So intent were they on the prey, the brigands didn't hear Keelor's approach.
"So what have we here? Four of you against one man, that hardly seems fair, now does it," Keelor chided.
Three of the brigands turned, one still keeping an eye on the ranger.
"Fercor, you keep the ranger busy. We will deal with these others," one of the brigands said.
"Ah," said Keelor, "three of you against the two of us, that hardly seems fair either...to you."

by Lisa Caitlin Grey

---

 
Ok, here it is, ladies and gentlemen...my second attempt at writing fiction. I don't feel that this story contains the same emotional depth of my previous story, but of course we are all our own worst critics, yes? It is significant to me as it is my first attempt at a completely original work. I guess I will rely on my readers to give me feedback on what they think. I don't plan to be a prolific writer as my muse is fickle. I am, however, ambitious enough to hope that when I do manage to complete a story, readers will say, "Oh goodie! Another Lisa Grey story."
 

 

 
Chapter 1
 
O++++{{=========>
 
 
Keelor walked through the idyllic wilderness, grief stricken. He had just left the village where he had grown up. It was decimated. The survivors had told of a new warlord of immense power that had come and laid waste to many of the villages in the surrounding area. He absently adjusted the hilt of his great bastard sword slung across his back, as if willing the evil warlord to appear before him that Keelor might cleave him limb from limb.

Keelor thought back to when last he had seen his homeland. He was but a lad, wide-eyed and innocent in the ways of the world. He had left his best friends, Anderpaul and Tesalynn to find his self in the world. He had invited his friends to accompany him, as they had had many great adventures in their youth, but the two had grown quite fond of each other and told him they were to be vow-tied in the spring. They wanted to settle down and make a family, not something that lends itself to the traveling life. They had persuaded Keelor to stay until after the ceremony.

Out in the world, Keelor had made a name for himself as a warrior. He had trained with many of the great masters, and had even learned to harness his energy, allowing him to perform seemingly superhuman feats. He was battle hardened and knew that few people could best him in combat. For all his strength, he was still kind hearted and just. If he had one fault, it was his confidence. It often crossed the line in to arrogance. He was in short a true hero.

His grief was compounded by the tale he had heard when he had asked of his friends left behind some ten cycles ago. He had been told about how when Anderpaul was out on the village supply run as a protector, ruffians had invaded the village. They had taken Tesalynn and killed their two children. They beat and raped Tesalynn, leaving her to die in the mud as they threw her into the street. The townsfolk had stood by paralyzed with fear and had done nothing.

When Anderpaul returned, he went insane with grief and rage. He had cursed them all and left the village and had not been heard from in five cycles.

Keelor visited the grave of Tesalynn and her children. He touched the sapphire power crystal that hung about his neck from a silver chain. It was a gift from her to him upon his leave taking. His other hand strayed to the dagger that Anderpaul had given him. He grieved for his friends and thought if he had only been here he could have prevented this.

So it was with righteous fury he set out to find this warlord. The man would feel the blade of justice, Keelor vowed.
 
 
Chapter 2
 
O++++{{=========>
 
 
Keelor was aware of them for quite some time. He had heard them approach though they thought they were being stealthy. They had sat and watched as he had eaten his meal and stretched out his six-foot heavily-muscled frame on his bed roll and began to sleep, or so they thought.

They had crept up on him, eyeing his belongings hungrily. There were three of them. One had drawn a dagger and began to move it toward Keelor's neck.

As he did so, his intended victim seemed to blur and disappear. At the same moment there was a crack and one of his companions fell to the ground lifeless, his head twisted around facing backwards. The other let out a gurgling noise as he clutched his throat, trying in vain to stem the lifeblood that suddenly began to pour from it.

"By the gods, another one like the Commander," the remaining brigand said.

Keelor paused, seeming to materialize in front of the brigand, the tip of the huge bastard sword resting at the top of his breastbone.

"Speak quickly and you may yet live," Keelor growled. "Who is this other like me? This Commander of which you speak?"

