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It's a story I wrote for a different contest :) Lightning Dance
Thunder and lightning crashed and boomed, as rain droplets hit my face, sending chills down my spine. The wind caused the droplets to become small icy rocks. I ran through the jungle. The wet canopy leaves smacked across my face, as I pushed past them. Protecting my face with my arm, I strode up the mountain. My dress was dirty, soaked, and torn from all the jagged rocks on the mountain side. The mountain was black and shaped like a horrendous monster. The rocks curved back like horns and at the top it opened like a mouth. Sharp rocks resembled fangs at the mouth.
I climbed up it trying to make it to the top. From where I was I could see our old plane. It left a trail of fallen down trees, when we crashed on this island. Every now and again I had to stop and tug at my dress. It got caught on the rock's sharp edges. My feet began to bleed and tears fell down my face, begging for it to stop. I had to get to the top...I had to.
My friend rests at the top, being sacrificed for the lightning god. We came were heading for a vacation and the pilot had died. Our plane crash and fell here and now a tribe called the Erosa, had taken my friend Henry. They were expecting the lightning god to strike him with a sharp stab of a lightning bolt.
No. I would not let this happen. I cared too much for him. I had to get up there. I had to save my friend. As I climbed higher the frost intensified. The mountain's peak was covered and caked in snow. The snow became painted in my blood. I fell over and soon my hands were in the same condition as my feet. I fell over again trying to move the wet, thick black hair from my face. But tripped and cut my knee. A blood-curdling scream fell from my lips. I covered my knees with the palms of my hands, leaving them blood soaked.
I finally made it to the top, where the tribe danced and chanted devilishly. My friend Henry was in the center, unconscious. I almost called out his name, but knew I must be silent. I covered my mouth just in time, tasting the blood from my hands.
I watched in horror as they tied Henry in a steel wire, so the lightning would strike him. Anger took over me and I snapped a piece of rock off of the mountain side. Charging at them, I screamed and sliced and stabbed as hard as I could. I closed my eyes and blindly attacked. Two of the tribe's men came for me from behind. Gritting my teeth, almost growling, I kicked them back and swung the rock at their heads. When I reopened them, all of my foes were dead, or severely injured incapable of movement. Of course, most of this would scar me for life, but I didn't care now. I just wanted to free Henry. I just wanted to go home.
I could see more of the Erosa heading up to the mountain top, torches and blades in their hands. The Erosa hated women, especially one who took down their own men. I rushed to Henry's side and carried him all night and day, down the mountain. I collapsed when we came to the end and fell asleep. I woke up to Henry and we were in a helicopter. Bandages were strapped to my feet, knees, hands, and forehead. The hail beat down on my head, cracking it open. I ached in pain, but was glad I was there with Henry. "It'll be okay, Ralisa." He says.
I drift off to another nap and dream of my home. My tranquil and comfortable home. I had nightmares of the Erosa. Before when we first landed, I had already watched them burn a man alive. Don't those people have any hearts? I wondered to myself.
My thoughts were interrupted by Henry's pleasantly soft voice, "I forgot to thank you."
"You don't have to. I just don't owe you anything anymore." I winked at him. I had owed him for saving my life before. When we were back in our home town, Henry had saved me from a gang at night.They sent their hounds on me and almost ripped me apart. But Henry was there. He got help and risked his life to save me in the mean time. That's how we met. I was glad we did.
"Yeah, but that doesn't even compare to what you did. I now owe you again." He smiles.
"I guess it never ends. Everything just happened so quickly you know? I don't know what came over me." I replied.
"Awww, you really did care about me." Henry chuckles.
"Maybe...or I didn't want them to kill you. That would be my job only!" I joked.
We fell silent and kept to ourselves until we heard the captain speak, "We're here now. You guys should be okay from here."
Henry takes my hand and we walk off the helicopter together. We stood on a roof of a building, overlooking the entire city of Trafara. Clueless, we walked down the staircase leading inside the building. No one instructed us on where to go and I forgot to even ask.
I jumped when a pair of arms wrapped around me. I heard my mother crying over my shoulder. My face fell into her brown hair and my arms wrapped around her also. My entire family was there, welcoming me with smiles and flowers. Henry looked at the ground. He had no family and had no one really, except for me.
