Lucian heard Eliath growl out what sounded like “Enough.” With a strong jerk, Eliath snapped the bonds that held his hands to his ankles. The guard next to him was only startled at the feat for a second. She thrust the spear shaft at the side of his head again. This time Eliath was ready. He was already standing, and caught the shaft as it came at him. With a spin and a powerful jerk, he pulled the spear from the woman’s hands, throwing her towards the other women at the same time. He crouched with the spear at the ready, expecting the rush from the other warriors, but none of them moved, and soon he realized why. The leader was holding a wicked looking sword to Lucian's throat.
Lucian was frozen. The razor sharp blade was already cutting into him just by resting against his skin. Eliath dropped the spear and thrust his hands out to the side. "Wait! Please wait, I beg you to hear what we have to say!"
The beautiful woman narrowed her eyes at him in suspicion. "Say what you will, and be quick about it. The Gods will not stay my hand much longer."
Eliath looked to Lucian. Blood trickled down his neck from the fine blade. "I don’t know who it was that attacked your village but it was no war party from Yavasura. I swear this to you on my life." He gestured toward Lucian. "This is my brother. Our parents were killed two days ago by an assassin that dressed as you described the men that attacked your village. But there was only one, and he waited for us at our home, to kill Lucian."
The leader looked down at Lucian with a cynical expression.
Eliath continued on. "I killed the man and took off his head. We recognized him as one from Ganth. We have his head there in that sack." Eliath gestured toward the sack that was lying in a pile, along with their other belongings. He was grateful the warriors had carried their things as well.
The leader gestured to one of the others to check the satchel. A short, stocky woman ran over to the pile, pulled out the pack and looked into it. She scrunched up her face and turned her head away from the bag, nodding to the leader.
"He killed your parents you say?" A small bit of the edge left her voice. Her steel gaze softened slightly as she looked to Lucian.
He gave a short nod, hoping the act wouldn’t cause the blade to slice through his neck all the way.
"Then it looks as if he deserved a slower death than what you gave him."
Eliath started to smile, but quickly willed it away when he realized the woman was completely serious. "My parents had just been killed. My brother there had been seriously injured. The man was a skilled assassin. I thought it best to kill him quickly.”
The beautiful woman's eyes narrowed. "A skilled assassin you say? These same types of men came into our village and killed many a fine warrior, and you alone defeated one of them?"
Eliath didn't hesitate with his response, "Easily." He was beginning to understand how these people thought, how they exalted bravery and power. At least he hoped he understood them.
One of the other warriors said something to the leader in Culdoran. It was a language derived from the old tongue, much like Yavasuran, but with enough subtle differences to make it a little difficult to understand. Her eyes moved slowly from the woman to Eliath.
"If what you say is true, than you should have no problem defeating a mere woman in battle, yes?" said the beautiful redhead. She sheathed her fine weapon and motioned for another guard to take up her position covering Lucian.
Eliath relaxed a bit to see the threat toward his friend lessened. But when he looked to the beautiful woman’s eyes as she walked toward him, understanding chimed in. She meant to fight him. This was not at all what he had in mind. But realizing it had come to just that, he picked up his spear and smiled.
"I do not wish to fight a woman."
A sneer drew across her face. "Then you shall die by one."
†††
Before the last word came off her lips, she was charging him. Her sword came out of its scabbard in a blink as she rushed on. Eliath let her come, waiting. Everything seemed in slow motion as he played the fight through in his head, how she would react to his movements, what her possible angles of attack were. Just as he had thought, she came down with a powerful overhand chop, meaning to split his spear in half. He brought his spear up but stepped back at the last moment so the tip of her sword wouldn't slice open his chest. The blade easily cut through his spear just as he knew it would. Her sword continued on its path downward, opening up her center. Eliath had been ready for the opening, and was already committed to his next move. He kicked out with his heal, landing it hard into her chest plate. She let out a moan as she fell back from the force of the kick, but quickly rolled backwards to a stand.
