A TIME TO DIE

Chapter 1 In the begining...

As the sun began to set it threw out a golden burnished glow, reflecting in the still waters of the lakes ever darkening waters. Sinking slowly towards the night and yet ever grasping at the last vestitude of the day now gone. It was clinging to the moment, echoing the colours of a polished amber gem sparking in the fine mists along the shoreline. A pair of geese arced across the sky, outlined by the afterglow. They were heading towards.. towards who knows where? A land that knew peace he hoped, but that was a rare commodity these days…
The young man sat silently by the water edge his battle armour scattered amongst the rocks and pebbles. He knew and was indeed conscious of the fact that not all considered him of sound mind, and yet the time was upon him. A lifetime’s wait, a moment in time and it was he and he alone that had orchestrated the whole scenario, and now it was he and he alone that could end it. What had it been for? A little piece of truth? A hint of the pleasures that young love once knew? Oh for the time before… he sighed.. The time before the warfare the violence and oh so much personal anger.
Looking towards the horizon he contemplated his unrequited beliefs. Was there a place for them? Could he really hope to halt the revolution, or was he misguided and a fool? The silence of the moment was overwhelming; there was nothing on this earth that could make a man feel so small. He closed his eyes letting the final heat of the day warm his body.
Soft words filtered through his thoughts. "Are you.. are you really here?" He turned and glanced up, the soft billowing shape of a velvet-braided cape caught his eye. "You are too late" she whispered, "it has begun". His eyes flickered with recognition his heart began to beat with life…he faltered and then slowly reached out, his strong muscular arm bekoning her towards him. Tenderely their fingers touched and without resistance she let him pull her closer towards him. A tear rolled down his cheek leaving a salty trail to his lips, his eyes dark and without that spark she had once known. She carefully untied her cloak and let it fall to the ground revealing her slim but tanned body.., she slowly moved her body towards the him. Her soft hand outstretched she wiped the tears from his rugged yet haunted face. As the black velvet of night drew across the land she lowered herself to the ground beside him. They sat silently, looking out to the horizon, together once more but never more so alone..
"You know why I am here" He whispered. She nodded silently, "I did not wish any of this on anyone, and yet the land is now in turmoil. Could it really be something that I have unleashed?" She looked at him carefully, her dark eye's burning into his soul. "Do not concern yourself my noble warrior, what is to be is not written in stone. We are but pawns in a play that is not of our making, and until the battle is won or lost we must make the best of our time." Janus smiled and the creases in his face faded, "And what of us, what is there for us in this place?"
Her hand rose from the silver sand and slowly traced the contours of his cheek, "Of us…?" she smiled, "I am not an ‘us’, I am an individual, whose thoughts and concerns should not upset you oh dark lord. Do not feel for me any more than you deem fit." Her hand brushed across his lips and he gently kissed her palm. He began to whisper "Who are y…" but the sentence was lost to the wind and the cries of a single black backed Gull as it cart-wheeled across the water seeking refuge from the night.

Oh so carefully he brushed her hair away from her face, her skin smooth against his rough hand. He felt her shiver as his fingers lightly caressed the back of her neck. The passion he felt was overpowering, blood ran like flaming oil through his veins, his body was old and tired, but senses were waking and shattering the lifeless soul that he had or was becoming. He faltered. Should he pull back? Should he refrain, become the gentleman? Was this right.? Would she…

Her lips connected with his, the thoughts were gone, his doubts gone, her tongue traced around the edges of his mouth, exploring the tastes of a man who wanted, who wanted and yet never dared to hope. His hands drew her head closer, his tongue exploring her open mouth, probing and tasting the savour of an entwining dance with hers....

The cold light of dawn filtered through the forest canopy, a gaggle of muddleducks made their way along the lake's shoreline hunting their first meal of the day. Janus turned, trying to hide his eyes from the glare reflecting across the water. He felt the soft velveteen silk of the cape beneath him. The lady, the… he span round, but there was no one, he was alone once more….
A raging torrent of consciousness ran through his head, to many thoughts, no rhyme or reason.. and no answers .. Had the moment existed? It had been real, hadn’t it? I mean…..