I noticed this and introduced Henry to my family. I told them about how he helped me and he certainly talked about my performance on saving him. My family welcomed him with open arms and brought him home for dinner. And from there on out, I wasn't as alone anymore. I felt happy. I was truly happy. Nothing would take this away from me. Not even that silly old lightning god.
message 3:
by
Jack Frost, Jaquelyn, Jackie: {The empress of winter; The lonely white wolf }
(last edited Aug 05, 2012 04:40AM)
(new)
The first day of school was the worst to expect, there were kids missing. No one knew what happened. Some say that they were kidnapped, some say that they wanted to just skip school. Valentine Heartling is a freshmen at Western High School. She is new in town. No one knew when she came or how she got there.
Just as the announcements came on around 8:00am, Sarah felt a chill down your spine like that there was something mysterious going on but she doesn’t know what.
Bing
“Attention Everyone, this morning seven students were reported missing. No one knows where they are, so starting this morning, the police and the firefighters, are going to find them. All of these high schoolers are from each grade except the senors. Three freshmen, Jake Tomas, Olivia Ferry, and Isaac Ferry, two sophomores, Matthew, and Sophia Terry and two juniors, Mary James and Kerry. Remember to all grades, please remember that if you see any of them, please call either their parents, your parents, and the police.”
Just then, someone walked quietly into the room. And everyone turned.
“Ms. Maginty, someone just came into the room.”
“Well, now what is your name? I did not see you in the room this morning.”
“My name is Valentine Heartling.”
“Well, let me see what I can do. Let me check. Okay, yes you are in this room. Sit down, is there any seat open?”
“Yes, there is a seat next me.” Reminded Sarah.
“Well, why don’t you sit down next to Sarah.”
“Okay.”
“Hello, my name is Sarah Higgins, I noticed that you came in late. Why did you?”
“My mother was hard to wake up.” Answered Valentine.
“Don’t you have a father to take you?” questioned Sarah.
“Yes, I did, but he died.” Replied Valentine Heartling.
“Well, you can be my friend.”
“Really.”
“Where are you going to sit at lunch?”
“I don’t know yet. I have not seen the cafeteria yet.”
“You can sit with me. No one sits with me anyways.” suggested Sarah.
“Thanks.”
“Over here and what are you drinking?”
“Cranberry juice.” Lied Valentine.
“It looks like blood.”
“No, it isn’t.”
“Hey, do you know what happened to the seven high schoolers?”
“No.”
Bing
“Attention everyone, out of the seven students, two have been found. Jake Tomas and Olivia Ferry. These two have been found and they are at the hospital. These two are fine. So don’t worry about them. If any of you are friends with them, please don’t worry. So just keep on doing what you are doing and we will find the last five.”
“Do you think that they are dead or do you think that they have very sever injuries?”
“I don’t know.”
The way that valentine talks, makes me think that she knows something I don’t. Sarah thought.
Bing
“Attention everyone, the two students in the hospital are sadly dead. To commemorate these two, we will have a memorial service tomorrow August 30, 2012. From this I would like for everyone to be there to commemorate these two.”
“Isn’t that sad.”
“Yes.”
“How do you think they died?”
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t seem that concerned about those high schoolers are you?”
“What do you mean? I am concerned.”
“I think that we should hang out together.”
“Sure, but I don’t think that we should. I mean is that there is a lot about me that you don’t know and that you don’t want to know.”
“Are you saying I shouldn’t hang out with you?”
“No.”
Bing
“Attention everyone, we have found four more students. They are all now in the hospital. Same as before don’t worry. So keep the class going. Thanks.”
I know that I killed them and then brought them to somewhere no one could find them. But they found them. At least that they are dead. I am just glad that they have not found the last one yet. Thought Valentine.
“Are you okay? Because sometimes, I think that you know something that I don’t.”
“No.”
“I am guessing that it is the end of the day already. See you tomorrow, unless you want to come to my house and do our homework together.” Suggested Sarah.
“Nah, I have to go pick up my little brother. But thanks anyways.”
After the first day, only six have been found, but one. No one knows where the last one is except the one that killed.
