Ashlion takes his time, not letting the light dazzle him. Slowly he enters into the bright arch of the entrance, looking around.
He sees some of the same setup as the smaller, outer buildings. Water has filled half of the old temple, rising up the walls. Around the new level, wooden planks have built a boardwalk but this one is much bigger and finer, with an area big enough to be a village square. A set of docks is close at hand, where sevral of the bandit's small ships are tied up.
The ancient magical lights at the top are glowing brightly in this temple, shifting shades of green and blue. Ashlion can see a few faces ont he docks and along the outer wooden walks watching him, but no one moves.
Ashlion is standing on the edge of the wooden platform that makes up the floor. All around, sitting on crates, standing at attention, are bandits of various types, most armed, some not.
Off to the side, on a raised platform, sitting in an ancient dragon shaped throne, is Lady Devilka. She doesn't appear hurt or scared, but instead rather angry. Ashlion sees no restraints, but a burly bandit is standing next to her, spear in hand.
Directly across from Ashlion, dressed in a new, bright white set of clothes is the pirate leader. Raju Subramani bows to Ashlion, as if greeting the mindblade at a feast. At his side is an old bent undine, carrying a heavy stone plate or some type.
"Greetings, glad you could join us."
On the ground between them a white circle is chalked on the rough boards.
Ashlion can detect magic on Raj, the old undine and some very old signs on the very stone itself. The old plate seems like a...black hole. His spell doesn't tell him it is magical but it seems to suck it in....
Raju Subramani smiles, "Perhaps. I shall keep that in mind."
Then a pause, 'Accept this gift then. Instead of ordering my men to kill you here and now for you attacking us, I offer you a fair fight. A contest of both skill and will." he waves a hand at the white circle.
'I assume you have dueled before?"
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"On occasion. I don't recall that I attacked you though." Ashlion responds, thinking back to the assault on the manor house, the last time he attacked someone, and in a most unsportsmanlike fashion. The memory makes his lips curl up, revealing the now thoroughly wicked grin he sports, thanks to the constant growth of his curved, draconic incisors. "What rules do you propose? And what are the stakes?"
Ashlion detects a transmutation and a conjuration aura on the Vudran pirate.
"Well, you did invade our home without invitation," he says, sweeping a hand to the temple. 'A temple is not a place to be violated so easily."
"The rules are simple and of old. A combat to surrender, or death." The handsome man smiles, 'Whichever comes first."
He points to the white outline, "Both of us have to stay within in the circle and have no assistance. And of course, no magical spells or abilities." He turns and bows to the old Undine, 'This device was once used to regulate such contests when this land was filled with an older, grander people. Assuming you agree, it will strip all magic from the circle and ourselves for the duration of the combat."
'And the stakes? Why the fair hand of the Lady, of course." Lady Devilka rolls her eyes from her throne, but her face seems to flush slightly, breath quicken. "What else would suffice?"
Subramani bows, "Excellent. I see you are a man of some quality. I am honored to do combat with you."
The old undine, blue-green skin mottled with brown mud colored splotches, walks carefully toward the center of the chalked circle. He holds the stone afloat, murmuring some prayer older then the hills. Ashlion can hear old power in those syllables, an ancient voice calling to him...
The old shaman stops. Raj steps forward face serious, almost solemn. Is it just a trick of the eye or does the pirate seem to be limping slightly?
He stands by the stone and inclines his head to Ashlion, "We touch at the same time, as tradition dictates."
Together both pirate and mindblade touch the stone. Under Ashlion's fingers it feels old, rough. Then, without warning it feels freezing cold. It takes all of his will to keep it there and he watches Raj grimaces too, obviously feeling the same.
The cold seeps up his arm and fills his whole body. The constant link to magic, such a part of his life seems to fade, chill and vanish. At Raj's nod they both remove their hands, and the cold fades, but Ashlion can still feel an icy knot in his chest.
'When the battle ends, the magic will be returned instantly." The pirate says then takes a place at the far end of the circle. After waving for Ashlion to do the same-
Raj bows and says, 'Begin!"
