High on a balcony, overlooking the great courtyard of his castle, Jack Dawson, the Master of All Things, stood watching. He was watching Heaven Leandra Dawson. She was the eldest daughter of Sabrina Dawson and Sasha Jermayne. As he watched her walking around the courtyard, in her long flowing white dress, he contemplated taking a new wife. He wasn’t sure who would be worthy, but he knew it would have to be someone like Heaven. Heaven was kind, caring, intelligent, and responsible. She had helped her mother raise her younger brother and sister. His thoughts were cut short by someone calling his name.
Woman’s Voice: Jack! Jack! Where are you?
Jack: Over here Majesta!
Majesta was a tall slender woman with long black hair and emerald green eyes. She would be one of the women he would choose from when the time came. The other women would be Dayle, Semele, and Ultima. Dayle was a petite blond with wide, childlike eyes and was very gentle compared to Majesta. Semele was a sweet girl with reddish-blond hair and blue-green eyes that always seemed to sparkle. He knew this young woman of 18 was someone he would meet only once in his long life. Ultima was the most distant of the four. She had short blond hair and secretive gray eyes. While he waited, still watching Heaven, Majesta had appeared at his side, with her blood-red cape trailing behind her. Her catlike green eyes were sparkling wit mischief.
Majesta: Come, Jack. We girls have made a surprise for you.
Jack: A surprise? Like what?
Majesta: You’ll see. (Jack is lead off by her.)
Meanwhile…
Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Heaven paced. She was waiting for her best friend, Lyle. He usually was never late and whenever she glimpsed dark, wine-red hair she would look up expecting him. Lyle had been friends with her as far back as she could remember. They had even been born on the same day in the same year. That knowledge and their unbreakable bond had made them inseparable. Now she was worried about him. A gentle breeze blew from the South, indicating Lyle was coming that way. Lyle had great control of the weather and used the wind to tell her that he was almost there. Then as the sweet breeze blew through her dark brown hair, the crowd seemed to part, revealing Lyle.
Heaven: (Walking towards him) Lyle! Where have you been? I’ve been waiting for half an hour.
Lyle: Sorry, Heavenly. I was busy at my dad’s store and couldn’t get away. You know he’s ill. Besides, I have a surprise for you.
Heaven: What?
Lyle: You’ll see. Come on, follow me.
Lyle lead Heaven out of the courtyard and into the forest located to its west side. At this time of year, the trees and flowers were just coming to life. All around them birds were singing and insects were buzzing.
Lyle: Close your eyes and let me guide you.
Heaven: How do I know you won’t make me walk into a tree?
Lyle: (Grinning) Don’t you trust me?
Heaven: (Smiling) I’m not so sure. But I’ll do it anyway. (She closes her eyes)
Lyle: Right this way Lady Heavenly.
Lyle guided Heaven through the trees to the middle of the forest. They arrived at a clearing in the center of a circle of budding trees.
Lyle: Okay. Stop. You can open your eyes now.
Heaven opened her eyes and looked around. She gasped. They were standing in the middle of a large columned ruin. The building’s roof had fallen in long ago and now sunlight streamed in, to bathe the plant life inside with it’s warmth.
Lyle: That’s not it. Go inside.
They walk inside and hear a growl.
Heaven: What’s that?
Lyle: You’ll see. Keep walking.
They went around the small stone alter in the middle of the room. On the otherside, there was a wooden cage. Inside the cage, she saw reddish-gold fur and crystal blue eyes.
Heaven: (Bending down to examine it closer) What is it?
Lyle: It’s a tipard.
Heaven: Tipard?
Lyle: It’s a cross between a tiger and a leopard. He’s on of the few left of them around.
Heaven: He’s so cute!
Lyle: Well, he’s for you. he doesn’t have a name yet, so I’ll let you choose it.
Heaven: How ‘bout Galan? (GAL-an) I’ve always liked that name.
Lyle: Good choice. It suits him perfectly.
Heaven: (Tlking to the cat in the cage) Hi, little guy. I’m Heaven. Nice to meet you.
The little tipard looks at Heaven curiously. After a few moments, it decides it likes her and licks her hand.
Heaven: There we go. Do you want to get out of this cage now?
Galan ‘meows’ and Heaven laughs.
Meanwhile…
Meanwhile, back in the castle, Jack followed Majesta down the hall. The stone hallway had tapestries hanging on the walls and electric chandeliers hung from the ceiling illuminating the hall.
Jack: Where is this ‘surprise’ anyway?
Majesta: It’s all the way down in the cellar.
Jack: Really? Then why are we in this story now?
Majesta: What story?
Jack: Never mind. Forget I said that.
