Acclayne Book 1: The Game Begins
Chapter 21

As Giflyn Ferntill's son he had grown to know Oakley House well. For as long as he could remember his father had been searching for the Twin-Blade. He had had no luck. Convinced that the weapon had somehow made it's way back to the house, he had spent days at a time exploring the place; looking for clues to it's whereabouts. It wasn't the most exciting pastime for a child but he insisted on accompanying his father whenever he would allow him. Even if it was just so he could have some peace and quiet away from his mother and sisters.

Together the father and son had discovered only one place that they could not gain access to: a long, black lacquered case in one of the basement training rooms. The box was plain and unremarkable for the most part; until one studied it more closely. For a start it was firmly attached to the stand that it sat on, no amount of pulling had been able to free it. Secondly there was no visible latch keeping it shut, nor was there a keyhole. The only features that it boasted were the golden Oak leaf shaped hinges along one side and a small circular opening at the front – like a button that had been pushed inward. Both father and son were in agreement; if the Twin-Blade was in the house then this was where it was. There was just no way that they could see of opening it.

He walked around the room admiring the many weapons and artefacts that were on show. Daggers, swords, maps of far off lands, hammers and all manner of strange things... all propped up proudly in stands, on plinths and in glass cases. He shot a look in the direction of the dark case. It sat on its own against the far wall, partially in the shadow, calling no attention to itself. He believed that, given the circumstances, this made it all the more conspicuous.

His musings were interrupted by voices coming down the stairs. It was about time. His father had explained to him that Lady Cholden had with her whom she claimed to be Alaina Oakley's daughter. He had scoffed and received a clip across the ear for his troubles. He was not to question her. Not under any circumstances. Lady Cholden had ways and means the likes of which neither of them knew and so; he was instructed, he should just go with it. Besides, if this woman was an Oakley then she should be able to access the Twin-Blade. Or so they hoped.

He was not sure how many he was expecting but by the sounds of the mixed chatter there was more than just the two of them...

“I hate basements.” A woman said.

“Claustrophobic?” Said a voice that sounded like it came from a young boy.

“No, no. I'm fine with small spaces. Basements just remind me of spiders... and dead bodies.”

“What the- where the hell did you get that one from?” A girl this time, her brash tone sounded slightly familiar.

“Well, spiders tend to live in places that-”

“Dead bodies?”

“You know, like, underground. Besides, have you never watched a horror movie? Never go down to the basement. Complete rookie mistake.”

“Geez.”

“Okay, enough nonsense.” He definitely recognised that voice; Lady Cholden. He had met her a few times over the years – when she turned up to do business with his father. She commanded respect both by the way that she spoke and by the way that she carried herself; strong and authoritative.

He ran a hand through his short, messy hair in an attempt to make himself look more presentable. A glance at his reflection in one of the glass display cases confirmed that it hadn't made a blind bot of difference.

“Well if it isn't little Flyn Ferntill.” He winced inwardly and hoped that the rest of her group hadn't heard her. “Though that's probably unfair of me-” Lady Cholden smiled, “you must be as tall as me at least!” She approached him and ruffled his sandy coloured hair; just as she had done every other time he had met her, and as with every other time he felt immediately at ease. He knew deep down that she was a very dangerous woman but when he looked at her large, dark, smiling eyes and felt her small hand run through his hair he couldn't seem to make himself feel appropriately fearful.

“Little Flyn,” she turned him toward the doorway and as she did he wished that she would stop calling him that., “meet the team; Malcolm, Alaina, Methyn and Kaylaer.”

...Kaylaer. No way.

“Hey.” She waved awkwardly at him and looked away; she refused to meet his gaze. He fancied that she might have blushed but then that could have just been hopeful thinking on his part.

“Well aren't you the spitting image of your father? Y'know, except for the facial hair.” He cleared his throat in an attempt to also dislodge the awkward tension he could now feel building in the pit of his stomach. It didn't work, but the over-confidence of the tall, slim red-head before him managed to at least draw attention away from it.

