Post by Fen on Oct 26, 2009 20:32:44 GMT -7
Part 1, 2, &3
Marwynn "Cassia Gwenllian* Brightblade" (c) C. Pinkney *Gwenllian is a Welsh name pronounced (Gwen yen)
All characters (c) Ken Forsse
The Author wishes to thank Mr. Forsse for his creation of Grundo, and the stories which fueled her creative journey. She would like to thank the fans of Teddy Ruxpin and "The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin" for their support and wealth of knowledge.
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Remember Me.
Part 1 - Stranger from the North
Have you ever wondered what was over the distant hills? Where the wind blows wild, and the sky touches the earth? Beyond the great wall, over the next ridge through the purple mist and into the north country? If anyone said that there was a great secret to be found there, would a brave adventurer travel there to find it? What if there was a great mystery to unravel, a legend in itself that held a Princess in invisible chains and a kingdom in its icy grip? Would a brave soul dare to step to the challenge?
In the kingdom of Grundo there was a proclamation of a celebration. The Royal family of Nogburt was to honor the heros that rescued the fair Princess Aruzia from the evil Gutangs. A great feast was held in the royal hall and long into the night the celebrations and cheers echoed in the hallowed stone halls. It was somewhere amidst the crowds that a stranger entered the castle. She looked like any other illiper besides her strange clothing. She wore no crest on her tunic, but it was of fine satin trimmed in gold thread. Under it she wore a shirt of the most intricate chain mail and at her side was a hand and a half sword of simple design. She slipped past the guards and quietly joined the line of guests waiting to greet the royal family.
She was caught by surprise when she saw the heros of Grundo. Surely this was not right? Yet there they were, a rag tag band of an Octopede, Perloon, and Illiop. By the gods, what a strange scene. Yet, this was just the beginning. Beside them sat a rather large and very purple creature. The Princess seemed rather attached to it, as one would be to a large dog. A joke was said, and the room reverberated with the laughter of the creature who seemed to drown out the noise of the crowd around them. Then she found her hand being shaken, she looked up into the bluest eyes she had ever seen. Her mouth went dry as she tried to find the words to say. Everything she had practiced, was gone. She drew a blank and could only mutter, "Nice weather for this time of year."
"I guess," came a bored reply.
It shook her from her stupor.
"You guess?" She replied.
"Normally it's cooler, or raining.... are you from here?" He asked.
She looked behind her, the grunge gave her a glare.
"I am a visitor." She said.
"Welcome to Grundo." He replied.
She found herself pushed along into the dining hall. Tables were set with the finest buffet in all of Grundo. At the head table sat the royal family and their guests of honor.
Our hero or should I say, heroine, was never one for fancy parties, in fact, this was her first. Where she was from, such a thing was unheard of. It was not that there was nothing to celebrate, but such a thing had been forgotten. So with all forgotten things, it never happened.
She joined the others feasting and listening as stories were swapped, and tales told. She heard about the great treasure of Grundo, and the battle with the deadly aerial Gutangs over the Hard to Find City. Then, once sated and satisfied, the musicians assembled in the gallery. Soon tables were shoved aside as the dancing began. What grand dancing there was, from all corners of Grundo they came and brought with them a dance and a story. From the deep forest the fae joined in the celebration and gave the Prince and Princess magical gifts. From the wild lands the Grunges danced, joked, and swapped stories.
Our heroine did not notice she was being watched. In all the commotion, one set of eyes did not leave her. They followed her as she moved through the crowds. Observing as she did, the courtly scene being played out. Perhaps it was that she did not dance, but observed that set her apart, or maybe it was her attire. She smiled and spoke quietly with the court doctor, and Newton Gimmick. A conversation about optics left Gimmick twittering with ideas and his sweetheart nodding with approval.
A touch on her shoulder caused her to stiffen slightly. She turned unsure if it was another grunge asking for directions to the bathroom. Her mouth open ready for an answer she turned to address the interrupter.
"For the last time, the bathroom is ON YOUR L...." she froze.
The Doctor and Gimmick bowed low.
"Your Highness, eh..eh have you met Marwynn?" Gimmick chirped.
"No, I'm afraid I have not made a proper acquaintance. Please excuse me, I...that is, how do you do?" He replied, his tone betrayed his nervousness. He offered her a gloved hand, and appeared relieved when she accepted it.
"I am well. Thank you, your Majesty." Marwynn replied shaking his hand.
It is a strange thing, when two people meet. Two polar opposites, and should be enemies meet. Neither knows the other well enough to understand the role that they would play in their lives together. Yet, in a single instant, a connection is made. The wheels of fate begin to turn and one can only guess at the games the gods are playing with foolish mortals such as these.
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The evening came and went, as the best evenings often do. In the course of the events that followed the King was poisoned, by a rogue Gutang. An assault was made upon the castle, but thwarted in time by the brave efforts of the heros of Grundo. As all historians would recall that event, would start a new era. A young Prince would begin his training towards knighthood, and a Princess would become a lady.
Yet, every Princess needs a teacher. One skilled in the fine arts, who would teach her the skills she would need to protect and defend her home. As was the tradition in Grundo. Each child of the royal family was to be given fair and equal training until the "calling". Wherein their true gifts were revealed by the "Old Ones" and they would see their future. It was at this time when Marwynn found herself working as a stable hand in the royal livery. There she became fast friends with the young Princess, often accompanying her for rides out through the countryside.
It was on such a ride, that they found themselves caught out in a rainstorm. As you know, when it rains, it gets muddy, and there was one creature in Grundo who loved the mud. They were made from the stuff, and would take advantage of those times to cause havoc on the kingdom by running amok. Aruzia and Marwynn found themselves surrounded and outnumbered.
"We need to send for help!" cried Aruzia panicking as the creatures surrounded her.
"There is no time!" Marwynn huffed as she reached over and pulled Aruzia off her mount and onto the back of her own. Then, she jumped off and smacked the back of the creature with the flat of her sword.
"Run and whatever you do, do not look back!" Marwynn called as the Princess disappeared into the distance. She turned and faced the creatures. Her eyes glowed softly and the amulet that hung about her neck glowed. The creatures backed away raising their hands to cover their eyes from the light, but it was no use. That light pierced their muddy hides and shattered them as broken pottery. Rank after rank fell before her, as she swung her blade now burning white hot. The rain sizzled on her shoulders, evaporating as the ground below her began to glow sand turning to glass, and grass charring under her feet. Then as soon as it began it was over. What remained looked like the sculptures of a madman.
The sound of galloping shook Marwynn from her reflection. She sheathed her sword and climbed the hill. There, she was met by the Prince and a squad of his elite guards.
"Aruzia said you encountered Mudblups." He said peering down at her from atop his steed.
"We did." Marwynn replied, sheathing her sword. "They are taken care of. The Princess is safe on my watch." She looked at him, her golden eyes met his and for a moment volumes were said in the silence between them.
He looked down into the valley and his expression grew dark.
"I see." He said sternly. "Ride with me back to the castle."
It was not a request, nor a command.
"I'd rather walk sire." She replied.
"As you wish." He answered.
The trip back to the castle was a quiet one. Save for the whispers of the soldiers they had seen the obvious. They saw and they knew what they saw. The question on everyone's mind was...
"How?" asked the King.
Marwynn knelt before him then raised her eyes to meet his.
"I have a gift sire. When those who are under my protection are in danger, I am bound to protect them by any means necessary. It is my path." She replied.
"You single handedly incinerated a legion of mudblups, a feat not easily done without some sort of aid. What is this gift you speak of?" the King pressed.
"It is from my home, in the North country."
A gasp and a hushed whisper echoed through the hall. North Country! She is from the wild North Country! Of COURSE the Mad Country where the barbarians live! Who is to say SHE is not in legion with THEM! Gutang sympathizers!
Marwynn felt the weight of their accusations upon her. She knew about the Gutangs, but she was not in alliance with them. She hunted them, as did her people. Surely, they would understand that she had no such connection. Yet, when her eyes met the Kings, the accusations of his court seemed to weigh heavy on his ear. Marwynn felt a knot in the pit of her stomach, she had told the truth, but they would not believe her. Quietly, she prayed for some sort of sign.
