness very easily and if Demons have him then it is a true danger."
He stared down at the floor and thought about the girl in all of this, if Sabre had both of them then who knows what might happen.
"I hunt the Nephilim...he is to be tested...to ascertain whether he might be saved."
He regarded the elf most levelly.
"You know that that the girl will not want to leave the Demon...likely they will be lovers....if she is still with him. Though a Demon Sabre is skilled in the art of love, he uses it to bring people to him...and once they are...the thought of leaving him is more than they can bear! In the end...they truly do love him."
Opaas face tightened the more Alorin spoke. This was grave news to hear. "And if this demon...Sabre as you call him. If he was to be defeated, would it break the hold over her? ..... Better still can it be defeated?" The last part was said more to himself.
He now had much to consider. It appeared his sister was in the grips of a demon and a powerful one at that. This Nephilim was not his to worry over but, if the demon had them both he'd rather this fellow at his side. His sister may not come willingly but if the demon was destroyed perhaps she could rebuild her life.
The barmaid Ingrid came over to them and introduced herself. She then explained what she witnessed the night Sabre had brought Flori in. But, she of course did not know his name she just referred to him as a noblemen. She did mention how Flori's dress seemed to change before her eyes. And how an older noblemen came in and exchanged words. It turned out that he and another man had brought in a young boy whom had been beaten. She didn't see them come in but did bring fresh linens and water to them. The young man had very dark hair and he was slight of figure. The next day FLori had asked which room they were in and Ingrid told her. The next thing she knew they were all gone. All the noblemen, Flori, and the young man.
Alorin wished he could offer the elf better news.
"The hold will not be broken...not if she doesn't want it to be...if he is killed then she will pine for him....day in and day out until she wastes away to nothing."
They both listened to what the bargirl had to say, it seemed Sabre had wooed this girl with things she had been denied, lush gowns, wine and flattery. Then came the news about the boy, it seemed the description fit and he had been beaten? Obviously the young man could easily defend himself against such if the need arose but he had not which meant his power was untapped as yet.
"They all disappeared.....all of them?" He said quietly, the trail would go cold again.
"There is the stench of Demon all over this town...at least one of them remains somewhere....but where?"
Opaas just closed his eyes. How unfortunate for his sister. She had been in such dire need of a tender hand and the first to offer her it was a demon. He still needed to go to her. Find her and make sure there was nothing he could do to change her mind.
Once Ingrid was done she excused herself and went to tend the customers.
"You can smell them? " He looked over at the man. "Will the scent grow when you happen upon them?" He knew how to hunt so maybe his sense of smell was at a different level. "I was going to head over to this Lord Hernon's place. You are welcome to come. Not sure what we will find but for me I need to check it out as Flori spent five long harsh years there." He drank the remaining Ale and put some coin on the bar. He headed for the door. His thoughts wondered on where they could have gone.
Alorin nodded.
"A reasonable place to begin...if the demon blood is close I will be able to scent them." He said coldly.
The Angelic followed the man towards the door, the strange metallic scent of copper following in his wake, any that knew Angelic lore would know that the scent of copper in the air was a sign that the Angelic was truly angry and that it was rising by the moment.
They headed towards a building not far from the Inn and the smell of Demon grew stronger by the moment, the scent of Sulphur and something else. Alorin paused briefly outside, the scent was overwhelming.
"Here...in here...this place of Lord Hernon's that you spoke of!" He growled softly, his hand reaching for his sword and drawing the longsword whose blade seemed to shimmer with an almost violet hue.
They approached and the man next to him seemed to immediately detect the foe. He watched as he drew his weapon and without hesitation Opaas did as well.
His sword was like none he had ever witnessed and had it not been for the situation he would have loved to inspect and admire such a tool. But as it was he could not and tried the door handle. It was not locked and he pushed the inward.
They stayed at the ready but nothing came flying at them so they entered cautiously. Opaas whispered. "I am going to check out his shop Flori would have kept notes and such. If I find anything on your boy I will bring it to your attention." He slowly headed for the crafting shop hoping to find a clue as to where this demon took her.
