The 'Story Round' begins...

[banshee]

IT's BEEN EDITED YET ANOTHER TIME LOL!!!!!


HOW IT WORKS- Please PM me a number from 2, 4-6 for now. Whoever picks the number will write that section IN THAT ORDER.
For example:

Lia- #1
Jim Bob-#2
Sue takes #3

That would be the order in which the story will be written, or rather by whom. So Lia writes one part, Jimbob the next, then sue and so on. You would have to wait for the person writing the previous section to finish before posting up yours. This is for continuitys sake.

Is any of this making any sense? lol So let's have some numbers!

“Rules”- those participating are limited to:
(a) 1,000 Words MAX per segment.
(b) Must be prose (ie non-script)
(c) Must have descriptive, dialogue. Action sequences are also a bonus :D
(d) If you want to introduce new characters, please do so but only 3-4 max per round.




_____________________________

TITLE: THE TRIANGLE OF FIERY LIGHT

Setting: Maja - a desert kingdom. Atalaya- the capital. Culture is very low-tech and mystical. Lots of superstition. The monarch is named the Almira. At present, the Almira is male, very old but a very wily ruler. His name is: Kamali.

The dominant groups are:
- The Minya (Monarchy/nobility). They are quite self-centred, spoilt bunch although there are some bright sparks here and there.
- The Jeroen. The holy priests. Their word is law and they consider themselves above the law. They have access to mystical. They are also medics and healers. Some of the religious council are getting a bit above themselves and enjoy the same pursuits as the Minya. The Kateb is their religious set of books (Several volumes!).
- The Wahbimin . Their wealth comes from the merchantile trade. They are “tolerated” by the Minya but not always encouraged to “better” themselves.
- The Rida. the warriors/soldiers. Very martial bunch.
- The Ayman slaves or workers. Sometimes the brighter ones become spies.

Situation: At war with Shamara, the neighbouring kingdom (aren’t they always?!). King Mansour wants this religious artifact (and the Almira’s eldest daughter to boot!) that the Almira keeps in a secret location and Mansour is prepared to do anything to have it. Their groups are the same as the Maja, minus the Almira title. They are however very knowledgeable and great at inventing things. They live in a more liberal, open society.Capital city- Nadda.

There is also internal dissent in Maja itself, the Almira’s eldest son is very ambitious chap and is being a plotter behind the scenes. Could civil war be eminent?

The Triangle of Fiery Light consists of:
(a) 'Awena'is the name of the religious artifact. On its own, the possesor can control the elements. This is an oval-shaped white gold locket with two rubies embedded on either side. It splits into two.
(b) ‘The Altar of ‘Sulwyn’ (in the hands of Mansour). On its own, it can foretell part of the future.It is a large, triangular altar made again in white gold with inscriptions all over. At the top point, there is a large ruby sitting atop an open cone.
(c) Princess Noura. She has powerful mental abilities. The usual telekinesis stuff.

For it to work, the Awena must be split into two to fit into the bottom end. Princess Noura must be in the middle. Think lots of red light and flames when all comes together. The 'owner' must stand at the top point of the Altar to harness its power. When combined, the Triangle gives the "owner' immense power, over the elements and the future. Mansour wants that.


Main Characters:

(i) Kamali. the Almira of Maja. Old but shrewd. His court is however very dissipated. He loves political intrigues and encourages it. He’s not afraid to marry/kill off his daughters/younger sons just to suit himself and his means.

(ii) Mansour. King of Shamara. He is desperate to capture Noura, the Almira’s eldest daughter and the artifact by any means possible.She cant stand him.

(iii) Noura (the Almira’s eldest daughter) has a very strong mystical ability but tries not to show it (the priesthood don’t fancy her having this power). She is in love with someone else not of her station (raheem).

(iv) Rami (the Almira’s eldest son) very ambitious. Machiavellian. He and Noura dont get along but he needs her for the same reason as Mansour.

(v) Raheem - he’s a slave in the Almira’s court. Originally from Shammara. Very educated, personable chap, he and noura have a secret romance going on. He is the Almira’s favourite male slave. He also heads an underground organisation to bring greater freedom to Maja society.

(vi) Tariq- he’s a campaigner for the rights of others, not of the Minya. He’s training for the priesthood (from the Wahbimin group) but they don’t like the way he questions everything. he and Raheem work together.

(vii) Zarifa- Ayman slave girl, very very beautiful but immoral. Spies for the Shammara as well as Rami. Wants to be a queen and doesnt care how she gets there.

____________________________

If you guys need any other information or think that more details are needed here, please let me know.

here's to having some fun! Go create!!!!!

later days
lia etc

[Mark]

Possible title: "On the Altar of Infinity!"

This could be the religious artifact serving as the bone of contention. Or, the Altar of Infinity could be a separate gimmick that requires the religious artifact to put something into effect. That is, the religious artifact would have to be placed upon the Altar of Infinity to make the trolls go away, or whatever.

[cabralsoth]

how do we distinguiosh who writes firsat second third etc....?

p.s. whats prose? im gonna do a online search of the word but i was just wondering if anyone could describe in lamen terms for me, newb....lol :D

[Mark]

Prose form means in regular story form, like a novel--unillustrated words--rather than in the form of a script.

[banshee]

Good point, Mike. I hadnt considered that. Hmmm...

Ooh.. that's a good point too Mark. Nice title idea. Lemme think on it and see how it wld fit in.

well, mike, in the story round I participated in before, ppl just posted the story but then that could get disjointed. Hmmm...

Ok, here's the deal..
PM which section you want to do. Let's say I split the story into 12 sections.

Give me a number from 1-6 first. and you are dibs on writing that section.

How's about that?

later days
lia etc

[banshee]

Ok, having 'thunk' on the title.

Mark, I just realised. welcome to PJ and thewritersdesk!!!!! :D

Anyways, I think an altar (as an artifact) is too big, the artifact should be easier to either conceal. Hmmmm....

'Awena' is the name of the religious artifact. Telling of the future maybe? giving of untold powers? think necklace or something.

I think combined wt the altar (which maybe Mansour already has) wld work. and he needs the Princess to complete the triangle.

Lets see...

AHAH! I got it..

'The Triangle of Fiery Light' That would be the title.

The triangle being, the Princess, 'awena' and the Altar of 'Sulwyn'
When combined, the triangle gives the "owner' immense power and foreseeing of the future too. Mansour wants that.

Does that sound good? I am going to edit the 'background' bit and stick it in there.

:D thanks Mark

[Vendetta]

I'll write what ever part is left over

[banshee]

Urm... no one has PMed me yet, Ven so the choice is yours :D Once I finish Cuddly's script, I am gng to get started on #1

later days
lia etc

[cabralsoth]

so someone starts then we wait foir them to write 'X' number of words, after they finish person 2 takes over and writes 'X' number and so on till the last person finishes? am i right thus far? i am gonna let like 2 people start before i take a stab at it. just to see how to get the ball rolling, this sounds like fun :D

[banshee]

hehee
well.. its like this.. For example.
Banshee (thats me! heeh) writes the beginning
Jimbob has booked the #2 so he writes the subsequent/next bit.
So and so has booked #3 so she writes that one...

Only thing you have to do is wait for me to write the beginning. It can be shorter but it cant exceed 1000 words. So dont be a whimp, man, go and book a dang number.

LOL

later days
lia etc

[cabralsoth]

how many slots are open? i got 5....?

[xadrian]

Yeah I'd like to be in this, but I want to know (after reading the voting thread) if we're waiting for someone to finish the segment before us. So if there are 12 sections, person one writes that one, then person 2 writes the second, or is the experiment to just write what you THINK would happen in section 5 and run with it?

Either way I'd like to jump in, let's say #9.

[banshee]

Aah... Ok....

Well... at the moment, very few takers LOL So are you guys up for section 2,3, 4? I Guess it's not really 'pick a number'.

You are right tho, xadrian, wait for that person to post that section bfr you do yours. For continuity. Mind u, it cld be fun to see what ppl come up wt.. ehhehee

No, seriously, wait for the person to post their section bfr yours.

What no you want? 2-4 :D

later days
lia etc

[banshee]

Finally got my act together LOL Who's next?

_________________________________________

Part 1 by: Banshee-

Harsh sunlight streamed through the ornate carved windows, creating a star pattern on the marble floor. A tall, dark, handsome man with long strides through the sunbeams, disrupting the patterns. “ Where is the Grand Vizier!? Summon him here at once!” he shouts angrily as a hapless slave scurries off. He throws himself onto an elaborate throne, a frown on his face. His hand ruffles his short curly hair in frustration.

A short, plump man elaborately dressed in a tall turban and flowing sequined robe hurriedly makes his way towards the man on the throne. He bows low to the ground, “Your Majesty, how may I serve you?” The man on the throne sits up straight, glaring.

“You promised me the Awena and the Princess Noura months ago, Jabir. I still haven’t seen any sign of either! Time is running short. I need them before the month of Kedma arrives. That’s two months away!”

“I assure you, your Majesty, that we are in talks with the Maja Wahbimin…”

“Talk? Talk? What good is talk? I need results!”

“Jabir, you have two weeks to bring me the Awena and Princess Noura, otherwise… let us just say that there hasn’t been a public execution for a while.”

Jabir, the Grand Vizier, swallowed and bowed very low. “Your Majesty, your word is law.” He remained in that position until the King relaxed back on the throne. “Very well, Jabir. You may go,” he waved an imperious hand at the man bent half to the ground.

Jabir steps backwards until he reaches the door of the Great Hall and then slaves close the door behind him. He straightens up and sighs. “King Mansour is a powerful man but impetuous. The Almira will never give up the Princess Noura or the Awena to his sworn enemy,” he thought to himself, rubbing his neck.

“I had better contact those confounded Maja Wahbimin, you would think those merchants would be falling over themselves to be the first to hand Mansour Noura or the Awena. They certainly been awarded enough money!” “Nothing good can come of this obsession.” The Grand Vizier shivered despite the warm sunshine flooding through the palace and carried on walking towards his offices.

King Mansour remained in the Great Hall on his throne, staring pensively out to space. A female slave tentatively approaches the frowning king with a tray of fruit and a drink of wine and kneels down, holding the tray out. Mansour turns distractedly towards the slave and eyes the pretty girl who is shaking. “Put that tray down, girl! What is your name?” “Rowa, Supreme Highness,” she nervously replies as she lays the tray down on the low table nearby. “Rowa, your appearance pleases me.. I am in need of some distraction. Go to my chambers and prepare a bath for me, ” Mansour commanded. “As you wish, Supreme Highness,” the frightened girl kowtows to him and scurries out backwards.

Mansour leaves his throne and walks to the sunniest corner of the Great Hall. Pressing a brick on the wall, he waits impatiently as a hidden door swings open. Walking through a dimly lit passage, he eventually comes to a triangular shaped room. In the centre of this room, there’s a triangular shaped object. In its sharpest point, there is a large ruby sitting atop an open cone.

Mansour comes to a halt and presses the ruby downwards into the cone. “Altar of Sulwyn, show me the future!” he commands, removing his hand from the cone.

A flame shoots out of the ruby, bathing the room into a eerie reddish light. Gradually the flames increase and begin to form a wavy picture. The flames turn into a red wall of light and Mansour frowns as he observes the moving flames. Eerie voices could be heard in low whispers; “Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola. What do you wish to see?”

“Princess Noura has rejected my marriage proposals, why is this?” demanded Mansour.

“She will not accept what you offer her, Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola.“

Mansour frowns. “How could she not want what I have to offer? She will be queen of the Shammara, any woman of noble birth could not refuse such an offer of marriage!”

“Noura of the Maja, daughter of Kamali and Zuleika knows of your desires, Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola.”

“Hmmm.. enough of that. Where is the Awena hidden?” was the King’s next question of the Altar.

Silence permeated the reddish glow. “Speak now! Tell me where the Awena is!” demanded Mansour.

“The Altar of Sulwyn cannot show you that of which you seek.”

Mansour smacks the white gold surface of the table and shouts, “No! That is not what I want to hear! Show me the Awena!”

“The Altar of Sulwyn cannot show you that of which you seek.”

The King curls up his fist in anger and frustration, his face dark. “Why will you not show me where the Awena is, Altar of Sulwyn!? I would have you destroyed!”

“You will not destroy the Altar of Sulwyn, Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola. It will help you achieve what you desire. All in the Triangle of Fiery Light cannot reveal to anyone each other’s location. That is how it has always been.”

Mansour punches down on the hard surface of the table. His knuckles bleeding, he shouts, “but I am Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola! I own you now, the Altar of Sulwyn, you will do as I say!”

The flames begin dissapating, “The Altar of Sulwyn will show you no more, Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola.”

The room darkens and silence remains. Mansour swears and turns to leave the room. “This is unacceptable. I MUST possess the Awena and the Princess Noura!!”

-The End of Part 1-

[cabralsoth]

ok ill take 3 :D

[banshee]

excelllent!!!!! :D

Xadrian and Ven, 2 or 4?
soooo......

Banshee-#1
? -#2
Cabralsoth-#3
?- #4

Go on... u know you want to.... LOL pick a number from 2 and 4, hehee

Hopefully we can really expand this if more ppl wld like to participate!

(shakes the toasters to try and entice folks to participate).

later days
lia etc

[banshee]

Ok... here's the latest list.

Banshee-#1
?-#2
Cabralsoth-#3
?-#4
Heersahoo-#5

Anyone else? I need a #2 most urgently I guess.. cos Mike cant start until someone writes #2!

Go on.... :D

later days
lia etc

[xadrian]

I'll take #2 I guess. Should be a slow day at work.

[banshee]

YAY!!!!!!

thanks, xadrian!!! #2 is yours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Banshee-#1
Xadrian-#2
Cabralsoth-#3
?-#4
Heeksahoo-#5

YAY!!!! (Does another happy dance- getting good exercise here!)

later days
lia etc

[xadrian]

Part 2 - by xadrian

“Princess Noura!”

The slave girl entered with bowed head, supplicant even towards her life long master. “Your father wishes to see you, your Highness.”

Noura’s eyes remained closed for a moment longer, just enough to remind the Ayman girl of her place. Interruptions into the Princess’s mental studies, however taboo, were frowned upon.

“Tell him I will be along shortly,” she finally replied.

Shima bowed low but did not retreat. “He said it’s a matter of great import, your Highness, and requests your attendance immediately.”

Noura’s eyes snapped open, partly due to the impudence of Shima and partly because of her knowledge of what would transpire at this meeting.

“Is my brother being summoned as well?” she asked.

“Yes, your Highness.”

Ah yes, she thought. Bring the Viper to the Mongoose’s lair, Father. “Anyone else?”

There was a slight pause before Shima answered, enough for Noura to whirl around on her cushioned dais. Nauro’s robes, while scant and sheer, gathered and draped sufficiently to conceal her lithe figure. Even thought the Princess was highly intelligent, few overlooked the fact that she was also dangerously athletic, a condition she’d received from having a male sibling. Her actions were swift and concise.

“Well?” she prodded.

Shima blanched slightly, her knees weakening. Nauro could tell this news was not good.

“Although they were not summoned, several of the Jeroen are waiting outside your Father’s chambers. Including Yzomtec.

Yzomtec! Noura fumed. What does that pompous windbag think he’s doing.

“Thank you Shima,” Noura said with a slight nod indicating the slave girl was dismissed. “Your message displeases me, but rest assured, unlike my father, I realize you’re just the messenger. I don’t expect I’ll need your services the rest of the evening. Feel free to leave the grounds as you will.”

Shima’s burden visibly left her shoulders. “Thank you, your Highness.” And with a graceful bow she exited Noura’s chambers.

* * *

Kamali paced his chambers, an uprooted tree shuffling in and out of the afternoon sunbeams. His gnarled, darkened form disguising a wiry, sinewy frame. His red and white robes looking out of place and uncomfortable. Kamali seemed to be a man who would rather hunt or fight than wear finery. His eyes were keen as they swept over the room and its few occupants. Finally, his hawkish gaze settled on Rami.

“Where is she?” he grumbled.

Rami’s tall lean figure was the antithesis of his father. Where Kamali was stern and wise, Rami was airy and aloof. Both wore the devious hat of politician, but the years had worn on Kamali, and now he looked the part.

“She’s been sent for father,” Rami replied, glancing around the room. His indifference smoldering in Kamali’s psyche. “I can only assume she’s on her way.”

“Don’t placate me, Son. If it wasn’t for your haste and brashness, Yzomtec wouldn’t be picketing outside my door.”

Rami’s expression darkened, his austere posture losing some of its haughtiness. Neither he nor his father much liked Yzomtec, but the priesthood was a necessary evil in Maja and the ancient line of Almira’s had always put up with them. However, as of late, the Jeroen were becoming a rabble, sparked to life by the larger than life gasbag that was Yzomtec.

“He’s only here because his power is waning,” Rami replied, trying to regain a place in his father’s eyes. “The Wahbimin and the guilds have few reasons to tolerate their excesses. His actions recently are just a show. Even his admonitions toward Noura are ill founded.”

“I see that you believe as such, my son,” Kamali said, stilling his pacing feet and gazing out the long floor length windows onto his kingdom. “There are forces at work that even you do not realize. Your little helper is cunning, but she hasn’t yet found the truth.”

At this point Rami lost all composure. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Father, Zarifa has never-“

“I know of your actions, Rami!” Kamali shouted, cutting him off. “Do you think I’ve survived as Almira of Atalaya for so long because I take things for granted? You’re coming dangerously close to treason against your own people with your poking and prodding at the Shamara, trying to get information without my consent.

“It’s imperative that you leave this business with the King alone, and I mean this instant. Our relations are strained enough with Mansour vying for Noura’s hand.”

“His scheming will only due to insight our people to riot, Father. His ambitions are not for uniting our two kingdoms, you must see that."

Kamali paused and looked at the ground. His eyes dimmed slightly. Unfortunately, he was but a desperately few people who understood Mansour’s motivation. The secret his line had kept so deep for so long was threatening to bubble to the surface. He wasn’t above infanticide to keep this secret safe, but he knew such actions would not only inflame the minds of his people, but would weaken his bargaining posture with Shamara and her King.

“For now, Rami,” Kamali spoke with grave resignation, “Please just let it be for now.”

==========================

(of note, I hate not being able to tab indent the paragraphs, breaks it up really weird in here.)

[cabralsoth]

holy crap you all did this fast... im gonna write mine in a few hours, as soon as my wife falls asleep (which should be in about 2 hours) im gonna post mine....woot!!!

[xadrian]

It's what you do with a slow day at the office.

[banshee]

mannnnn I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(jumps up and down). There are one or two typos.

I know what u mean reg: the formatting of it all, I just use the left justify thing bfr I post it here. or use lots of space bar! hehe

ok, Mike... the baton has been handed to you....

later days
lia etc

[cabralsoth]

ok here we go... dont have much witing expereince but i have lots of reading experience...lol... hope it paid off.

