The Star Stones

Nestled in the highland valleys near the foot of the Forlorn Mountains, lay the small, walled village of Drakensir. The village, with a population of roughly 1,200 hundred people, complete with forges, stables, a small inn, and small wooden homes topped with straw and pitch, was covered in shadow as the dual moons of Laken and Frost slowly rose over the horizon. This motley collection of civilization on the edges of the Ather Empire was protected by a large earthen mound upon which sat the rough hewn, and pointed log walls collected from the nearby Draken Forest, complete with palisades and guard towers. Upon these walls, forty men from Drakensir Watch kept a lonely vigil as the night winds moaned over the lonely expanses.

Within the great hall of Drakensir, the village’s children had gathered for the festival of Wakenight to mark the end of harvest and the beginning of another cold winter. In Drakensir, as in all villages and cities across the Ather Empire, citizens told stories, ignited candles, and left out food for loved ones who had passed beyond the mortal realm. On Wakenight, the walls between the world of men and that beyond were treacherously thin. For Rayne Janetha, twenty-one summers old, Wakenight was a night of mystery and suspense as she watched Scathia, the village’s elder, weave her Wakenight tale.

“Four thousand years ago, on Wakenight, a star fell from the heavens and touched Ethereata and unleashing magic upon our world,” the old woman crowed in a cackled voice, as her wizened face, hunched posture, and the disheveled, wispy, white hair adorning her head swiveled over the crowd. Children cringed as Scathia’s scarred face, complete with an expressionless milky white, and sightless eye, and the piercing blue eye of her left eye, fell upon them.

“When the star fell upon our world, it split into seven pieces which men forged into the seven articles of power, the Star Stones. With them all, one could control the world. It was a time when chaos reigned between the empires of Ethereata as rulers and warlords sought control over our world. It was an age of fire. An age of the faithless…”

Scathia turned to look at Rayne who was guarding the Great Hall this Wakenight, and Rayne shivered as she felt Scathia’s expressionless white eye fall upon her, “Over time, the ancient empires learned how to unlock some of the power of the Star Stones. They ushered in age of awe and wonder. This Age of Wonders lasted for 2,000 years. Some of these ancients were worshipped as God’s as they unlocked mysteries and powers beyond imagining. Some of them fought for peace, and some, fought for control and brought the glittering age crashing down, unleashing Dark Magics which tore the world asunder and pierced the veil between worlds…”

Like Wakenight Rayne thought as she crossed her arms.

“During the fall of the Age of Wonders, the Star Stones were lost and the Dark Age began.“ She paused for effect and Rayne felt as if a chill were sweeping into her bones. Scathia cotinued, “In the darkness, some survived and arose anew to bring back some measure of law and light to our world. Our Ather Empire is one such nation that arose from the Dark. The last records we have of the Star Stones were from 500 years ago, when Jaina Warra, a young peasant from the Linean Marshes found the First Sky Stone and unlocked secrets which none had unlocked before. She declared herself a Goddess-Empress and unleashed a war of conquest on the land. As darkness fell, only the Ather Empire and Empress Hardyan stood in her way……"

Rayne felt herself swept away in the story.

**********************************************
480 years ago

“Get to the keep!” Rianna Hardyan screamed from the large stone battlements which blocked Hellfire pass as rain and lightening flashed around her in the darkness. “We must not let Jaina’s army past! If she gets the third Star Stone, she’ll be able to unlock its power!” She reared her horse on its hind legs. “Go! Go! Hurry!”

Rianna Hardyan, leader of the new nation of Ather, adorned in black chain armor that covered her chest, complete with helm, was beautiful as the lightening crashed around her. Her fair white skin, red hair, and green eyes watched as her army of 30,000 streamed past her to the high walls of Hellfire Keep behind her. In the distance, she could hear the howling hordes of Jaina’s army as they marched in the mud, muck, and darkness on the heals of the Ather army.

“Queen Hardyan!” a man rushed up to her horse where she was mounted.

“Yes, General Marten?” She answered as she kept her gaze focused on the distance. In between flashes of lightening, she could see Jaina’s army approach. She looked down at him.

“The Fourth Corp is still out there, they have 4,000 men left. They’re facing heavy attacks to the south and are doing a running retreat. However, Jaina’s armies are beginning to encircle them from behind. If we don’t….”

“Yes General Marten,” Rianna said cutting him off, her green eyes piercing him. “I know. You take the First and Second Corp and man Hellfire Keep. Use the siege engines and catapults to hammer the enemy. Get the first oil trench ignited so we can block her advance. We’ll need the room. I’ll lead a charge to the Fourth Corp using what remains of the Third Cavalry and make our way back here. Have men mount the East door to let us in Hellfire Keep when we return.”

“But my Queen… surely you won’t lead the charge yourself….”

“Yes. I will. Do you think me weak General?” She smiled teasingly down at him as he looked up at her. He did a quick appraisal of her and noticed her muscular thighs, made visible by the clinging wet cloth of her black breeches, and the biceps and rippling muscles of her arms that were bare and glistening in the rain.

He smiled up at her. “Surely not my Queen. Ride with strength.”

“To you as well my love. Keep my chambers warm,” she winked at him. “Third Cavalry! Form up and follow me! Ride with Strength!”

“Ride with Strength!” her army yelled as she spurred her horse in the direction of the embattled Fourth Corp, 1,000 horse rushing behind her, their hooves rumbling over the wet earth.

“Ride with Strength, my queen,” General Marten whispered, “Come back safely my love.”

*************************************

From a slight rise overlooking the plains in front of Hellfire Keep, Jaina could see her massive armies overwhelm the Atherateran army as Queen Rianna’s valiant soldiers but up a brave, but ultimately hopeless, defense.

“Goddess-Empress Jaina, the Atherateran’s are moving their forces to the Hellfire Keep. We have their Fourth Corps on the run but they’re putting up a staunch fighting retreat,” a feminine voice whispered beside her. The voice, emanated from a tall, broad shouldered form, covered in long, black concealing robes, and a thick hood that covered her face in shadow. “We are beginning our encirclement now,” the voice said looking at Jaina.

Goddess-Empress Jaina, ruler and master of the Ascension Empire sat upon her large war mount overlooking the moving mass of her army. “Very Good Sara,” she whispered. “Soon I will have the Third Star Stone’s power for my own. Nothing will stop me and my Empire from controlling the world.” She smiled seductively as she could hear Sara pant slightly in desire to the sound of her voice.

