The Return 2

From Atlantic Roleplay Wiki

Title: The Return

Author: Lady Cymoril

My name is Cymoril. I am a sorceress and a tamer by trade, but also a Lady of the Isle of Skye. Long ago I was given the pleasant task of being a companion to the Lady Melusine. There is a large red dragon who follows me like a puppy. He is my beloved pet Zaradyn.

And while a menacing creature to some , with most he is a gentle and obediant servant. We were charged a long time ago by our King with being a companion and guardian along with the knight Alward for the Lady Melusine. She is the granddaughter of Fergus Fingal, the Fisher King of Skye. Now let me tell you my story.

A long while ago I was watching Melusine as she sat by a fountain near her patrons manor house remembering her home at the foot of the Kings mountain. Her mother , the daughter of the King and her father the knight Sir Roland the true, lived here guarding the road to the Kings fairy tale castle which sat on the side of the mountain behind them. Melusine was watching the sunset from a seat by a fountain in the garden. There were seats around it with flowers and plants strewn around it in a circle. at one end was a path from the Kings road. In the light of a setting golden sun, a twinkling sparkle showed down the path. She turned her head to look as she heard the sound of a horse trodding up the path. She stood up and her mouth fell open in surprise as a large black warhorse strode into the garden . Upon his gilded saddle a knight in golden armor sat. he swung down to the ground as Melusine rushed to him. " Sir Oliver! " she exclamed with a tear in her eyes as she recognized an old friend. " Melusine ! " he said scooping her into a hug . " Child, you've grown . I see a woman before me where I remember a child."

I had not seen Sir Oliver since we had been blown over the sea by a storm from Skye to Britain. He was a boon companion to Melusine's father and like an uncle to her. " I was away for a long time and it was only on returning to Skye that I learned of the sad events there. Your mother sent me to search for you." "well", Melusine said, " let me tell you all I remember about that day.' She led him to a seat by the bubbling fountain, and began her story.

" You know how much the people of Skye love the King and adore my parants, There was never a festival or event when they were not in attendance working with all to make it a good time for their subjects. And the King was often on board for a trip to fish all day or sit at his favorate stream behind the castle. We had all anyone could ever want The isle was a place of beauty and plenty for all. Even the ore that came from the mountain yielded a metal that was especially tough and held keen edges on tool or sword.

We had never went to the craigy end of the Isle. It was as if all the ugly and evil was corraled on that end of Skye. What we never knew was the savages there had a shaman who was a wizzard. His name, we found out later, was Torgond the cruel. He thought all of Skye should be his, and hated all others of our fair land.

Apparantly for a long time he plotted and planned how to take it all. The savages beneath him feared and obeyed him. and he armed and trained them to attack all the Kings people, and destroy them." She paused a moment, saddened by the memory, then went on.

My dragon snoozed on the grass at my side as I listened and remembered. " It was a dark night well after sundown when the road guards came rushing in on their way to the King. " there is a hoard of foul creatures attacking and burning houses and barns to the west of the village, best you should arm your self Sir Roland " they said , "and the matriarch should take all others to the castle for safety," they left as Roland rushed for his armor and sword, the great Durandal.

Matilda gathered all the villagers and her household and family and rushed to the safety of Corbenie, the Kings abode. At the manor house the small but valiant army of Skye gathered. Down the road from the castle the King came to lead them, in a shining set of armor, mounted on their chargers they led the way to the scene of destruction the savages had begun. Closing ranks they charged into the fray. They were out numbered but superior in arms and skill. The savages weapons had been poisoned and some spells put upon them. A large halberd struck the Kings legs and he went down. In a flash Sir Roland was at his side covering the King with his shield. Many blows fell on Roland and he staggered back with the King. Enraged at this the army surged foward and decimated the savages. Persuing them as they broke and ran. None of them ever reached the cave of their shaman.

The army carried the wounded King and Rolands bady back in a sad victory. Roland was placed at his manor house to be intered with honor and the King was born to his castle for the healers to aid. his wounds were a simple medical thing of treatment but the spell the weapon had carried could not be lifted from the King, and he was left crippled in his legs. He had been given a charge to protect a chalace that was kept in a small ornate chapel in the castle. Even prayers for help, said before it, did not help, but a voice in the Kings mind told him a hero knight would come to aid him and lift the curse. He spent many hours seated at his spot on the stream nearby that he loved. Sometimes the villagers would come to sit by him and comfort him. The days went by slowly as we all grieved for the dead heroes of Skye, our fallen, even as the wounded healed and swore vengence on Torgond. The villain plotted and rose up a storm one evening that was horrific and weird. The sky was of many hue, rain and winds blew down smaller structures.

The Knight Alward and my companion Cymoril with her ever present dragon walking with us. As the storm struck, we were near the water where my ship was tied up. All of us and many villagers took shelter on board her. There was a series of huge waves that struck the shore tearing the ship away from the dock. Alward and the others fought to keep control but could not fight the raging gale and we blew far out to sea. In the morning, it grew calm, but we could not find our way back to Skye. I know that many on shore at Skye watched and hoped for us to sail back. But it was not to be. Making what repairs they could, we sailed on and finally landed here in what we found out was Britain. There was no one who had ever heard of our isle and none to guide us home. Most of the villagers with me took up residence here using their talents as farmers and craftsman to make a living. The Lady Lilah Katawah met me and befriended me. I have been here since. The knight, Sir Alward found a home in the city of Vesper. He works as a guard for the govenor there. Its been a while since I have seen him, and have some news for him about a magic gem I have found. It may take us back to Skye, but we will need help to do that.