Meawhile…
Meanwhile, in the land to the north of the castle, the Rinji caravan is camping by Lake Nuru. Barak, Cyrano, and Jomei are fishing a little way north of their camp.
Jomei: Cyrano, where’s your father taking us? He seems like he doesn’t know.
Cyrano: as leader of this tribe, my father should not be questioned. . .
Barak: Calm down Cyrano. It’s only a simple question.
Jomei: He probably doesn’t know!
Cyrano: I do to!
Barak: Then, where are we going?
Cyrano: We’re heading east next. Away from these masters and their damned wars.
Barak: I heard they aren’t that bad. Besides, there’s supposedly only a few left.
Jomei: Oh my! Barak likes the oppressive ones. Maybe we should leave him behind when we go!
Cyrano: No. We need him, after all, he’s the warrior of the group.
Jomei: And what am I?
Cyrano: The stupid one.
Jomei: Why I oughtta—
Barak: You’re gonna what?
Jomei: I’m gonna… well, I don’t know right now, but it’s going to be bad.
Barak: (Laughing) Sure Jomei.
Just then, they hear a rustling in the bushes.
Barak: (Putting finger on lips) Shh. Quiet. There’s something out there.
Barak crouches, getting ready to jump at whatever is in the bushes. Then two slim bronzed hands part the bushes in front of them.
Jomei: Hey, I know those hands. Reyna!
A raven coloured head comes through and looks up at them.
Reyna: There you guys are!
She climbs through and pushes her long raven black hair away from her sun bronzed face. Her shirt, pants, and moccasins were made from a light colored deer skin and were decorated with blue, green, and silver beads.
Reyna: (To Cyrano) Your father had half the camp looking for you guys.
Jomei: Well, you found us. What do you want?
Reyna: It doesn’t matter anymore. Elder Boden wanted to speak with you three. He’s sleeping now, so it’ll have to wait for now.
Cyrano: What could be so important?
Reyna: ‘Don’t know. I’ll be right back. I’m going to tell Valeda I found you.
Reyna gives Jomei a quick kiss and walks off.
Barak: Not Valeda! Why can’t she leave us alone!
Jomei: You know why. She likes you.
Cyrano: I don’t see why she follows him around all day. After all, there’re people a lot more interesting than you.
Jomei: Like who? You?
Cyrano: Exactly.
Barak: I would freely give her to you if she would go.
The group hears footsteps coming and immediately stop talking.
Jomei: Hey, maybe we can still get away. (He gets up) Come on.
Barak and Cyrano get up and follow Jomei towards the camp.
Voice: Stop or be killed.
They turn around to face a hoard of dusty unshaven men. The leader of the group was a large black haired man in a worn brown leather jerkin. He wore a heavy forest green cloak and knee high brown leather boots. The boots were tied all the way up top his knees and over thick green pants. The man held a crossbow leveled at Cyrano and the men behind him pointed their crossbows at Barak and Jomei.
Man: Hand over any weapons you are carrying and no one will get hurt.
The three of them threw on the ground their daggers, swords, and various electronic weaponry.
Man: (To two of his men) You go and collect their weapons. (To the rest) the rest of you get behind them. We are going to take them th Master Malik. He said he’d prefer them alive, so don’t kill them unless it’s necessary.
As the group surrounds them, Jomei and Barak look at each other questioningly. The next thing they know, everything goes black.
Meanwhile…
Meanwhile, Lyle and Heaven have just returned to the castle with Galan and are saying their good-byes for the day.
Lyle: I really should be getting back now. My dad’s gonna be furious.
Heaven: Alright. Bye Lyle. See ya tomorrow.
Lyle: Yeah. Bye Heavenly. Bye Galan.
With that, he turns and heads in the direction of the bakery. When he’s out of sight, Heaven turns and heads to her room. In her arms Galan is squirming trying to get out.
Heaven: Calm down, Galan. We’re almost there.
She rounds the corner and walks into Morgan.
Heaven: Oh, sorry, Morgan. I didn’t hear you coming.
Morgan: It’s alright. Don’t worry’ bout it.
Heaven looks at Morgan uncertainly. He was wearing sunglasses, which was odd considering the castle was already dark. He was dressed in a dark blue shirt and blue jeans. Around his neck was a silver chain with a cross on it. his hair was a dark brown and parted down the middle. He moved to one side and motioned for her to pass.
Morgan: See you at dinner, Heaven.
Heaven: Yeah, see you at dinner.
She walks past him and continues down the hall. Just as she is about to enter her room, she realizes Galan isn’t still in her arms.