Chapter 2

The warmth of the cape beneath his body, he ran his hands across it lining.. Reality didn’t lie.. Did it? Had he been dreaming? The thought had crossed his mind, but no there had been something, a moment of… the screaming cry of a Pelicano bird shattered his thoughts. Scrambling to gather armour and blade Janus clutched at the cloak and scrambled into the dense scrub. Pressing his body into the damp earth willing himself to merge into the scenery invisible, unnoticed, a shadow receding into the background of a new day’s dawn. Straining his senses he could just make out broken sentences from an argument, the venomous heat and depth of the debate made his body sink lower into the forests damp and musty floor. “Whaaa… so he said to me, and I just hit ‘im.. Hard” The first of the leather-backed duo strolled into the clearing. He was a man with little on his mind except recanting the amazing tale that his partner appeared to be ignoring. He was kicking sticks and pinecones across the ground, twigs cracked as he made his way across the dead wood. I t seemed clear that he was not in the least bit worried about being overheard by anyone other than his comrade who trudges solemnly into view. “Well me? I just kept kicking the little fjeer until he stopped breathing…” He smiled at the thought. His friend just looked away into the distance as though tying to find something… but what? It was then that the explosion rocked the peace and tranquillity of the lake's shore. Janus strained to catch a glimpse of the pair; they were both grinning wildly and shouting unintelligible gibberish. “Damn them to hell” he muttered…”Spatians…. Evil sons of…” He slowly unsheathed his sword careful not to let the suns rays catch the shining metal as he clenched the leather clad grip. The distance between them was not great, but to catch both would not be possible in one hit. Slowly he edged up off of his knees and began to stalk the jubilant Spatians. The pine needles muffled his footsteps until he was nigh on top of them, the first turned to scream a warning but uttered little more than a gasp as the silvered blade sliced through his rough bony head. The second turned and attempted to draw a pistol from his belt but in desperation aimed wide and blasted a hole in a tree several yards to the left. Janus’s boot caught him in the ribs, the crack of broken bone was clear for all to hear, but it was the last of the Spatians worries, as he buckled under the force of the impact Janus’s sword sank to its hilt into his back. The bodies would be left to feed the vultures and wolves that frequented the forest. Wiping the oozing dark fluid from his blade Janus stood and looked to the distance. Smoke was billowing across the water from the distant shore. Whatever had caused the explosion had truly been more powerful than first thought, slowly a cloud engulfed the water sucking up the spray and forcing it out into the shape of a rather large mushroom. The birds were still singing on the Northern shore as he took hold of his cumbersome pack and swung it over his shoulder. Kicking the remnants of his campfire into the dirt he began sweeping the forest floor with a branch from a tree, hiding all traces of his presence. Satisfied he threw the branch into the undergrowth and began his journey towards his final destination. A peaceful almost serene exterior hid the chaos that was ever present and running riot through his mind. Hell, why should I care for this land he muttered, it has brought nothing but pain and sorrow.The pathway was littered with the carcasses of dead animals, the Spatiens had stayed true to their nature, kill and maim everything and anything that lives breaths and gets in your way. A bear cub lay on the ground close to its mother. The mother dead, it had been shot in the legs to prevent it running and then shot twice through its head, was there no end to the madness? The cub whined and pawed its mother’s lifeless body willing it to suckle him, but life was cruel and soon it too would perish alone and afraid. Janus slowly knelt and stroked the cubs course fur, it did not look up, quietly and with care he continued to stroke the animals fur as he put his pistol to the cub’s head.

***

Lady Gwynn strode across the dining hall with vengeful intent, heading toward the main kitchens. Her demure and thoughtful nature hid her emotion for the most part, but even so the staff nodded silently as she passed, clearly aware that all was not well. The clenching and unclenching of her tiny fists made them concerned with what was about to take place. She slammed the kitchen doors against the wall with an almighty crash, causing a wash girl to utter a panic-stricken wail as she dropped the plate she’d been drying. Gwynn glanced quickly about the room, but the person she sought was not to be seen. “Do not worry yourself child,” she spoke calmly and apologetically. “We have other plates.” Her reassuring tone brought a gentle smile to the girl’s innocent face. “Thank you ma’am,” she said. “I will clear it afore the cook gets back.” Gwynn watched as the child ran to fetch a brush. It was so unfair, so unfair indeed. This poor girl knew nothing of what was going on. She shook her head and turned back into the dining hall. The wind was veritably howling outside the castle walls, sending a branch crashing against one of the window frames, narrowly avoiding the leaded glass. Gwynn watched as the branch twisted in the wind, flying off to land who knows where. She sighed softly and headed off to resume her search. Where was that damned sorcerer? Had she not forbidden him to practice his alchemy within the castle walls? This storm was his doing, she was sure of it. “Damn it,” she muttered. Many things were of his doing, not the least of which the ongoing violence and acts of mindless thuggery that were sporadically taking place in the towns and villages outside the reach of the castle’s protection. Had not the King prohibited the practice of wizardry and witchcraft? To make things worse, the Spatians were becoming restless. The Atonement Bell began its haunting toll, it’s crisp yet solemn sound echoed round the castle and surrounding countryside. Everyone knew it’s ominous chime, it meant that politicians and business people would soon be gathering to review state legislation and offer up the floor to those that wished to chance their luck with the legal system or indeed the Governing body of the Grand Counsel. Gwynn knew that today was to be a special day, some foreign dignitary was to be allowed to address the chambers. Of what he was to say she had little interest, she had missed more than her fair share of the Councils meetings and was in no doubt that this would fall into the neat category of a fuss over nothing. Even so she duly slipped into her robes of office and began to prepare to do her duty. Looking into the mirror on the wall she tried to smile and look as though she was at one with her status in the world. “Bleech…” she frowned at the image she saw and pulled a cigarette from a silver case hidden in her pocket. “All a fuss over nothing”… she smiled at that thought… was it like this in the past? Governments.. She shook her head; it doesn’t matter who you vote for.. They still get in!”Her mind wandered back to the Wizard and his provocation of anyone and everyone that disagreed with his ideals. If the Wizard chose to continue to ignore her, she would be forced to raise protest with the Elders. She hitched up her flowing gown and hurriedly made her way to the Judgement Chambers. Her footsteps echoed on the flagstone floor as she made her way down the corridor, She winced as her ankle turned. “Damn heels” she cursed…As she steadied herself by a window she watched the Law Lords and associated flunkies making their way towards the Chamber, she was going to be late. Shaking her head she took her shoes off and broke into a less than elegant run towards the stairs.

