Tales Of Earthem: P.O.T.S

Verse 6-Arrows, Swords, Sparks & Goblins

Trinity hall was the name of the building they arrived at, the closest exit from the dorm would lead you straight into Trinity lane the road that leads to the city. Even though they were in the same dorm Jyro and Tristine were split up upon entering the building for the obvious difference they both shared as one being a boy and the other being a girl, The girls rooms were downstairs whilst the boys rooms where located a floor above, the boys were lead upstairs and each told to choose a room, Jyro looked around the buildings complex and marveled at the various beautiful decorations that were hung around the walls, but the thing that grabbed his attention was the colour of the dorm, everything seemed to be red, the rugs, the flags, even the curtain drapes, Jyro realized the colour red was probably the colour for Kings Dorm. The boys charged down the upper floor knocking Miss Veratine aside as they done so and each picked a room, Jyro ended up walking to the furthest door on the floor, ‘Room 71’ which was to be Jyro and Sebastians new place of stay. The room was an average size with the necessity requirements a student of Canta needed: a bed, a desk and a wardrobe and a small guide on how to conduct one’s self around the academy but to Jyro who had never slept on a properly structured bed before it felt as if he had won the lottery, he immediately jumped straight onto the neatly laid sheets and lay on his back, he starred above and gazed at the high ceiling above him and smiled to himself, this was the first time he was able to rest since he set out on his journey from the plains, Sebastian quickly followed suit and nestled himself on the pillow next to Jyro. KNOCK! Knock! Sounds resonated from the door as Jyros few minutes of rest were over, he opened the door and saw a young man standing before him the boy was quite shorter than Jyro with a small stature, he had short brown hair that he constantly kept moving aside over his small circled glasses , “hello sorry to disturb you” the timid boy said softly , “but I was told to give you these” he handed Jyro a bag which contained his new school uniform, Jyro looked inside the bag and saw it was a perfect fit, “how in the world did they know my exact size” he thought to himself “ Oh thank you for this I appreciate it” Jyro said noticing that the boy seemed rather edgy and quiet “My names Jyro Thomas err pleased to meet you” he said, the boy startled by the introduction eventually replied back “ Johnny Albertsonn…nice to meet you too Jyro” the boy replied .