That night Sarah thought that from talking to Valentine Heartling at school, she could be a friend to Valentine. The only thing that she did not think about who she is being friends with.
At school today, there was a new student, well we are all new, but the way Valentine acts, and talks, she seems so mysterious. Sarah thought, as she was getting her homework done.
“Valentine, what is a body doing in the house? Were you killing people? I thought that we were feeding off of blood bags? Did you kill other people other than the one here?” Questioned Mary Heartling.
“No, it was Blad.”
“Stop blaming everything on your little brother.” Warned the mother.
“Okay, fine it was me.”
“Right now, I want you to bring the body to a place that people can’t find the body.
Okay? And then I want you to go and sneak out to the hospital and get some more blood bags.”
“Alright.”
“I also want you bring your brother with you. I am going to go back to my coffin. You know that I’m getting weaker. By the way, he his here already.”
“Okay.”
“Hi sister. Where are we going? I heard something about you killing and blood bags.”
“One, you are not going to scary me and two, I killed some students and that I have to take the dead body out of the house. And that mom said that we were going to go to the hospital to get some more blood bags.”
Alert, Attention to everyone, in homes, on vacation, in school, there has been a stealing of blood bags at the Western Hospital last night. If any one sees the stealer please call 411- 375- 286 - police!
“Did you here that a hospital got robbed for blood bags?”
“Yeah, I heard that.” replied Valentine. Yeah, I was the one who did it with my stupid brother Brad.
“I just thought. Also isn’t there a memorial service for Jake Tomas and Olivia Ferry?”
“Yes.”
“This morning I would like to have a moment of silence for the two freshmen, Jake Tomas and Olivia Ferry.”
“Valentine, I was thinking that maybe we could hang out.”
“We can’t.”
“Why? We could go to your house. I know that you know something that I don’t. What is it?”
“I know something, but it is not what you think.”
“Hey I have an idea, we could say that we were going to spend the night at the haunted house and then maybe we could find out who is doing the killing.”
“I sorry I can’t do that.”
“Why? You scared?”
“No, I just don’t.”
“Okay than.”
After that conversation, I am afraid that she will find out that I live there with my mom and my little brother Blad. And that she will have to make me tell her what I am.
“ Valentine you look like you are worried. Well if you decide to come, I will be waiting.”
“Valentine and Sarah are you listening?” Asked the annoyed Ms. Maginty.
“Yes.”
“What did I say?”
“You said that (4x2 + 23yb4 = 2a + - 32x2)”
“Yes and did you want to say anything to the class?”
“Valentine and I are going to stay the night at the haunted house after school.”
“Oh really.”
“yes.”
“Some say that there are ghosts, and other disturbing things there.” Explained Matt.
“Well we hope that you make it out alive.”
“Thanks.”
As night grew near, the danger also grew.
The house does not seem that very haunted. All I have to do is stay the night. On the count of three. One. Two. Three. Thought Sarah Higgins.
“Blad,”
“Yes sister.”
“My friend said that she was staying at the haunted house.”
“So?”
“This is supposed to be the haunted house that people talk about.”
“What are you going to do? You could pretend that you didn’t live here.”
“I don’t know.”
“Sister listen.”
“I hear it. She is here. Hide. I will deal with her.”
Wow this house doesn’t seem that haunted.
“Valentine, I thought that you weren’t coming?”
“Oh, I decided that I should.”
“Why?”
“Since you are here I will have to k..”
“Comfort me.”
“Yes.”
“I found a place where we could sleep. Come with me.”
The room was a blue green like the sea with the a bed that had no mattress, and rotting floor boards.
“What is this?”
“This the room that we are staying in.”
“Valentine, there is a huge bat behind you.”
“Where?”
“There.”
“I will get it.”
“Now I think that we should go to bed now.”
“Okay, night Valentine.”
“Time to kill you Sarah Higgins.”
As Valentine was about to kill..
“Valentine, what are you doing?”
“It is not what it looks like.”
“Yes it is.”
“I am sorry.”
“You have a lot to say.”
“Fine. I am the one who killed those students. And I am a vampire. Please don’t tell anyone.”
“Oh I will. I will have you burned.”
“Sarah, don’t.”
