ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

A Few Turns More . . .

by Ellianora

Disclaimer: The characters here are my own and as such the property of moi. Though the two main characters do resemble a pair we all know and love there are some differences.

Violence: Yes violence is here and it can get graphic, close to PG-13 I would say, so be warned.

Sex: A little more then hugging and kissing but not much, between two women who love and care for each other very much.

Feedback: Always. I love to hear from folks who read my stories. Either good or bad. I would like to take the time here to thank all those who wrote me and told me how much they enjoyed 'Turn of the Wheel' and were hoping for a sequel. Here it is:)

Chapter 10

"They must be insane!" Fyre exclaimed, slamming her fist upon the aged desk. The Countess snatched up the document she had been reading, flinging it across the desk towards the slight gentlemen quivering in the entrance of the room.

"It came from the emerald throne itself," Jerald, her chamberlain explained. His eyes were bulging in fright, despite himself. He had seen the aged Paladin angered before but never to this extent. "We have no choice but to comply with the wishes of the Emperor."

"Really!" Fyre shot back, grabbing the document that had only recently arrived off the floor. "Listen to this," Fyre continued. "All elves are hereby forbidden to carry weapons of any sort. This is the frontier, how does one expect survive without weapons."

"True Countess," Jerald agreed. "You have even used some of our recent elven immigrants as guardians of the borders."

"And since then our problems with raiders as dropped significantly," she reminded him.

"No one can contest obvious results. But-."

"Or this, no elf shall practice magik of any sort," Fyre interrupted him. "Some of the best healers are elves, they are a natural at it. These are only a few of the obscenities mentioned in this edict. Let's not forget the ruling no elf may own any property of any sort."

"True it is harsh," Jerald concurred. "However, if the elves were involved in the conspiracy to assassinate Theron. They do have the confession of Lord Feran."

"Feran was a fool and bigot," Fyre snapped. "I will tell you this, he would sooner help elves then I would work in the service of Malice."

"Countess!" Jerald cried horrified at the comparison.

"Apologies Jerald," Fyre said, placing a hand upon his slender shoulder. "I only mean there is no way Feran would even consider working with elvenkind."

"So you believe something is amiss with this tale?"

"Dragperg man, the stench of this is so strong I can smell it from here."

I see Countess," Jerald said thoughtfully. "So what is it you wish to do about this?"

Fyre was about to respond when a tall man in full chain armor appeared at the door, his posture perfectly erect. The bright white tunic and symbol marked him as a Defender of the Lady while the gold border indicated he was a member of Fyre's own elite company of Light Warriors. Each planting, Fyre hand picked those who were to have the honor of joining her unit. An elite force among an elite force.

"Excuse me Commander," the Light Warrior addressed her.

"I am glad you are here Captain," Fyre spun about, placing the edict in his hands. "I want you to send our men in groups of three to every village and town in the county. Inform them that any action resulting from this edict from anyone while in my county will not be tolerated. Every place you find this edict, I want it removed and destroyed."

"Begging your pardon Countess," Jerald interjected. "Do you realize what you are doing? This goes against an order from the Emperor, akin to treason."

"I realize that," Fyre sighed resignedly. "However, I can't in good conscience follow such an edict, not and retain my status as a Paladin of the Lady."

"I hate to interrupt," the Captain addressed her. "We will carry out your commands. But I came to report we have a few prisoners who insist on having audience with you."

"Not now," Fyre moaned. The last thing she wanted to do was hear some petty thieves begging for mercy. "Who are these prisoners?"

"One is the pirate Venom, she seems to be the leader," the Captain responded.

At the mention of the name, Fyre ceased her pacing. "And the others?"

"The purported rogue Light Warrior, Gasqule Cormier," he continued, "also the scout Ellianora Bladedancer and several others."

What were Venom and her companions doing here? Surely they must have realized they would be arrested or captured if they approached her. "Bring them to me," Fyre decided. The veteran Paladin's curiosity was piqued. What would prompt these people to place themselves in such a precarious position? She had to find out.

Fyre returned to her seat behind the plain but sturdy table. She straightened the piles of parchments still awaiting her attention. She honestly believed her life was more enjoyable when she was constantly in danger.

The Countess placed a stern look upon her features as the Captain escorted Venom and the others into her presence. The woman was tall, taller then Fyre herself with ice blue eyes that looked like they had been chiseled from the frozen realm of the Ten Thousand Kingdoms. Immediately following her was a slender young woman with long honey-blonde hair of obvious elven blood. This must be the scout Ellianora Bladedancer, she mused. The paladin noted that Ellianora stayed close to Venom's side, taking a protective stance. Not that she imagined the former pirate ever required much protection.

Fyre smiled despite herself as she caught sight of Gasqule Cormier, standing proud and erect. She couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. The lad had been true to his heritage by standing up for his convictions, despite all odds.

Next came a young man garbed in a drab olive green robe with a hawkish nose, this could only be Terrell while the small silver elf beside him had to be none other than Zarlorn's own daughter the gifted mage Zaphrina.