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Ashlion takes advantage of Raj bowing to summon his weapon, not wanting to waste a second. Into his hands forms a long blue halberd, with an enlarged hook opposite the axe blade. (Horsechopper)
Ashlion steps forward a pace or so, well aware of what happened last time he dueled near the edge of something. He avoids charging though, preferring to set himself to receive his opponents charge.
The pirate's quick eyes watch Ashlion step forward and the mindblade can see the tiny muscle movements that indicate him tensing. Then confusion as Ashlion doesn't attack.
"Scared?" Raj says, smiling, sword hanging low, at ease."You swam all this way to be a coward? How disappointing." Despite his brave words though, Ashlion can see the man raise his sword into a defensive position.
The pirate takes a step back, keeping the distance the same between them. Then he lowers the blade, waving it back and forth, weaving his whole body.
The crowd whistles, knowing their boss. He starts slow, but his swordsmanship is a point of local pride. With a flourish he bows to the crowd.
They cheer and he bows again, openly grinning now. He spins the sword in his hand, a flash of silver light.
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Ashlion tries to take advantage of the mans bow, stepping up again and swiping at the leg that Subramani seemed to be favouring earlier, hoping to place the pirate lord unceremoniously on his arse, expending a brief flash of power to give his blow extra speed and strength.
Ashlion grins ferociously to the crowd. "How do you like that?"
Ashlion's shining blue weapon moves with a blur and he sweeps the elegant pirate lord off his feet. The mindlade can see Raj's teeth jar together, hitting the rough wooden planks.
The gathered bandits seem unimpressed by Ashlion's trip and silence greets his shout.
Raj looks less then pleased as well, being prone and out of range with his own weapon. Ashlion can see a look of respect cross the man's face and he says, 'You chose your weapon well...'
The pirate scrambles forward, crawling toward Ashlion. Ashlion reacts, attacking Raj's exposed back.
The wound slices through the shining white robes, making a broad bloody stripe across the pirate's back.
The crowd looks shocked that Raj is hurt but that doesn't seem to sway them towards Ashlion.
Raj grunts but otherwise ignores the attack, focusing on his own blade.
Like a snake striking from the grass, the pirate dancing blade hits Ashlion from below. With long-trained skill he knocks the blue horsechopper from Ashlion's grip. Not only that the blade slides along Ashlion's arm, biting into him.
The crowd is worried at Raj's stumble and don't even reply to his skillful disarming.
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The gash on his arm was not what he wanted, but Ashlion couldn't help but grin as the pirate lord puts himself right where the mindblade wanted him. The feral glee becomes more pronounced as his jaw grows, forming a mighty draconic maw and claws sprout from his fingers. Not bothering to resummon his weapon, which vanished the moment Raj forced it from his grip, Ashlion attacks with the ferocity and power of his ancestors.
Ashlion can feel his body become more draconian and powerful. In his ears sings the power of the dragons as well as the ecstasies of Lisk. His attacks do not do as well as he hopes however.
Raj nimbly uses his blade to blow Ahslion's gnashing jaws, beating back the newly formed teeth. One claw misses while the other rakes the swordsman's upper arm.
The man stands up, dodging Ashlion's snapping jaws and claws, a poet with a blade.
The man goes on the attack himself, his blade finding a hole in Ahslion's defense but the cut does little real damage.
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Forcing his draconic side down Ashlion steps backwards, retreating carefully out of Raj's sword range. As he does so another electric blue polearm forms in his hands, this one with a long central point and curving crescent blades at the base of the spike.
Grinning at pirate lord Ashlion glances down at the nick in his mail shirt. "Barely a scratch..."
(not sure how this works so here's a roll and you can use it correctly :) )
Ashlion retreats tot he edge of the chalked circle, light on his feet. In his hands a bright blue ranseur appears, gleaming int he dim magical light.
Raj looks at it, face wary. The mindblade can see the duelist is dripping blood from some wound and is limping slightly, although he hides it well.
The pirate lord turns to the old undine,"[/b] Does your stone still work, old friend. The claws seems somethign extra.."[/b]
The old shaman shakes his head, 'No, my lord. He fights with the old magics. Long has it been since I have seen them, but they are stronger things in this land then even my people. It is allowed, under the old laws."