Her face was twisted in rage as she charged again. She swung the blade hard left and then back to the right again, barely missing Eliath as he jumped back. But the wild swings weren't meant to connect. They were meant to set her up for a downward chop, and now she was close enough to cleave him in half. Her sword came down hard but Eliath was ready for it. He turned his body to the right, letting the blade pass by him, missing by mere inches. As it came down, he slapped the blade twice with each ends of his halved spear, bringing the blade further down to the ground. He swept across with his left hand to club the woman in the head but was surprised when she caught the stick in her left hand. She abandoned her sword as he came across with his right handed stick, aiming for her head, and caught the other half of his spear in her right hand.
The smile on her face told him that he had played into her trap. Her arms were crossed, holding the sticks, while his arms were spread, leaving his midsection open. Before he could react, she thrust out with a powerful knee to his chest. Whereas his kick to her chest was partially softened by the armor she wore, her knee to his chest was not at all cushioned. It knocked him from his feet and onto his back. The wind was gone from him and he thought she may have broken his sternum. He pushed the pain aside, realizing that he couldn't doddle. She was charging in again, now with both halves of the spear. She was relentless.
He jumped up, trying to take in air. She had spun the shaft with the spear tip around in her left hand. She was going to try and stab him with it after putting him off-guard with a swing from the shaft in her other hand. Up until now he had thought to fight her without causing much pain or possibly killing her. But he saw now that she meant to kill him, and if he continued on this way, she would.
She came across with her right, hoping to make him feint back, or duck, and then she would thrust the spear tip into his chest or head. Instead he jumped at her, closing the distance and taking away the power from her swing. He caught her right arm under his left arm, locking it into his side, at the same time, catching her left wrist in his right hand. The impact of his body slamming into hers knocked the air from her lungs. He thought to jerk her arm back behind her and make her yield, but she thought quicker, and slammed her forehead into his face. His head snapped back and he could feel blood running down from his nose, but he didn't let go. The action awarded her the time she needed though.
She dropped the spear tip and stepped back with her left leg and used her hip as leverage. As she torqued her body around she heaved up with her pinned arm. There was nothing Eliath could do but go with it. Soon his feet were over his head, and he was sailing over the woman. He landed hard on his back a few feet in front of her. She had dropped the spear tip, but still had the other half of the shaft and came on fast, planning to take his head off of his shoulders with it. Just as she came within striking distance, he spun around on the ground, sweeping her feet out from under her. She landed on her side right next to him. He rolled on top of her and grabbed her throat.
He was shocked when she grabbed his throat as well instead of trying to pry his hand away. She kicked him hard in the side and shoved at the same time, rolling them so that she was now on top. Both grunted as they kept one hand locked on each other's throats and the other locked on opposite wrists, trying to break the choke.
Eliath couldn't believe how strong this woman was.
Her grip on his throat threatened to crush his windpipe. He was squeezing almost as hard as he could, hoping she would give up, but her bloodshot eyes held their intensity. Just when he thought they would both hold on until one or both of them died or passed out, her grip loosened.
Her bloodshot eyes softened and Eliath let loose his grip on her throat and let go of her wrist. He let his arms drop out to the side as he gasped for air and looked up at the incredible woman. Even with bloodshot eyes she was still radiantly beautiful. She stayed seated on his stomach panting, looking down at him, a big smile stretched across her face. Eliath didn't know what to think of the expression. She seemed transformed from the icy, stone cold warrior that was trying to kill him seconds ago. But he still feared that at any moment she would lash out at him again.
"Very well fought, for a man," She could hardly get out the words. Her voice sounded painful and raspy. "I believe now, that you could have killed one of those assassins with ease. What do they call you warrior?"
His voice was a raspy whisper as well when he answered, “Eliath.”
“Well met Eliath.” She slapped him hard on his heaving chest as she stood up. He turned his head, averting his eyes so as not to look up her leather stripped skirt, and she smirked at that, then stepped to the side and held out her hand to help him up.
