Fan Fiction ❯ Chaos Insues ❯ CI5 ( Chapter 5 )

Ronnie stood with his back against the closed door, anger welling up in him; there was no reason for that *woman* to treat him like a child. He had every right to be informed of what was going on with his mother. She was all the family he had left; he wouldn't lose her in some senseless fight!

He pushed off from the hard wooden surface and bolted down the corridor. One way or another, he was going to put a stop to this. Daria Wayfinder would pay.

*****

"Is that all we got?" I demanded, looking around at my colleagues.

Darkness fidgeted in her chair, throwing worried glances towards the door. Her voice sounded distant. "It seems that way. If we had more time..."

Loc interrupted her, "That's just it. We don't." He shifted his gaze over to me as he continued, "Did you find out anything in the archives?"

Grey and I shared a look. "We couldn't find anything on Bryan. According to the logs, the guy just doesn't exist. The same goes for Nanashi. It's almost as if they appeared out of nowhere. As for what they're after, I've compiled a small list of possibilities; they could be after all or none of these. You know what that means."

A disgruntled sound came out of Lee. He hated those words coming from me. Danger and hard work were all they ever led to; something he rarely liked. It was just another objection in a long list of reasons he quit the team years before.

"We're going to go check out all the possibilities and hope they strike," Bardi said, with a sigh.

I smirked, "Not exactly."

Mouths dropped open, eyes wide in surprise, they leaned forward in their chairs. Confusion soon permeated all present as I continued to smile. I just love keeping the guys guessing.

"Well, are you going to tell us or what!?" Lee demanded impatiently.

"I've already sent out riders to each of the locations, where they will stay until told otherwise. When an attack is made, they will signal us. That way, we don't deplete our numbers, and increase our chances of finding out just what D Bryan is after."

I passed out copies of the list as I continued. "Py and Lycan will be finding a way to track Bryan's troops, it might give us an edge. Loc and D can work with our guys on attack strategies. We don't want to be caught flatfooted if they try an all-out frontal assault. Lee and Bardi, I want you two on defense, armor, weapons, magic coming out of our asses, something to cover us. Grey and myself will check in with one of you every couple of hours and I expect to see or at least hear some good news."

Grey chuckled, "Not a leader, huh?"

"Shut up," I replied, rolling my eyes. "Let's get to work!"

*****

He looked up, as the tall woman entered; the sounds of her metallic feet drawing him from his notes. Del, a member of the Rueken Order of Scientology Endeavors, came to a halt at the base of the dais. Her short blond hair, still stained in her own blood, framing her face, was the only thing left of her that was human. The rest of her was a mish-mash of various body parts, fused into place by metal bands. These were connected magically to her brain for complete control over her new form.

D Bryan smiled at her, "Ah, Del, so good to see you're still with us. What can I do for you?"

"I've located the first piece, the Phoenix Claw, to the south of us. However, it is being guarded by those of the Core. It will take some doing to retrieve." She intoned darkly.

His eyes narrowed, he rose from his chair. How could *she* know the object of their search? It didn't seem possible! Damn that woman, she was becoming more and more annoying by the day. If she kept it up for much longer, he might have no choice but to kill her.

"Do whatever it takes to bring it to me; what the Core is doing, is of no concern to us."

His arm swung out in dismissal, his attention already on the papers that littered his throne. She dropped a bow, leaving in the manner she arrived, feet clacking on the stone floor. Seated once more, he pored over the translated scripts, it had truly begun.

*****

Dawn broke as the small band of men reached the edge of an elven village. Its inhabitants moved about in the dim light unaware of the danger that lurked in the shadows. Cooking fires would soon to be lit as preparations for the coming day started.

Del gestured, with one taloned hand, signaling for her troops to attack. They surged forward on silent feet, cutting across the open ground, swords drawn. They entered the village; at that moment, a scream rent the air. The sleepy fey creatures awoke, drawn out of their homes.