***

Chapter 3

It was as though someone was handing out money to anyone who was dressed to excess. Lords, Ladies, Flunkies and slaves, all scurrying around in guilded finery befitting… befitting what she pondered. They were like peacocks on display..And the hats…. Gwynn shook her head and joined the throng as they wended their way towards the Chambers. She knew that in the Governments own way it had protected and served the country well over the past fifty years, but now… Now it was a free for all, greedy people grabbing out at anything and everything that would give them influence and power.. and money. What had once been a truly outstanding governmental system was now nearly beyond redemption. “You foolish, ignorant people,” she thought. “You climb the ladders to achieve status, greasing the poles for your own gain. Little do you realise what lies ahead.”Her thought pattern distracted she paused to ponder on the fate of the traveller. She wondered where he might be, what he was doing. She knew that their fate was overtaking her people, but how could she make them listen? How do you explain to the citizens that their leader had chosen to ignore them; that they were blindly heading towards a new dark age.. A new era of civil unrest and possibly war. Each area of the Judgement Chambers was divided into set areas. The Lawmakers were there to protect the laws, the Providers to attend to the counties food and housing. The Diplomatists were a throng of ancient and gnarled senior lawmakers that controlled the counties dealings with the outside world. Then there were the Thoughtmakers. Gwynn, although not born of a titled family within the Realm, was a member of this group. An assortment of Noble men and women that had no official responsibilities within the Judgement Chambers, they had foresight and vision that few could truly understand. The Lawmakers took the findings of the Thoughtmakers seriously, and the kingdom had prospered and grown as a result of their decisions. Gwynn had been raised by Nobility outside of the Realm, but had lost her parents in the Karno Wars many years ago. Taken in by a family led by Orman, the leader of the Providers; she had matured into a graceful and fiercely loyal woman. Her way of debate and open mindedness had scared many, but Orman had seen something in her and had pushed her into a career in the Chambers. He was retired now and she had made him proud. Her only fault was her fiery temper, though it was seldom commented on. Her ability to read minds and see through people’s thoughts and actions was also well known. She was able to utilise her abilities far more successfully than most, being able to work her way into someone’s mind to feed on their thoughts. She could invade minds unnoticed or drain them completely, leaving them broken and dysfunctional. There had only been one incident where she had used this gift to break a man’s will; a Senior Lawmaker who had stalked her and abused his influence. Not someone fit to be a Judge. Indeed, he was no more. He had been found with a single bullet hole drilled neatly through his forehead, a gun at his side. To this day no one knew why he would have committed suicide. “Who cares?” she mused aloud, the sound breaking her train of thought. The Diplomat who was speaking at that moment paused to peer pointedly in her direction, causing her to blush and lower her head. The chambers were indeed full today; Gwynn surveyed the throng of wealthy clad dignitaries that had obviously made an effort to be here today. Her embarrassment gave way to curiosity as the minister that she had interrupted raised the tone of his speech, gushing forth a barrage of compliments and toadying remarks to all and sundry. It was rare, but even the Head of Chambers appeared to be reddening in the face at the continual volley of … well, It had to be called ‘sucking up!’Applause rang out as the minister finally beckoned a stranger onto the platform. There were several murmurs from within the ranks of the Thinkers gallery as a rather rotund behemoth of a man strode up the platform and began his speech of thanks…. “My Lords Ladies, thank you thank you... My name is Metak De Loki….”