[cabralsoth]

Part 3 - By Cabralsoth

Noura quickly changed into her formal temple garbs, whisked out of her room and down the hall to the temple were her Father was waiting. "What have you gotten me into this time Father?" Noura thought to herself. Just then she got a chill as a strong breeze pulsed through the hall.
BADHOOOOOM.....came a rumble from far, far away.
"Could it actually be a storm coming?... it was so beautiful right when i got changed"
Up ahead Noura could see Taliz running towards her. Taliz had been a friend of Noura for as long as she could remember, they even took psionic training together though Taliz had never been as naturally gifted as Noura.
As Taliz came closer Noura noticed she had a horrible look on her face.
"Taliz... what is it? Whats wrong?"
Taliz reached Noura but she was breathing terribly hard and trying to talk, but everything was just mumbled and rushed together.
"Calm down Taliz, please just relax... what troubles you so?"
"Th...the .... Sho...Sh..Shorans are coming..."
Noura's eyes went wide. "Shorans." Images from long ago flashed into Noura's mind, when last the Shorans had appeared Noura was but only a child, nearly 3 years old. All she could recall was the screaming, the screaming of men, women and children ringing through her ears and images of massive creatures flying through a blackened sky. And the Shorans wail, that terrible high pitched wail piercing through your soul as though the cry alone could render you helpless.
Taliz breathed in deeply and continued " Tariq and I were up in the Mystics tower, we were watching the two suns rise when we saw the clouds gathering. We waited a bit to see if it was just a sandstorm, but then the clouds turned black and rose towards the sky, the clouds formed the shape of the Triangle... that was when we knew it was them."
Noura remembered the tales her father had told her of the Triangle of Fiery Light, that the Shorans had once claimed it and had ruled over the lands. Destroying cities and crops and whatever else they chose. It was actually the Rida and the Joreon that had stopped them before, while the Rida, which were the warriors and soldiers, held the Shorans at bay as best they could, the Joreon had created a spell that split the triangle into three parts. The first part of the triangle was turned into what we now call Awena, a religous artifact that was hidden away in a far off land, that was believed to be the heart and power to the Triangle. The second became the Alter of Sulwyn which could fortell part of the future, this also disappeared soon afterwards, that was believed to be the soul of the Triangle. The third piece was never told of what it became, and the only magi that knew of what it transformed into had killed himself shortly after the spell worked, he stated that only in his own death can he be sure that the triangle never came together again, the thrid part was believed to be the key to activate the Triangle once again.
"Please Princess Noura, I must take you to the shelters." Taliz pleaded. "Tariq already went to notify the royal guards."
"No, my Father and brother are in the temple waiting on me, I have to go warn them!"
Noura proceeded to run to her Fathers chamber when Taliz grabbed hold of her arm and spun her around. "Then I'm coming with you." taliz said. Noura could tell from her determined look that she was not going to give in.
Noura and Taliz raced down the corridor notifying everyone they came across to get the word out and sound the alarms.
BAAAHHHHDOOOOOOM................
Noura looked off to the side through one of the windows facing the Eastern border of Atalaya. Her pulse quickened further when she saw there no longer was a horizon, just an impenatrable blackness rising in the sky.
The alarms began to ring out throughout the city, just as Noura and Taliz entered the temple were her Fathers chambers were. "Taliz, go to the west wing and evacuate the children in the meditating chambers, I'm going up to my Fathers chambers" Noura didn't wait for a reply, she pushed Taliz in the direction of the meditating rooms and ran off to her Father.
Guards were now scrambling all over, getting to there posted positions awaiting further orders. Clerics, Magi, and Psionists joined them as well.
Noura almost got trampled as she turned the final corner to her Fathers hallway, as a whole crew of archers barreled through on their way to their posts.
Noura could now see Yzomtec and the rest of the Jeroen standing at the end of the hall talking to her Father and brother. She could tell by there body language that they were in a heated debate about something.
"Father." Noura cried out as she raced towards them.
Noura's Father looked her way...just then she heard a cry from the guards outside, as a defeaning wail blew over the kingdom, the temple shook and she lost her footing and fell to the floor. Noura looked up to see her Father racing towards her as the ceiling above him began to crumble and break... it would be the last time Noura would see his face.


-The End Part3-

[banshee]

coooool..me like!!!!

nice twist there.. minor typos but thats all.. I think when this is all done, gng to give this place a webpage :D

Unfortunately we dont hv a #4 writer right now. Ven hasnt given us his choice but I dont want to select it for him w/o his permission ya know?

Hmmm...I guess I cld step into the breach for now. Ven can select 6-12 I guess.

I wont be writing so fast, its gng to be a hectic w/end but I wil try and get it together tonight or soon. I am gng to put the breadmaker on first and hv a read of all the sections together adn see what happens.

Banshee-#1- (The Beginning) Completed
Xadrian-#2- Completed
Cabralsoth-#3- Completed
Banshee-#4- WIP
Heeksahoo-#5- WOW
?-#6
?-#7
?-#8
?-#9
?-#10
?-#11
?-#12 (The Finale)

:D this is coming along great!!!! Where's everyone else? Get your toasters shaking, folks!
later days
lia etc

[zanSeattle]

What the heck. I copied the first three parts to read all at once, and I'm sure I can find the time to continue it, by Monday at the latest. So tack me on for part Four.

(Oh, and hi. New here. Love the carpeting.)

[xadrian]

I'll fill in on the later parts if necessary.

[banshee]

that's cool, zan :) I hadnt made a start anyways hehe

Banshee-#1- (The Beginning) Completed
Xadrian-#2- Completed
Cabralsoth-#3- Completed
zanSeattle-#4- WIP
Heeksahoo-#5- WOW
?-#6
?-#7
?xadrian-#8
Banshee-#9
?-#10
?-#11
?-#12 (The Finale)

Mike, you up for some more?xadrian, is that ok if I assign you #8?

later days

[xadrian]

8 is cool with me. (fun!)

[banshee]

woohooo, that's great :D

looking fwd to seeing the next installment!

later days
lia etc

[banshee]

The latest list: EDITED

Banshee-#1- (The Beginning) Completed
Xadrian-#2- Completed
Cabralsoth-#3- Completed
zanSeattle-#4- WIP
Heeksahoo-#5- WOW
?-#6 (if no one else steps up, Ven is up for this)
?-#7
xadrian-#8
Banshee-#9
?-#10
?-#11
?-#12 (The Finale)

Mike, you up for another section?

shake em toasters!!!

later days
lia etc

[Ben Christensen]

I'll take #7.

If no one cares, I'll take #10 too.

-Ben;onei;

[banshee]

aww ben.. u r welcome for both!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All rite, latest list is as follows:-

Banshee-#1- (The Beginning) Completed
Xadrian-#2- Completed
Cabralsoth-#3- Completed
zanSeattle-#4- WIP
Heeksahoo-#5- WOW
?-#6 (if no one else steps up, Ven is up for this)
Ben Christensen-#7
xadrian-#8
Banshee-#9
Ben Christensen-#10
?-#11
?-#12 (The Finale)

So zan, how's the progress coming along?

later days
lia etc

[zanSeattle]

She awoke to Dark.

Not dark, where you still have a chance of making out shapes and finding your way, but impenetrable Dark. Like a night away from the cities when both moons are new. Like the time Rami put out all the lights and locked the door when she was down in the wine cellar.

She sat up and blinked her eyes several times, trying to get them to adjust, to make out anything in the inky blackness. She assumed by the feel of the sheet and blanket that covered her, by the familiar scent of her favorite incense, that she was in her own bed, in her own room.

Why then were the windows so completely shuttered? Why did she see no light from the city below?

"Hello," she ventured, her voice still small and raspy after her slumber. "Shima?" She felt about the night table, unsuccessfully looking for the bell she sometimes used to summon her attendant.

"Lean back and conserve your strength, daughter of Maja," a deep, tender voice urged. All at once, large, warm hands found her own and placed them gently back on the bedclothes.

"Father?" Noura asked.

"No, my child," the voice continued gently. "Yzomtec is here to attend you."

At the mention of his name, Noura shuddered and made a face, the total darkness giving her the courage to lay bare her distaste for the Jeroen councilmember. His holier-than-thou pronouncements, condescending manner and knack for driving the joy out of most any situation had plagued her since she was a young girl, and she had never understood how a blowhard such as him could be so esteemed among his colleagues. As she grew, and as Yzomtec rose ever more quickly through the Jeroen ranks, she realized these qualities were seen as assets among the religious order.

"What news, then Yzomtec," Noura snapped, her voice regaining its usual royal authority. "That brings you to my chamber in dead of night, in such an indecent state as I am. You ought to be ashamed, accosting young women in their bedchambers at all hours. I might even take the beastly dream I woke from as a portent of your arrival."

"My child..." the voice faltered, as if uncertain how to continue. "Would that yesterday's events were a dream." He said no more, and only stroked her hand lovingly. His lack of commentary was extremely uncommon.

At first, she made to protest, to pull away, but as she remembered the attack, the strength left her. The sky, so black with those hideous flying creatures! Her heart racing as she ran to warn her father and brother! The ceiling beginning to...

"Where is my father!" Noura exclaimed, forgetting royal restraint and decorum. "Yzomtec, what has happened to him?" She clutched the uncharacteristically sympathetic cleric's hands in the darkness, yesterday's terror felt anew.

"Hush, Noura, hush," the Jeroen whispered. "Your father is alive and well, thanks in no small part to your swift actions. He and your brother are out in the city this very moment, assessing damage and helping to restore order, and gave instructions to me to watch over you as you recovered from your strain." He patted her arm and she could almost feel his reassuring smile.

"I must say," he went on, "we were all quite surprised at how your... abilities have matured. I'm sure that at the next Jeroen council there will be at least a few changed minds about your pursuit of the unknown arts. Without your intervention, fully half of the council might have been caught in the collapse. Of course, I never for a moment doubted the Deities' wisdom in instilling in you a desire to..."

"Please, priest, I am so exhausted," Noura waved him to silence as best she could though she could not see her own hand before her. She didn't usually risk sounding so openly irritated with him, but she didn't relish him returning to form and beginning a sermon her in her chambers at this hour. The fact that her relations were absent from her side and sent him in their stead was a painful reminder of her family's priorities, and frustration made her reckless.

"You tell me my father and brother are out restoring order," the princess snapped. "Has the Shorans' attack brought so much chaos that the city rages rather than sleeps? Make some sense for once, Yzomtec."

"Noura," Yzomtec began, "you must understand that there is a purpose in everything. It may not be clear right now, but in time..."

"Yzomtec, enough," Noura sighed.

"Right, then," he replied, taking a familiar, stern tone for the first time. "I know you've dabbled in inner sight. Open your soul to the world around you, now, and it will become clear."

The Jeroen stopped speaking, instead taking her hand and rising beside her bed, to lead her to her feet. Noura pulled back the bedcovers with the other hand and put her bare feet on the floor. It was warm. She stood and allowed herself to be led across the room. Where, she knew not for certain, but she could hear voices.

As they walked, Noura concentrated, clearing her mind of distractions and allowing impressions of her surroundings to come to her. She could sense the location of her bed, the chair Yzomtec had been sitting in, her dressing table. She could tell that he was leading her to her favorite window. She could feel a strange concern and pity radiating from the old councilmember.

As they reached the window, she sensed activity in the courtyard below. The servants' children were at play with sticks, their spirits bright and bubbly like fountains. Shima was hanging some linen tablecloths on the line to dry. Noura could feel Shima's irritation... perhaps at having to do such manual labor, as she was fond of tending to the princess herself. But the last, simplest part of the picture came to Noura last, since she took its presence for granted. She did not even need the inner sight to know it was there.

The noontime sun was unmistakable, its warmth caressing her cheek.

In her surprise and shock, Noura floundered, the impressions ebbing. She caught a wisp of Shima looking up to her, the children stopping their game.

"Wave back, child," Yzomtec said gently, firmly, from behind her. "Smile. They needn't know."

Noura did as she was bid, then stepped back from the window, struggling to regain her bearings. Yzomtec held her hand until she mastered the impressions in the room once more, then let her hand drop to her side so she could stand on her own.

"Not much in this almiraen has been as it appeared," the priest confided. "Not for quite some time, so perhaps the Deities felt human sight unnecessary. Forgive them, child, and trust their judgement. Forgive me, as well, because there much more for you to know, and even more to be done."

"Let me start by telling you the story of the Triangle of Fiery Light..."

END PART IV

[banshee]

will read it a bit later. time for the kids bath!

great to see it!!!!! :D

woohooooooooooo!

Ike, the baton is now yours!!!!!!!!!!

later days
lia etc

[banshee]

Banshee-#1- (The Beginning) Completed
Xadrian-#2- Completed
Cabralsoth-#3- Completed
zanSeattle-#4- Completed
Heersahoo-#5- WIP
?-#6 WOW
Ben Christensen-#7 WOW
xadrian-#8 WOW
Banshee-#9 WOW
Ben Christensen-#10 WOW
?-#11 WOW
?-#12 (The Finale) WOW

________

Awesome stuff, zan!!!!!! excellent quality stuff from everyone!!!!

cant wait..

hehe

later days
lia etc

[Heersahoo]

I haven't had a chance to get my piece together - mainly because I've had a lack of net access since mid-day Friday :( Stupid Blaster worm. Not sure if I can write it today at work - I work for a college and it's our first day back, always a nightmare. I'll try to do something tonight and post tomorrow. Sorry again for holding everyone up - I didn't think we'd have progressed this far in such a few short days - but great work!

[banshee]

no worries!

that's cool, hun :) dang blaster worm is right.. some of our ISP's DNS servers got whacked, major crappola. You havent been holding anyone up, zan posted your yday so its been gng good :D

looking fwd to seeing what you've got!


(does happy dance)

later days
lia etc

[banshee]

part 1- Banshee

Harsh sunlight streamed through the ornate carved windows, creating a star pattern on the marble floor. A tall, dark, handsome man with long strides through the sunbeams, disrupting the patterns. “ Where is the Grand Vizier!? Summon him here at once!” he shouts angrily as a hapless slave scurries off. He throws himself onto an elaborate throne, a frown on his face. His hand ruffles his short curly hair in frustration.

A short, plump man elaborately dressed in a tall turban and flowing sequined robe hurriedly makes his way towards the man on the throne. He bows low to the ground, “Your Majesty, how may I serve you?” The man on the throne sits up straight, glaring.

“You promised me the Awena and the Princess Noura months ago, Jabir. I still haven’t seen any sign of either! Time is running short. I need them before the month of Kedma arrives. That’s two months away!”

“I assure you, your Majesty, that we are in talks with the Maja Wahbimin…”

“Talk? Talk? What good is talk? I need results!”

“Jabir, you have two weeks to bring me the Awena and Princess Noura, otherwise… let us just say that there hasn’t been a public execution for a while.”

Jabir, the Grand Vizier, swallowed and bowed very low. “Your Majesty, your word is law.” He remained in that position until the King relaxed back on the throne. “Very well, Jabir. You may go,” he waved an imperious hand at the man bent half to the ground.

Jabir steps backwards until he reaches the door of the Great Hall and then slaves close the door behind him. He straightens up and sighs. “King Mansour is a powerful man but impetuous. The Almira will never give up the Princess Noura or the Awena to his sworn enemy,” he thought to himself, rubbing his neck.

“I had better contact those confounded Maja Wahbimin, you would think those merchants would be falling over themselves to be the first to hand Mansour Noura or the Awena. They certainly been awarded enough money!” “Nothing good can come of this obsession.” The Grand Vizier shivered despite the warm sunshine flooding through the palace and carried on walking towards his offices.

King Mansour remained in the Great Hall on his throne, staring pensively out to space. A female slave tentatively approaches the frowning king with a tray of fruit and a drink of wine and kneels down, holding the tray out. Mansour turns distractedly towards the slave and eyes the pretty girl who is shaking. “Put that tray down, girl! What is your name?” “Rowa, Supreme Highness,” she nervously replies as she lays the tray down on the low table nearby. “Rowa, your appearance pleases me.. I am in need of some distraction. Go to my chambers and prepare a bath for me, ” Mansour commanded. “As you wish, Supreme Highness,” the frightened girl kowtows to him and scurries out backwards.

Mansour leaves his throne and walks to the sunniest corner of the Great Hall. Pressing a brick on the wall, he waits impatiently as a hidden door swings open. Walking through a dimly lit passage, he eventually comes to a triangular shaped room. In the centre of this room, there’s a triangular shaped object. In its sharpest point, there is a large ruby sitting atop an open cone.

Mansour comes to a halt and presses the ruby downwards into the cone. “Altar of Sulwyn, show me the future!” he commands, removing his hand from the cone.

A flame shoots out of the ruby, bathing the room into a eerie reddish light. Gradually the flames increase and begin to form a wavy picture. The flames turn into a red wall of light and Mansour frowns as he observes the moving flames. Eerie voices could be heard in low whispers; “Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola. What do you wish to see?”

“Princess Noura has rejected my marriage proposals, why is this?” demanded Mansour.

“She will not accept what you offer her, Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola.“

Mansour frowns. “How could she not want what I have to offer? She will be queen of the Shammara, any woman of noble birth could not refuse such an offer of marriage!”

“Noura of the Maja, daughter of Kamali and Zuleika knows of your desires, Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola.”

“Hmmm.. enough of that. Where is the Awena hidden?” was the King’s next question of the Altar.

Silence permeated the reddish glow. “Speak now! Tell me where the Awena is!” demanded Mansour.

“The Altar of Sulwyn cannot show you that of which you seek.”

Mansour smacks the white gold surface of the table and shouts, “No! That is not what I want to hear! Show me the Awena!”

“The Altar of Sulwyn cannot show you that of which you seek.”

The King curls up his fist in anger and frustration, his face dark. “Why will you not show me where the Awena is, Altar of Sulwyn!? I would have you destroyed!”

“You will not destroy the Altar of Sulwyn, Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola. It will help you achieve what you desire. All in the Triangle of Fiery Light cannot reveal to anyone each other’s location. That is how it has always been.”

Mansour punches down on the hard surface of the table. His knuckles bleeding, he shouts, “but I am Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola! I own you now, the Altar of Sulwyn, you will do as I say!”

The flames begin dissapating, “The Altar of Sulwyn will show you no more, Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola.”

The room darkens and silence remains. Mansour swears and turns to leave the room. “This is unacceptable. I MUST possess the Awena and the Princess Noura!!”

-The End of Part 1-

Part 2 - by xadrian

“Princess Noura!”

The slave girl entered with bowed head, supplicant even towards her life long master. “Your father wishes to see you, your Highness.”

Noura’s eyes remained closed for a moment longer, just enough to remind the Ayman girl of her place. Interruptions into the Princess’s mental studies, however taboo, were frowned upon.

“Tell him I will be along shortly,” she finally replied.

Shima bowed low but did not retreat. “He said it’s a matter of great import, your Highness, and requests your attendance immediately.”

Noura’s eyes snapped open, partly due to the impudence of Shima and partly because of her knowledge of what would transpire at this meeting.

“Is my brother being summoned as well?” she asked.

“Yes, your Highness.”

Ah yes, she thought. Bring the Viper to the Mongoose’s lair, Father. “Anyone else?”

There was a slight pause before Shima answered, enough for Noura to whirl around on her cushioned dais. Nauro’s robes, while scant and sheer, gathered and draped sufficiently to conceal her lithe figure. Even thought the Princess was highly intelligent, few overlooked the fact that she was also dangerously athletic, a condition she’d received from having a male sibling. Her actions were swift and concise.

“Well?” she prodded.

Shima blanched slightly, her knees weakening. Nauro could tell this news was not good.

“Although they were not summoned, several of the Jeroen are waiting outside your Father’s chambers. Including Yzomtec.

Yzomtec! Noura fumed. What does that pompous windbag think he’s doing.

“Thank you Shima,” Noura said with a slight nod indicating the slave girl was dismissed. “Your message displeases me, but rest assured, unlike my father, I realize you’re just the messenger. I don’t expect I’ll need your services the rest of the evening. Feel free to leave the grounds as you will.”

Shima’s burden visibly left her shoulders. “Thank you, your Highness.” And with a graceful bow she exited Noura’s chambers.

* * *

Kamali paced his chambers, an uprooted tree shuffling in and out of the afternoon sunbeams. His gnarled, darkened form disguising a wiry, sinewy frame. His red and white robes looking out of place and uncomfortable. Kamali seemed to be a man who would rather hunt or fight than wear finery. His eyes were keen as they swept over the room and its few occupants. Finally, his hawkish gaze settled on Rami.

“Where is she?” he grumbled.

Rami’s tall lean figure was the antithesis of his father. Where Kamali was stern and wise, Rami was airy and aloof. Both wore the devious hat of politician, but the years had worn on Kamali, and now he looked the part.

“She’s been sent for father,” Rami replied, glancing around the room. His indifference smoldering in Kamali’s psyche. “I can only assume she’s on her way.”

“Don’t placate me, Son. If it wasn’t for your haste and brashness, Yzomtec wouldn’t be picketing outside my door.”

Rami’s expression darkened, his austere posture losing some of its haughtiness. Neither he nor his father much liked Yzomtec, but the priesthood was a necessary evil in Maja and the ancient line of Almira’s had always put up with them. However, as of late, the Jeroen were becoming a rabble, sparked to life by the larger than life gasbag that was Yzomtec.

“He’s only here because his power is waning,” Rami replied, trying to regain a place in his father’s eyes. “The Wahbimin and the guilds have few reasons to tolerate their excesses. His actions recently are just a show. Even his admonitions toward Noura are ill founded.”