“Miss Oakley?” He squeaked and held out his hand.

“Alaina, please. 'Miss Oakley' hah! Makes me sound like a teacher.” she looked around the room for a response but no one passed comment, “God, makes me feel like a teacher too – we've got kids coming at us from all over the place.” Malcolm let out a bark of laughter at the unexpected observation and even Flyn found himself smiling. Her brashness of manner was akin to her late-mother's.

Juney patted Alaina on the shoulder, “Okay, okay enough of that – not to mention that I'm at least twice your age and you're making me feel decrepit.” She laughed. The rest of the room was silent.

“Now I know I couldn't have heard you right. Twice my age? But I'm like thirty... ish. You can't be telling me that you're sixty-odd.”

Juney nodded and shrugged.

“What the hell-? God! How old is Methyn?!”

“Hey I-” was all the indignant response Methyn could manage before Alaina continued;

“What is your secret?”

“Clean living and a good anti-wrinkle cream?” Juney smiled.

“Ah shut up. Weren't we supposed to be looking for a sword or something?” Alaina eyed Juney dubiously, “Grandma.”

***

It was now late afternoon and he had spent the majority of his day camped outside Oakley House. There had been no significant movement from within; none that he had been able to sense, and so he decided to risk a quick trip into town. Hood up and cape pulled closely around him, despite the warm weather, he tried not to appear too conspicuous. As a rule he tended to avoid populated areas during the daytime, but needs must and his food supplies were running low.

He hadn't perused Vallaylii market in years; not since his father used to bring him as a boy. It was just as he remembered it; as bright and as busy as it ever was. The smell of freshly made food was intoxicating. Browsing the various food stalls he filled his small bag with staples like bread and dried meats. His stomach belied his hunger when he came to a pastry stall – choosing the moment when an elderly lady asked if he'd like assistance, to make itself heard. Laughing, the lady filled a bag of meat pastries for him, with the promise that they would keep him going. He paid her ten Dravli and started to eat while she went to fetch his change. The pastries were still warm from the oven and the hot, meaty filling burst into his mouth as his teeth cut through the crispy shell. This was a damn site better than the dried food he'd been living off these past few months. The lady returned with his money and he smiled; his mouth too full to thank her properly.

Across from the market stall was a tavern; The Bloody Rose. He vaguely remembered it from the last time he had visited. Hardly the most reputable of places but it would do. Pulling up a seat outside he made himself comfortable in a shady corner where he could enjoy his food in peace.

Midway through his second pastry two soldiers burst unexpectedly through the tavern doors.

“You see to it that his Majesty is told of this at once.”

“Sir yes Sir.”

“I trust that I can rely on your Burning skills?”

“Sir yes Sir. I'll return as fast as I am able to Sir.”

“Good good. I don't know if what this Ferntill says has any merit, but if it does then I am sure that the King will want to take immediate action.”

Ferntill? Surely he would not have...

“This 'Lady Cholden', I don't know who she is but I'm willing to bet that she is of great importance. My Mother, Cloy I think we've finally got something. Now go!”

“Sir.” The private nodded and was gone. Shit – they knew about Cholden, and they had a Burner of all people. He only hoped he had time to get to Alox before everything fell apart.

***

“This is it,” Flyn tapped the box gently, “we think.”

“All that mystery and intrigue and you're telling me 'this is it'?” Alaina arched an eyebrow. “Can't say that a black box in a darkened corner was quite what I was expecting.”

Alaina may have been unimpressed but Juney was enthralled. She caressed the lid of the case, the black lacquer enabling her fingertips to glide effortlessly across the top.

“Astounding...” She whispered, not taking her eyes off of it.

“If you say so.” Alaina shot a puzzled look at Kaylaer; who ignored her. “I'm willing to bet that it might be a bit more interesting if we actually open it.”

“That's the thing.” Flyn reddened, “We can't, or rather, we're not sure how.” he managed to look a little bit more embarrassed; Kaylaer laughed.