Jyro invited him inside and the two began to speak to one another in a more friendlier tone, “you’re not from around here are you” Johnny asked “ nopee not at all I’ve travelled from the rural outskirt villages to get here” Jyro replied “ WAIT! You came from beyond the bridge NO WAY” Johnny said in excitement “I’ve never met anyone who’s come here from beyond the city…. Have you seen them then you know……. demons and monsters” he abruptly asked, Jyro wondered what the big fascination of coming from the rural plains was and started to realize maybe that was why he got all those stares in the chapel earlier , “ermmm yeah one or two, one attacked us on that Beetle thing I was riding on earlier” Jyro replied trying to hold back the urge of blurting out he’s hunted demons before “oh that’s bloody brilliant you’ll have to tell me more, how big where they, did they attack you, where you scared?” Johnny eagerly questioned, Jyro momentarily blurted out in laughter as he realized the type of character people around the city had towards newcomers, they were always curious to know the unknown. The two boys talked on into the night as the sky outside grew dim, since it was their first day there was no lessons or further activities for the students to do so they could use this free time to their own accord, although they were restricted to leave the school grounds which was stated on the leaflet that was in their rooms. The night went on and the two boys got to know each other quite well whilst they took turns quizzing one another, each trying to find the most about the other, “you must be very skilled then Jyro to be accepted and not live in the city that’s quite something” said Johnny ,Jyro simply looked at him puzzled since he didn’t realize that there was a restriction on students entering the academy from beyond the wall, “unlike most people here I had to take a bunch of exams to get here since my VDE count was below the requirement” Johnny said with his face seemingly sinking whilst he told Jyro his situation “ there’s no need to feel embarrassed ,” Jyro said “ you should be proud you got in you worked your socks off so you deserve to be here” said Jyro, the words Jyro spoke lifted Johnny’s spirits as he smiled and nodded his head in response. The mention of VDE then prompted Jyro to remember what happened to him in the headmasters office with the liquid so he decided to ask Johnny some things about VDE in an attempt to pick up on some things, “ so why does the school set such a high VDE measurement as an entry requirement yet still let some students in regardless” he asked, “ That’s a very good question, well you see the schools main aim as you know is military training the higher your VDE the more likely you are to learn strong Brands and possess a strong power which aids our country when fighting the you know what’s, the guys with strong prowess and VDE count usually go on to become military exorcists who enlist in the royal army , or Hunter Exorcists simply known as Hunters who usually form a small team and are sent on missions to discover new lands and creatures and get rid of demons whilst their at it, so they set a requirement to weed out the strong from the weak, but like you said there are exceptions.” Johnny then continued to explain his own situation “but some students are accepted on as a merit, those who are extremely good in a theoretical sense like strategists or inventors and crafters, their given leeway to enter the academy like me for example .Will be fighting the cause from a different angle, and since I wasn’t born with high levels of soul energy I studied hard to learn tactics and puzzles to one day become the best Ducem in the land” Johnny Boasted and at that moment Jyro felt a warmth shine from inside the boy, he could feel the passion Johnny had and was inspired by it, “I’ll be routing for you Ducem” said Jyro as the two exchanged in a handshake solidifying their friendship. KNOCK KNOCK! Was again heard from the doors, Jyro and Johnny looked at one other with a puzzled look wondering who could it be at this time of the night, Jyro went to open the door and saw standing outside the young girl with the silky blue hair Tristine morrowind. She stormed inside his room “ ahh finally found you, you don’t know how long it took me to finally get that minute lady to let me see the sheet with the room names but mind you after 5 minutes of breaking down to her that those boots she’s wearing didn’t go with that skirt she folded pretty easily to be honest” rambled Tristine who glanced across the room at Johnny who was trying his best to not get noticed “oi Jyro you know theres a weird looking boy in your room right” she whispered, “yeah that’s Johnny he’s..” Jyro said whilst Tristine quickly cut him short “yes-yes pleased to meet you get your stuff ready boys were all going to the town I have some business there” Tristine abruptly announced, Jyro and Johnny both looked at one other again and before they could utter a word Tristine already answered their question, “well don’t just stand there its dark outside and a young lady like myself must be protected you know…. Anyway I’ll be waiting outside and don’t forget cute Sebastian over there, chances are I’ll be relying on him to protect me” she said as she exited the room. Jyro sighed to himself whilst he wondered how he ended up agreeing without saying a word whilst Johnny was too busy blushing at Tristines arrival, “blimey she’s quite cute aint she” Johnny said whilst his eyes seemed to be in a love struck trance “huh never mind let’s get a move on you don’t really want to see Tristine angry it’s not a pretty sight” Jyro said the boys and Sebastian then proceeded out of the room.