“I see that you believe as such, my son,” Kamali said, stilling his pacing feet and gazing out the long floor length windows onto his kingdom. “There are forces at work that even you do not realize. Your little helper is cunning, but she hasn’t yet found the truth.”

At this point Rami lost all composure. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Father, Zarifa has never-“

“I know of your actions, Rami!” Kamali shouted, cutting him off. “Do you think I’ve survived as Almira of Atalaya for so long because I take things for granted? You’re coming dangerously close to treason against your own people with your poking and prodding at the Shamara, trying to get information without my consent.

“It’s imperative that you leave this business with the King alone, and I mean this instant. Our relations are strained enough with Mansour vying for Noura’s hand.”

“His scheming will only due to insight our people to riot, Father. His ambitions are not for uniting our two kingdoms, you must see that."

Kamali paused and looked at the ground. His eyes dimmed slightly. Unfortunately, he was but a desperately few people who understood Mansour’s motivation. The secret his line had kept so deep for so long was threatening to bubble to the surface. He wasn’t above infanticide to keep this secret safe, but he knew such actions would not only inflame the minds of his people, but would weaken his bargaining posture with Shamara and her King.

“For now, Rami,” Kamali spoke with grave resignation, “Please just let it be for now.”

Part 3 - By Cabralsoth

Noura quickly changed into her formal temple garbs, whisked out of her room and down the hall to the temple were her Father was waiting. "What have you gotten me into this time Father?" Noura thought to herself. Just then she got a chill as a strong breeze pulsed through the hall.
BADHOOOOOM.....came a rumble from far, far away.
"Could it actually be a storm coming?... it was so beautiful right when i got changed"
Up ahead Noura could see Taliz running towards her. Taliz had been a friend of Noura for as long as she could remember, they even took psionic training together though Taliz had never been as naturally gifted as Noura.
As Taliz came closer Noura noticed she had a horrible look on her face.
"Taliz... what is it? Whats wrong?"
Taliz reached Noura but she was breathing terribly hard and trying to talk, but everything was just mumbled and rushed together.
"Calm down Taliz, please just relax... what troubles you so?"
"Th...the .... Sho...Sh..Shorans are coming..."
Noura's eyes went wide. "Shorans." Images from long ago flashed into Noura's mind, when last the Shorans had appeared Noura was but only a child, nearly 3 years old. All she could recall was the screaming, the screaming of men, women and children ringing through her ears and images of massive creatures flying through a blackened sky. And the Shorans wail, that terrible high pitched wail piercing through your soul as though the cry alone could render you helpless.
Taliz breathed in deeply and continued " Tariq and I were up in the Mystics tower, we were watching the two suns rise when we saw the clouds gathering. We waited a bit to see if it was just a sandstorm, but then the clouds turned black and rose towards the sky, the clouds formed the shape of the Triangle... that was when we knew it was them."
Noura remembered the tales her father had told her of the Triangle of Fiery Light, that the Shorans had once claimed it and had ruled over the lands. Destroying cities and crops and whatever else they chose. It was actually the Rida and the Joreon that had stopped them before, while the Rida, which were the warriors and soldiers, held the Shorans at bay as best they could, the Joreon had created a spell that split the triangle into three parts. The first part of the triangle was turned into what we now call Awena, a religous artifact that was hidden away in a far off land, that was believed to be the heart and power to the Triangle. The second became the Alter of Sulwyn which could fortell part of the future, this also disappeared soon afterwards, that was believed to be the soul of the Triangle. The third piece was never told of what it became, and the only magi that knew of what it transformed into had killed himself shortly after the spell worked, he stated that only in his own death can he be sure that the triangle never came together again, the thrid part was believed to be the key to activate the Triangle once again.
"Please Princess Noura, I must take you to the shelters." Taliz pleaded. "Tariq already went to notify the royal guards."
"No, my Father and brother are in the temple waiting on me, I have to go warn them!"
Noura proceeded to run to her Fathers chamber when Taliz grabbed hold of her arm and spun her around. "Then I'm coming with you." taliz said. Noura could tell from her determined look that she was not going to give in.
Noura and Taliz raced down the corridor notifying everyone they came across to get the word out and sound the alarms.
BAAAHHHHDOOOOOOM................
Noura looked off to the side through one of the windows facing the Eastern border of Atalaya. Her pulse quickened further when she saw there no longer was a horizon, just an impenatrable blackness rising in the sky.
The alarms began to ring out throughout the city, just as Noura and Taliz entered the temple were her Fathers chambers were. "Taliz, go to the west wing and evacuate the children in the meditating chambers, I'm going up to my Fathers chambers" Noura didn't wait for a reply, she pushed Taliz in the direction of the meditating rooms and ran off to her Father.
Guards were now scrambling all over, getting to there posted positions awaiting further orders. Clerics, Magi, and Psionists joined them as well.
Noura almost got trampled as she turned the final corner to her Fathers hallway, as a whole crew of archers barreled through on their way to their posts.
Noura could now see Yzomtec and the rest of the Jeroen standing at the end of the hall talking to her Father and brother. She could tell by there body language that they were in a heated debate about something.
"Father." Noura cried out as she raced towards them.
Noura's Father looked her way...just then she heard a cry from the guards outside, as a defeaning wail blew over the kingdom, the temple shook and she lost her footing and fell to the floor. Noura looked up to see her Father racing towards her as the ceiling above him began to crumble and break... it would be the last time Noura would see his face.


-The End Part3-
Part IV --- by zan
She awoke to Dark.

Not dark, where you still have a chance of making out shapes and finding your way, but impenetrable Dark. Like a night away from the cities when both moons are new. Like the time Rami put out all the lights and locked the door when she was down in the wine cellar.

She sat up and blinked her eyes several times, trying to get them to adjust, to make out anything in the inky blackness. She assumed by the feel of the sheet and blanket that covered her, by the familiar scent of her favorite incense, that she was in her own bed, in her own room.

Why then were the windows so completely shuttered? Why did she see no light from the city below?

"Hello," she ventured, her voice still small and raspy after her slumber. "Shima?" She felt about the night table, unsuccessfully looking for the bell she sometimes used to summon her attendant.

"Lean back and conserve your strength, daughter of Maja," a deep, tender voice urged. All at once, large, warm hands found her own and placed them gently back on the bedclothes.

"Father?" Noura asked.

"No, my child," the voice continued gently. "Yzomtec is here to attend you."

At the mention of his name, Noura shuddered and made a face, the total darkness giving her the courage to lay bare her distaste for the Jeroen councilmember. His holier-than-thou pronouncements, condescending manner and knack for driving the joy out of most any situation had plagued her since she was a young girl, and she had never understood how a blowhard such as him could be so esteemed among his colleagues. As she grew, and as Yzomtec rose ever more quickly through the Jeroen ranks, she realized these qualities were seen as assets among the religious order.

"What news, then Yzomtec," Noura snapped, her voice regaining its usual royal authority. "That brings you to my chamber in dead of night, in such an indecent state as I am. You ought to be ashamed, accosting young women in their bedchambers at all hours. I might even take the beastly dream I woke from as a portent of your arrival."

"My child..." the voice faltered, as if uncertain how to continue. "Would that yesterday's events were a dream." He said no more, and only stroked her hand lovingly. His lack of commentary was extremely uncommon.

At first, she made to protest, to pull away, but as she remembered the attack, the strength left her. The sky, so black with those hideous flying creatures! Her heart racing as she ran to warn her father and brother! The ceiling beginning to...

"Where is my father!" Noura exclaimed, forgetting royal restraint and decorum. "Yzomtec, what has happened to him?" She clutched the uncharacteristically sympathetic cleric's hands in the darkness, yesterday's terror felt anew.

"Hush, Noura, hush," the Jeroen whispered. "Your father is alive and well, thanks in no small part to your swift actions. He and your brother are out in the city this very moment, assessing damage and helping to restore order, and gave instructions to me to watch over you as you recovered from your strain." He patted her arm and she could almost feel his reassuring smile.

"I must say," he went on, "we were all quite surprised at how your... abilities have matured. I'm sure that at the next Jeroen council there will be at least a few changed minds about your pursuit of the unknown arts. Without your intervention, fully half of the council might have been caught in the collapse. Of course, I never for a moment doubted the Deities' wisdom in instilling in you a desire to..."

"Please, priest, I am so exhausted," Noura waved him to silence as best she could though she could not see her own hand before her. She didn't usually risk sounding so openly irritated with him, but she didn't relish him returning to form and beginning a sermon her in her chambers at this hour. The fact that her relations were absent from her side and sent him in their stead was a painful reminder of her family's priorities, and frustration made her reckless.

"You tell me my father and brother are out restoring order," the princess snapped. "Has the Shorans' attack brought so much chaos that the city rages rather than sleeps? Make some sense for once, Yzomtec."

"Noura," Yzomtec began, "you must understand that there is a purpose in everything. It may not be clear right now, but in time..."

"Yzomtec, enough," Noura sighed.

"Right, then," he replied, taking a familiar, stern tone for the first time. "I know you've dabbled in inner sight. Open your soul to the world around you, now, and it will become clear."

The Jeroen stopped speaking, instead taking her hand and rising beside her bed, to lead her to her feet. Noura pulled back the bedcovers with the other hand and put her bare feet on the floor. It was warm. She stood and allowed herself to be led across the room. Where, she knew not for certain, but she could hear voices.

As they walked, Noura concentrated, clearing her mind of distractions and allowing impressions of her surroundings to come to her. She could sense the location of her bed, the chair Yzomtec had been sitting in, her dressing table. She could tell that he was leading her to her favorite window. She could feel a strange concern and pity radiating from the old councilmember.

As they reached the window, she sensed activity in the courtyard below. The servants' children were at play with sticks, their spirits bright and bubbly like fountains. Shima was hanging some linen tablecloths on the line to dry. Noura could feel Shima's irritation... perhaps at having to do such manual labor, as she was fond of tending to the princess herself. But the last, simplest part of the picture came to Noura last, since she took its presence for granted. She did not even need the inner sight to know it was there.

The noontime sun was unmistakable, its warmth caressing her cheek.

In her surprise and shock, Noura floundered, the impressions ebbing. She caught a wisp of Shima looking up to her, the children stopping their game.

"Wave back, child," Yzomtec said gently, firmly, from behind her. "Smile. They needn't know."

Noura did as she was bid, then stepped back from the window, struggling to regain her bearings. Yzomtec held her hand until she mastered the impressions in the room once more, then let her hand drop to her side so she could stand on her own.

"Not much in this almiraen has been as it appeared," the priest confided. "Not for quite some time, so perhaps the Deities felt human sight unnecessary. Forgive them, child, and trust their judgement. Forgive me, as well, because there is much more for you to know, and even more to be done."

"Let me start by telling you the story of the Triangle of Fiery Light..."

END PART IV

[xadrian]

That part 4 is bad ass man. I almost missed that she's blinded now. Very Muad'dib with the blind but able to see so much of the future that it appears he still has sight.

At least I hope that's what happened. Very cool.

[zanSeattle]

Yeah, she's lost her sight. I saw the "she would never see her father again" line and wanted to play with the meaning. There's too much dysfunctional family conflict for him to be out of the picture just yet. ;-)

Yeah, the Children of Dune thing I remembered after I'd already started writing it. It followed that she'd need to be able to get around without her eyes if she was still going to be a main character and not just a plot device, and her psionic training suggested that she's have a "feel" for the objects around her. I added in the slight empathic/telepathic sense because she might "see" the people in the almiraen (kingdom) much differently if she can sense something of their real intentions. She wouldn't have given Yzomtec the benefit of the doubt had she not felt his geniune concern for her; something that's been absent in her house for quite some time.

OH, and I'd be happy to take #12 and try to tie everything together. Sign me up!

[Heersahoo]

Can someone think of what the chairs with poles carried by bearers are called? I've been trying to think of it for about an hour and can't find it anywhere.

Any help would be much appreciated!

[cabralsoth]

awesome... props on the twist, thats rabbit outta the hat stuff :D

[xadrian]

Jeez, it took me 30 mins to find it, and I about shot myself when I found it.

It's called a liter or litter. Some people write liter, but dictionary.com has it as litter:

4. An enclosed or curtained couch mounted on shafts and used to carry a single passenger.

[Heersahoo]

That's what I've been looking for!

I didn't get much sleep last night so the brain seems be be locking up frequently!

[banshee]

Zan, you have #12!!!!! :D

(does a happy dance) this is just sooooo coool!

later days
lia etc

[banshee]

Banshee-#1- (The Beginning) Completed
Xadrian-#2- Completed
Cabralsoth-#3- Completed
zanSeattle-#4- Completed
Heersahoo-#5- WIP
Vendetta-#6 WOW
Ben Christensen-#7 WOW
xadrian-#8 WOW
Banshee-#9 WOW
Ben Christensen-#10 WOW
?-#11 WOW
zanSeattle-#12 (The Finale) WOW

WIP- Work in Progress
WOW- Waiting on Writer

GREAT STUFF everyone!!!!!

later days
lia etc

[cabralsoth]

ill take 11 if no one else wants....:D

[Heersahoo]

Sorry, it's a few words beyond 1000.

Hope you like.

PART V
by Heersahoo

Kamali sits in his sedan chair, slumped to the side, gazing at the ruins of a once prosperous jeweler. Kamali stares past the rubble, seeing the future that MAY be creeping just over the horizon, waiting to snare his kingdom. He sits deep in thought, chin resting in the cup of his right hand, his knobby knuckles hiding all but the faintest trace of his lip-less mouth. The arm supporting this hand rests upon the arm of a heavily carved chair held aloft by sheer will by twelve men; six men to each stave, three men fore and three men aft. Each of these men, Ayman slaves of course, is garbed in the Almira's livery, tabards of deepest red and purest white. Their boots are black leather, buffed to a mirror shine as are the braces that cross their shoulders. The braces have thick pads molded to fit the chair staves, even a ruler such as Kamali realizes the comfort of slaves will keep them docile. As a show of rank among the Ayman, Kamali's bearers are allowed to wear elaborate head-dresses of bright bird plumes to show their prominence, though of course this merely serves the function that bridle decorations would on a horse. Of course, an uneducated slave could never guess at this.

"Poor Master Jenkiri, he was a fine craftsman. Finer than any who shall come after."

"Aye Majesty, 'tis a mighty shame such as he has passed to the realm of the shades." Banner General Tichegira stands looking up at his master, careful not to look directly into the eyes of such an exalted personage. " I had hoped he would create a piece for my eldest daughter's wedding this coming Mardras. Such a waste and for no profit" Tichegira is tallish with thick, ropey muscles. A lifetime of scars decorate his arms and face, as well as other unseen seen parts of his anatomy. His mail hauberk is brightly shined, though relatively simple as is the tabard that covers it. In fact, the one differentation between Tichegira and his common footsoldiers is a small golden ribbon stiched on his right breast.

The two men, as well as numerous on lookers, are trying to avoid looking at the Shoran corpse laying amid the broken shop walls or the lance sized sword protruding from a horse corpse a short distance away. The Shoran was once a ponderous beast, what a person not within of hearing distance of one would call obese, strong as ten oxen and uglier than a nightmare but the creature is now nothing more than sagging folds of charcoal skin hanging on an enormous frame hidden only partially by rusted plate armor. The Shoran have seen better times, there is definite truth in that.

"The Shoran must be desperate indeed to chance such a raid in the light of day. Their power has always lain in night attacks. I canna' imagine the force that drove them to such a measure." Tichegira squints his eyes as if pondering the greatest mystery in the universe, but to him this might actually be it. He is but a simple soldier after all.

"Yes, Tichegira, a force of terrible will and purpose..." Kamali stares off toward the Feroq Mountains whose peaks form the border between Maja and Shamara.
-------------------------------------------
"Pathetic gargin!* This is what I paid ten thousand head of cattle to obtain? What, a slaughter of your entire army? I wanted Maja to come to me looking for alliance to stave off the Shoran horde. Instead I must find enough slaves to dig your enormous graves in this granite soil. Bah! Get out of my sight. Pass from this, world your time is is finished." Mansour rages as he stands at the flap of his campaign tent, pitched in the mountains, looking across the Lurea Plains to the Maja capital.

The Shoran Herk-lord Mharme stands hunched and weary. He has not lost so much of his girth as the others but still is but a shadow of his former self. Blood-soaked bandages wrap most parts of his body not hidden beneath dented armor.
Mharme shambles back to the rock eries the remnant of his people have claimed. There is a look of murder on his face but who can tell if it is for the Majans, the Shamarans or both?

Mansour pours himself a goblet of wine from metal pitcher and takes a deep swallow. As he finishes and wipes hand across his wide mouth, Jabir enters the tent.

"Majesty, a courier has just arrived with a dispatch from Maja."

"Send him in. But if the news is ill he will live among the shades before the hour is out. Tell him so."

"I will majesty. He is among the cooksmen to whet his thirst but I will send him immediately."

Mansour paces the border of the tent until the courier is announced.

"Your majesty, I bring tidings from Banner General Tichegira and his lord benefactor. The plan proceeds with a but a few minor snares along the way."

"What snares?" Mansour snapped. "I thought my gold could shear any snare."

*Curse meaning the animal droppings scraped off a boot.
-----------------------------------------------
Dark clouds scudded across the gibbous moon, lighting the Plains of Lurea in a queer, dappled light. Noura could no longer see this, true, but she knew it for truth none the less. Below the work crews contiued to remove rubble, hoping to find survivors but dreading the worst. A bonfire of enormous proprtions burned just beyond the city walls; towers of greasy smoke rose high into the night. A horrible sight for sure but Noura would have given anything to have seen it true, not with the second sight.

The creaked open behind her. "Princess, I was going to retire but wanted to check if you needed anything first," Yzomtec inquired.

"Now you see to my needs old fool? It was your opposotion to my training that lead to this position. What more do I need from you?" Noura begins to cry bitter tears. "A curse upon all priests." Simultaneously a psionic wave flashes outward, knocking Yzomtec to his knees, but beyond, it hits the Great Temple, cracking the Dome of Uhysi like an egg. As the dome pieces fall, the rest of the Temple follows in domino fashion.

End Part V

[banshee]

wohoooooooooooooooooo Ike.....

oh a few words past 1000? well.. we are gng to hv to cut back on your cookie quota then... (cackle)

wtg, Ike!!!!

Vendetta DA MAN is next.....

Banshee-#1- (The Beginning) Completed
Xadrian-#2- Completed
Cabralsoth-#3- Completed
zanSeattle-#4- Completed
Heersahoo-#5- Completed
Vendetta-#6 (WIP)
Ben Christensen-#7 (WOW)
xadrian-#8 (WOW)
Banshee-#9 (WOW)
Ben Christensen-#10 (WOW)
?-#11 (WOW)
zanSeattle-#12 (The Finale) (WOW)





later days
lia etc

[Vendetta]

Part VI

The sultry, lithe form of Zarifa saunters through a long and elaborate hall. Her full lips hum an old Jeroen ceremonial tune. Her hips sway from side to side as she walks, keeping the rhythm of the tune with each step that belie a nearly erotic dance. She stops and slowly turns her head to gaze over her shoulder.

“You make that song positively blasphemous.” Rami says with a mocking clap when her gaze falls upon his stately frame.

A mischievous smile crosses Zarifa’s lips. “If you believe in that sort of thing, sure.” She shrugs and turns to face the Prince. Her full figure pushes against her silky gown as it drapes elegantly over her body. The slit down the side of the pantaloons shimmer and dance as she shifts her weight from hip to hip, her supple legs seen in only hints that she knows make men fantasize. As Michelangelo handles a brush, so she has mastered even tiniest nuance of her body. “Though, the priests who have seen the whole “performance” certainly haven’t take up any issues with it.”

Rami shakes his head knowing full well what she meant. But business first. “Come here, girl, I’ve need of your special talents. I am on limited time so we must be quick.”

Zarifa stares hard at him for a second before smiling coyly and saunters forward toward him. “And which talents would those be?”

“Do not flatter yourself. I need you to find something out for me…”

Zarifa listens and tries desperately to keep the disgust off of her face. Rami, you scheming fool,… she thinks to herself, when the Minya crumble I’ll first humiliate you as my plaything before tossing you aside to the pigs. She listens to what he needs of her and she plots how best to use this newest revelation.