“Yes.”
Around 8:00pm, the scared and frightened Sarah called the Police. Although she was Valentine’s friend, she had to call the police, but Valentine thought that she could stop Sarah.
“You will burn to you are dead.”
Since the second day has gone by the there were no more killings and that the vampires went, well somewhere we don't know. And that Valentine was burned right in front of everyone at the school, and the town. Even that she was burned right on TV. No one knows what will happen if she comes back. No one will know even when she will return.
Mod
Caitlin wrote: "I loved yours, Aria! the quick pace and the suspenseful language kept me reading until it ended. You level of description was beautiful, and with words and detail you created a heap of imagery. Rea..."Actually I just had a thought occur in my head just as i read your comment. Now the beast of the Erosa might come for them next. Or they summon a dark spirit to come after them. It was one i wrote for a short contest so :0) I might extend this one story to a book :0)
message 6:
by
Jack Frost, Jaquelyn, Jackie: {The empress of winter; The lonely white wolf }
(new)
Caitlin wrote: "I loved yours, Aria! the quick pace and the suspenseful language kept me reading until it ended. You level of description was beautiful, and with words and detail you created a heap of imagery. Rea..."What about mine?
Mod
However, the story was so suspenseful, and it always kept me coming back. It also had an element of mystery, that also made me want to keep reading- you just wanted to know what would happen. I think you have really great ideas, and i like your writing- I'd love to see some of your other works.
Good job, and keep writing! :)
message 8:
by
Jack Frost, Jaquelyn, Jackie: {The empress of winter; The lonely white wolf }
(new)
Caitlin wrote: "Yours was really interesting and different, Ellen. I've never read anything like it before, and I quite liked it. I think you could have made the vampire twist more random and sudden, so it really ..."Here is a link to my other stories. I added a little bit more for the short story.
http://www.goodreads.com/story/list/9...
I'm going to write down these knew ideas for my short story above :0) turn it into a book once I'm done with my...many other projects. If you want to see the stories I'm working on I have them published here on this website: http://www.icademyglobe.org/section.p...My name is on the ones I wrote. I had them published on here so no one could take my ideas :o) they are poems that tell the plot of each novel I will write :0) I'd love to hear which one is your favorite out of my poems for the novels
Mod
Mod
Caitlin wrote: "I read 'The Final Guardian', Aria, and i quite liked it. i think you have good rhythm and good descriptive language, but it would be cool if you made it a bit more uneven- making it really poetic, ..."oh it was just supposed to be like a summary :0) im writing it at this moment and almost done 67,000 words now :0) the other poems for novels are my other ideas that i will later on do :0)i was just paying more attention on describing the stories plot
Rain DanceI hug my shoulders and face the wind, letting it send my hair in dancing auburn curls behind me. The thin silk of my nightrobe billows and tangles around me.
The wind tasts of thunder and lightning. It carries the promise of rain. I love storms in the summertime. They are wild and free, untammed and unmarred by the passing of time--like magic and love. Their presence refreshes the land and brings life back to the whithering plants. It is a beautiful thing.
Standing here on this balcony, I can see the brewing storm on the darkening horizon. The wind is strong and it beats against me, washing against the castle in which I stand like the waves of an angry sea.
A flash of lightning streaks across the sky, followed by a roar of thunder. Storms are also dangerous. Beautiful and dangerous--like everything I love most.
I am not scared as the rain reaches me in a rush of icy droplets. I relish the feel of the cool water running down my skin. Closing my eyes, I tilt my chin toward the sky.
"Naih?"
I turn toward his voice, blinking against the rain, "Come out here Khan." I smile at him, putting aside the worry written on his handsome face. He vanishes behind the curtain to the balcony, appearing a moment later.
"What are you doing out here?" He pulls me close, wrapping his arms around me.
I feel warm from inside and out, "I'm enjoying the weather." I smile up at his face. The wind and rain has put his dark hair into a dissaray, but I'm sure it's nothing compaired to the mess I must look like.
He chuckles, bending to touch his nose to mine, "What will the people say? 'The king has married a crazy woman, who stands outside during thunder storms'?"