“Hardly surprising, that thing is absolutely riddled with magic.” Methyn croaked. His throat was dry and his head was sore but even in his still-hungover state he could feel the potential energy pulsating through the fibres of the wood. It was making him feel distinctly queasy.

“That's absolutely marvellous; it's reassuring to know that dangerous weapons are locked away from homicidal maniacs and children, but if we can't open it then it's not really much use to us is it?” Alaina shrugged, “let's face it; we're probably better off. It's not like I'd have been able to use the bloody thing, and I'm sure you all value your limbs?” Malcolm nodded enthusiastically, Kaylaer scoffed.

“Waste of time this has turned out to be,” She shot a look at Flyn who reddened and suddenly became very interested in the floor, “nice one.”

“Never mind aye?” Alaina patter her on the back, “We're only on a rescue mission anyway, besides, if it comes down to it then I'm sure Ninja-Granny over there has got us covered.”

Juney didn't respond; she was now busying herself examining the rest of the room.

“I must be losing my touch, I was at least expecting a glare for that one, or maybe a 'smart-ass' comment. I'm actually kind of disappointed.”

“Shut up a second, I'm looking for something.”

“'Shut up'? Really? What're you twelve?” Alaina smirked, “what are you looking for then super-sleuth? I mean I'm pretty sure that it doesn't come with an instruction manual.”

“Actually,” Said Juney, stopping in front of a large wooden artefact, “I think you'll find that it does.”

The plinth that she was standing in front of held a sizeable wooden frame. It was painted black with a golden, leaf shaped embellishment up and down the sides to match the hinges on the box- now that they studied it closely; how could the frame not have something to do with the box?

“Ah, a Peithynen.” Malcolm nodded as he made his observation. “A pretty rare sight in this part of the world but then she did travel an awful lot so I suppose it's really not surprising...”

“Gonna have to stop you there little buddy; what did you call it?” Alaina interrupted.

“A Peithynen, it's a sort of wooden book that was developed in the Dolak region of Acclayne. The two posts on either side are sort of handles, and they support the horizontal poles or Ebillion that join them. Each Ebillion is four sided and on each side is inscribed a line of text. It reads left to right, top to bottom like a normal book would, but to turn the page you simply rotate each Ebillion once.”

“Clever stuff.” Alaina nodded, genuinely impressed.

“Yeah, I learned about them from my Aunt- she did a bit of travelling herself. She told me that they used to be used as a secure way to send messages because they used to take a little time to figure out until you got all the Ebillion facing the right way...”

“Well this one is going to be extra difficult then.” Flyn piped up. “None of the Ebillion face the right way.”

“A Cryptic Peithynon? Someone's gone to a fair bit of effort then.” Methyn mumbled as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Magic Migraines were the worst.

“You'd have to if you were leaving instructions on how to get at the Twin-Blade.” Juney stated. “Any chance you could work this out kid?”

“Me? I've never used one before...” Malcolm stammered.

“Ah you'll get the hang of it, besides you're probably the most clued-up out of all of us.”

“I'll give it a go.” Malcolm approached the Peithynon tentatively, he turned to Flyn; “May I?” He asked, gesturing as if to touch it.

“Sure, it's not gonna break any time soon, that thing is as solid as a rock.”

Malcolm began to turn the Ebillion slowly; “I figure if I can just find enough references to the Twin-Blade then I might be able to work it out.”

“Now why didn't I think of that?” Flyn sighed, frustrated with himself. This kid was years younger than him and yet he'd been able to figure out something so obvious. If he'd been that smart then maybe his Father would show him a little bit more respect.

“Okay, well I think I'm on the right track with this one: 'Dormant Twin-Blades, found within await'”

“Sounds good to me kid.” Juney patted him on the back. “Couple more lines and we'll bust this thing wide open.”