Alorin nodded as the elf went inside but he had a purpose of his own to undertake, if anyone would know what happened to Arina and subsequently her abomination son it would be one or more of the demons he scented. As his companion rifled through the papers and drawers he headed towards a set of stairs that led downwards, the smell was so very strong....it or they were here in the cellar.
Slowly he went down the stairs and into a room where there were herbs and jars of all kinds but none could mask the smell. Over in a corner under some sacking there was something....something out of place. Alorin hooked the sacking with his blade which fairly shone almost like a star now and as they material dislodged he found a triangle of mirrors tied together and the backs were daubed with demonic runes.
He frowned.
Demon trap.....why would they be held here? Who had the knowledge and power to do that?
"Down here!" He shouted to the elf upstairs.
"I might have some answers."
Her handwriting was all over. But nothing personal. He knew it had to be around. She would have kept a book of her potions and poisons. Yet just scraps of paper. He saw a well-used apron and he touched it. She probably wore it he mused. Silently he apologized to her for not coming sooner.
He looked through some more papers and found so more of his sister's handwriting. Not anything powerful but she did draw an image of Lord Hernon and put a huge X over his face. He crumpled the paper tightly in his fist. If the man hadn't been killed he surly would have pierced his heart with his own blade.
Opaas heard the angelic man and hurried down the stairs. "What is it?"
Alorin regarded the mirrors with grim determination.
"Trapped Demons!" He said as the elf joined him downstairs, he pointed to the mirrors.
"Now I can let them free and they may offer advice on our two missing persons, then I can banish them, letting them keep their miserable lives if they are co-operative." He said in a steely tone.
"Or they may choose to fight and we are going to have a real problem on our hands...I can take one...but there is more than one in there and you are not equip for demon slaying."
He tilted his head.
"I suppose I should ask them what they choose....what do you think?"
Normally Alorin would have no hesitation and he would destroy what was ever inside that trap, he could take two but he did not need this man to know that.
He stood and listened quietly. He mulled over what the man before him said and thought for the briefest of moments.
"Normally I would think just destroying them would be my best guest. But, you are right to say I am not equipped as I have never had to face things such as this. It begs me to wonder if the Gods are now testing my resolve. Maybe show me the light. But, that is not of concern. My only concern are the two we are looking for. Where my sister corrupted by a foulness that I may never free her from and your Nephilim are out there with something that was able to trick them both. Unfortunately we need them. As much as I hate to admit it. Please ask and see what this gets us."
He never let his voice falter.
Alorin nodded he placed his sword against one of the mirrors and spoke.
"I scent you in the Belisarius...trapped with another and you know my voice and of what I am capable, I have the power to free you from this confinement but you have information that I seek...will you share it or will you fight?"
He tilted his head as if listening and in his head he heard the foul demonic speech.
"He will talk...him and the one with him...both are raging to get Sabre for doing this to them...it is unheard of a demon trapping his own kind." He said to the elf.
Slowly he cut the cords which held the mirrors together and an inky black seeped out and coalesced into a tall heavy set black haired man and a slighter one with red hair.
"Alorin!" Bel hissed.
"Why are you here?"
The Angelic held up his sword which shone like the brightest star.
"Tell us of Sabre, the boy, and the young woman Belisarius!" He said coldly.
The tale came out about Sabre trying to seduce Jelenis as he was called., not succeeding and turning his attentions to a girl who fell so easily to his charms. Sabre and the girl had wanted Jelenis and stolen him trapping them in this village.
Alorin turned to the elf.
"Best ask your questions whilst they are playing nicely." He said.
Opaas had stood there watching. In all his 200 years never had he beheld such a site. It was the things the elders told of in high tales of make believe. Yet here he stood witnessing with his own eyes the sights of which he was sure if he repeated his mercenary friends would laugh at him. He would be told to quit the ale.
The one demon called him Alorin, and he was able to keep the demons under control. Got them to speak so when he was offered a chance he gladly accepted.
Nodding at Alorin but speaking to the two. "This young women was she of elven decent? Tell me if you can what she looked like. If you knew what he called her by?"
Bel looked to the man and sneered.
"Ah.....Sabre's willing whore....yes she was elven....dark hair, slight, what did Sabre call her?" He purred.
