Shisno Chronicles: Blazing Sword

Chapter 2: Sword of Spirits

(A/N: The last names I devised for the two Cavaliers are based off of the Cain and Abel archetype in the series. I thought I'd make their names a touch ironic from their armor colors.)

 A small altar lies on the outskirts of Bulgar. This ancient temple, sacred to the people of Sacae, has long been known for its powerful bond to the world of spirits. Before starting their journey, our travelers come here to pray for their well-being. At this altar, Lyn’s hand is directed to a grand inheritance.

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Chapter 2: Sword of Spirits

 It had been three days since Lyn's life had changed. Three days since Mark and Kat found themselves in a great adventure with her. Three days since the knights of Caelin had joined their group. Now they sat on their horses, overlooking the Shrine of the Mani Katti, which has reached their sights. To make it easier for Wanderer, Kat rode pillion with Kent, much to Sain's (brief) disappointment.

 "Here we are. This is the Shrine of Spirits," Lyn announced. "It is customary for the people of Sacae to pray here for safety at the onset of a long journey."

"Oh, how quaint!" remarked Sain, showing interest.

"The teachings of Elimine have the most followers in Elibe," said Kent. "It is nice to see that, here at least, the ancient customs are still observed."

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Inside the shrine…

A group of bandits, led by a Mercenary, had stormed the place, and were confronting the shrine's priest, who was at an altar, where a sheathed sword was placed.

"Old Man! Stay where you are, and hold your tongue!" said the leader.

The priest stood his ground. "Threaten me as you will, but I’ll not give up the Mani Katti. The Mani Katti is a sacred blade, under divine protection. It cannot be removed from its place of rest!"

"You’re a fool, old man. What good’s a sword if you don’t use it?" The Mercenary slowly approached the altar.

"Use it? In combat? Sacrilege!" he yelled in a loud and wheezy voice.

"Sacrilege? I am Glass! The gods fear my name! My swordplay is peerless! And if I want this sword, this sword I shall have!" Finally up close with the priest, he grabbed him by the robes. "Now, get out of my way!" He then shoved him to the side.

"Oof!" The priest fell to the floor as Glass picked up the sword from where it rested.

"This is it! It’s more magnificent than I’d imagined! This sword was made for a swordsman of my skill." He proceeded to unsheathe the sword…to no avail.  "Hmm? What’s this? I can’t… draw the sword… from its scabbard?"

"The spirits of the blade have judged you," the priest said as he got up and dusted himself off. "You have been found waiting. They have rejected you."

"What? Listen, you senile old fool, if you value your own life, you’ll get out of my sight!!!" Glass charged towards the priest, who escaped through a nearby door. The Mercenary decided not to follow him. "Curses! Miserable spirits! I care nothing for you! I’ll tear this altar down stone by stone!"

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Meanwhile…

Lyn and company reached a small village that had grown up around the Shrine due to its distance from Bulgar. The shrine itself wasn't really impressive; clay walls and a roof with holes cut into the walls to serve as windows. The building itself looked centuries old, and some of the walls seemed to be in bad condition.