Raj winces and moves up to Ashlion, staying out range of the longer weapon. . "So this is the dance you prefer?"
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"If a man threatens you with a bowshot from one mile, would you not put two between him and yourself?" Ashlion replies, employing one of his old teacher's most annoying methods - answering a question with a question. Despite saying that he takes a long sliding step forward and strikes at Raj's blade - hoping to return the favour the pirate captain dealt him.
Ashlion moves forward, hands a blur as he wields the ranseur. Calling on magical aid he twirls the blade and it catches the duelist's blade. With a jerk he knocks it to the ground, jarring the pirate.
Without thinking Raj dives to retrieve his blade, years of practice overriding his sense of caution. Ashlion makes him pay dearly for his choice.
Ashlion nearly skewers Raj to the wooden floor, the point driving deep into the man's side. Blood gushes out and the man twists in pain, hand on the pommel of his sword. He gasps, and stares up with unbridled hate at Ashlion. The blade withdraws and a new font of blood pours out of the fallen man. Lying there, gasping in pain his hand clenches the pommel of his sword until his knuckles are white.
But finally he grinds out, between clenched teeth, 'I surrender."
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"Well don't just stand there!" Ashlion bellows, "Someone heal your captain!"
Ignoring everything else, and pointedly not letting his ranseur dissipate, he strides across the arena to offer Lady Devilka a hand.
Lisk, go and tell the others it is safe. Have them bring the boat so we can get the hell out of here!
A moment of silence lasts until Ashlion strides out of the circle toward Lady Devilka. As he walks, he fills his magic seep back into him, warm and strong. That icy knot in his chest melts and disappears.
Lisk flies off, carrying his news.
The Lady, still sitting in her chair gives Ashlion a small, knowing smile, "Oh, my hero." She says, effecting a breathy voice.
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"Our escort will arrive soon my lady." Ashlion replies, sketching a short bow. "We should return to the ship with all possible swiftness." So that Raj can't change his mind. he adds internally, not keen on staying here any longer than he has to, even with the comforting glow of his magic thrumming through his blood again.
The Lady then laughs, 'Oh, you are the proper one, aren't you? Just a day on the job for you then, winning duels and saving damsels in distress?" she seems quite amused with it all.
Meanwhile Raj is standing up, his shaman at his side whispering urgently. The mindblade can see a flash of healing magic as the tearing wound in the pirate's side is partially healed.
The rest of the pirates still circle around, making it an awkward peace.
Finally Lisk returns, leading Vin and Hansh rowing the boat up the rickety docks.
'Our escort?" Delvkia says, raising a well-lined eyebrow at the dirty, damaged and bloody boat.
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"Unless you'd prefer to swim?" Ashlion asks, one eyebrow raised. "These people were loyal enough to risk their own lives to save yours. That is a rare thing." After handing Delvkia down into the boat Ashlion turns and waits to catch Raj's eye before bowing, a gesture of respect from one warrior to another.
"You are a honourable warrior Raj Subramani. I hope we can meet again one day with no cause for conflict. Fortune on your future 'expeditions', as long as they do not run contrary to my own of course!" Ashlion finishes with a toothy grin, his respect for the man as a warrior is unfeigned, even if his methods of provoking a conflict sit uneasily with Ashlion's personal honour.
He hopes lightly into the boat and watches carefully as they leave - alert for any last second tricks.
The Lady merely sniffs and follows him down to the boat. Sitting in the rear, she is the picture of noble pompousness, beautiful but petty. Still, Ashlion can't help but notice a fine figure under her expensive (and un-harmed clothes). Hansh, the servant girl, hovers over her Mistress, obviously happy to be re-united.
Turning the mindblade bows to Raj.
The still woudned pirate glowers for a moment then returns the gesture. "You fought well, son of the dragons. I will not hinder you, I gave you my word. You bested me in combat, which my shaman assures me was fought fairly by the old laws." After a pause, he adds, "I think we will meet again, you and I. Guard yourself, I wish to fight you when you are in one piece."