Eliath lay there, staring up at the beautiful and frightening woman. Her taught skin glistened with sweat that rolled off her broad shoulders. Her muscular arms and legs were still bulging from the blood pumping through them, but her chest was still. Her breathing had already slowed to a restful pace. She had already recovered from the fight.
Eliath took her hand and she effortlessly lifted him from the ground. She stepped close to him, her face only inches from his, so close he could feel her breath brush his skin. She stood only slightly shorter than he. The redness was leaving her eyes, allowing the hazel to shine through. They had lost their intensity, but still held their steel. This was a woman who had lived through countless battles, and had seen untold things. Eliath could see the pain that was locked behind those beautiful eyes. He had the sudden urge to embrace her, but thought she might kill him if he did.
She gave him a small mischievous smile and snapped her teeth at his nose, another shocking display, then turned and walked back to her waiting warriors. Throughout the fight they hadn't made any attempt to stop it or help their leader. Eliath surmised that this sort of thing was not unusual for these people. If he had killed her they probably would have just let he and Lucian go free. As he watched her walk away he was glad that he hadn't killed her, and equally happy that she hadn't killed him either.
†††
All the warriors were grinning as though they had enjoyed the show greatly. The leader cut Lucian's bonds and stepped back, giving him space. He looked up at her, frowning, wondering what it was that had just taken place between this woman and his friend other than a fight to near death.
"My name is Tarriel, these are my scouts." She motioned to the seven other women. "What do they call you?"
Lucian brushed off some of the dirt from his leggings. "My name is Lucian."
“Well Lucian, I’m glad that I won’t have to kill you. It would be a pity to rid the world of such a handsome man. You are lucky to have a mighty friend like Eliath.”
Lucian forced a smile. "Yes he is. Sometimes I think he was sent by the Great Father to protect me."
The statement brought on a curious look from both Eliath and Tarriel but for completely different reasons.
"Who is this Great Father, and why would he send someone to protect you?" asked Tarriel.
Lucian chuckled. "It's a figure of speech. The Great Father is the creator of all things. I believe he watches over us."
Tarriel seemed to understand. "Ah, so this Great Father is your God."
Lucian nodded, but the conversation was obviously over at that.
The smile left her face and she seemed to stand taller than she already was. Her steal countenance returned. "So you seek passage through Culdora? It is granted, but first you must come to our village."
Lucian started to protest but Tarriel must have read his thoughts. She held up her hand, stopping him short. “We must bring you to our village to tell the people of what we have learned from you, and show them the truth. You must speak to the elders, and assure them that Yavasura was without knowledge of the attack on our people.”
“But I am not a representative for Yavasura. I can't speak for them,” pleaded Lucian.
Tarriel looked puzzled. "You are not Yavasuran?"
"Yes, I am. But-"
"Then you speak for your people." She turned on her heal and waved for them to follow. Not giving either man a chance to speak. "Come, we must reach the village before the war party is sent."
As they started off, three of the warrior women fell back behind them, and two more took the flanks, no doubt to watch over the visitors. Although the immediate threat of death had passed, Lucian knew that he and Eliath were not going to be underestimated by these people.
They walked on for nearly three hours. Not one word was spoken. Tarriel seemed to have slipped back into her rock hard facade after the brief moment of happiness that came over her from the bout with Eliath. Lucian shook his head in wonder. He looked to Eliath, who was presently staring at the ferocious beauty.
“You seem quite taken with her,” stated Lucian with the slightest hint of mischief.
Eliath’s reply came after a lingering silence. He hadn’t picked up on Lucian’s tone. “She is...intriguing.”
Lucian chuckled and the women looked back, wondering what was so funny. "Intriguing indeed, and beautiful as well, wouldn’t you say so?”
Eliath's head was nodding slowly. "Yes....beautiful as well, and strong."