Malcolm worked on the Peithynon for some time, twisting the Ebillion this way and that. Where the next line would usually be found was a line that made no logical sense when paired with the one before. Eventually he came up with this:

“Dormant Twin-Blades, found within, await

Through time and space they travel, un-bonden

by blood they shall be untouchable. No

eager and greedy hands should attempt

fool the Twin-Blades as they shall know their

of the Oak is once again awoken by'”

“Okay... all well and good but it doesn't make any bloody sense.” Alaina shrugged, but catching Malcolm's disheartened look she back tracked; “Though it's probably in all 'Olde Worlde' talk anyway!” She smiled, “You tried your best.”

“That's the thing; this is the closest I can get any coherency. It just feels like there are lines missing.” Malcolm sat down, defeated, beside Methyn who had his head in his hands. He may have been able to figure it out but at the moment he was about as much use to them as a tennis racket without strings.

While the boys felt sorry for themselves Kaylaer had a look at the Peithynon for herself. She had never even heard of one before- let alone seen one. She had to admit that, for an old bit of wood it was quite cool. She re-read the first Ebillion; “Dormant Twin-Blades, found within, await” Before turning it once to read: “reclamation from their bonded owner.” Well that kinda made sense. She turned it again; “Acclayne, mother of us all, left with us” Nope, no sense there. She turned the Ebillion back and re-read the first two lines again. They definitely made sense together. She read the next Ebillion: “Through time and space they travel, un-bonden” Turning it followed: “and unrestricted, independently. Once encased” Now that definitely follows. She made her way down the Ebillion, right to the end. To her delight she was able to annouce:

“I've got it.” She smiled at their disbelieving faces, “How does this sound? -

“Dormant Twin-Blades, found within, await

reclamation from their bonded owner.

Through time and space they travel, unbonded

and unrestricted, independently. Once encased

by blood they shall be untouchable. No

magics shall stirr within them lest

eager and greedy hands should attempt

to claim them for their own. No trickery shall

fool the Twin-Blades as they shall know their

rightful owner when the immortal power

of the Oak is once again awoken by

the life force that shall bond them.””

“I can't believe it.” Malcolm managed, “how on Acclayne did I miss that?”

“Ah well, when you're good you're good Malcolm, but when you're awesome... you're me.” She said about as nonchalantly as she could manage given the circumstances.

“Okay miss smarty pants,” Alaina said, genuinely impressed. “What does it actually mean then?”

“How the hell should I know?” She shrugged. She'd done her bit, she didn't much care after that- besides, Flyn now looked suitably impressed with her. Not that she'd done it to impress the likes of him anyway, but, whatever.

It was at that moment that Juney had what appeared to be a 'light bulb' moment. She had been investigating the case while Kaylaer had been figuring out the instructions. She hadn't seen anything like this in years, the craftsmanship was unbelievable. Under other circumstances there was no question that she would attempt to steal the thing- someone would pay a small fortune for this. As she examined it she noted how the front latch boasted what appeared to be a round keyhole.

This keyhole seemed to her to be the answer, but it wasn't going to be a simple key that would open this. When Kaylaer read out the message on the Peithynon she knew instantly what they were up against. In fact it was so obvious to her that she wandered why she hadn't thought of it sooner.

“Alaina? Come here a sec.”

“Ooh did you open it?”

“Not yet, but I am going to need a hand.” She smiled sweetly.

“I'll help.” Piped up Flyn, “I'm pretty strong, I mean I'll be able to lift it no trouble.” He said, glancing sideways at Kaylaer to see if she was looking. She wasn't.

“That's okay, I need Alaina's hand specifically.”

“You what?”

“Just hold still.”

“Wait, what?” and with that Juney grabbed Alaina's right hand and jabbed her index finger into the hole.

***

The confusion I had felt was instantly overcome by the searing, burning pain that was now pulsating through my finger. I screamed out, or at least I thought I did; I heard nothing over the sound of my own heartbeat in my ears. The burning sensation had become excruciating as it worked it's way up my arm and through my body. I felt as though my body was expanding in an attempt to make room for the pain; it was invading my body – burning me from the inside out. Instinctively I tried to pull my arm back towards me but it refused to move. I was rendered immobile.