"Father please, Marwynn saved my life! I know her father! I know she would never let harm come to me or to anyone here! I know her heart Father! I know she is from the North Country, but she fights them as we do! Father please show mercy and wisdom!" Aruzia's voice echoed in the hall. She ran forward holding the crystal of truth in her hands. "I have proof she is good, see the crystal shows it as so!" Aruzia cried out, her voice raised over the noise of the courtiers and onlookers.
The room felt electric as whispers and surprise shook the walls. Crystal of truth! The Princess will speak the Truth! The Princess can see into the hearts and motivations of those who come before the King!
The King shifted in his seat. Then looking at his daughter, and at Marwynn, he raised his hand. The room fell to a dull hum, then to silence. A pause then he turned to address Marwynn directly.
"You speak the truth Marwynn of the North. My daughter has raised her voice in favor of your character. As you have shown your loyalty to my family such a thing is worthy of reward." He said rising from the throne.
Marwynn looked up at the King, then around at the room. She felt small, and insignificant before them. Quietly she replied, "Nothing sire. You have given me shelter, bread on my table, and safety. I wish for nothing more."
The King raised a brow at this answer.
"Your humbleness becomes you, but it would honor me to award you with the position of Calvary Dragoon. Your skill with the horse and with the blade outshines my finest commanders. I will have you as my right hand and you shall be in charge of the instruction and care of my only daughter, the Princess Aruzia of Grundo." Announced the King.
There was a roar of outrage and surprise at this revelation. Arin barked orders to the guards to hold back the protesting courtiers while giving a confused look at his father and sister.
Well, this certainly changed things.
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Part 2 - Revelation
Everyone has a secret, everyone has a past. As long as we live, we are making one. What we do today effects tomorrow, and yesterdays decisions have their repercussions today. Marwynn found herself falling into the easy day to day routine of castle life. There were assignments to be carried out, tasks to fill, and diplomats to see. There were meetings with the councilors over the treasury, war, commerce, and law. Even though the kingdom had a royal family, the day to day running was delegated to the elected Chief Councillor, and appointed officials. The kingdom was small, as most of Grundo remained wild the population of the entire principality was more or less fifty thousand. Everything the castle needed to survive was found in the surrounding farmlands. The farmers were freemen who payed a tithe of their harvest to the King, the rest they kept for themselves or sold at market.
The market days were quite an affair. They only happened once a month, and twice during harvest time. The Princess had a fondness for these events, and in particular the festivities surrounding them which carried on long into the night. It was a common sight to see her bustling about the stalls and chatting with the villagers about their wares and business. Marwynn found herself tagging along watching the spectacle with interest. She had never experienced anything like it before. The sights and smells were wholesome, earthy, and full of life. As mothers nursed their babies, and children ran through the legs of the adults entranced with their games. Animals bayed, squawked, and bleated as voices were raised bartering over a price. Green grocers shouted and sung out selling their wares, as fishmongers added their own twist to the song. It was chaos, it was bliss.
Yet there was a singular wagon that sat a little way off from the main thoroughfare. Marwynn felt a strange drawing to it, as if she had to discover something. As she walked closer to it, a voice called out from within.
"Come closer... closer." beckoned the voice.
Marwynn halted and looked around. Surely it was not talking to her.
"Come closer Marwynn, I have been waiting for you."
Now it was getting strange, but still Marwynn was not sure. This person could have heard her name anywhere. It was not that long ago that the King commissioned her in front of the court. For all she knew, there was a connection.
"Marwynn, or should I say, Cassia Gwenllian, the Last."
Marwynn paled. How did it know? What did it know? She turned and looked for an escape but also felt drawn to the wagon as if held there by some unseen force. Slowly, she turned around and walked towards the wagon.
She paused at the looming door and at the darkness within. Then, her foot fell upon the wooden steps. At that moment, Quellor the Lord of Darkness woke with a mighty roar causing the earth to tremble, and mountains to quake. The great volcano Cotopaxi erupted from within the deep recesses of the black mountains.
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On the southern border another creature of darkness stirred, woken from his slumber he ran to gaze at the stars from his tower. He was an alchemist by trade, and a bad one at that. Yet, despite his miserable efforts in magic, he still had within him the "understanding" of it. He looked to the heavens, and his ears fell. Then, he raced back into his tower pulling tome after tome off crumbling shelves as plumes of dust swirled about him. With a shout to his minion, he pushed aside the clutter of failed experiments aside and opened the book. As if possessed, his eyes scanned the text, snapping through page after page of writing until he gasped. He raised the candle and leaned in closer.
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Marwynn climbed the wooden steps and entered the wagon. It would have been quite spacious inside but every inch of it was covered with some odd token or magic amulet. Jars containing an assortment of peculiar ingrediants lined the shelves and books upon books were staked haphazardly all over. Maps and scrolls were rolled up and tucked in any available corner along with quills, ink, and various other magical items. A small circular table stood in the center of the mess. Upon it was a cloth of purple satin trimmed with gold and inscribed with Alchemal symbols and the names of the angels and demons. Upon the table set in the hand of a dragon was a crystal of many facets. It sparkled in the candlelight. On either side of the table sat two stone dragons one carved in black onyx, the other in red marble. Precious stones were set in their eyes and they leered down at the table and at the crystal. A stool moved aside and instinctively Marwynn sat down upon it. She looked at the dragons, then for the first time noticed the roof. Or lack of it. It seemed that the entire universe could be seen and the constellations in their motion across the heavens was before her. She felt as if she was no longer in Grundo but somewhere in between.
"You have travelled far dear." Came the voice again.
Marwynn turned and saw the source. An old crone sat across from her. Her skin creased with countless wrinkles, as wisps of fine white hair fell across her brow. Her eyes were small and bright, betraying her true power despite her frail appearance and age. She hobbled over to the table and sat down with a grunt.
"I knew you would come today... I have been watching your dreams, and I know who you are."
Marwynn tensed. How did she know? Watching her dreams? Impossible, no one watches dreams.
"You do not believe me do you. Very well Marwynn, tell me, how did you kill the Mudblups?" she asked.
"I... I don't know I was scared, and the next thing I remember was that I was climbing the hill and saw the Prince arrive with reinforcements." Marwynn answered.
The crone laughed. Her laugh grated down Marwynns back as nails to a chalk board.
"My you are a silly young thing. You really do not know who you are? Very well, gaze into the eye and you will see." She lifted her hands above the crystal and chanted softly the crystal began to glow and hum softly as she did so. The crone's eyes rolled back and she spoke but her voice was lower, deeper than before.
"You are the Last. The daughter of Eowyn the Last, whose Kingdom has fallen under the hand of Quellor the Dark One. When the first and last houses come into alignment, and the sun rises on the third day, fire and blood will rain down upon the green lands of the south and consume all within. The apocaplyse will come, and all will be cleansed."
The hag shuddered and slumped over the table. Marwynn stood up her pulse pounding in her veins, as she reached over and seized the creature by its wrist.
"You LIE!" she cried... "Surely there is some mistake! My father died in his bed as did my mother! They were sick, and they died!"
The hag lifted her head slowly and her beady eyes glared up at Marwynn triumphantly. "Murderer! You cannot change your destiny! You are damned, and those around you will be consumed by the flame!"
"Enough! ENOUGH!" Marwynn cried
"Ooooo you burn me for the truth! You horrible demon! Let me go you wicked,wicked demon!" The creature howled out in pain.
Marwynn looked down as she saw smoke rising from between her fingers, she quickly released the hag but the damage was done. The creature recoiled back nursing its wound hissing curses under her breath. Marwynn turned and ran out of the wagon her eyes searching the crowds for any sign of the Princess.
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"Explain yourself." Arin stated.
"I have nothing to say." Marwynn replied.
"You understand that the Princess could have been in danger while you were off wandering about?" He snapped.
"I do, it will not happen again sire." she said quietly staring straight ahead.
