Shadow Sworn

Shadow Sworn

Random dribble: Well, okay, I was feeling daring so I\'m posting the first chapter of my latest original work. I know this place is for fanfiction, but I couldn\'t resist the original section. You know me, a sucker for commentary. On this one, please PLEASE give me everything you\'ve got. I want as much constructive criticism as you guys can give me. Trust me, I won\'t eat you if you tell me something sucks horridly. ^.^ Scouts honor.

Disclaimer: MINE! MINE! MINE! No takey, I lay all claims to this one. Steal and you will die a painful, lingering death.

Shadow Sworn

~One

May all that was once known and respected be forgotten.

An apt phrase to be engraved upon the very arch leading any who dared into the bowels of this place. This place of death and blood sports, sex and power. Here were the carven stones of old myth, thenk fnk faced statues of legend, and the unmistakable taint of Darkness. A constant swirl of spine tingling power wove around the beings that tenanted this place. These beings that next to none would dare approach.

So why was I here? Standing before the monolithic structure that stood for all of the creatures of Darkness with my eyes clear of possession and many layered, white robes shifting in the slight wind? Why indeed.

Turning my eyes from the black fortress I quirk a brow at the creature resting by my left side. He was gazing at the fortress with something akin to wonder and a bit of fear in his white eyes. Standing roughly to my hip from his seated position he flicks a fur-tufted ear backwards, a barely seen shiver racing down his sapphire streaked fur. Regally gaunt, he was one of the creatures known as god touched. A feline who was said to speak as the mouth of certain gods – this one was one of the Night Goddess’ avatars.
Swishing his tail he lifts his head to peer up at me. : Well? What are you waiting for? :

Waving a hand at the fortress I snort, “Possibly for my ‘divine’ guide to cease gaping at this behemoth like it was the bringer of all prophecy or maybe simply wondering why, in all that is sacred, I am standing here.”

: Oh come now, you’re being childish. :

“Probably, but give me a bit of credit, at least I haven’t run off screaming that the end is near like some of my order that I could name.”

Sniffing arrogantly he rises from his haunches and winds around my legs. : True and you deserve that praise. :

Mouth twitching at his concession I suck in a deep breath and let it flow slowly back out my nose. Setting my shoulders I hoist my rather meager pack higher on my back. Bowing to my guide I force a bitter smile.

: Ready? :

“As I can be for something like this Cat.”

Ignoring my sarcasm he pads forward without a backward glance. : Good, for I doubt even I can calm the temper of the One we are to meet if we dawdle any longer. :

Eyes lifted to watch the arch as we pass beneath it I blink as the words engraved in stone flare with violet lightning briefly. “Oh? And who exactly are we to be meeting Cat? Will they explain why I was commanded from my home temple by a being widely known as the Lady White’s arch nemesis?”

: You are being childish again. :

The corner of my eye twitches with stress as he refuses to answer my questions much as he had the entire journey. Tail held high he leads me on a winding journey deep into the stomach of the fortress. Passing hooded beings without a second glance he slows as we reach a torch lit hallway. Double doors looming before us I hesitate, the many days of drilling as one of Lady White’s priestess giving me the name of these doors – Ebon Rose, the doors to the high throne room of the Darkness.

: No stopping now, if you’re not on my tail the guards will not hesitate to kill you for your colors. :

Glaring at his tail I mutter, “And I suppose that would be quite a step back wouldn’t it?”

: Oh do stop that, yes it would be. Night would not be pleased with me or with you and need I say, that with you dead She would be able to petition for your soul? :

Heart thudding against my ribs I roll my eyes and quicken my pace. It was all well and good to have him ignore my questions, but to have him answer one in that manner – shuddering I resist the urge to look at the vaguely man-like guards on either side of Ebon Rose’s frame. From what I could glimpse with my peripheral vision they frightened me. They were only shadowy forms with dark curling horns protruding from the region of their temples, but that was enough to send my poor heart slamming against my ribs.