"Honey Flower.....and my queen.......and yes.....Flori Flower. She lapped it up and moaned eagerly in his bed....she whipped the boy...she loved it!" Bel hissed.
"Never have I seen one fall as quick and as eager as her!"
His breathing increased. The demon was baiting him. A twitching in his jaw belayed how angry he was growing. But these creatures of the night they fed off this stuff. So he willed his heart to slow down. To keep his emotions in check. If he did not the beast surly bested him.
"That is her name, they described her." He spoke only to Alorin.
Turning to the demon. "Did they give any indication to you where they were going?" He did not think they did but if he didn't ask now he would never be able to. His emotions were a jumbled mess. How could his own flesh and blood be so easily corrupted? They described her looks, said her name, but she had always been a sweet girl. She had been innocent and kind. They called her a whore. They said she.... He couldn't even think of it. A sour taste was coming to his mouth.
Bel glanced to Trayder who shook his head.
"We do not know...Sabre has masked himself along with Jelenis and your little sister!"
His gaze then turned to Alorin.
"What is your interest in Jelenis Angelic....he is our charge, ours to protect...Sabre will pay dearly for this when we find him!"
Alorin lowered his sword and looked icily into the demon's pitch black eyes.
"Because he is my nephew Belisarius...and he is also an abomination, the result of a mating between one of your kind and one of mine....but before I send you home...you will tell me how my sister died!"
Bel gave a very slow smile.
"Oh how you must hate the thought of it....the lofty guardian...Alorin Silver...uncle to an abomination because his own sister opened her legs to a demon. She moaned well for him Alorin...more than once....night after night...he took her....again and again!"
Alorin closed his eyes and raised his hand, there was a flash of blinding white light and the pair had vanished.
"I would listen to no more of his filth!" He said quietly.
"Now we have work to be about...we need to find where they might go!" He said to the elf man.
It seemed even he could not take the taunting's of the demons.
"I found some sketching's and some other things my sister wrote upon. She left them behind. I had hoped her journal would be here. That is if she still kept one."
He headed for the stairs. It seemed this demon Sabre was powerful. He trapped two of his own kind. But did this surprise him? Not really. It was a demon and from the stories he remembered from youth they would do what they pleased without regard to elves or humans.
As he headed up the stairs he called to the man. "It was in the alchemy shop. I wonder if she had her own space here maybe we could find more. Piece together their whereabouts." He took the stairs two at a time.
Alorin's pace up the cellar stairs was much slower than the elf's, his mind drifted over Belisarius' taunt about his sister. How could Arina have fallen so far, how could she have laid with this demon and then married him....how could she have borne the abomination? She would have known the danger of what the boy was, a creature that was forbidden by both races, a creature that would be hated by both races.
If Sabre worked out that the boy was not Human somehow then his life would be a misery. Demons hated Angelics and vice versa...he would likely torture him and incite the girl to it as well.
He reached the top stair and moved out into the shop as the elf searched high and low for some sign of his sister, another lost to the same sin as Arina.
"Did you find anything?" He asked from where he leaned against the wall.
He looked up at his approach. "These. I found these. I am trying to piece together her mind set. Most of the sketches are from our times growing up."
He spread the artwork on the work station and studied the pieces. He could make out some little spots that they had played in while traveling around. A lot of the caravan. There were three of particular interest. Ones that he remembered from their past.
"These three." He pointed to the ones he wanted to man to view. "This one is located on the island of Yoreiq, this one is located in Hyoite, and this one in Adela. These are all very secluded. If she was drawing them I could see her telling him of them. Shall we check them out?"
He leaned to look at the drawings and noted the destinations, for him travel there could and would be instantaneous....how would this elf man do it.
"How do you travel?" He asked simply.
The three areas were some way apart, the demon could be at any, though he may has stashed the boy and the woman in different places.
"Which one first?"
He looked up and the angelic and simply stated "I travel by horse. It is swift one. I should think the least liky is the isles as they would have to garner passage so I say we hit Adela first, if not there we go next to Hyoite. Lastly Yoreiq."
He said this as Opaas would have no knowledge of a demon mist or this type of travel. These were all unknown. Even how the angelic moved about was not something he knew.
