SIGNS ON THE WALL
So’May left the capital city of Porta, heading towards the mountains beyond, where the storm trail and lightning had been reported traveling after the great conflict with the dragon. Many had gathered to wish her prayers of protection before she left the walls of her home, her image a beacon for the common folk and soldiers. Father had also been there, making sure the young icon followed orders, his test of atonement now upon her shoulders, spurning her onward into the unfamiliar lands beyond. Her heart weighed heavy from all of the loss and failure she felt responsible for though she did not let it show, bolstering her spirit and setting her mind on the task at hand. Things would return to normal as long as she slayed that dragon, she could have Mother and Father’s praise once more and the people would be safe.
Her horse was a towering, white creature, adorned with gold and white armor. He carried a large load on his back, not including his rider, her rations and personal items enough for a weeks ride. If this was not enough, she was given a map of several cathedrals and outposts that would grant her replenishment and rest should she need, or a place to be heard by the Golden One. This was to be the furthest trip she has made in life and on her own, the thought of unknown dangers lost due to her training and mindset, her pride and righteousness would not allow her to fail. Following the dirt road eastward, passing through an outer settlement and gateway that lead into an old path within the mountains, a natural route existing long before humans ever settled this land, the blonde zealot began her quest.
She rode between the carved out walls, towering high above her, guiding her towards her destiny. Yet, she slowed after some time, easing her pace, her mind distracted and curious by the numerous wooden signs that were mounted along the path. At first, she thought they were merely guiding her, various markers for travelers, but she began to read the words, trying to comprehend what each one pertained to, scanning them multiple times. The largest and simplest one to understand was a warning about the bridge up ahead, it read “BEWARE: NO GUARDS ON DUTY.” The smaller ones were not official and some just plain gibberish but a few seemed pertinent to the large sign, two in particular. Left of the large sign, carved into a piece of red colored wood was the word “BANDITS.” This seemed natural since there was a lack of guards that ruffians would hang around a path where many traveled yet it surprised her that it was a blatant message and there were no guards posted in response. She thought hard on these two factors, her eyes falling to the only other piece she found important. Scrawled on a dark piece of weathered wood were the words “MURDERED MY FAMILY.” Reading it made her sick, disgusted by the kinds of fiends that would cause such misery to others for gain. Agitated, she rode on, steeling herself for the bridge that would soon be revealed.
It was not at all what she expected. Rounding the bend, she gazed upon a great opening on either side, an enormous waterfall spilling down the northern top while the opposite was a jagged surface, small shrubs and ivy clinging to it. She rode up to the large, sturdy bridge, and, seeing no one from there to the other side, she peered over its edge, looking to see where all of this water flowed. To her amazement, this whole thing was a cave opening, the water cascading down into a hidden river below, churning and splashing as the two met, filling the air with a cool mist. SInce the opening was larger than the narrow canyon she road, sunlight graced much of the area, allowing some fauna to grow, a few wild birds fluttering here and there as they built and tended nests suspended on the rocky face. She had not been riding for more than a few hours and she was enchanted by the natural wonders of the land, hopping down off of her horse and leading him along the wooden planks, captivated by the beauty around her.
“Excuse me, miss,” A man's voice said from behind, causing her to turn around quickly, certain no one was on the bridge when she approached. There was no one in front of her or on the bridge itself and none had followed her that she could tell, her gaze now looking the only place she had not checked. Above her, standing in the exposed and darkened rafters, hunkered ten human individuals, most of their faces concealed, blades and bows either in hand or visible. “We would like to borrow your horse,” The same voice said, resonating from a man with a sack over his head with eye holes cut out for him to see. “No,” So’May said firmly, tightening her hand on the reigns and pulling the beast along, moving away from their perch. She was not in battle garb since she had to summon it on command and it took great energy to maintain yet it was far stronger than anything that could be forged. She moved to gain some distance just in case they were adamant in their request. “We tried asking nicely!” He yelled, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and anger, turning to face the aggressors. A well placed arrow caught her off guard though, mainly because it was placed into the hind quarters of her horse, causing him to rear and cry, his thrashing lifting then kicking her in the commotion.
She was dazed, trying to keep her footing, staggering toward the edge of the bridge to get a grip, reeling from the kick she sustained to her shoulder. “Grab the horse and her gear!” The man commanded, a few dropping down while a few notched more arrows, watching the girl and horse with cruel amusement. “Do you have any idea who I am!?” So’May screamed at them, her vision now focused on the men approaching, each brandishing wicked daggers that looked plenty used. “It doesn’t matter who you are,” The closest man said, moving closer to her, readying his blade. “We just want your body and your stuff...once we have what we need we’ll just kill you.” His words cut before the knife, loosing her retribution, her mind horrified and enraged by their intentions. “I will show you who I am!” Her voice echoed through the chasm as a golden light blinded the men, confusing and stopping them in their tracks, all captivated by the radiant energy pouring off of the girl, watching as a glorious armor graced her body. A golden spear formed in her right hand, taller than she, etched with a celestial brilliance, burning the same holy fire that emanated from her eyes.