The pain had reached my chest; I could feel it moving in waves, lapping against my heart and seeping in. It began to slow. My world was black; the only sensations now were the pain and the ever weakening beat of my heart.

My heartbeat slowed to a whisper as I felt the pain engulf my chest completely. I accepted and almost welcomed the darkness; willing the pain to end. As I did so my heart restarted with a vigour that I had not felt before. The pain retreated down my arm; pushed out by the intensity of my heart, Within seconds I was freed from the burning, though the sensation of fullness remained along with the pin-prick of pain at my fingertip. I waited. When nothing further happened I slowly opened my eyes...

***

“What the HELL?!” Alaina whipped her hand away from the case and stuck her finger in her mouth. “'at phuckin' 'urt.”

“Don't be such a baby it was only in there for a second.” Kaylaer scoffed, “are you sure you're Alaina Oakley's daughter? You did just get owned by a box.”

“It pwicked ma fingu!”

Malcolm and Flyn pushed passed the the squabbling girls to where Juney was examining the case.

“Is that what I think it is?” Malcolm practically squealed.

“Is it what?”

“It is boys – Blood Bonding, I knew it would be.” Juney said with a smug grin on her face.

“Blood Bonding?” Flyn asked, confused.

“Alaina Oakley, senior that is,” Malcolm explained excitedly, “infused the lock on this case with her blood and potential energy reserves – only someone of her bloodline would be able to open it...”

“...Without being gruesomely terminated.” Juney added while she tended to the case.

“Ah! Wow, now that is clever stuff. No wonder we couldn't open it. But um-”

“Yeah?”

“Alaina is still standing... but it still looks pretty closed to me.” Flyn pointed to where Juney was trying, and failing, to lift the lid off of the black case.

“Alaina get your ass over here and open this thing before I lose my rag with it!”

“But my finger-”

“Get over it.” Juney glared fiercely at her and Alaina immediately felt as though she had travelled back in time to when Mrs Mahoney had caught her passing notes to the boy who sat in front of her in class. She had made her read the note out to the whole class; it was very embarrassing. It turned out to be well worth it as apparently he 'liked her, liked her' too and gave her a cookie the following lunchtime; a good result for any seven year old she'd thought. She didn't; however, think that any amount of sweet snacks would be worth getting on the wrong side of Juney right now.

“Over it! So long as it's not going to do anything like try and take my finger off again.” Juney glared at her, “Haha! Just kidding, Geez would you lighten up?”

“Open the-”

“Okay! Here goes nothing.” Alaina reached out and as she did she could feel the air around the case pulsating against her fingertips. As she moved closer she felt what she could only later describe to be a sort of static; prickling the palm of her hands. Instinctively, if not slightly unsteadily, she pushed down on the lid and it sprang open on it's hinges as easily as if they had just been oiled.

“That just proves it really.” Malcolm said smugly, “Not that I doubted you for a second.” He glanced over at Kaylaer who had her arms folded defensively over her chest.

“Whatever, she must just take after her father.”

Juney said nothing but joined Alaina in her silent awe of the gleaming treasure that lay nestled snugly in it's case before them.

***

Darkness had fallen so slowly and without ceremony that no one had even noticed that it was happening. The moonlight painted everything in a purple-blue hue; as if the shadows had stretched over the landscape and draped everything in a veil of violet gauze.

Cleggston's squadron used the darkness to their advantage. Upon Cloy's return they had set off, somewhat hesitantly towards Oakley House. They were not used to combat but they reasoned that although they may be inexperienced they were being asked to neutralise a small group of amateurs; surely they would be able to manage that. And so it was that they found themselves stationed around Oakley House under the dual protection of trees and darkness.

But they were not the only ones hiding.

He had arrived mere moments before them and was now cautiously viewing events from a tree branch. He made no movement; slowing his breathing down completely. He watched them but they made no move. What were they waiting for? And then he felt it – a surge of energy more potent than he had ever felt the likes of before. They must have felt it too and soon they were off and running- silently approaching the unsuspecting house.