"Oh, I think they already know I'm crazy," I lean into him, reaching up to briefly touch my lips to his. "After all, I married their King." The most dangerous man in the world. They call him the Storm Lord, a warrior, the most powerful of magicians.
He smiles, smoothing soaked strands of hair off my face. His fingers linger against my cheek, "You are chilled to the bone, my Queen."
"I don't care," my soul is warm, deep inside where contentment and joy mingle. I take his hands and step away from him, drawing him forward. "Shall we dance, your Majesty?"
"In the rain?" His eyes sparkle with the grin tugging at the corners of his lips.
My heart does a little flip. They had said he was like wild magic--something that could never be tamed.
They were wrong.
I almost forget to breathe as I meet his warm gaze. He always has this affect on me. "Yes, right here, in the rain."
His laughter makes me smile, and soon I'm laughing with him as I spin around and around in the arms of the one I love. So we dance in the rain, under the stormy sky, spinning with the wind, and swaying in the rain. It's a beautiful thing. Together, we have discovered the most powerful magic of all--love.
Mod
I love the detail and the care that you put into this, i love the gorgeous imagery and the heart rejoicing romance that always makes me smile. You have a gift as a beautiful writer, keep going! I wanted to read more :)
the only thing is, i think you could have more fantasy in it- like everyone else. maybe i'll just make this topic general, so whatever you want, but after, i'll make it more specific. Either way, brilliant job! :)
Mod
Aria- You have such beautiful prose. Your way of describing a scene is beautiful and your story fluid and rhythmic :)
My only problem is that I would've liked to hear a little more of the back story, rather than rushing through it.
Ellen- Interesting plot which I definitely found intriguing.
I think you should work on your character's conversation for it seemed slightly static and awkward. But I loved the mysterious ending ;)
Charity- loved it! The romanticism of your story was enchanting and- I just loved it! I actually can't think of any criticism.
Great job guys! All of your stories were amazing and all my criticism I meant with the best possible intentions :)
Mod
Better than Magic
The mother clasped her hands together, making sure that was hidden inside them could not be seen by the small girl on her lap.
Though she tried to open her mother's hands, they would not budge. "Why won't you show me, Mama? I can keep your secret!" The child pledged, but her mother only laughed. It was a joyous laugh, it remended the girl of snuggling up next to a fire and it filled her with with warmth.
"I'm sure you can, my dear. But what I hold in my hands is something that I've developed over a long time. Something that will never fade."
"Is it beautiful?" The child asked, whispering because it was Mama's secret.
Mama nodded. "It is."
"What's her name?" Trust a child's innocence to personify anything it doesn't understand.
"Her name is Imagination. She is the most wonderful thing, she's taken me to foreign lands, she's helped me see and create some of the most beautiful things."
The child sat in awe. How could such a small thing do so much? "Can I have an imagination?" She asked, staring at her mother's hands with longing.
"Only if you promise to never forget about her and to always let her grow, no matter how old you become. Do you promise this, child?" Her mother asked.
The child nodded, "My Imagination will be the the biggest and most beautiful of all!"
The mother laughed again, "Will you share her?"
"With everyone." The child nodded, it was a vow that she always would remember.
"Very well, my dear. Close your hands like mine. Now close your eyes.Do you remember the stories I told you? Of faries and kings and dragons? Think of all of them, treasure them, promise to never let them go. Think of what you'd do if you met one of the fussy princesses from the Fairyland." The child began giggeling as thoughts ran through her innocent mind. Closed eyed, she looked completely happy. The mother smiled. "Open your eyes, my beauty." The child obeyed, smiling excitedly. "Now open your hands." She did so and gasped in surprise. In her palms was a small glowing ball of luminous dust. "This is your Imagination, child. Soon it will grow and light up your world forever."
"It's a little like Magic, isn't it Mama?"
"No, my wonderful daughter, it's not like Magic, it's so much better."
Mod
Good elements of fantasy- magic (duh)
i wanted to read more!! great job ;)
Mod
Caitlin wrote: "gorgeous! beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! I love it so much :)I love the detail and the care that you put into this, i love the gorgeous imagery and the heart rejoicing romance that always makes ..."
