Post by Terrasphere on Feb 25, 2003 4:32:44 GMT
Does anyone know how many characters can fit on a single post? 
Ch. 2: Old Friend
The journey to Camlon would take a day and a half, as it was dozens of miles from Drogen, but Ryu was in no hurry. The Grand Tournament was not for four days, allowing him to leisurely explore the countryside and hone his fighting abilities by defeating any stray monsters that might approach him.
Gray clouds littered the sky throughout the day, and the gloomy atmosphere caused Ryu to sulk even more about the loss of his sister. As the day advanced, Ryu passed by several quaint little brooks and meadows. Soon, night fell, along with a light drizzle. Ryu came to a small ring of trees and stopped under a large oak, setting his equipment and supplies against its trunk. Folding his cloak inside his shield, he rested his head against it like a pillow. With the smooth melody of the falling rain in the background, he drifted off into a soft slumber.
Strangely, he awoke to find himself in a massive temple, one larger than any of the Dragon Shrines he had ever visited when acquiring his dragon powers. Perplexed because his head no longer lied against his cloak and shield but against a real pillow, Ryu quickly jumped up when he saw a shadowy figure enter through a doorway thirty or so feet to his right. Scrambling to find his sword, he realized his equipment no longer lay next to him. Suddenly, Ryu’s skin became scaly and massive wings sprouted from his shoulder blades. Poised to attack, Ryu’s secondary defensive technique had been initiated.
“Settle down Ryu. You know me,” the shadow spoke with a feminine voice.
Reverting back to his human form, Ryu inquired incredulously, “Who are you?”
“I am…a friend,” the silhouette responded. “I am meeting with you now to warn you about a new threat. This threat is perhaps even more powerful than Jade and Tyr…and it has been growing for the past year.”
“More powerful? But that cannot be possible. Who is this threat?”
As the figure began to divulge the new evil’s identity, a second figure came out from the same doorway. With blinding speed, he pierced the first figure’s heart. Dropping to its knees, the first figure warned Ryu to run before falling to the marble floor.
“No!” exclaimed Ryu, both out of wonder and fear. Ryu again transformed into the dragon to fight this mysterious shape. Unfortunately, there was a sharp motion of the hands toward the figure’s lips, and a strange but familiar tune filled the air. Ryu suddenly felt weak, and struggling to keep conscious, he passed out due to overwhelming pain.
Ryu found himself once again leaning against the tree, with his head against his cloak. The rain had stopped, and fresh dew and a clean scent filled the surrounding area. Believing what had happened to be only a bad dream, Ryu turned around to check if his equipment was there. Indeed, he found almost all of his equipment.
“Whaaa—ttt?” he screamed. “Where is my sword? What has happened to my sword?” Searching around the glade for a few minutes, the investigation was fruitless. Disappointed and angry, Ryu again resumed his trek to Camlon.
A few hours later, Ryu arrived at the front gate of Camlon Castle. “State your name and purpose, foreigner,” a sentry said indifferently.
“I am Ryu, an old friend of his highness King Fordan. I’ve come to compete in the Grand Tournament.”
“Ryu? It is you! Forgive me. I am rather tired and could not see clearly. It is a great honor to meet a warrior of your caliber. Of course you may proceed,” an older sentry said. Pulling a lever, the gears started turning and the wooden gate ascended. Entering the town and reading the numerous signs in the streets of Camlon, Ryu discovered that one could enter the Grand Tournament by signing up in the town square, and that the festivities began the next day. Ryu considered himself lucky he came a day early, for he had believed the tournament was still a few days away.
It was still there. Ryu felt embarrassed to see such a thing, for he believed he did not deserve it. He only did what he thought was best. The shining statue of Ryu stood in the center of the square, with all its majestic beauty and craftsmanship. The booth stood to the southeast corner of the square. As Ryu stood there, amazed at the statue, the townspeople stood there, amazed by him.
“Look, the hero who defeated Tyr!” yelled one person.
“I did not do it on my own, my friend,” said Ryu, with sincerity. “My companions helped me in my quest. Without their support, I would never even have had the courage to face her. Save your appreciation for my friends. They are the true heroes.”
“But—,” continued the townsperson.
But he was interrupted. Ryu suddenly pointed at the sky with a frightened look on his face.
“Look! A diversion!” Ryu screamed. Startled by Ryu’s violent movement, the crowd glanced up and then back at Ryu, who had quickly vanished. The people roared with laughter as they saw Ryu running speedily towards the booth, after which they went back to their own business.
“I’m here to sign up,” said Ryu.
First looking at him with disappointment, the man then realized that Ryu did not know he needed to show an invitation. “Invitation please.”
“I don’t have one. Gorle, our town elder, explained to me that he had received a letter addressed to me with Camlon’s royal crest, but when he searched for it, he couldn’t find it. Maybe my name will vouch for me. I am Ryu.”
“I know who you are, but that does not excuse the fact that you need an invitation to enter this tournament. Go take it up with the king if you want to enter bad enough, but I will not permit it without his approval.”