She did not recognize the other two. Though the man appeared to be a minstrel or a bard with the lyre strapped across his back. From the sword strapped to his side, she reasoned he had to be bard but still a novice, lacking the confidence a more seasoned one would have in their magikal skills.

The last caught her by surprise. From the thin blade strapped across her back, she could only be an assassin from one of the Tymorian clans, possibly the Lokeria clan, judging from the markings on the pommel of the hilt. To wear the weapon in the open like she was meant she had to be on a blood quest to redeem her honor or that of her clan.

"Quite an eclectic group," Fyre thought studying each of the individuals before speaking. "I warn you I have little patience," she said gruffly pretending to study the papers on the desk. "I have little time for games or the desire to play them."

"Quite understandable my Lady," Gasqule began.

"We are already aware of the edict sent out by the empire. Such a thing would be horrifying to any defender of the lady, let alone one of your standing."

"Indeed," Terrell interjected. "We have recently had the displeasure of encountering several authorities of this realm intent on enforcing that questionable document having two of the persecuted race within our number. Sadly, we were forced to instruct them of the fallacy of such a questionable edict."

"He means…" Venom started to explain.

"I know what he means," Fyre interrupted her. One had to be careful with this one. Quinell had been correct, there was much more to the Oghan priest then met the eye. "I trust you weren't too rough on them."

"They will walk again…eventually," Venom replied.

Fyre took a sip from a nearby mug to suppress a laugh. She was starting to like these people. "Since you know of the edict," she continued, "I trust you have a good reason for bothering me at this time."

"Censor has the Fire Ruby," Ellie blurted.

The sudden revelation struck Fyre like a sharp slap across the face. The thought of such a powerful artifact falling into the possession of someone like Censor was too terrible to even contemplate. It would explain the sudden decisions by the current Emperor. Still, even with the ruby there should be no way he could control Janus's mind and she couldn't imagine the lad would be responsible for such horrible and unjust laws. There had to be more. "Censor is a great hero of the people," Fyre said slowly, measuring her words.

"Do you really believe that?" Venom challenged. "The look in your eyes, the way you are shifting about in your chair speaks volumes. You are as concerned about this as we are. We are here for your help."

"Dragperg the woman was too observant," Fyre cursed. She had hoped to remain neutral till she could ferret out as much information as possible about this scenario. "So what do you want from me?" She asked.

"The only way to defeat a gem is with another gem," Zaphrina explained. "The only other one whose location is known is the fabled Sapphire of the Sea rumored to be in the ancient City of the Mist."

"And you know where the city is?" Ellie concluded. "Now will you help us?"

"I gave my word never to reveal the location of the city to another soul," Fyre said thoughtfully placing her chin on her hands. "Even if I wanted to aid you I couldn't without breaking my vow."

"If we don't get that gem," Ellie exclaimed it wont matter what vow you made."

"It will matter to me!" Fyre shot back, rising out of her seat."

"I understand the importance of keeping your word," Fang added as she stepped forward. "My people take their own vows quite seriously."

"Forgive me if I don't appreciate the comparison," the paladin replied.

"What if the one to whom you made the promise released you from such constraints?" Terrell asked. "Would you be willing to impart upon us the knowledge we so desperately seek?"

"If he did so then I would be happy to help you," Fyre conceded.

"We don't have time to play these games," Zaphrina fumed.

"And less time to argue," Venom stated. "The more time we spend arguing the more damage censor can do." From the stern tone of Venom's statement the others knew there was no further room for argument. Fyre eyed the stoic woman; it was obvious she had complete command of this band. The aged warrior could appreciate that.

"It may take less time then you realize mage," Fyre informed them. "I happen to be in contact with that person by means of a communication crystal. Though I can't guarantee what his answer may be."

"Well we wont know till you ask," Ellie stated. And there is no time like the present.

"Agreed," Fyre nodded. She then led them out the room to her private communication chamber.

The room itself was not remarkable; in fact it was small compared to Fyre's chamber. In a small alcove carved out of the gray stone set a communication crystal with a neat row of alignment crystals, to vary the particular frequencies of the manna. Tacked to a small board was the listing of positions to reach different crystals throughout Iamoore.

Opposite of this was a large teleportation circle surrounded by blue crystals along with a similar list tacked next to it.

The only other item in the room was a small table with a set of elegant Battleboard game pieces, the strategy game popular among many nobles in Iamoore.

"Impressive," Venom observed, glancing about the small room.

"I like to stay informed of what is happening throughout Iamoore." Fyre explained. "These days, its much easier for me to do so through a crystal while the teleportation device provided to me by Zarlorn allows me access to most anywhere in the civilized land."

Zaphrina visibly winced at the mention of her estranged father. The last time they had parted it had not been on the best of terms. Fyre caught sight of the pain in the young woman's eyes as she began to place the blue gems in their appropriate slots. She fought back the urge to comfort the young mage. Now was not the time, perhaps later.

The face of an aged dwarf appeared in the misty crystal as Fyre placed the final blue polished gem in place.