"Please, Mi'lord, spare me. Not much is known of the Commander. He showed up in our camp a fortnight ago. Just waltzed in and challenged our leader for control of the band. He was dressed in a hooded cloak, and we could discern not a feature of him. He defeated our leader without even seeming to move. Just sort of blurred and disappeared only to reappear a moment later in the same spot as our leader fell dead from an unseen cut so deep it nearly severed his head," the brigand said with a shuddering glance at his fallen comrade who had met a very similar end.

"Where can I find this Commander," Keelor demanded.

"Mi'lord, you follow the path about two leagues, until it forks. You take the left fork for about another three leagues. There you'll see the palisades of the Commander's camp."

"Very well, Ruffian. You've been cooperative, but I can't very well let you loose while I must sleep. Can I?" Keelor asked. The man grew visibly terrified at Keelor's words and began to tremble.

"Peace man. I won't kill you but I must bind you until morning."

Keelor suited actions to words, and soon the brigand was trussed firmly to a tree. Knowing the cutthroat was secure, Keelor settled in for some rest. Tomorrow he would meet this Commander character, and justice would be at hand.
 
 
Chapter 3
 
O++++{{=========>
 
 
Keelor awoke and made preparations to break camp. He then cut the brigand free and warned him that if he should ever cross Keelor's path again, it would not go well for him. The brigand ran like a scared rabbit.

The High Master warrior then set off. He had some distance to travel and he was quite eager to administer some justice to this evil one calling himself the Commander. The scum would pay for what he had done to the villages.

As Keelor approached the fork in the path the brigand had spoke of, he noticed a hooded figure in a dove grey cloak leaning on a plain wooden staff at the apex of the fork. The figure shifted as the warrior approached addressing Keelor.

"Ho, Keelor. What are you about? You wouldn't be looking for the Commander would you?"

Keelor was a bit taken aback at this greeting. "Who are you that knows my name and what business is it of yours what I am about."

The figure took down the hood, revealing an old man with close-cropped grey hair and a mustache. He peered at Keelor with piercing green eyes that looked far too young in such a weathered face. Keelor's own slate grey eyes peered right back at the old man with an equal intensity from under his own mane of sandy brown hair.

"I am the wizard Ashrod," the old man said. "It has been given to me the knowledge that you are the only one that can stop the evil one you seek. However, you are not yet ready for what you will face if you continue."

Keelor chuckled. "With respect to you and your art, old one, I am ready to face whatever lies before me."

"Indeed, you're one of the most skilled warriors in the land, but the evil one is, if not your very equal, your better," Ashrod said. "I see, however, that you won't be dissuaded from this course. You're very stubborn, Keelor. It'll serve you well...if it doesn't kill you first."

Keelor smiled at the mage. "You're correct, Ashrod. I will not be dissuaded. How can I stand by and allow these atrocities to continue? I must be going. I cannot tarry any longer. Well met, my friend."

"Well met, Keelor. Good fortune to you. You'll need it," the mage said cryptically.

The sun was high in the clear azure sky when Keelor approached the palisades of the Commanders encampment. The crisp autumn air had given way to the smell of wood smoke and the stench of decay and human refuse. Keelor could sense the evil emanating from the encampment. It was almost palpable. He had seen many such places in his life as a warrior.

Keelor made his way to the gate where he was promptly challenged by the guard.

"Hold traveler! You have no business here. Be gone or die," the guard said.

"I seek the Commander," Keelor stated.

"Ah. Then you are the one. We were told a warrior would be coming to see the Commander today. Very well. Go to the cabin in the center of the camp and meet your fate," the guard said, grinning a predatory grin.

Keelor wondered just how this Commander knew of his coming. The brigand he turned loose could not possibly have beaten him here. He would have heard the man's rough passage, and he had run the opposite direction. He shrugged this off. It was of no consequence. Justice was at hand. Keelor proceeded to the Commander's cabin, noticing as he did the men begin to follow him. Apparently expecting a show.

Keelor entered the courtyard of the cabin as a large crowd gathered, cutting off any retreat. That was fine. Keelor did not intend to retreat, though he could have cut through the men like a scythe through grass had he wanted. He spied a dark cloaked figure conversing with a group of men at the far end of the courtyard. The figure looked up as Keelor strode toward them. Turning toward Keelor the figure made a sweeping motion with a gloved hand, and the group around him dispersed.