“As you wish.” As soon as these words passed his lips, Ryu started his trip to the castle. Because of his vast fame as a warrior, the guards were very gracious and escorted him directly to Peridon, the king’s most trusted servant and friend. Peridon bowed to him, accepting his request to see the king.
Walking up the final set of stairs, Ryu and Peridon entered the throne room, a room filled with beautiful tapestries, stained glass, and a gold throne. Ryu, astounded by the change since the last time he had been there, bowed down to the king and asked, “Good King Fordan, may I fight for the glory of Drogen by becoming a participant in the Grand Tournament?”
“Of course you may Ryu, but didn’t you get one of the official entrance letters?” wondered King Fordan.
“I did…or at least the elder did. It was misplaced somewhere in the Town Hall. I’m sorry if I have disappointed you my liege.”
Laughing, “You don’t have to be so proper around me.” Fordan stood up, and slowly walked to Ryu. “You may sleep in the castle tonight, old friend,” Fordan said exuberantly, while giving him the Royal Hug. King Fordan and Ryu talked about what had happened since their last meeting, also mentioning how Camlon acquired its newly found wealth. After Nanai had been destroyed, Fordan sent soldiers to clear away some of the rubble and look for survivors. Finding only a minute number of men, including Peridon, who at first was employed as a soldier of Nanai, the main and perhaps most beneficial discovery was the horde of diamonds inside one of the many lava-filled caverns. After the discussion of a few more topics, King Fordan realized that it was getting late. “Pardon my rudeness, but I’ll need to get plenty of sleep if I’m to judge the tournament tomorrow. Peridon will take you to your room, bring you your meals, and come for you in time to get ready for the tournament. Good day, Ryu and pleasant dreams.”
Soon after the entertaining reunion with the king, Ryu was led down a long hallway, newly built since his last trip to the castle.
Unexpectedly, Peridon stopped and opened a door. “Here is your room,” Peridon said, with his armed outstretched towards the very appealing living space. “I hope it is to your liking.” Its richness almost surpassed even that of the king’s throne room.
Marveling at the generosity of King Fordan, Ryu responded with a sigh, “You do not need to go through this much trouble for me. This room is nicer than any I have ever been in. Thank you for your hospitality.”
“You’re welcome sir. Good evening,” Peridon said. He bowed, and then left for the night.
Still worried about the disappearance of his Emperor Sword, Ryu comforted himself with the fact that he still had the Dragon Sword, a sword still of practically unparalleled strength and quality. In anticipating the strenuous activity of the next day, he finally dozed off after a couple of hours.
Ch. 2: Old Friend
The journey to Camlon would take a day and a half, as it was dozens of miles from Drogen, but Ryu was in no hurry. The Grand Tournament was not for four days, allowing him to leisurely explore the countryside and hone his fighting abilities by defeating any stray monsters that might approach him.
Gray clouds littered the sky throughout the day, and the gloomy atmosphere caused Ryu to sulk even more about the loss of his sister. As the day advanced, Ryu passed by several quaint little brooks and meadows. Soon, night fell, along with a light drizzle. Ryu came to a small ring of trees and stopped under a large oak, setting his equipment and supplies against its trunk. Folding his cloak inside his shield, he rested his head against it like a pillow. With the smooth melody of the falling rain in the background, he drifted off into a soft slumber.
Strangely, he awoke to find himself in a massive temple, one larger than any of the Dragon Shrines he had ever visited when acquiring his dragon powers. Perplexed because his head no longer lied against his cloak and shield but against a real pillow, Ryu quickly jumped up when he saw a shadowy figure enter through a doorway thirty or so feet to his right. Scrambling to find his sword, he realized his equipment no longer lay next to him. Suddenly, Ryu’s skin became scaly and massive wings sprouted from his shoulder blades. Poised to attack, Ryu’s secondary defensive technique had been initiated.
“Settle down Ryu. You know me,” the shadow spoke with a feminine voice.
Reverting back to his human form, Ryu inquired incredulously, “Who are you?”
“I am…a friend,” the silhouette responded. “I am meeting with you now to warn you about a new threat. This threat is perhaps even more powerful than Jade and Tyr…and it has been growing for the past year.”
“More powerful? But that cannot be possible. Who is this threat?”
As the figure began to divulge the new evil’s identity, a second figure came out from the same doorway. With blinding speed, he pierced the first figure’s heart. Dropping to its knees, the first figure warned Ryu to run before falling to the marble floor.
“No!” exclaimed Ryu, both out of wonder and fear. Ryu again transformed into the dragon to fight this mysterious shape. Unfortunately, there was a sharp motion of the hands toward the figure’s lips, and a strange but familiar tune filled the air. Ryu suddenly felt weak, and struggling to keep conscious, he passed out due to overwhelming pain.
Ryu found himself once again leaning against the tree, with his head against his cloak. The rain had stopped, and fresh dew and a clean scent filled the surrounding area. Believing what had happened to be only a bad dream, Ryu turned around to check if his equipment was there. Indeed, he found almost all of his equipment.