Through her hood, Sara sat in awe of Goddess-Empress Jaina and she could feel the power emanate from Jaina’s small form. Though Jaina was a small woman, she sat regally on her mount, her back straight, and chin up. Jaina ran a hand through her raven colored hair, which was cut short and ended at the base of her neck. Her face, was the face of a commoner, washed out and pale with thin lips, and small dimples. For as long as Sara had served her, the Goddess-Empress had never adorned her features with the oils and make-ups of the nobles and rulers she had brought to heal. While she had rather plain features, she possessed deep, piercing blue eyes that seemed able to see into the souls of all those she encountered. Her attire was equally simple. Jaina had come to the battlefield in an ordinary, yet form fitting, long length red gown, complete with sleeves that clung to her lithe body. The rain would not touch her as it fell.

Given of all of this, Sara knew that Goddess-Empress Jaina possessed incredible power as she had slowly rose from a poor peasant girl living in Linea to the most powerful conqueror in the history of the world. All because of the Star Stones of Power, Sara thought, What will she become when she possesses all of them? What would it be like to possess the power that she does?

Sara felt another wave of pleasure rush through her as she heard the Goddess-Empress whisper, “Queen Hardyan is on the field. Even now, she rides to rescue her precious Fourth Corps. I can feel her,” she said, Sara noticed that her eyes were closed.

She opened them and gave her command, “Ascension’s Fist! You will form up on me,” she spoke to her personal, elite corps of troops around her. When she spoke the thousand people comprising her elite group moaned in response. “I will finish this now and when I am done, we will take the Third Star Stone from Hellfire Keep and I will reward you. Follow me!” she screamed as she spurred her mount forward.

**************************************

“Aaaaayaaaah!” Rianna screamed as her muscular arm rose and fell in battle as she chopped away at the enemy lines from her cavalry charge. Wherever her arm fell, men and women of from the Ascension Empire fell never to rise again.

“My Queen!” a lieutenant shouted beside her, her arm hacking the enemy with nearly equal strength and fervor, “Our charge is breaking through the encirclement of the Fourth Corps and our forward units are merging with theirs. We’ve done it!”

“Excellent,” Rianna cried as she knocked away an enemy halberd that threatened to bring down her mount, her sword sunk down in the enemy soldier’s neck, “Reorganize for the retreat and have our bugler’s sound double march. I want to us to get our assess back to Hellfire now. Also, when we’re within a quarter of ½ mile away, I want you to light up the blue flamed torch to signal General Marten to light the first oil trench.”

“Yes my Queen,” the woman yelled over the howling din. “It shall be done.”

“Third and Fourth! Fighting retreat! Back to Hellfire Keep now!” she roared.

“Ride with Strength!” her army yelled around her. Shortly after the response, Rianna heard the buglers of her army sound the call for double march. I’m so proud of this army, she thought, They’ve held out against incredible odds.

She pulled the reins of her horse back and repositioned the horse so that she could watch there progress. As she watched, she could see the enemy attackers break and run, running up a slight rise and back towards Jaina’s camp. Excellent, she thought as she smiled, delighting at the sight. That was until she saw a glint of red dress and white horse crest over the hill as the lightening flashed. When it flashed again, she could see Jaina and the elite warriors of her Ascension’s Fist swarm down the hill.
Oh no! She’s here! her mind cried out in terror.

“Sound the bugler’s again to signal for triple march! Jaina’s here,” she turned to the woman beside her, the lieutenant who had fought beside her just moments before, “I want 500 solders from Wolf Company and some archers from Fourth Corps to stall that advance.” Rianna looked at the lieutenant’s concerned expression and said gently to her. “Tell them that I know it may be a suicide mission but if we don’t stall Jaina, the rest of us will be annihilated out here on the field and we need them to defend everyone at Hellfire.”

The woman nodded and Rianna smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll be coming with you.” The lieutenant’s eyes bugged. Rianna smiled and patted her lieutenant on the shoulder, chain mail clinking softly as she did so. “Let’s go.”

****************************************

Goddess-Empress Jaina rode down the hill with her elite Ascension Fist unit. She could hear the screams and crunching sounds of her own retreating soldiers as the thunder of her cavalry swept down the hill. Cowards, she thought, how could they break so easily at my command?

“Ascension’s Fist, arrow shaped formation!” She commanded. Her cavalry went from a solid wall or horse and formed up behind their Empress, with her at the tip as they cut into a mass of Atherateran soldiers who tried hastily to form a defensive line. Men and women screamed and died behind in the charge, several of her elite Ascension Fist soldiers went down as the enemy soldiers hacked at her warrior’s horses or pulled them from their saddles.

Sara, a little further back in the formation from Jaina, felt her sword cut into the enemy lines and the loss of momentum from the charge as it was enveloped by the enemy mass. In the distance from under her shadowed hood, she could see Jaina move recklessly through the enemy soldiers. She’s too far ahead! We can’t reach her! She’ll be killed she cried to herself and then redoubled her efforts to reach her Empress.

“There she is! There’s Jaina! Circle her and kill her!” Fourth Corp soldiers yelled and moved to isolate Jaina, forming a ring around her and her mount.

Jaina looked around her, her blue eyes glowed with blue fire, and her voice boomed. “You think you can take me little Atheraterans? I will show you what a Goddess-Empress can do!”

Jaina flung herself off her saddle and landed lithely on the ground, her small stature and red dress looked laughable to the Atherateran soldiers. “Come and get me. Kill me if you can,” she motioned with a come-hither motion.

The Atherateran soldiers rushed her and Jaina reached into herself, down into the core of her power and extended her fingers in the form of a martial arts chopping hand from the eastern reaches of the Linean marshes. As she did so, blue fire enveloped her hand.

As the first soldier approached her, his sword thrust out for the kill, Jaina’s foot extended out in a roundhouse kick that sent the soldiers sword flying out of his hand. His forward motion continued and Jaina reached out with her blue hand of fire and rammed into his solar plexus. The main gurgled and then fell to the ground. Steam wafted in the air from his death wound in the cold, rainy, night.

However, as he fell, Jaina was already in motion. Her red skirt swirling around her, she moved with a dancer’s grace, ducking, riposting, rolling, jumping, and twirling in midair as her feet, un-powered hand, and the hand of blue fire cut through her attackers. Her normal hand, balled up into a fist, meted out terrible punishment against her attackers. Her tremendous strength sent the enemy flying and caved in pieces of hard armor. Crushed heads and bodies were littered around her in her wake.