"Make sure it does not happen, or you will find yourself rotting in the dungeon." Arin stated. He was pacing this time. He always paced when he was upset over something, and there was plenty to be upset about. The constant threat of Gutang attack, kept his men always on alert taxing their fortitude and morale. The rumors that the Sorcerer of Ying was assembling forces in the north, and a new threat. This one far more serious than the others. The rise of Quellor.
He stopped and turned to face her.
"You are dismissed."
Marwynn saluted and turned on her heel. As soon as the door closed behind her she ran. She would be meeting the Princess in the library for their afternoon classes, and it had already gone well past the usual time.
"damn" she hissed.
Within the library of Nogburt's castle was a book that told the history of Grundo. It was this book that sparked the interest of a young Prince Arin in searching for the Hard to Find City. The city was the Atlantis of Grundo, it held a great treasure within, and was rumored to be filled with advanced technology beyond what anyone had known before. It was also rumored to have been built by a long forgotten race known only as the Illiops. Arin would have chalked the whole thing up as a fairy tale if he had not met an Illiop in the most unusual circumstances. It was that Illiop who, with the help from his comrades, helped him rescue his sister from the Gutangs.
The passages about the Hard to Find city were brief, as information did not survive the following wars and disasters that befell the city. It was taken by the barbarians of the north led by the Supreme Oppressor and his Sorcerer Abraxis. Yet, even while the Supreme Oppressor sat on the iron throne and commanded his legions to pillage and destroy all that dwelled in the southern lands, he kept records of his magic in the library. There, kept in a golden cage, slept the Oracle. A large creature with hollow eyes and vivid dreams.
Some still believe the Oracle existed within the Hard to Find City. That she is kept in her gold cage and dreams prophecies that are fulfilled in the mundane. There was one prophecy that no one expected. That of the Chosen One, the Destroyer of Grundo. That she would come from a line of Kings long forgotten, that she would be the last of her kind and that the world would change forever after she entered it.
"Ah Marwynn! I hope Arin did not keep you too long! I will speak to him Marwynn." Aruzia piped up from behind a stack of books.
Marwynn sat down and looked at the Princess, then took a book off the top of the stack and opened it.
"Your brother has a duty to fulfill, and that is to make sure his family is safe, and that those entrusted to the care of his family are doing their job. " she replied
Aruzia looked down at the book.
"I understand, however, you need to know that my brother was not always like this."
Marwynn looked up. "Oh?"
Aruzia nodded, before turning her gaze to the book. Yet her tone was distant, slightly fearful, and very sad.
"My brother is protective of me because when I was younger, I was kidnapped..." she then proceeded to tell Marwynn the tale of her kidnapping and how her brother sought her, and was captured. How he was rescued and how he rescued her with the help of the heros of Grundo.
"What happened to you there?" Marwynn tentatively asked.
"I was held in a gibbet, I could not sit, I could only stand. They gave me disgusting stuff they called food, but I ate it because there was nothing else. I knew what they had in mind for me. I heard them talk about a ransom, but if the ransom was not paid I would be given to the Sorcerer of Ying to be put in his "collection"." she replied.
Marwynn looked down at the book, flipping a page.
"I see. Let's start at page twenty-two."
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Part 3 - ATTACK
Sirens blared out as the buzz of engines filled the skies above Nogburt's castle. It was another air raid, another attack by the Gutangs. The sky rained steel bolts as they sent volley after volley over the walls onto the small group of soldiers left to defend the castle. Marwynn ran to find Aruzia. The Princess was safe, but the Gutangs started another volley, this time using fire.
"Quickly! We need to head to the safe house!" she shouted to the Princess through the smoke and noise.
The Princess nodded, wrapping herself in a hooded cloak, as they swiftly made their way down the winding stairs towards the cloisters. Once within the safety of the tunnels that wound under the castle, they remained hidden. Aruzia curled up closing her eyes against the noise, but Marwynn found herself crawling through the mud towards a small grated window. She could see some of the battle as it carried on. Already, the Gutangs were in retreat, but the battle continued to rage on against the fires. Marwynn crawled back to the Princess and they waited for sound of the all clear.
There was a time when life seemed to make more sense, and the world seemed far away from Nogburt's castle. The royal family lived in relative peace, keeping minimal interaction with the surrounding realms. This changed when the Gutangs attacked, and no one really knew what prompted it or why they kidnapped the Princess in the first place. Yet, with each attack, Nogburt's army was reduced to a few brigades and volunteers. Each raid resulted in more casualties. Victories were few and far between, causing the morale to be lower than usual, and even with the encouragement of Prince Arin, rumors of a coup de ete and dissension spread like wild fire.
Now the castle seemed darker than before. The banners did not appear as bright, the pennants did not wave as freely. The holes and tears in the royal flag caused it to writhe about as a dying bird. Marwynn helped Aruzia out of their shelter. They crawled top of a debris pile staring dumbfounded at the damage. Aruzia clung to Marwynn whimpering softly.
"Arin! We must find my brother!" she cried.
They struggled for some time crawling over rocks and debris until they saw a group of soldiers crowded around someone laying on the ground. Marwynn's eyes grew wide as the came closer. "No..." she whispered.
"Arin!!!" Aruzia cried out as she broke free from Marwynn and ran over to the crowd.
Marwynn watched as the princess pushed her way through. Then, she followed hanging back a bit observing the scene before her. Arin was there, but he was standing over the body. In his arms he held his father, a steel bolt had pierced the King's shoulder.
"Excuse me! Let me through! Royal Physician coming through! Excuse me!"
Marwynn knew that voice anywhere. It was Eunice, dear Eunice! She shoved some of the soldiers aside, "move it or I'll make you! Let her through! Let the woman do her job!" She growled.
Despite the dirty looks shot at Marwynn, Eunice made it through and immediately began field first aid. "We need to transport the King to his chambers, where I can work, and we can see what the real damage is." she huffed wiping the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand.
What happened next, was a blur of activity as Arin shouted commands to the remaining soldiers. The strain in his voice was clear, as was the anger. Aruzia followed her father and Eunice up to the royal quarters, clinging to her mother. Marwynn glanced over her shoulder at Arin, but then joined the Princess and Queen.
The Royal Physician ordered a series of x rays, and from that was able to determine the extent of the damage. Still, the surgery to remove the bolt was risky, even with the technology they had. Yet, the King demanded it be done.
The hours passed into days, and days into weeks. Weeks into months, and the King seemed to recover. Strange as it was, the Gutang attacks ceased. Everyone assumed it had to do with the oncoming of winter, the treacherous mountains became moreso during winter, and it was rare to find a Gutang aircraft that could handle the icy winds and freezing rain.
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As the first flakes of snow settled onto the castle walls, and the fires burned in the hearth Marwynn continued to tutor Aruzia. The Princess was becoming well versed in the ancient languages of Grundo, and showed a keen interest in the healing arts both scientifically and spiritually. She had a natural intuition that could see beyond the present circumstances into the wider truth of a situation.
"You like my brother don't you?" Aruzia said one afternoon.
Marwynn looked up startled at that revelation from the Princess. In the time between the attack and their current state, she had not said a word to the Prince beyond a formal hello and goodbye. As far as she was concerned, the Prince was their leader in training and nothing more. It was true, and since the King's injury, Nogburt seemed particularly interested in Arin's training. He pushed the Prince harder than usual, his words more critical and condescending than uplifting. His eyes never left him, keeping a careful record of everything he did, and what he could have done... no should have done better. Meanwhile, it seemed that Arin took it all in stride. He did appear to genuinely want to honor his father by doing his best. At least, to Marwynn, the Prince understood the gravity of his situation, since the attack. Their discussions were brief, and the Prince was reserved in his replies. His interest was in Aruzia's education, and if she would be ready to start formal training with Eunice in the spring.
"I think we should look at some conversions now." Marwynn replied.
"Yes, but I am only stating the obvious. I have seen how you have watched him as he practices. It's quite clear, that you are fond of him." Aruzia chuckled.
Marwynn felt her cheeks burn.
"I think you are mistaken." She replied cooly.
"Excuse me." came a voice from the door.
Both ladies looked up in surprise to see the elderly form of Eunice standing in the doorway.
