Sir Rodnin's words came into my mind, "In thy time of need, when thy heart and mind are of pure thought and deed, you may call upon our lord for healing. Many times before I had tried to use the powers of the Paladin's Lay of Hands and only once had it worked for me. I pulled back the blanket and exposed the wound in her side, laying my hands on her wound I called out to Lord Marr. "My god grant me thy gift to heal this lady" Pulling my hands away from the wound I sat back hard, the wound was no better, again I had failed when others had need of me. I felt the touch of a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Azifar looking down at me concern and worry written on his face.
"When was the last time you have tried to use your Power Lorin," Azifar said with concern in his eyes.
"The last time was when I was in Befallen and had met Lord Dragon," I said.
"Think back on what it was that you were doing, what made you call upon the power of your god," Azifar's eye bore into mine. My mind raced back to the day in befallen when I had received the blessed healing from Mighty Marr.
"I don't know Azifar, I remember fighting to rid the foul place of those undead, I knew I was going to die and that is all I can remember".
"Then there is your answer Lorin," Azifar said as he knelt by the Lady. "The gods ask for a price for the use of their power, will you give the price Lorin, no matter the cost?"
Again the words from Sir Rodnin came into my mind, In thy time of need, when thy heart and mind are of pure thought and deed; you may call upon our lord for healing. I looked at the wound in her side and placed my hands on it. Closing my Eyes and bowing my head I formed the words in my mind and called out to my God, " Marr grant me thy power to heal this lady, I give my life to her."
A force hit my mind driving me to my knees, a Voice roared in my mind. "Fear not thy request has been granted but keep thy life I have great need of thee still. I am Pleased with thee my son, thou has much to learn and many times will thee be tested. Thou must be strong, will you give thy self to me to be molded as I see fit? The power and love of the voice in my head was overwhelming, with out a thought I replied.
"Do with me as thee will, I am yours". Pain exploded in my chest and Azifar caught me as I began to fall. Power flowed from my chest to my arms and then to my hands that were on the ladies wound. The Voice boomed in my mind, "It is done, I have chosen thee Lorin, know that thou art the servant of Marr, I am with thee always". The voice was gone; I opened my eyes and looked to my hands. I thought to see burns but there was nothing, neither did I feel any weakness.
I turned to Azifar as he said, "I felt it Lorin, I was holding you and I felt the power course though you, you did it look". I moved my hands from the ladies side and the wound was gone, not even a scar to show she had almost died. I looked from the lady to Azifar; he sat across from me with a shocked look on his face.
"How dose he know, he always picks the right ones, how can it be possible for him to be right every time?" Azifar said with wonder on his face.
"Who picks the right one," I asked.
Azifar looked at me and said, "Dragons, he knew about you, he said you would be a great asset to the guild, he was right Lorin. I felt the power of your god move in your body."
A moan brought my attention back to the lady. Her color had returned to her and she look a lot better. Her eyes opened and she looked at me. I could feel her eyes penetrating into mine. I pulled a water flask from my pack and gave her some water. I helped her to a sitting position.
"Who are you," She asked.
"I am Lorin and this is Azifar," I said.
She turned her head towards Azifar with fear in her eyes, "Thou art the great Ranger of the forest, the slayer of the orcs, the one they say the Mother calls her Son?"
"Well I am a killer of orcs and yes I serve the Mother, as far a being great, that I do not know," Azifar said as he sat down, amusement on his face.
"I am called Zandra, I thank thee for thy aid in my time of need. I am in thy debt, how may I repay thee both for this service?' Zandra asked.
"Thou dost owe us nothing M'Lady," I said. "Gladly do we aid those in need."
Zandra turned to face me and our eyes locked. Pretty Blue eyes that looked like small pools of the bluest water I had ever seen.
"Um Lorin you might want to let the Lady stand," Azifar said with a smirk on his face.
With embarrassment on my face, I stood up and extended my hand to Zandra. She took my hand and came to her feet, a smile of amusement on her face. I couldn't help but stare, even with her clothes dirty from being on the ground; she was still the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.
"If you can stop starring Lorin perhaps we can escort this lady home," Azifar said trying to hold back his mirth.
Zandra's smile left her face and she said, "I can make it to my home from here, it is close by and I should be fine. I thank you again for your timely intervention. I hope to repay both of you one day."
