Chapter 33 - The Enemy Within

Sierra began to open her eyes and saw the irritating sight of Valandt in front of her. Her fight with Kaiazal had taken an incredible toll on her and her muscles still ached now some hours after. She got to her feet and began to examine her wounded body, looking at her bandaged stomach and checking over the plasters on her arms. “Where are my clothes?” Sierra then said, looking around and noticing that she had been stripped of her shoulder pads and the cape which flowed from it, she stood looking around the tent which she found herself in wearing a bloodstained shirt which had been torn just below her breasts and her stomach had been bandaged all the way around, while her dark blue leggings and black boots remained on. Sierra found her chest plate laying and picked it up, examining it. When she had battled with Kaiazal, she had been wearing the chest plate which had on so many occasions saved her from being gutted, however on this occasion Kaiazal’s sword had sliced straight through and it now bore a slash mark where Kaiazal had pierced the metal Sierra had thought of as impenetrable. She put the chest plate down and carried on exploring the tent and looking for what had become of her belongings. Valandt watched and stayed silent for a while, not wishing to speak to Sierra and simply waiting for Presto to return so that he could relieve himself of the burden of watching over her. Sierra came to find the sword of Drakahor, still partially stained by the sickly coloured blood of Kaiazal and she picked it up, along with her sword belt and clipped it around her waist, wincing slightly in pain it caused as it initially tightened its grip on her allready weakened muscles. Sierra turned around and looked toward the entrance of the tent, at first she had simply been glad to have awoken again and had thought as she passed out that it was the end for her but now as she looked around these unfamiliar surroundings she found a intrigue as to find out where exactly they were. “Where are we” she eventually said to Valandt, the only way she could get the information she needed.
“The outskirts of Minorell. We are close. The volcano that stands in place of Legia castle can be seen for miles around, it is a chilling reminder of what is to come” Valandt said, clearly disturbed by the sight of the volcano and letting his random thoughts surpass even his dislike for talking to Sierra.
“Minorell!” she exclaimed, discarding Valandts state of mind without a second thought “how long have I been out?”
“Best part of a day by my reckoning” said Valandt ambiguously.
“Yes, and the recovery process has only just begun. Any major movement and you could tear a muscle. or perhaps something even worse”
“Will she be okay though” said Valandt, feigning concern.
“What do you care?” Sierra said as she leaned her body up from the makeshift bed which she had been laid out on. “One more body for you to shield yourself with perhaps?” said Sierra, scolding Valandt. Sierra then walked over to her chest plate once more and then threw it at Presto awkwardly, who only just about caught it. “Can you fix that?” she said, looking to Presto for help.
“Quite easily” he replied “but if one swing of Kaiazal‘s sword can do this” he began, examining the tear in the metal “it will not make one bit of difference against Goreoth”.
“You said you can fix it and I would be grateful if you did. If only to put my mind at rest, it wouldn't feel right going into a battle without it” Sierra said, reasoning with Presto. Presto took another look at the sword and rubbed his hand over it once, the gap in the metal being filled as his hand went over it. Presto then handed the chest plate back to Sierra who immediately fastened it on. “We should wait until dusk before making any sort of plan, strange sounds have been coming in the direction of the volcano and Imunzo has gone to check them out” Presto then continued as Sierra went to get her back plate, which she also put back on.
“And what are we going to do until then?” Sierra asked, alert and ready for a fight although she was in no condition to do so.
“We wait for Imunzo to return, that is all. You should rest” said Valandt, answering the question that Sierra had intended for Presto.
“Yeah, I should rest” Sierra said sarcastically “I could still take you on with an arm tied around my back” she then said, walking up to Valandt and getting in his face.
“Would you like to try it then?” Valandt replied, pushing his face back in hers and putting a hand on the hilt of his sword.
“Show me what you have” Sierra smiled and then lowered her eyes to his “Your majesty” she then said, her voice full of derision. After this Valandt instantly pulled his sword out of its sheath and went to point it at her neck, but before he even had it held in front of him Sierra had her blade sticking into his throat. “Rule number one” she said, locking her hatred filled eyes with his “make sure you know what the enemy is doing at all times, to stay one step ahead” Sierra spoke with the malice of a thousand avengers as she discourteously spoke to Valandt, she then let her blade casually drop from Valandt‘s neck to her side.
“Now if you two children are quite finished?” Presto said, cutting in “there is something you two need to be clear of” Valandt and Sierra then both turned to listen to what Presto had to say.
“I have been studying heavily recently, looking over apparent eye witness accounts and any text that mentions Goreoth that I could get my hands on”
“And?” prompted Valandt.