=======================================

He speaks with passion and all who listen cannot help but be moved by his words. Tariq pauses just long enough to let his last statement echo in the minds of his listeners. Silently he thanks the gods for his partner, Raheem, whose position in the palace serving the Almira and secret affair with his daughter, Noura mean that even the softest words whispered within the palace walls are often caught by his sly ears.

“Hear me now, if you have heard nothing else I have said.” Tariq continues. “This attack by the Shoran is but the first of many grave perils facing Atalaya. There will be no peace, not while Prince Rami, Almira Kamali and Mansour, King of Shamara dance this fateful dance… and for what? Control? Power? I tell you, all of these and more. For nothing short of the Triangle of Fiery Light is their goal and each will stop at…”

His words are cut short as the Almira’s elite guard round a building down the street followed shortly by his Litter, held aloft by the twelve Ayman slaves. He knows that only seconds remain before the guards will realize what is happening and run forward to put an end to his preaching.

“Look, now, at our Almira.” Tariq exclaims quickly. “See how he mocks you? See how he sits atop the shoulders of your kinsmen when one of the great steeds of his stable would be better suited for the task. But no! Lo, he comes hither riding atop men, symbolic of how he lives his life… with you under his foot!”

As if on cue, the elite Rida rush forward to break up the demonstration. Tariq, a veteran of similar events, covers his face quickly and slips swiftly down an alley, diving between a large cart filled with camel dung treated for the fertilization of gardens and a Toraskar, a massive desert mammal twice the size of an elephant though more closely resembling a lizard covered in large, off-white plates that help to keep it cool under the blazing sun and providing hardy protection. The Toraskar, who need only drink once a month, are used in many ways as beasts of burden throughout all of Atalaya.

He is gone before the first Rida steps into the alley.

However, not one of the elite guards, nor any person on the street thought anything of the escaping demonstrator. All eyes were turned to the west toward the Temple of Jeroen-Ka Æl Rån as it’s large dome collapsed in on itself.

=========================================

Yzomtec crashed into the hard marble wall like a melon dropped onto the ground. The loud cracking of ribs could be heard echoing down the halls followed shortly and drown out completely by the cracking of the dome in the near-by temple. Screams could be heard as pieces began falling in on worshippers giving only short warning of the entire thing collapsing in on itself. Temple halls began to follow suite and toppled over like stacked cards. Blood ran from the priest’s mouth as he fell limp to the ground.

A strange, mystical fire enveloped Noura and power surged through her veins. Shock and horror filled her mind as she seemed to loose control of her body. The eerie yellow-green flames leapt higher and higher from her flesh until it filled the room. Confined, caged, uncontrolled, Noura raised her arms and with a blast of raw power, the roof of the building was blown apart, the debris raining down across the city of Atalaya and even into the desert of Maja beyond the walls. She rose into the air swiftly like a phoenix into the noon-day sky and then at blinding speed, roared off toward the Feroq Mountains.

==========================================

King Mansour was in audience with the Grand Vizier when a strange rumbling noise was heard coming forth from the wall behind him. Immediately his heart sank in fear.

“The Altar!” He exclaimed to Jabir, not caring if anyone heard mention of his secret possession. Both ran like frightened children to the secret chamber where the Altar of Sulwyn was kept. As the door slowly swung open, a blinding yellow-green light poured out of the room. So great was the light that neither Jabir nor Mansour could see anything in the room. The rumbling increased so that little more than shouts could be heard above it.

“What the hell is going on?” Mansour cried in fear.

“The prophecy…” Jabir exclaimed in dread-filled awe.


…Atop the highest mountain of Feroq
A great crash of thunder and fire
The crest of the mountain ripped asunder
A valley rests where once rock rose

Fire of heaven
Fire from hell
Wrath in darkness come
Light seen by all yet unseen
Strike the priest
And tear the temple down.

Rise phoenix
Come harbinger
Run all you who fear
Hide not near these walls
Flee to the hills
Make haste and do not turn back…
~The sacred text of the Kateb

In the lonely mountains of Feroq now is a crater. Smoke rises from its newly created walls and at its center kneels a small woman. Her face is covered in ash, her clothes are in shreds. Her eyes are blinded yet she sees more than she has ever seen before. She rocks back and forth, tears making ashen mud as they roll over her cheeks.

“What have I become?” She pleads in silent agony. “What in heaven…”

~to be continued.

[Ben Christensen]

ack! It's up to me already!!! :)

I'll have to work on this tomorrow when I'm good and rested.

-Ben;onei;

[cabralsoth]

yes.... hurry up, im so anxious...mwhahahaha

[xadrian]

Man, you stole some thunder with that bit. Nice job!! I think everyone was hesitant on just allowing her to let loose like that. I'm jealous.

[banshee]

YAY Vendetta!!!!

Ok latest list...

Banshee-#1- (The Beginning) Completed
Xadrian-#2- Completed
Cabralsoth-#3- Completed
zanSeattle-#4- Completed
Heersahoo-#5- Completed
Vendetta-#6 -Completed
Ben Christensen-#7 (WIP)
xadrian-#8 (WOW)
Banshee-#9 (WOW)
Ben Christensen-#10 (WOW)
cabralsoth-#11 (WOW)
zanSeattle-#12 (The Finale) (WOW)

Mike, #11 is yours! we've completed the slots YAY hehee

later days
lia etc

[banshee]

just read Vens piece... ooooooooooooohhhhhh.... man this is getting exciting!!!!!

cant wait to see Ben's twist hehee

geez, not sure I can do y'all justice, you guys have been AMAZING!

(quakes in fear for her turn)

later days
lia etc

[Ben Christensen]

:) Here you go, I think you'll find the twist a bit of a surprise.... I hope anyway.


-PART VII-
By: Ben Christensen.

"I can see them dying. I know that's impossible to believe, but I can" a voice let out into the darkness.

"Yes, Master"

"The irony isn't lost on me. The death of the Jeroen... blind in mind destroyed by blind in sight. A predestined cosmic joke. How quickly the punch line will come." The formless void hides the voice and its minion. They stand at the brink of identity. "All too quickly."

"Yes, Master"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As the evening sun set, the vista through one of Mansour's windows gets eclipsed by a Shoran creature gliding in the unlikely entrance. Landing with a strained grace, the lowly scout makes it's way to his Herk-Lord as Mansour watches, the two gruesome beasts talk in their native language of growls and snorts. Jabir carefully steps to his king's side.

Mansour, never a man to miss an opportunity to display his power, leans over to the much shorter Jabir. "Let me assure you that I have more than enough weapons in this room, if you so much as think about telling the Shoran about MY altar... I will kill you within seconds." Jabir trembles. "Just so we have an understanding" Mansour adds with a smile. He turns to the two hired underlings.

"Mharme! What is he saying?" the king shouts.

"He says that a valley now exists where the Feroq once stood. He says there was a woman inside, but he dared not get closer."

"And why not?"

"He's says it was the Heart of the Triangle."

"Really? Now that's very interesting." Mansour says, his face full of contemplation. He gestures his hand into the air as if by a subconscious twitch "Guards."

From hidden chambers of the hall, Shamaran guards appear holding large disc-like devices. With lightning speed the discs are sent into the air, chopping the heads off both Shoran warriors. Mansour goes to his throne and sits.

"Um... lord. Why kill them? They were the only two Shorans left." Jabir asks, flinching from every subtle action Mansour makes.

"They once owned the Fiery Light, Jabir. If they realized that the pieces were so close together now, that everything would soon fall into place, they'd have killed us all to gain the power again and I can't use anyone with more ambition than myself."

The king clears his mind. "Okay, this changes a few things. Tell the Banner General to move up to phase two. If we're going to succeed, we have to take more drastic action."

Jabir bows and scurries to the door. "Oh, and Jabir?"

The little man turns, scared that he may find a attack disc coming in his direction. "Y-Yes, my lord?"

"Do be a gent and find someone to clean up these corpses."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Raheem stood motionless in the remains of Noura's room. The ceiling had been blown outward as the mass of energy and light flew out. The opening showed the night sky above, giving the room it's only illumination. Raheem had been standing there for hours, his lover was gone.

"Why are you so displeased?" a voice came from the hallway.

"This is my home. I feel for its loss."

Zarfia stepped out of the shadows and into the moonlight. "Yeah? Well this is my home too, but you don't see me giving into any self turmoil."

"Though our accommodations may be similar, Zarfia, the tasks I was brought in to do are far different than the ones you were." Raheem said as he gave turned to give her a stern look. He exited the room, the hallway seemed even darker.

"Hey, wait" Zarfia followed him out, quickening her pace to catch up. "They say she's at the Feroq Valley, that she created it and won't leave."

Raheem stopped "what's your point?"

"Go to her."

"I don't know what you may think, but there is no reason for me to seek out Princess Noura."

Zarfia slipped into a small smirk "That's what the people out there might think, but I know better. Now let's go."

"Why would you help me?"

"Fun" she said with a smile. Raheem thought for a moment and then motioned toward the exit, together they went for the stables. The hallway was dark and seemed empty.

"In the name of all things holy I love manipulation and corruption. It's one of the truest forms of entertainment, so involving and complex. Will she do what is needed?" A familiar voice let out.

"Yes, Master."

"It does beg the question, does anyone really know who they're working for anymore? Ha! Do they even need a reason to take the bribes and stab those they serve in the back? They think they're bettering their positions, when in fact they simply are playing their complicated parts."

"Yes, Master."

"Of course, you know all about that, don't you?"

From a hiding place in the shadows, a figure emerged. Within seconds a single red light illuminated the hallway. Rami stood in place, holding the glowing Awena in his hand.

"Now, Rami" the locket said, "let's go find my altar."

"Yes, Master." Rami replied.


-END PART VII-




-Ben ;onei;

[Vendetta]

Originally posted by xadrian
Man, you stole some thunder with that bit. Nice job!! I think everyone was hesitant on just allowing her to let loose like that. I'm jealous.
Actually, Heersahoo set me up for that. She blasted Yz and the temple started crumbling at the end of part 5... So... I guess I just ran with it :D.

I'd have to say I'm jealous of the "blindness" twist... that was a great part!

and the locket controlling Rami? yet another surprise.

This is going well... we should do up something else after this... a sequel? naw heh

[xadrian]

Ok, I'm up. Let me see if I can keep it going. Have to reread and make sure I'm not resurecting the dead or something.

[cabralsoth]

no kidding... i never done one of these before and i am having so much fun reading twist after twist... it is so sweet to see how each person can run with the candle... way to go thus far. :D :D :D

[xadrian]

Cold.

-The wind is warm.-

But I’m so cold.

-You could change that.-

I don’t know how.

-Yes you do. It’s always been within you.-

No, this was never mine. It was forced upon me.

-You may feel that way. It’s in the past now. You must see forward. You must see what you must do.-

What if I can’t?

-Then people will die. You will die.-

Why must they die?

-Because that is the way of life. Inaction and neglect as much as malevolence can cause the same amount of pain.-

Entropy.

-Yes. So you understand why our hand was forced, why your hand now must be forced.-

Yes. But…

-Don’t be afraid. There’s no pain for you in the end.-

* * *

“I can’t ride any faster,” Zarfia shouted into the wind.

“You’re going to have to if we’re going to get there first,” Raheem shouted back. The horses they absconded with were in a lather as they pushed them hard toward the pass. The short ride to the crater and its solitary inhabitant was on a steep grade, given the mounts plenty of resistance

Zarifa spurred her horse on as best she could, but Raheem rode like a man possessed. They both knew that that it was only a matter of time before opposing forces made their way to the Feroq range. Raheem’s intentions were still not clear to her. Zarfia’s insistence that he go to his love was met with surprising resistance and hesitation. His enthusiasm now bordered on zealousness.

They rounded the pass that stood for generations as the high road between the two kingdoms. Millions of years of geological evolution had created a natural saddle between the two peaks. Now one of the great peaks was but a smoldering crater, its one side dipping down into the valley beyond, expanding it. The once safe pass was now a precipice of crumbling stone and earth.

The two dismounted and approached on foot, wary that the weight of the horses could trigger more slides. The ground around them was unstable and the smell of scorched earth was pervasive. As they approached, they began to hear voices. Soft at first, like bird song carried on an evening breeze. They stopped short of the lip of the crater, crouched low and peaked over the rim into the chasm.

The two gasped at the immenseness of the damage. Until now their view had been obscured by perspective and flora. Now, as their clear line of sight opened up the scope of the carnage, they were able to appreciate the power involved. They were also suddenly afraid of its potential.

“There she is!” Zarifa whispered, nodding to the center of the great hole.

“Amazing,” Raheem replied. “She looks so delicate. It’s hard to imagine she could do so much damage.”

“Hard to image or not, she did.” Zarifa inched back out of site and sat back on her heels. “So, what’s the next move?”

Raheem’s focus was on Noura, her diminutive frame and ragged, threadbare clothing seeming almost to shrink from his sight. His love for her was not unknown to Zarifa or the rest of the Ayman and Minya. It was a forbidden love for they were of different worlds. Raheem had done well to accelerate his status and become the personal body man to the Almira, but he was still a slave and as such had no place within the royal line. His underground dealings to bring freedom to his brothers and sisters would have jeopardized it all, and only Noura knew of them.

But now, looking at her, he could not remember what it was all for; the fighting, the underhanded deals, the deception. Everything he’d worked so hard for to this point seemed moot in light of the raw power before him, the power that existed in the body of one he loved.

“I don’t know, Zarifa,” he managed finally. “I don’t know whether to show fear or pity.”

“Well, we have to do something. It’s not likely either side is going to show her much mercy. They just want her for her power. You don’t. So that makes you the wildcard, doesn’t it?”

He let the question hang there a moment before answering it. “Does she even know who I am?”

“Why don’t you ask her yourself?” asked a voice from behind the two.

The pair spun around as Rami belted Zarifa across the face with hilt of his sword, knocking her unconscious. Before Raheem could react, Rami leveled the blade at his neck, the tip drawing a scant drop of blood as it scratched his skin.

“What are you doing, Rami?” Raheem shouted.

The look on Rami’s face was one of detached pyschosis and Raheem felt that this man would do just about anything if provoked. Raheem knew this man and knew of his heart. He was an opportunist and a backstabbing liar, but he was never driven to acts of violence. There was something unholy and unfamiliar about him now. If Noura in the pit was innocence and frailty, surely Rami was rage and death. As Rami drew forth the Amulet, Raheem knew his suspicions were correct.

“We’re going to take a walk, you and I,” said Rami. “We’re going to say hello to your lover.”

“Your sister,” Raheem spat back. “What do you want with her?”

Rami flicked his blade towards the crater. “Why don’t we find out together.”

Raheem didn’t budge. “No. You’ll have to kill me to get to her.”

“So be it.”

The blade didn’t make a sound as it slid through Raheem’s flesh and ribcage. Before it all went black, he heard a voice calling his name. It wasn’t Zarifa, it almost sounded like…

* * *

-It’s time.-

I know.

-There was no saving him, you must know that.-

He didn’t have to die.

-You will understand soon enough.-

When I’m through with them, I’m coming after you.

[cabralsoth]

cool..... alright banshee your turn ...woot!!!

[banshee]

holy stories!

woohooooooooooo

omg I cant believe its my turn already LOL u dont check ur email for two days and see what happens.. ok.. it's mine!

hmmmm... man, u guys hv set the bar so high (begins to panic)...

gng to read it all thru again and see what clicks..

later days
lia etc

[banshee]

Banshee-#1- (The Beginning) Completed
Xadrian-#2- Completed
Cabralsoth-#3- Completed
zanSeattle-#4- Completed
Heersahoo-#5- Completed
Vendetta-#6 -Completed
Ben Christensen-#7 -Completed
xadrian-#8 - Completed
Banshee-#9 (WIP)
Ben Christensen-#10 (WOW)
cabralsoth-#11 (WOW)
zanSeattle-#12 (The Finale) (WOW)

This has been great... I was thinking the next step wld be to create a script for this piece bfr moving onto the next story round (maybe a modern piece?). once this is done, will post the complete story on a webpage and then vote for length of script etc.

maybe it cld be a PJ project wt artists and things WOOHOOOO

later days
lia etc

[xadrian]

Yeah, if you guys like I can start a project for this once it's scripted.

[banshee]

cooooooooooooooool beanns!!!!!

am working on my section now....

(leans frowning over her kb)

later days
lia etc

[banshee]

-Part IX- by Banshee

Zarifa steps back slowly, horrified as she watched the knife slice through flesh and Raheem’s bleeding body fell to the ground. The beautiful slave had never felt fear before, despite all her scheming but seeing the normally moody Rami so emotionless really frightened her. She breaks into a run, heading to the panicked horses tethered nearby.

She managed to get on the terrified horse but the animal was petrified so Zarifa dug her heels viciously into the horse’s flanks. “Move, you blasted animal!” she screamed. A hand gripped the bridle suddenly, stilling the beast.

Noura looks at the beautiful slave who had so ensnared her brother and so many of the Minya. “Zarifa…. Where do you think you are going?” she spoke authoritatively, “You are now to accompany me,” she commanded again. Snapping her fingers, the other horse, now calm, comes to her side. Noura easily pulls herself up on the horse, her unseeing eyes now glowing a quiet red.

“Mistress…” began Zarifa,“Where are we going? Rami and Raheem are…?” Silence met her questions. Noura stopped her horse and turned to look at the slave. Zarifa found it unnerving to look at those glowing red eyes that should have been blank. “You forget yourself, Zarifa.….” Noura spoke quietly. “Your forgiveness, Highness,” Zarifa murmured, her head lowered.
“Rami has disappeared, it is not the time to pursue him.”
“What of Raheem, the Awena….”
“He…..” Noura pauses, taking a deep breath to control the surge of emotions that threaten to cut off her inner sight. “He ….. has… left.. us… for now.” “Let us hope that his suffering was not in vain…”
“You mean his death?” enquired Zarifa cautiously.
“Enough! You ask too many questions. We have much ground to cover.” Zarifa bowed her head and they rode deeper into the mountains. Risking a look behind her, the slave tried to see evidence of a grave or something that marked Raheem’s passing.

To her surprise, there was no longer any evidence of a crater, just a lake with shimmering clear waters and lush green surroundings. “What in the Kateb’s name..” she thought to herself, shocked. Noura spoke again, “Zarifa… there is much you do not understand.”

Zarifa turned back in her seat and nodded quietly. The normally flamboyant slave was taciturn now, afraid of the Princess that had such hidden powers, fearsome and volatile.
Noura did tell Zafira their destination, causing the slave to gasp, “That cannot be, Highness… that would be suicide!”
“I do not fear death, Zarifa. Not with the pain I have felt.”
“Raheem’s death?”
Noura smiled enigmatically and continued riding in silence. Zarifa sighed and keeping her turbulent thoughts to herself, she followed the Princess.

__________________

Rami opened his eyes, blinking rapidly as he felt pain course through his body. “What in the Kateb’s name is going on,” he cried out, remembering flashes of blood, his body floating, a pair of red glowing eyes. The prince sat up suddenly, clutching desperately at his neck, searching for the necklace. “Nooo! Where has it gone? I had them in my sights! I could have destroyed the Shammara!” he cried out again.

“Shush, my child. You speak such nonsense.” A old, crackly voice spoke out behind him. “How dare you speak like that to a Prince of the Minya, the Almira’s Heir and First Born Son!?” “SHOW YOURSELF!” Rami’s voice broke in its fury, his pain forgotten momentarily.

An old woman appeared, the sputtering light of the oil lantern casting menacing shadows around her. She was dressed in a peasant garb, homespun skirt and blouse in dark, faded colours. Her figure was still good, but her face spoke of a beauty long faded, heavy lines also spoke of suffering. “Rami, those facts do not matter here… not to your mother…” she chastised him, pushing him back down on the bed easily.

“Mother? You are mistaken, my mother died many years ago, put to death for her adultery!” Rami cried desperately, feeling uncharacteriscally bewildered.

The old woman laughed as she poured some rich dark liquid from a carafe into a chalice. “Believe that if it gives you comfort, Rami. Kamali has done his work well.” “You are not a son of whom I am proud of.”
She handed him the chalice, “Here, drink this, it will ease your pain.”

