Alberdyne_Cormyr
07-13-10, 12:33 PM
(( Closed to ~Sabatykos Maelstrom~ (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=19358) ))
(Continued from ~Holy War~ (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=19383) (Dyne ~V~ Sabatykos Maelstrom Part 1)
~Cormyr Chapter 1~ (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=19974) (Dyne ~V~ MetalDrago Scorpio)
~Cormyr Chapter 2~ (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=20024) (Dyne ~V~ Cydnar Yrene Part 1)
~Reunion~ (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=21046) (Dyne ~V~ Cydnar Yrene Part 2)
Thank you very much)
Incense flowed through the air. For a few moments, it took Dyne a few moments to realize where the hell he was, exactly. After his last battle with his mentor, Cydnar Yrene (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=21021), the neophyte was disturbed at the outcome of the events. A vicious Golem ran interference during the battle resulting in a temporary death for Dyne. The experience proved exceedingly traumatic for the young brawler. He'd spent some time recovering in the infirmary section of The Citadel's halls. Alberdyne Cormyr had no idea how much time had passed since the reunion event with Cydnar Yrene. Trapped in an accursed loosing streak, Alberdyne Cormyr was furiously attempting to refine his technique.
However, to be perfectly fair, the monks had placed him against a variety of exceedingly more powerful and exotic foes. The last man was Artemis Eburi (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=21060). That had proven in bare victory, but an in-battle loss. He'd died then too, a dagger right to his maxilla that went right through his skull. A most embarrassing turn of events. Now, he was no stranger to the ravages of death. Death had changed Alberdyne Cormyr. He was more detached from The Firmanent, and he could hear the call of the other world, The Antifirmanent. The realm of Phantoms was a gray world that contained various gates to Phantaria. Furhermore, there were the gates of judgment that decreed if a soul went to The Pyre, or The After.
Dyne was not a follower of The Thayne Codex, but he was intricately synchronized to the events of The Antifirmanent. His out of body experience during the reunion with Cydnar Yrene proved to Dyne that he possessed a certain potential that needed crafting. Dyne needed to unlock his potential so that he could last within The Citadel's battle league. Althanas's most powerful warriors and wizards were waiting for him to become a contender. Most importantly, Dyne needed to become more powerful to prove a point. He would be forged successfully through the fires of war. Dyne was one thing if not persistent. He would be certain to have his goals come to pass.
With a plan forming in his head, Dyne realized that the medicinal energies of the monks had taken full effect. He felt somewhat light-headed, but that did not stop him. His strength had recovered and he was ready to get back on his warhorse and ride out. Alberdyne Cormyr of clan Cormyr sat up on the bed. Various jolts of aching pains coursed through his body but he struggled through it. His recent trials had made him powerful. Wearing scars on his person from the tides of war, Dyne had matured considerably. No longer a green brat, Dyne was now a veteran of The Citadel. Despite a few hard placed losses, Dyne was determined to continue fighting. I need to get stronger. I refuse to accept my own weaknesses. I've been getting better, my technique has become more refined. I just need to get a little bit stronger! He knew. More power meant he would last longer in The Citadel's halls. He knew. More power meant that he could protect his family from the ravages of Corone's civil war. The ravages forced on the general populace by The Empire.
Flowing through the air like thick clouds, the incense wisps fully woke Dyne up. Some of the scents Dyne recognized from previous visits to The Citadel's infirmary. Scents were sage, myrrh, and exceedingly more exotic variants. Hemp was also in the air derived from the medicinal properties of a plant known as cannibus. Dyne was sitting up for a bit flexing his muscles as he examined his surroundings. Resting in a bed, he saw his equipment nearby, food and drink was waiting for him. It was as if the monks knew exactly when their medicine would wear off and the youth would awaken.
A rumble passed through his stomach and he realized then how hungry he was. Food is the first order of business. He studied the various items that were on his dish, breakfast items. Fruits, egg, bacon, sausage and many other breakfast items.