There were nine of them at least; too many for him to fend off completely but he had to try. He did not trust Juney Cholden but it was imperative that Alaina Oakley be kept alive; of this he was certain.

Without further hesitation he leapt from his tree; catching one of the soldiers off-guard as he tackled her to the ground. She let out a yelp of fright which alerted her comrades. She tried to shout out again but a swift dagger to the windpipe silenced her completely. He rolled off of her and turned on his knee just in time to trip another soldier. They toppled over him and fell to the ground as another stronger woman lifted him from behind. Darting his elbow out behind him he hit her firmly in the stomach – winding her. She made the mistake of dropping him and he whipped around punching her square on the jaw as he did so. The sudden impact shattered her jaw; the crack reverberated through her skull rendering her unconscious.

Acting on instinct he withdrew his sword and spun round; slicing the arm of the soldier he'd tripped. It was the Time Burner, Cloy. The Burner moved unnaturally quickly, dodging each swing of his blade. In frustration he left his face open to attack, Cloy saw the opening and took full advantage; slicing across his eye with precision.

He let out a blood-curdling yell as the pain overwhelmed him. His vision now impaired he swung blindly and felt his blade collide with Cloy's leg. He swung again and this time his sword cut straight through the bone. Pushing through the searing pain in his eye he made a charge for the house. He couldn't fight them all, but hopefully he had evened the odds a little. He felt the soldiers closing in on him as he frantically rang the massive brass bell that hung at the front of the house – alerting everyone inside to the ambush.

Clutching his face he made a break for it, leaping onto the nearest low-hanging branch and darting off into the night. As the blood that trickled down his face reached his lips and the metallic taste of it filled his mouth he could only hope that they would be able to defend themselves.

***

Alaina and Juney stared at the Twin-Blade. It was everything Juney had envisaged it to be and was, at the same time, everything Alaina had feared.

“Let's have a look!” Kaylaer squeezed herself between the two women. “Now that is a sword.” She glanced at Flyn who wasn't looking.

Despite being shut away for an immeasurable amount of time the Twin-Blade glistened as if it had been lovingly polished that very morning. The pale gold colour of the hilt appeared to be radiating a light of it's own.

“Go on then.” Juney said without looking up.

“'Go on then' what?” Alaina replied.

“Pick it up.”

“Woah no, I don't think so.”

“It's your sword.” Flyn chipped in.

“I opened the box...”

“A box sealed by a blood bond.” Malcolm pointed out.

“So? That hardly qualifies me to wield a weapon for God's sake.”

“I think you'll find that it does.”

“Is that a smile I hear in your voice?! This isn't funny you mad-woman!”

“Actually, if memory serves; you don't really have a choice in the matter.” Methyn's sombre voice came from behind them. They turned to find him standing slightly hunched with his eyes screwed shut and his left hand pinching the bridge of his nose.

“You all right Methyn? You don't look so good.”

“Fine. Bit of a headache. Surge in potential energy will do that to you.”

“So will a litre of Vodka...” Juney elbowed Kaylaer for the smart comment.

“It seems as though you are now, in fact, blood-bonded to the Twin-Blade. I mean you were before, to a lesser extent, but now the deal is 'sealed' as you'd say.” Alaina snorted in disbelief. “It's the strongest magical artefact that I've come across in some time, I wouldn't take it lightly.”

“Can't I just give it to Juney? She clearly knows how to use something like that, or Giflyn? He's absolutely mad to get his hands on the thing-” Flyn nodded emphatically.

“I'm sure you could, if you wanted to get them killed.” Flyn's nod turned into a shake fairly lively. “It's safeguarded so that only you can use it.”

“Brilliant, talk about throwing me into the deep end guys. Can't I practice with a foam one or something?” Her question was met with stony silence. “Okay, massive Twin-Blade of Death it is then.”

“Can't say it doesn't have a ring to it.”