Rami began to protest but the intense pain that he felt when he tried to move cut his words abruptly. He took the chalice without any further protest and sipped it cautiously. A warmth poured through his veins, easing the pain. Finishing the tonic, Rami leans back against the bed. “Where am I? What happened to the Awena?” he asked.

The old woman sighed. “My name, Rami, is Feryal. I am a healer now.”
Rami frowned and protested, “that isn’t my mother’s name! You said…”
“Enough!” “I gave birth to you, Rami, but I did not always raise you. Kamali was not allowed to marry me, Your grandfather saw to that.”
Rami was for once at a loss for words. “But… Noura…”
“She is …. the result of Kamali’s affair with Heba, daughter of Yzomtec. Hence her incredible power.”
“The marriage between your father and who you thought was your mother was politically necessary. However, Jessenia’s tastes were… unorthodox so Kamali needed to beget heirs somehow.”

Rami closed his eyes.
“No, no.. that is not true… it can’t be…”
“I am Minya…First-born to the Almira.”
Feryal shrugged, “believe what you will, Rami.”
Rami sat up again, “The Awena!”
Feryal smiled, “Rami.. it is not yours to possess. With such a black heart such as yours, the Awena will turn to evil things. It is now safe with one who is good and who was saved before his death…”
Rami lay back, his eyes growing heavy, his mind in a whirl.. “But who…”
Ferya looked at the now immobile Prince fallen into a drugged sleep. “Rest now, my son. You will have more pain to deal with soon enough.”

-End Part IX-

[banshee]

Banshee-#1- (The Beginning) Completed
Xadrian-#2- Completed
Cabralsoth-#3- Completed
zanSeattle-#4- Completed
Heersahoo-#5- Completed
Vendetta-#6 -Completed
Ben Christensen-#7 -Completed
xadrian-#8 - Completed
Banshee-#9- Completed
Ben Christensen-#10 (WIP)
cabralsoth-#11 (WOW)
zanSeattle-#12 (The Finale) (WOW)

Ben, it's back to you...... hehehehee.....

What's your view on the scripting of this story round? It might be quite a hefty piece to convert tho? What's your views and suggestions?

later days
lia etc

[Ben Christensen]

I'd say what the heck, give it a go.

As for my part, late tomorrow, maybe early evening on Monday.

-Ben;onei;

[banshee]

LOL ok, Ben :)

ok.. that wld be my Tues sometime... looking fwd to it!!!

wooohoooo 3 more sections to go!!!!!! (does a happy dance)

cant wait for the exciting conclusion too!

later days
lia etc

[Ben Christensen]

Okay, here it is. I'm sorry, it's 70 or so words over, but there were a lot of little things that I felt should get explained, so I needed the space.

Enjoy...

-Part X-
By: Ben Christensen

Inside the boarders of Shamara, in the capital of Nadda, within the King's Great Hall, the doors open. The short form of Jabir walks in, moving quickly towards his ruler.

"My lord, word from the scouts. Princess Noura and an unknown companion ride towards us from the Feroq Mount.... Valle.... um... Lake." He said.

"And what of Banner General Tichegira?"

"He has spurred the Almira into action. The full Majan army has been rallied and marches this way."

"Perfect." Mansour said "Soon everything will be in place. Order our forces to withdraw from their posts. When the triangle is brought together, I will destroy the Maja MYSELF!! Have some men move my altar into the center of this floor then... have them all shot... to be safe."

Mansour almost begins to dance as he makes his way around the room. "Ready this Great Hall, Jabir!! We're going to be having guests!!"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I can smell the corruption on you." Noura said as her and Zarifa rode towards Nadda.

"What do you mean?" Zarifa contested.

"Rami bid you to bring Raheem to me. He told you of control over me, control over the heart of the Triangle."

"He may have mentioned... something along those line."

Noura burst into an uncharacteristic laughter. "Silly girl" she says. Zarifa looks over to find Noura's eyes ablaze with yellow-green energy. "It should be clear to you that I can NOT be controlled."

There was an uneasy silence as they continued to ride. Passing the remains of a wall, they could see Nadda off in the distance. "Is Raheem dead?" Zarifa asked.

"No. His body was dying, his soul leaving his form, but I restored the order within him." Noura said. "I placed the consciousness of the Awena into his body."

"But... why?"

"I was given little choice. That was the plan of the Awena. Raheem would be near me, and Rami would kill him. The Awena knew I would not allow this and since it was there, I was forced to use its mind to fill the void. Then he escaped... which hinders me from fixing Raheem further."

"I.... Just don't understand." Zarifa said as she looked away.

"It is not your place to. All you need to know is that the Awena had no body of its own, so it planned that event so that it would be able go to the altar without a slave's help." Noura sighs for a moment, almost returning from her stature for a moment. "Rami's mind corrupted the Awena, and Raheem is paying the price. There is only one way to make it right... one way to make it ALL right."

Noura rode ahead, separating herself from Zarifa as she contemplated the next move. The day wore on.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rami awoke in a chair, his "mother" sitting in front of him. "You are in a very compromised state, Rami. The drug I gave you will ensure that you tell me everything I want to know."

"n...no." Rami whispered, his mind pushing for more conviction.

"Tell me how you found the Awena." Feryal commanded.

"I saw... saw hint of it in one of Mansour's marriage proposals to Noura. I asked father about it, but he wouldn't tell me. Asking the Jeroen, I was blocked again." Rami said "The more I was denied, the more I wanted to know. And then... I found it. Hidden in father's chambers. It... it spoke to me!"

Suddenly Rami was on his feet and out the door of the small home. To his surprise, mere yards from him marched his father's army.

Feryal followed him outside, carrying a long sword. "Damn, I haven't much time now. Rami, take this weapon. You must get to the Great Hall of Nadda before the Ritual of the Triangle is finished. When they kiss, fate and destiny break away for an instant, allowing anyone to receive the power. To save all existence, you must make sure it's not.... -ack!!!-"

An arrow punched through her chest, killing her instantly. Rami turned to find a Rida Archer and the King riding towards him.

"Rami!" The king shouted. "Son, whatever lies this woman has told you... you don't understand..."

"No! You don't understand. Finally a bit of clarity had been offered, but now it's gone unsaid. Archer! Fetch me a horse, I must make for Nadda with haste." Rami stared at his father. "You are a crooked old man, hope that your actions here have not doomed us all."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mansour stared at his altar as it sat in the middle of his hall. A familiar click sounded behind him, he turned to find Tariq entering from a secret passage.

Mansour smiled. "Welcome home, brother. I take it your rebellion is going well?"

"Yes, brother. Once you lay waste to the Almira and the Rida, the rest of Maja should easily accept you as their ruler." Tariq replied.

"Excellent. It puts a close to years of planning and manipulating, and not a moment too soon." Mansour said.

"Yes, you were to die in... Kedma was it? You've done a lot since given that news."

"When an all-powerful altar tells you the date of your death.... you make waves to change it." Mansour pauses as the main doors open. Raheem enters. He seems to walk differently than he had, a bit slower and less graceful. His eyes glowed a powerful red.

"And so it begins. Welcome Awena." Mansour says with a bow.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Outside the Great Hall, Noura and Zarifa look up at the massive building. "And how are we going to get up there?" Zarifa asks.

"Fly" Noura answers as she begins to float upward. She takes Zarifa's hand and lifts the woman's body up so that she can carry her easily. Zarifa is shocked by how strong Noura is now, she had thought her power was limited to the fiery energy. Within seconds, they were engulfed with that same power, yellow-green in color as it shot them into the air.

They slowed down when they reached the open windows of the hall. Noura gracefully floats inside. Mansour takes a number of light steps closer to his altar, just to be sure it is safe. When he is close to it, his face eases and his body calms.

"Tariq, isn't it wonderful? All the pieces are finally present. They are all finally mine. The endgame is now upon us." A long smile lines Mansour's face. "This is going to be such fun."

-End Part X-

-Ben;onei;

[xadrian]

Man

that

ROCKS!!

[banshee]

Ben, dont worry abt that little bit over :D We'll just cut ur cookie quota down again ehhehee...

mannnnn nice twists.. I like! I like!!! I was wondering how my not killing Raheem off (although I didnt mention it directly) wld pan out.. NICE one!!!! (does a happy dance).

ok... it's down to mike now... woooohoooo

mannnnn I cant wait to see what happens next...

later days
lia etc

[banshee]

Banshee-#1- (The Beginning) Completed
Xadrian-#2- Completed
Cabralsoth-#3- Completed
zanSeattle-#4- Completed
Heersahoo-#5- Completed
Vendetta-#6 -Completed
Ben Christensen-#7 -Completed
xadrian-#8 - Completed
Banshee-#9- Completed
Ben Christensen-#10- Completed
cabralsoth-#11 (WIP)
zanSeattle-#12 (The Finale) (WOW)

mannnn this is awesome :D

later days

[xadrian]

Yeah, I know that "killing" Raheem was weird, but I was hoping I led on enough that he didn't actually die. That's so freaking cool.

[banshee]

and u did a fine job, xadrian hehehehee

in fact, everyone's done a fine job... C'mon mike, I so cant wait heheheheheee

later days
lia etc

[cabralsoth]

ok i just read it this morning.. wow, i got some big shoes to fill hopefully i can do it. im gonna be jutting this bad boy up all day i will have it posted by tonight. :D

[banshee]

woohoooo :D

no worries Mike... just us being impatient ehhehehee

later days
lia etc

[cabralsoth]

part 11 cabralsoth


King Kamali, the Almira of Atalaya sat for long moments upon his steed. He looked out upon his army watching Rami breaking ranks racing towards Mansour's palace, and contemplated his last words.You are a crooked old man, hope that your actions have not doomed us all.

"What have I done indeed..." the King glanced down at Feryal, a somber look etched upon his once proud face. "Feryal... your beauty and grace had my heart captive so long ago.We were so young and naive, you and I. I loved you ... and you me...but, I belonged to another. I was the son of a King, a prince... to bewed a princess. But you, you were my desire.... Now look at us... me, an old fool... and you, a wretched witch... murdered by my hands. I just hope you hadn't told Rami of the truth... both of his origin, and of Noura's."

The King got off his horse and knelt beside the old woman." Was it bad enough that Rami was sired out of wedlock, and even worse that Noura was not of blood of mine at all... That it would be your late husband, Tehlal the Great Jorean Mage, the mage responsible for hiding the final piece of the triangle... be her father. Only you and I knew the truth since his passing... Only we knew that with the final splitting of the triangle, that the final piece had been imbueded within him, the Key. That it was with his eyes and ears that sparked the visions in Noura had thought were her own... That thru Tehlal passing his seed to you that Noura had been born, and the Key given life. Tehlal had sacrifised himself in truth to protect his daughter... your daughter... Noura." Tears streamed down the kings once stoic face and rested on his plate mail."was it coincidence that my wife and you had become pregnant at the same time? ... And was it the fates that decided that my wife and child would never make it through? You begged me to care for Noura as I did for Rami... I did, knowing fullwell that i was misleading my people in the truth of my true heir.... That was nearly 20 years ago,... now here we are at our crossroads. Deep inside I always knew we would never be, yet... somehow i always wished it were." The King stood up gazing down at his once love, tears visibly running down. "Farewell Feryal, may God be with you."

"Sire, are we to continue our march at this moment?" Asked his chief leuitenant.

"Yes, lets....." the Kings voice trailed off as he looked off into the distance. To the south of them black and purple clouds swirled malevontly in the skies above Mansour's palace. The Kings entire army stared in amazement at the spectacular events unfolding before them. Almost as though it had been awaitning to gather the attention of all within view, a pillar of flame shot down from the center of the maelstorm, right to the heart of Mansour's temple.

" For our women... for our children... for all of Atalya... Charge!" the King bellowed, and the army charged fourth more than willing to sacrifice all for their land, their families... and their King.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At first Mansour thought he had gone blind, all there was, was light... inescapable light that pierced through closed eyes like water thru sand. And the sound, deafening, like that of a hundred sandstorms within his Great Hall.

"Jabir... Jabir... where are you...? What is happening?" Mansour shreiked "Tell me what is going on... Jabir?"

"You are not blind, Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola.“

"What....? Who are you...?" cried Mansour.

"We are the Light..."

"The light??? What do you mean... " Mansour began squinting as the light began to subside, his vision slowly returning. he could see Jabir and a few of his gaurds lying unconscious a few yards away. "I now posess control of the..."

"YOU CONTROL NOTHING!"

Mansour was now able to see through to the center of the storm in his room... where once stood the Altar of Sulwyn, now sits a throne of fire, sitting atop it Raheem, and stradling him Princess Noura. Both of their skin pure obsidian in color... their eyes glowing brightly changing hues every few seconds to every color imaginable. Wind and fire dancing provocativly all around them as the look into each others eyes, lust in every way. Yearning to be one, once again... Raheems hands tracing the beautiful figure of Noura, while she lewdly moves about on top Raheem, running her fingers over his face and chest.

"It is We who have been controlling you, as well as the others to get us back together again."

"What!?!? ... That is perposterous.... you are a tool, you are not alive."

"We have been alive since the dawn of your world"

"We are the bringers of Life and the Harbringers of Death."

"Then why not just tell me where to find the other relics? Why the need for a hunt?"

"The Jorean had placed a curse on Us , that We may not be used to find the other."

"And what of the Shorans? how did they harness your power?"

"We allowed the Shorans access to our powers... they had the same desires as Us..."

"And what would that be?"

"... Death."

Mansour sat open mouthed staring in mock disbelief... Not believing that he the king of lies had been underhanded by what he thought of as a tool... a weapon to destroy his enemies, instead he unknowingly opened the gates to his own destruction as well.

Outside he heard his soldiers crying out orders to prepare for battle, he could hear the thunderous stampede of King Kamali's army surging through the valley to his palace.

"Smile King Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola... you have a front seat to the end of your World."

end chapter11

[cabralsoth]

phew.... i hope it was alright... it was almost the end of the story, so i trie to tie up a few loose ends, and hopefully open a few new questions in case we do a sequel.... *passes out in exhaustion at his keyboard*

[banshee]

wtg, Mike!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Banshee-#1- (The Beginning) Completed
Xadrian-#2- Completed
Cabralsoth-#3- Completed
zanSeattle-#4- Completed
Heersahoo-#5- Completed
Vendetta-#6 -Completed
Ben Christensen-#7 -Completed
xadrian-#8 - Completed
Banshee-#9- Completed
Ben Christensen-#10-Completed
cabralsoth-#11-Completed
zanSeattle-#12 (The Finale) (WIP)

we are almost done.. woohoooooooooooo

later days
lia etc

[banshee]

urm.... I am confused... but Kamali's wife was Jessenia. she had unorthodox tastes so he had to beget heirs from elsewhere so the wife and child thing is a point I didnt understand. So Heba had an affair wt Feryal's husband as well as Kamali and Noura was really their daughter?

just seeking clarification there...

coooooooooool beans!!!!!!!! I like everything else! YaY!

later days
lia etc

[Vendetta]

with all the plot twists that we threw down with, I'm surprised that's the only thing that is really confusing :p

I'd say it was a sign of a good collaborating team :p


lets start a universe... oh... that's the PJU

let me go work on that some more :D

[banshee]

LOL Ven, u r a nut.

I think I will try and put together a chart or storyboard thingy of how things are (once zan has finished), Then I prob wld confuse myself even more. This is provided that everyone wants to do a script, that is.

heheheee

later days
lia etc

[cabralsoth]

:eek: aghhh!!! do you want me to rework this? i was trying to get out how noura was involved with the traingle so bad , i didnt realize it was partly dealt with already... before he writes the final part do you want me to rework it? i can have it done by tonight...

[cabralsoth]

Originally posted by banshee
urm.... I am confused... but Kamali's wife was Jessenia. she had unorthodox tastes so he had to beget heirs from elsewhere so the wife and child thing is a point I didnt understand. So Heba had an affair wt Feryal's husband as well as Kamali and Noura was really their daughter?

***Kamali's wife was Jessenia***true
***she had unorthodox tastes so he had to beget heirs from elsewhere *** hence if we had time to delve further into the story i would have probably added that her pregnancy had been through an act of adultry as well.
***So Heba had an affair wt Feryal's husband as well as Kamali and Noura was really their daughter? ***
this i feel she told him only what he needed to know, ... i believe that was the reason for the pause when she said whom noura belonged to. she had nothing to gain from telling him that she was not even of his bloodline at all.. i believe their maybe more to what happened than meets the eye... some more of my plot twists if we had the time may have involved feryal's involvment in why the kings wife never made it through the delivery...hmmm... conspiracy around every corner...mwhahahahha!!!

[xadrian]

If we don't analyze it too much, it'll leave more storyline available for future stories.

[cabralsoth]

w3rd :D

[banshee]

aaahhh

it begins to make more sense now....

:D woohooo sequel!!!!

oooooh where is the thrilling conclusion!? (jumps up and down)

later days
lia etc

[Heersahoo]

I haven't had a chance to read the whole story until today due to a crazy work schedule, and boy, did I miss a lot. This project is turning out quite nicely. Lots of great twists.

The script for this is going to end up a graphic novel or some sort of mini-series - a great project to hand over to the critical Mass boys.

Can't wait for the final part. Then we can move on to the next project - oh, I feel the excitment building! This is such a nifty group of writers.:)

[Kimo]

Originally posted by Heersahoo

This is such a nifty group of writers.:)

And we love you Horton

[banshee]

hehee Ike :) why thank u!

yeah its been going great, I cant wait for the conclusion!!!!!

Zan, where are you????

later days
Lia etc

[Vendetta]

He's just mounting the tension :D:cool:

[zanSeattle]

Life has been extra hectic this week, so I haven't had the time to really sit down and wrap this up. Expect the final installment by Sunday evening at the latest.

Sorry to keep y'all hanging!

z

[banshee]

:) no worries zan... we wont withold the cookes YET.....MUAHHAHAAAA

later days
lia etc

[xadrian]

Don't let her snow you, we're all very dissappointed and are now considering finishing it without you. ;)

[banshee]

:p
enuff said...

later days
lia etc

[banshee]

and... I dont even know what "snowing" someone even means!?!?!?!?!?!?1

buut.... zan, its true we cant wait!!!!!!!!!! (wld jump up and down as normal but I dont hv the energy today lol)

(lies down 2 wait) oh dont forget to put your POV down or post your vote (or do both) reg: the Triangle of Fiery light script and also for the next story round!

http://www.penciljack.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37245

http://www.penciljack.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37243

later days
lia etc

[zanSeattle]

[I went through and formatted it uniformly, did a spelling and grammar check, made sure all the names were spelled consistently, and changed all the tenses to past tense (the switching between present and past was making it hard to read.)]

[I also made some minor adjustments for continuity (Zarifa being unconscious at the end of Part IIX and awake for part IX, etc.) And my installment went well over 1000 (1500!) You can spank me if needed, I just wanted to make sure it wrapped up nicely.]

[Enjoy!]

==========================
Part I - by Banshee
==========================

Harsh sunlight streamed through the ornate carved windows, creating a star pattern on the marble floor. A tall, dark, handsome man with long strode through the sunbeams, disrupting the patterns.

"Where is the Grand Vizier!? Summon him here at once!" he shouted angrily as a hapless slave scurried off. He threw himself onto an elaborate throne, a frown on his face, his hand ruffling his short, curly hair in frustration.

A short, plump man elaborately dressed in a tall turban and flowing sequined robe hurriedly made his way towards the man on the throne. He bowed low to the ground,

"Your Majesty, how may I serve you?"

The man on the throne sat up straight, glaring.

"You promised me the Awena and the Princess Noura months ago, Jabir. I still haven't seen any sign of either! Time is running short. I need them before the month of Kedma arrives. That's two months away!"

"I assure you, your Majesty, that we are in talks with the Maja Wahbimin..."

"Talk? Talk? What good is talk? I need results! Jabir, you have two weeks to bring me the Awena and Princess Noura, otherwise... let us just say that there hasn't been a public execution for a while."

Jabir, the Grand Vizier, swallowed and bowed very low.

"Your Majesty, your word is law." He remained in that position until the King relaxed back on the throne.

"Very well, Jabir. You may go," he waved an imperious hand at the man bent half to the ground.

Jabir stepped backwards until he reached the door of the Great Hall and then slaves closed the door behind him. He straightened up and sighed.