"I am sorry to interrupt your lessons your Highness, but I must speak with Marwynn immediately. It concerns the King."
"Daddy?" Aruzia asked quietly.
Marwynn stood up and joined Eunice at the door. "What is it doctor? You only need to ask, and I will do everything in my power to help." Marwynn said as she took the hand of her friend and mentor in her own. Concern clearly written on her face at the sight of the doctor's expression and grave tone.
Aruzia snapped her book shut, dropping it onto the table, and rushed over to join them.
"What is the matter with my father, Eunice?" She asked, her eyes pleading. Fear was apparent in her tone, as her gaze shifted from Marwynn to Eunice and back again.
The elderly doctor put her hand on the Princess' shoulders, and sighed. "I fear he has come down with some sort of illness, but I cannot figure out the exact cause. He has not been sleeping well, and this has made him weaker by the day. He rants about nightmares concerning a monster known as Necriel. I have checked all my books, and have ran several tests, but other than the usual suspects for the flu. I have nothing."
Marwynn looked at the doctor then at Aruzia.
"So how can we help?" she asked.
"I need you to travel north, there you will find Black Crow Cavern. It is just beyond Mog's Forest, within the lower hills of the Treacherous Mountains. There is a certain flowering herb known as the Star Flower. It is rare but it grows wild along the ridge of Black Crow Hill. It is known for its healing properties. I think you should go." Eunice replied. She handed Marwynn a folded document. "This will help you identify the plant."
Marwynn nodded. "I'll have a mule saddled up and ready to go in the morning."
Aruzia looked at them both, her arms crossed in frustration, "but what can I do?" She asked.
Eunice smiled warmly to the Princess, "this is not an adventure for you my dear, it would not go well for your mother if she knew you were off wandering through dangerous country even with a protector like Marwynn. You are, after all, the future of this kingdom."
Aruzia huffed but nodded. "I know, but I do wish to go on an adventure one day... I cannot stand being cooped up in the castle and treated like a piece of mother's china."
Marwynn and the Doctor chuckled, which caused the Princess to smile. Still, the prospect of heading out into unknown territory was daunting, even if she did know what the doctor wanted. She would take a moment to talk to the Doctor when they were alone, as soon as she could.
As the afternoon turned to evening, and the Princess turned in for the night. Marwynn took her usual walk along the walls of the castle. The repairs from the Gutang attack were well underway, and the buildings damaged by the fire had new roofs. Snow blanketed the buildings and softened the sharp angles and charred remains. The castle was peaceful as thin wisps of smoke snaked up from chimneys disappearing into the night sky. Marwynn leaned against the wall gazing out across the countryside. Already, the trees were changing color from summer into autumn. Soon, they would be bare, and the world would sleep until spring. She shivered and pulled her cloak around her for warmth.
"Hallo." Said a muffled masculine voice.
Marwynn turned her head suddenly at the source of the voice, brushing a lock of her auburn hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear.
"Hallo." she replied quietly.
"Do you often walk this way at night?" the voice asked.
She cautiously noted a quick exit, just in case it went bad. She knew she was unpopular with a few members of the King's court. "Sometimes, when I need time to think, and be alone."
"Ah I see." the voice replied.
"Do you now?" she challenged, slightly annoyed at the arrogance of the statement.
"I have observed that you spend your evenings alone looking to the North, and I wonder, do you miss your home? I wonder, if you are so miserable here, that you long to escape this place to find another." The voice stated calmly.
At his statement, she nervously glanced towards the North, but her expression was of sadness. "At times like this I miss it, but sometimes I wonder if it ever was my real home. My home in the North never really, felt like a home. It was a place I ended up staying longer than I expected. It was a safe place, yet such things never last. Perhaps a safe place does not exist."
"Do you not believe that you are safe here?" He asked.
"I would like to think I am. Yet, with the recent attacks, it makes me wonder if maybe I am cursed. If there is something wrong with me. That if I leave a place, maybe the attacks will stop and everyone would be better off." She replied sadly.
The stranger barked a laugh, causing Marwynn to jump slightly at his candid tone. "No, the attacks will continue as they had done so in the past. However, I am sure my sister would not be happy about you leaving her. As she has done well under your care."
Marwynn looked up her eyes widened slightly at that remark.
"Your Highness?" she whispered, her surprise clear.
Arin stepped into the light pulling back the hood of his cloak. There was something different about him. He walked over and stood next to her, "Good evening Marwynn, might I join you?" He asked with a shy smile. For the first time, Marwynn noticed Arin was younger than he acted. "Of course, your Highness." She replied.
They walked along the walls in silence until they reached the tower. Arin held the door open for Marwynn and together they climbed the spiraling staircase towards the roof. At the top of the north tower they could look out upon the expanse of Grundo. The North lined with a ridge of mountains that seemed to scrape the sky, and to the East forest and hills.
"If I am keeping you away from your duties, your Highness, please carry on." She stated.
"Marwynn, enough with the formalities." He muttered. "Save it for my father. I would appreciate it, if you address me as Arin." He said as he leaned with crossed arms against the flag pole.
"Ok... Arin." Marwynn stared down at her hands. His casual conduct perplexed her. Why was he being so informal? What did he want? They had rarely spoken to one another since she arrived at the castle. Why tonight? Yet, when she looked into his eyes, she felt butterflies.
"You know about my father right?" He asked.
Well that was a reality check she did not see coming. She looked up and stepped away from him running her hand along the stone wall.
"Yes, Eunice has commissioned me to travel to the North to find an herb that grows wild there. I should be able to make the trek within two days.... I think." She replied cooly, betraying no hint of emotion.
"Do you really think so?" he said with a smirk. "You should not go alone, if you are not familiar with the area."
"I can take a map." she quipped she leaned against the wall and looked up at the sky her expression thoughtful.
"I will go with you." he replied firmly.
She turned her head quickly at his statement. "What?! You can't go with me! Your father expects you to be here! What if the Gutangs attack? Who will protect the castle? Who will protect your sister and mother? No. I should go. It is my quest." she replied firmly.
Arin smiled.
"You are right." He replied with a nod. Then, he walked over and stood next to her, his shoulder brushing against hers. "However, have you noticed that the attacks have stopped?"
Marwynn glanced up at him, and shrugged. "Yes, but they could be preparing for another one... it is not like these things are planned..." she sniffed.
He chuckled, "it is due to the weather. Everyone knows the Gutangs main headquarters are within the Hard to Find City located somewhere in the Treacherous Mountains. The winter comes fast up there, and their flying machines cannot function in the heavy snow. So, for now, the castle and surrounding lands are safe."
"Why do you not send your men to fight them when they are grounded then?" she asked.
Arin raised a brow at this and replied, "we never wanted war with them in the first place. I am a champion of peace Marwynn, as was my father and grandfather. I will defend my home and those I love from evil in whatever form it takes, but I will not seek out war with the Gutangs no matter how justified or righteous the reason to do so."
Marwynn turned her gaze away from him as he spoke. He was man of honor. A rare trait to find these days. When it felt as if everyone sought to climb the ladder of ambition and power by stepping on others on the way up. She struggled with understanding how complacent he seemed about creatures who kidnapped his sister and attempted to murder his father. Creatures that freely took from the farmers and burned their storehouses. If any attack was justified, Nogburt certainly had a real case against them.
"I am still going tomorrow." Marwynn announced.
"I will go with you. The weather is changeable this time of year, and the usual roads are treacherous due to the snow drifts. You will need a guide." He stated firmly.
Marwynn reluctantly agreed with a nod. "Very well, we should set off at dawn. I will meet you at the stables." She replied cooly.
As she turned to leave, Arin raised his hand, then dropped it. Once more he was shy, and at a loss for words. Crestfallen, he leaned against the wall, with a sigh aimlessly surveying the surrounding fields.
Marwynn paused at the door before opening it. She quickly peered over her shoulder and could see his silhouette as moonlight glinted off his tunic and armor. The tilt of his head, betrayed his temperament. She sighed and shook her head. What a strange night this turned out to be.
