Soul Healer

Chapter 1 - Soul Healer

 >>> CHAPTER 1 <<<

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All dressed in black battle armor he stands on the hillside like a statue frozen in time. The only indication that he is indeed alive are his pitch black eyes scanning the horizon. For several minutes his intense eyes seem to notice every single detail in the beautiful landscape below. But it would seem what ever he is searching for, it's not there. With an impatient growl, he adjusts his sword, and starts walking towards the forest. Each stride so powerful and menacing it would send shivers of fear through any being.

Scanning the forest to the right he curses, as he spots someone running. With a raised brow he mumbles "This is all we need. Where do you hide, you annoying whelp? This is not time for games." Teeth clenched, standing 7 feet tall, he seems to dominate the entire landscape with no effort at all.

Observant his dark eyes stare at the running figure as it slowly but steadily approaches. He seems intrigued, unable to take his eyes off the running figure. Hidden in the dark shadows of the ancient trees, his midnight dark eyes are puzzled. "What is this?", he whispers. Slim, tall, lean muscles, the figure appears human, but definitely not male. Equipped in some kind of foreign odd looking battle attire, 2 long lean swords strapped to the back. Both scabbards seem to be decorated with metal, and shiny objects that blaze in the sun.

Intrigued the dark figure tries to see the females face, but she is still too far away. As the running female comes closer, it is clear something is wrong. At first glance the tall slim figure moves like pure poetry. Each stride obviously tuned towards saving energy, all while running as fast as possible. But the strides seem cramped and strained. The untrained eye would not notice, but with a frown he mumbles "she's injured".

Slowing to a fast walk, you are completely unaware of the dark observer. He notices how pale your complexion is. Lips tightly sealed, eyes half way closed in pain. Beautiful long braided golden hair flowing behind your back. A color so bright he is almost blinded.
Stopping you turn around scanning the surroundings. Softly cursing, carefully clasping the right hand side. Opening an odd-shaped knapsack while walking, you take out a long linen cloth and wrap it tightly around your waist. With a hiss you wrap it around your waist a couple of times more before tightening it with a fierce tug. "Brilliant just brilliant charging in like there is no tomorrow....you moron. I will need stitching up", you whisper, drawing a silent chuckle from the dark figure.

Fascinated and totally enraptured midnight eyes study your every move. Despite your rugged and exhausted appearance, his serious dark eyes grow soft. "Beautiful" he whispers. Your battle attire is unlike anything he has ever seen before. Expert eyes scan the many weapons strapped to your body. Ever returning to your face, he silently gasps for breath, when he notices your deep purple eyes.

Hearing a loud inhumane scream, he turns around. Reluctant to leave, he hesitates, then quickly runs in the direction of the sounds. Taking a last look at you, he notices you are also running towards the agonizing screams. The creature crying is in deep trouble. Silently cursing, while staying out of sight he runs faster.

In a clearing 15 Ceenaq horsemen stand forming a tight circle. Captured somewhere in the middle, a terrified animal of some sort is crying in agony and pain. Laughing some of the brutes kick the creature, making it whimper with pain and utter confusion.

Infuriated the dark figure draws his sword and is about to charge. Hearing your voice, he stops as if hit by lightening.

"Brave warriors. Well done! Attacking a poor defenseless animal more than half your size." you spit. "it's time someone taught you some manners!" Eyes blaze as you draw a sword and run towards the confused Ceenaq.

With fury and speed you attack without any hesitation. Sword perfectly balanced, you quickly manage to kill 7 Ceenaq.

In panic, the remaining Ceenaq try to join forces. But your furious and fearless behavior scare them. Frightened by your crazy insane attack, some try to flee but their shouting Captain, makes them reconsider. Realizing you are all alone, they obey and join him.

With a roar the Captain gathers his remaining troops. Pointing his sword at you, he demands to know who you are, and why you attack them.

The tall figure stares at you, mouth half open. Hiding in the shadows, his piercing eyes stare at your face in wonder. Never has he seen such unselfish bravery and fury. Astonished he tries to comprehend why you would risk your life to save an injured animal.

With all-consuming contempt and loathing you stare at the 8 Ceenaq with a half-smile. But do not speak. Then raising your sword, you point it at the Captain in a mock challenge. "Growing old are we? Having trouble remembering?", you say with dripping irony.

The Captain gasps for air as he recognizes your face. Steaming with fury, he roars 'YOU!! This time you WILL die, you accursed witch'. Dismounting he runs towards you, sword drawn. With a worried frown, the dark figure stares at you. Motionless you stand as the Captain approaches.

With a hand on his sword, the dark figure prepares to interfere. But you do not need his help. You easily manage to block the Captains deadly assault. Infuriated he attacks again and again, but every time you block his feints with little effort. Steaming with anger he uses one dirty trick after the other, but you fend him off with so much ease, it makes even the remaining Ceenaq stare at you with admiration.

Desperately the Captain charges once more, but you block his assault again. With lightening speed you counter, killing him with one precise thrust. Impassively you watch as he falls to the ground.

Turning around you face the remaining 7 Ceenaq. Infuriated they all stare at your blood-covered face and hands. Kneeling you draw your second sword. Now equipped with a sword in each hand, you stare at the remaining Ceenaq with a face deprived of all emotions.

Dismounting all attack at the same time. They are all skilled soldiers, but no match for your expert sword-arm. One after the other drops dead to the ground, killed by your deadly blades, until only one remain.

Sheathing one of your swords, you challenge the remaining Ceenaq horseman. Shaking with fear he refuses to accept, and throws his sword to the ground. With a deep frown, you refuse to accept he is willing to surrender. Picking up his sword, you throw it at his feet. 'Fight, you cowardly dog', you hiss, voice colder than death.

From the shadows the tall figure stares at you. Dark eyes filled with so much admiration and wonder, that all who know him, would refuse to believe him capable of such emotions.

Heart-rendering cries distract you. Quickly the Ceenaq charges, throwing you off guard, he manages to strike twice, before you can block his cowardly assault. Bleeding from a severe shoulder wound as well as a deep gash on your brow, you glare at the grinning Ceenaq.

Outraged by the Ceenaqs behavior the tall figure runs to help you, but again you surprise him. With a scream worthy of a thousand banshee you charge the coward head on. Frightened he tries to defend himself. But in mere seconds he falls to the ground dead. Blood runs into your eyes, as you turn around searching for both the creature as well as more enemies. Surprised you stare at the little creature that limps towards you. It's a dragon! Beautiful green eyes stare at you with concern. Long slim body covered in brown scales. A thick lion-like mane flowing around it's intricate face. Mewing it walks closer. "No way you mutter....I'm delirious...a dragon".

Trying to suppress the pain, you collapse, muttering "A dragon for Ayla the Dragonclaw. I've definitely lost it." Worried the little dragon moves closer still. Loosing the battle to keep conscious, the last you see before you pass out, is a tall figure, kneeling in front of you with an anxious look in his dark eyes."

Whimpering the little dragon looks at the dark warrior and then back at your unconscious body. Carefully nudging your arm, it tries to wake you. But you do not move at all.
"Istaq, you little troublemaker, try not to touch her", the dark figure speaks with a rumble. "She is hurt. I need to get her to the Centaur village near by. They might be able to help. Their a wild and weird lot, so they may refuse". With a growl, he continues, "If they do I will just convince them they must help". Worried he tries to bandage some of the wounds on your body, but blood soaks the dressings. Gently picking you up, holding you in his arms, he quickly start walking.