"Ah Keelor. You have come at last," the man said in a strangely familiar gravelly voice. Keelor couldn't quite place where he had heard it before.

"I see you don't recognize me old friend. Perhaps this will help," The cloaked man took down his hood.

"Anderpaul," Keelor gasped. "Surely you're not the one responsible for all this mayhem committed in our land."

"I am indeed," Anderpaul confirmed. "I am the Commander you seek."

"Why, old friend? Why have you done this," Keelor asked, in shock.

"Because I can," Anderpaul stated simply. "Because I'll take from those cowardly fools what they have allowed to be taken from me. They will pay for their affronts."

"You're mad. Stop this. I beseech you. Don't let this travesty continue," Keelor pleaded with his friend.

"And if I don't," Anderpaul asked with an arched eyebrow.

"Then I must stop you. Justice will be served," Keelor stated simply, his demeanor hardening.

"So be it," Anderpaul said, doffing his cloak.

Keelor tossed his pack off to the side. He removed his sword and coat tossing the coat on the pack and drawing his bastard sword from its scabbard before depositing the scabbard on the coat and pack.

The two warriors squared off against one another, one with white hair, cruel midnight blue eyes and wearing dark scale armor, the other with sandy brown hair and intense slate grey eyes wearing bright chain mail armor. The dark warrior had produced a huge battle-axe seemingly of the air.

"Last chance, Keelor. Leave this place and don't return," Anderpaul offered.

"I can't. I must not allow this to continue," Keelor rejected.

With that Anderpaul seemed to blur and disappear. A moment later sparks flew from Keelor's sword as it blocked a blow that would have decapitated a man without his training. Then Keelor to seemed to blur and disappear. To most of the gathered crowd, the battle was only witnessed as sparks flying from blocked blows and counter blows.

For an hour and a half the warriors strove against one another, neither able to gain an advantage on the other. They were perfectly matched in skill and endurance. Finally, the warriors reappeared. They were both breathing heavily, gasping air. They were both bleeding from unfelt scratches that seemed to be all the damage they could do one another.

"You have great skill, old friend," Keelor observed.

"As do you, Keelor, but I grow weary of our sport. Let us end this now!"

Anderpaul began to blur again, and Keelor concentrated on him, ready to block the next strike. Too late, he heard the dart as it whistled faintly through the air and embedded itself in the back of his neck.

"Treachery," Keelor cried as his knees buckled. He fell to the ground, his muscles refusing to obey his commands.

As the world began to go black, he heard Anderpaul say, "Do not worry old friend you will recover...far from here, but you will recover. Do not return to this place, or next time I will have no choice but to kill you."

With that the world went black.
 
 
Chapter 4
 
O++++{{=========>
 
 
"Unngggg," Keelor groaned as he came to. His head hurt beyond all comprehension. He started to open his eyes but quickly changed his mind as the light spurred the pain to even more intensity threatening to cause him to go unconscious again.

"Master, he awakes," Keelor heard a female voice say.

"Peace, my friend, you're among friends," the female voice said addressing Keelor. A gentle hand was placed on his brow.

"Drink this," the female voice told him as a foul stench assaulted his nostrils. "It will make you feel better, though it won't taste very good."

Keelor took a sip of the fluid. As advertised, he gagged on it. The little he swallowed did, however, have an immediate effect on the pain in his head so he quaffed the rest down then fought down the urge to vomit it right back up. Soon the pain receded first to a manageable then to a non-existent level.

Keelor cautiously opened his eyes, fearing the pain might return. When it did not, he began to take in his surroundings. He was in a warm bedchamber. There was a fireplace with a cheery fire burning in it. The female voice he had heard belonged to a pretty young woman in a grey robe. Her hair was ash blond and her eyes were a delicious chocolate brown.

"Where am I," Keelor asked her.

"You have the honor to be a guest in my home," Ashrod said as he strode into the room.

"Ashrod! What happened how did I get here," Keelor asked. "The last thing I remember is being hit with that dart, launched by one of Anderpaul's henchmen. Such treachery. I would never have expected it from my old friend."