Prepared by The Citadel's chefs, Dyne knew from experience the food would be tasty. He ate up to recover his strength. As he ate, he went over each of his epic battles in The Citadel's halls. Not too long ago, he'd fought against that kid, Sabatykos Maelstrom (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=19358). Thinking back to that event, he remembered how he'd been able to refine his sword technique considerably. He didn't have to hold back against the kid. However, the differing fighting styles that were utilized during that battle had taken Dyne off guard. Dyne was a brawler, first and foremost. His fighting style didn't have the precision of a tactician or strategist. Dyne also remembered one crucial detail: at the end of the hour, he had defeated himself.
Something had happened during that battle, something that hinted at a darker secret. A particular potent memory had popped up during the final moments of the battle providing the opening his opponent needed to defeat him. Dyne still had no way to explain what exactly had happened to him during that event. Then, again, during his encounter with MetalDrago Scorpio (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=21179), Dyne's weaknesses were revealed. Utilizing only bronze materials during that particular battle, MetalDrago Scorpio had literally cut Dyne to pieces. It had proven a tremendous blow to his ego. Dyne needed power something fierce. That battle with MetalDrago Scorpio inadvertantly set off a chain of events that would forever alter the young Psionic's perception of reality.
During his battle with Artemis Eburi, something else had happened entirely. He'd recalled his battle against MetalDrago Scorpio and the situation went downhill from there. Once again, the complex flashback defeated Dyne utterly. Artemis Eburi stabbed Dyne through the skull, ending him. But that was not before Dyne had gone into a psychotic rage, becoming irrevocably connected to the journey of MetalDrago Scorpio. Somehow, Dyne had developed a Psionic's empathic link with the Dragonian warrior, a link that would shake the foundations of Althanas. The link was an obsessive one and Dyne became corrupt with the idea of destroying MetalDrago Scorpio utterly. If only he had more power.
One day, Dyne swore he would have that power. His enemies would fall, and most importantly, he would avenge himself against MetalDrago Scorpio. For now though, there was a meal to be had, and a The Citadel Leagues to get back to. Little by little, Dyne was making progress. The next battle would end in his favor too, Dyne would see to it. There would be no mistakes for the young brawler. He just had to focus on his technique. The technique was there, he just needed refinement. With refinement, his skill would grow, and then the power he sought would be his. Dyne continued to analyze the previous battles in his head over and over, picking out mistakes in strategies, tactics that were flawed, and other errors. He also picked at his own strengths. Against Cydnar Yrene, he had gained some confidence.
Warriors with advanced abilities were clearly his bane. The apprentice needed to figure a way around everything. Once he was done eating, Dyne removed the heavy bandaging around his body to reveal the scars of skirmishing warfare beneath. He had several discoloured markings from where the golem named Praxis had shot a powerful magma breath weapon at him. Dyne was the victim of two such strikes until he'd died at the hands of Praxis. A deeper conspiracy was revealed during that event as the monks lost control of the magic within their chamber. Something dark had sabotaged their chamber. Dyne explained the situation to the monks and learned that currently, there was nothing that could be done.
Either Cydnar Yrene or Alberdyne Cormyr had made a powerful enemy somewhere along the way. This powerful enemy was willing to tamper with the seals of The Citadel to trap them forever. Chilling Dyne to the core, that thought was pushed to the back of his mind. Currently, there was nothing he could do about the newly discovered conspiracy. If they were not safe within The Citadel's halls, where were they safe? The last few moments of that event were a blur to the youth. He could not recall what had happened to either Kireg Lukas, Cydnar Yrene, or himself. All he knew was that he woke up in the infirmary ward. Very much alive.