Thanks for the feedback! I'm glad you enjoyed it :) I went ahead and changed a few things to make it fit the fantasy genre better--just adding some small elements concerning magic.
message 23:
by
Jack Frost, Jaquelyn, Jackie: {The empress of winter; The lonely white wolf }
(last edited Aug 08, 2012 01:12AM)
(new)
Could it be a prolouge to a book that I am writing?
Mod
Caitlin is this good? its kind of fantasy and mystery thriller http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/3...
message 26:
by
Jack Frost, Jaquelyn, Jackie: {The empress of winter; The lonely white wolf }
(new)
As time goes by, weeks, years and even centuries, we need to remember that we only get one life to live. Fires burn, ice melts, people grow old, never young. But in the time that passes, there will only be one that will survive the rest. As in a story, one says great power comes great responsibility. If one makes a mistake, they will never learn unless they try, but when one tries his best they are able to fix their mistake. If he doesn’t try, he will not learn. As in one story, where everyone lives but in an another story, people then die for another. Life comes and goes.
In the early morning summers of Dailswing, there was a baby born who was named Adalene. She was the daughter of a great dragon and a Powerful sorceress.
“Adalene will be even more powerful than you my sweet. She will have the gift of flight like myself. Even after we perish, she will live longer than anyone else, but she will never age beyond eighteen,” boasted the great dragon in his complete human form.
“Why do we have to leave her here in the forest?” she whispered as she wiped the tears away, as even a powerful sorceress would cry for their children.
“We have make sure that no one knows that she is our daughter,” her father replied. She would not be able to have a normal life. “We will always be able to see Alaline with our powers, even when she is far away or when she is in another time.”
After tucking her into a basket made from dragon scales and lined with the finest silk , the color of the sky after a rainstorm, they kissed the baby goodbye and flew up to the top of the nearest tree to wait for Alaline to be discovered by a townsperson.
“Do you think that she will come back to us?” she asked as only a mother could.
Aria- I loved how it was fun to read and was very creative and I loved the moral too. Friendship. Very good pacing.Charity- I loved the way you write, it was so beautiful and romantic and beautifully written.
Rachel- I really, really loved yours too. I loved the message of the story. And it was sweet because it was about a mother teaching her daughter about imagination. I love the bonding. Really nice:)
Ellen- I love how interesting the plot was and truly unique. I loved how it was different and interesting, good job:D
Good job, guys! :D
message 28:
by
Jack Frost, Jaquelyn, Jackie: {The empress of winter; The lonely white wolf }
(new)
Althea wrote: "Aria- I loved how it was fun to read and was very creative and I loved the moral too. Friendship. Very good pacing.Charity- I loved the way you write, it was so beautiful and romantic and beautif..."
Thanks.
It realy wasn't a short story, but I am working on an actual sory that includes it.
message 29:
by
Althea *Go wolves and dragons!*(Coach Hedge)
(last edited Aug 08, 2012 03:50AM)
(new)
Can I read it? It sounds interesting and I loved the Prologue:)
message 30:
by
Jack Frost, Jaquelyn, Jackie: {The empress of winter; The lonely white wolf }
(last edited Aug 08, 2012 03:56AM)
(new)
um, sure. Well, I am still writing it, but I have another story that you might want to read. Her is the link. http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/3...
Althea wrote: "Aria- I loved how it was fun to read and was very creative and I loved the moral too. Friendship. Very good pacing.Charity- I loved the way you write, it was so beautiful and romantic and beautif..."
Thank you Althea!:o)
What fantastic writing! I loved reading them all, and they were so detailed and authentic. AMAZING!! :)
Aria N. wrote: ":D thanks Lucinda!"Your welcome x
Mod
Mod
Caitlin wrote: "You should post one up, Lucinda :)"Everyone has set such a high standard hence i am not sure if i could match up to it. With working on various novels i have not written a full short story in a long time, with beginning, middle & end in a way it can be harder when one is restricted to a certain amount of words.
I shall have a go soon! x
Here is my attempt at a short story of Fantasy genre. My apologies for going over the limit slightly with 1,609 words (sorry!), but i did have difficulty in keeping it short...i do tend to ramble on! I hope you enjoy reading it.
By Lucinda F.