"That's why he beat you. His advantage lies in the fact that he is willing to use less than honorable methods when it suits him," Ashrod explained. "He is no longer the man you knew. He is now a Chosen of the Corruptor, Dagarot. Gods only know why he didn't kill you. He told his men to carry you to the river and cast you adrift on a raft, with all of your belongings if they wanted to live. You would have awakened far from here had I not persuaded them it would be far more healthy for them to give you to me."

"Dagarot! The god of corruption," exclaimed Keelor.

"Yes. Your friend's grief and anger were such that Dagarot was easily able to bring Anderpaul under his sway. Very soon he will go to become a Destroyer, one who is the Chosen of two or more gods, and is of Evil alignment. My guess is he will go to Alkor, god of mayhem. He will become unstoppable. Your only hope is to become a Guardian, the opposite of a Destroyer. I see you are a Chosen of Skyla now..." Ashrod was saying when Keelor interrupted him.

"No, my god is Kale," Keelor corrected.

"But you do not wear the diamond, the gem of Kale. You wear a sapphire, the gem of Skyla. Curious," wondered Ashrod.

"Where is my dagger," Keelor asked. The woman handed it to him from where it rested on the night table.

"See here, here is the gem of Kale," Keelor said, pointing to the diamond on the hilt of the dagger. "The sapphire was a gift from a friend many years ago."

"Ah, I see," said Ashrod. "But this could still be the answer we need. The fact that you were given the sapphire means that Skyla favors you. I think we should set out as soon as you regain your strength. We should go to Skyla's temple. I think that's our best hope. If you're favored by Skyla, perhaps she will be willing to confer guardian status on you."

So it was. Two days later Keelor found himself back on the road, in the company of Ashrod the mage, journeying to the temple of Skyla.
 
 
Chapter 5
 
O++++{{=========>
 
 
Keelor and Ashrod had been traveling for three days. The trip so far had been uneventful, so it didn't surprise Keelor in the least when they came upon the scene of a horrible battle. There were six bodies here. Five were Anderpaul's brigands. One appeared to be a cleric of Gianna. Only one of the brigands was killed by the cleric's mace. The other four had one arrow each protruding from their chests.

It was then they heard the scream of rage. Keelor was off like a shot towards the sound, Ashrod hard on his heels. They came on the scene and saw four more brigands standing facing a ranger. The ranger was the archer, but his bow was discarded to the side, and he had pulled his long sword. He had managed to kill one other brigand, and was holding the rest at bay. He was getting tired though. It was only a matter of time before the brigands over came him.

So intent were they on the prey, the brigands didn't hear Keelor's approach.

"So what have we here? Four of you against one man, that hardly seems fair, now does it," Keelor chided.

Three of the brigands turned, one still keeping an eye on the ranger.

"Fercor, you keep the ranger busy. We will deal with these others," one of the brigands said.

"Ah," said Keelor, "three of you against the two of us, that hardly seems fair either...to you."

"Yer smart mouth won't be so lively once we slit your throat, fool," the brigand said. The three of them charged Keelor and Ashrod.

The first to reach Keelor was unable to stop in time to avoid charging down the length of Keelor's sword that seemed to appear out of the air just before penetrating the brigand's chest. The muscles of Keelor's arms bunched as they overcame the resistance of his sword passing though the brigand's leather armor and penetrating his chest. His momentum carried him nearly to the crossbar of Keelor's sword. The brigand looked down in surprise at the steel disappearing into his chest, and died.

Keelor dropped to a squat, ducking the second brigand's blow, causing him to over balance and charge right past Keelor. Keelor then pivoted and yanked his sword from the dead brigand's chest in one fluid movement, facing the second brigand as the man fought to stop his momentum.

The third had engaged Ashrod. Ashrod had side stepped his charge and connected smartly with his staff on the back of the brigand's head sending him sprawling. As the third Brigand got up, shaking his head to clear it, his compatriot lunged at Keelor.

Keelor casually defelected his blade and landed a resounding punch in the side of the brigand's head with his free hand.

"Surrender," Keelor growled.

"Never," the brigand cried lunging again.

He never saw Keelor's stroke. Such was the momentum of the huge bastard sword, that it cleanly severed the brigand's sword arm just below the shoulder before stopping several inches into his chest. Keelor withdrew his sword and the brigand hit the ground dying.