“And we have more chance of you two getting married than we do of staying alive longer than a few fleeting moments” said Presto, snapping at Sierra and Valandt in the same way they had at each other. Presto sighed and calmed himself, then carried on what he was saying previously. “Goreoth can be defeated, if he is stabbed with both the swords of Drakahor and Chalhor, you may allready know this, you may not. Im just making sure you‘re clear”
“Sounds simple enough to me” Valandt replied, to which Sierra gave him a look of contempt.
“Yes” Presto began “there is one little problem with that”
“Which is?” Valandt persistently asked.
“From what I’ve read it appears that” Presto paused to give them ample bracing time before telling them “Goreoth‘s skin is completely impenetrable. As long as he wants to, nothing will pass through it” “Great” Sierra said sarcastically “all we have to do is get him to stab himself and we‘re home free”. “Wait a minute, why are you telling this to us and not everyone else ?” Valandt asked, changing the subject slightly.
“Because you two are the bearers of the swords”
“What are you talking about? Zvire has the....” Sierra’s voice trailed off as Presto produced the sword of Chalhor from underneath his cloak and handed it to Valandt.
“Not anymore, the sword now belongs to Valandt” Presto paused once more as Sierra drew the sword of Drakahor and crossed it with the sword of Chalhor “You two must work together now, for you are Legia‘s last hope”
Astral stared at the volcano that stood tall just over the horizon and shook her head in disapproval. The ghastly appearance of it stood as a constant reminder of the danger to come, the mayhem which is about to begin. The air blew by eerily, with all of Goreoth’s disciples dead there was a chance for Astral to relax but the fact that there was no-one to fight now was more worrying than looking out for Kaiazal. Imunzo was off tracking the suspicious sounds which had been heard in the volcano's direction while Presto and Valandt were watching over Sierra so Astral was forced to sit alone and stare aimlessly into the distance about the things that were to come. Astral breathed sharply outward and swallowed hard, making sure to keep her mind on menial things instead of drifting off and getting lost in thoughts of Goreoth. As the night was beginning to fall Astral felt a cool night breeze blow past and against her, she then felt an arm on her stomach. Astral turned and smiled at seeing Valandt laying beside her with his arms around hers, wrapping her in the incredible comfortable and secure feeling that he gave her which she could never justify with words how amazing it was. Astral felt warm inside as he held her, she needed to feel safe that night for the nights after this will only bring unspeakable horrors that is, if she lived to see them. Astral turned her head and looked into Valandt’s eyes which made her to smile instantly, she then leaned in on him and kissed him on the lips, deep and long. Valandt wasn’t expecting such a passionate act from her and he was taken by surprise but was soon returning her kisses by almost double, in each other they found an escape from the fear they were both feeling deep inside. Valandt looked at the volcano in the distance and Astral sensed his worry. “Are you scared?” she asked, putting her arms around him and pulling him close.
“Always” Valandt instantly replied “it heightens the will to strive forward and the need to carry on” he paused, changing his mood now “but this is something different. This is something beyond fear Astral and you‘re probably going to call me silly but im not even afraid of death”
“Then what are you afraid of?” she asked inquisitively.
“Losing you” he said, moving his head and locking his gaze with hers as he spoke. “It would be the worst of all fates and I will do anything to see that it does not happen. I would die for you Astral” and he then hugged Astral tight, she being left speechless. Valandt hugged Astral one more time and Astral closed her eyes as a sole tear rolled down her cheek at the power of Valandt’s love for her. She pushed him back, to shoulder length so that they were looking into each others eyes. Astral then kissed Valandt passionately on the lips and held him so tight that there were no gaps at all between their two bodies. Astral slowly parted from Valandt’s lips and looked him in the eyes once more. “You have given me so much, I want to show you how much I love you.” she said, moments before she began to unzip her dress from the back. “This night could be our last night together, if not alive. Let us make it special” she said as she guided Valandt’s hand around to her back so he could finish unzipping her from her dress, she then motioned for him to remove his heavy red cloak and shirt. Astral wriggled free of her skin tight dress and then pulled Valandt close, relying on his body warmth now to keep away the chill of the night. Valandt stripped himself of his clothes, he then cast aside those that remained on Astral’s body. Valandt was breath taken by the stunning beauty of the naked Astral and he pulled her close, whispering “I love you so much” in her ear, to which she replied the same. The two then went on to experience the greatest night of passion that neither could have ever dreamed of.

Valandt awoke to the sight of Astral’s eyes opening slowly just as his were doing, they had both woken up at the same time During the night Valandt had gotten several blankets which he wrapped around himself and Astral and they had slept in each others arms. Valandt smiled at her and waited an eternity, lingering there in her arms before pulling the blankets from off his body and putting on a the shirt which he had removed the night before. Valandt looked back at Astral who lay in their improvised bed smiling and wanted to say something to her, however there was no need for words at this time, none could have done the moment justice. “Can I get you anything, its going to be a rough day” he said casually, breaking the deadlock of silence.
