The Sirens of Atys
Chapter 1
The Oracle & the Bloodline of Seiren
Speedy and I had endured a long journey. If not because I needed the dappers I probably would had said no to the task. I was exhausted, and Speedy was cranky for the hardship I put him through. Our trek from Fairhaiven to this isolated Isle was not an easy trail, but nonetheless I would soon have us safely home, hopefully before the next season change, and just in time for some excellent foraging.
As we entered the sheltered area the only hint of life came from the smoke emanating from the piled of wood in front of the tent. No animals roamed near, not even a Yubo. The placed appeared abandoned.
When I enter the oracles lonesome tent I was anxious; The gloomy space was equipped with elaborate furniture, intricate rugs, queer alluring sculptures, and armors and swords the likes of which Ive never seen on the tables of any merchant, designs almost alien to anything on Atys. Undoubtedly, a collection beyond any imagination you, and I, will ever hope to acquire.
I was startled when my eyes found her obscure figure she stood across the room behind a wall of blue chiffon drapes. I could tell she was Zoraian by the size of her build. She stepped out into the fiery light, and I waved the scroll message I brought in my hand before I spoke.
Hrm I bring you an urgent message
Yes, I know what you bring, do you? she said. Her posture was that of a worldly woman and the austere tone in her voice left little doubt that she was unamused by my presence.
I am here to deliver this message. If you can kindly provide some water for my mount, I can be on my way. I said somewhat impatiently.
Listen astutely for we havent much time. Before us unfolds the fate of Seirens Chant. I can see you are not ready for this task...but, as we speak, our enemies are gathering at the portal. Cursed be your bloodline that I must see this through.
Im not here to seek your wisdom I told her.
Time is cherished for there is none to waste, Trixie. she poignantly said.
I gasped when she said my name. I never met her; I never been in her land before. How she would know my name, clearly someone told her I was coming.
I have awaited your arrival longer than you can imagine, you are here to fulfill a prophecy... she said, and walk toward me holding a small chest box, which she then offered to me.
I do not believe in prophets, Im not interested in your tales and forgive me if that offends you. My job here is done and my journey is long. Good day. I said. The last thing I needed was to put up with some crazy witch and her supposed wonder-working powers. At first I wanted to be recompensed and hoped to rest my limbs; now I would, just as good, camp the night in the forest and risk an attack from a fearsome Kitin, than to put up with this big fish. I heard many tales about prophets, enough to know, I would be dammed to fall to their charms.
But sometimes we cannot run from faith. As I turned to depart she used a magic spell which rendered me at a standstill. My instinct was to reach for my sword but only my eyes had the freedom to move. I was paralyzed.
I can see the anger in your eyes but you leave me no choice. Perhaps I havent explained my self clearly for you to understand the magnitude of the situation. You have not carried a message to my door, Trixie. You have escorted death, and believe me they will kill you two for this box.
My eyes followed her movement as she stepped closer. I glanced at the chest box in her hand; it had no ordinary markings and to me looked like a worthless old chest.
The secret of Seiren Chant has been protected by my family for hundreds of years, passed down from one generation to the next, from a time before the arrival of Jena, from the days of the Dragon. Most elders say Seirens Chant is a myth, fairytale, and have forgotten its existence, but there are those that believe and still seek it. They will do anything to attain its secret.
The effects of the spell were wearing off and I was slowly regaining control of my body. I would have stricken the old woman with my sword for her assault but the truth was I knew of Seirens Chant. Like she said it is a fairytale, told to me by my late father, of a Tryker woman who was a nymph, half homin and half animal. She possessed a melodic chant that enticed and lour males rendering them to her whims and most times death. I remember how I loved to listen to my father tell his stories. However they were just fairytales, filled with myth and ideology that no longer have meaning to me.
I am the last survivor of my chain and my legacy will soon end. The time for someone else to protect its secret has arrived; you are that individual, Trixie. The Oracle handed to me the chest box and continued to speak.
Take the treasure and buried it. Tell no one of what you possess or you will soon find death at your door. Now, go go and don not look back. GO!!
Night had fallen and the sky now depicted a pictures sea of stars. Speedy, my mount, had wandered off. I knew it was hungry. We had passed some rations east of the main road and I suspected thats where he would be. I grabbed my sword in hand and hastily made way trough the forest, cautiously keeping eye for any unwanted encounters. I passed the field of Psykoplas; listening to them chattered their usual rattle, and continued up toward the bushy hill for a better view.
My eyes scanned the area, but I did not see Speedy, what I did noticed was five strangers galloping at great speed trough the main road. I watched them come around the hill, ensconced amongst the noisy Psykoplas. Was not long before they passed me and I got a better look at them they had on strange armor, similar to those inside the Oracles tent, and although they wore helmets to cover their faces, by the size and design of the armor I could tell one was a female.
I ran back toward the Oracles tent. Suddenly a pack of scared Yubos stormed by me, my heart swelled at my throat and a cold chill surged through my body. The riders had already reached the tent. I settled behind the vegetation, my body flat against the surface, and spied from afar. I listened to the female give orders, she seemed to be the Leader of the pack, and remained on her mount observing as her soldiers cause havoc.
Bring her to me. She ordered. Two men dragged the Oracle out from the tent, one of her legs had been severely slashed and it now dragged by its broken limb behind her. She was forced to kneel before the woman.
Chasing you was like looking for a ghost, but you cant hide anymore, Ive found you. It was a matter of time. You know why Im here or you wouldnt be the great Oracle. She laughs amused by her words and the others chuckled beside. Where is it?
The Oracle looked at the female and smile before she spoke. Did you really think it would be that easy?
I thought you would say that, I must have the gift of prediction. Allow me to foretell whats in your future. First, you will go blind; you will lose the gift of sight. Second, you will lose your speech. Third, well I think you can predict that, oh great Oracle. She signaled the soldiers and they did the unthinkable.
The Oracle never struggled while one held her head up and the other 2 grabbed her arms. The fourth soldier pulls out a dagger and begins to extract the Oracles eyes; one by one they fall to the ground in a pool of blood. She screamed from the pain but made no attempts to free herself. The soldier that seized her head now tries to hold her mouth open while the fourth soldier used his blade to cut out her tongue.