: Deep breaths, take deep breaths to calm your heart. They will not, cannot harm you if they can tell that you are with me. :

Lips parched I do as he says, mind jabbering away. : Don’t want to be here. This is a bad place for a priestess of Lady White to be. What are those guards? Who are we meeting? Why me? :

Laughter in my mind he looks over his shoulder, whiskers shivering with the silent laughter. : Those guards are extensions of the stone that makes up Ebon Rose; She dictates what they look like each time a guest approaches. As for whom we are meeting, look up ahead of you. :

Chin rising slightly I manage to swallow the shriek of absolute terror as I see who I have been brought to meet. He sat, or rather, lounged upon the Shadow woven throne. Skin barely darker than my pristine robes he watches the gathered beings of Darkness with boredom laced gold eyes. Hanging with ribbons and jewels his mane of ebony hair pools at his bare, bejeweled feet. Chest bare of cloth he flicks an eye in my direction. Gold hoops hung from both of his shadow colored nipples, a glittering chain connecting them. Shimmer glossed lips curl into the barest of smiles as he flows to his feet and flows is the only way I can possibly describe that movement.

Voices and chatter growing louder at the obvious interest in his golden eyes the beings struggle to gain his attention as he glides down from his curtain draped dais. Nodding his head to each circle as he passes them he comes to a smooth halt a few feet from my frozen body. He was even more striking up close. Skin I had thought to be glittered was in actuality glowing softly with power. Eyes regarding me blankly through the court mask he nods a greeting to the cat at my side. Curling a finger at me he turns and strides back towards his dais.

Butting his head against my shins my guide lifts his eyes to meet mine. : Come on Priestess, follow Him and accept His invitation. :

Breath shuddering out from between my lips I nod and trail after his wake, noting with amazement that his hair fell to his ankles. Reaching the foot of his dais I pause, managing to look up at him for direction. Humor glinting from beneath the court mask he nods and opens his arms, hands curling towards him. Feet moving up the steps to arrive at his side I quirk a brow in question at the dead – no pun intended – silence of his court. Shrugging he claps his hands together once, evidently a signal for the gathered beings to resume talking. Motioning to one side of the voluptuous curtains he moves to the other and loosens the cording holding them open.

Echoing him I release my side from its cording and step before it as it slithers across the space behind me. Meeting with a quivering shimmer of embroidery, the two curtains cut off all noise from the court floor. Brows rising I peer closely at the fabric. Woven almost imperceptibly into the Night black silk were runes of silence and shielding.
Fingers rubbing the rune covered cloth I start as a polite cough interrupts my investigation.

“It has been many years since one of Her cats has brought us one of the White Lady’s servants. Perhaps it is a harbinger of difficult times to come.”

Turning towards the bewitching voice I stare at its owner, “Whatever do you mean?”

Gold eyes widening in query he chides, “Come now, do not presume to trick me with that vacant look. Know you not of the histories?”

“Actually yes, I know nothing of that you speak of.”

“And the Guardian has told you naught?”

Nodding I spare my guide a searing glare.

Mouth tightening in displeasure he gives the cat a look that causes him to back into my legs, fur puffed out, doubling his size. : She did not want me to speak of it Lord. :

Resignation in his eyes the being of Darkness flutters his hands in the air and hums a soft tune. Hair flowing unaided into a serviceable coiled bun he flops unceremoniously down into the piles of cushions surrounded his shadow throne. “Very well, I shall tell her what her ‘kidnapping’ means.”

Hesitantly I lower myself to sit among the cushions, settling more comfortably when he does nothing to admonish me for my motions.

Meeting my wide eyes easily he shrugs, “Firstly Priestess of the White Lady I am Kalinx, Prince High Priest to the Lord of Darkness, let there be no animosity between us two from this moment forward unless such is equally deserved. Aye?”

Red-gold skin blanching a pale pink shade I gulp. He was the greatest of all the beings of Darkness save the King High Priest, the Night Goddess, and the one both he and the King served, the Lord of Darkness. Hands shaking I fly through a quick calming technique and nod, “A-aye M’Lord, I am called Sirina, Seer Priestess of the White Lady.”