“Could you please pass me my clothes” she said with an almost seductive smile, taking Valandt back to the night before. Valandt smiled back and went around, picking up her clothes that had been scattered around during their passionate lovemaking and gave them to Astral, who began to put them back on underneath the blankets. Valandt continued to gather up clothes on the hillside, this time those that belonged to him. Valandt put back on his thick red cloak and boots, clipping on his sword belt afterward. Valandt looked down to his chest and felt concerned due to the lack of protection, he then remembered the chest plate which Sierra thought of so dearly. “I‘ll be back in a minute” he said to Astral and he began to walk toward the tent where Sierra was sleeping. As he entered the tent he saw the deceivingly innocent looking Sierra still fast asleep, he then saw her chest plate laying on the side. Valandt had an urge to take it, thinking that she would do so if she was in this situation. Valandt casually walked over to the place where it had been laid upon and picked it up. Presto had done a good job of repairing the metal, Valandt tested its durability by attempting to bend it but it refused to bow to his might. Valandt pondered taking the armour and with then no thought for the consequences pulled his shirt up and secured it into place, he then pulled his shirt down over it. Valandt then went to walk out of the tent but tripped straight over Sierra’s sword which lay on the ground, Sierra eyes instantly opened and she alertly rolled out of the blankets, grabbed her sword and aimed it at Valandt’s throat. “What‘s all this then?” she said, being very suspicious of Valandt. “Wait a second” she said, not letting Valandt get a word in. “I know what you‘re doing. You‘ve come to take the sword of Drakahor from me, once I am without the sword you can get rid of me. Admit it!” her voice was full of distrust and spite aimed in Valandt’s direction. Valandt stood silent for a moment, which Sierra took to be an admission of guilt. “That is it” she said, clipping her sword belt on and heading for the outside. “Come on, we are to settle this once and for all”. Valandt walked outside, following Sierra until she stopped by the campsite in a open clearing. Sierra moved a few paces away from Valandt and drew the sword of Drakahor from its sheath. “I‘m not going to fight you” Valandt said, defiantly.
“Then you‘ll die” she said, moving forward and slashing her sword through the air, catching him on the forearm slightly and drawing blood. Valandt‘s snorted angrily and recoiled with pain as she nicked him on the arm, he then drew his sword and stared into her eyes with a icy gaze. “We are going to move on to fight the greatest of evils come sunset. I do not want to have to deal with you trying to kill me behind your back, so now‘s your chance” Sierra said, backing off from Valandt slightly and then standing her ground, waiting for Valandt to make a move.
“You will regret ever giving me the choice” said Valandt, a split second before he launched himself at her. Sierra stood firm, holding her blade in front of her and parried away Valandt’s attacks with her upper body doing all the work while her legs remained still. Valandt, sensing that he would not be able to get to Sierra from the front, spun to the side of her and slashed her left arm open, causing a gaping wound to be exposed. Sierra instantly dropped her sword and clutched her arm with the other and fell to her knees, she then looked up at Valandt who was about to force his sword down into her and felt her body be overcome with anger, she then sweeping kicked Valandt off his feet and kicked the blade from his hand. Sierra then jumped onto Valandt and proceeded to punch him ferociously and repeatedly in the face until it was bloody, she then groaned in pain as she felt the sting in her arm wound return. Sierra got off Valandt and kicked him in the face as he attempted to get up, she then went to tear a part of her shirt and tied it around her arm to restrict the flow of blood there. Valandt staggered to his feet and wiped his face of the blood, smearing it on his cloak, the two then began to stare each other down. Sierra went to throw a swift right hook at Valandt, which he stopped in full flight with his right hand. She then immediately went to hit Valandt with a left hook, however he blocked it again, only this time he grabbed, twisted and pulled it behind her back. Sierra groaned with agony as her allready injured arm was being stretched to its limits, she then fiercely elbowed Valandt in the stomach to make him release her arm. Sierra attended her left arm as Valandt got back to his feet, he then surprised her with a swift kick through the air which made her lean backward to the point where she was in danger of losing her balance. The two then began to exchange punches and kicks, for each one blocked another connected with neither Sierra or Valandt gaining an advantage over the other. Sierra’s nose was bleeding now due to a inescapable kick from Valandt and she had returned this by severely bruising him just below his eye. The speed with which the two fought was at times lightning, however the majority of Sierra’s movements were restricted due to her cuts and bruises slowing her usually whirlwind pace down. After the two came to blows once more, exchanging punch for punch and kick for kick, they stood away from each other and stared into the other’s eyes whilst catching their breath. Sierra broke this temporary interruption to the fighting by leaping at Valandt and throwing a heavy right hook at him. Valandt reacted instantly, grabbing Sierra’s arm and twisting it around as he had earlier done with her other arm only this time she twirled around in sync with his twisting and she ended up bent over by Valandt’s stomach, which she then slammed her fist into. Sierra then went to throw the incapacitated Valandt over her shoulder but he clutched her shirt tight and used her momentum to then throw her over his shoulder. Valandt spat out a mouth full of blood and said “Give it up” to Sierra as she attempted to get back to her feet.