The third brigand saw this and looked at the two new comers.

"Fercor, you're on your own," he yelled and ran.

Fercor turned at the yell and the ranger, seeing the opening, cut him down.

"Thank you, my friends," said the ranger. "I'm the ranger Falcon. To whom do I have the honor of owing my life to?"

"I am the wizard Ashrod and this is the High Master Warrior, Keelor," Ashrod introduced.

"Well met my friends," Falcon said. "I owe you my life. May I travel with you, perhaps getting the opportunity to repay the debt?"

"Well met, Falcon. We journey to Stoneville to visit the temple of Skyla there. You're welcome to travel with us for as long as you wish," Keelor said with a smile.

A strange look passed across Ashrod's face ending with a mysterious knowing smile. When pressed about what it meant he would not say.
 
 
Chapter 6
 
O++++{{=========>
 
 
As they traveled, Keelor studied their newest companion. Falcon was a competent man with reddish brown hair and ice blue eyes. He was a few inches shorter than Keelor at 5'9" but he was lean and well muscled. He moved with the trademark grace of ranger and seemed to be very alert, with a sharp eye. He had a great disposition and laughed frequently as they talked.

Keelor decided the Falcon would be a good man to have at one's back when things got dicey. As for Ashrod, well, he seemed to accept Falcon as a friend that had been with him for years. When Keelor thought about it, he sensed rightness about the three of them being together.

They had stopped to camp one last time before they reached Stoneville. Falcon had hunted them up a couple of rabbits, and Keelor had found some wild potatoes, some onions and some herbs. Ashrod was cooking them up in a stew when Keelor and Falcon gave each other a meaningful look, and Falcon faded into the woods.

Minutes later a man wandered into their camp. He was a slight man with long blonde hair that he wore pulled back and tied. His attire was brightly colored and he had a mandolin slung across his back. He carried a short sword at his side and a sling attached to his belt. When he spoke it was in a melodious voice.

"Greetings, friends. Your stew smelled so divine and your fire looks warm and inviting," the man explained. "I was wondering if I might share your repast and company in return for a song or two?" The man gestured to his mandolin.

"Certainly you may, minstrel. Come join us," Ashrod said.

Keelor glanced sharply at Ashrod.

"Oh relax, Keelor. If the man intended us harm he wouldn't have just walked up and asked to join us," Ashrod chided with another of his mysterious smiles. "Tell me my friend, what is your name?"

"I am the bard Jarrith," the bard Jarrith proclaimed. "Perhaps you have heard of me?"

"Alas, my friend Jarrith, I don't get out much so I haven't had the pleasure," Ashrod said smoothly, adding, "Oh for pity sake Falcon, quit slinking about in the shadows and join us. We have already established the man means no harm."

Falcon seemed to materialize out of the shadows next to Jarrith, returning the arrow to its quiver, and rolling his eyes. Jarrith's face drained of color as he became aware of the ranger beside him.

"Well, friend Jarrith, I suppose I should make introductions," Ashrod said. "This slab of flesh with the massive sword is the High Master Warrior Keelor, and our stealthy friend there is the ranger Falcon. I am the Wizard Ashrod. Well met to you."

Jarrith regained his composure and clasped hands with each of them in turn before gracefully seating himself by the fire. As they waited for the stew to be ready, they talked. After eating and listening to Jarrith play a few songs, they grew silent getting ready for sleep. Jarrith broke the silence.

"So, my friends," he began, "you're all on a quest to stop this evil warlord Anderpaul, and you, Keelor, expect to become a Guardian." Keelor nodded. "It all sounds very romantic. Do you think I might tag along with you? I can see this might be a tale that needs telling. I am also handy with my blade and sling here, and will be willing to lend it to your cause if need be."

"I don't see where it would hurt," Falcon said. "How about it Keelor? Should we let him travel with us?"

"Very well," assented Keelor, "but understand, Jarrith, we are about serious and dangerous business here. Your life may be in jeopardy frequently."

"I understand, friend Keelor. I'm neither weak nor cowardly. I'll help out how ever I can," Jarrith said seriously.