The group of kids wondered into the night making their way to the town, as they strolled down the alleys of trinity lane the street lights began to slowly light up whilst the store merchants were closing, people were all elegantly dressed in top hats and smart dresses walking the streets and Jyro was beginning to feel a little bit out of place, he never thought the difference in living in the plains to the city would be this great, the buildings were all made from clean firm bricks and tiles, with buildings that towered into the sky and as he walked he couldn’t help but peer down at his floorings not remembering if he’s ever walked on solid pavement before. They passed down the high street while many shops were closing if not closed already, “where are we going exactly, most of the shops are closed” said the curious Johnny, “you don’t worry about that I’ve got some errands to run and this particular place caters for any time entries, you’ll see” explained Tristine, “ahem and she couldn’t do this tomorrow?” remarked Jyro to Johnny” “ I HEARD THAT” Tristine loudly said as the two boys tailing behind her pretended like they had no idea what she was on about, “anyway we’re here now” they ended up outside a little shop on the edge of the high street , Jyro looked up and read the sign above that read ‘Mongoleys Goods’. The two boys were distracted by one another whilst Tristine made her way into the shop, as Johnny began to enter not knowingly he accidentally bumped into a large firm object, he looked up and realized the firm object was indeed the chest of a person. A tall stern boy stood in front of him broad shoulders with a chiseled face and brown cold eyes that glared down at him, he wore a long jacket and carried a huge long object on his back that was covered in wrappings, “s..s..sorry about that” Johhny muttered as he slowly proceeded back but the boy simply stepped aside and walked away whilst giving Jyro a menacing glance as he did so, “ Jeeez, you see the size of that guy Jyro” wailed Johnny, Jyro wondered who the boy was and watched on whilst the boy disappeared down the alley. Jyro and Johnny eventually entered the shop which was filled with weapons everywhere, countless swords were hung on the walls as well as shields, bows and armory, Tristine was nowhere in sight as the two looked puzzled at where she could have gone, “Tristine! Tristine!” Jyro called out, “Hold your Bellowing she’s out back doing something and who might you be young lad” the man asked, a short stocky long bearded man appeared ”Jyro Thomas sir” Jyro said“ nice to meet ya lad, I’m old Mongoley the finest blacksmith you’ll find in all of Atriabnna and welcome to my shop” the man said as he welcomed the two boys ,his long beard was golden colored and there wasn’t a spec of hair on his head , he wore long gloves with a workers apron on with old rugged boots that had been worn out, “ ay easy with that lad, you’ll cut yourself” mongoley said addressing Johnny who was touching the swords around the shop, Jyro decided to take a look around as well and marveled at the various weapons that were in display. He came across a black hilted sword with a long point and a thin blade, “ ahh thats a Reapier , just flew in from the central islands a fine beauty that one” Mongoley said , Jyro slowly picked it off the hook and slowly swung it in the air, Mongoley looked on curiously as he noticed the boy effortlessly wielding the small blade . The two boys had totally forgotten about Tristines whereabouts when she suddenly made an entrance, “ what in heavens are you guys doing” she bellowed, walking in on Jyro and Johnny pretending to duel one another with the display swords, “Mongoley this one will do me fine” she said whilst she held a bow and pouch full of arrows under her arm “ Recurve bow ay , be careful with that one they don’t make those anymore, I got that from a man at the old lodging pub he let me ave it for a few coins too, quite surprising really ” said Mongoley deviously, “ I thought first years weren’t allowed weapons” Jyro asked “ YEAH! Whats the deal behind that Tristine and do you even know how to use that I heard bows are awfully difficult and take years to master according to my dad” as Johnny finished his ramblings Tristine drew an arrow and aimed it at one of the jars that sat on the windowsill across the room she let go and they all watched as the arrow shot through the air went straight through the glass and out the window, she smirked at Johnny to see if he had anything else to add from his earlier statement, “well blimey great job I guess” Johnny spoke as he gulped his spit down his throat, “ Ahhhh it went straight threw my window” exclaimed Mongoley placing his head in his hands.

The entrance door suddenly flew open and a young man wearing a working apron sprinted inside, “ m..master Mongoley its trouble” the boy struggled to talk as he panted and gasped for air, “spit it out lad what’s the matter?” Mongoley urged “ its Liam sir he’s got himself stuck in the woods, We Have to go Help Him” the startled boy added, “ ergh, how’s he gone and done that ay” Mongoley then turned and looked at the kids and had an idea, “ mmm I can’t leave you kids here alone , my blimmin stupid nephew needs help you so you up for a lil stroll in the woods?” he asked, Jyro and Johnny looked at each for a minute when Tristine came and suddenly placed her arms around them both “Well of course we are let’s go go go” she excitingly announced and the two boys reluctantly agreed to the request knowing Tristine would get her own way anyhow, “right then you two take this” Mongoley handed both Jyro and Johnny wooden shields and for himself picked up a rather large hammer which looked like it weighed a ton, they all then began making their way to the woods.