Fighting broke out in the firepits, both sides startled and confused. Blades crashed together, in quick, bright sparks; the smell of sulfur and blood soaking into the ashes became a stench in their nostrils. Men, women, even children, attempted to repel the onslaught of invaders that dared to come near.

Del watched in something close to amusement, picking her way through the battlefield. For all their efforts, they were still going to die; it was rather pointless for them to even bother. Shaking her head at their foolishness, she came to a stop in front of one of the crude looking buildings.

The wooden structure was old, possibly a century had passed since it was erected. Several of the beams were starting to rot, moss coating the thatched roof in a soft green. A large stone chimney jutted out of the center of the edifice. A gray haired elfin male guarded the only door, which hung open.

She drew a poisoned tipped needle, slowly advancing on him. His eyes growing large, he took a step back into the building, terror running through him. Del smirked as she forced the two-inch needle into his throat. When she removed it, the old elf fell soundlessly to the dirt covered floor.

"Well, that was easy," she informed the empty room. Stepping over his corpse, she continued towards the large marble statue, at the far side of the room. She frowned, unsettled that something so important, was so poorly guarded.

Reaching out one demonic hand, Del made a grab for the artifact, its exterior a shade of bright red blood. An alarm went off as she wrapped her taloned fingers around it. Her dispassionate smile was quickly replaced with an annoyed scowl. Not waiting to find out what other pathetic creatures were coming, she spun on her heel and darted for the exit.

*****

The sound of my door banging open jolted me into full wakefulness. I had only just gone to bed, so if it wasn't important, I was going to string whomever it was up by their thumbs and give them a sound thrashing. My eyes slowly focused on the man standing in the middle of my room.

I growled, "What?"

The man stood there dithering for a few moments, startled by my abrupt tone, while he danced from one foot to the other. I was just about to chew him out when Grey's voice filtered in from the hallway. "They made a move. Just thought you'd like to know."

I gave a frustrated sound then flopped back down on my bed. Of course, they'd choose a time when I'm trying to get some rest, it just figured.

"What was taken?" I asked, still half asleep.

"The Phoenix Claw, it was being kept in the elven villa-"

I jumped up and darted out of my room at high speed not letting Grey finish. I could hear his footfalls behind me on my way to the library. The name was very familiar; however, I wasn't sure why.

Once there, my gaze swept over the many volumes that lined the bookcases. I soon came upon the title `Mystical Items' and its sister book, `Magical Elven Relics', which I had written. Grabbing both off the shelves, I dropped to the floor, scanning through them. The object was described in both places but the information varied greatly.

I ignored the other occupants of the room as I checked and double-checked the information. Time seemed to speed up as I read: if we didn't figure out what D Bryan was up to, the world would soon come to an end.

"Dar? Hey, Daria!"

I blinked at the intrusion. Glancing up, my eyes landed on Lee's hulking figure. I frowned, "It doesn't make any sense to me. What could he possibly do with it?" At his puzzled look, I continued, "The Phoenix Claw. Its powers are rather minimal, at best, and yet it was stolen by Bryan's men."

Loc cleared his throat, "Forgive my ignorance; but, pray tell, just what is this Phoenix Claw?"

Swinging around, checking to see everyone was present, I pursed my lips in thought. "It was created centuries ago by the elves, who, at the time, dwelled in the mountains far to the north. The claw is a remnant of the last such creature to soar through the skies. It's endowed with the blessings of the wind goddess. It has the power to enhance a person's abilities in that area of magic, and to a small degree, fire magic as well. Moreover, there's an incantation one must recite in the elven tongue, which few still speak."

"How much of an enhancement are we talking about?" Lycan inquired.

"Not much really. Take a small child of five. She can read some words, write very little, the extent of her knowledge limited to what she's told. With the claw, she would advance to a higher level of power, say that of a twelve or thirteen year old. But in some ways, she'd still be that five-year-old girl. It increases your power, not your level of understanding."

Darkness spoke up, "Then, what good is it if it only raises your power so little?"

"I'd imagine it would be like that of the learning spheres, a training device for novices." Grey replied.