Humor lighting his eyes he shakes his head, “Not M’Lord, Kalinx. I give you my name that you may have power over it. There will be no disadvantages to rift this fragile thing.”

Head moving in a slow nod of agreement I rub my palms ast mst my hips. Rumor did have it that the beings of Darkness held power with their true names. If that was to be true than I had been given some sortpowepower over this Prince High Priest. The only other name he could give me that would allow me control of him if I so desired it was the forbidden name given by the White Lady.

By the same tool, I had given him equal power over my being with the admittance of my own name. Ah well, I suppose that power shared would negate the name binding if he were to do such a thing to me. Giving me a reproachful look, my guide curls himself at my feet. : Now don’t go and over analyze these things Sirina. :

“Over analyze? What do you mean by that you annoyance of a Cat?”

Ignoring the odd look he – Kalinx, is giving me I tug at the tuft of fur atop my guides ear.

: Only that you have a tendency to over analyze things that come your way. It may have served you well in your home temple but here it could drive you mad. Nothing here is like that of the world outside, the words over the fortress entry should have told you that. And do cease to call me Cat my name is Basit. :

Ruffling his fur the wrong direction I laugh at his long-suffering look. “Basit it is Cat.”

Pulling lightly at the golden chain linking twi twin hoops through his nipples Kalinx tilts his head to the side. “I trust you are finished arguing with the Guardian?”

Shoulders lifting in a shrug I murmur, “For now, now do tell me why I have been dragged all the way over here to this monstrosity you call a home.”

Arms moving away from his body Kalinx holds his palms up, “It is all quite simple Sirina. As the tomes tell so shall I.

“The gods decree that the boundary between both Light and Dark be not the great chasm that it is. So They are sometimes known to seek out one of each order be brought together to create a bridge that all may see and recognize. That is what we are and why you have been brought here, for should I have been gifted with the ability to traverse the sun blanketed world it might well have been myself in your own home.”

“Wait, you mean to tell me that the Lady White and the Lord of Darkness are not only on good terms with each other but that They also are of similar mindsets in this matter?”

“From what the tomes tell us, yes.”

Curtains rustling behind me I freeze as a female voice laced with poison purrs, “M’Lord Kalinx, do you wish to dine with the court? Or possibly with this delicate young flower of the sun?”

Lips pulling back Kalinx shifts to the balls of his feet and hisses angrily at the being behind me. Wide eyed I stare at his demon fanged teeth. The book of Darkness spoke of two beings that were gifted with teeth pointed sharp enough to break through fragile flesh, changelings and vampyres. Neither of which I had any desire to meet in close quarters. Gaze still locked on Kalinx I shriek as something cool and dry slides over the back of my hand.
Darting to my feet I scramble for the curtains. For the sake of all that is good I am more willing to take my chances with the guards of Ebon Rose than whatever lurks in this – this place!

Hand shooting in my direction Kalinx curls his fingers around my left wrist. Holding my trembling form from breaking out of the enclosure he snarls, “All know that the fallen curtains tell of my wish to be left alone, now tell me why I should allow you, Firidas, to remain unpunished?”

Rolling her shoulders in an elegant shrug the woman standing before him smiles, “You favor me M’Lord Kalinx, all know that. None would think anything amiss if you did nothing to me for breaking thale.”le.”

She was entirely too sure of herself and the fact that he favored her. : Tell him your thoughts Sirina. :

: Interfere with this? Are you mad Basit? :

: Possibly, but he needs someone else’s perspective in this matter. She will worm her way into his power and kill him to it. it. Even those of the Darkness value their skin, perhaps more so than those of the Light. :

Well that I could see already, so I suppose there was no harm in pointing out my thoughts. Now if I can reach his mind with mine.

: Kalinx? :

: Sirina? How -:

: No time for the how of it, you cannot let her continues to believe herself above your position. Or, Lady White help me, even equal to it. If you let her live under those assumption she will eat her way into your power and one Night kill you and claim you died by accident so she can take your power and station and make it hers. :

Ah Lady, his mind was a smooth pool of Dark singing to me. Yes there are some thoughts floating near the surface that frighten years off of my lifespan, but deep within he was like any other mind I had touched. And there was so much music in his thoughts. Little tunes that matched every move he made. Songweaver?