The group continued to move west by now the city of Canta was quiet and only filled with the bright lights that shone from the light posts, Mongoley looked around the quiet city in bewilderment and wondered why there wasn’t any patrol guards walking around as per usual, nevertheless he didn’t voice this concern in an attempt to not shaken the kids up, but out of the 3 that trailed behind him Tristine was the only one who grasped on to this also. They all made it to the forests entrance and stood for a few moments at the darkened sphere entrance before them, as they entered the woods which by now was engulfed in darkness Jyro noticed a small black rose growing on the side as they entered the forest, “hey Johnny I didn’t know black roses grew in Canta” he asked, “black roses?” Johnny queried, “Black roses don’t exist Jyro as far as I know of any way” he said, Jyro was confused by the words he heard and was sure he saw a black rose but he brushed it aside and proceeded on into the forest. Luckily Mongoley brought his flash light with him and led the way with Tristine and Sebastian alongside him, Jyro and Johnny trailed behind them at a slower pace since Johnny was quite frightened at being in the woods at this time of night whilst Jyro was trying his best to keep his friends spirits up by diverting his attention elsewhere ,sudden cries of help where then heard and the group reacted in haste quickly moving to where the sounds originated from “Come on you two hurry up” shouted Tristine to the two boys trailing behind them. They came across the place where the cries came from where they found the young man lying on the ground with his leg trapped under a log, “aaah Liam you dimwit, what you doing all the way out here I had to close the shop early to come save your hide This is cumin out ya wages you know, alright guys help me lift this”. The 3 kids all began to help Mongoley move the log that trapped the boy, when Jyro begun to hear rustling and silent jitters in the forest around him, he was the only one alert at this point and didn’t really understand why but had a very certain feeling something was in the woods with them, the noises got louder, “guys I think there’s something in the forest with us” Jyro said whilst he looked around the area, Sebastian then began to growl, then each member of the group began to slowly grasp the feeling Jyro had , and small figures began appearing from the darkened woods.

“What in the world…” Johnny exclaimed being the last person to realize they weren’t alone, the figures began to show themselves, darkened yellow eyes with dirty brown-greenish skin no bigger than 3 foot with stubby feet and large hands, “Goblins” Mongoley said, “Wait g..g.ggoblins how’s that even possible where within the walls” Johnny voiced whilst his body shook in fear, “doesn’t matter we gotta fight em off…Arrrrr” Mongoley charged at the goblins with his Oversized hammer swinging it recklessly, as he fought them off the goblins begun to swarm the group from every angle jumping down from the trees, out of bushes and attacking the kids. Tristine began shooting her arrows at the creatures that rushed towards her, whilst Jyro using his wooden shield swung and bashed at them sending them flying,” help help , someone help me” Johnny screeched whilst a few goblins disarmed him from his shield thus beginning to try bite and pull at him, Jyro ran to his aid and begun whacking them away, Jyro paused for a few moments and observed around him , he then realized there was no end in sight since they was heavily outnumbered , “Johnny come on we have to move this log and get out of here there’s too many of them” Jyro stated, the two boys then began to push with all their might the log that trapped Liam , after minutes of pushing the log finally budged off him “ Mongoley ! We’ve got him let’s get out of here” Jyro screamed, “start running I’ll be right behind you guys” responded Mongoley.

The 4 kids then began running through the forest whilst the heard of goblins chased after them, Jyro kept looking back to make sure Mongoley was coming but he couldn’t see him in the distance, when they finally lost the tail of the pursuing Goblins Jyro stopped running, “guys keep on moving I’m going to go back and check Mongoleys ok, he might need help” Jyro then turned around and dashed back “WAIT what do you think you’re doing! Screamed Tristine.

Jyro begun to make his way back, but at this time in the forest it is next to impossible to have your bearings on where to go, he tried to listen for the sounds of the goblins but he had no luck and whilst he walked cautiously through the darkness he called out for Mongoley numerous times hoping he’ll respond, meanwhile a goblin observed the boy from above standing on a branch from the tree. The creature then dropped down onto Jyros head and wrestled with the boy who struggled to throw it off, it tugged and pulled at the boy’s face and the moment he threw it off in an instant more goblins appeared and latched themselves onto him, he was almost left powerless as 10 or so goblins ambushed him all at once. All seemed hopeless for the boy when he then grabbed hold of the Zooz stick and muttered some words “fulminis pulsus”he spoke a blue light shone with electrical sparks forming around the stick and in an instant blew the creatures off him, as they lay on the floor stunned the remaining heard quickly swarmed around him but they did not attack, they simply looked on in fear. Mongoley immerged from the forest and looked on in amazement at the goblins who did not attack, “Come on lad we best be off” Mongoley shouted, he grabbed Jyros arm and made a run for it.