When her attackers slowly waned and began to move away from her in flight, Jaina touched her power source again and used it project herself forward, her legs propelling her at tremendous speed. As she ran, she lowered her head, lifted her elbows, and used her small body and momentum to ram through the Atherateran lines like an enraged bull, sending scores of Atherateran soldiers flying. She was unstoppable.

Sara watched her Goddess-Empress crush her foes...

****************************************

Queen Rianna saw a flickering blue glow a hundred yards in front of her position and she could hear the screams of dying soldiers and see their shadowed forms flung into the air every time the lightening lit up the sky.

“Wolf Company! We must hold the lines. Jaina’s Ascension’s Fist Cavalry is still cutting through the lines and a small unit of the Fourth of the trying to hold back Jaina herself. I want the heavy foot to counter the enemy cavalry not engaged in battle. I want you archers,” she said pointing to a group of 100, light armored, green clad men, “To lineup behind Wolf Company and fire over their heads into the rear ranks of Ascension’s Fist. We will hold until the Fourth is out of danger and then we’ll retreat to Hellfire Keep. If Jaina comes this way, I want the archers to launch WildLight arrows at her. If we can’t stop her, we can disorient her and keep her away from our lines. Fight with Honor.”

“Fight with Honor!” Wolf Company screamed up and down the lines.

Rianna raised her muscular arms, her green eyes flashing with determination, the locks of her dark red hair extending from her helm moved in the winds from the storm.

“Advance!” she roared.

The archers lifted their bows to the appropriate angle and let out volley after volley that slammed into the elite enemy unit. A few men of the Fourth, still engaged in the fight with Jaina’s Ascension’s Fist were also struck by the falling rain of arrows.

“Double march!” Rianna roared from atop her mount and the army sped up, their armor and weapons clanking over the din of the storm.

“Charge!” Rianna yelled as her army screamed their fearsome battle cry and began to systematically cut down the enemies mounted warriors. Every Ascension’s Fist they killed bought time for the Fourth Corp to leave the field before Jaina could bring the mass of her army down upon them. Hurry! Rianna thought to the Fourth Corps. Get to Hellfire Keep!. She continued hacking the enemy.

“My queen!” the familiar female Lieutenant rode to her, “Jaina is coming closer. We must leave the field.”

“Who else is with her?” Rianna asked, still engaged in combat, her long, muscular leg and booted heel snaked out and kicked a man in the forehead, crumpling him immediately. He would never rise again.

“She’s alone. She has killed 50 of our men single-handed. We must get you out of here.” The lieutenant pleaded.

“Show me her approach and take me there,” she said to the woman and then roared behind her, pointing to seven archers. “You! Come with me. Bring WildLight. We’re going to meet Jaina. The rest of you!” she said around her, begin your retreat back to Hellfire. We’ve done all the bloody work we can here. Move!”

They rode swiftly through the storm. As they approached Jaina’s lonely advance, the blue glow intensified. Through the fleeing men of the Fourth, Rianna saw Jaina’s small body grasp the neck of a large warrior as she lifted him from the ground with one arm, and then snapped his neck.

Jaina turned to Rianna and folded her arms, the wind blowing through her short raven colored hair and the long skirts of her red dress. “Ahhh, Queen Hardyan, it’s so nice to meet you. Sorry if I seem,” she paused, “disheveled at the moment but I have been oh so busy.” She smiled wickedly, as she motioned to the piles of Atherateran bodies around her. “Oh so busy.” She looked at Rianna, and raised a finger to her lips, “Hmmm… Judging by the blood on your armor, I can see that you have been busy as well. You know, since I re-found the first Star Stone ten years ago outside of my village and began my conquest of this world, you Atheraterans have been my biggest nuisance. How goes the battle?” her blue eyes glowed.

“You won’t take Hellfire Keep Jaina. The third star stone will remain safe. Go back from whence you came.”

“Oh deary. Sweet, sweet, Rianna. May I call you that? You noble born, always so forceful,” she sighed and then her expression hardened. “You will not stop me. I will take the third star stone. What is it to you? To you it’s worthless unless you’ve tapped into the first Star Stone. Give it to me. Let me touch it, let my power grow. Let me become immortal. I promise you that once I’ve acquired all of the Star Stone's power, I will give you and your people wealth and influence beyond imagining. All that I ask is that you swear fealty to me. Is that so hard?” she said in pouting voice.

“Never. You’ll have to kill me and destroy the Atherateran Kingdom first.”

“If that’s how you want it...” with a blur of motion, Jaina moved across the space between her and Rianna almost instantly and pulled Rianna down from her horse. Rianna, being quick herself, had drawn her sword and struck Jaina on the arm that had pulled her down.

Jaina gasped in pain but there was no blood. “You bitch! They said you were fast and strong but I had no idea. That stung.”

Rianna gasped, “H..ho…how?”

Jaina smiled at Rianna as she rubbed her arm. “Why, it’s my power you dummy. I have a magical essence around my body that blocks and dampens blows from weapons. As I said, you can’t stop me.”

Rianna reigned in her fear and astonishment and got to her feet. Once up, she stood proudly and lifted her sword in front of her, holding its pommel with both hands. Her biceps were flared in her arms. “Perhaps not, but I can blind you. Archers now!” she said, and pulled down a dark cloth over her eyes. When the cloth was down, she quickly flung her sword toward Jaina’s head, who moved to block it with her super-reflexes. At the same time, she moved, Rianna’s archers, similar dark pieces of cloth down over their eyes, let loose their WildLight arrows that exploded in blinding light around Jaina. It was known that exposure to a WildLight arrow would temporarily blind and overload the senses of those unfortunate to look upon them.

Jaina screamed as the flashes of light funneled into her brain, causing her to go blind and overloading her thoughts. She collapsed into convulsions.

Rianna rushed over to Jaina and hefted her sword into the air, bringing it down upon Jaina’s form. The sword struck Jaina as if it had struck a brick wall, sending painful reverberations up Rianna’s arms.

I can’t kill her? Damn it! she thought to herself and then said aloud, “There must be a way!” she cried as she struck repeatedly, tears welling up in her eyes with anger and frustration. "Why?!" she screamed as she collapsed to her knees, tears running freely down her face in shock. "There's no way to stop her. No way...." she whispered to no one.