“Less of the sass you crazy person. I'll have you know that I am now the owner of a ridiculously over sized sword.”

“But you are afraid to use it, so I'm feeling pretty confident.”

Alaina reached out tentatively toward the hilt of the Twin-Blade. Now that she looked at it more closely she could see the detail of the workmanship that had gone into making it. The hilt itself had a simple stone embellishment; it was round, smooth and unobtrusive. It's earthy-green hue complemented it'd pale gold setting. Around the stone was a ring of tiny Oak leaves etched into the metal. The rest of the hilt was undecorated apart from the green counter-weight at the very end. The blades themselves were polished to such a high shine that the silver was mirror-like. Alaina could see her face in the long thin blade. The fear she felt distorted her features and for a moment she didn't recognise her own reflection.

She ran a finger over the black leather grip. She could feel the indentations where her mother's own able hands had gripped it. Her arm tingled in anticipation. It was a strange feeling, completely at odds with what her head was telling her – that she should take the first chance she got to run away and leave them to it. Her body, on the other hand, longed for her to pick up the sword, to feel the weight of it at then end of her arm. As her hand finally closed around the grip it was as if something had opened up inside of her and began to flow freely between her and the Twin-Blade. At that moment she felt the blood-bond that Methyn spoke of and it sang throughout her entire being. It was so loud within her that she barely heard the alarm bell being sounded outside.

***

Oscar had never heard the alarm bell without being the one who rang it, so it came as quite a surprise to him as he was finishing the last of the day's paperwork. Just as he was about to call downstairs for assistance the substantial front door was kicked in by a heavy, leather boot. The heavy, leather boot in question belonged to a very angry and upset looking Floss.

Having just witnessed the death of Dexi; one of her oldest and closest friends, she was out for blood, and if that woman, Cholden, so much as showed her face then she intended to tear it off in the most painful way possible. The remaining members of her squadron piled in behind her; if somewhat more reluctantly.

Admirably, Oscar stood his ground and attempted to throw one of the women across the room by harnessing his potential energy. Though he was strong and practically sizzling with stored energy; he was out of practice and the unused energy had become volatile. Releasing it as quickly as he could he managed to splinter his desk and distracted by his paperwork flying through the air he was quickly tackled to the floor by Floss. He landed heavily on the floor and, in an instant, Floss had his hand in her vice-like grip. She didn't think twice about snapping his wrist and with a sickening crunch, Oscar fainted.

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Juney had set off running the moment she had heard the crash of the front door. As she ran she equipped herself; her right hand came instinctively to her concealed belt where she had fastened her Dagger of Dolak. She curled her fingers around the handle, between the blades and pulled the small weapon free. The weight of it in her hand felt comfortable. Her left hand darted into the inside pocket of her cloak and when she withdrew it she was armed with a set of glossy black knuckledusters. She smiled to herself; it was as if the old gang was back together.

She took the stairs two at a time until she was back in the entrance hall. Her lip curled involuntarily as she clocked her opponents; one, two, three, four and five. One was a man – so as far as she was concerned it might as well have been four. It wasn't until the prone body of Oscar caught her eye that she noticed the sixth soldier in the room. She was; evidently, consumed by rage – almost hyperventilating as the adrenalin coursed through her body. Juney could feel the anger emanating from her in waves; she basked in the heat of it.

“Cholden I presume?” She growled still hunched over Oscar.

“You presume correctly.”

Instantly on her feet she sprang at Juney, salivating as if she were a rabid dog. Juney blocked her attack with her right arm and swung a punch at her with her left. She was too quick; Floss swerved instinctively; the adrenalin heightening her senses she kicked out at Juney's legs, toppling her over.

Alaina, Methyn and the children weren't as quick to respond as Juney had been, but now they found themselves standing in the foyer; facing off to a small squadron of soldiers.

“Quick, Malcolm; go and help Oscar.” Methyn snapped as he registered the situation. The boy nodded and scuttled off.