"King Mansour is a powerful man, but impetuous. The Almira will never give up the Princess Noura or the Awena to his sworn enemy," he thought to himself, rubbing his neck. "I had better contact those confounded Maja Wahbimin, you would think those merchants would be falling over themselves to be the first to hand Mansour Noura or the Awena. They certainly been awarded enough money! Nothing good can come of this obsession." The Grand Vizier shivered despite the warm sunshine flooding through the palace and carried on walking towards his offices.

King Mansour remained in the Great Hall on his throne, staring pensively out to space. A female slave tentatively approached the frowning king with a tray of fruit and a drink of wine and knelt down, holding the tray out. Mansour turned distractedly towards the slave and eyed the pretty girl who was shaking.

"Put that tray down, girl! What is your name?"

"Rowa, Supreme Highness," she nervously replied as she lay the tray down on the low table nearby.

"Rowa, your appearance pleases me... I am in need of some distraction. Go to my chambers and prepare a bath for me," Mansour commanded.

"As you wish, Supreme Highness," the frightened girl kowtowed to him and scurried out backwards.

Mansour left his throne and walked to the sunniest corner of the Great Hall. Pressing a brick on the wall, he waited impatiently as a hidden door swung open. Walking through a dimly lit passage, he eventually came to a triangular shaped room. In the center of this room sat a triangular shaped object. In its sharpest point, there was a large ruby sitting atop an open cone.

Mansour came to a halt and pressed the ruby downwards into the cone.

"Altar of Sulwyn, show me the future!" he commanded, removing his hand from the cone.

A flame shot out of the ruby, bathing the room with a eerie reddish light. Gradually the flames increased and began to form a wavy picture. The flames turned into a red wall of light and Mansour frowned as he observed the moving flames. Eerie voices could be heard in low whispers.

"Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola. What do you wish to see?"

"Princess Noura has rejected my marriage proposals, why is this?" demanded Mansour.

"She will not accept what you offer her, Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola."

Mansour frowned.

"How could she not want what I have to offer? She will be queen of the Shammara, any woman of noble birth could not refuse such an offer of marriage!"

"Noura of the Maja, daughter of Kamali and Zuleika knows of your desires, Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola."

"Hmmm... enough of that. Where is the Awena hidden?" was the King's next question of the Altar.

Silence permeated the reddish glow.

"Speak now! Tell me where the Awena is!" demanded Mansour.

"The Altar of Sulwyn cannot show you that of which you seek."

Mansour smacked the white gold surface of the table and shouted.

"No! That is not what I want to hear! Show me the Awena!"

"The Altar of Sulwyn cannot show you that of which you seek."

The King curled up his fist in anger and frustration, his face dark.

"Why will you not show me where the Awena is, Altar of Sulwyn!? I would have you destroyed!"

"You will not destroy the Altar of Sulwyn, Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola. It will help you achieve what you desire. All in the Triangle of Fiery Light cannot reveal to anyone each other's location. That is how it has always been."

Mansour punched down on the hard surface of the table. His knuckles bleeding, he shouted, "But I am Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola! I own you now, the Altar of Sulwyn, you will do as I say!" The flames began dissipating.

"The Altar of Sulwyn will show you no more, Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola."

The room darkened and silence remained. Mansour swore and turned to leave the room.

"This is unacceptable. I MUST possess the Awena and the Princess Noura!!"


==========================
Part II - by xadrian
==========================

"Princess Noura!" The slave girl entered with bowed head, supplicant even towards her life long master. "Your father wishes to see you, your Highness."

Noura's eyes remained closed for a moment longer, just enough to remind the Ayman girl of her place. Interruptions into the Princess's mental studies, however taboo, were frowned upon.

"Tell him I will be along shortly," she finally replied.

Shima bowed low but did not retreat.

"He said it's a matter of great import, your Highness, and requests your attendance immediately."

Noura's eyes snapped open, partly due to the impudence of Shima and partly because of her knowledge of what would transpire at this meeting.

"Is my brother being summoned as well?" she asked.

"Yes, your Highness."

Ah yes, she thought. Bring the Viper to the Mongoose's lair, Father.

"Anyone else?"

There was a slight pause before Shima answered, enough for Noura to whirl around on her cushioned dais. Nauro's robes, while scant and sheer, gathered and draped sufficiently to conceal her lithe figure. Even thought the Princess was highly intelligent, few overlooked the fact that she was also dangerously athletic, a condition she'd received from having a male sibling. Her actions were swift and concise.

"Well?" she prodded.

Shima blanched slightly, her knees weakening. Nauro could tell this news was not good.

"Although they were not summoned, several of the Jeroen are waiting outside your Father's chambers. Including Yzomtec.

Yzomtec! Noura fumed. What does that pompous windbag think he's doing.

"Thank you Shima," Noura said with a slight nod indicating the slave girl was dismissed.

"Your message displeases me, but rest assured, unlike my father, I realize you're just the messenger. I don't expect I'll need your services the rest of the evening. Feel free to leave the grounds as you will."

Shima's burden visibly left her shoulders.

"Thank you, your Highness." And with a graceful bow she exited Noura's chambers.

* * *

Kamali paced his chambers, an uprooted tree shuffling in and out of the afternoon sunbeams. His gnarled, darkened form disguising a wiry, sinewy frame. His red and white robes looking out of place and uncomfortable. Kamali seemed to be a man who would rather hunt or fight than wear finery. His eyes were keen as they swept over the room and its few occupants. Finally, his hawkish gaze settled on Rami.

"Where is she?" he grumbled.

Rami's tall lean figure was the antithesis of his father. Where Kamali was stern and wise, Rami was airy and aloof. Both wore the devious hat of politician, but the years had worn on Kamali, and now he looked the part.

"She's been sent for father," Rami replied, glancing around the room. His indifference smoldering in Kamali's psyche.

"I can only assume she's on her way."

"Don't placate me, Son. If it wasn't for your haste and brashness, Yzomtec wouldn't be picketing outside my door."

Rami's expression darkened, his austere posture losing some of its haughtiness. Neither he nor his father much liked Yzomtec, but the priesthood was a necessary evil in Maja and the ancient line of Almira's had always put up with them. However, as of late, the Jeroen were becoming a rabble, sparked to life by the larger than life gasbag that was Yzomtec.

"He's only here because his power is waning," Rami replied, trying to regain a place in his father's eyes.

"The Wahbimin and the guilds have few reasons to tolerate their excesses. His actions recently are just a show. Even his admonitions toward Noura are ill founded."

"I see that you believe as such, my son," Kamali said, stilling his pacing feet and gazing out the long floor length windows onto his kingdom.

"There are forces at work that even you do not realize. Your little helper is cunning, but she hasn't yet found the truth."

At this point Rami lost all composure.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Father, Zarifa has never--"

"I know of your actions, Rami!" Kamali shouted, cutting him off.

"Do you think I've survived as Almira of Atalaya for so long because I take things for granted? You're coming dangerously close to treason against your own people with your poking and prodding at the Shammara, trying to get information without my consent.

"It's imperative that you leave this business with the Almira alone, and I mean this instant. Our relations are strained enough with Mansour vying for Noura's hand."

"His scheming will only due to insight our people to riot, Father. His ambitions are not for uniting our two kingdoms, you must see that."

Kamali paused and looked at the ground. His eyes dimmed slightly. Unfortunately, he was but a desperately few people who understood Mansour's motivation. The secret his line had kept so deep for so long was threatening to bubble to the surface. He wasn't above infanticide to keep this secret safe, but he knew such actions would not only inflame the minds of his people, but would weaken his bargaining posture with Shamara and her King.

"For now, Rami," Kamali spoke with grave resignation,

"Please just let it be for now."


==========================
Part III - by Cabralsoth
==========================

Noura quickly changed into her formal temple garb, whisked out of her room and down the hall to the temple were her Father was waiting.

"What have you gotten me into this time Father?" Noura thought to herself. Just then she got a chill as a strong breeze pulsed through the hall. There was a rumble from far, far away.

BADHOOOOOM...

"Could it actually be a storm coming?... it was so beautiful right when i got changed..."

Up ahead Noura could see Taliz running towards her. Taliz had been a friend to Noura for as long as she could remember. They even took psionic training together, though Taliz had never been as naturally gifted. As Taliz came closer Noura noticed she had a horrible look on her face.

"Taliz... what is it? Whats wrong?"

Taliz reached Noura but she was breathing terribly hard and trying to talk, but everything was just mumbled and rushed together.

"Calm down Taliz, please just relax... what troubles you so?"

"Th...the .... Sho...Sh..Shorans are coming..."

Noura's eyes went wide.

"Shorans." Images from long ago flashed into Noura's mind. When last the Shorans had appeared Noura was but only a child, nearly 3 years old. All she could recall was the screaming, the screaming of men, women and children ringing through her ears and images of massive creatures flying through a blackened sky. And the Shorans' wail, that terrible high-pitched wail piercing through your soul as though the cry alone could render you helpless.

Taliz breathed in deeply and continued.

"Tariq and I were up in the Mystics' tower, we were watching the two suns rise when we saw the clouds gathering. We waited a bit to see if it was just a sandstorm, but then the clouds turned black and rose towards the sky, the clouds formed the shape of the Triangle... that was when we knew it was them."

Noura remembered the tales her father had told her of the Triangle of Fiery Light, that the Shorans had once claimed it and had ruled over the lands. Destroying cities and crops and whatever else they chose.

It was actually the Rida and the Jeroen that had stopped them before, while the Rida, which were the warriors and soldiers, held the Shorans at bay as best they could, the Joreon had created a spell that split the triangle into three parts. The first part of the triangle was turned into what we now call Awena, a religious artifact that was hidden away in a far off land, that was believed to be the heart and power to the Triangle. The second became the Alter of Sulwyn which could foretell part of the future, this also disappeared soon afterwards, that was believed to be the soul of the Triangle. The third piece was never told of what it became, and the only magi that knew of what it transformed into had killed himself shortly after the spell worked, he stated that only in his own death can he be sure that the triangle never came together again, the third part was believed to be the key to activate the Triangle once again.

"Please Princess Noura, I must take you to the shelters," Taliz pleaded. "Tariq already went to notify the royal guards."

"No, my Father and brother are in the temple waiting on me, I have to go warn them!"

Noura proceeded to run to her Fathers chamber when Taliz grabbed hold of her arm and spun her around.

"Then I'm coming with you." Taliz said. Noura could tell from her determined look that she was not going to give in.

Noura and Taliz raced down the corridor notifying everyone they came across to get the word out and sound the alarms.

BAAAHHHHDOOOOOOM...

Noura looked off to the side through one of the windows facing the Eastern border of Atalaya. Her pulse quickened further when she saw there no longer was a horizon, just an impenetrable blackness rising in the sky. The alarms began to ring out throughout the city just as Noura and Taliz entered the temple where her father's chambers were.

"Taliz, go to the west wing and evacuate the children in the meditating chambers, I'm going up to my father's chambers." Noura didn't wait for a reply, pushing Taliz in the direction of the meditating rooms and running off to her Father.

Guards were now scrambling all over, getting to their posted positions and awaiting further orders. Clerics, Magi, and Psionists joined them as well.

Noura almost got trampled as she turned the final corner to her father's hallway, as a whole crew of archers barreled through on their way to their posts.

Noura could now see Yzomtec and the rest of the Jeroen standing at the end of the hall talking to her father and brother. She could tell by their body language that they were in a heated debate about something.

"Father!" Noura cried out as she raced towards them.

Noura's father looked her way... just then she heard a cry from the guards outside, as a deafening wail blew over the kingdom. The temple shook and she lost her footing and fell to the floor. Noura looked up to see her father racing towards her as the ceiling above him began to crumble and break... it would be the last time Noura would see his face.


==========================
Part IV - by zan
==========================

She awoke to Dark.

Not dark, where you still have a chance of making out shapes and finding your way, but impenetrable Dark. Like a night away from the cities when both moons are new. Like the time Rami put out all the lights and locked the door when she was down in the wine cellar.

She sat up and blinked her eyes several times, trying to get them to adjust, to make out anything in the inky blackness. She assumed by the feel of the sheet and blanket that covered her, by the familiar scent of her favorite incense, that she was in her own bed, in her own room.

Why then were the windows so completely shuttered? Why did she see no light from the city below?

"Hello," she ventured, her voice still small and raspy after her slumber. "Shima?" She felt about the night table, unsuccessfully looking for the bell she sometimes used to summon her attendant.

"Lean back and conserve your strength, daughter of Maja," a deep, tender voice urged. All at once, large, warm hands found her own and placed them gently back on the bedclothes.

"Father?" Noura asked.

"No, my child," the voice continued gently. "Yzomtec is here to attend you."

At the mention of his name, Noura shuddered and made a face, the total darkness giving her the courage to lay bare her distaste for the Jeroen council member. His holier-than-thou pronouncements, condescending manner and knack for driving the joy out of most any situation had plagued her since she was a young girl, and she had never understood how a blowhard such as him could be so esteemed among his colleagues. As she grew, and as Yzomtec rose ever more quickly through the Jeroen ranks, she realized these qualities were seen as assets among the religious order.

"What news, then Yzomtec," Noura snapped, her voice regaining its usual royal authority. "That brings you to my chamber in dead of night, in such an indecent state as I am. You ought to be ashamed, accosting young women in their bedchambers at all hours. I might even take the beastly dream I woke from as a portent of your arrival."

"My child..." the voice faltered, as if uncertain how to continue. "Would that yesterday's events were a dream." He said no more, and only stroked her hand lovingly. His lack of commentary was extremely uncommon.

At first, she made to protest, to pull away, but as she remembered the attack, the strength left her. The sky, so black with those hideous flying creatures! Her heart racing as she ran to warn her father and brother! The ceiling beginning to...

"Where is my father!" Noura exclaimed, forgetting royal restraint and decorum. "Yzomtec, what has happened to him?" She clutched the uncharacteristically sympathetic cleric's hands in the darkness, yesterday's terror felt anew.

"Hush, Noura, hush," the Jeroen whispered. "Your father is alive and well, thanks in no small part to your swift actions. He and your brother are out in the city this very moment, assessing damage and helping to restore order, and gave instructions to me to watch over you as you recovered from your strain." He patted her arm and she could almost feel his reassuring smile.

"I must say," he went on, "we were all quite surprised at how your... abilities have matured. I'm sure that at the next Jeroen council there will be at least a few changed minds about your pursuit of the unknown arts. Without your intervention, fully half of the council might have been caught in the collapse. Of course, I never for a moment doubted the Deities' wisdom in instilling in you a desire to..."

"Please, priest, I am so exhausted," Noura waved him to silence as best she could though she could not see her own hand before her. She didn't usually risk sounding so openly irritated with him, but she didn't relish him returning to form and beginning a sermon her in her chambers at this hour. The fact that her relations were absent from her side and sent him in their stead was a painful reminder of her family's priorities, and frustration made her reckless.

"You tell me my father and brother are out restoring order," the princess snapped. "Has the Shorans' attack brought so much chaos that the city rages rather than sleeps? Make some sense for once, Yzomtec."

"Noura," Yzomtec began, "you must understand that there is a purpose in everything. It may not be clear right now, but in time..."

"Yzomtec, enough," Noura sighed.

"Right, then," he replied, taking a familiar, stern tone for the first time. "I know you've dabbled in inner sight. Open your soul to the world around you, now, and it will become clear."

The Jeroen stopped speaking, instead taking her hand and rising beside her bed, to lead her to her feet. Noura pulled back the bedcovers with the other hand and put her bare feet on the floor. It was warm. She stood and allowed herself to be led across the room. Where, she knew not for certain, but she could hear voices.

As they walked, Noura concentrated, clearing her mind of distractions and allowing impressions of her surroundings to come to her. She could sense the location of her bed, the chair Yzomtec had been sitting in, her dressing table. She could tell that he was leading her to her favorite window. She could feel a strange concern and pity radiating from the old council member.

As they reached the window, she sensed activity in the courtyard below. The servants' children were at play with sticks, their spirits bright and bubbly like fountains. Shima was hanging some linen tablecloths on the line to dry. Noura could feel Shima's irritation... perhaps at having to do such manual labor, as she was fond of tending to the princess herself. But the last, simplest part of the picture came to Noura last, since she took its presence for granted. She did not even need the inner sight to know it was there.

The noontime sun was unmistakable, its warmth caressing her cheek.

In her surprise and shock, Noura floundered, the impressions ebbing. She caught a wisp of Shima looking up to her, the children stopping their game.

"Wave back, child," Yzomtec said gently, firmly, from behind her. "Smile. They needn't know."

Noura did as she was bid, then stepped back from the window, struggling to regain her bearings. Yzomtec held her hand until she mastered the impressions in the room once more, then let her hand drop to her side so she could stand on her own.

"Not much in this almiraen has been as it appeared," the priest confided. "Not for quite some time, so perhaps the Deities felt human sight unnecessary. Forgive them, child, and trust their judgement. Forgive me, as well, because there much more for you to know, and even more to be done."

"Let me start by telling you the story of the Triangle of Fiery Light..."


==========================
Part V - by Heersahoo
==========================

Kamali sat in his sedan chair, slumped to the side, gazing at the ruins of a once prosperous jeweler. Kamali stared past the rubble, seeing the future that MIGHT be creeping just over the horizon, waiting to snare his kingdom. He sat deep in thought, chin resting in the cup of his right hand, his knobby knuckles hiding all but the faintest trace of his lip-less mouth. The arm supporting this hand rested upon the arm of a heavily carved chair held aloft by sheer will by twelve men; six men to each stave, three men fore and three men aft.

Each of these men, Ayman slaves of course, was garbed in the Almira's livery, tabards of deepest red and purest white. Their boots were black leather, buffed to a mirror shine as were the braces that crossed their shoulders. The braces had thick pads molded to fit the chair staves, for even a ruler such as Kamali realized the comfort of slaves will keep them docile. As a show of rank among the Ayman, Kamali's bearers were allowed to wear elaborate headdresses of bright bird plumes to show their prominence, though of course this merely served the function that bridle decorations would on a horse. Of course, an uneducated slave could never guess at this.

"Poor Master Jenkiri, he was a fine craftsman. Finer than any who shall come after."

"Aye Majesty, 'tis a mighty shame such as he has passed to the realm of the shades." Banner General Tichegira stood looking up at his master, careful not to look directly into the eyes of such an exalted personage. "I had hoped he would create a piece for my eldest daughter's wedding this coming Mardras. Such a waste and for no profit"

Tichegira was tallish with thick, ropy muscles. A lifetime of scars decorated his arms and face, as well as other unseen seen parts of his anatomy. His mail hauberk was brightly shined, though relatively simple as is the tabard that covers it. In fact, the one differentiation between Tichegira and his common foot soldiers was a small golden ribbon stitched on his right breast.

The two men, as well as numerous onlookers, were trying to avoid looking at the Shoran corpse that lay amid the broken shop walls or the lance-sized sword protruding from a horse corpse a short distance away. The Shoran was once a ponderous beast -- what a person not within hearing distance of it would call obese -- strong as ten oxen and uglier than a nightmare. The creature was now nothing more than sagging folds of charcoal skin hanging on an enormous frame hidden only partially by rusted plate armor. The Shoran had seen better times, there was definite truth in that.

"The Shoran must be desperate indeed to chance such a raid in the light of day. Their power has always lain in night attacks. I can't imagine the force that drove them to such a measure." Tichegira squinted his eyes as if pondering the greatest mystery in the universe, but to him this might have actually been it. He was but a simple soldier after all.

"Yes, Tichegira, a force of terrible will and purpose..." Kamali stared off toward the Feroq Mountains whose peaks formed the border between Maja and Shamara.

* * *

"Pathetic gargin!" Mansour raged. "This is what I paid ten thousand head of cattle to obtain? What, a slaughter of your entire army? I wanted Maja to come to me looking for alliance to stave off the Shoran horde. Instead I must find enough slaves to dig your enormous graves in this granite soil. Bah! Get out of my sight. Pass from this, world your time is finished." Mansour stood at the flap of his campaign tent, pitched in the mountains, looking across the Lurea Plains to the Maja capital.

The Shoran Herk-lord Mharme stood hunched and weary. Once, he never would tolerated one calling him "gargin", literally animal droppings scraped off a boot, without tearing him limb from limb. But though he had not lost so much of his girth as the others, he still was but a shadow of his former self. Blood-soaked bandages wrapped most parts of his body not hidden beneath dented armor, and he digested the insult silently.