Shortly afterwards Jyro and Mongoley encountered the rest of the group almost out of the forest, they all made it out and proceeded back to Mongoleys shop. “Well, that was fun” Johhny said sarcastically “ considering you spent most of the time cowering in fear it’s no surprised you enjoyed yourself “ Tristine said angrily examining her bow which took a bit of damage during the fight, “you best be off to your Dorms kids its getting pretty late you don’t wanna get into any bit of bother now…. Oh and thanks for tonight”said Mongoley, the kids began to make their way back when Mongoley called Jyro and asked him to follow him back to his shop. They both entered the shop and Mongoley placed an empty sachet pouch on the table,” I won’t keep you long boy take a seat lad and look at that” he said, Jyro sat down and looked at the pouch, he didn’t understand why he brought him here to just see that, “look closely” Mongoley persisted and when Jyro observed the pouch closely he saw a feint purple steam rising from the inside, “what is that” the boy asked, “ don’t get too close it, I found it in the forest I think its cursed” Mongoley said, Jyros eyes widened in bewilderment as he stared at Mongoley questioning what he meant by cursed, “this is gunna sound a bit crazy lad but chances are those goblins were let into the woods and I think this pouch has something to do with it” Mongoley then begun explaining how there should be no demons or creatures inside the city walls or even in the forests. Jyro listened intently then asked Mongoley “but why are you telling me this sir I mean I just moved here I hardly know anything to do with demons” he said but Mongoley wasn’t buying it, he took a seat next to Jyro and softly spoke to the young boy “ I saw that technique you used earlier Lightning brand I think they call it” he said, Jyros heart dropped remembering what Earnest said on keeping his brand hidden, whilst Jyro went through the countless theories that he could come up with Mongoley burst out in laughter “ your face says it all dear lad, so you’ve met that fool jack ay, how’s he doing these days” said Mongoley whilst Jyro looked at him in shock “you know Jack?” Jyro queried “Do I know jack? Of course I know jack haha that lil girl faced man cud neva best me in a night of ole drinking, but who would of thought it ay that he’d finally take on a disciple” joked Mongoley, Jyros heart suddenly lifted to him realizing Mongoley was a friend of Jack. “I thought or was told rather that Jacks been named the enemy of the queen, so I expected everyone around here to hate him” Jyro spoke “ Ay you see Jack was a celebrated figure in these walls him along with four other of his friends, they were nicknamed the ‘original five’ explained Mongoley, “ orginal five?” Jyro said to himself, “who were the original five” he questioned, “they were the first people who each possessed a nature Brand: fire, wind, water, earth and lightning, and Jack Sterling was the owner of the lightning brand, ay this is where that ol Jack started to make a name for himself after the death of the previous King the five were called before the new queen and asked to reveal their brands secrets in an effort that they may be taught to other exorcists. Nevertheless since it was the queen asking it was basically an order so they had to say yes, all but one of em did say yes though And that man’s name was Jack Sterling the rebellious beast”.

The two talked on into the night by the time It was 11.00pm Jyro knew he’d be in trouble if he was caught out his dorm at this time, he decided it was time to go home, as Jyro got himself ready to leave he started to feel a burning pain in his demonic arm, now since Jyros journey he’s been wearing long gloves accompanied by a long jacket so no one knows about his arm and he wanted to keep it that way, he quickly said his goodbyes to Mongoley and went out” ay lad feel free to drop by anytime , we’ve got a lot to chat about” said Mongoley the two exchanged their goodbyes and Jyro left his shop and proceeded back to his dorm.