Mind coloring with fear and anger he hisses: Yes, Songweaver. Hessseth? :

: Yess Masster Kalinxs? :

: Firidas has over stepped her boundaries, bite her. :

: Yess. : There was pleasure in that voice, great pleasure at being allowed finally to bite this woman. Slithering among the cushions a viper rears its diamond head above them and plunges its fangs into Firidas’ calf muscles. Pain filling her scream she stumbles out of the enclosure. : Done Masster Kalinxs. : Head rotating towards us the viper inquires curiously: Who iss the pr one one Masster? :

Exerting pressure on his hold he drags me back into the cushions and gives me a wry look. : She is Sirina, Seer of the White Lady, brought to us by Basit, servant of the Night Goddess. Sirina, my familiar, Hessseth. :

Bobbing her head Hessseth cocks her head to the side and peers at me. : She is Lightchaser Masster. :

Jerking I gape open mouthed at Hessseth, who simply slithers into his lap.

“Equal once again Sirina, “ he whispers in my ear, “You have my forbidden name and now I have your given name in full.”

: Songweaver. :

“Aye, given by the Lady White at my birthing.” Releasing my wrist he climbs to his feet. Hair tumbling free of the bun he gives Basit a veiled look. “I shall trust you to take her to her rooms Basit, my hunger calls to me.” Gold orbs pinning me in my half risen stage his lips twist into a grimace. “Wander not the halls Sirina.” Pushing through the curtains he vanishes into the shifting mass of beings.

Teeth nipping my fingers Basit nods his head in the same direction. : Come along then, let’s get you safely to your rooms before the beings of Darkness swing into their traditional Night revelries. :

Once again left to trail after his tailed end I let out a breath of exasperation. It could have been worse. I suppose Kalinx could have eaten me. Come to think of it, what does he qualify as food? If he’s a changeling he would eat the same kind of foods that I do, right? But if he’s one of the dreaded vampyres, then he dines on blood, at least that’s what the book of Darkness in the White Lady’s library claims.

: Thinking too much again. :

Blowing a wet raspberry at Basit I persist with my thoughts. So if he was a vampyre what was I going to do? Those under the service of the White Lady were forbidden to interact with such creatures. Am I supposed to adhere to those guidelines, or is She giving me silent permission to side step the teachings worked into my priestesshood from the beginning? Lady, what am I to do? Why is your servant –

Striking a body I stumble backwards a few steps to regain my balance. Brows furrowed I lift my chin, eyes going wide at the sight of what I collided with. She was a mirror image of my own form. A tad bit on the short side, she wears a silver copy of my Priestess robes. Red-gold skin slightly paler than mine she lifts faded aqua eyes from their investigation of the floor’s stonework. In fact, the only major difference between us was her white hair, worn with a braid hanging by her left ear. Woven into the braid is a black ribbon dangling a tiny white bell. Rouged lips part in amazement as she takes in my appearance as surely as I took hers in.

Hands reaching out fine ine she smiles a tremulous smile. “Lady forgive me for my boldness, but I – I never thought to see another of Her Priestesses here. It has been so many years since I awoke here without a friendly face to be seen.”

“Who are you?”

Clasping her hands before her chest she inclines her head. “I am called Esme the Fallen.”

Esme the Fallen? Who was rumored to have lived during the reign of Gisselle the Brave? But that was hundreds of years ago.

“What are you?”

Face crumbling she hunches her shoulders and retreats into herself. “Blood bound servant to Firidas the Spider. Doomed to live forever by the binding that saved my life, even if the one that bound me perishes.”

She was so fragile looking, like any slight word could break her. If she truly was Esme the Fallen then she had been bound to Firidas for well over four hundred years now.
Offering a hand I give her a gentle smile. “Will you talk with me? I am a little lost here and you have been here much longer then I. Perhaps we two can find an equal footing for friendship.”