I still have my ship, but we need much to go with her." Melusine paused and waved Cymoril to join them. She strolled over and greeted Sir Oliver who remembered her and her pet dragon. " Cymoril I want you to wait here till I send for you. " " yes my Lady" I answered and went back to the house and told the Lady Lilah Katawah all that had been said and the plans the knight and Melusine had made. " we must wait and see what befalls them " Lilah said. Gathering suplies for the ride to Vesper , Melusine and Oliver set out upon the road. In Vesper a few questions directed them to where Sir Alward lived with his son Akera. He gave them some refreshments and sat as they told him their plans. " I will surely go with you my friends" ,He said. rising and clasping Sir Olivers hand. In the weeks ahead they prepared the ship with food and water and cordage and other supplies. They sent messengers to gather all of Melusine's following who wanted to go home.

There were a few who chose to remain in Britain but many went to the ship to return with them. Melusine went back to Lady Lilah's home for Cymoril and her pet. As they sat by a large fireplace late thet night, Melusine revealed her secret to them.

" It was quite by accident that I found the gem I will show you, " From a small purse she lifted out a broach of silver with a large pale pink gem at its center.

" It comes from Skye and I had forgot in all the rage of the storm that I had been carrying it with me for safety. Its name is Path-finder. When it is alligned with a certain star, it shines a pale pink beam towards the Kings mountain on Skye. It may lead us there " they sat staring at the magical gem. It filled them all with a joyfull feeling . Now they knew the way home. In the morning they said fairwell to Lilah, thanking her for her friendship and help, vowing to return if they could. With a happy stride they went to the ship. All were happy to try this trip and the villagers children who had never seen a dragon made friends with the dragon, Zaradyn. He sat switching his tail in delight over all the children as they petted and made soft sounds to him.

Weather on the voyage was mild and the breezes fair for them, but the trip took many weeks. Finally, the blessed Isle came into sight. As they tied up at Melusine's dock the whole village came running to greet them. There were many tearful reunions. and the most happy was surely Matilda's as she wrapped her arms around Melusine.

And she blessed the Knights for bringing her home safely. As the rest of their crew went their ways, the two knights, Matilda, Melusine Cymoril and the dragon headed to the castle to see the King. When Fergus saw them he sighed and gave thanks for he knew the promise of aid had finally come for him and his beloved Isle. they sat in his great hall for hours talking, and learning of all they had seen and done.... Finally, standing and stretching, Sir Oliver said. " I wish you would all wait here and rest while the King and I go to carry out an important rite. They nodded , and the King rose and hobbled after Sir Oliver on his crutches. They went to the chapel. Entering they closed and bared the door. A half hour later thy exited the room.

Back to the great hall they went. To the surprise of the Ladies and Alward, they saw the Fisher King almost skip across the floor dancing in delight. His legs were cured. He thanked Sir Oliver and they spent much of the night in planning vengence and a cleansing of their fair isle. A week was spent in readyness. Men were called to duty and weapons sharpened and armor repaired. A large group of villagers was gathered, all the sturdiest and fit men they had. This was to be Sir Alwards charge. The army would march with the King and Sir Oliver.

With cheers and pennants flying they marched up the road thru the cheering villagers. " hurrah for the King and his men " they shouted. "huzzah" through the day they moved quietly towards the isles darker end. The savages must have known they were coming as they all had gone into Torgonds cavern seeking safety.

With the King and Sir Oliver in the lead and their army following , they moved slowly down the dank dark cavern. It opened into a huge hall with side caves. A large group of the savages stood hissing and growling at them. Sir Alward turned his men to hold them from interfering with the King. Cymoril and her dragon were at their side. The dragon flamed the front of the cave where Torgond stood in mage armor. None of his spells could breach the dragons fiery breath and he finally ran out of mana. The dragon stopped and waited as the King stepped forward, Sir Olivers shield covering them both. Torgond rushed at the King and they stood exchanging blows. Sparks flew from blade and armor, and with a final surge of strength, Fergus hewed the wizzards head off.

Both he and Oliver turned and joined Alward. With the three champions at the fore they charged into the mewling hoard before them. Sir Olivers sword cut clean thru three of the villains as Sir Alward slashed down thru a huge savages helmet to his chin. The Kings blade was a blur of shining steel as they re paid the evil for the men lost back in the first battle. None could stand before them as the band of savages evaporated intp piles of bloody rags upon the caverns floor.

" haul these carcases out side and the evil mage as well" said the King , and it was done. One group set to seal the caves mouth with hard thick stone, so none should ever go there again. A huge pit was dug and all the dead savages and the mage were tossed in and buried deeply. All trace of the savages settlement were removed. Then they rode back in triumph. For a whole day and night they celebrated with large bonfires and roasting pigs and whole beefs, they ate and drank and danced till none could eat any more or stand to dance.

Then they slept, where ever they were. A happy safe repose till the following dawn.

Back at the castle the Fisher King and his noble warriors said farewell to Sir Alward and Melusine and Cymoril. He even petted her dragon calling him a noble beast. They had thought carefully and decided to return to Britain, promised to try and return again. Sir Oliver was granted the title Lord Protector of Skye and was set a place to guard and be a companion to Lady Matilda. She blushed and replied that this was her wish also. It was with many hugs and tears that they sailed again back to Britain and thats where you will find them still.

Melusine at the home Of Lady Lilah, and Sir Alward again at Vesper. And myself, Lady Cymoril with my dragon Zaradyn by my Lady Melusine's side. Fairwell and thank you for hearing my tale. I hope you enjoyed it and will greet us if you meet us here in Britain. back on Skye the villagers are removing all trace of the evil there, And even the Isle is healing itself, replacing scrubby trees and bushes with fair and beautifull trees and flowers. Skye at peace again.

Finis.