Meanwhile…
Meanwhile, out in the woods somewhere, Barak awakens. The room was dark except for a small barred window near the ceiling. He was lying on an old musty smelling bed and he wrinkled his nose at the smell. Across the room Cyrano was unconscious on a similar bed. Under the window, on a cot, lay Jomei. With the light, Barak could see a red bump appearing on Jomei’s head. Barak tried to get up, but to no avail. He was tied to the bed by leather straps and rope. From the wall acroos from the window, Barak heard the creaking of a door. Through the dimness, he saw the silouette of a man dressed in black. The man maoved across the room and examined the body of Jomei. He turned around and gestured for someone to enter. A slim young woman entered the room. She was dressed in a long black dress. Behind her, two servants followed her closely. Barak gasped. The two servants are Reyna and Valeda. The man in black turns towards Barak when he hears Barak gasp. The woman moves in his direction and motions for the man to stay where he is. She walks up next to his bed and kneels.
Woman: Hello there young man. I suppose you are a little uncomfortable in those straps. Let me loosen them.
Man: I don’t think that’s wise, Lady Nerina.
Nerina: Hush, Varan. This doesn’t concern you.
With a wave of her graceful slender hand, the ropes and straps are undone. Barak sits up and faces Nerina.
Barak: Why are we here? What are you going to do with us?
Varan: Quiet. You will know in time young warrior of the Rinji. As for now, we will leave you to attend to your friends. Nerina.
Varan gestures for them to leave. They exit leaving Barak, Reyna, and Valeda standing in the room.
Reyna: Now what?
Meanwhile…
Meanwhile, back in the castle, Jack is still being lead down the hallway by Majesta. They were passing one of the windows, when Majesta screams. She had walked into Morgan and wasn’t expecting him to be there.
Morgan: Sorry about that. Everyone seems to be walking into me today.
Majesta: Maybe you should watch where you’re going.
Morgan: I said I’m sorry. What more do you want?
Majesta: I don’t –
Just then, out of no where, a cat jumps at Majesta. She screams again as the cat claws at her.
Back in the dark room…
Back in the dark room, Reyna and Valeda had gotten some water and washcloths and are wiping Jomei and Cyrano’s foreheads. Barak sits on his bed suffering from a massive headache.
Reyna: How did this happen to us? What did we do wrong?
Barak: You went to look for us and found us.
Valeda: I’d rather be here if Barak’s here. If you were back home I’d rather be there.
Barak: Not now, Valeda. My head hurts too much.
Reyna: Barak, that’s really mean.
Valeda: It’s okay. I understand. I just can’t keep him out of my mind.
Barak: Why not? What did I ever do?
Valeda: You treated me like an equal, not like a child, like everyone else.
Reyna: Well, you are almost a year younger than all of us.
Valeda: Age shouldn’t matter. I’m your classmate.
Barak: That doesn’t mean anything either. You could be twice our age and be in our class.
Just then, the dark lump that is Jomei stirs under Reyna’s touch.
Reyna: Jomei! Are you okay?
Jomei: Stop yelling! My head really hurts.
Meanwhile…
Meanwhile, back in the castle, Majesta was yelling.
Majesta: My dress! That little beast ripped my dress!
Jack: Calm down! It can be repaired.
Majesta: That’s not the point! Do you know how much this dress cost me?!
Jack: Nothing. It was a gift from me. It cost very little compared to my fortunes.
Majesta: Yes. Fortunes that will be gone if you don’t choose a wife soon.
Jack: I will choose a wife when I see fit, Majesta. I will not be pressured into this.
Majesta: Yes, milord. I will take leave of you now if you don’t mind. Dayle will be up to lead you in a short while.
As Jack waits…
As Jack waits for Dayle in his castle, Heaven is searching for Galan. She hears a scream come from down the hall and quickly runs down the hall and stops before turning a corner. From the other side she hears Jack and Majesta talking. She decides to wait because she really didn’t like Majesta. When she hears Majesta walk off in the other direction, she walks around the corner.
Jack: Heaven.
Heaven: Jack. Have you seen a small cat anywhere?
Jack: You mean the one that jumped Majesta? Yeah, it ran that way. (He points to the left and at an open door)
Heaven: Thanks. Be right back.
Heaven walks through the door and calls Galan’s name. After a few minutes, the little tipard comes walking up to her.
Heaven: There you are! Why did you run off like that? (She picks up the tipard and hugs it) Did that big scary Majesta scare you? It’s okay. She deserved that.
Heaven turns and walks down the hall and into her room.
Meanwhile…
Meanwhile, in another part of the castle, Cleotrysta, Heaven’s attendant, was visiting with Lyam Jamari, one of the eleven Mist Knights. The Mist Knights are the twelve men and women who are most likely to attain the title of Master. They are endowed with the powers of a master and are being trained to fight, so that someday they may reach a high enough level to be a master. So far, only two knights have made it to Master. Their names are Zenobia Fabian and Lucian Rêve. They had become the Masters of Splendor and Dreams. Lyam is the youngest of the Mist Knights. The twelfth Knight, Oria, was killed in a battle two months before. Lyam been seeing Cleotrysta for two months, after his former girlfriend, Oria, was killed.