Glowing, for there was no other way to describe the instantaneous lightening of her face, she nods. “Aye, aye.”

Sniffing Basit growls softly as a masked figure strides out of the gloom of the hall before us. Diamond head peering out from beneath the sweeping cloak of dizzying shimmer Hessseth hisses a greeting at Basit. Fingers spasm in my hand as Esme huddles behind me. Lowering the mask to his nose Kalinx narrows his eyes at her.

“Why are you not at your Mistress’ side Fallen?”

Hiccupping Esme stammers, “S-she threatened to-o beat m-me Lor-rd Prince.”

“So you ran and hid? Chi Chin brushing my upper arm with each nod of her head Esme grips my hand as though it were the only thing keeping her from absolute fear. Black rimmed eyes loosing their sharp promise of pain he chuckles softly. “Wise. Do not hinder the Priestess if she does not wish your presence Fallen.” Placing the gilded mask back over his face Kalinx graces the two of us with a dip of his head. Hessseth winding her way around his throat he steps around us and melts back into the gloom with three ground eating strides.

Nose lifting a bit I toss my hair, “He is entirely too arrogant for my taste thank you.”

: He has earned that arrogance you know. Ask Esme how the Prince High Priest is selected from the t. :t. :

Glancing over my shoulder I gesture at Basit’s rear end as he starts up his trek again. “He says I should ask you how the Prince High Priest is chosen. Claims it will give validity to His arrogance, though I doubt anything could do that.”

“You mean you do not know?” Esme whispers in my ear as we tag along behind Basit on the trip to my rooms.

Coughing I mutter, “Seems that there is much I do not know of this place.”

Guards nod to me as we reach a large door, indistinguishable from any other door. Opening it one of the guards motions us through before it leaves with its companion. Making for the first couch I spot I flop into the welcoming cushions. “So will you tell me Esme?”

Following my example, Esme seats herself beside me but far enough away that she can pull her feet off the floor and tuck them beneath her. “Of course, this much I know of the goings within the Finger of Dark, that is the common name here for this fortress. Now, the story behind the choosing of the Prince High Priest.

“There are always many, many eligible young men or women among the pinnacle of Dark Court, the Ebon Court if you will. Offspring of the highest courtiers, knfor for their ability to manipulate and seize power. Each offspring of these twenty some odd courtiers is groomed from birth until their fifth year for a ‘game’. This ‘game’ is in reality a coldly calculated test to discover which seven children rank highest. Each is given a sealed envelope with a single name on it – the name of the child that the five-year-old must kill. The seven that survive the blood filled murders are then taken from their families.

“For the next eight years they are forced to engrain all that the Prince High Priest need know or die trying. During those years at least two of the survivors are eliminated by carefully placed knives in the dark. The remaining thirteen-year-olds are sent with nothing but their knowledge and clothing to the Darkness Gate. Rumors claims that the Gate leads them to the Lord of Darkness Himself, but none who return speak of where it leads and only those selected ever pass beneath it.

“Within that place the odds are narrowed down to two chosen candidates. Those two then return to the High Court and in an eagerly anticipated duel, either kill the weaker of the two or annihilate each other in which case the cycle of thirteen years is repeated.

“After a single candidate remains they are given the title and all power that it entails, but every three years aspiring Prince High Priests may challenge the current Prince High Priest to a duel of their choice. If the current falls then the victor becomes the Prince. And so it goes until the current Prince dies of age or something not received in duel.

“Now in the case of the present Prince some things were skewed. Up until the trip to the Gate all was according to tradition, but upon returning from where it is the Gate leads only the current Prince remained. Topping that, He returned baring an elegant tattoo of a crow on His tailbone and teeth honed to the finest point. Wrapped about His hips was the black viper He carries, a gift of esteemed honor for only those the Lord of Darkness favors are granted a serpent. Our Prince has held His power for well on two hundred years without fault, an unheard of length of reign.