“Goddess-Empress Jaina! Where are you?” a female voice called from beyond a nearby hill.

“Come! We must leave my Queen!” An archer pressed her. “They’re coming.”

“You’re right,” she collected herself. “Back to Hellfire Keep.”

***************************************************************

Jaina's mind was awhirl from the WildLight. Unable to move, she remembered...

***************************************************************

“Jaina! I’m going to catch you!” a young man giggled from behind a tree. Jaina cupped her hand over her mouth to stop herself from laughing and giving herself away.

“Come out. Come out! I have something for you,” the voice said playfully. She could hear his footfalls over the high green grasses of the meadow that overlooked the blue waters of Linea bay. She moved quietly further away, smiling as she went.

“Jaina, come on, I know you want me to find you. I have a present for your 23rd summer birth celebration." Jhar Helar, the young man, a rich Linean Merchant, was tall and athletic and adorned in the simple, light brown linen work shirt and breaches of a Linean sail maker that he wore whenever he wished to sneak out to see Jaina. The two had met when Jhar's father, a rich merchant, was conducting business at the docks. He had walked into a small shop and met Jaina by accident and he was fascinated by her quick wit and intelligence which were absent from all of the rich daughters his father was constantly trying to set him up with. His father disapproved of Jhar's liaisons with Jaina. “Come on. Jaina. I know you’re here somewhere. Whatever you do, don’t go too far. You know what the elders say about the Brawna Woods?”

From somewhere in the brush her playful voice echoed back to him, “What do they say?”

Jhar smiled as he located her position, “They say that a great battle occurred here at the end of the Age of Wonders. They say,” he said stepping over a fallen tree as he entered the shadows of the forest canopy, “that terrible magics occurred her and that if you go too far in the ghosts of the dead will take you away.”

“Oh Jhar,” she responded back to him, from a new position, "It's day time. Those things only happen at night and we're not too far in. How do you think the city gets its wood for winter and building? You’re being too cautious.”

Darn it! he thought to himself, She keeps going deeper. He saw a flash of red in the shadows and he smiled as he picked up his pace over the fallen trees.

She popped her head out from around the tree and when she saw Jhar, she raspberried him and ran once again.

“Jaina wait! Slow down! You’re going too far into the woods!”

“Catch me if you can Jhar!” Jaina said as she ran swiftly over the brush, the shadows become darker as she moved.

Goodness! She’s small but those long legs she has make her fast! Jhar thought has tried to close the distance between them.

You’ll never catch me Jhar! she thought to herself as she ran.All of that swimming in Linea bay has given me great lungs. She looked behind her to see if he was near, not taking stock of the environment around her. She never saw the dark hole covered by vegetation in front of her before she fell in with a scream, hitting her head on rock as she fell into the darkness.

Jhar, still a ways behind her, could not see her through the thick vegetation of the forest floor when he heard her scream. “Jaina! Jaina! Where are you? Where are you? Jaina!” A Linean wolf howled in the distance. Oh my Liege! Oh my Liege! he thought, the ghosts of the fallen in Brawna woods have taken her!

He ran back to the City of Linea, the sound of wolves echoed behind him.

********************************************************

What do I do?! What do I do? Jhar's mind raced as he rushed back to the city. Worriedly he sped through the mingling crows of Linea that were gathered in marketplaces, shops, and their labors as he rushed to his father's estate. When he arrived, he rushed up the stone stairs of their lavish estate and burst into his father's private study. Outside, the sun was slowly slipping beyond the horizon as night began to wrest control of the world from the sunlight.

"What are you doing boy?" His father asked him as he dropped his quill and looked up at his son, whose chest was heaving from shortness of breath. Jhar's father, Erik Helar was in his early 50's and adorned from head to toe in black, fine silks. His steely grey eyes were hard behind his reading spectacles. The color gray also adorned his angular goatee and thick, swept back hair.

"Father.. father!" Jhar puffed, "It's Jaina. We were out in the forest and she..."

"Jaina?" his father raged, "How many times have I told you to stay away from that simple peasant boy! You are a Helar and the world is yours for the taking! I will not have you running around with that girl. Do you understand me?"

"But father, she's been lost in the woods. It swallowed her. Whole. I warned her not to keep going but...." He looked down shyly at his feet and then his gaze moved upwards to meet his father's, his eyes imploring him. "We must organize a search party to find her!"

"You will do NO such thing boy. No such thing. In fact you will not speak a word of this to anyone. I have worked long and hard to arrange a marriage with the daughter of Merchant Corehall and if they were to know that you were involved with a peasant girl, it would unravel everything I've worked for."

"But father... I..." Jhar stammered.

"Leave me," his father waved absently to Jhar. "We will speak no more of this. Go!"

*************************************************************

“Uhhh….uhh.. Wha… what happened?” Jaina slurred as her eyes opened to blackness, her only light a small ray of sunshine from the opening above her. She touched the side of her head where her temple had struck the rock as she fell. “Sssssst…ooooo…. That’s not good,” she said as she propped herself up on her elbows.

She looked into the darkness and a shiver ran through her as a small breeze blew past her. Crawling on her hands and knees, she made her way over to the sunshine, her hand raised in front of her eyes as it sparkled down on her. The top of the hole was 20 feet up.

“Help me! Someone help me!” she screamed as she realized the hopelessness of her situation, tears streaming down her face and her voice echoed in the darkness. “Please!” she cried as her body slumped against the earthen wall.

“Okay.. Okay… someone will come for me. Jhar! Jhar must have seen me fall and gone back to get help. He’ll come for me!” she said aloud. A wolf howled in the distance signaling the coming of evening and of night. “Help! Somebody help!” he voice echoed in the hole.

Over the next eight days, Jaina huddled in her hole, all the time hoping that she would hear the footfalls of a rescue party but none never came. Where are you Jhar? her mind raged in anger. Where are you when I need you? Over the course of the next four days, Jaina cried in despair as endless cycle after endless cycle of heat, cold, light, and dark swept over her during her captivity. On the second, and fifth days, a small rainstorm allowed Jaina to sip water that ran down the sides of her hole.

On the eighth day, things got worse as the sky began to darken and Jaina could spy large, massive thunderheads approaching. As the rain slowly started fall, Jaina began to shiver from the cold water that was rushing in upon her in torrents. Around her, water slowly started to accumulate around her feet causing her to become stuck in thick mud as the rain began to increase the water level slowly. When it reached Jaina's calves, she began to cry in terror as she realized that she was going to drown.

