In the Orchard.... [fanfic] [Creation is your oyster]

[volkov5034]

Liam had been told that Coriander would be nearby. He had not seen her in many years, and although he'd be loathe to admit it, he was looking forward to seeing her again. She always seemed to make a situation more tolerable. At least, that's how he remembered it. In her letter, she had congratulated him on his graduation for the Cloister of Wisdom, and told him that she had a “wonderful business proposal†for him. He had nothing else to do but listen to what she had to say, so here he was.


He was wearing his robes with his hood up. His monks followed him closely behind with their eyes on the ground. The road they traveled only existed because because it was a path used by farmers of the scattered villages to bring their goods into the nearby port. Knee-high grass grew on either side, and there were no landmarks visible for many miles. Their walk was silent – Liam had no interest in what his charges had to say. His eyes were on the lookout for the orchard Coriander's letter had specified, and it was not long until he could see it on the horizon. He motioned for his servants to quicken their pace, and continued to march with slight anticipation. Of course, he did notice the gleam of metal reflecting in the sun in the distance. His smile was hidden under his hood. Most likely it was nothing, but one could never be too cautious...


It took the group about ten minutes to reach the grove of orange trees and there was no Coriander in sight. Out of the corner of his eye he could see his watchers, and he immediately knew their intentions. They were not even trying to hide with their sloppy movements, and smell the rank stench of desperation made him want to vomit. There was no shame in being poor and uneducated, only shame in trying to deny your place in life.


“Come out. I know you are there. Please, end this nonsense.â€


A young man dropped out of the tree in front of him. He shook his finger at Liam like he was a child. “You've come to the wrong place, my friends. You see, this here orchard, it's mine. Anyone who passes through what's mine, well hey, they sure owe me and me pals some sort of tax. Isn't that how it goes? You pass through our land and you pay us for the privilege?


“I have no money for you.â€


“That's unfortunate to hear. Me and my boys don't take kindly to trespassers. I hope you can find some quick.â€


“Well, as you can see, I'm just a humble monk. I have nothing for you.â€


The man's eyebrow lifted as he chuckled. “What of those jeweled swords? You think I'm a fool?â€


Liam just smiled, and said nothing.


“Put the blades on the ground, and back away.â€


He pulled back his hood and shook his head.


The ruffian drew his sword and stuck it right in Liam's face. “You will give me those swords, now!â€


Liam moved faster than the man could blink, sending his sword out of his hand and into the trunk of a nearby tree. Liam's fist smashed the bandit's throat, and the man fell to his knees. His face turned blue as he struggled to get air into his lungs.


“I am willing to let the rest of you live if you leave immediately, but this man's life is forfeit.â€


There was a sudden rush of glowing red heat in Liam's palm was visible, and the realization of who he had attempted to rob caused the disabled thief to piss his pants as this flaming fist smashed across his face. Red-hot essence exploded around the fallen man, and his friends vanished with the wind. The fallen form's flesh began to melt away, leaving only ash and bone behind.


A sharp whistle called to him from just beyond the orchard.


“Hey boys! If your done with your little game, I've got a delicious brunch prepared so we could have our little talk..â€


Coriander was in a clearing just beyond the orchard. She was sitting on a blanket shaded by an umbrella and she was puffing lightly on her pipe. Her manservant was holding a fresh pot of steaming tea and there were orange slices on plate next to her. She padded to the empty space next to her.


Liam turned to his charges and tells them to make sure what's left of the corpse does burn the orchard to the ground. He dusted himself off as he walked over to her, and sat down softly next to her. He looked at her with a stern glare that just made her chuckle.


“So you there the whole time? And just sat there smoking?â€


She exhaled a puff of smoke. “You act like you were in danger or somethin, you big baby. Now, let's talk business...â€

 

[volkov5034]

Breaking the News


Coriander had known exactly what to say, so well in fact Liam did not even completely realize why he joined her. He had not seen her in years, and had no reason to travel with her. Her proposal to travel in search of forgotten lore would no doubt be frowned on by his more conservative elders, but he wanted so badly to leave. Be gone from the Blessed Isle, and see what the world really had to offer. It helped that she played on his martial skills. That played the large part in his decision. He wanted to be with people who respected his prowess.


“So, Coriander, eh?†It was his older brother, Aiden, speaking. He sat drinking tea with his well-groomed brother and their mutual sifu, Stalwart Cloud. “Her? Really?â€


Liam nodded. “Her and several of her fellows from the Heptagram are going east, and wished my services as a bodyguard. Since I have been told I have to travel before I can be made a monk, I agreed.â€


His sifu chuckled, and shook his head. “Traveling with sorcerers is a good way to be led down a path of heresy. I don't like this at all Liam.†Stalwart Cloud sighed, then sipped his tea.


“Not to mention Coriander is a freak. You'll be back within a month. There's no way you'll last on a trip with someone like that. I know you, little brother.†He ran his hand through his hair. “Understand this, she's a rabid lesbian. Depraved, like all those sick bastards from Cynis. Heterosexual sex makes you quiver with righteous anger, so I can only imagine what being around her for a day would do to your sensibilities. On top of all this, she's a sorcerer. You've never seen them in action. You don't know what they are like. You are making a big mistake if you go with them.â€


Liam eyes burned. “I grow tired of you telling me that everything I do is wrong.â€


“Well, quit doing stupid things, and I won't have to tell you that.â€


Liam jumped to his feet, and his brother chuckled softly. “Really, do you want to do this? You remember what happe -†Aiden caught Liam's fist as it flew at his face. “You are so slow, brother.â€


The brother's eyes locked for a moment before Stalwart Cloud slammed staff down and pointed to the door. Aiden kicked Liam in the stomach, sending him flying through the doorway and into the courtyard. Students in the middle of their daily exercises stopped to watch, as did their instructors. Liam was back on his feet instant, raining a furious storm of kicks and punches that his brother easily managed to dodge. He caught Liam's foot with both hands and kicked his rear with enough force to flip him on his back.


“Enough!â€


Liam had gotten to his feet as the Grand Master had shouted his orders. Dusty Path Traveler was an ancient Earth aspect. His skin was like stone, and his eyes were solid black. Standing next him was the pair's older sister, Niamh, who was known as the Wild Spitfire. The blood of the Dragons flowed so purely through her veins, it had driven her mad. Once she had been given the duty of defending a town from warlord who was on a rampage, only to burn it down when the attack came. There were only five survivors. When she appeared, the courtyard became empty.


“Will you two stop your games, or must I allow your sister to join in?â€


Both brothers shook their head and simply bow. The old man nodded curtly. “As I thought. I have business with your sfu. Keep an eye on Niamh for me, please.â€