“KIll her and get the horse,” The original instigator yelled, notching an arrow and aiming at So’May, readying his shot. She hurled the spear faster than any of them could react, the shaft piercing the man, blowing a hole through the stern roof, knocking the men adjacent either down or into the chasm, their screams swallowed by the rampaging waters below. Summoning another spear, So’May impaled the man in front of her through the chest, tossing him aside with ease, charging the next man and cleaving his head off, his body fumbling to the ground at the sudden severance. A few more charged her while one jumped atop her horse and began to race away towards the other end of the bridge. He could hear the screams of the other men behind him but dared not look back, running the animal hard into the canyon beyond, bounding through the twists and turns, fleeing from the fury of that woman. Suddenly, the lone rider was pulled from the saddle and lifted into the air, carried by death on wings, come to punish him for his evil ways. Before he could speak a word of apology or mercy, she let go of him, watching as he fell down to the ground, down to his death, by her hands. As he fell, as did her tears.
She calmed her horse and tended to his wounds, using her gifts to heal, the reality of her actions sinking in. She had never killed a human before, only monsters, only the creatures that attacked and preyed on her people, those men now seeming no different. She had not been riding for more than a few hours and she was sickened by the land, having shed blood and witnessed evil behinnd the face of her own. Both the horse and her were rattled by the ordeal, So’May brushing the animals hair before mounting him, trying to comfort him and calm her own nerves, her focus returning to the quest.
They rode until they reached the next settlement, a town with an altar to the Golden One, a welcome sight to the distraught maiden. The settlement cheered for her arrival, excited to a visit from the Icon herself. She told them she was on a pilgrimage, spreading the light across the land, driving back the darkness and bringing peace. The community may have been at ease from her presence but she herself found little peace, her mind wandering back to the bodies on the bridge. She prayed that night, for forgiveness, for atonement, and for mercy...but her dreams offered no such respite.
So’May left the capital city of Porta, heading towards the mountains beyond, where the storm trail and lightning had been reported traveling after the great conflict with the dragon. Many had gathered to wish her prayers of protection before she left the walls of her home, her image a beacon for the common folk and soldiers. Father had also been there, making sure the young icon followed orders, his test of atonement now upon her shoulders, spurning her onward into the unfamiliar lands beyond. Her heart weighed heavy from all of the loss and failure she felt responsible for though she did not let it show, bolstering her spirit and setting her mind on the task at hand. Things would return to normal as long as she slayed that dragon, she could have Mother and Father’s praise once more and the people would be safe.
Her horse was a towering, white creature, adorned with gold and white armor. He carried a large load on his back, not including his rider, her rations and personal items enough for a weeks ride. If this was not enough, she was given a map of several cathedrals and outposts that would grant her replenishment and rest should she need, or a place to be heard by the Golden One. This was to be the furthest trip she has made in life and on her own, the thought of unknown dangers lost due to her training and mindset, her pride and righteousness would not allow her to fail. Following the dirt road eastward, passing through an outer settlement and gateway that lead into an old path within the mountains, a natural route existing long before humans ever settled this land, the blonde zealot began her quest.
She rode between the carved out walls, towering high above her, guiding her towards her destiny. Yet, she slowed after some time, easing her pace, her mind distracted and curious by the numerous wooden signs that were mounted along the path. At first, she thought they were merely guiding her, various markers for travelers, but she began to read the words, trying to comprehend what each one pertained to, scanning them multiple times. The largest and simplest one to understand was a warning about the bridge up ahead, it read “BEWARE: NO GUARDS ON DUTY.” The smaller ones were not official and some just plain gibberish but a few seemed pertinent to the large sign, two in particular. Left of the large sign, carved into a piece of red colored wood was the word “BANDITS.” This seemed natural since there was a lack of guards that ruffians would hang around a path where many traveled yet it surprised her that it was a blatant message and there were no guards posted in response. She thought hard on these two factors, her eyes falling to the only other piece she found important. Scrawled on a dark piece of weathered wood were the words “MURDERED MY FAMILY.” Reading it made her sick, disgusted by the kinds of fiends that would cause such misery to others for gain. Agitated, she rode on, steeling herself for the bridge that would soon be revealed.