"Good night, Arin." she said with a smile, before disappearing down the stairs.
Marwynn "Cassia Gwenllian* Brightblade" (c) C. Pinkney *Gwenllian is a Welsh name pronounced (Gwen yen)
All characters (c) Ken Forsse
The Author wishes to thank Mr. Forsse for his creation of Grundo, and the stories which fueled her creative journey. She would like to thank the fans of Teddy Ruxpin and "The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin" for their support and wealth of knowledge.
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Remember Me.
Part 1 - Stranger from the North
Have you ever wondered what was over the distant hills? Where the wind blows wild, and the sky touches the earth? Beyond the great wall, over the next ridge through the purple mist and into the north country? If anyone said that there was a great secret to be found there, would a brave adventurer travel there to find it? What if there was a great mystery to unravel, a legend in itself that held a Princess in invisible chains and a kingdom in its icy grip? Would a brave soul dare to step to the challenge?
In the kingdom of Grundo there was a proclamation of a celebration. The Royal family of Nogburt was to honor the heros that rescued the fair Princess Aruzia from the evil Gutangs. A great feast was held in the royal hall and long into the night the celebrations and cheers echoed in the hallowed stone halls. It was somewhere amidst the crowds that a stranger entered the castle. She looked like any other illiper besides her strange clothing. She wore no crest on her tunic, but it was of fine satin trimmed in gold thread. Under it she wore a shirt of the most intricate chain mail and at her side was a hand and a half sword of simple design. She slipped past the guards and quietly joined the line of guests waiting to greet the royal family.
She was caught by surprise when she saw the heros of Grundo. Surely this was not right? Yet there they were, a rag tag band of an Octopede, Perloon, and Illiop. By the gods, what a strange scene. Yet, this was just the beginning. Beside them sat a rather large and very purple creature. The Princess seemed rather attached to it, as one would be to a large dog. A joke was said, and the room reverberated with the laughter of the creature who seemed to drown out the noise of the crowd around them. Then she found her hand being shaken, she looked up into the bluest eyes she had ever seen. Her mouth went dry as she tried to find the words to say. Everything she had practiced, was gone. She drew a blank and could only mutter, "Nice weather for this time of year."
"I guess," came a bored reply.
It shook her from her stupor.
"You guess?" She replied.
"Normally it's cooler, or raining.... are you from here?" He asked.
She looked behind her, the grunge gave her a glare.
"I am a visitor." She said.
"Welcome to Grundo." He replied.
She found herself pushed along into the dining hall. Tables were set with the finest buffet in all of Grundo. At the head table sat the royal family and their guests of honor.
Our hero or should I say, heroine, was never one for fancy parties, in fact, this was her first. Where she was from, such a thing was unheard of. It was not that there was nothing to celebrate, but such a thing had been forgotten. So with all forgotten things, it never happened.
She joined the others feasting and listening as stories were swapped, and tales told. She heard about the great treasure of Grundo, and the battle with the deadly aerial Gutangs over the Hard to Find City. Then, once sated and satisfied, the musicians assembled in the gallery. Soon tables were shoved aside as the dancing began. What grand dancing there was, from all corners of Grundo they came and brought with them a dance and a story. From the deep forest the fae joined in the celebration and gave the Prince and Princess magical gifts. From the wild lands the Grunges danced, joked, and swapped stories.
Our heroine did not notice she was being watched. In all the commotion, one set of eyes did not leave her. They followed her as she moved through the crowds. Observing as she did, the courtly scene being played out. Perhaps it was that she did not dance, but observed that set her apart, or maybe it was her attire. She smiled and spoke quietly with the court doctor, and Newton Gimmick. A conversation about optics left Gimmick twittering with ideas and his sweetheart nodding with approval.
A touch on her shoulder caused her to stiffen slightly. She turned unsure if it was another grunge asking for directions to the bathroom. Her mouth open ready for an answer she turned to address the interrupter.
"For the last time, the bathroom is ON YOUR L...." she froze.
The Doctor and Gimmick bowed low.
"Your Highness, eh..eh have you met Marwynn?" Gimmick chirped.
"No, I'm afraid I have not made a proper acquaintance. Please excuse me, I...that is, how do you do?" He replied, his tone betrayed his nervousness. He offered her a gloved hand, and appeared relieved when she accepted it.
"I am well. Thank you, your Majesty." Marwynn replied shaking his hand.
It is a strange thing, when two people meet. Two polar opposites, and should be enemies meet. Neither knows the other well enough to understand the role that they would play in their lives together. Yet, in a single instant, a connection is made. The wheels of fate begin to turn and one can only guess at the games the gods are playing with foolish mortals such as these.
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The evening came and went, as the best evenings often do. In the course of the events that followed the King was poisoned, by a rogue Gutang. An assault was made upon the castle, but thwarted in time by the brave efforts of the heros of Grundo. As all historians would recall that event, would start a new era. A young Prince would begin his training towards knighthood, and a Princess would become a lady.
Yet, every Princess needs a teacher. One skilled in the fine arts, who would teach her the skills she would need to protect and defend her home. As was the tradition in Grundo. Each child of the royal family was to be given fair and equal training until the "calling". Wherein their true gifts were revealed by the "Old Ones" and they would see their future. It was at this time when Marwynn found herself working as a stable hand in the royal livery. There she became fast friends with the young Princess, often accompanying her for rides out through the countryside.
It was on such a ride, that they found themselves caught out in a rainstorm. As you know, when it rains, it gets muddy, and there was one creature in Grundo who loved the mud. They were made from the stuff, and would take advantage of those times to cause havoc on the kingdom by running amok. Aruzia and Marwynn found themselves surrounded and outnumbered.
"We need to send for help!" cried Aruzia panicking as the creatures surrounded her.
"There is no time!" Marwynn huffed as she reached over and pulled Aruzia off her mount and onto the back of her own. Then, she jumped off and smacked the back of the creature with the flat of her sword.
"Run and whatever you do, do not look back!" Marwynn called as the Princess disappeared into the distance. She turned and faced the creatures. Her eyes glowed softly and the amulet that hung about her neck glowed. The creatures backed away raising their hands to cover their eyes from the light, but it was no use. That light pierced their muddy hides and shattered them as broken pottery. Rank after rank fell before her, as she swung her blade now burning white hot. The rain sizzled on her shoulders, evaporating as the ground below her began to glow sand turning to glass, and grass charring under her feet. Then as soon as it began it was over. What remained looked like the sculptures of a madman.
The sound of galloping shook Marwynn from her reflection. She sheathed her sword and climbed the hill. There, she was met by the Prince and a squad of his elite guards.
"Aruzia said you encountered Mudblups." He said peering down at her from atop his steed.
"We did." Marwynn replied, sheathing her sword. "They are taken care of. The Princess is safe on my watch." She looked at him, her golden eyes met his and for a moment volumes were said in the silence between them.
He looked down into the valley and his expression grew dark.
"I see." He said sternly. "Ride with me back to the castle."
It was not a request, nor a command.
"I'd rather walk sire." She replied.
"As you wish." He answered.
The trip back to the castle was a quiet one. Save for the whispers of the soldiers they had seen the obvious. They saw and they knew what they saw. The question on everyone's mind was...
"How?" asked the King.
Marwynn knelt before him then raised her eyes to meet his.
"I have a gift sire. When those who are under my protection are in danger, I am bound to protect them by any means necessary. It is my path." She replied.
"You single handedly incinerated a legion of mudblups, a feat not easily done without some sort of aid. What is this gift you speak of?" the King pressed.
"It is from my home, in the North country."
A gasp and a hushed whisper echoed through the hall. North Country! She is from the wild North Country! Of COURSE the Mad Country where the barbarians live! Who is to say SHE is not in legion with THEM! Gutang sympathizers!
Marwynn felt the weight of their accusations upon her. She knew about the Gutangs, but she was not in alliance with them. She hunted them, as did her people. Surely, they would understand that she had no such connection. Yet, when her eyes met the Kings, the accusations of his court seemed to weigh heavy on his ear. Marwynn felt a knot in the pit of her stomach, she had told the truth, but they would not believe her. Quietly, she prayed for some sort of sign.