Lucian couldn't stop grinning. "My friend, I have never seen you like this. It truly is a wonder." He wasn't sure Eliath even heard him. The man seemed lost in his thoughts over Tarriel.
Lucian used the conversation to hide his scrutiny of their surroundings. He knew they had reached the inner boarders of Culdora. He could see signs of travel along the forest floor, possibly from a patrol or sentries. But where were they? He saw no movement around them, yet the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He felt someone watching them.
He glanced back and there were now five women following behind, he looked to the flanks and those women were still in place.
“Impressive,” said Lucian as he scratched the stubble on his jaw.
Eliath looked over to him, his brow creased in confusion. “What is impressive?”
“Two sentries just joined our escorts. I had no idea they were there until I looked back and saw them, and I have been looking for any sign of wardens.”
Eliath looked back to the escorts behind them and then to the flanks. “Most impressive, I was beginning to think that the Culdorans were slack in their defenses.”
Lucian thought about it. If these two women showed themselves, than there were no doubt, many more sentries still out there watching them. They must have shown themselves as a tactic to confuse and scare their visitors. One wouldn’t know if there were only a handful of warriors or an entire army waiting and hiding in the thick forest, ready to attack. That must have been why he and Eliath weren’t blindfolded. The Culdorans were not afraid, and they wanted others to see it. If only his arrogant brother could see these defenses. “Very impressive,” he whispered to himself again.
After they passed through a very dense section of forest, a massive wall loomed into view. Lucian was astounded at the size of it. It had to be at least thirty feet high and very thick. It was built from the extremely wide trees of this wood. It seemed to stretch on forever. Yet he hadn’t seen it until they were a mere forty yards away. It was amazing. He couldn’t see any gateway and was wondering how they would enter, when a section of the fortification opened up, a small doorway that had been cut into the wall. It was so concealed that it would be hard to find, even knowin
g it was there. He shared a marveled look with Eliath.
They stepped inside the wall and both had to stop to take in the vision fully. Tarriel had called it their village, but it was anything but a village. It was an enormous, fortified city. Built in the middle of the thick forest, hidden away like it was, Lucian couldn’t imagine a force that could lay siege to this place. The wall was thicker than he had thought. Sentries walked along the wide top, surveying the forest. He hadn’t seen them from the forest floor either. Platforms, suspended high up in the trees, were connected by an intricate maze of rope ladders, and bridges, providing ideal vantage points overlooking the fortress. These people were like chameleons. They melded in with the forest so well that you would have to step on them to find one.
As they entered through the doorway Tarriel was greeted by a runner. She spoke to her in their language and the runner dashed away like a deer to complete her task. Lucian thought that she was probably sent to let the Elders know of the visitors, and to hold the invasion force. He felt relieved that he had managed to inadvertently stop an attack on his home village.
The houses that the Culdorans lived in were simple enough. Made from the trees of the ample forest around them, most of them seemed only big enough for one or two rooms. Toward the center of the city was a fortress, also built from the massive trees. Larger dwellings, probably the elders’ homes, surrounded it. The ruler of these people must have lived in the fortress. Tarriel spoke of a "Great Leader" who was murdered by the assassins. He wondered who was leading the people now. He thought about his home village, how small and insignificant it seemed next to the size, and might, of the Culdorans. He knew that if that war party had attacked his small village, they would have had no chance of surviving. Everyone he knew would have been killed.
After taking in the spectacle of the woodland city, Lucian started looking around at the people milling about. He was baffled at what he saw. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t put it together before, why their escorts were all women. He looked closely at the warriors around the village. There were men among them, but very few, and of low rank, judging by their armor. He looked around, trying to pick out other men. They were there, working in shops, out in the fields, in the houses cooking, and cleaning. The realization set in like a club to the head. This was a female dominant society. The higher ranked warriors were all women. The men worked and did what was needed to take care of the village, and the women that protected it. Lucian stared in wonder at the sight. He looked to Eliath but his friend held no expression, which was no surprise.
Revelations of Doom Page 9