"Horse." Said the Angelic slowly.
He knew horses of course he did, four legged beasts that allowed men to ride them...but they tired after a while no matter how swift or hardy.
"Your horse cannot traverse starlight....nor can it fly." He said trying to work out how the man was ever going to make it to these places to save anyone in time.
There were not many that knew how Angelics moved, they could fly of course, his wings when on show were a deep glossy black sweeping from his shoulders to the floor and he could fly far. Though among his kind it was quicker to travel the beams of starlight across the night sky, almost like becoming the star itself.
"Where is this horse?"
"Starlight?" He questioned looking at the man. "It is in the stable, the one when you first entered town." He collected the sketches his sister did. Looking around briefly.
He hesitated but had to ask. "How do you knows he two you pulled from the mirror will not try to intercept us or better yet this other demon?"
Alorin poked around at a few of the items on the table.
"I banished them back to their realm...they will not be able to follow us for a while at least. If either do it will be Belisarius and he will make a line for Sabre...he was not pleased at being imprisoned."
The matter of the horse still puzzled him...the animal would be slow, he would have to travel slowly.
"I do not ride." He said finally.
"Never have needed to....can you make make the animal fly?"
Opaas was really getting confused by the angelic. He looked at him and just couldn't figure him out. Was he mocking him? No? Shaking his head Opaas just replied in a flat tone. "No, to my knowledge horses do not fly. But, hey I just spoke to demons so maybe it can. I do know how to fly dragon. But, alas they are scares and very expensive."
He took stock of what was here and he could tell Flori had been here. Little traces of her were everywhere. He had been gone too long. Now it looked as if his sister was lost forever to him.
He didn't quite understand the angelic. What did he mean never needed to travel by riding? Did he walk everywhere? He tucked what he thought might come in handy into his satchel and looked up at the man. "How do you get around then? Walk? I mean no disrespect, just these lands can be harsh as I am sure you are aware." He trailed off not sure what to say to the man.
Alorin showed himself in that moment the man asked his question, the long sweeping raven wings emanated from his cloak. They settled elegantly, large feathers that appeared blue black in the candlelight.
"I fly." He said simply.
"Though if I have to travel far I use starlight...I can move along the star's light to a place."
These lands might be harsh to mortal men but Alorin rarely came to rest upon it, he had only come to look for information on Arina's death and apprehend the Nephilim.
"So you see why I ask about the horse."
At the moment his wings emerged Opaas could only stand there and stare. It took a good few minutes for him to regain speech.
"What are you?" He couldn't help but ask. He saw this man and he had wings. He spook of flight. Of horses? He took a step back. He was even more confused now then he has ever been.
He could just stand there but he wasn't sure what to do. Answer the man's, uh, whatever he was question. He stammered out, "I know not if a horse can fly."
The Angelic smiled ever so slightly, his wings flickered and vanished back into the cloak. He had allowed this elf to see them, most could not...not if he didn't let them.
"I am a messenger of the Gods." He said softly.
"And if you do not know whether your horse can fly...it likely cannot."
He turned about and paced the room, and went into a small back room where he found a table, across the room on the floor he found a torn shirt, he kneeled down and picked it up and held it to his face.
It had belonged to the Nephilim....at least now he had the faintest of scents, the boy had been afraid when it had been ripped from him, it smelled of lilies....flowers, where his sweat had permeated it. He held it up to Opaas.
"This is the boy's....what ever happened here he was scared....the scent of his fear is all over it."
Opaas nodded respectfully. "A messenger of the Gods." He said this in awe. It was more of a statement for himself.
He leaned in and caught a faint scent of beautiful flowers. The scent of flowers! His fear! This was beginning to feel like a dream not real. But it was. All too real in fact.
"If he was in fear then neither of them are safe. I know she may already love him, this beast of a demon. But, it was all a corruption. It wasn't of her own free will. Not natural." He turned to the angelic. "We need to find them. You asked if my horse could fly? Why? You can that is obvious. Can you take me? Or should we pick a place to met up at and you check one and I one?"
Opaas was eager to get moving. The two needed help. Even if Flori didn't know it, she did. The young man did for even graver reasons.
Alorin looked solemnly at the elf.