It was not at all what she expected. Rounding the bend, she gazed upon a great opening on either side, an enormous waterfall spilling down the northern top while the opposite was a jagged surface, small shrubs and ivy clinging to it. She rode up to the large, sturdy bridge, and, seeing no one from there to the other side, she peered over its edge, looking to see where all of this water flowed. To her amazement, this whole thing was a cave opening, the water cascading down into a hidden river below, churning and splashing as the two met, filling the air with a cool mist. SInce the opening was larger than the narrow canyon she road, sunlight graced much of the area, allowing some fauna to grow, a few wild birds fluttering here and there as they built and tended nests suspended on the rocky face. She had not been riding for more than a few hours and she was enchanted by the natural wonders of the land, hopping down off of her horse and leading him along the wooden planks, captivated by the beauty around her.
“Excuse me, miss,” A man's voice said from behind, causing her to turn around quickly, certain no one was on the bridge when she approached. There was no one in front of her or on the bridge itself and none had followed her that she could tell, her gaze now looking the only place she had not checked. Above her, standing in the exposed and darkened rafters, hunkered ten human individuals, most of their faces concealed, blades and bows either in hand or visible. “We would like to borrow your horse,” The same voice said, resonating from a man with a sack over his head with eye holes cut out for him to see. “No,” So’May said firmly, tightening her hand on the reigns and pulling the beast along, moving away from their perch. She was not in battle garb since she had to summon it on command and it took great energy to maintain yet it was far stronger than anything that could be forged. She moved to gain some distance just in case they were adamant in their request. “We tried asking nicely!” He yelled, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and anger, turning to face the aggressors. A well placed arrow caught her off guard though, mainly because it was placed into the hind quarters of her horse, causing him to rear and cry, his thrashing lifting then kicking her in the commotion.
She was dazed, trying to keep her footing, staggering toward the edge of the bridge to get a grip, reeling from the kick she sustained to her shoulder. “Grab the horse and her gear!” The man commanded, a few dropping down while a few notched more arrows, watching the girl and horse with cruel amusement. “Do you have any idea who I am!?” So’May screamed at them, her vision now focused on the men approaching, each brandishing wicked daggers that looked plenty used. “It doesn’t matter who you are,” The closest man said, moving closer to her, readying his blade. “We just want your body and your stuff...once we have what we need we’ll just kill you.” His words cut before the knife, loosing her retribution, her mind horrified and enraged by their intentions. “I will show you who I am!” Her voice echoed through the chasm as a golden light blinded the men, confusing and stopping them in their tracks, all captivated by the radiant energy pouring off of the girl, watching as a glorious armor graced her body. A golden spear formed in her right hand, taller than she, etched with a celestial brilliance, burning the same holy fire that emanated from her eyes.
“KIll her and get the horse,” The original instigator yelled, notching an arrow and aiming at So’May, readying his shot. She hurled the spear faster than any of them could react, the shaft piercing the man, blowing a hole through the stern roof, knocking the men adjacent either down or into the chasm, their screams swallowed by the rampaging waters below. Summoning another spear, So’May impaled the man in front of her through the chest, tossing him aside with ease, charging the next man and cleaving his head off, his body fumbling to the ground at the sudden severance. A few more charged her while one jumped atop her horse and began to race away towards the other end of the bridge. He could hear the screams of the other men behind him but dared not look back, running the animal hard into the canyon beyond, bounding through the twists and turns, fleeing from the fury of that woman. Suddenly, the lone rider was pulled from the saddle and lifted into the air, carried by death on wings, come to punish him for his evil ways. Before he could speak a word of apology or mercy, she let go of him, watching as he fell down to the ground, down to his death, by her hands. As he fell, as did her tears.
She calmed her horse and tended to his wounds, using her gifts to heal, the reality of her actions sinking in. She had never killed a human before, only monsters, only the creatures that attacked and preyed on her people, those men now seeming no different. She had not been riding for more than a few hours and she was sickened by the land, having shed blood and witnessed evil behinnd the face of her own. Both the horse and her were rattled by the ordeal, So’May brushing the animals hair before mounting him, trying to comfort him and calm her own nerves, her focus returning to the quest.
They rode until they reached the next settlement, a town with an altar to the Golden One, a welcome sight to the distraught maiden. The settlement cheered for her arrival, excited to a visit from the Icon herself. She told them she was on a pilgrimage, spreading the light across the land, driving back the darkness and bringing peace. The community may have been at ease from her presence but she herself found little peace, her mind wandering back to the bodies on the bridge. She prayed that night, for forgiveness, for atonement, and for mercy...but her dreams offered no such respite.