"Your early for our game," the dwarf drawled. "Are you that anxious to humiliate me?"

"Hardly Dagon," Fang smiled. "You are still the best opponent I have ever faced."

"Which doesn't change the fact, I never won against you," he replied sullenly. "So if not the game, then what?"

Briefly, Fyre explained the current situation to Dagon who nodded in agreement. "I would love to help you lass," Dagon replied, "I truly would, but I can't let word of the location of the city be known. It was one of our proudest achievements and greatest shames."

"But if you don't," Ellie argued. "Think what will happen if just one of the gems is freed."

"And if there are two?" Dagon countered. "You people have no idea what you are dealing with?"

"The second will be in our control," Zaphrina added.

"And that is to make me feel more secure elf?"

"Perhaps," Terrell stated, "we may come to some other arrangement."

"How so?"

"It is my understanding people of your race enjoy a good wager?" Terrell asked.

"I am no different," Dagon reluctantly admitted. "What kind of wager?"

"You say you've never beaten Fyre in this game," Venom remarked, studying the board.

"No one has beaten her," he growled, "though I'd give half the singing silver ore in my mine to see her defeated at least once."

"What about the location of city?" Ellie inquired. "If Venom can defeat Fyre in a game will you do so." Ellie leaned over to her companion. "You can defeat her?" Ellie whispered.

Venom nodded in agreement. "I'll even take your side in the game you are playing now," Venom offered.

"Are you daft woman," Dagon exclaimed. "She has me all but beaten. I was about to concede.

"Nevertheless," Venom continued nonplussed. "If I win the game will you give us the location?"

"If you do that," Dagon scoffed. "I'll not only tell you where it is, I'll escort you there personally."

"Fair enough," Venom agreed stepping over to the game.

"I must warn you," Fyre rejoined, stepping over to the board as well. "Despite how sympathetic I am to your cause I am obligated to do my best."

"I would expect no less," Venom smiled slightly. "Is it your move or mine?"

****
"She beat you," Quinell laughed, peering out of the crystal orb at the stalwart woman whose face was gradually growing redder. The rest of the keep, including her guests had retired for the evening, after a large meal. After retiring to her own sleeping chambers she contacted her closest living friend, the semi-retired Light Warrior, Captain Quinell Cormier. The man was still at his villa recovering from the near fatal wounds he had received during the assault on the Tree of Malice.

"You needn't take such great pleasure from it," she sulked, pulling her sleeping gown tighter around her toned body. "You should have heard the cheer Dagon gave once that woman captured my castle."

"I can imagine," Quinell replied. "He has been trying to beat you since the two of you met. My apologies, though it is cruel to laugh."

"Quite alright," she replied smiling sweetly at the aged but still ruggedly handsome man. "It was a good game, and judging from what they related to me it is good I lost. Still…"

"What?"

"Her strategy was well defined," Fyre explained, "but there was more. Those eyes of hers, the way they stared, it was as if the outcome of the game was a foregone conclusion. It was very unnerving," she admitted. Fyre spun about with a worried look etched on her strong features. Here with Quinell she could be vulnerable. "Perhaps I am losing my edge."

"Hardly," Quinell assured her. "I met the lady, those eyes could chill Malice's dark heart. Gehron proclaimed this group to be the heroes for the new age."

"Always dramatic," Fyre giggled like a young girl. "Gehron wasted his talents in magik, he would have been an excellent actor."

"Perhaps," Quinell agreed. "So what did you think of the troupe?"

"Much as you described," Fyre stated. "Gehron may not be far from the truth."

"And Gasqule?"

"He stands for his convictions," she replied quietly. "He is a fine example of a light warrior, better then most claiming the title currently."

"I guess it's in his blood," Quinell said sincerely. "He is one any parent would be proud of."

"I suppose," Fyre spun around, wiping a single tear from her eye. "He doesn't know?"

"No, you asked Yvonne not to tell him, and she took that secret to her ascension."

"She was a good woman," Fyre nodded sadly. "Do you miss her?"

"It has been nearly ten plantings since she passed from this plain and I still feel her loss." Quinell admitted.

"She was a good friend," Fyre sniffed, attempting to hold back more tears, at the thought of the lovely dark haired woman. She had been sweet and brave, more suited to raising a family and caring for an estate. Far better then Fyre was.

"Will Dagon honor his part?" Quinell asked, changing the subject.

"Yes," Fyre smiled. "He was so elated to see me trounced, he offered to escort them there himself. We leave at the first rays of the sun."

"We?" Quinell raised an eyebrow in concern.

"We," Fyre repeated. "I am still capable of going on a mission friend. I am not completely useless yet."

"I have no doubt," Quinell agreed. "Please be careful, you are not as young and spry as you used to be."

"Neither of us are," Fyre laughed. "That being said, it is time I get some rest, it will be a long day." She touched her lips then placed them on the crystal. Sleep well my dearest friend."

"And you my dearest friend," Quinell replied, his image fading away as Fyre snuggled into the covers of the bed. They both knew what 'dearest friend' meant.

Chapter 11

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