"I am not a horse." He said mildly.
"I do not carry people!"
He did not mean to sound rude or off it was just his way, he did not converse with earth dwellers very often.
"You are right though, we need to leave and find them, your sister will love this demon, make no mistake, she will be unhappy if you try to take her from him...she is his mistress now. I do not mean this to be coarse but she will be in every sense of the word."
His thoughts went to the Nephilim, the boy, his nephew.
"Likely the boy is starting to reach his Kai'Tor...his ..." He struggled to reach for a word that might explain it to the elf.
"Do you have coming of age....when a boy starts to feel certain feelings...display certain needs...to grow in his strength?" He asked with his head tilted.
Such a thing might be similar to Kai'Tor, though for this Nephilim it would be a time of torment, feelings he did not understand, a tearing between his soul, that of demon and that of Angelic.
Opaas did mean to sound off putting but they were wasting time. He shifted uncomfortably but listened the angelic had done more for him in his search then anyone had at this point. He owed him.
"It would seem it is similar to our coming of age. When one leaves childhood behind and enters adulthood. For my culture it is around 135. It is a time of great joy and celebration for us. We begin to change physically as well as emotionally and this change is slow it can take between five to ten years before fully complete."
He thought it would be the closet he could come to understanding what the boy was going through. He worried what happens if the demon gets to him first.
"If you or I get to him and the demon has been successful in his corruption will the boy be lost then as well?"
Alorin took a breath.
"It depends on what is the stronger blood trait within him...if he is more Angelic than Demon he will withstand some of the corruption for a time...if the demon blood is stronger then it will start to overwhelm him....Sabre will suggest and he will start to comply."
His hand moved sub consciously to his sword and he stroked the shining milky white stone in the pommel.
"It will be small at first...finding a weakness...something from the past that it can use in the present...something that will prey on the boy's mind...a memory....it will grow from there. Likely he might even use your sister....no ...she will want to help."
He turned and headed towards the door.
"Let us go and see this horse of yours....perhaps I may be able to make it go faster....or fly." He said tersely.
He hoped the boy had more of Arina's blood in him...prayed that he was an innocent...it might stave the corrupter's influences.
Opaas nodded. "The stables, follow me." He didn't mean it as a command just getting to the point.
He heard what the angelic said he just didn't want to waste time. He lead the way to the stable and to his horse. Handing the stable hand a few gold pieces to run off.
"I gave the boy some coin to be sparse. This is Engof my horse." The beast was large. A true war horse of large breeding. His coat a rich brown with a lighter mane decorated with braids and some bead work. The horse's tail had the same color and style. One could tell the horse was well cared for.
"I can meet you at one of the locations? maybe you traverse to one and we met at the other?" He did not like feeling as if he was a burden.
Alorin followed the man to where the horse was housed, it was in deed a fine looking beast, He laid a hand gently on its shoulder and spoke softly to it. The horse made soft whickering noises and tossed its head up and down.
Alorin patted him firmly and turned back to the elf.
"Your horse is in agreement...travelling separately may cover more ground, but you will not be able to face a demon on your own should you happen upon them."
His wings arced out of his cloak once more and he extended one fully, it was huge and raven black, he looked at it carefully and the plucked a large feather from where it would cause him no trouble.
"I can make your horse fly....for a while at least...but you may want to step out side, you might find the process distressing."
He watched silently as the angelic communicated with his horse on a level he could not possibly hope to understand. That is not to say he did wish to know how.
He didn't know how to reply to this man. The things he said and the way he said them where not something he was use to at all. It wasn't disrespectful it was just so different. He wondered if others thought this is what an angelic was like. He would have to ask because he never gave it a thought at all, now he wanted to know more.
He watched as the angelic's wings came out again and the feather he plucked. He still could not believe his eyes. He knew it was real it was just so far off from anything he had done or seen.
"If you think it best I shall. One moment." He too leaned in and gave his horse a touch of affection on the snot. A quick rub and he left the stable.
Alorin turned back to the horse after the man had left.
"Are you sure about this...it will hurt." He said softly.
The horse tossed his head impatiently and nudged the Angelic in the ribs solidly. The man gave a wry grin.