A presence stirred nearby. Dyne was eating his food as he turned towards the presence, it sent a familiar chill up and down his spine. When Dyne realized who the presence belonged to, he felt elation. Seeing a friendly face after the dark events of recent times was a godsend. Dyne looked at the face of Kireg Lukas. In his Phantom form, he was a glowing green apparition. Partially see-through, the fellow had certain key features. He wore a commoner's clothing but was much more than a commoner in his previous life. The advice of Kireg Lukas whispering in his ear had proven to be an invaluable asset to Alberdyne Cormyr. The ability to speak to Phantoms was a critical one and at least that much set him apart. Dyne could see the familiar hat that the Phantom wore, glasses, and leather gloves. His companion sat with one leg crossed. His legs were barely visible.
Kireg Lukas gave off a tremendous vibration of power that was a direct result of his ectoplasm. It was the ectoplasm that made him glow green and sustained a form in The Firmanent. A potent energy substance, it was the very core of a Phantom. Without ectoplasm, there would be no Phantoms haunting The Firmanent. Dyne examined his friend further, there were no changes since the encounter with Cydnar Yrene. He was the same as well. When the man spoke, Dyne could hear him as clearly as he heard any other person. But only certain folk were capable of seeing Phantoms, Dyne was one of them.
"That was a shady business back there I'm afraid Dyne. Them monks are clever fellas indeed." There was a thick accent that was also hollow and deep, yet it was rich with a Jadet baritone. "It takes a considerable amount of preparation to tamper with the power of the monks." Dyne considered the conspiracy carefully. He had no idea who he could have pissed off that badly. They were them Orcs. Corone origin, not Haidia origin. I read about them in my history books... "Looks like you are becoming infamous to some faction or another my student." He said. He continued to speak to Dyne. "Either way, you had a very powerful experience back there. That golem-thing managed to completely detach your Phantom form from your physical vessel."
"I was dead." Dyne responded with a grim expression on his face. "That's not necessarily something to be proud of."
"Even so, your ashes remained on The Firmanent. With their tremendous healing power, the monks were able to cast their life-spells on you. With your Phantom-form intact, you were able to return to the land of the living my good lad!" The Phantom clapped his hands together with excitement. "Impressive feat to pull off there my young apprentice!"
Despite himself, Dyne laughed at the Phantom's commentary and critiques of the battle. "I lost. I fought against Cydnar Yrene and lost. His
Salthias Fighting Style is too complicated for me to handle." Dyne sighed heavily. He was also thinking of his battle against Artemis Eburi. "I will admit I'm proud of how long I was able to hold my own until that event occurred."
"That's the proper attitude. Your training has come a long way, Dyne."
Kireg Lukas said. "You have to maintain resolve in the coming days and weeks. Dark times have come to Althanas. A second age of darkness. Many wars all around. Haven't seen these times since them Demon Wars of long ago." The Phantom shook his had. "Sad state of affairs those, many good folk lost their lives."
"What do we do now?" Dyne asked. He rephrased the question. "What will you do now?" Kireg Lukas was Dyne's only friend next to Cydnar Yrene. Dyne had family that was living, but that was a different matter. His Clan was still his Clan.
"I swore an oath to mentor you until you no longer need my protection. So that is what I intend to do. We are bonded you and I. I will always protect you." Kireg Lukas said casually. He moved to place a hand upon Dyne's shoulder. Dyne felt a shiver. "For now, you must get back to your training. There are events moving against us now, we must prepare."
'Very well." Dyne finished his breakfast and began to prepare to face the next challenge...
***
Later--
Battle-chamber number twenty-seven of The Citadel's battle league stood before Dyne now. Sometime had passed since the conversation with his friend and mentor, Kireg Lukas. Putting aside all of his distractions, the young man prepared to enter the chamber. He felt the rush of his heart fluttering in his chest, and the desire for tactical warfare burning in his mind. He was desperate to refine his strategem. Dyne looked at the large, powerful double-doors of chamber number twenty-seven. He'd placed an open challenge with the monks of the order. His eyes narrowed as he looked upon the structures before him. He opened the doors of his own physical strength and pushed them inward. A bright light triggered the monk's magics within the chamber. Their illusion-manipulation powers was legendary throughout Althanas. Even as Dyne passed the threshold of the battle-chamber, he felt a chill go up and down his spinal column.