(No title as yet)
“My Lady Eruñtá I bid ye welcome to the realm of Heraya”
As Eanór bowed before me with one arm folded across his chest, his hand lightly resting across his heart I breathed a sigh of relief that I was now safely home. My perilous voyage across the lands of the dark Lord had not been easy, with his fearsome warriors and deadly servants the Carbek chasing me down to Kill. Even the ancient power of my Elvish kind could not protect me from the dangers of the evil that was now spreading throughout the land, as I clutched desperately onto any hope that was now dissolving rapidly. The West tower loomed before me as I stood under its shadow, waiting for the annual meeting of the four seasons and the coming of the chosen one.
Leaving the presence of my master I swiftly made haste to the Forenost antechamber that was situated at the very top of the impressive stone tower, whose structure was concealed by the forest’s dense foliage and canopy except for its spire that reached up to the heavens getting lost within the clouds. It seemed to take hours to reach the top as I silently climbed up the cold, spiral stone staircase that intermittently was penetrated by light streaming in from tiny windows etched into the fabric of the building’s foundations. Flickering flames illuminated the vast empty space that echoed as I entered the chamber, with dark shadows creeping along the floor watching all that moved. All was deathly silent until out of the corner of my eye I noticed the figure of a man making his way under one of the stone pillars towards the golden throne, at the far end of the hall that was placed on a marble plinth. With a tilting of the head he summoned me to him and as I bowed before the great King of the West, I glanced into my eyes and saw the sorrow and grief that was there.
“My Lord Farahír I have come to take counsel with yourself and the other representatives of all races, to speak on behalf of my kin. These are dark times and the growing power cannot be destroyed by the Elves alone of this you know, hence it is time to act.”
Raising his hand I stood before the most powerful ruler in all the five kingdoms, who was now under threat by such strong dark forces that he had finally decided to call for aid. Before another word was spoken between us all manner of Men, Elves and other races flooded into the stone hall, filling the space with sound and movement as five men positioned themselves either side of King Farahír standing to attention. They were the representatives of the land to the North called Hurár, the South being Noldor, the East being Vulda, the Bleak mountains of Shenra and the coastal region of Lorna. As I patiently waited for the sounding of the gong and for the chosen one to make their appearance, I looked out of an immense window behind the King’s throne and looked South over the forest of Fenhura, which was covered in a misty fog so intense that it dimmed all brilliance from the sunlight.
“DONG…DONG…DONG”
A guard clad in metal plates of armor and heavy chain mail the weight of led, threw all his weight behind a wooden mallet that smashed against a gigantic gong located at the back of Forenost hall. Its sound vibrated against the solid walls bouncing off and echoing throughout the land, thus heralding the coming of change and an event in time that would not be repeated. Pushing through the melee an old, grey bearded warlock concealed beneath an abundance of worn aged cloth and cloak that trailed behind him, came forwards to the front and stood facing the king. His expression was unreadable but the King knew not to question him, as those individuals who possessed magic were untouchable and in many ways more dangerous than any fighting warrior. Spinning around abruptly to face the onlookers after bowing his head to the Lord Farahír, I noticed a tiny crease at the side of his mouth and the slight indication of a smile before he began to speak.
“Friends from different regions and allies from the five Kingdoms; Elves, Men, Dwarves, Shades and Sorcerers you have all been called here to put an end to the build up of evil and bring peace to this land. We have never known such iniquity from one being who now threatens are entire existence, all because of his greed and thirst for power and domination...it is time to now act.”
The King stood up from his throne swiftly and joined those other men who were standing still like statues flanked either side of him, waiting for the call to go to war. After Odetu had made his speech he stood to one side now facing the King who ultimately would decide the fate of the Land of Ventar and all those that resided within its boundary. There was utter silence throughout the great hall as no one dared to breathe, as they like myself waited for that deciding and final verdict. Glancing sideways I studied the face of the powerful, mystifying warlock Odetu who was aloof and yet ever present when the time came for imperative events such as this. Looking into those faces before him and seeing anxiety, fear and concern the King nodded to himself as if he had now made his choice.