"Father please, Marwynn saved my life! I know her father! I know she would never let harm come to me or to anyone here! I know her heart Father! I know she is from the North Country, but she fights them as we do! Father please show mercy and wisdom!" Aruzia's voice echoed in the hall. She ran forward holding the crystal of truth in her hands. "I have proof she is good, see the crystal shows it as so!" Aruzia cried out, her voice raised over the noise of the courtiers and onlookers.
The room felt electric as whispers and surprise shook the walls. Crystal of truth! The Princess will speak the Truth! The Princess can see into the hearts and motivations of those who come before the King!
The King shifted in his seat. Then looking at his daughter, and at Marwynn, he raised his hand. The room fell to a dull hum, then to silence. A pause then he turned to address Marwynn directly.
"You speak the truth Marwynn of the North. My daughter has raised her voice in favor of your character. As you have shown your loyalty to my family such a thing is worthy of reward." He said rising from the throne.
Marwynn looked up at the King, then around at the room. She felt small, and insignificant before them. Quietly she replied, "Nothing sire. You have given me shelter, bread on my table, and safety. I wish for nothing more."
The King raised a brow at this answer.
"Your humbleness becomes you, but it would honor me to award you with the position of Calvary Dragoon. Your skill with the horse and with the blade outshines my finest commanders. I will have you as my right hand and you shall be in charge of the instruction and care of my only daughter, the Princess Aruzia of Grundo." Announced the King.
There was a roar of outrage and surprise at this revelation. Arin barked orders to the guards to hold back the protesting courtiers while giving a confused look at his father and sister.
Well, this certainly changed things.
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Part 2 - Revelation
Everyone has a secret, everyone has a past. As long as we live, we are making one. What we do today effects tomorrow, and yesterdays decisions have their repercussions today. Marwynn found herself falling into the easy day to day routine of castle life. There were assignments to be carried out, tasks to fill, and diplomats to see. There were meetings with the councilors over the treasury, war, commerce, and law. Even though the kingdom had a royal family, the day to day running was delegated to the elected Chief Councillor, and appointed officials. The kingdom was small, as most of Grundo remained wild the population of the entire principality was more or less fifty thousand. Everything the castle needed to survive was found in the surrounding farmlands. The farmers were freemen who payed a tithe of their harvest to the King, the rest they kept for themselves or sold at market.
The market days were quite an affair. They only happened once a month, and twice during harvest time. The Princess had a fondness for these events, and in particular the festivities surrounding them which carried on long into the night. It was a common sight to see her bustling about the stalls and chatting with the villagers about their wares and business. Marwynn found herself tagging along watching the spectacle with interest. She had never experienced anything like it before. The sights and smells were wholesome, earthy, and full of life. As mothers nursed their babies, and children ran through the legs of the adults entranced with their games. Animals bayed, squawked, and bleated as voices were raised bartering over a price. Green grocers shouted and sung out selling their wares, as fishmongers added their own twist to the song. It was chaos, it was bliss.
Yet there was a singular wagon that sat a little way off from the main thoroughfare. Marwynn felt a strange drawing to it, as if she had to discover something. As she walked closer to it, a voice called out from within.
"Come closer... closer." beckoned the voice.
Marwynn halted and looked around. Surely it was not talking to her.
"Come closer Marwynn, I have been waiting for you."
Now it was getting strange, but still Marwynn was not sure. This person could have heard her name anywhere. It was not that long ago that the King commissioned her in front of the court. For all she knew, there was a connection.
"Marwynn, or should I say, Cassia Gwenllian, the Last."
Marwynn paled. How did it know? What did it know? She turned and looked for an escape but also felt drawn to the wagon as if held there by some unseen force. Slowly, she turned around and walked towards the wagon.
She paused at the looming door and at the darkness within. Then, her foot fell upon the wooden steps. At that moment, Quellor the Lord of Darkness woke with a mighty roar causing the earth to tremble, and mountains to quake. The great volcano Cotopaxi erupted from within the deep recesses of the black mountains.
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On the southern border another creature of darkness stirred, woken from his slumber he ran to gaze at the stars from his tower. He was an alchemist by trade, and a bad one at that. Yet, despite his miserable efforts in magic, he still had within him the "understanding" of it. He looked to the heavens, and his ears fell. Then, he raced back into his tower pulling tome after tome off crumbling shelves as plumes of dust swirled about him. With a shout to his minion, he pushed aside the clutter of failed experiments aside and opened the book. As if possessed, his eyes scanned the text, snapping through page after page of writing until he gasped. He raised the candle and leaned in closer.
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Marwynn climbed the wooden steps and entered the wagon. It would have been quite spacious inside but every inch of it was covered with some odd token or magic amulet. Jars containing an assortment of peculiar ingrediants lined the shelves and books upon books were staked haphazardly all over. Maps and scrolls were rolled up and tucked in any available corner along with quills, ink, and various other magical items. A small circular table stood in the center of the mess. Upon it was a cloth of purple satin trimmed with gold and inscribed with Alchemal symbols and the names of the angels and demons. Upon the table set in the hand of a dragon was a crystal of many facets. It sparkled in the candlelight. On either side of the table sat two stone dragons one carved in black onyx, the other in red marble. Precious stones were set in their eyes and they leered down at the table and at the crystal. A stool moved aside and instinctively Marwynn sat down upon it. She looked at the dragons, then for the first time noticed the roof. Or lack of it. It seemed that the entire universe could be seen and the constellations in their motion across the heavens was before her. She felt as if she was no longer in Grundo but somewhere in between.
"You have travelled far dear." Came the voice again.
Marwynn turned and saw the source. An old crone sat across from her. Her skin creased with countless wrinkles, as wisps of fine white hair fell across her brow. Her eyes were small and bright, betraying her true power despite her frail appearance and age. She hobbled over to the table and sat down with a grunt.
"I knew you would come today... I have been watching your dreams, and I know who you are."
Marwynn tensed. How did she know? Watching her dreams? Impossible, no one watches dreams.
"You do not believe me do you. Very well Marwynn, tell me, how did you kill the Mudblups?" she asked.
"I... I don't know I was scared, and the next thing I remember was that I was climbing the hill and saw the Prince arrive with reinforcements." Marwynn answered.
The crone laughed. Her laugh grated down Marwynns back as nails to a chalk board.
"My you are a silly young thing. You really do not know who you are? Very well, gaze into the eye and you will see." She lifted her hands above the crystal and chanted softly the crystal began to glow and hum softly as she did so. The crone's eyes rolled back and she spoke but her voice was lower, deeper than before.
"You are the Last. The daughter of Eowyn the Last, whose Kingdom has fallen under the hand of Quellor the Dark One. When the first and last houses come into alignment, and the sun rises on the third day, fire and blood will rain down upon the green lands of the south and consume all within. The apocaplyse will come, and all will be cleansed."
The hag shuddered and slumped over the table. Marwynn stood up her pulse pounding in her veins, as she reached over and seized the creature by its wrist.
"You LIE!" she cried... "Surely there is some mistake! My father died in his bed as did my mother! They were sick, and they died!"
The hag lifted her head slowly and her beady eyes glared up at Marwynn triumphantly. "Murderer! You cannot change your destiny! You are damned, and those around you will be consumed by the flame!"
"Enough! ENOUGH!" Marwynn cried
"Ooooo you burn me for the truth! You horrible demon! Let me go you wicked,wicked demon!" The creature howled out in pain.
Marwynn looked down as she saw smoke rising from between her fingers, she quickly released the hag but the damage was done. The creature recoiled back nursing its wound hissing curses under her breath. Marwynn turned and ran out of the wagon her eyes searching the crowds for any sign of the Princess.
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"Explain yourself." Arin stated.
"I have nothing to say." Marwynn replied.
"You understand that the Princess could have been in danger while you were off wandering about?" He snapped.
"I do, it will not happen again sire." she said quietly staring straight ahead.