The little boat leaves the old temple without affair, and the pirates watch silently. Not until they are among the old, dead trees does he relax.
Then the water starts to churn near the prow. Memories of the massive crocodile fill his mind, but the figure that breaks the surface is far smaller. It is the old undine shaman, the one who guided the duel. Scum and algae hang from his moss-green hair, somehow adding and not detracting from his solemn dignity.
"You have old powers in you, my friend." he says, his voice thick and watery, "I simply come to tell you, that such things can be dangerous. Your footstep is heavy upon the world."
The old man shakes his head, water rippling, 'Much is lost. I am not like my ancestors, I only have heard echoes of rumors. Shadows and fog. I will say this though, although it is common enough. Humans are altering the balance in this land. As they grow and dominate, old scales are over turned...be wary in your dealings, son of the dragon. Much as changed since your ancestors roamed the land and yet....perhaps not as much as you think. Old roots live long..." he nods and dips below the water's surface.
'What was that about?" the Lady asks him, obviously curious and puzzled. 'I thought you were just a commoner, not someone of import?"
They soon get back to the ship and find the barge under heavy repair. Varini meets him at the water's edge, the stout ordred helping pull the small, damaged vessel in.
'What happen to it?" he says in mock anger, "Did you decide to ram the canyon walls and see what gave out first?"
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"It is as he said Lady Delvkia, shadows and fog. Nothing more." Ashlion chooses not to comment on the matter any more, if the Lady was not watching closely enough to see exactly what had happened during the duel then he had no interest in sating her curiosity. "My bloodline is a long one, that is all."
Seeing Varini brings Ash's first genuine smile for hours. "No, a crocodile tried to join us in it." He replies, grasping Varini's forearm in greeting. "We convinced it to wait for the next one, but Vin died fighting it off. He was brave and true to his cause."
All business Ashlion helps the lady out of the boat and turns back to Varini. "So, how can I help? I have magic that can aid us if need be."
The oread grabs Ashlion's arm back, grip as hard as stone. "We got her mostly back in order. Took all night but she is nearly ready to back int he river. We'll have to get her to Bandaramahla for real repairs. But she'll float."
The day passes quickly as the last repairs are hurried along, sailors working under Varini's watchful eyes. Ashlion helps here and there with minor magic and earns more respect. As night falls Hansh comes from the silken tent from where the Lady resides, the servant's face respecftulyl adverted.
'Thank you for saving my Mistress, warrior. It was a brave thing you did."
She pauses then says, "My Mistress wants to know if you will claim your 'reward' from her. She seems eager to thank you." The young woman glances up, mischief dancing in her eyes. "I think you know what she means."
The next morning the barge is pushing back into the Matwa River and the journey south resumes. The remaining guards give Ashlion a wide berth, obviously overawed by his skill so far. Varini however, keeps up a friendly patter over the next few days.
The land turns softer as they leave the rocky hills and canyons behind. Gentle rolling hills, covered with grass and a few trees glide past. The river is wide here and strong, pushing them along. The heat grows however and ever more humid. Lisk seems to enjoy the stifling heat, basking in the blazing sun.
Varini mentions they are approaching the jungle that makes up the heart of Vudra.
Ashlion's continues his magical experiments as they head downstream, the river slowly growing larger, wider, flatter. The current slows, becomes dotted with small islands, trees appearing on the banks. Rainstorms are more frequent, hints of the jungle storms to come.
Finally Varini tells Ashlion, "Today is the day, today we reach Bandaramahla. Have you ever been? No? Then you may enjoy this." The cryptic answer intrigues the mindblade and he keeps his eyes on the way ahead.
Finally, as the mid-afternoon sun blazes overhead, they come to a wide bend in the river, and going around, open to a wide vista. The ancient city of Bandaramahla lies before him.
The Matwa river is joined here by another, almost equally large one, and the city sprawls in three parts, divided by the two rivers becoming one.
Towers of stone, old walls, huge gray buildings loom above the slow flowing waters. Even at this distance Ashlion can see the age and old wealth of Bandaramahla, a city now fallen on hard times, long distant from ancient greatness.