Cleotrysta: Do you think you will ever be a master?
Lyam: Not unless you make me one.
Cleotrysta: Now how can I do that? I’m only a servant. Besides, I was hoping you’d make me a lady.
Lyam: Well Cleo, it’s not going to happen. I’ll probably get killed first.
Cleotrysta: But the Masters favor you.
Lyam: Wrong, Lord Jack favors me.
Cleotrysta: That’s all you need to be a Master.
Lyam: There’s more to it than that. I need to have higher levels and at least one apprentice before that will happen.
Cleotrysta: So choose an apprentice! There has to be dozens of people out there that want to be trained.
Lyam: But none of them are right for me. I will pick when I find the perfect one.
Cleotrysta: You make me so mad sometimes…
Lyam: Then I suppose I should leave now.
With that, Lyam turns and leaves the room. That day the 12th Knight was to be chosen and added to the Order. Lyam hoped it would be omeone his age and experienced enough not to get killed.
Meanwhile…
Meanwhile, Heaven puts Galan on her bed as she enters her room. She had to choose what she was going to wear to the assembly that night. She wanted to choose something flattering, but not too formal. The guy she had been dating for a year was one of the candidates for Mist Knight. His name was Gregor Haldane. The other candidates were Hadrien Gunnar, Magnus Makani, Lysander Sinclaire, Sylvanus Sloan, and Trystan Wyler. Gregor was eighteen and almost half a year older than her. He was currently apprenticed by the Dark mage Keegan and the guardsman Casey Michio. Gregor showed much talent with battle magic as well as close combat and defense. Magnus Makani was a sorcerer of the Wind Clan and showed great stamina and agility. Lysander Sinclaire was a very patriotic young man of nineteen. He believed in the freedom of everyone and everything. Sylvanus Sloan was a famed warrior of Gardenia and Meekitonia. He loved nature, especially trees. Finally, there was Trystan Wyler. Trystan was son of a wheelmaker and right hand nman to Lysander. He was known for his distinctive battlecry. As Heaven contemplated what to wear, she heard a knock on her door. Without thinking, she absently walked over to the ornate wooden door and opened it.
Man: Hello m’lady. May I have the pleasure of escorting you on a walk through the Marcadian Meadows?
Heaven recognized the voice as that of Gregor’s.
Heaven: Gregor! Of course I’ll accompany you.
Gregor’s bright blue eyes sparkled with mischief as he held his arm out to her. He was wearing a turquoise tunic over loose blue pants. His gold hair was cut short and in an unruly disarray from the long day in the woods hunting with Casey. She took his arm and they headed down the hall and towards the entrance of the castle.
They exited the castle and headed towards one of the gardens of the castle. At a bridge of the Western Gardens, Gregor abruptly stopped. He turned towards her and she faced him.
Gregor: Heaven, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you—
As he is talking, a figure jumps out of a nearby tree and lands on the bridge behind Heaven. She turns around and gets pushed out of the way by Gregor. The figure is cloaked from head to foot in black, like a ninja. The only part of him you could see was his piercing violet eyes. He stands up and holds out his hand. Then they hear a thud behind them. Before they can turn around, a net is thrown over them. Then everything goes black when they are hit over the head.
Meanwhile…
Meanwhile, in the dark room, everyone is awake and trying to figure out how to get out.
Reyna: Maybe there’s a sewer system or something we could go through…
Barak: That won’t work here. We’d have to have a way to pry it open…
Jomei: There’s an air duct up there. We could escape through there.
Cyrano: And how do you suppose we’re going to get up there? We have no rope or anything.
Jomei: We can pile the cots on each other and climb up on them.
Cyrano: That’s discreet. They’ll never know where we went when they see out leaning tower of cots.
Jomei: If we rearrange the beds so that it doesn’t look like that… we’ll wait around for a while. When they get used to it, we’ll make a break for it.
Reyna: What if they take Valeda and I away? I don’t know where we’ll be if they do that.
Jomei: Don’t worry. If that happens, we’ll find you.
Barak: When we disappear, you can’t tell them were we are. They’re coming for you now.
Valeda: How do you know?
Barak: I don’t know. It’s just a feeling I have.
Jomei: I hear footsteps. Barak’s right.
Cyrano: They could be bringing us food or something. They aren’t necessarily coming for them.
Reyna: Nerina and Varan wouldn’t personally bring us food. They have servants for that.