“Even though together we could be a mighty force against the Dark Lord’s evil, with such warriors as to crush him physically I do feel that it would be the wrong course of action to take…I have therefore decided that as the chosen one to come forward was indeed a creature of magic, that we should use magic to defeat this great threatening power. If we did not use magic then we could crush his body but not his spirit, which contains such potency as to live on forever casting a shadow over all our lives…never sleeping nor resting, but an ever present threat. No, we must invoke an enchantment that will stop the impending cataclysm with a strong magic produced by the chosen one.”
There was a pause as the King and all the knights of the Heldáré turned to face Odetu who was standing leaning against one of the stone pillars, looking frail and weak. The thought of the Dark Lord being challenged by such a person was a surreal notion, and one that many would not agree with. The steel blade and axe and iron fist were looked upon in favor always when one was standing before their deadly opponent, as magic was almost forgotten in times such as this. But I then turned to the King and nodded my approval of his logic which showed his inner qualities that were based around honesty and practicality, rather than just bloodlust for revenge. The Dark Lord Zulgaré would endure the wrath of the free peoples of this land, but in a way that he would not expect and for this reason hope seemed kindle. Making my way over to Odetu I gave him my arm to lean on so that I could take him to my master Eanór before the rising of the sun, which would be the time that all spells could not be made.
“Come, we must make haste”
A group of Elves draped in flowing fabrics of striking emerald followed myself and the warlock to the golden fountain, where the Lord Eanór and the Witch Queen Saldaréa were waiting. I gasped suddenly as I became aware of the presence of the Witch whose crystal pearl white eyes shone in the sunlight, which when she gazed upon me felt like she was seeing right into my very soul where I could hide nothing. Picking up a silver goblet and placing it under the flowing water; she glided towards Odetu and bowed so low as to rest the goblet by his feet. All eyes then turned to my master and the leader of the race of the Elves, who was standing so serenely beside the trickling water as a pure being of good heart.
“It is time to use your magic Warlock and save all those that dwell within this land to its fate. By doing so you will have to make the ultimate sacrifice, for those that reside within the five Kingdoms and for the people both Men, Elves, Dwarves and magical beings…may the evil be vanquished and peace restored to this land once more.”
I stood tense hardly able to breathe as the old, wise man lifted up the tarnished goblet of water and spoke several words under his breath. Then silence fell and the sky darkened, as time seemed to freeze whilst a wind picked up and grew in strength. With the gale force wind blowing hard the earth surrounding me seemed to rumble and shake, now under a completely overcast sky that had turned from day into night. Then all was still as the sky cleared and became clear, bright blue once more that welcomed a long-awaited peaceful tranquility. Odetu lay on the leafy ground with his eyes closed as if sleeping, whilst in the realm of Utar the Dark Lord Zulgaré felt his power beginning to drain away from him. It was in this moment that I understood both the evil in magic as well as the goodness that it brings, and how it could alter and define the course of the future for all.
Mod
It had beautiful description and setting. I absolutely loved it <3
Rachel wrote: "That was amazing Lucinda! It reminded me of a cross between Tolkien and David Eddings, who are two of my favourite fantasy authors, so I think you know how much I adored your writing :)It had beau..."
Thank you Rachel, your comments mean a lot to me.
I hope that the ending was okay & not too abrupt, as i usually prefer to carry on rather than write a very short story...(rambling!)
Thank you x
Mod
For these stories, there is a limit: 100-1500 words please (you can go a bit over/under).
I will be posting my own stories now and then, but since I am thinking of the topic, i won't be in the running to win.
inbox me if you have any questions...
and let the games begin!
This fortnight, I'll keep it easy- a genre:
FANTASY (what better to start with?)
this is an EASY one, guys. anything that comes to your head, write it down and post it up.
I will message the winner for each fortnight, and they will be able to choose from a few suggestions for the next topic/genre.
Remember, this is fantasy- it can definitely include features of other genres, but try to make your stories all about fantasy (fanfiction IS allowed, but still try to make it your own thing).
So there needs to be some sort of fantastical world/creatures, and anything else that makes it fantasy.
Write as you like: 1st, 2nd, 3rd person, alot of speech, none at all, you name it. And hey, if you're happy with your work, you can also post it in the other folders for writing.
Be inspired, and start writing!
Have fun ;)