With that they settled in for the night, leaving Falcon to take the first watch.
 
 
Chapter 7
 
O++++{{=========>
 
 
Ashrod, who had the last watch, awoke everyone with the smell of spiced potatoes cooking. They each in turn disappeared in the wood and took care of their business. The party ate quickly and broke camp. All of them were eager to reach Stoneville so they could have a tankard or two of ale, get cleaned up, and sleep in a warm soft bed for a change. They had all been traveling for the better part of a fortnight and the trail was wearing on them.

It was mid afternoon when they arrived in Stoneville and found the inn. By the time they had taken turns at the bath and sent their trail clothes out to be laundered, it was suppertime. They all met up in the inn's tavern and dined on steak, potatoes, and vegetables. They also had a rare treat, fresh bread with whipped sweet butter.

The party was basking in the afterglow of their meal. Keelor and Falcon seemed to be engaged in trying to drink each other under the table. Keelor seemed to have the upper hand. They didn't notice that someone was watching them.

Natalia was a girl that knew what she wanted most of the time. Right at the moment she was a bit drunk and she was eyeing the large man with the huge sword. The man was handsome but the nose that had been broken too many times prevented him from being termed beautiful. He was dressed in leather breeches and a loose white shirt. His huge sword was leaning on the table at his side. He had a dagger on his belt and a full purse there also.

Being a thief and a woman, she was having a bit of an uncharacteristic inner conflict. She could not decide which she wanted more, the man or the fat purse he carried. Finally she decided she could have both. She could seduce him and after he pleasured her and passed out, as most men do, she could make off with the purse. Something inside her said this was a bad idea, that this man was not one to be trifled with, but the drink caused that something to go unheard.

Natalia made her way through the crowded tavern, casually avoiding the wandering hands of the male patrons, and gracefully sat down in the man's lap. She leaned down and whispered in his ear, asking him if he would like to dance.

Keelor didn't know what to make of the beautiful woman that sat down so unexpectedly in his lap, but it had been a while since he had danced with a woman so he assented. She stood taking his hand as he got up.

"I'm sorry my friends, but I can't refuse the lady's request," Keelor said to his companions with a wink, and allowed himself be led to the open area in the room in front of the musicians where other couples were dancing. He didn't notice the mysterious grin once again on Ashrod's face. He was too busy looking at the girl in front of him. She had naturally curly dark chestnut colored hair pulled back into a bushy ponytail. She wore a tight one-piece black leather outfit that laced up each side, leaving a fascinating strip of exposed skin crisscrossed with the leather bindings of the outfit. Her moderate breasts were squeezed into a devastating display of cleavage. Her head barely came up to his chin he noticed as she turned to him and they began to dance.

Keelor was surprisingly light on his feet considering the amount of ale he had consumed. As they danced, they introduced themselves. They danced for a couple of songs until they became too warm then returned to the table, Natalia once again sitting in Keelor's lap.

Keelor introduced Natalia to the others and they all talked companionably for a while. Ashrod made a production of yawning and stretching before he stood.

"Remember we go to the temple tomorrow," he cautioned. "Don't stay up too late." With that, Ashrod headed up to his room. Keelor wasn't sure, but he could have sworn the old man winked at him before taking his leave.

Once again, Natalia leaned down and whispered in Keelor's ear.

"I hope you don't think me too forward, but I would love to share your bed tonight," she said seductively, nibbling playfully at his ear.

"Not at all. I would like that," Keelor smiled.

"Well, gentlemen," Keelor said to his companions, "Ashrod is right. The morrow comes swiftly, and we should get some rest."

He stood Natalia up and then stood his self, collecting his sword. Keelor headed for his room with Natalia hot on his heels. When they reached the stairs, she looked over her shoulder and gave a little wave to Falcon and Jarrith. The two looked at each other with knowing eyes, and burst out laughing.

"Let us go, my friend. My bed is calling to me as well," Falcon laughed. The two drunken men stood unsteadily and helped each other up the stairs before each retired to his own rooms.
 