Jaina cried out desperately and screamed out in terror as the water level slowly began to rise. "Someone help me!" she screamed. "Please!" With the ferocity of a trapped animal, Jaina clawed at the muddy walls around her, clumps of dirt splashing around her feet. Tears fell from her eyes as lightening and thunder raged over her head.

"Please..." she cried as the strength began to ebb from her arms. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” she cried out soundlessly as her fists began to pound on the mud walls of her tomb. As she pounded, more mud slipped away and she felt hard stone underneath.

Stone? she thought as her wailing stopped to consider her predicament. What's a stone wall doing here? she thought as began to work feverishly to remove the mud, her hands gliding over the smooth surface in a desperate effort to find some sort of handhold to help her climb upward above the cascading water falling all around her. "There's got to be something here! Please!"

Suddenly, her hand found a small protrusion jutting out from the smooth wall. She grabbed it with both hands and strained to pull her body upward but her muddy hands mixed with the downpour made it impossible for her to grip.

"No!," she pounded the wall. "No! No! No!" her fist hit the protrusion and Jaina could feel it recede into the wall. It was followed several seconds latter by a clicking sound and then movement as the stonewall began to slide sideways, retracting into some hidden recess. As it did, the water in her hole flooded outward and was lost in the darkness.

She screamed in unintelligible shock, her voice echoing in the darkness. She could feel a warm breeze upon her body.

An echo? she thought as she wiped the tears from her eyes and then held her hand out to the darkness, feeling the warm breeze again. If there’s a breeze, there must be another exit! she thought as she began move into the darkness. Moving her hand in the darkness, she followed the contours of the wall until she stood up and then walked through the corridor. In the darkness, her hands and arms waved slowly in front of her as she probed for obstructions that might cause her injury.

Is that a glow? she thought as her eyes began to discern the stonewalls of the corridor. As she went further, the glow increased into a green hue and she saw the size of the stone passageway get broader until it eventually dissolved into a large, glowing cavern. In the center of the cavern, there was a solitary pedestal made out of crystal. Atop of the crystal pedestal sat the origin of the mysterious green glow.

What is that? Jaina thought as she examined the object. Is that a glowing rock? she asked herself. You’ve got to be kidding me! Oh well, it’s a light and I could use it. She reached out to touch it and laid her hand over its rough surface. She reached her other hand out to help her lift the glowing rock off the crystal pedestal.

It’s warm. She ran her hands over the surface. Interesting. Oh well, I've got to get out of here. She picked up the stone and when she did, it started to melt in her hands into a green liquid that ran onto the stone floor. What happened? she thought as she reached down to touch the glowing green pool of liquid on the floor.

When her finger touched the liquid, she felt energy rush through her body slowly feel pain as the fluid was absorbed by her body. From the cavern, a vortex of wind howled around her and her body doubled over in pain. She held her abdomen with her hands. “Wha.. What’s happen ii iing to me eeeee?” she cried. Clutching herself in pain, she landed on her knees as the pain wracked her body. She began to spasm on the ground as bright flashes of green energy went off in her head. As it did, the pain that had once rolled over her turned into waves of pleasure that began to turn her on. “Ohh.. Yessss…. This feels wonderful…..” Her hips bucked up and down, her legs gliding past her as the pleasure built. Her hands slowly went down her Linean dress until they reached her pelvis. Crying in pleasure, she quickly hiked up her skirt as she began to work her fingers pleasuring herself. “I feel so much energy!” she screamed in the cavern, panting as she did so. “Oh my.. Ohhhh myyyyy......" a small sheen of sweat covered her body as she came, "Yesssss! Yesss!" her voice echoed in the chamber. As she came, the purple bruise on her temple slowly retracted and disappeared and she heard a woman's laughter echo through the cavern. Then she fainted into unconsciousness, warmth enveloping her body.

She did not awake until six years later.

***************************************************
She's gone, Jhar thought to himself in sadness during the third week since Jaina had gone missing, She's really gone. Dead. His eyes misted up in tears as he remembered telling Jaina's parents about the events which had transpired. As he told them his story, her parents had met him with expressions of grief and anger, telling him he was no longer welcome. He could remember standing in the shadows and watching from a far as her parents buried an empty casket full of her most cherished and prized possessions.

"Are you crying over that peasant woman again?" His father grumbled to him from across the cabin of the elaborate carriage that was taking them to the Linean festival. "She's gone Jhar and thank goodness for that. You don't need any complications boy. Besides, you're going to meet Alana Corehall today and you're more than likely going to marry the woman. Hurumph, If I was younger I'd marry her. From what I hear, she's become quite attractive and the Corehall family is one of the wealthiest families in Linea. Stop your incessant babbling and move on!"

Jhar turned away and looked at the window, sighing heavily as he did. "Yes Father," he said quietly. His mind was a race of thoughts. Alana Corehall? I'm to marry Alana Corehall! Of course, she was always friendly to me while we were younger and we even attended a few Merchant Balls together and became good friends but Alana Corehall? She was nothing but knees and elbows! She's a nice enough girl and intelligent but no one would want to marry her! I haven't spoken to her in years! Finally, the carriage pulled up to the large, ornate doors of a fine estate. When the carriage stopped, two men adorned in the fine red fabrics of Corehall livery opened the doors to their carriage.

"Straighten up boy. Be a man!" his father hissed. "Now, go in their and win our family a marriage. Go!"

Jhar straightened his green vest coast and walked up the ornate marble steps as two more Corehall servants opened the large wooden doors that revealed two sweeping, curved staircases and a large hall tucked in between them. As soon as the doors opened, Jhar could hear the light tones of Linean music and the rich warm smells of high-catered foods reserved for Linean nobility.

Entering the large hall, Jhar estimated that there were between 400 and 550 people attending the festival. Dressed in colorful outfits, merchants, notable parliament members, and captains of industry mingled in the soft-lighted hues of the hall.

I feel like a small fish in a room full of sharks Jhar thought as he watched the other quests vie for position and influence. Intrigues were abounding everywhere Jhar could see.