"My you are as impatient as your master....brace yourself noble one!"
He took the long feather and jammed it hard into the horse's shoulder, holding the quill beneath the skin. The horse gave a shriek of pain and Alorin placed his other hand on the animal's forehead.
"Easy....you wanted this....hmmmm....the pain will go once they have grown."
The head of the feather seemed to burst and multiply, the other shoulder developed a hard lump and it erupted through the animal's shoulder causing the horse to whinny shrilly in pain. Bones appeared and then coated with skin....and the the heads of tiny feathers budded and expanded. Alorin kept whispering softly to the animal as the wings took shape, glossy raven black wings like his own. Engof swung his head to try and look at the new additions and there clearly was no room in the stable to stretch them.
"Fold them...thus!" The Angelic showed the horse how to tuck the wings back.
Engof did as the angelic told him. The pain had diminished just as he said it would and he tossed his head nudging the one softly.
Meanwhile outside Opaas heard Engof and had to steel himself against going back in. He had to trust his instinct that nothing that would truly meme the horse was being done. But he was tense. Anxious and although it really did not take long to him it felt like eternity.
Than Engof emerged from the stable lead by the angelic. To say he was in shock when he saw the man's wings. Let's just say if he truly did not know himself he would think he had partaken in some of his comrade's mushrooms.
"I don't believe my eyes. Never would have..." Opaas was at a lost for words.
Alorin let Engof walk to his master, the horse spreading his magnificent wings, showing off as he did.
The Angelic leaned against the stable wall and surveyed his handiwork, not something he would usually indulge in, but the animal had been willing and it had been of little inconvenience. He felt a little weary though, the drain of his power had been substantial as the wounds needed closing and he had given the horse a little of his life force.
"This horse can fly after all." He said wryly.
"We travel together."
Opaas eyes closed several times. Was this really happening and Engof! Was almost prancing like a show one would! "Engof!"
He didn't notice that it drained Alorin. It wasn't that he was inconsiderate he was just uneducated on how his powers worked and what it had taken to give Engof wings and the gift of flight.
With a nod he looked at his steed. "Ready boy?" It was something he often said. Almost a ritual to him now. "Yes, let's take...er...go?"
Alorin remained against the wall, he was tired and from experience he knew that Engof needed to practice flying and landing and they had the rest of the evening. It would be better if the horse bore his rider by day and rested by night.
"It would better if you let him take the first flight alone....he has to learn how to take off and land....and keep his wings beating." The Angelic said softly.
He knew Opaas was eager to go and save his sister....but the girl was already lost. Jelenis on the other hand was in grave danger....truly grave danger.
Opaas sighed! The man was right, what did he think that Engof would just know how to do it. "Of course you are right. I am not thinking clearly. My mind is engulfed with worry."
He stepped back and looked at his horse. It might be like the first flight a dragon took. So Opaas walked to the front and rubbed Engof's snout again. "Okay boy, flap those bad boys you were given, like Malamur would do. Remember the big bronze beast would flap and flap. Up and down. He first had to take a few steps so don't worry if you need that too."
With another affectionate pat he stepped back and waited to see what the horse would do.
Engof shook his head as his left leg stamped the ground, not in aggression but in a way to communicate his understanding. With that he flapped. He needed to get comfortable with the two appendages. The horse pranced and flapped.
The Angelic watched this with some amusement and finally called out.
"Get him to break into a gallop Opaas....he will understand what needs to be done!"
He watched the pair.
"Landing will be confusing to him he will need to come in to land at a gallop too and outstretch his wings to slow himself. He'll get the hang of it."
Opaas nodded at the angelic and gave the command to Engof to gallop. The horse immediately obeyed the whistle and broke into a gallop as its wings continued to flap.
As if it was meant to happen the horse took flight. It still used its legs but the wings carried it higher and higher.
Opaas at first just stood and stared slack jawed. As his eyes registered Engof. Soon he came too and whistled a high shrill and the horse heard him and turned in flight it was a graceful sight. Opaas singled with his hands for Engof to come in and land. The horse was still moving his legs which was to Opaas' relief as he watched him come in.