 
Chapter 8
 
O++++{{=========>
 
 
Natalia lay next to Keelor as he, as predicted, dozed. Her head rested on his shoulder and her lithe athletic body was pressed up against his. She was basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking. He had taken her to highs of pleasure and passion she hadn't achieved with a man before. She was debating with herself again. Should she stay here and snuggle with him a little while longer or should she take his purse and make good her escape? She reached out and caressed the purse where it sat on the night table.

"That would not be a good idea at all," Keelor said.

To her credit she didn't jump or snatch her hand back guiltily. She just slowly moved her hand back to his chest and began lightly teasing the hair with her fingers.

"I thought you were asleep," she said softly.

"I sleep very lightly were my purse is concerned," he said with a chuckle.

"So why are you all going to the temple," she asked changing the subject.

Keelor told her of their quest, about how he must become a Guardian to stop his old friend from enslaving the region and causing so much suffering. He told her how it was originally just Ashrod and himself, and about how his party had grown.

"That is serious stuff," Natalia commented.

"Umm hmm," he confirmed.

"Hey," she said sitting up suddenly, "do you think I could join your quest?"

"What, so I will have to constantly worry about my purse," he laughed.

"Hey," she said reaching down and playfully pinching his side, starting a gentle tussle until the person in the neighboring room pounded on the wall.

"Seriously though, I am a trained fighter as well as being experienced at opening locks and locating traps. What do you say? I promise your purse will be safe," she expectantly.

"Besides, there are certain fringe benefits to having me around," she said running her hands down her chest, cupping her breasts after he didn't say anything.

"Ok, ok, no need to break out the heavy weapons," Keelor said laughing at his own joke while she looked at him darkly before breaking into a huge grin herself.

"Great," she enthused, "you won't be sorry."

"Come on let's get some rest," Keelor said.

She snuggled back up to him, and they both drifted off to sleep smiling.
 
 
Chapter 9
 
O++++{{=========>
 
 
The next morning as the companions gathered for breakfast, Keelor told them of their new addition. Everyone warmly welcomed Natalia to the party. Natalia actually blushed at being so well received. She was sitting close to Keelor holding his hand, having expected there to be more resistance to her joining the group.

"You two must have had fun last night," Falcon commented smiling.

"Only one left," Ashrod said cryptically.

"Ok, old man, talk. You keep getting these curious smiles every time someone joins the party, then, infuriatingly, I might add, you refuse to tell anyone why. I want explanations," Keelor demanded.

"Very well," Ashrod said holding up his hands in surrender. "The divination I cast said there was to be six party members. A warrior, a mage, a ranger, a bard, a thief, and a cleric. I suspect we will be collecting the cleric later today. There is one perplexing bit though. While the divination spell has proved accurate in all other respects, it did say there was to be three men and three women. According to my count, even if our cleric turns out to be female, we are slightly behind in the count."

"Well men," Jarrith said jokingly, "that must mean one of us is gonna get turned into a female."

The men all looked at each other uncomfortably until Falcon said, "I sure hope it's not Ash. He'd make a hideous woman."

The table dissolved in laughter.

"Come. We must be going," prodded Ashrod. "There is no telling how long this will take."

It was a two-hour walk from the inn but the sun was still low in the sky when they arrived at the temple. They entered the temple and were confronted by a statue of Skyla standing in the center of a large round room. The companions marveled at the statue, because it seemed that no matter where you were in the room, Skyla always faced you.

An old priest took notice of the group as they walked around the room gaping in awe at the statue. He got up gingerly from his knees where he had finished his praying, and made his way to the party.

"Welcome to the temple of Skyla, friends," he said congenially. "May I assist you?"

"I have come to be made a Chosen of Skyla, should she deem me worthy," Keelor told the priest.

"But you already wear the gem of a chosen of Skyla," the priest said eyeing him suspiciously.

"Indeed I do, but..." Keelor explained how he came by the sapphire pendant.

"You wish to become a Guardian?" the priest gasped in question.

"He must to fulfill his destiny," Ashrod said.

"Guardians have not walked the land for a hundred years," the priest said in amazement. "Wait right here. I must talk to the high priestess."

Soon the old priest returned followed by an elderly woman, obviously the high priestess. She was remarkably well preserved and must have been a raving beauty in her day.