Power coursed through the empty chamber. The walls were made of polished stone and the ceiling was so high that he could no see it. Dyne's boots easily walked across the smooth stone. Complex symbols were etched in various colours across the surface of the floor, the walls, and presumably, the ceiling. The symbols were the archaic workings of the order. Dyne was familiar with some of the symbols, but not others. He did not know their inner workings, so he simply admired the elegance of the writings. Though he was a member of The Citadel Leagues, Dyne was not high-ranking enough to know the inner workings of The Monks of Ai'Bron. Stepping across the large floor, Dyne studied the chamber before him. It was a room that was roughly fifty yards by fifty yards. The height of the chamber was unknown to Dyne.
Dyne left Kireg Lukas at the door, there could be no interference between the Phantom and the battle. There were rules in place to protect the participants of The Citadel Leagues. A moment or two later, the various arrays of symbols began to glow and move of their own accord. Some symbols shifted across the floor, others rotated, some floated up or down, and others made movements that confounded all logic. Dyne closed his eyes even as a brilliant light flashed across the chamber, the monks' magic locked in place. When Dyne opened his eyes, there was an exact replica of the battlefield he'd requested.
A crystal clear lake was visible. The fields of the Yarborough district of Corone were now surrounding the youth. An endless field of grass manifested that was decorated with various variations of yew and oak trees. Many conifers and other types of trees were visible as well. It was a lovely landscape. Further off a ways was Cocnordia Forest, and still further North was the peaks of The Comb Mountains. Dyne could barely make out their expanse in the distance. There were no people present in the Yarborough district, only animals that maneuvered through the field. Dyne walked over towards the lake. It was connected to the Bradbury River. The lake had no name, this was all in Dyne's imagination anyway. Sitting down on some rocks by the lake, Dyne waited for his opponent to arrive.
^Enter here.
(Continued from ~Holy War~ (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=19383) (Dyne ~V~ Sabatykos Maelstrom Part 1)
~Cormyr Chapter 1~ (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=19974) (Dyne ~V~ MetalDrago Scorpio)
~Cormyr Chapter 2~ (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=20024) (Dyne ~V~ Cydnar Yrene Part 1)
~Reunion~ (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=21046) (Dyne ~V~ Cydnar Yrene Part 2)
Thank you very much)
Incense flowed through the air. For a few moments, it took Dyne a few moments to realize where the hell he was, exactly. After his last battle with his mentor, Cydnar Yrene (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=21021), the neophyte was disturbed at the outcome of the events. A vicious Golem ran interference during the battle resulting in a temporary death for Dyne. The experience proved exceedingly traumatic for the young brawler. He'd spent some time recovering in the infirmary section of The Citadel's halls. Alberdyne Cormyr had no idea how much time had passed since the reunion event with Cydnar Yrene. Trapped in an accursed loosing streak, Alberdyne Cormyr was furiously attempting to refine his technique.
However, to be perfectly fair, the monks had placed him against a variety of exceedingly more powerful and exotic foes. The last man was Artemis Eburi (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=21060). That had proven in bare victory, but an in-battle loss. He'd died then too, a dagger right to his maxilla that went right through his skull. A most embarrassing turn of events. Now, he was no stranger to the ravages of death. Death had changed Alberdyne Cormyr. He was more detached from The Firmanent, and he could hear the call of the other world, The Antifirmanent. The realm of Phantoms was a gray world that contained various gates to Phantaria. Furhermore, there were the gates of judgment that decreed if a soul went to The Pyre, or The After.