"Oh there you are! Merchant Erik Helar welcome!" a rich, deep basso voice cried from twenty paces away. When Jhar turned, he saw Merchant Gustavus Corehall make his way through the crowd, as he approached, the other quests gave him a wide birth and presented him small curtseys and bows of respect. From Jhar's perspective, Merchant Corehall was a youthful looking man complete with deep blues eyes and thick, blonde hair. Merchant Corehall had always possessed a broad chest, wide shoulders and trim waist on his powerful physique developed through years of hard training but as Jhar looked upon him he saw that Merchant Corehall's physique had changed drastically in the eight months since they had last seen him. His frame was now hulking unnaturally with muscle, his face was tan and taunt with deep lines.

Linean Strongroot I'll guess. I'm surprised no one's reported him. Jhar thought, Then again, he's probably used his power and influence to bribe the legal system. Linean Strongroot was banned across the Western dominances due to its highly addictive properties and physical effects. A man taking Linean Strongroot could retain his vitality and youth while also changing his body rapidly, going from a skinny wraith to unnaturally strong, agile, and athletic in a matter of months. However, if a man took too much of the root, he would become more aggressive and animalistic, slowly losing his mind over time. The last time a man had ingested the root in tremendous quantities he had gone on a killing spree in the city. It had taken nearly 30 heavily armed men to bring him down.

"Ahh. Jhar Helar. Nice to see you again," he said as his large hand enveloped Jhar's. He then turned and embraced his father. "Very good to see you both!"

He looks like a nice fellow but this man is a wolf. He's dangerous. Even more so than my father, Jhar thought as he watched the two men speak amicably to each other.

"Well, yes, ahem," he cleared his throat and turned to Jhar, his blue eyes looking down at him. "Your father and I have business to discuss. You'll find Alana in the gardens with the other ladies of the Court. I know you haven't seen her in years. However," he jabbed Jhar in the ribs playfully, "I doubt you'll be able to miss her."

Yeah right., Jhar thought to himself then, silent, turned to go and made his way through the crowds of people to the garden. As he approached the darkness, the soft light from the grand hall filtered out into the shadows. On the night breeze and through the extravagant garden, full of numerous flowers and leafy greens, he heard giggles and female voices. When she turned past a large grouping of plants, he was met by six women sitting on a large marble bench. Each was beautiful, their eyes meeting him as he came into view.

"Ahhh, Ladies. It seems that Jhar Helar has arrived," a deep sultry voice said from the center of the women. "Please sit Jhar Helar," she motioned beside her as the other elegantly dressed women slide down the bench to create an opening. From the dark shadows, the woman who had spoken to Jhar towered over the rest and even from paces away, Jhar could see her well-defined cleavage and large breasts that tapered down to a slim waist in the red dress she wore. Jhar could see a hint of blonde hair glitter in the moonlight.

"Alana Corehall is that you?" He asked softly.

"Why yes you foolish Helar," she laughed throatily, the women around her stared at him, whispered, and giggled to each other as he approached. "Come, sit."

Oh my he thought to himself shockingly, This is Alana Corehall?. He looked at her figure as he slowly and shyly approached, She's changed so much. What happened to the scrawny woman who was sent off to the High Academy in Chesterook? He sat down next to her and she smiled at him.

"It's very good to see you again Jhar. My, you've certainly become an attractive and powerful young man haven't you?" The women around her laughed pleasantly. "Ladies... if you would leave me and Jhar alone for a moment, we have much to..." she pressed her full lips with a beautifully manicured finger, "Discuss."
"As you wish my Lady," one of the ladies said as they all curtseyed to Alana. The group of women walked away through the shadows, laughing as they went.

"So, Jhar," she turned to him and he felt his senses go wild, "do you think that House Helar and House Corehall would make a powerful alliance if we were to wed?"

Gods! I can't believe I am to wed such a woman! "Y.. Yes my Lady. I...I..."

"Excellent," she interrupted him and then turned her body toward him giving him a full view of her cleavage and bosom. "Do you think me beautiful Jhar?" She laid a strong hand on his thigh and slowly began to massage it, her hand moving upward toward his groin.

"I uh.. ooofff... yes..." Jhar stammered.

"Excellent Jhar," she whispered huskily at him, her blue eyes looking deeply into his. He could feel the sweetness of her breath brush his lips. "I've always been attracted to you Jhar."

"Ya.. You have?" Jhar said trembling slightly at her touch and her beauty.

"I always knew Jhar. You were the only one ever truly befriended me. Ever since then I've begged and pleaded with my father to arrange a match and what I want," she smiled seductively and demurely, the index finger of her other hand making small circles on his chest, " I get. I always knew that you would be mine. It was destiny. What do you think of that Jhar?"
"Alana.. I.. I..."

She pulled him toward her and kissed him hungrily.

Alana Corehall. I'm going to marry Alana Corehall. The most beautiful woman in Linea.

******************************************************************
Over the next few months, Jhar and Alana slowly courted each other much to the satisfaction of their respective fathers. Their days were spent in long discussions, walks through the gardens, and joint family dinners where Gustavus Corehall and Erik Helar spoke of mutual trade agreements and the future wedding that was set to take place in one month.

Over that time, Jhar was beguiled by Alana's beauty, quick mind, and irresistible charm. During their nights of lovemaking, he was amazed at how incredible her body was and how insatiable her lusts were. The girl of knees and elbows that he had once hung with in his youth had grown into an athletic young woman complete with firm breasts, dark skin, toned thighs and arms, and tight stomach which glistened with sweat during their lovemaking. Each time Jhar made love to her, he was amazed at how she had changed so much.

During a late night rendezvous, Jhar and Alana had escaped down to the stables in the courtyard of the Corehall estate and climbed up the long ladder to the hayloft to engage in another love making session. As Jhar stood beneath Alana on the latter, he saw her calve muscles bunch up and flex as her feet touched each rung.

I still don't understand how Alana changed so much. She's so tall and strong! he mused as he climbed up the ladder behind her. When they reached the top, Alan sat down, her legs folded beneath her and pulled out a small leather pouch that was hidden in the folds of her dress. Her fingers reached into the pouch and pulled out small shavings of a purple substance.

Jhar watched her lift the purple shavings toward her mouth when the realization hit him. "Is that Linean Strongroot?" He asked her, his eyes wide with shock.

Alana stopped her motion, her hand possessing the Strongroot fell to her lap in a dramatic gesture. She rolled her eyes and sighed impatiently. "Yes Jhar. It's Linean Strongroot. So what?"

"So what? So what! It's illegal in the Western Dominances! It causes men to go crazy!"

"I'm not a man Jhar," she said testily her deep blue eyes drilling into his.