"Sarl has told me what you wish. Understand this though; you will be submitting yourself to Skyla for Her approval. If She does not approve, She could do anything. As little as nothing could happen or She could strike you down in a horrific fashion. Since you are submitting yourself to Her of your own volition, Kale will not be able to assist you directly. It is all dependant on what sort of relations the two of Them have at the moment," the high priestess explained.

"I understand," Keelor said.

"And you still wish to do it?" the high priest asked.

"Absolutely," Keelor confirmed.

"So be it," the high priestess said. "The ceremony will be at sunset tonight. You must meditate until then. This is Talynnda. She will instruct you on how the ceremony will go, and guide you in your meditations." A young cleric approached at the high priestess's signal while she was speaking.

"Please come with me," the girl called Talynnda said. "Sarl will see to your companions."

Talynnda lead Keelor off to a side chamber down a short hallway off the statue room. She gave him a plain white robe and told him to remove all his clothing and put the robe on. He did as instructed piling his clothes and weapons neatly on the floor by the wall. He then went over to where Talynnda was kneeling on a cushion and she gestured to a matching one directly before her. Keelor knelt down on the cushion, facing Talynnda.

"When we enter the judgment chamber, the high priestess will ask High Master Warrior Keelor to step forward. You will step forward onto a raised dais. There you will find two pedestals on which there will be two bowls containing sapphires. These are the sapphires of judgment. Do you understand so far," Talynnda asked.

Keelor nodded and she continued, "The high priestess will then ask your purpose. You will say you are here to be judged by Skyla. The high priestess will then instruct you to remove the robe and step between the bowls. She will then tell you to place your hands on the sapphires of judgment. You will place one hand in each bowl. Then the high priestess will turn and approach the altar. There she will await the sound of the first bell. This bell indicates that the sun has touched the horizon. She will then pray to Skyla asking her to judge you. At this point anything can happen, but remember you must keep your hands on the sapphires at all times. We will wait until we hear the second bell, indicating the sun has dropped below the horizon. If this bell rings and nothing has happened Skyla has found you unworthy and has decided to ignore you, which I suppose, is better than being struck down. Do you understand what you must do?"

Keelor again nodded.

"Are you familiar with meditation?" She asked him.

"I am," Keelor said.

"Then we must meditate together until it's time for us to go to the Chamber of Judgment," Talynnda told him.

They both dropped into meditation.

Some hours later, they were roused by a priest, telling them if was almost time. Keelor stood in one graceful movement, as did Talynnda. He became aware of his need to empty his bladder and said so. He was directed to the chamber pot, and he promptly used it.

Feeling much relieved, Keelor was led by Talynnda to the Chamber of Judgment. Once there he saw all his companions standing off to the side as well as a handful of clerics that had come to observe the event. As soon as Keelor arrived, the high priestess took her place on the dais.

The ceremony went exactly as he was instructed and soon he was standing naked with his hands stretched out to the sides, each in a bowl of sapphires. He didn't wait for long before hearing the first of the bells. He would never hear the second one.

The high priestess completed her prayer. At first nothing seemed to happen, but then the sapphires in the blows began to glow, steadily increasing in intensity. The spectators saw Keelor throw his head back. Then they heard him begin to scream. It was a horrifying, lung ripping scream that seemed to rise in pitch, as the light grew more intense. Soon the light was too bright to look at and everyone had to look away. As the scream seemed to reach an impossibly high pitch it stopped and the light slowly faded. Everyone looked back toward the dais just in time to see a figure slump to the ground.

The companions rushed to the dais. The high priestess had gotten there first and rolled the prone figure over just as the companions arrived. As they stood there with their mouths agape in dismay, the high priestess addressed the room.

"High Master Keelor has been judged!" she said in a booming voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we have a new Guardian. He has been found worthy! Praise be to Skyla!"

"Praise be," the clerics intoned as the companions looked from Keelor's prone form to each other in horror.
 
O++++{{=========>
 
 
Beautiful Justice will be continued in part 2 when Keelor finds out just what it cost him to become a Guardian. --LCG
 
I would like to thank those that helped me with the proofing and structure of the story. I would also love to hear any and all constructive feedback. --LCG