"Yeah, kinda, it's also like my staff. Since my magic is limited in some areas, such as water and fire, I can use it to increase my power for more damage. By the same token, it strengthens my wind magic, my specialty, all the more." I stated.

Lee frowned, "If it was created in the mountains, how did it get to be in that village southwest of here?"

"From what I've been told, the clan that originally lived there had to move, due to a rock slide that wiped out the town. The claw was one of the few items they were able to retrieve from the wreckage." I turned to Grey. "Which village was attacked?"

He was silent for a moment, his head bowed. "The one in the Brenideen Forest."

I sat there staring at him. My blood ran cold as shock and fear settled into my gut. Faces of people that I cared for deeply, friends and family alike, flashed through my mind.

"I see," I whispered. "How bad was it?"

"The reports are still coming in. We do know that the elder died protecting the claw. A blonde woman was said to be the leader," Grey responded.

Grimacing, I got to my feet, heading for the door. A maelstrom of emotions raced through me. I needed to go, to see with my own eyes, just what damage had befallen my people.

"Where are you going?" Lycan asked as I passed him.

Not stopping or slowing, I answered, "Home."

*****

What I saw when I arrived chilled me to the bone. Houses were still burning; the air thick with rolling black clouds streaming out of broken windows and doors. The smoke was so dense it clung to my clothes and skin. Crates, filled with personal belongings, that had been pulled from the flames, littered the narrow paths. Children ran past me, searching for missing parents; their cries echoing in my ears. Many dead, others close to it, were scattered about. Their faces like masks, with no sign of fear; anger and determination were all they showed.

My eyes fell upon one of the stone structures. It was once a place of laughter and happy memories; but now, it too, lay in ruins. Twin forms sprawled across the threshold of the house, still in flames. I sank to my knees next to the unmoving figure of my mother. Her eyes were wide, frozen in surprise. My father was gripping his sword with one hand and my mother's hand with the other.

"No," I muttered softly. My frame shook slightly, "NO!!"

A fierce wind whirled to life around me. It howled in counterpoint to my tortured soul. The sky darkened; large rain clouds formed overhead. My eyes changed, becoming blacker than the night itself, as thunder roared deafeningly all about me. Fat droplets of water fell to the ground, starting as a light drizzle. I was quickly immersed in a downpour.

I could hear hisses coming from the fires as the rain smothered the flames. The heavens continued to drown the world even after all of the blazes were put out. As if the Goddess herself, angered that her children would join her all too soon, mourned the loss of life. My own tears slid down my face.

I climbed to my feet taking several ragged, calming, breaths. I forced the winds to disperse; the rain slowed, then stopped. Despite my attempt to ease my suffering, I still felt hollow and empty. Nothing would help, I knew this, and yet...

"Dar!"

Lost in a fog, I turned at the utterance of my name. Rushing towards me was someone I hadn't seen in nearly half a century. My heart skipped a beat as she slid to a halt in front of me.

"Kat," I choked out, hugging her tight. "Thank the Goddess you're safe!"

I stepped back, she looked the same as she did all those years ago. Her dark brown hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail that hung to her shoulders. The emerald orbs that watched me were filled with concern. Her small frame belied her age and skill. She was all that was left of my family, my older sister, Kathryn Wayfinder.

"It's good to see you again sis; I just wish it were under different circumstances," Kat said staring at our parents. "When I heard the shouting, I made my way here as fast as I could."

We sidestepped around our parents and went inside. Not much remained, the fire having taken its toll, but we gathered what we could carry. I wandered upstairs to my old room. Aside from the charred and blackened mess, it was as if I had never left. I knelt down in front of my dresser, opened the bottom drawer, and removed a small metal box.

"Daria?" Kat called from down the hall.

"In here," I shouted.

She appeared in the doorway, her arms laden. "Find anything interesting?"

I smiled at her as I got to my feet. "You could say that. What about you?"

"Nothing of note. I hate to do this, but I can't stay. There are some important people that I left at my house. You understand, right?"