The horse seemed to instinctively keep its wings spread as his hooves hit the ground. It wasn't as graceful as his flight but he didn't stumble as he came pounding hard at a gallop past Opaas trying to slow. Which after a few minutes did happen as the big horse did turn around and come trotting back. Clearly proud of himself.
Alorin nodded as he had watched the horse take off and land, he seemed to take to it well enough. Engof finally trotted over to him and nudged him in the chest a few times.
"I know....well done....you need to keep an eye on that landing though."
The horse whickered and tossed his head up and down, almost as if in jovial agreement.
Alorin looked over to the elf and wondered whether he would want to leave immediately, it would be easier for the animal to travel by day, but he knew the elf wanted to go and find the girl.
Opaas watched as his horse flew and landed. It was surreal.
He watched as the two communicated and he couldn't help but feel pride for the horse. Engof has been the single purchase he felt was more the. Worth the price he paid. The horse proved it again tonight.
Now he was faced with a dilemma. What was their next move? Leave tonight? Was it safe? He hated being at someone else's mercy. But, he had to go with whatever the Angelic suggested. he didn't want to risk Engof. So with a deep breath he bite the bitterroot and asked.
"Can we leave now? Or is it best to leave in the morning?" He trusted the man as said before he had done more for Opaas than anyone so far.
Alorin pushed the horse away gently and straightened as the elf addressed him.
"It would be safer for Engof and yourself to fly by day for the first few times." He said softly.
"Also bringing this about has tired me...I would like to rest too. I prefer somewhere high...perhaps the hayloft."
He nodded at his choice, normally he would prefer his eyrie in the heavens...but needs must.
"Will you take a room at the inn or rest in the stable?" He asked Opaas.
He nodded, what else could he do?
"I understand." He did but this didn't mean he liked it. But neither did he want to risk Engof in any way.
"Hayloaf, yes...um...No I cannot stand the smell of that inn I shall bunk here myself". he pointed towards the stable master area. "I will be over there, please when you are ready wake me."
With that he whistled again for Engof who trotted proudly over. Opaas lead him to his stall. Telling him to tuck his wings in and chuckling as the horse struggled just a little trying to manage. Once in the stall Opaas gave him some oats and two apple slices with fresh water. With a pat he headed towards the bunks. Hopefully one would be empty.
Alorin climbed up to the Hayloft not wanting to expend any further energy by doing it as he might usually. He threw open the loft door and stared out into the night thinking about the boy and moreover the demon that held him.
Sabre was a canny creature, devlishly charming, and a fighter to match no other among his kind, such was his princely heritage. Why he had shown such an interest in this elvish female and Jelenis was an odd thing. Alorin surmised that he wanted the woman as his pleasure diversion and Jelenis to corrupt...it was whetehr he had figured out what Jelenis truly was, if so the boy's corruption would be slow progress, a trigger would have to be found to instil in him.
He settled in the straw and closed his eyes, he needed to rest, tomorrow, he felt was going to be a long day.
Opaas finished off seeing to Engof's needs and headed to the bunkhouse. He entered and looked about. He sighed with relief when he saw the empty straw beds. He asked the first stable boy he came across if he could bed for the night and the young boy nodded in affirmation.
"Please, it will be a few bits leave them on the masters table."
Opaas did as asked and removed his bow and quiver placing them right next to the bed. Next his heavy boots. Laying on his back the sounds of the fire crackling and some of the horses moving calmed and soothed his frazzled nerves. He looked up at the ceiling and for the first time pondered if there truly were Gods? There had to be or where did the man he encounter tonight come from? His head swam with what challenges were ahead for them.
He silently for the first time since hitting manhood said a silent pray to the Gods to watch over the young man and his sisters.
Opaas sat up something disrupted his sleep. He did not know why but he felt a dread come over him. Something he couldn't place. It wasn't physical but he felt it. Something terrible was happening to Flori or that young man. Morning could not come fast enough for him. He struggled to find sleep again.
Just as the elf below was restless in his sleep so was Alorin. The Angelic had wrapped his wings about himself as he tried to sleep but his mind was too full of questions.
What would he find when they finally managed to track their quarry down?
Would the boy be beyond salvage....would he have to execute his own nephew?
Would the girl be Sabre's beyond all shadow of a doubt?