Dyne was not a follower of The Thayne Codex, but he was intricately synchronized to the events of The Antifirmanent. His out of body experience during the reunion with Cydnar Yrene proved to Dyne that he possessed a certain potential that needed crafting. Dyne needed to unlock his potential so that he could last within The Citadel's battle league. Althanas's most powerful warriors and wizards were waiting for him to become a contender. Most importantly, Dyne needed to become more powerful to prove a point. He would be forged successfully through the fires of war. Dyne was one thing if not persistent. He would be certain to have his goals come to pass.
With a plan forming in his head, Dyne realized that the medicinal energies of the monks had taken full effect. He felt somewhat light-headed, but that did not stop him. His strength had recovered and he was ready to get back on his warhorse and ride out. Alberdyne Cormyr of clan Cormyr sat up on the bed. Various jolts of aching pains coursed through his body but he struggled through it. His recent trials had made him powerful. Wearing scars on his person from the tides of war, Dyne had matured considerably. No longer a green brat, Dyne was now a veteran of The Citadel. Despite a few hard placed losses, Dyne was determined to continue fighting. I need to get stronger. I refuse to accept my own weaknesses. I've been getting better, my technique has become more refined. I just need to get a little bit stronger! He knew. More power meant he would last longer in The Citadel's halls. He knew. More power meant that he could protect his family from the ravages of Corone's civil war. The ravages forced on the general populace by The Empire.
Flowing through the air like thick clouds, the incense wisps fully woke Dyne up. Some of the scents Dyne recognized from previous visits to The Citadel's infirmary. Scents were sage, myrrh, and exceedingly more exotic variants. Hemp was also in the air derived from the medicinal properties of a plant known as cannibus. Dyne was sitting up for a bit flexing his muscles as he examined his surroundings. Resting in a bed, he saw his equipment nearby, food and drink was waiting for him. It was as if the monks knew exactly when their medicine would wear off and the youth would awaken.
A rumble passed through his stomach and he realized then how hungry he was. Food is the first order of business. He studied the various items that were on his dish, breakfast items. Fruits, egg, bacon, sausage and many other breakfast items.
Prepared by The Citadel's chefs, Dyne knew from experience the food would be tasty. He ate up to recover his strength. As he ate, he went over each of his epic battles in The Citadel's halls. Not too long ago, he'd fought against that kid, Sabatykos Maelstrom (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=19358). Thinking back to that event, he remembered how he'd been able to refine his sword technique considerably. He didn't have to hold back against the kid. However, the differing fighting styles that were utilized during that battle had taken Dyne off guard. Dyne was a brawler, first and foremost. His fighting style didn't have the precision of a tactician or strategist. Dyne also remembered one crucial detail: at the end of the hour, he had defeated himself.
Something had happened during that battle, something that hinted at a darker secret. A particular potent memory had popped up during the final moments of the battle providing the opening his opponent needed to defeat him. Dyne still had no way to explain what exactly had happened to him during that event. Then, again, during his encounter with MetalDrago Scorpio (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=21179), Dyne's weaknesses were revealed. Utilizing only bronze materials during that particular battle, MetalDrago Scorpio had literally cut Dyne to pieces. It had proven a tremendous blow to his ego. Dyne needed power something fierce. That battle with MetalDrago Scorpio inadvertantly set off a chain of events that would forever alter the young Psionic's perception of reality.
During his battle with Artemis Eburi, something else had happened entirely. He'd recalled his battle against MetalDrago Scorpio and the situation went downhill from there. Once again, the complex flashback defeated Dyne utterly. Artemis Eburi stabbed Dyne through the skull, ending him. But that was not before Dyne had gone into a psychotic rage, becoming irrevocably connected to the journey of MetalDrago Scorpio. Somehow, Dyne had developed a Psionic's empathic link with the Dragonian warrior, a link that would shake the foundations of Althanas. The link was an obsessive one and Dyne became corrupt with the idea of destroying MetalDrago Scorpio utterly. If only he had more power.