I sighed softly, "Yeah, I've got to get going too. I'll take care of mother and father before I leave." I hugged her once more. "I'm kinda glad you didn't get here when..."

"I know," She replied in a hushed tone.

*****

I sat beneath a tall willow tree watching the flames reflecting off the lake from the burial pyres. It bathed the world around me in soft shades of red and yellow. I could hear people singing, the Song of Death, a haunting tune floating on the breeze.

I avoided the living just as I did the dead. I couldn't, no, I wouldn't talk about it. Talking wouldn't bring them back. If I dwelt too much on the past, the many `what if...' questions would start to build up in my mind. They only served to drive people mad and I think I'm already crazy enough.

The past was written in stone but the future can change in an instant. When it did, I'd be there to see justice done. Until then, I'm content to sit, scowl, and feel miserable.

My gaze fell upon the cold metal box in my lap. I dragged my fingertips across the lid tracing the pattern of a dragon.

The winged beasts had always fascinated me. They once flew high over our village in large groups. The older I got the fewer I saw. Then one year the skies were not blessed with their presence. My father knew of my great love for them and gave the small chest to me for my birthday. It became my most prized possession.

I opened it with great care. Inside lay a lifetime of long forgotten items and half-realized dreams. Smiling, I pulled out a silver ring with a large moonstone and slipped it onto my finger. It had once belonged to my mother, and before that, my grandmother. The ring was passed to the warrior women of our family. Since Kathryn had chosen to become a healer, it passed to me.

I gave a rueful snort. Ironically, I used to think fighting was the worst thing a person could do, yet I became a warrior. After all these years, I still don't know what changed my mind. Probably it was all the shiny, pointy weapons.

I continued rooting through the many items: an enhancement jewel, a bag of marbles, my first dagger, a scrying pendant, and one dragon scale. I set the most important ones to one side. The rest remained in the box, which I placed in my backpack. The marbles and dagger I attached to my belt; the jewel and pendant I tucked away in my pocket.

Getting to my feet, I walked over to my parents' burial pyres. Only a few small embers abided in the fading light. There were so many things I had wanted to tell them, to say to them, and now seemed the best time.

"I'm sorry, that I didn't visit you both more, I've just been real busy." I laughed softly, "Though I bet Kat made the time. Life didn't stop her from seeing you, did it? I guess I was scared, you know, that you might be disappointed in me. I've done things that I'm not too proud of."

I stared at my hands, "Too many things...and nothing I do seems to make up for them." I lifted my head once more. "On the plus side, I've made some friends that I think you'd have liked. They're great. I just wish I knew why they decide to hang around with me. I mean, I'm paranoid, rebellious, rude, short tempered, disagreeable and all around bossy. These are hardly the qualities one looks for in a friend."

I shook my head, sending my braid swinging. "I've made as many enemies as I have friends. Some worse than others. Granted, they were all bad; but not all of them were evil. The guys and I took `em out, so, no worries," I said with a grin.

"I miss you both *so* much. I'm going to try very hard to make you proud. The Goddess willing, I'll see you again and tell you of all the wonderful things I've seen and done. `Til then, mother, father, rest well."

With a heavy heart, I walked towards my horse, tears running down my face.

*****

AN: this chapter was giving me a headache! After about three pages my brain felt like it had been on the puree setting of a blender. The next two chapters are cakewalks compared to this...this...monstrosity that is my work. Don't get me wrong, I love writing CI, just somedays it doesn't pay to wake up.

In this chapter, Daria faced the loss of her parents. Now, mine are still living; but I did lose my grandfather a year or two ago, so I'm using that as a sort of reference. Losing grandparents isn't the same as losing parents; one feels more strongly towards their parents than grandparents. So, bearing that in mind, I'm hoping I got somewhere in the neighborhood of the emotions that come over a person who has lost such loved ones.

One last thing....READ AND REVIEW! I'll even take flames so long as it is about my work! Starving writer here people!! I want to know that someone other then TigerEyes is reading this, though I do thank her from the bottom of my widdle heart! (THANKS SIS!!)