He shook his wings and sat up and brushed at his eyes....he could not sleep...so he would pray and the gods would grant him strength to re-generate his powers...sleep was obviously not going to do that.
He turned but this feeling of dread would not dissipate. Try as he might it was an odd sensation. he said another pray just because he didn't know what else to do. He silently asked for the wisdom and strength to help the two lost souls.
His fear was that his sister was lost to the demon and the boy would also be lost or worse something tragic happens to him. Opaas asked for forgiveness of not coming sooner. He wasn't sure what was appropriate and hoped he wasn't asking for too much.
Alorin sat and listened as he heard and felt the man's prayer down below him. He knew that if Sabre had gotten into the girl deeper enough she would do anything he wanted...anything he asked because she would love him unreservedly. Arina had loved her Demon the same way, and she married that one...bore his child....forsaken her kin and her people.
Such influence did Demons have....some more than others.
Opaas waited just before the sun would crest. He could not sleep and he could no longer wait. Sitting up he pulled his boots on and walked to the fresh pitcher of water and scrubbed the residue of worry from his brow as best he could. He grabbed his weapon and threw the stable boy a few coin for a tip. He had kept the fire going all night and remained silent. He deserved it.
He hurried over to the stable and opened the doors. Another boy came over to help and Opaas smiled at him. Handed over a few more spares and told the lad not to worry he'd get his own mount. As for now he wasn't sure how to explain Engof and wasn't prepaid to either. He entered and looked for his horse and the man.
Alorin already waited outside, having jumped from the hayloft to land lightly outside. It was likely the elf wanted to go and find his sister, just like he wanted to go and find the boy.
He clothing had changed back to his Angelic armour, his wings flickered in the first rays of the morning sun. He gave a piercing whistle, the horse would understand that call, and would bring the elf too.
It was time to go.
Opaas walked Engof out at the sound of the shrill whistle and when he saw the angelic he nodded. They seemed to be of the same mind and for this he was glad.
Engof seemed to be as eager as the two men. He bucked his head a few times and stamped the ground as if to communicate his own desire to be off.
"I will have you take the led?" He asked. Not something he would do normally. Not at all. But this was not a normal situation.
Alorin rested a hand on the horse's nose and whispered softly to him.
"Quit the showing off...."
He turned to the elf and nodded.
"It will be easier on Engof if he follows me, but which way are we going? Where do you wish to search first?"
first?"
"Sure, then we will follow your led. Let me check the map." Opaas stood and looked at the map out of the three locations it would probably be best to hit Adela or the island of Yoreiq first. I say the island, if I recall it was one of Flori's wrote to me that she enjoyed their trip to the island and explored it rather extensively. There is an abandon port with a light house that I do remember her writing about and it is what was in her drawing. I think that may be a good place to find them as any."
Opaas rolled the map and went over to Engof to mount the horse. "We should head west to get to them and cross the Tuor Ocean, she mentioned something about the main island is all she ever got to so I think this is where the site would be located."
Alorin tilted his head and listened.
"How far is this Adela?" He asked, having no concept of distance as he travelled instantaneously most times.
His wings flickered and he shifted in the morning sunlight.
"Can Engof fly there in a day?"
He really had no idea if Engof could fly there in a day. So he rubbed his chin and thought about the distance. "It would take us several days to ride there from here. I am unsure of how much ground we would cover in the air. I can only assume it is faster so what would take four or five days possibly takes two?"
He nodded at the assessment. "I would think we could make it to Adela in two days? Maybe one?"
The Angelic reached out to lay a hand on the horse's neck and thought over what the man had said.
"We will not push Engof to hard....we will make the flight over two days and rest at night." He said softly.
He stepped back and his wings outstretched, with a small jump he took to the air his wings beating in strong hard strokes.
He turned and hovered looking to the elf and his horse.
"Well? Are you coming?" He shouted.
"Yes...yes...coming." He jumped on the horse and clicked letting Engof know he was ready.
The horse took a few steps broke into a gallop and took to the air. Opaas held on tight it was a little unsettling but he soon got use it. The horse flew easily and they followed the Angelic.
(Continued here: http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=19733.msg264591#msg264591 )