Without any further thought Methyn materialised a ball of raw potential energy in his hand. He hurled the Emerald green orb toward the group of soldiers – they scattered and the orb barely missed one woman; exploding at her feet. It had been a long time since Methyn had used magic in combat. Not since his days as a student, but he had not forgotten; conjuring the orb had been as natural as breathing air.

Unsure as to how to go about making a charge Kaylaer and Flyn soon found themselves the target of two reluctant looking women. Kaylaer unsheathed her dagger as quickly as she could, fumbling as she did so. Her timing, however; was perfect. As she swung blindly she caught one woman's cheek. The gash was only shallow but it spewed blood. Kaylaer grinned with satisfaction but while she enjoyed that smug moment she was caught unawares by the injured woman's retaliating punch which caught her painfully on the shoulder.

Alaina stood transfixed, Flyn; although unarmed, was doing his best at hand to hand combat while she was stood on the sidelines doing nothing. She had never been so terrified in all her life; she felt entirely useless. Juney was more than holding her own against the most ferocious of the squad and even Methyn was actively defending them. She screwed her eyes up in frustration. What could she do?

Seeing his chance Corporal Cleggston made a charge for Alaina. What was the woman thinking? She had her eyes closed – she had made herself an easy target. Drawing his long sword he swung for her.

For a moment the rest of the room was silent as metal hit metal. Just as Cleggston thought he was about to fell the red-head with one blow she had lifted her arm in a defensive manoeuvre – the swiftness of which he had never seen before, and in her grasp was the legendary Twin-Blade.

Alaina opened her eyes in shock and found a man staring back at her; a mixed look of confusion and determination contorted his face. Looking down she saw the Twin-Blade. It was the only thing that was standing between her and being sliced in two. She instinctively pushed and the man with the longsword stumbled backwards. He charged her again but this time she kept her eyes open. Again she blocked his attack, hurling him backwards. Her next move shocked both her and her sparring partner: she swung for him. Her arm swung in a natural arcing motion, while the rest of her body automatically adjusted itself to compensate for the weight shift. Despite the gracefulness and fluidity of her movement, she missed him – but only just. He dodged and lunged at her and as he did so she stepped out of the way. They continued this dance for a while and with each new step Alaina's confidence in her movement seemed to grow. He lunged at her again and before he'd realised it she'd spun round and out of his line of attack completely, instead coming to stand next to him and continuing on to strike him from behind.

He yowled in pain. Her blade was embedded in his arm; piercing the skin in two places. He dropped his longsword and it clattered to the ground. By this point the fighting around them had eased, save for Floss and Juney. He felt everyone's eyes on him as he stumbled to the floor. She had fooled him; he had mistaken her for a naïve amateur. Never underestimate one's opponent; rookie mistake.

Alaina barely had a chance to breathe before she realised that she was now holding the Twin-Blade high over her head; the army man kneeling before her on the floor...

She could feel the sword now, it wanted her to swing it; to be driven through the man's skull. She growled and gritted her teeth. In the now quiet room the guttural sound attracted Floss' attention.

“CORPORAL!” She yelled as she took in the situation. It was all the distraction that Juney needed; she was not interested in any other fight but her own. She swung her right arm around with tremendous power and the five short blades of her dagger tore cleanly through Floss' neck. Her severed head hit the floor with a wet thud.

The longer Alaina held her arms up , the greater the desire to drop them became. She could feel the connection she shared with the Twin-Blade intensify. It had been guiding her from the moment it realised that her life was in danger; for that she was thankful, but she was not ready to kill someone. She may have not been able to control her arms yet but her legs were still her own. She put her boot to the man's back and pushed him, the force of it threw him forward. She could hold the sword back no longer and it arched over her head, hurtling toward the floor. It missed the man's feet by mere inches; clanging as it hit the floor. It was over.

The remaining soldiers scrambled for the door without looking back and disappeared into the night. The man Alaina had almost killed was lying unconscious on the floor in front of her. Her friends stared in silence as she struggled to get her breath back.

“I think,” she panted, “I think I should put this away for a little while.”

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