One day, Dyne swore he would have that power. His enemies would fall, and most importantly, he would avenge himself against MetalDrago Scorpio. For now though, there was a meal to be had, and a The Citadel Leagues to get back to. Little by little, Dyne was making progress. The next battle would end in his favor too, Dyne would see to it. There would be no mistakes for the young brawler. He just had to focus on his technique. The technique was there, he just needed refinement. With refinement, his skill would grow, and then the power he sought would be his. Dyne continued to analyze the previous battles in his head over and over, picking out mistakes in strategies, tactics that were flawed, and other errors. He also picked at his own strengths. Against Cydnar Yrene, he had gained some confidence.
Warriors with advanced abilities were clearly his bane. The apprentice needed to figure a way around everything. Once he was done eating, Dyne removed the heavy bandaging around his body to reveal the scars of skirmishing warfare beneath. He had several discoloured markings from where the golem named Praxis had shot a powerful magma breath weapon at him. Dyne was the victim of two such strikes until he'd died at the hands of Praxis. A deeper conspiracy was revealed during that event as the monks lost control of the magic within their chamber. Something dark had sabotaged their chamber. Dyne explained the situation to the monks and learned that currently, there was nothing that could be done.
Either Cydnar Yrene or Alberdyne Cormyr had made a powerful enemy somewhere along the way. This powerful enemy was willing to tamper with the seals of The Citadel to trap them forever. Chilling Dyne to the core, that thought was pushed to the back of his mind. Currently, there was nothing he could do about the newly discovered conspiracy. If they were not safe within The Citadel's halls, where were they safe? The last few moments of that event were a blur to the youth. He could not recall what had happened to either Kireg Lukas, Cydnar Yrene, or himself. All he knew was that he woke up in the infirmary ward. Very much alive.
A presence stirred nearby. Dyne was eating his food as he turned towards the presence, it sent a familiar chill up and down his spine. When Dyne realized who the presence belonged to, he felt elation. Seeing a friendly face after the dark events of recent times was a godsend. Dyne looked at the face of Kireg Lukas. In his Phantom form, he was a glowing green apparition. Partially see-through, the fellow had certain key features. He wore a commoner's clothing but was much more than a commoner in his previous life. The advice of Kireg Lukas whispering in his ear had proven to be an invaluable asset to Alberdyne Cormyr. The ability to speak to Phantoms was a critical one and at least that much set him apart. Dyne could see the familiar hat that the Phantom wore, glasses, and leather gloves. His companion sat with one leg crossed. His legs were barely visible.
Kireg Lukas gave off a tremendous vibration of power that was a direct result of his ectoplasm. It was the ectoplasm that made him glow green and sustained a form in The Firmanent. A potent energy substance, it was the very core of a Phantom. Without ectoplasm, there would be no Phantoms haunting The Firmanent. Dyne examined his friend further, there were no changes since the encounter with Cydnar Yrene. He was the same as well. When the man spoke, Dyne could hear him as clearly as he heard any other person. But only certain folk were capable of seeing Phantoms, Dyne was one of them.
"That was a shady business back there I'm afraid Dyne. Them monks are clever fellas indeed." There was a thick accent that was also hollow and deep, yet it was rich with a Jadet baritone. "It takes a considerable amount of preparation to tamper with the power of the monks." Dyne considered the conspiracy carefully. He had no idea who he could have pissed off that badly. They were them Orcs. Corone origin, not Haidia origin. I read about them in my history books... "Looks like you are becoming infamous to some faction or another my student." He said. He continued to speak to Dyne. "Either way, you had a very powerful experience back there. That golem-thing managed to completely detach your Phantom form from your physical vessel."
"I was dead." Dyne responded with a grim expression on his face. "That's not necessarily something to be proud of."
"Even so, your ashes remained on The Firmanent. With their tremendous healing power, the monks were able to cast their life-spells on you. With your Phantom-form intact, you were able to return to the land of the living my good lad!" The Phantom clapped his hands together with excitement. "Impressive feat to pull off there my young apprentice!"