“Who the hell is he?” whispered Gwynn to a bespectacled elderly and obviously enthralled Lord that was sitting next to her. “You should have been listening, young lady” came the curt reply, “He is a Diplomat from the Fourth World, and he is here offering his countries hand in friendship and a possible union.” Gwynn turned to look at the Diplomat, taking in his burly stature and expensive robes of office. He continued to proffer his delight, thanks, and his countries excitement at this ‘momentous occasion in history’. He was indeed playing the politicians well thought Gwynn, from every bench and aisle applause and vocal delight was forthcoming. Everyone was smiling and applauding the Diplomat, and he was standing tall soaking in the atmosphere with gracious smiles and waves.See one politico seen them all thought Gwynn sarcastically. She glanced idly towards the Lawmakers benches casually marking out those that were merely in Government for their own gain, those that were there on hereditary title, and those that wanted to see truth and the best for the country. Hmmm, not many of the latter she thought. Who would have thought that so many would turn up today? It was usual for the chambers to be busy if it had ten or twelve members at work, but to see three or four hundred… who would have believed it? She began to wonder why so many had travelled such distances and endured such hardships to be here today…. What was in it for them? She glanced up at the public viewing gallery, that too was filled to capacity, must be standing room only. A young mans way up in the stalls caught her eye. He was probably in his early twenties and yet the face showed a haunted edginess. She had seen such a look once before, someone with knowledge and experience of the harsher times in life. Such a shame that one so young should have had to carry that load. He was dressed in a darkened linen tunic with leather protectors across his shoulders and arms; his hair dark and tousled hung down the sides of his face. And she noted with some interest that he appeared to be feverishly writing down everything that the Diplomat said. A Reporter perhaps… The raised voice of the speaker drew her attention back to the platform. It seemed that he was about to reach out and hug everyone, his words reaching a climax as he attempted to unite the chambers in the glorification of his plans. What she did not expect was the silence that followed. You could have heard a pin drop…. Whispers began to emanate from the backbenchers, some fidgeted in their seats, the more experienced Members of the Chambers remained stoically silent as they began to realise the implications of all that was being said. It wasn’t unrest per say that was beginning to ripple across the hall, Gwynn tried hard to grasp the meaning of what had been said… the feeling was… she just could not put her finger on the exact words… A call to arms? A battle cry? “Oh no…” she whispered..” Metaks thick blue tinged lips curled in a leery half hearted grin, his tongue licking the edges as though attempting to reign in some unexpected saliva that was about to drip forth onto his chin. He carefully and with some aplomb closed the folder that held his notes and began to speak.“And so Ladies and gentlemen, I say to you now, as a friend, as an ally, join us in victory, join us in a share of this great adventure, join us in the expansion of our lands…. Do not let the future sweep you aside. Your fine Leader has seen fit to endorse our dream, be part of it, come join us at the table of the great, together we will rule as no other has done before.… “ His eyes narrowed as he surveyed the packed chamber, every soul in the house was his. Yes, he could feel it! “Join us in this war of Redemption, Join us as we stamp justice on this world, Join us… or perish!” The words were still echoing as Diplomat left the podium and made his way out of the hall.It was like a wave on the beach, the first ripple slowly came forth, followed by another and another, Gwynn looked on in horror. Applause gave way to cheering, rapturous cheers from every corner of the hall. Every person in the public gallery was on their feet shouting out his name and clapping their hands. The applause followed Metak as he returned to his seat and continued for a further five or six minutes before the Hall Guardians restored the dignity that until now had always been part of this place. The Lord of Chambers rose from his chair and made his way to the podium; there was a jaunty manner in his step for one that was meant to be in the later years of life. Everyone was hanging on his words and his actions. A vote of confidence would follow these proceedings but given the atmosphere within the chamber even Gwynn knew that if the Lord of Chambers advised the Lords so say no it would be the last vote of office he would ever preside over. Giving thanks to his esteemed visitor he was applauded throughout. Gwynn remained silent watching the crowd that so obviously had swallowed the bait hook line and sinker. Sheep to the slaughter come one come all.