"I know that! In a thousand years no woman has ever taken Linean Strongroot upon pain of death!"

"I know that Jhar!" she screamed back at him and then calmed down and said more lightly, "I know that. Women are not supposed to take the Strongroot because of its effects, which, I might add, have been lost to history. No one even remembers why the law exists anymore."

"I.. I know that Alana. It's just that... The punishment for women taking Linean Strongroot is so much more severe than it is for males. Doesn't that give you pause? Aren't you afraid that you'll turn into some monster and go mad? Aren't you worried how it will change you?" he asked her worriedly.

She laughed aloud. "Change me? I already know how it's changed me Jhar. Look at this body!" she ran her empty hand down her chest and arched her back as she did so. A nipple began to poke through the thin fabric when she brushed it drawing Jhar's attention. "Do you remember the way I used to be Jhar? I was a stickling. Short and unappealing. Ten months ago, before I left the High Academy at Chesterook, I started taking the strongroot in small quantities at first that I have slowly increased. The changes were small at first but over time, I noticed that my hair became more lustrous, my lips fuller, my breasts.. he he... larger... fuller." Both of her nipples now pressed up against her dress. "I lost baby fat and developed these smooth curves and a new grace and athleticism." She readjusted her sitting posture and freed her legs from under her. She pulled back her skirt, and with the grace of Linean Dancer, extended her leg outward, her foot teasing Jhar's thigh and groin. "Nice no? Nevertheless, there was more. I became more confident, outgoing. During my finals I was able to concentrate longer, work more. I had more energy and I passed my schooling with excellence Jhar. I was the best student they have ever had."

Jhar felt the pressure build in his groin from Alana's playful foot as she spoke. He reached a hand and rubbed Alana's calf muscle that would relax and contract as she moved her foot. As he touched it, the smooth skin of her leg sent shivers of pleasure down his spine. "But..."

"Jhar..." she interrupted him, "I don't know what the effects are but I know they/ve changed me. They've made me more beautiful. More desired. Don't you like that Jhar?" she husked playfully. "Don't you want more of that Jhar?" she said as her other foot began to slide along his other thigh. "Imagine what I could be Jhar. Imagine what I could be if I took more strongroot Jhar. Remember, I would be completely yours Jhar. Don't you want that Jhar?"

He was painfully erect now, both of her feet were rubbing him.

"Don't tell anyone Jhar. Let me take this tonight. I'm sure you'll find it..."

"Ahhhh...." he moaned.

"Pleasurable," she smiled and then pulled her feet and legs away, standing to her feet.

Jhar, his eyes glazed over and his heart pounding, watched her stand and slowly strip off her clothing.

"Watch Jhar. I think you'll like it." She said giggling and then put a small amount of the Linean strong root on her tongue. Instantly her eyes rolled backward and she moaned, running a hand down her stomach. "Mmmmmmmmmm. It only get's better."

As Jhar watched Alana, he saw her face flush with redness and saw small beads of sweat collect on her forehead. Alana stood and slowly began to sway her hips seductively in front of Jhar, her firm breasts quivering slightly as she cupped one breast with her left hand and used her right hand to run her fingers upward through her hair, only to let it fall silkily downward.

"It's coming Jhar," she whispered with her eyes closed, "I can feel the warmth building...mmmmmmmmm." Sweat now began to glisten on her body that had taken on a golden hue from the lantern light in the hayloft.

Alana continued to sway her hips, her thighs rubbing against each other as if she was listening to music that only she could hear. As she moved, Jhar began to notice that she was flexing small muscles with increasing speed.

"Oh yes.... It's here Jhar," she looked down at him, her blue eyes penetrating his soul. "Don't be afraid...mmm.. everything will be..."she groaned in a painful tone, "Okay." She panted out as she doubled over in pain and fell to her knees.

"Alana!" Jhar screamed and rushed over to her, putting his hand on her shoulder. It’s as hot as Linean stove in winter! he thought. "Alana, what's happening."

"It's.... it's the change Jhar! Ahhhhhhh!!!" she screamed out. "Let.. it... happen!"

Underneath the palm of the hand he still had on her shoulder, Jhar felt tiny muscle spasms erupt under burning skin. Suddenly, she turned over and lay on her back, the spasms getting stronger as they wracked her body.

"The pain!!!" Alana screamed.

"Alana! What do I do? Alana! Somebody help!" he yelled out, his voice absorbed by the thick wooden walls of the stable.

"Jhhhharrrrrr... it's.. it's okay." Alana said, her face crunched in pain. "Pleasure is next....oohhhhhhhh....yesssss..... Here it comes!"

What the... he thought to himself as he saw Alana's body slowly stop quivering. She ran her hands down over her breasts and along her stomach muscles. Crouched next to her, Jhar was amazed as he watched. Is her arm more toned? Her stomach! There is some more definition there!

"Oh Jhar..." Alana moaned, looking at Jhar as she ran her fingers downward to touch herself. In the golden light Jhar could see that she was wet. "Jhar... th...the... the pleasure," her hands moved faster and she arched her back as a long, erotic moan escaped from her lips. "Almost.... done..." she panted, "and then... it's.. itssssss," she reacted throatily, "Your turn!" With her final word she screamed out loudly as she came. For Jhar, her scream was erotically primal and full of lust. The intensity of it alarmed Jhar and he moved back a few paces as Alana orgasmed before him.

When she was done, she got to her feet. "Mmmmm...." she stretched and Jhar could see the new muscle tone on her body. "Do you see what it does now Jhar? Do you like what you see?" She said as the sweat dripped down her body and matted her golden hair slightly. She walked toward him, her hips swaying, her lean, muscular legs bunching slightly with each step. When she stood above him, she extended her leg and gently pushed him downward. Jhar was alarmed by her aggressiveness.

Alana smiled, and straddled his hips as she stood. Smiling wickedly, she reached down to undo his breeches and pulled his member out of their tight confinement. Her hand glided over his member for a few seconds before she stood straight again. "I see that you do like it Jhar," she laughed throatily. "Remember, that you belong to me and that you'll tell no one of this. Do you understand?"

He nodded quickly.

"Good," she smiled. "Now let the fun begin," she said as she slowly lowered herself onto him. They both moaned as he entered her slowly. "Don't be alarmed if I change a bit more during our lovemaking," she said as she began to move her hips up and down gently, her hands undoing his shirt, "If I do.. I think you'll like it...."