"Make sure it does not happen, or you will find yourself rotting in the dungeon." Arin stated. He was pacing this time. He always paced when he was upset over something, and there was plenty to be upset about. The constant threat of Gutang attack, kept his men always on alert taxing their fortitude and morale. The rumors that the Sorcerer of Ying was assembling forces in the north, and a new threat. This one far more serious than the others. The rise of Quellor.
He stopped and turned to face her.
"You are dismissed."
Marwynn saluted and turned on her heel. As soon as the door closed behind her she ran. She would be meeting the Princess in the library for their afternoon classes, and it had already gone well past the usual time.
"damn" she hissed.
Within the library of Nogburt's castle was a book that told the history of Grundo. It was this book that sparked the interest of a young Prince Arin in searching for the Hard to Find City. The city was the Atlantis of Grundo, it held a great treasure within, and was rumored to be filled with advanced technology beyond what anyone had known before. It was also rumored to have been built by a long forgotten race known only as the Illiops. Arin would have chalked the whole thing up as a fairy tale if he had not met an Illiop in the most unusual circumstances. It was that Illiop who, with the help from his comrades, helped him rescue his sister from the Gutangs.
The passages about the Hard to Find city were brief, as information did not survive the following wars and disasters that befell the city. It was taken by the barbarians of the north led by the Supreme Oppressor and his Sorcerer Abraxis. Yet, even while the Supreme Oppressor sat on the iron throne and commanded his legions to pillage and destroy all that dwelled in the southern lands, he kept records of his magic in the library. There, kept in a golden cage, slept the Oracle. A large creature with hollow eyes and vivid dreams.
Some still believe the Oracle existed within the Hard to Find City. That she is kept in her gold cage and dreams prophecies that are fulfilled in the mundane. There was one prophecy that no one expected. That of the Chosen One, the Destroyer of Grundo. That she would come from a line of Kings long forgotten, that she would be the last of her kind and that the world would change forever after she entered it.
"Ah Marwynn! I hope Arin did not keep you too long! I will speak to him Marwynn." Aruzia piped up from behind a stack of books.
Marwynn sat down and looked at the Princess, then took a book off the top of the stack and opened it.
"Your brother has a duty to fulfill, and that is to make sure his family is safe, and that those entrusted to the care of his family are doing their job. " she replied
Aruzia looked down at the book.
"I understand, however, you need to know that my brother was not always like this."
Marwynn looked up. "Oh?"
Aruzia nodded, before turning her gaze to the book. Yet her tone was distant, slightly fearful, and very sad.
"My brother is protective of me because when I was younger, I was kidnapped..." she then proceeded to tell Marwynn the tale of her kidnapping and how her brother sought her, and was captured. How he was rescued and how he rescued her with the help of the heros of Grundo.
"What happened to you there?" Marwynn tentatively asked.
"I was held in a gibbet, I could not sit, I could only stand. They gave me disgusting stuff they called food, but I ate it because there was nothing else. I knew what they had in mind for me. I heard them talk about a ransom, but if the ransom was not paid I would be given to the Sorcerer of Ying to be put in his "collection"." she replied.
Marwynn looked down at the book, flipping a page.
"I see. Let's start at page twenty-two."
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Part 3 - ATTACK
Sirens blared out as the buzz of engines filled the skies above Nogburt's castle. It was another air raid, another attack by the Gutangs. The sky rained steel bolts as they sent volley after volley over the walls onto the small group of soldiers left to defend the castle. Marwynn ran to find Aruzia. The Princess was safe, but the Gutangs started another volley, this time using fire.
"Quickly! We need to head to the safe house!" she shouted to the Princess through the smoke and noise.
The Princess nodded, wrapping herself in a hooded cloak, as they swiftly made their way down the winding stairs towards the cloisters. Once within the safety of the tunnels that wound under the castle, they remained hidden. Aruzia curled up closing her eyes against the noise, but Marwynn found herself crawling through the mud towards a small grated window. She could see some of the battle as it carried on. Already, the Gutangs were in retreat, but the battle continued to rage on against the fires. Marwynn crawled back to the Princess and they waited for sound of the all clear.
There was a time when life seemed to make more sense, and the world seemed far away from Nogburt's castle. The royal family lived in relative peace, keeping minimal interaction with the surrounding realms. This changed when the Gutangs attacked, and no one really knew what prompted it or why they kidnapped the Princess in the first place. Yet, with each attack, Nogburt's army was reduced to a few brigades and volunteers. Each raid resulted in more casualties. Victories were few and far between, causing the morale to be lower than usual, and even with the encouragement of Prince Arin, rumors of a coup de ete and dissension spread like wild fire.
Now the castle seemed darker than before. The banners did not appear as bright, the pennants did not wave as freely. The holes and tears in the royal flag caused it to writhe about as a dying bird. Marwynn helped Aruzia out of their shelter. They crawled top of a debris pile staring dumbfounded at the damage. Aruzia clung to Marwynn whimpering softly.
"Arin! We must find my brother!" she cried.
They struggled for some time crawling over rocks and debris until they saw a group of soldiers crowded around someone laying on the ground. Marwynn's eyes grew wide as the came closer. "No..." she whispered.
"Arin!!!" Aruzia cried out as she broke free from Marwynn and ran over to the crowd.
Marwynn watched as the princess pushed her way through. Then, she followed hanging back a bit observing the scene before her. Arin was there, but he was standing over the body. In his arms he held his father, a steel bolt had pierced the King's shoulder.
"Excuse me! Let me through! Royal Physician coming through! Excuse me!"
Marwynn knew that voice anywhere. It was Eunice, dear Eunice! She shoved some of the soldiers aside, "move it or I'll make you! Let her through! Let the woman do her job!" She growled.
Despite the dirty looks shot at Marwynn, Eunice made it through and immediately began field first aid. "We need to transport the King to his chambers, where I can work, and we can see what the real damage is." she huffed wiping the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand.
What happened next, was a blur of activity as Arin shouted commands to the remaining soldiers. The strain in his voice was clear, as was the anger. Aruzia followed her father and Eunice up to the royal quarters, clinging to her mother. Marwynn glanced over her shoulder at Arin, but then joined the Princess and Queen.
The Royal Physician ordered a series of x rays, and from that was able to determine the extent of the damage. Still, the surgery to remove the bolt was risky, even with the technology they had. Yet, the King demanded it be done.
The hours passed into days, and days into weeks. Weeks into months, and the King seemed to recover. Strange as it was, the Gutang attacks ceased. Everyone assumed it had to do with the oncoming of winter, the treacherous mountains became moreso during winter, and it was rare to find a Gutang aircraft that could handle the icy winds and freezing rain.
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As the first flakes of snow settled onto the castle walls, and the fires burned in the hearth Marwynn continued to tutor Aruzia. The Princess was becoming well versed in the ancient languages of Grundo, and showed a keen interest in the healing arts both scientifically and spiritually. She had a natural intuition that could see beyond the present circumstances into the wider truth of a situation.
"You like my brother don't you?" Aruzia said one afternoon.
Marwynn looked up startled at that revelation from the Princess. In the time between the attack and their current state, she had not said a word to the Prince beyond a formal hello and goodbye. As far as she was concerned, the Prince was their leader in training and nothing more. It was true, and since the King's injury, Nogburt seemed particularly interested in Arin's training. He pushed the Prince harder than usual, his words more critical and condescending than uplifting. His eyes never left him, keeping a careful record of everything he did, and what he could have done... no should have done better. Meanwhile, it seemed that Arin took it all in stride. He did appear to genuinely want to honor his father by doing his best. At least, to Marwynn, the Prince understood the gravity of his situation, since the attack. Their discussions were brief, and the Prince was reserved in his replies. His interest was in Aruzia's education, and if she would be ready to start formal training with Eunice in the spring.
"I think we should look at some conversions now." Marwynn replied.
"Yes, but I am only stating the obvious. I have seen how you have watched him as he practices. It's quite clear, that you are fond of him." Aruzia chuckled.
Marwynn felt her cheeks burn.
"I think you are mistaken." She replied cooly.
"Excuse me." came a voice from the door.
Both ladies looked up in surprise to see the elderly form of Eunice standing in the doorway.