“But do not think that none have challenged His position. Every three years He faces four to six challengers and triumphs over every single one. He has outlived His parents and those of His family that live are His grand nieces and nephews. Whisperings say that the man all assume to be His father was not, they claim He is the direct son of the Lord of Darkness Himself. Whether that is true or not He steadily holds the power of Darkness from all that would seek it.”

Mouth drawn tight I sit in silence as her voice dies off. So that was how they were picked, in a deadly game that the courtiers cheered on. Watching little children steal life from others their age. Hideous. What of the offspring of the Prince?

“What happens if the Prince has anysprispring while in power?”

“Oh, they go through what any other Ebon Court child does. There is no special rank given to them unless they earn it in the ‘games’.”

Children murdering other children. Games. Lady this court was sick.

“And the adults, what ‘games’ to they participate in?”

“Similar blood games. Sex games.”

“Sex games?”

“Gawerewere anyone, from the young age of seven and upwards, is labeled prey and set loose in the Maze. The hunters ‘hunt’ down the prey and then take them. Winners are those whose sigil cut into the prey’s thigh is found the most.”

Bile rising in the back of my throat I choke. Rape as a form of entertainment? Lady, please sacred Lady, why have You left me here? This place where life is ruled by whom ever spills the most blood and the blackest crimes of most are common games. Aalinalinx. Kalinx, the Prince that none can defeat, bearing the favor of the great Lord of Darkness Himself.

Whimpering I collapse into Esme’s lap, fingers scrabbling at her undertunic. This place was so wrong. So very wrong and I was trapped here. No way could I find my way out of the fortress – the Finger of Dark, and back into my glorious sun filled, law-abiding world. Petting my back Esme does nothing as I alternate between sobs and retching.


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There was a cool hand stroking my cheek. One smooth as a maid’s yet oddly masculine. Eyelids fluttering I moan, my throat scratchy with the after burn of acid and sobs.
Hand leaving my cheek it traces over my hip, the cloth of my robes nothing against the chilly touch. Heat pooling in my stomach I fight against the compulsion to lie passively.
Vision snapping into focus I gasp as the fingers vanish and Esme’s calm face blurs slightly.

“How long?” I rasp.

Patting my cheek with warm fingertips she gazes up at the timepiece. “A bit over a mark Priestess.”

Priestess? Had I forgotten to tell her my name?

“Was anyone else in here just a moment ago?”

Eyes frowning she shakes her head sharply, “Just myself and the Night Goddess’ feline.”

: Something other than the obvious bothering you Sirina? You seem flustered. : Yawn evident in his mind Basit lifts his head from his paws and regards me with heavy eyes.

: I felt someone touching me. :

: Esme’s fingers in your hair. :

: No, touching me – my hips and cheek. It was masculine. :

: Dream thought? :

: It seemed real enough -: Trailing off I try to recall the feel of those fingers and find only a black chunk of time. : Never mind it, did I ever tell Esme my name or is she calling me Priestess out of formality? :

: Lack of name. :

Fingers trailing through my hair Esme cocks her head to the side when I shift. “Yes?”

“My apologies Esme, in my eagerness to know the traditions of this place and my reaction to that knowledge I seem to have neglected my name.”

“No matter Priestess.”

Laughter weak, but still evident I roll my eyes. “Call me Sirina if you please?”

“Of course.” Tapping my nose in a matronly fashion she purses her lips. “Feeling better Sirina?”

“Emptier is probably more apt a description.”

Helping me to sit she wiggles her fingers at a table set with trays, “While you were out servants delivered these under order of the Lord Prince.”

“Think it’s all dead and cooked?”

Tongue sticking out she wriggles out from behind me and walks over to the table, lifting one of the domed
covers. “Save the fruit and salad, yes, all is dead and cooked.”

“I’m glad, not quite sure I could manage to eat anything that was dancing on my plate right now.”

Giggling she fills two plates and settles back down on the couch cushions, digging into the food with the same zeal that I have.


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And there you go, chapter one of my latest original. The land that it\'s set in is mapped here ( http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/6543557/ ) in my DeviantArt gallery. It currently is in the country Vapari.

Now let me know what you thought! I command you! *waves hand imperiously*