She glanced at the stalls to take another look at the young note taker, but he had gone. Raising her eyebrows she sighed. Rising and making her excuses to the person next to her she took her cape and made her way to the stairwell. Enough was enough, and oh yes she had heard enough. The back slapping handshaking stuff could be left for the suits… She saw Deputy Law Lord Stonecliffe glare at her. She gave a dry laconic smile… another sheep.She had left just in time; the public galleries were slowly emptying. The comments and rumour mills were already winding up a gear. Passionate and heated arguments were already filling the hallways as people made their way back to their work. The wheels of doubt and rhetoric were officially in motion and the news columns would soon fill the public domain. Theories character assassinations and glorious cheer, just what the public ordered. Pushing through the crowds was harder than she first thought. People were strange, they moaned and groaned, whispers of concern were voiced and yet ever onwards they would go, lured by opinions they disagreed with…and when they had satisfied themselves that they were right first time they would complain, but by then it was to late. The bitter ones would stand right outside voicing their opinions, but who would listen? If they did not have the conviction to voice their own concerns when they had the chance to change things who would help them now?An odorous man in an ill-fitting suit was blocking the exit. He was in heated debate with two colleagues over what had just been said. His voice bellowed out as he gave his valuable thoughts to all and sundry. “Excuse me but may I pass?” Gwynn’s voice was lost in the theatrics of debate…. “Excuse me” she looked at him “I have business elsewhere may I please pass?” He looked down and snorted. “Ladies should be seen and not….” His comments were lost as he began to gasp and snort, clutching his chest, his rotund ever-reddening face dripping perspiration…”I can’t .. I can’t…” He stumbled, clutching at the people around him to prevent himself from falling to the floor. His colleague grasped his arm and pulled him to the wall of the corridor and attempted to prop him against its marble facade. Red face continued to clutch at his chest as he slid non-to gracefully to the floor. “Thank you” said Gwynn curtly as she proceeded down the corridor. His two colleagues watched her as she walked away. “What have you done to him?” one shouted. The other began whispering “Witch! She’s a witch”. Gwynn smiled as she released the smelly mans lungs from her thoughts. He lay on the floor gasping and sucking for oxygen much as a pig snorts in the dirt. “Manners maketh the man” she quipped to herself, smiling she left the building.

Oh for the fresh air… the sun was still shining as she made her way across the courtyard. Above her the ramparts of the main halls stood as testaments to the protection and security they held for the citizens of this so-called ‘Paradise’.She moved across to the marble seats in the courtyard rest area. It had been designed to look like an Italian Plaza she seemed to remember. Pictures had been found in a bound folio in the cellars of the Chamber when it was being renovated. Someone once said that there was hundreds of other folio’s down there, but no one was allowed to go and look. Something to do with the peoples needs to know. Her father had once told her of the rumours that there was something called a ‘Library’ hidden within the Chambers. A special place where the thoughts deeds and desires of mankind were hidden, Folio’s from the lost world. This was only a rumour though, no one had been allowed access to it, and the rooms were sealed by Royal Decree. Some believed that it was once a learning room for the good and worthy, buried by rubble and remnants of the buildings that were destroyed in the Arabian War. The Castle had been build on top of the wasteland leaving the folio’s to await discovery in the future. What could these papers hold she thought tales of a time before the Wizards, Knights and Alien Clans that now inhabited the land? What could be down there that the Government would want to hide and lock away from its citizens? What was the reason and what could this underground Learning room hold? Gwynn sat watching the comings and goings of no one in particular. The day to day lives of everyone and no one seemed to revolve around the central square. Market traders were shouting to the public, trying to tempt them with wares imported from across the seas, “Banana’s Kiwi’ get them all her today”. Housewives were gossiping about who said what to whom and when, their children meanwhile were brawling and screaming, One was chasing a small scraggy dog as it ran towards the butcher’s stall.It was good to know that behind the power and the suits there was a reality, she thought back to the secrets held underneath the Chambers. Would the hidden folio’s show that daily life had changed beyond all recognition? Or was the scene being played out in front of her the same as it had always been? Her thought process was broken by the sound of several short sharp cracking sounds outside of the Castles walls. She strained to catch it again but there was nothing. It sounded like small arm fire but… It must have been hunters after a deer in the Forest or possibly.. she shook her head, another illegal alien attempting to gain access to the city..A child ran past chasing a wooden hoop followed in hot pursuit by a rather annoyed mother with several bags of shopping huffing and puffing as her ever-reddening face sucked in vast amounts of air..“Do you mind if I sit?” a voice from behind caught her unawares. Looking up she saw a young man smiling at her. She smiled back, “Not at all” she replied, “Please sit down. He sat slowly and sighed… “It’s a nice day for it!” He smiled as he looked at her. She looked at him and smiled back… “Err yes..For the time of year!” She cringed at the lack of thought that had just gone into that reply…. Both were grinning. “So” he said with a broad smile, “are your conversations always this intense?”

***