Still, the waters are full of other boats, barges, ships and they must dodge other craft constantly. As they approach Ashlion can make out the differences in the three sections of the city, divided by water and not linked by bridges.
The northern section, the 'point' where the two rivers meet is passed first and Ashlion's skin crawls. The buildings are twisted here, as if put in a furnace of great heat. Walls town down into rubble, towers smashed, even the streets look melted, glassy. The damage looks very old but nearly beyond comprehension. As far as the mindblade is concerned, it looks abandoned.
The two sections look quite active. The east side looks smaller, poorer, more dilapidated, with shacks and huts pressed behind old towers, and smoke billowing out of ancient temples. Dirty and loud markets fill the streets and crowd old thoroughfares.
The west side is stately, with clean, white-washed buildings, gleaming domes, orderly and inspected docks. The crowds here are thinner, less raucous and obviously richer.
Varini comes up and says, "One side for humans, one side for the rest of the living and one side for the dead."
To the south, pass the city, the jungle presses, a dark mass of tangled vines and tree trunks.
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"Have you ever considered taking tours along the river Varini? So many sights I suspect you could get the wealthy to pay quite a lot for the privilege!" Ashlion looks back to the north bank, despite the chill in the air. "What happened there? It looks like the buildings actually melted and there's only one way I can think that that would have happened." Dragonfire The word hangs unspoken in the air for a moment before Ashlion changes the subject, in an attempt to lighten the mood.
"So, does Bandaramahla have any libraries or sages? A city this old must contain knowledge."
The bargeman shrugs, "I'm no historian, I don't know. I've heard tales down at the docks that it was a wizard gone mad or perhaps an army of fire elementals led by a crazed ififrt. Who knows?"
In his mind he can hear Lisk growl and says, It was us...I can feel it..
They slowly approach the human side of the city, moving between many other barges, some of which overshadow even the elegant splendor of their own.
To his question of libraries the oread smiles saying, "I'm not a learned man, Ashlion. Ask me were the taverns and brothels are and I can tell you but sages? I've never had a need. I'd imagine there are dusty men with dusty books somewhere."
They tie up at a stone dock, and the Lady come son deck, under a silk canopy to keep off the intense jungle hot sun.
The Lady looks at him, not with affection, or even lust, but utter confusion. 'Know your place, dragon-born." Scorn enters into her voice, "Aboardship you were a plaything but here? A servant and a boorish one at that."
With these cold words she walks off the ship and begins talking to a harried looking dock official.
Varini laughs, having been just close enough to hear her words. "Not the soft words you expected, Ashlion?"
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Ashlion shrugs, pride wounded more by the cackling he can hear in his head than the lady's actual words. "Varini, my friend. If we ever do anything like this again and I propose risking life and limb for a lady - punch me would you?"
Since he seems to be free of any other responsibilities Ash slings his pack on his shoulder and heads down the gangplank, waving goodbye to his friends on ship as he goes.
Once he makes some distance from the docks he politely accosts a passer-by and asks for directions to the library, or most notable place of learning in the city - offering a coin in gratitude.
Ashlion walks the busy streets. They are wide, cobbled with old dark stone, same as the buildings around him. Humans of all stations in life bustle past him, most ignoring the armed man.
The city is clean and well-kept but Ashlion can detect a vague sense of...thread bareness, of old glories not recaptured. Shuttered buildings, cracked paving stones, old signs with peeling paint. Bandaramahla is not the city it once was.
He asks a portly looking porter for directions. The heavyset man bows and gives directions in a soft, almost mushy accent far removed from Ashlion's own. 'You'll want Master Surya at the ranan Temple. They keep many books there.."
Ashlion finds himself outside a large round building, painted with bright blue paint. The massive mahogany doors stand open, the scent of paper drifting out, and the mindblade can see stacks of books inside. There are no signs of guards.
There is no answer to the man pokes his head in. The room is large, and gloomy. There are only a few windows high overhead, letting in streams of yellowish light. Books are stacked everywhere, piled on round shelves, heading skyward, circling ever around and around.
In the center of the floor is a round desk, where a small wizened man is busily scribbling something with a inked quill.