I helped her pick up her things and she started back down the path again. Zandra started on the path leading into the woods and stopped, she turned and looked at me with a smile on her lips and said, "Safe travels for thee both." Then she was gone.
"I wonder," Azifar said. "Lorin you there, are you ok..."
"Huh... what... Yeah I'm ok, what did you mean you wonder," I said shaking my head trying to compose myself.
"The name Zandra, this name is familiar to me," Azifar said with the look of concentration on his face. "If my memory serves she is the Daughter of a Noble High Elf family of Felwithe, Lady Varina, related to the King himself but I am not sure. It is of no concern now. Come Lorin we must make haste to camp. These orcs were awfully close to the Elf City and seldom travel alone. I must let others know of this patrol."
Azifar had disposed of the orc bodies already so we grabbed our packs and set out for camp. Two hours later we entered the camp. Azifar went to his other packs and rummaged around in them and pulled out a few items.
"I will be back in a little bit Lorin, Please get this camp in order in case we will have to leave," Azifar said as he stepped into the woods and disappeared.
I prepared the camp for us in case we had to leave. After several hours Azifar hadn't returned yet. During my camp preparation my mind kept returning to the Beautiful Lady Zandra. I couldn't get her out of my mind. I remember her smile, the feel of her soft skin. As I thought of Zandra my heart would beat faster and I could swear that it was trying to leave my chest. I tried to force her image from my mind and concentrate on the work at hand but her image would intrude upon my mind time and again.
I had the camp ready and was finishing a late meal when Azifar stepped into the camp. He was covering in sweat and his breath was labored. I step up to him and tried to help but he pushed me back.
"I am fine Lorin", Azifar said. "A little outs of breath but fine none the less. You have the camp ready, good. In the morning we will have a guest and then we will know what we must do next."
"Who is coming Azifar? I asked.
"Don't worry about it Lorin, get some rest tomorrow looks to be a long day and we will need our rest"
Azifar lay down on his bedroll and turned his back to me. I sought my own bed and lay down. It wasn't long till the image of Zandra in my mind again. I felt myself smile as I thought of her. Maybe there was more in this world besides swords. I feel into a deep sleep with picture of Zandra in my head.
I was awakened in the morning to voices. I kept my eyes closed and listened.
"He dose look different, any clue what God interfered on his behalf?" One voice said.
"He did not call a name," Azifar said. "All I do know was the power was tremendous. I have been on the receiving end of the gift of healing before and never have I felt such power".
"We will have to have him tested", the voice said. "We need to know what god he serves. Twisterkahn do we have any clerics high enough to test him?"
"Not as of yet, but some do approach the time when they will be able to," a rich voice said.
"Ok then Azifar we will keep our eye on him, you say he has given himself to his god?" the first voice said.
"Yes he has, I heard him utter the words of acceptance," Azifar said.
"So he can now call upon his god for aid, twister we need to have you start his training as soon as your are done with your mission," the first voice said.
"When I have completed my mission I will do as you command M'Lord," the rich voice said.
The words M'Lord brought my eyes open of their own accord and I looked to where the voices came from. Standing on the other side of the camp next to Azifar was Dragons himself, next to Dragons was a tall dark man dressed in a long green robe. I scrambled to my feet and made my way to Dragons.
"Greetings M'Lord," I said as I knelt.
"Rise Lorin, couldn't you get all that formal training toned down Azifar?" Dragons said laughing.
"If I had more time then maybe M'Lord, but our time has been cut short," Azifar said.
"True," Dragons said. "Lorin your time here with Azifar is done for now. You have a mission for the Great tree Azifar says."
"Yes M'Lord", I replied.
"You are to take the boat back to Free Port and complete your mission," Dragons said. "You will be met by another from the Syndicate. He will help you, you will follow his commands Lorin. I wish to continue your training but we are short on time. This is Twisterkahn," Dragons beckoned to the tall dark man to approach. "He will help you learn your magic side, he is also your Squad leader. He will call for you when he is ready."
"Greetings Lorin, welcome to the Syndicate," Twisterkahn said.