Despite himself, Dyne laughed at the Phantom's commentary and critiques of the battle. "I lost. I fought against Cydnar Yrene and lost. His
Salthias Fighting Style is too complicated for me to handle." Dyne sighed heavily. He was also thinking of his battle against Artemis Eburi. "I will admit I'm proud of how long I was able to hold my own until that event occurred."
"That's the proper attitude. Your training has come a long way, Dyne."
Kireg Lukas said. "You have to maintain resolve in the coming days and weeks. Dark times have come to Althanas. A second age of darkness. Many wars all around. Haven't seen these times since them Demon Wars of long ago." The Phantom shook his had. "Sad state of affairs those, many good folk lost their lives."
"What do we do now?" Dyne asked. He rephrased the question. "What will you do now?" Kireg Lukas was Dyne's only friend next to Cydnar Yrene. Dyne had family that was living, but that was a different matter. His Clan was still his Clan.
"I swore an oath to mentor you until you no longer need my protection. So that is what I intend to do. We are bonded you and I. I will always protect you." Kireg Lukas said casually. He moved to place a hand upon Dyne's shoulder. Dyne felt a shiver. "For now, you must get back to your training. There are events moving against us now, we must prepare."
'Very well." Dyne finished his breakfast and began to prepare to face the next challenge...
***
Later--
Battle-chamber number twenty-seven of The Citadel's battle league stood before Dyne now. Sometime had passed since the conversation with his friend and mentor, Kireg Lukas. Putting aside all of his distractions, the young man prepared to enter the chamber. He felt the rush of his heart fluttering in his chest, and the desire for tactical warfare burning in his mind. He was desperate to refine his strategem. Dyne looked at the large, powerful double-doors of chamber number twenty-seven. He'd placed an open challenge with the monks of the order. His eyes narrowed as he looked upon the structures before him. He opened the doors of his own physical strength and pushed them inward. A bright light triggered the monk's magics within the chamber. Their illusion-manipulation powers was legendary throughout Althanas. Even as Dyne passed the threshold of the battle-chamber, he felt a chill go up and down his spinal column.
Power coursed through the empty chamber. The walls were made of polished stone and the ceiling was so high that he could no see it. Dyne's boots easily walked across the smooth stone. Complex symbols were etched in various colours across the surface of the floor, the walls, and presumably, the ceiling. The symbols were the archaic workings of the order. Dyne was familiar with some of the symbols, but not others. He did not know their inner workings, so he simply admired the elegance of the writings. Though he was a member of The Citadel Leagues, Dyne was not high-ranking enough to know the inner workings of The Monks of Ai'Bron. Stepping across the large floor, Dyne studied the chamber before him. It was a room that was roughly fifty yards by fifty yards. The height of the chamber was unknown to Dyne.
Dyne left Kireg Lukas at the door, there could be no interference between the Phantom and the battle. There were rules in place to protect the participants of The Citadel Leagues. A moment or two later, the various arrays of symbols began to glow and move of their own accord. Some symbols shifted across the floor, others rotated, some floated up or down, and others made movements that confounded all logic. Dyne closed his eyes even as a brilliant light flashed across the chamber, the monks' magic locked in place. When Dyne opened his eyes, there was an exact replica of the battlefield he'd requested.
A crystal clear lake was visible. The fields of the Yarborough district of Corone were now surrounding the youth. An endless field of grass manifested that was decorated with various variations of yew and oak trees. Many conifers and other types of trees were visible as well. It was a lovely landscape. Further off a ways was Cocnordia Forest, and still further North was the peaks of The Comb Mountains. Dyne could barely make out their expanse in the distance. There were no people present in the Yarborough district, only animals that maneuvered through the field. Dyne walked over towards the lake. It was connected to the Bradbury River. The lake had no name, this was all in Dyne's imagination anyway. Sitting down on some rocks by the lake, Dyne waited for his opponent to arrive.
^Enter here.