Mharme shambled back to the rock eries the remnants of his people have claimed. There was a look of murder on his face but who could tell if it is for the Majans, the Shamarans or both?

Mansour poured himself a goblet of wine from a metal pitcher and took a deep swallow. As he finished and wiped his hand across his wide mouth, Jabir entered the tent.

"Majesty, a courier has just arrived with a dispatch from Maja."

"Send him in. But if the news is ill, he will live among the shades before the hour is out. Tell him so."

"I will majesty. He is among the cooksmen to whet his thirst but I will send him immediately."

Mansour paced the border of the tent until the courier was announced.

"Your majesty, I bring tidings from Banner General Tichegira and his lord benefactor. The plan proceeds with a but a few minor snares along the way."

"What snares?" Mansour snapped. "I thought my gold could shear any snare."

* * *

Dark clouds scudded across the gibbous moon, lighting the Plains of Lurea in a queer, dappled light. Noura could no longer see this, true, but she knew it for truth none the less. Below, the work crews contiued to remove rubble, hoping to find survivors but dreading the worst. A bonfire of enormous proportions burned just beyond the city walls and towers of greasy smoke rose high into the night. A horrible sight, for sure, but Noura would have given anything to have seen it true, not with the second sight.

The door creaked open behind her.

"Princess, I was going to retire but wanted to check if you needed anything first," Yzomtec inquired.

"Now you see to my needs, old fool? It was your opposotion to my training that led to this position. What more do I need from you?" Noura began to cry bitter tears. "A curse upon all priests."

As she spoke, a psionic wave flashed outward, knocking Yzomtec to his knees, but beyond, it hit the Great Temple, cracking the Dome of Uhysi like an egg. As the dome pieces fell, the rest of the Temple followed in domino fashion.


==========================
Part VI - by Vendetta
==========================

The sultry, lithe form of Zarifa sauntered through a long and elaborate hall, her full lips humming an old Jeroen ceremonial tune. Her hips swayed from side to side as she walked, keeping the rhythm of the tune with each step that belie a nearly erotic dance. She stopped and slowly turned her head to gaze over her shoulder.

"You make that song positively blasphemous," Rami said with a mocking clap when her gaze fell upon his stately frame.

A mischievous smile crossed Zarifa's lips.

"If you believe in that sort of thing, sure," she shrugged and turned to face the Prince. Her full figure pushed against her silky gown as it draped elegantly over her body. The slit down the side of the pantaloons shimmered and danced as she shifted her weight from hip to hip, her supple legs seen in only hints that she knew made men fantasize. As Michelangelo handled a brush, so she had mastered even tiniest nuance of her body.

"Though, the priests who have seen the whole 'performance' certainly haven't take up any issues with it."

Rami shook his head, knowing full well what she meant. But business first.

"Come here, girl, I've need of your special talents. I am on limited time so we must be quick."

Zarifa stared hard at him for a second before smiling coyly and sauntering forward toward him.

"And which talents would those be?"

"Do not flatter yourself. I need you to find something out for me..."

Zarifa listened and tried desperately to keep the disgust off of her face. "Rami, you scheming fool..." she thought to herself, "when the Minya crumble I'll first humiliate you as my plaything before tossing you aside to the pigs." She listened to what he needed of her and she plotted how best to use this newest revelation.

* * *

He spoke with passion and all who listened could not help but be moved by his words. Tariq paused just long enough to let his last statement echo in the minds of his listeners. Silently, he thanked the gods for his partner, Raheem, whose position in the palace serving the Almira and secret affair with his daughter, Noura, meant that even the softest words whispered within the palace walls were often caught by his sly ears.

"Hear me now, if you have heard nothing else I have said," Tariq continued. "This attack by the Shorans is but the first of many grave perils facing Atalaya. There will be no peace, not while Prince Rami, Almira Kamali and Mansour, King of Shammara dance this fateful dance... and for what? Control? Power? I tell you, all of these and more. For nothing short of the Triangle of Fiery Light is their goal and each will stop at..."

His words were cut short as the Almira's elite guard rounded a building down the street followed shortly by his litter, held aloft by the twelve Ayman slaves. He knew that only seconds remained before the guards realized what was happening and ran forward to put an end to his preaching.

"Look, now, at our Almira," Tariq exclaimed quickly. "See how he mocks you? See how he sits atop the shoulders of your kinsmen when one of the great steeds of his stable would be better suited for the task. But no! Lo, he comes hither riding atop men, symbolic of how he lives his life... with you under his foot!"

As if on cue, the elite Rida rushed forward to break up the demonstration. Tariq, a veteran of such events, covered his face quickly and slipped swiftly down an alley, diving between a large cart filled with camel dung -- treated for the fertilization of gardens -- and a Toraskar. The Toraskar, who need only drink once a month, were used in many ways as beasts of burden throughout all of Atalaya. The massive desert mammal was twice the size of an elephant, though it more closely resembled a lizard, covered in large, off-white plates. The plates helped it keep cool under the blazing sun and providing hardy protection.

Tariq was gone before the first Rida stepped into the alley.

However, not one of the elite guards, nor any person on the street thought anything of the escaping demonstrator. All eyes were turned to the west toward the Temple of Jeroen-Ka Æl Rån as its large dome collapsed in on itself.

* * *

Yzomtec crashed into the hard marble wall like a melon dropped onto the ground. The loud cracking of ribs could be heard echoing down the halls, followed shortly and drowned out completely by the cracking of the dome in the near-by temple. Screams could be heard as pieces began falling on worshippers, giving only scant warning of the entire thing collapsing in on itself. Temple halls began to follow suit and toppled over like stacked cards. Blood ran from the priest's mouth as he fell limp to the ground.

A strange, mystical fire enveloped Noura and power surged through her veins. Shock and horror filled her mind as she seemed to lose control of her body. The eerie yellow-green flames leapt higher and higher from her flesh until it filled the room. Confined, caged, uncontrolled, Noura raised her arms and with a blast of raw power, the roof of the building was blown apart, the debris raining down across the city of Atalaya and even into the desert of Maja beyond the walls. She rose into the air swiftly like a phoenix into the noon-day sky and then at blinding speed, roared off toward the Feroq Mountains.

* * *

King Mansour was in audience with the Grand Vizier when a strange rumbling noise was heard coming forth from the wall behind him. Immediately his heart sank in fear.

"The Altar!" He exclaimed to Jabir, not caring if anyone heard mention of his secret possession. Both ran like frightened children to the secret chamber where the Altar of Sulwyn was kept. As the door slowly swung open, a blinding yellow-green light poured out of the room. So great was the light that neither Jabir nor Mansour could see anything in the room. The rumbling increased so that little more than shouts could be heard above it.

"What the hell is going on?" Mansour cried in fear.

"The prophecy..." Jabir exclaimed in dread-filled awe.

"...Atop the highest mountain of Feroq
A great crash of thunder and fire
The crest of the mountain ripped asunder
A valley rests where once rock rose

"Fire of heaven
Fire from hell
Wrath in darkness come
Light seen by all yet unseen
Strike the priest
And tear the temple down.

"Rise phoenix
Come harbinger
Run all you who fear
Hide not near these walls
Flee to the hills
Make haste and do not turn back..."

-~ The sacred text of the Kateb

In the lonely mountains of Feroq, now was a crater. Smoke rose from its newly created walls and at its center knelt a small woman. Her face was covered in ash, her clothes in shreds. Her eyes were blind yet she saw more than she has ever seen before. She rocked back and forth, tears making ashen mud as they rolled over her cheeks.

"What have I become?" She pled in silent agony. "What in heaven..."


==========================
Part VII - by Ben Christensen
==========================

"I can see them dying. I know that's impossible to believe, but I can," a voice let out into the darkness.

"Yes, Master."

"The irony isn't lost on me. The death of the Jeroen... blind in mind destroyed by blind in sight. A predestined cosmic joke. How quickly the punch line will come." The formless void hid the voice and its minion. They stood at the brink of identity. "All too quickly."

"Yes, Master."

* * *

As the evening sun set, the vista through one of Mansour's windows was eclipsed by a Shoran creature gliding in through the unlikely entrance. Landing with strained grace, the lowly scout made it's way to his Herk-Lord as Mansour watched, the two gruesome beasts talking in their native language of growls and snorts. Jabir carefully stepped to his king's side.

Mansour, never a man to miss an opportunity to display his power, leaned over to the much shorter Jabir.

"Let me assure you that I have more than enough weapons in this room, if you so much as think about telling the Shoran about MY altar... I will kill you within seconds."

Jabir trembled.

"Just so we have an understanding," Mansour added with a smile. He turned to the two hired underlings. "Mharme! What is he saying?" the king shouted.

"He says that a valley now exists where the Feroq once stood. He says there was a woman inside, but he dared not get closer."

"And why not?"

"He says it was the Heart of the Triangle."

"Really?" Mansour said, his face full of contemplation. "Now that's very interesting." He gestured his hand into the air as if by a subconscious twitch. "Guards."

From hidden chambers of the hall, Shammaran guards appeared holding large disc-like devices. With lightning speed the discs were sent into the air, chopping the heads off both Shoran warriors. Mansour went to his throne and sat.

"Um... lord. Why kill them? They were the only two Shorans left." Jabir asked, flinching from every subtle action Mansour made.

"They once owned the Fiery Light, Jabir. If they realized that the pieces were so close together now, that everything would soon fall into place, they'd have killed us all to gain the power again and I can't use anyone with more ambition than myself."

The king cleared his mind.

"Okay, this changes a few things. Tell the Banner General to move up to phase two. If we're going to succeed, we have to take more drastic action."

Jabir bowed and scurries to the door.

"Oh, and Jabir?" Mansour called after him.

The little man turned, scared to find a attack disc coming in his direction. "Y-Yes, my lord?"

"Do be a gent and find someone to clean up these corpses."

* * *

Raheem stood motionless in the remains of Noura's room. The ceiling had been blown outward as the mass of energy and light flew out. The opening showed the night sky above, giving the room its only illumination. Raheem had been standing there for hours. His lover was gone.

"Why are you so displeased?" a voice came from the hallway.

"This is my home. I feel for its loss."

Zarfia stepped out of the shadows and into the moonlight. "Yeah? Well this is my home too, but you don't see me giving into any self turmoil."

"Though our accommodations may be similar, Zarfia, the tasks I was brought in to do are far different than the ones you were." Raheem said as he gave turned to give her a stern look. He exited the room, the hallway seemed even darker.

"Hey, wait," Zarfia followed him out, quickening her pace to catch up. "They say she's at the Feroq Valley, that she created it and won't leave."

"What's your point?" Raheem said as he stopped.

"Go to her."

"I don't know what you may think, but there is no reason for me to seek out Princess Noura."

"That's what the people out there might think," Zarfia said as she slipped into a small smirk, "but I know better. Now let's go."

"Why would you help me?"

"Fun," she said with a smile. Raheem thought for a moment and then motioned toward the exit. Together they went for the stables. The hallway was dark and seemed empty.

"In the name of all things holy, I love manipulation and corruption. It's one of the truest forms of entertainment, so involving and complex. Will she do what is needed?" A familiar voice let out.

"Yes, Master."

"It does beg the question, does anyone really know who they're working for anymore? Ha! Do they even need a reason to take the bribes and stab those they serve in the back? They think they're bettering their positions, when in fact they simply are playing their complicated parts."

"Yes, Master."

"Of course, you know all about that, don't you?"

From a hiding place in the shadows, a figure emerged. Within seconds a single red light illuminated the hallway. Rami stood in place, holding the glowing Awena in his hand.

"Now, Rami" the locket said, "let's go find my altar."

"Yes, Master." Rami replied.


==========================
Part IIX - by xadrian
==========================

Cold.

-The wind is warm.-

But I'm so cold.

-You could change that.-

I don't know how.

-Yes you do. It's always been within you.-

No, this was never mine. It was forced upon me.

-You may feel that way. It's in the past now. You must see forward. You must see what you must do.-

What if I can't?

-Then people will die. You will die.-

Why must they die?

-Because that is the way of life. Inaction and neglect as much as malevolence can cause the same amount of pain.-

Entropy.

-Yes. So you understand why our hand was forced, why your hand now must be forced.-

Yes. But...

-Don't be afraid. There's no pain for you in the end.-

* * *

"I can't ride any faster," Zarfia shouted into the wind.

"You're going to have to if we're going to get there first," Raheem shouted back. The horses they absconded with were in a lather as they pushed them hard toward the pass. The short ride to the crater and its solitary inhabitant was on a steep grade, giving their mounts plenty of resistance.

Zarifa spurred her horse on as best she could, but Raheem rode like a man possessed. They both knew that it was only a matter of time before opposing forces made their way to the Feroq range. Raheem's intentions were still not clear to her. Zarfia's insistence that he go to his love was met with surprising resistance and hesitation. His enthusiasm now bordered on zealousness.

They rounded the pass that stood for generations as the high road between the two kingdoms. Millions of years of geological evolution had created a natural saddle between the two peaks. Now one of the great peaks was but a smoldering crater, its one side dipping down into the valley beyond, expanding it. The once safe pass was now a precipice of crumbling stone and earth.

The two dismounted and approached on foot, wary that the weight of the horses could trigger more slides. The ground around them was unstable and the smell of scorched earth was pervasive. As they approached, they began to hear voices. Soft at first, like bird song carried on an evening breeze. They stopped short of the lip of the crater, crouched low and peaked over the rim into the chasm.

The two gasped at the immensity of the damage. Until now their view had been obscured by perspective and flora. Now, as their clear line of sight opened up the scope of the carnage, they were able to appreciate the power involved. They were also suddenly afraid of its potential.

"There she is!" Zarifa whispered, nodding to the center of the great hole.

"Amazing," Raheem replied.

"She looks so delicate. It's hard to imagine she could do so much damage."

"Hard to imagine or not, she did."

"So, what's the next move?" Zarifa inched back out of site and sat back on her heels.

Raheem's focus was on Noura, her diminutive frame and ragged, threadbare clothing seeming almost to shrink from his sight. His love for her was not unknown to Zarifa or the rest of the Ayman and Minya. It was a forbidden love, for they were of different worlds. Raheem had done well to accelerate his status and become the personal body man to the Almira, but he was still a slave and as such had no place within the royal line. His underground dealings to bring freedom to his brothers and sisters would have jeopardized it all, and only Noura knew of them.

But now, looking at her, he could not remember what it was all for; the fighting, the underhanded deals, the deception. Everything he'd worked so hard for to this point seemed moot in light of the raw power before him, the power that existed in the body of one he loved.

"I don't know, Zarifa," he managed finally. "I don't know whether to show fear or pity."

"Well, we have to do something. It's not likely either side is going to show her much mercy. They just want her for her power. You don't. So that makes you the wildcard, doesn't it?"

He let the question hang there a moment before answering.

"Does she even know who I am?"

"Why don't you ask her yourself?" asked a voice from behind the two.

The pair spun around as Rami belted Zarifa across the face with hilt of his sword, knocking her unconscious. Before Raheem could react, Rami leveled the blade at his neck, the tip drawing a scant drop of blood as it scratched his skin.

"What are you doing, Rami?" Raheem shouted.

The look on Rami's face was one of detached pyschosis and Raheem felt that this man would do just about anything if provoked. Raheem knew this man and knew of his heart. He was an opportunist and a backstabbing liar, but he was never driven to acts of violence. There was something unholy and unfamiliar about him now. If Noura in the pit was innocence and frailty, surely Rami was rage and death. As Rami drew forth the Amulet, Raheem knew his suspicions were correct.

"We're going to take a walk, you and I," said Rami. "We're going to say hello to your lover."

"Your sister," Raheem spat back. "What do you want with her?"

"Why don't we find out together." Rami flicked his blade towards the crater.

"No. You'll have to kill me to get to her." Raheem didn't budge.

"So be it."

The blade didn't make a sound as it slid through Raheem's flesh and rib cage. Before it all went black, he heard a voice calling his name. It wasn't Zarifa, it almost sounded like...

* * *

-It's time.-

I know.

-There was no saving him, you must know that.-

He didn't have to die.

-You will understand soon enough.-

When I'm through with them, I'm coming after you.


==========================
Part IX - by Banshee
==========================

Zarifa kicked and pushed herself away, groggy and barely awake, horrified into action as she watched the knife slice through Raheem's flesh, then his bleeding body fell to the ground. The beautiful slave had never felt fear before, despite all her scheming, but seeing the normally moody Rami so emotionless really frightened her. She finally scrambled to her feet and broke into a loping run, heading to the panicked horses tethered nearby.

She managed to get on her horse, but the animal was petrified and would not move.

"Move, you blasted animal!" she screamed, digging her heels viciously into the horse's flanks. A hand gripped the bridle suddenly, holding the beast firm.

Noura looked at the beautiful slave who had so ensnared her brother and so many of the Minya.

"Zarifa.... Where do you think you are going?" she spoke authoritatively. "You are now to accompany me," she commanded again. Snapping her fingers, the other horse, now calm, came to her side. Noura easily pulled herself up on the horse, her unseeing eyes now glowing a quiet red.

"Mistress..." began Zarifa, "Where are we going? Rami and Raheem are...?" Silence met her questions. Noura stopped her horse and turned to look at the slave. Zarifa found it unnerving to look at those glowing red eyes that should have been blank.

"You forget yourself, Zarifa..." Noura spoke quietly.

"Your forgiveness, Highness," Zarifa murmured, her head lowered.

"Rami has disappeared, it is not the time to pursue him."

"What of Raheem, the Awena...."

"He....." Noura pauses, taking a deep breath to control the surge of emotions that threaten to cut off her inner sight. "He ..... has... left.. us... for now. Let us hope that his suffering was not in vain..."

"You mean his death?" enquired Zarifa cautiously.

"Enough! You ask too many questions. We have much ground to cover." The servant bowed her head and they rode deeper into the mountains. Risking a look behind her, the slave tried to see evidence of a grave or something that marked Raheem's passing.

To her surprise, there was no longer any evidence of a crater, just a lake with shimmering clear waters and lush green surroundings.

"What in the Kateb's name..." she thought to herself, shocked.

"Zarifa..." Noura spoke again, "there is much you do not understand."

Zarifa turned back in her seat and nodded quietly. The normally flamboyant slave was taciturn now, afraid of the Princess that had such hidden powers, fearsome and volatile.

When Noura told Zafira of their destination, the slave let out a gasp.

"That cannot be, Highness... that would be suicide!"

"I do not fear death, Zarifa. Not with the pain I have felt."

"Raheem's death?"

Noura smiled enigmatically and continued riding in silence. Zarifa sighed and keeping her turbulent thoughts to herself, she followed the Princess.

* * *

Rami opened his eyes, blinking rapidly as he felt pain course through his body.

"What in the Kateb's name is going on," he cried out, remembering flashes of blood, his body floating, a pair of red glowing eyes. The prince sat up suddenly, clutching desperately at his neck, searching for the necklace.

"Nooo! Where has it gone? I had them in my sights! I could have destroyed the Shammara!" he cried out again.

"Shush, my child. You speak such nonsense." A old, crackly voice spoke out behind him.

"How dare you speak like that to a Prince of the Minya, the Almira's Heir and First Born Son!? SHOW YOURSELF!" Rami's voice broke in its fury, his pain forgotten momentarily.

An old woman appeared, the sputtering light of the oil lantern casting menacing shadows around her. She was dressed in a peasant garb, homespun skirt and blouse in dark, faded colors. Her figure was still good, but her face spoke of a beauty long faded, heavy lines also spoke of suffering.

"Rami, those facts do not matter here... not to your mother..." she chastised him, pushing him back down on the bed easily.

"Mother? You are mistaken, my mother died many years ago, put to death for her adultery!" Rami cried desperately, feeling uncharacteristically bewildered.

The old woman laughed as she poured some rich dark liquid from a carafe into a chalice.

"Believe that if it gives you comfort, Rami. Kamali has done his work well. You are not a son of whom I am proud." She handed him the chalice. "Here, drink this, it will ease your pain."

Rami began to protest but the intense pain that he felt when he tried to move cut his words abruptly. He took the chalice without any further protest and sipped it cautiously. A warmth poured through his veins, easing the pain. Finishing the tonic, Rami leans back against the bed.