I clasped hands with Twisterkahn and felt the power in his grip. Tall and slender, he stood my height. His skin was dark, I had heard of the Eurdins but had never seen one. I knew in a minute that I could easily brake his bones in his hands, but the pulsing of power in his hands told me his strength was mystical and not in muscle. I knew in an instant that if we were to battle he could easily take me down. The smile on his face told me he knew what I had been thinking.
"I look forward to working with you Lorin," Twisterkahn said. With that said he turned and looked to Dragons. "Lord we must get going if we wish to get the news to the others."
"Azifar you know what has to be done," Dragons said. "When you find Xard tell him I need to see him. I have some information I need to let him know."
"I will M'Lord," Azifar said.
"Lorin get your stuff and head to the docks, here is some money to pay for what you will need," Dragons said handing me a large pouch. "Your help will find you so head right to the Forest, he is able to find you."
"Yes M'Lord," I said as I bent to pick up my bedroll and pack.
"One more thing Lorin," Dragons said a smile coming to his face. "Do not start any fights with the Free Port Militia, is that understood? You will avoid them at all times."
"Yes M'Lord," I said.
Dragons stepped to Azifar and said something I could not hear. Azifar laughed and both looked at me and smiled.
"Ok Twister lets go, Azifar we will meet at the appointed place", Dragons said.
"I will be there as promised", Azifar replied.
"Let your training begin Lorin," Twisterkahn said. "Take this and study it. I expect you to be able to do this simple spell when we meet again."
Twisterkahn reached into his robe and pulled out a scroll and tossed it to me. Twisterkahn raised his hands and power flowed from his fingertips and before him stood a doorway. I could see desert on the other side as I looked into it. Dragons and Twisterkahn stepped into the door and it close behind them.
I stared in awe, was everyone this powerful? How could I ever be able to give anything to the Syndicate? Everyone I had met seemed to burst with power.
"Don't worry Lorin," Azifar said pulling me out of my awestruck stare. "You too will come to your own in time. Dragons knows how to choose his people well."
"How can I hope to compare to people such as you, Twisterkahn, Demandred, and Dragons. I do not posses any kind of power that you all do, what need could Dragons have for one such as me?" I asked.
"Don't let it bother your Lorin," Azifar said as he repacked his equipment. "They posses a different power and so do you. You will come to yours in time. Dragons has seen the potential in you and I have felt the power flow through you. You too have great power, maybe not like the others but you possess it. We have but to train you in its use."
After and hour, we had the camp clear as if no one had ever been there. Azifar pulled on his pack and turned to face me.
"I wish we had more time but it can not be," Azifar said. "Trust in what you have learned Lorin, you have the makings of a great Paladin in you. Remember what is inside of your head is a weapon to. One last lesson before I leave you. Please pull the Syndicate amulet out."
I reached inside my tunic and pulled the amulet out. The Silver circle with the symbol of a silver hand in its center, shown bright in the afternoon sun.
Azifar pulled his amulet out and said, "When you have great need and are in trouble, place this amulet in your hand and call on the syndicate. Help will answer your call. I warn you though use this only when you have no other means of escape."
I closed my hand over the amulet and could feel the warmth and power of it. I placed back in my tunic and turned to Azifar.
"I will miss thee and our time together, I hope to see thee again," I said extending my hand to Azifar.
Azifar laughed and said, "You will grow tired of seeing this face Lorin. I know that we will meet time and again. You are in the Syndicate now and we take care of our own. Now I must go, I have a long run ahead of me and I have little time. Be well Lorin and remember what you have learned."
Azifar sped off into the woods. I found the path I needed and started walking. I remembered the scroll that Twisterkahn had given me and I pulled from my pack. I broke the seal and unrolled the scroll as I walked. What I read made me stop in my tracks. How was this possible?
Lorin,
This scroll will help you to learn the ability to heal. Not the power you receive from your god but from your surroundings. I look forward to helping you learn the Paladins art of magic. When you stop for the night, these are the exercises I want you to perform. Do them over and over till you can do them without thought.
Let us begin. First clear your mind of all but...
How was it possible that my name was written on this scroll when I had just met Twisterkahn? This world held more and more surprise's everyday I awoke. After walking for half a day I made it to the docks and bought passage to Free Port. That night in my cabin onboard I again pulled out the Scroll and went through the steps described within it. I vowed I would study hard, I would make a place for myself in the Syndicate. I too would be counted as friend and companion.
Long Live the Syndicate!
|