“Never” she replied with a steely determination, she then went to get up, ignoring the pain which completely immersed her now. Valandt stood smug as Sierra from behind as she struggled to her feet, he watched her move frantically on the grassy floor attempting to get back to her feet and he smiled. Sierra then in the blink of an eye rose to her feet and spun around, with the sword of Drakahor pressed straight against his throat. What Valandt had mistaken for fumbling was in fact Sierra reaching for her sword and he now had pushed up against his neck. Valandt acted quickly, turning to his side and snatching the sword with his left hand as he turned. He then moved the sword to his other hand and continued to spin around until he now faced Sierra and pressed the sword against her throat, all in the space of a second. Sierra smiled at the reversal of fortunes and powered her fist into Valandt’s neck chin in a flash, giving him no time to react and sending him flying into the air along with the sword. Sierra jumped into the air and retrieved the sword, landing cleanly as Valandt twisted his body around midair and also managed to land on his feet. Sierra and Valandt stared each other down once more until Sierra’s eyes dropped to Valandt’s feet, noticing that the sword of Drakahor lay right there by his feet. Sierra lunged forward, attempting to ward Valandt away from the sword and hoping he had not realized it was there. Sierra was wrong however as when she lunged forward, Valandt flicked the sword high into the air with his boot on its hilt and jumped into the air after it, somersaulting as he collected it and landing on his feet, with no more than a heartbeat to parry away Sierra’s attack, which he did. Sierra snorted contempt for Valandt’s arrogance in his retrieving of the sword and began to swing her sword through the air, with impeccable accuracy however each time, Valandt managed to deflect her advances. Valandt smiled condescendingly at Sierra, who had thrown her best at him and still had not inflicted anything on him. Valandt now began an offensive, slicing through the air with the elegance of a dancer and the speed of a cheetah and Sierra began to back off at his blows. Valandt backed Sierra all the way up against a tree on the fringes of the clearing. He then sliced his sword down rapidly through the air which Sierra only just about managed to avoid, however Valandt caught her partially, all but ripping open the bandage on her stomach. Sierra looked down at her now useless bandage and ripped it off, throwing it to one side and exposing her allready heavily wounded stomach. Sierra began to advance on Valandt again now, pushing him back into the centre of the clearing once more and swinging her blade through the air with almost too much speed for Valandt to handle. Valandt began to lash out now aimlessly, just trying to get Sierra to back away from him, swinging his sword hard and fast through the air. Sierra jumped backward out of the way of one of Valandt’s ferocious blows and Valandt’s sword then got stuck in the ground. Sierra stopped and smiled for a moment as she at last had her opportunity to get Valandt. She thrust her sword forward at Valandt’s stomach but Valandt managed to pull his sword out of the ground just in time, following it through by spinning on his heels and finishing by thrusting his sword deep into Sierra’s exposed stomach. Sierra’s jaw dropped and she instantly fell to the ground, there then came a cry from the edge of the clearing. “No!” Astral stood paralysed with what she had just seen. “Valandt what have you done?” she said, disbelief in her voice. Sierra struggled for breath on the floor and began to cough up blood as Astral ran to her side and pulled the perfect health formula which Valandt had passed to her out of her pocket. “What do you think you‘re doing?” Valandt said shocking himself by the tone of his voice, the first time he had raised his voice to Astral. “I‘m saving her life” Astral said as she removed the top from the vial. “We need her to fight”
“We do not need her. I do not even want her. I forbid you to do it Astral” Valandt continued to speak without really controlling what he was saying. The moment after the words came out of his mouth he wished they had not. Astral gave Valandt a look of disappointment and then poured a few drops of the formula into Sierra’s mouth. Valandt could not watch as the wounds on Sierra healed almost instantly, he was more shocked by his own actions than anything else. Then he heard it. `Good. Your thirst for blood is not all gone. Now you are mine, and this time you will be mine, forever`. The evil voice in the back of his head had come back, his evil side had returned. And now it wanted total control.