"Where am I? What happened to the Awena?" he asked.

The old woman sighed.

"My name, Rami, is Feryal. I am a healer now."

"That isn't my mother's name!" Rami frowned and protested. "You said..."

"Enough! I gave birth to you, Rami, but I did not always raise you. Kamali was not allowed to marry me, Your grandfather saw to that."

"But... Noura..." Rami was for once at a loss for words.

"She is... the result of Kamali's affair with Heba, daughter of Yzomtec. Hence her incredible power. The marriage between your father and whom you called your mother was politically necessary. However, Jessenia's tastes were... unorthodox so Kamali needed to beget heirs somehow."

"No, no.. that is not true... it can't be..." Rami closed his eyes. "I am Minya...First-born to the Almira."

"Believe what you will, Rami," Feryal shrugged.

"The Awena!" Rami sat up again.

"Rami," Feryal smiled, "It is not yours to possess. With such a black heart such as yours, the Awena will turn to evil things. It is now safe with one who is good and who was saved before his death..."

"But who..." Rami lay back, his eyes growing heavy, his mind in a whirl...

Ferya looked at the now immobile Prince fallen into a drugged sleep.

"Rest now, my son. You will have more pain to deal with soon enough."


==========================
Part X - by Ben Christensen
==========================

Inside the borders of Shammara, in the capital of Nadda, within the King's Great Hall, the doors opened. The short form of Jabir walked in, moving quickly towards his ruler.

"My lord, word from the scouts," he said. "Princess Noura and an unknown companion ride towards us from the Feroq Mount.... Valle.... um... Lake."

"And what of Banner General Tichegira?"

"He has spurred the Almira into action. The full Majan army has been rallied and marches this way."

"Perfect." Mansour said "Soon everything will be in place. Order our forces to withdraw from their posts. When the triangle is brought together, I will destroy the Maja MYSELF! Have some men move my altar into the center of this floor then... have them all shot... to be safe."

"Ready this Great Hall, Jabir!" Mansour almost began to dance as he made his way around the room. 'We're going to be having guests!"

* * *

"I can smell the corruption on you." Noura said as her and Zarifa rode towards Nadda.

"What do you mean?" Zarifa contested.

"Rami bid you to bring Raheem to me. He told you of control over me, control over the heart of the Triangle."

"He may have mentioned... something along those line."

"Silly girl," Noura burst into an uncharacteristic laughter. Zarifa looked over to find Noura's eyes ablaze with yellow-green energy. "It should be clear to you that I can NOT be controlled."

There was an uneasy silence as they continued to ride. Passing the remains of a wall, they could see Nadda off in the distance.

"So... is Raheem dead?" Zarifa asked again.

"No. His body was dying, his soul leaving his form, but I restored the order within him." Noura said. "I placed the consciousness of the Awena into his body."

"But... why?"

"I was given little choice. That was the plan of the Awena. Raheem would be near me, and Rami would kill him. The Awena knew I would not allow this and since it was there, I was forced to use its mind to fill the void. Then he escaped... which hinders me from fixing Raheem further."

"I... just don't understand." Zarifa said as she looked away.

"It is not your place to. All you need to know is that the Awena had no body of its own, so it planned that event so that it would be able go to the altar without a slave's help." Noura sighs for a moment, almost returning from her stature for a moment. "Rami's mind corrupted the Awena, and Raheem is paying the price. There is only one way to make it right... one way to make it ALL right."

Noura rode ahead, separating herself from Zarifa as she contemplated the next move. The day wore on.

* * *

Rami awoke in a chair, his "mother" sitting in front of him.

"You are in a very compromised state, Rami. The drug I gave you will ensure that you tell me everything I want to know."

"N...no." Rami whispered, his mind pushing for more conviction, but finding none.

"Tell me how you found the Awena." Feryal commanded.

"I saw... saw hint of it in one of Mansour's marriage proposals to Noura." Rami said. "I asked father about it, but he wouldn't tell me. Asking the Jeroen, I was blocked again. The more I was denied, the more I wanted to know. And then... I found it. Hidden in father's chambers. It... it spoke to me!"

Suddenly Rami was on his feet and out the door of the small home. To his surprise, mere yards from him marched his father's army.

"Damn, I haven't much time now," said Feryal, who had followed him outside, carrying a long sword. "Rami, take this weapon. You must get to the Great Hall of Nadda before the Ritual of the Triangle is finished. When they kiss, fate and destiny break away for an instant, allowing anyone to receive the power. To save all existence, you must make sure it's not... ack--!"

An arrow punched through her chest, killing her instantly. Rami turned to find a Rida Archer and the Almira riding towards him.

"Rami!" The Almira shouted. "Son, whatever lies this woman has told you... you don't understand..."

"No! You don't understand. Finally a bit of clarity had been offered, but now it's gone unsaid. Archer! Fetch me a horse, I must make for Nadda with haste." Rami stared at his father. "You are a crooked old man, hope that your actions here have not doomed us all."

* * *

Mansour stared at his altar as it sat in the middle of his hall. A familiar click sounded behind him, he turned to find Tariq entering from a secret passage.

Mansour smiled. "Welcome home, brother. I take it your rebellion is going well?"

"Yes, brother. Once you lay waste to the Almira and the Rida, the rest of Maja should easily accept you as their ruler." Tariq replied.

"Excellent. It puts a close to years of planning and manipulating, and not a moment too soon." Mansour said.

"Yes, you were to die in... Kedma was it? You've done a lot since given that news."

"When an all-powerful altar tells you the date of your death... you make waves to change it." Mansour pauses as the main doors open. Raheem enters. He seems to walk differently than he had, a bit slower and less graceful. His eyes glowed a powerful red.

"And so it begins. Welcome Awena." Mansour says with a bow.

* * *

Outside the Great Hall, Noura and Zarifa looked up at the massive building.

"And how are we going to get up there?" Zarifa asked.

"Fly," Noura answered matter-of-factly, as she began to float upward. She reached down and took Zarifa's hand and lifted the woman's body up so that she could carry her easily. Zarifa was shocked by how strong Noura was; she had thought her power was limited to the fiery energy. Within seconds, they were both engulfed with that same power, yellow-green in color as it shot them into the air.

They slowed down when they reached the open windows of the hall, through which Noura gracefully floated inside.

Mansour took a number of light steps closer to his altar, just to be sure it was safe. When he was close to it, his worried face eased and his body calmed.

"Tariq, isn't it wonderful? All the pieces are finally present. They are all finally mine. The endgame is now upon us."

A long smile lines Mansour's face.

"This is going to be such fun."


==========================
Part XI - by cabralsoth
==========================

Kamali, the Almira of Atalaya sat for long moments upon his steed. He looked out upon his army watching, Rami breaking ranks racing towards Mansour's palace, and contemplated his last words: "You are a crooked old man, hope that your actions have not doomed us all..."

"What have I done indeed..." the Almira glanced down at Feryal, a somber look etched upon his once proud face. "Feryal... your beauty and grace had my heart captive so long ago. We were so young and naive, you and I. I loved you... and you me... but, I belonged to another. I was the son of a Almira, a prince... to wed a princess. But you, you were my desire. Now look at us... me, an old fool... and you, a wretched witch... murdered by my hands.

"I can only hope you haven't told Rami of the truth... both of his origin, and of Noura's."

The Almira got off his horse and knelt beside the old woman.

"Was it bad enough that Rami was sired out of wedlock, and even worse that Noura was not of blood of mine at all... That it would be your late husband, Tehlal the Great Jeroen Mage, the mage responsible for hiding the final piece of the triangle... be her father. Only you and I knew the truth since his passing... Only we knew that with the final splitting of the triangle, that the final piece had been imbued within him, the Key. That it was with his eyes and ears that sparked the visions in Noura had thought were her own... That thru Tehlal passing his seed to you that Noura had been born, and the Key given life. Tehlal had sacrificed himself in truth to protect his daughter... your daughter... Noura."

Tears streamed down the man's once stoic face and fell on his plate mail.

"Was it coincidence that you and my wife had become pregnant at the same time? And was it the fates that decided that my wife and child would never make it through? You begged me to care for Noura as I did for Rami... I did, knowing full well that i was misleading my people in the truth of my true heir.... That was nearly 20 years ago, now here we are at our crossroads. Deep inside I always knew we would never be, yet... somehow i always wished it were so." The Almira stood up gazing down at his once love, tears visibly running down. "Farewell Feryal, may the Gods be with you."

"Sire, are we to continue our march at this moment?" Asked his chief leuitenant.

"Yes, lets..." the Almira's voice trailed off as he looked off into the distance. To the south of them black and purple clouds swirled malevolently in the skies above Mansour's palace. The Almira's entire army stared in amazement at the spectacular events unfolding before them. Almost as though it had been awaiting to gather the attention of all within view, a pillar of flame shot down from the center of the maelstrom, right to the heart of Mansour's temple.

"For our women... for our children... for all of Atalya..." the Almira bellowed, "CHARGE!"

The army charged forth, more than willing to sacrifice all for their land, their families... and their Almira.

* * *

At first Mansour thought he had gone blind, all there was, was light... inescapable light that pierced through closed eyes like water thru sand. And the sound, deafening, like that of a hundred sandstorms within his Great Hall.

"Jabir... Jabir... where are you...? What is happening?" Mansour shrieked "Tell me what is going on... Jabir?"

"You are not blind, Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola."

"What....? Who are you...?" cried Mansour.

"We are the Light..."

"The light? What do you mean... " Mansour began squinting as the light began to subside, his vision slowly returning. he could see Jabir and a few of his guard lying unconscious a few yards away. "I now possess control of the..."

"YOU CONTROL NOTHING!"

Mansour was now able to see through to the center of the storm in his room... where once stood the Altar of Sulwyn, now sat a throne of fire, sitting atop it Raheem, and straddling him Princess Noura. Their skin had turned pure obsidian in color... their eyes glowing brightly, changing hues every few seconds to every color imaginable. Wind and fire danced provocatively all around them as they looked into each others eyes, lust in every way. Yearning to be one, once again... Raheem's hands tracing the beautiful figure of Noura, while she lewdly moves about on top Raheem, running her fingers over his face and chest.

"It is We who have been controlling you, as well as the others to get us back together again."

"What...!? That is preposterous.... you are a tool, you are not alive."

"We have been alive since the dawn of your world."

"We are the bringers of Life and the Harbringers of Death."

"Then why not just tell me where to find the other relics? Why the need for a hunt?"

"The Jorean had placed a curse on Us , that We may not be used to find the other."

"And what of the Shorans? how did they harness your power?"

"We allowed the Shorans access to our powers... they had the same desires as Us..."

"And what would that be?"

"...Death."

Mansour sat open-mouthed staring in disbelief... not believing that he the king of lies had been underhanded by what he thought of as a tool... a weapon to destroy his enemies, instead he unknowingly opened the gates to his own destruction as well.

Outside he heard his soldiers crying out orders to prepare for battle, he could hear the thunderous stampede of Almira Kamali's army surging through the valley to his palace.

"Smile King Mansour of the Shammara, son of Yardan and Zarola... you have a front row seat to the end of your World."


==========================
Part XII - by zan
==========================

Rami, who had spent every ounce of strength to reach Mansour's temple as quickly as possible, now cautiously climbed the steps one at a time.

When he had ridden through Shammara and was in sight of the temple, he realized something sobering. He would be ill-prepared to fight his way in, and the odds would be impossible; one prince of Atalaya versus the Shammaran guard. His fiery, single-minded ambition to reach his sister and prevent catastrophe was snuffed by reality.

He resolved to carry out his quest nonetheless, though his pace did not quicken. He was met by an entirely unexpected sight, however. The Shammaran guard were numerous, to be sure, and well armored, with weapons at hand enough to fight an incoming army.

But they were all dead.

Not dead from an attack, but simply slumped over, scattered outside the temple entrance and within, fallen where they had stood, no mark to show the cause. When Rami had been riding over the hills and the temple obscured, he had seen a brilliant flash, probably lightning from the rainless storm that hung above the Shammaran kingdom. Had the bolt killed all within the temple? Was his sister dead, then, as well?

Or was this her doing?

He climbed the steps slowly.

* * *

King Mansour knelt in the Hall of Nadda, despite his station, before the display in front of him. He had known the joining of the three would produce a spectacle, but never had he known it would be so terrible, so chilling. He cursed himself for ever believing he, a mere man, could harness such a force and utilize it. He feared that his lesson for such hubris would be what the Triangle seemed to love most of all.

Death.

When the fiery bolt had struck, and all has disappeared from view, Mansour gradually realized that all within the chamber, even throughout the entire temple -- somehow he KNEW -- were dead. Jabir crouched stiff and wide-eyed in the corner, staring at the throne and its entwined residents through lifeless eyes. His entire guard had toppled in a bloodless massacre.

And yet... he himself had survived.

Despite the despair the sight of the Triangle filled him with, his ambition still lived, a tiny voice deep within his mind. "Why would you not be spared," it whispered, "If not to control this awesome power? Why should you fear when you have already been spared?"

Noura, a delicious and deadly smile on her lips as Raheem tasted her neck, stared at Mansour. With longing? An invitation?

Mansour slowly rose to his feet. Yes, he had been a fool to cower now. Was this not the moment he had planned for? Did he not know the ancient ways, the lore to use to harness this great and terrible power?

"Ahmem sonah creatu dosrehm..." Mansour croaked, his throat dry, struggling to remember the elusive words from the book of the Kateb. Raheem stopped his lascivious attentions and turned to watch Mansour as well. The effect of those two pairs of unholy eyes on him made Mansour stop dead, his mind blank.

"Y-you cannot defy the words," Mansour finally stammered out, trying to convince himself as much as they. "Ahmem sonah creatu dosrehm finai! Rakat branai! The Triangle of Fiery light must..."

Mansour paused as another entered the chamber, a haggard young man with familiar features. The brother.

Noura and Raheem turned their attention to the newcomer and Mansour could tell the prince felt the same terror in his bones that he had felt. At least before he'd remembered he was meant for better things. Now he would have a witness for his victory, as well. A Maja, no less.

"Ahmem sonah creatu dos..."

Noura and Raheem suddenly burst into laughter. Mansour had thought their icy stares unbearable, but hearing their amusement was truly hideous. He collapsed to his knees once again, trying unsuccessfully to block them out by clamping his hands to his ears.

"Pathetic man," Raheem spat, lips still curled in a smile.

"Predictable man," Noura agreed.

"Why else did you think you were spared, " Noura's lover continued, as he extended a hand to the new arrival, who began to approach, despite himself.

"But to witness your defeat?"

* * *

Rami found he could not keep still.

The two atop the brilliant, bejeweled throne were extraordinarily lovely, bewitching, yet... the dread in his heart told an entirely different story. His eyes saw his sister and... the man extending a hand toward him looked familiar... he was sure he had seen him in his father's house... but they at once altogether inhuman.

An ache possessed him as his feet covered the distance to the throne, and the lovers stood, Noura still resting her hand upon the throne's mighty arm. Old King Mansour had crumpled to the floor and was wailing. Rami, his eyes wide and tears streaming from the heat, watched Mansour with hideous fascination. The king had caught fire, and made no protest as the unnatural flames burned the skin from his body.

"You were meant to die a quick death in Kedma, Mansour," Noura said sweetly. "But arrogance such as yours could never go unpunished."

Rami knew not whether it took seconds, minutes or hours, but the skin, the muscle, and finally the bones of the old king burned. Rami could feel the life staying in him the whole time, a blessing and a curse from the Triangle, until finally his bones were blackened and cooked into place, forever kneeling before the Triangle of Fiery Light. The evil king would not be the recipient of almighty power this day.

"With such a black heart such as yours," Rami remembered the words with a shudder as his fingertips touched those of Raheem. "The Awena will turn to evil things."

Not the evil king, but the evil prince, despite his best intentions.

As Raheem grasped his hand firmly, and Noura held fast to the throne, nearly invisible through the sheet of unearthly green flames, the lovers' faces came together, at last, for a single kiss.

Rami could not turn away, but he felt for the sword at his side, the strange one his mother had given him, and unsheathed it.

"When they kiss," his mother's voice echoed, "fate and destiny break away for an instant, allowing anyone to receive the power. To save all existence, you must make sure it's not..."

Me, Rami thought, as he fell on the blade, pushing the tip of the sword through his chest and into his heart.

* * *

"Noooo!" Iyala wailed, sitting up bolt upright in bed.

People burned alive, impaling themselves on swords, thought Nadja, her teeth gritted. Gods, whoever brought this tome into the palace library as a bedtime story would know her displeasure.

"He can't die, Nadja!" the young girl cried, breath coming to her in between sobs. "He was supposed to save th-the world and now..."

"Child, hush," Nadja scolded. "You know as well as I that he succeeded in his quest, or where would the world be now, enh? Be a good girl and let me finish. It's already well past your bedtime and the queen will be cross with me if she finds out."

Iyala obediently wiped her face on her nightgown sleeve, snuffled back the wetness in her nose and lay back down on her bed.

"There, now," Nadja said, soothingly, and continued reading. "Much better."

"As the life left him, a peculiar thing happened. The flames whirling about the throne centered instead on Rami's body, channeled through the metal of the blade. The sword withdrew from his chest as he was lifted to his feet once more by Noura and Raheem, and the wound sealed itself, leaving a terrible scar."

"See, you silly thing," Nadja interrupted herself. "Have a little faith."

"Rami's eyes now also burned with the fire of the Triangle as the three figures clasped hands, joining one final time. The spirit of the Altar of Sulwyun had entered him, just as the Awena lived in Raheem and the final piece always lay inside Noura. All three pieces were joined with human hosts, and all once more could see the folly of the pursuit of death."

"'Let us away, now,' said he who was once Raheem, and the other two agreed without speaking. The pillar of fire that had come down from the heavens returned from whence it came, pulling the terrible power from the bodies of the three, leaving them still encircled on the floor of the Great Hall, sleeping the sleep of the just..."

"And then Noura and Raheem were married and had Ramira, who married Jonas and had Quinina..." squealed Iyala, rattling off a dozen more ancestors' names, "...who married Hayburn and had me!"

"...and Rami went forth in solitude to change the course of his life, yes." Nadja said, closing the book.

"Did it really happen that way, Nadja?" the young princess asked her nanny. "And what happened with Rami? Why did he never come back? Is he still out there somewhere? Did the army of Atalaya take over Mansour's kingdom?"

"As long as there are questions, there are always more tales, little one," Nadja said, pulling up the sheets and giving her a kiss on the forehead. "But not when it's time for bed." She stood and took the candle with her to the doorway.

"Tomorrow night, then?" asked Iyala, the thrill of the adventure wearing off, leaving her drowsy, after all.

"Tomorrow night," Nadja promised, and closed the door.

[banshee]

wow.....

blown away!!!

thanks heaps for doing the 'editing' zan :) Wld make it easier for me to post it up on the webpage too.

YAY! we are all done.. kudos to everyone and a great big thank you for participation, everyone did an awesome job! Pats on the back all around!!:D

woohoooo....

will let yall hv a breather first hehee and then we get to the next exercise MUAHAHHAHAAA

later days
lia etc

[cabralsoth]

TOTALLY AWESOME!!! i got goosebumps when rami had impaled himself... and once again when you made them the triangle... this couldnt have ended any better i think ... congratulations to everyone on an excellent job well done. everyone deserves a pat on the back for pulling this off so well. even right now i am trying to think of something else to say ... but i am just awestruck by the whole picture, with that i will say goodnight.

[banshee]

ok.. put it together. check it out :D

http://pjexercises.cuddlyfamily.com

comment away. I dont know if the subdomain works yet but it shld soon.

if not, try http://www.cuddlyfamily.com/exercises.htm

later days
lia etc

[xadrian]

Fan

freakin

tastic.

That's all I gotta say. Neat story guys. Way to go.

[banshee]

Scripting time.... :D


http://www.penciljack.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37514

go for it! u think I'd let you guys off the hook so easily? MUAHHAHAHHAHHAAA

later days
lia etc

[Ben Christensen]

Just got a chance to read this, great finish!!! Very Princess Bride! :)

-Ben;onei;

[banshee]

Heres the script in progress..

http://www.penciljack.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37667

someone volunteer already... LOL

later days
lia etc