"I am sorry to interrupt your lessons your Highness, but I must speak with Marwynn immediately. It concerns the King."
"Daddy?" Aruzia asked quietly.
Marwynn stood up and joined Eunice at the door. "What is it doctor? You only need to ask, and I will do everything in my power to help." Marwynn said as she took the hand of her friend and mentor in her own. Concern clearly written on her face at the sight of the doctor's expression and grave tone.
Aruzia snapped her book shut, dropping it onto the table, and rushed over to join them.
"What is the matter with my father, Eunice?" She asked, her eyes pleading. Fear was apparent in her tone, as her gaze shifted from Marwynn to Eunice and back again.
The elderly doctor put her hand on the Princess' shoulders, and sighed. "I fear he has come down with some sort of illness, but I cannot figure out the exact cause. He has not been sleeping well, and this has made him weaker by the day. He rants about nightmares concerning a monster known as Necriel. I have checked all my books, and have ran several tests, but other than the usual suspects for the flu. I have nothing."
Marwynn looked at the doctor then at Aruzia.
"So how can we help?" she asked.
"I need you to travel north, there you will find Black Crow Cavern. It is just beyond Mog's Forest, within the lower hills of the Treacherous Mountains. There is a certain flowering herb known as the Star Flower. It is rare but it grows wild along the ridge of Black Crow Hill. It is known for its healing properties. I think you should go." Eunice replied. She handed Marwynn a folded document. "This will help you identify the plant."
Marwynn nodded. "I'll have a mule saddled up and ready to go in the morning."
Aruzia looked at them both, her arms crossed in frustration, "but what can I do?" She asked.
Eunice smiled warmly to the Princess, "this is not an adventure for you my dear, it would not go well for your mother if she knew you were off wandering through dangerous country even with a protector like Marwynn. You are, after all, the future of this kingdom."
Aruzia huffed but nodded. "I know, but I do wish to go on an adventure one day... I cannot stand being cooped up in the castle and treated like a piece of mother's china."
Marwynn and the Doctor chuckled, which caused the Princess to smile. Still, the prospect of heading out into unknown territory was daunting, even if she did know what the doctor wanted. She would take a moment to talk to the Doctor when they were alone, as soon as she could.
As the afternoon turned to evening, and the Princess turned in for the night. Marwynn took her usual walk along the walls of the castle. The repairs from the Gutang attack were well underway, and the buildings damaged by the fire had new roofs. Snow blanketed the buildings and softened the sharp angles and charred remains. The castle was peaceful as thin wisps of smoke snaked up from chimneys disappearing into the night sky. Marwynn leaned against the wall gazing out across the countryside. Already, the trees were changing color from summer into autumn. Soon, they would be bare, and the world would sleep until spring. She shivered and pulled her cloak around her for warmth.
"Hallo." Said a muffled masculine voice.
Marwynn turned her head suddenly at the source of the voice, brushing a lock of her auburn hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear.
"Hallo." she replied quietly.
"Do you often walk this way at night?" the voice asked.
She cautiously noted a quick exit, just in case it went bad. She knew she was unpopular with a few members of the King's court. "Sometimes, when I need time to think, and be alone."
"Ah I see." the voice replied.
"Do you now?" she challenged, slightly annoyed at the arrogance of the statement.
"I have observed that you spend your evenings alone looking to the North, and I wonder, do you miss your home? I wonder, if you are so miserable here, that you long to escape this place to find another." The voice stated calmly.
At his statement, she nervously glanced towards the North, but her expression was of sadness. "At times like this I miss it, but sometimes I wonder if it ever was my real home. My home in the North never really, felt like a home. It was a place I ended up staying longer than I expected. It was a safe place, yet such things never last. Perhaps a safe place does not exist."
"Do you not believe that you are safe here?" He asked.
"I would like to think I am. Yet, with the recent attacks, it makes me wonder if maybe I am cursed. If there is something wrong with me. That if I leave a place, maybe the attacks will stop and everyone would be better off." She replied sadly.
The stranger barked a laugh, causing Marwynn to jump slightly at his candid tone. "No, the attacks will continue as they had done so in the past. However, I am sure my sister would not be happy about you leaving her. As she has done well under your care."
Marwynn looked up her eyes widened slightly at that remark.
"Your Highness?" she whispered, her surprise clear.
Arin stepped into the light pulling back the hood of his cloak. There was something different about him. He walked over and stood next to her, "Good evening Marwynn, might I join you?" He asked with a shy smile. For the first time, Marwynn noticed Arin was younger than he acted. "Of course, your Highness." She replied.
They walked along the walls in silence until they reached the tower. Arin held the door open for Marwynn and together they climbed the spiraling staircase towards the roof. At the top of the north tower they could look out upon the expanse of Grundo. The North lined with a ridge of mountains that seemed to scrape the sky, and to the East forest and hills.
"If I am keeping you away from your duties, your Highness, please carry on." She stated.
"Marwynn, enough with the formalities." He muttered. "Save it for my father. I would appreciate it, if you address me as Arin." He said as he leaned with crossed arms against the flag pole.
"Ok... Arin." Marwynn stared down at her hands. His casual conduct perplexed her. Why was he being so informal? What did he want? They had rarely spoken to one another since she arrived at the castle. Why tonight? Yet, when she looked into his eyes, she felt butterflies.
"You know about my father right?" He asked.
Well that was a reality check she did not see coming. She looked up and stepped away from him running her hand along the stone wall.
"Yes, Eunice has commissioned me to travel to the North to find an herb that grows wild there. I should be able to make the trek within two days.... I think." She replied cooly, betraying no hint of emotion.
"Do you really think so?" he said with a smirk. "You should not go alone, if you are not familiar with the area."
"I can take a map." she quipped she leaned against the wall and looked up at the sky her expression thoughtful.
"I will go with you." he replied firmly.
She turned her head quickly at his statement. "What?! You can't go with me! Your father expects you to be here! What if the Gutangs attack? Who will protect the castle? Who will protect your sister and mother? No. I should go. It is my quest." she replied firmly.
Arin smiled.
"You are right." He replied with a nod. Then, he walked over and stood next to her, his shoulder brushing against hers. "However, have you noticed that the attacks have stopped?"
Marwynn glanced up at him, and shrugged. "Yes, but they could be preparing for another one... it is not like these things are planned..." she sniffed.
He chuckled, "it is due to the weather. Everyone knows the Gutangs main headquarters are within the Hard to Find City located somewhere in the Treacherous Mountains. The winter comes fast up there, and their flying machines cannot function in the heavy snow. So, for now, the castle and surrounding lands are safe."
"Why do you not send your men to fight them when they are grounded then?" she asked.
Arin raised a brow at this and replied, "we never wanted war with them in the first place. I am a champion of peace Marwynn, as was my father and grandfather. I will defend my home and those I love from evil in whatever form it takes, but I will not seek out war with the Gutangs no matter how justified or righteous the reason to do so."
Marwynn turned her gaze away from him as he spoke. He was man of honor. A rare trait to find these days. When it felt as if everyone sought to climb the ladder of ambition and power by stepping on others on the way up. She struggled with understanding how complacent he seemed about creatures who kidnapped his sister and attempted to murder his father. Creatures that freely took from the farmers and burned their storehouses. If any attack was justified, Nogburt certainly had a real case against them.
"I am still going tomorrow." Marwynn announced.
"I will go with you. The weather is changeable this time of year, and the usual roads are treacherous due to the snow drifts. You will need a guide." He stated firmly.
Marwynn reluctantly agreed with a nod. "Very well, we should set off at dawn. I will meet you at the stables." She replied cooly.
As she turned to leave, Arin raised his hand, then dropped it. Once more he was shy, and at a loss for words. Crestfallen, he leaned against the wall, with a sigh aimlessly surveying the surrounding fields.
Marwynn paused at the door before opening it. She quickly peered over her shoulder and could see his silhouette as moonlight glinted off his tunic and armor. The tilt of his head, betrayed his temperament. She sighed and shook her head. What a strange night this turned out to be.
"Good night, Arin." she said with a smile, before disappearing down the stairs.