“Whaaa—ttt?” he screamed. “Where is my sword? What has happened to my sword?” Searching around the glade for a few minutes, the investigation was fruitless. Disappointed and angry, Ryu again resumed his trek to Camlon.
A few hours later, Ryu arrived at the front gate of Camlon Castle. “State your name and purpose, foreigner,” a sentry said indifferently.
“I am Ryu, an old friend of his highness King Fordan. I’ve come to compete in the Grand Tournament.”
“Ryu? It is you! Forgive me. I am rather tired and could not see clearly. It is a great honor to meet a warrior of your caliber. Of course you may proceed,” an older sentry said. Pulling a lever, the gears started turning and the wooden gate ascended. Entering the town and reading the numerous signs in the streets of Camlon, Ryu discovered that one could enter the Grand Tournament by signing up in the town square, and that the festivities began the next day. Ryu considered himself lucky he came a day early, for he had believed the tournament was still a few days away.
It was still there. Ryu felt embarrassed to see such a thing, for he believed he did not deserve it. He only did what he thought was best. The shining statue of Ryu stood in the center of the square, with all its majestic beauty and craftsmanship. The booth stood to the southeast corner of the square. As Ryu stood there, amazed at the statue, the townspeople stood there, amazed by him.
“Look, the hero who defeated Tyr!” yelled one person.
“I did not do it on my own, my friend,” said Ryu, with sincerity. “My companions helped me in my quest. Without their support, I would never even have had the courage to face her. Save your appreciation for my friends. They are the true heroes.”
“But—,” continued the townsperson.
But he was interrupted. Ryu suddenly pointed at the sky with a frightened look on his face.
“Look! A diversion!” Ryu screamed. Startled by Ryu’s violent movement, the crowd glanced up and then back at Ryu, who had quickly vanished. The people roared with laughter as they saw Ryu running speedily towards the booth, after which they went back to their own business.
“I’m here to sign up,” said Ryu.
First looking at him with disappointment, the man then realized that Ryu did not know he needed to show an invitation. “Invitation please.”
“I don’t have one. Gorle, our town elder, explained to me that he had received a letter addressed to me with Camlon’s royal crest, but when he searched for it, he couldn’t find it. Maybe my name will vouch for me. I am Ryu.”
“I know who you are, but that does not excuse the fact that you need an invitation to enter this tournament. Go take it up with the king if you want to enter bad enough, but I will not permit it without his approval.”
“As you wish.” As soon as these words passed his lips, Ryu started his trip to the castle. Because of his vast fame as a warrior, the guards were very gracious and escorted him directly to Peridon, the king’s most trusted servant and friend. Peridon bowed to him, accepting his request to see the king.
Walking up the final set of stairs, Ryu and Peridon entered the throne room, a room filled with beautiful tapestries, stained glass, and a gold throne. Ryu, astounded by the change since the last time he had been there, bowed down to the king and asked, “Good King Fordan, may I fight for the glory of Drogen by becoming a participant in the Grand Tournament?”
“Of course you may Ryu, but didn’t you get one of the official entrance letters?” wondered King Fordan.
“I did…or at least the elder did. It was misplaced somewhere in the Town Hall. I’m sorry if I have disappointed you my liege.”
Laughing, “You don’t have to be so proper around me.” Fordan stood up, and slowly walked to Ryu. “You may sleep in the castle tonight, old friend,” Fordan said exuberantly, while giving him the Royal Hug. King Fordan and Ryu talked about what had happened since their last meeting, also mentioning how Camlon acquired its newly found wealth. After Nanai had been destroyed, Fordan sent soldiers to clear away some of the rubble and look for survivors. Finding only a minute number of men, including Peridon, who at first was employed as a soldier of Nanai, the main and perhaps most beneficial discovery was the horde of diamonds inside one of the many lava-filled caverns. After the discussion of a few more topics, King Fordan realized that it was getting late. “Pardon my rudeness, but I’ll need to get plenty of sleep if I’m to judge the tournament tomorrow. Peridon will take you to your room, bring you your meals, and come for you in time to get ready for the tournament. Good day, Ryu and pleasant dreams.”
Soon after the entertaining reunion with the king, Ryu was led down a long hallway, newly built since his last trip to the castle.
Unexpectedly, Peridon stopped and opened a door. “Here is your room,” Peridon said, with his armed outstretched towards the very appealing living space. “I hope it is to your liking.” Its richness almost surpassed even that of the king’s throne room.
Marveling at the generosity of King Fordan, Ryu responded with a sigh, “You do not need to go through this much trouble for me. This room is nicer than any I have ever been in. Thank you for your hospitality.”
“You’re welcome sir. Good evening,” Peridon said. He bowed, and then left for the night.
Still worried about the disappearance of his Emperor Sword, Ryu comforted himself with the fact that he still had the Dragon Sword, a sword still of practically unparalleled strength and quality. In anticipating the strenuous activity of the next day, he finally dozed off after a couple of hours.