"Oh Alana," Jhar moaned as his hands explored her body.

"You belong to me Jhar Helar..."

*****************************************************************

Jhar and Alana finally tied the knot in extravagant ceremony that was attended by all of the movers and shakers of Linea. The two were inseparable and spent long hours discussing topics ranging from culture, to politics, to business and how they would run their new merchant empire. In the months after their wedding, their lovemaking became more aggressive as Alana demanded more and more sex from Jhar. At first, their couplings were the lustful sessions of the newly wedded but over time Alana demanded more and more.

During their meetings in which Merchant Corehall and Jhar's father would instruct them on the necessities of being a ruthless merchant, Alana began to push the sexual boundaries by stealthily rubbing Jhar under the table where no one could see, maintaining perfect composure and lucidity as she did so. Even with her sex drive, she absorbed all the information presented to her without missing a beat. When the meetings were adjourned for recess, she would grab Jhar's hand, lead him to some small corner of the estate, bedroom, or hideaway, and thrust herself upon him. While Jhar was ready and willing at first, her need continued to grow and she began to insist that Jhar be constantly by her side. After each sexual session, Alana seemed calmer, more sure of herself. It was almost as if she was changing with each session. Today, they were meeting with her father after Alana had requested it.
.
I have no time to myself anymore, Jhar thought. She won't leave me alone! he thought to himself as he looked at her at during another meeting. What's more troubling is that I feel addicted to her and I can't help myself! She smiled back at him and Jhar shivered. What's happening to me?

Jhar looked quickly and appraisingly at her body and saw the changes that had occurred to her over the last month. Her eyes had taken on a deeper, bluer hue, and her facial features had become more attractive, punctuated by full lips, defined cheekbones, and amazingly unblemished skin. However, the most startling change had occurred to her body. She now had sizeable biceps, tight abs, strong and pleasing legs, and near perfect breasts. While business was conducted, Jhar knew that she had caught more than a few eyes and turned heads of both men and women alike. Some people had begun to question her changes but none of them could guess at the cause. As her body changed, Alana was also becoming more confident and a shrewd businesswoman and there were quiet whispers that she may try to take power from her ruthless father, perhaps even set up a monarchy with her as the head. Luckily, none of them know about the Linean Strongroot and its effects on women have been lost to the mists of history, he mused, If only they knew, he thought and then turned to look upon Gustavus Corehall the end of the table.

"Alright Alana. I have granted you this meeting. Why did you wish to see me?" Gustavus growled and Jhar could see the deep lines in his face that were now devoid of body fat. His voice was deep.

"Well father," Alana smiled coolly with her new confidence, "I wanted to speak to you about your early," her eyes twinkled mischievously, "retirement and turning over the reins of power to me."

Gustavus looked at his daughter, red rage filled his eyes. "I knew this day would come. The other merchants and powerful families have spoken about this for months. What are you ambitions? The family? The throne?! I will not go easily!"

Alana smiled softly, "Oh father. Your mind has begun to slip over the last few months. You are not what you once were." She pointed to herself, her voice rising with aggressiveness, "I can lead this family to greatness. You yourself have always eyed become a king but you have too many enemies. Enemies which I," she licked her lips, "Have managed to subdue. I have the opportunity to become the first monarch that Linea has had in centuries! I am smarter, faster, and more shrewd than any of the other merchant families and you, and they all know it. You will step down father."

Gustavus stood up and his chair forcefully slid across the floor. "I will kill you first daughter," he said as his hands shook with rage and s he reached into his pocket and took out some Linean Strongroot.

Jhar gasped as Gustavus did so, noticing the hulking frame and distorted muscles on Gustavus frame. If he takes that Strongroot, in the state of rage he's in he'll lose his mind and go feral. Alana and I will die! Jhar thought desperately.

"I will kill you!" He said, his hands shaking.

"If you kill me Father, you will die. All of the other merchants , the ones allied with me, will disown you. Do you really think that could kill your own daughter and have it not be investigated? It will all come out father. Everything. The shady deals, the thefts against the other merchants by your undercuts, and your use of the Linean Strongroot." Alana said pulling a small pouch of the substance from some hidden fold in her dress. She smiled.

Gustavus looked at her in surprise. "Where did.. Where did you get that?" He stammered.

"Really father? Haven't you noticed the new me lately? Or have you been so addicted to the root and business that you can no longer think straight?" She laughed at him, her voice echoing in the stonewalls.

"My own daughter! You go against one of Linea's most important laws! You have committed a crime more heinous than anything I might have done." He smiled savagely. "In fact, it is my sworn duty to kill you and that little husband of yours. Yes... kill you." He said crazily and then put the Linean Strongroot into his mouth. Instantly his eyes lost their expression as they became feral and mindless. He tore off his shirt, revealing his chest that was now pulsating with grotesquely distorted muscle as the Strongroot caused him to grow. Then he charged.

Alana reacting quickly, shoved the heavy oak table into Gustavus forcing the enraged man forcefully back towards the stonewall. When he hit, he hit the wall with such a force that small pieces of stone cracked and fell to the floor. Alana turned to Jhar and yelled, "Run Jhar! Get out of the room! I'll take care of him!"

Jhar was frozen at the scene before him and the display of power that Alana had just done. No one is that strong! How did she do that?

Gustavus, forced against the wall began to push against Alana's strength and howled an animalistic roar as he realized that he was unable to move. The mind of Gustavus, or what was left of it, reached down and ingested some more Strongroot giving it another burst of power that gave it more strength to free itself. The table, caught between two titanic and opposing forces, began to crack and split in the center.

"Run Jhar! Go! Now!" Alana yelled, her toned muscles continuing their pressure. Suddenly the table could take no more and Gustavus rushed toward Alana, tackling her to the ground. Gustavus then began to beat Alana with his bare fists, howling as he did so.

Jhar, courage now moving him, ran to the oak table and worked off one the thick table's legs. Once he had it free, he rushed over to the struggling forms of Alana and Gustavus and began to beat Gustavus on the back with it. Gustavus, feeling the blows, turned and punched Jhar in the stomach and then used his arms to send Jhar flying across the room.

"Jhar!" Alana screamed in her own primal rage. "Jhar!"

Jhar, his head ringing and unable to move, opened his eyes and watched as Gustavus turned back to beat Alana. However, Gustavus's blows upon her, which moments ago had bruised and bloodied her , were now having no effect on her. For every hit he landed on her, there would be a moment of bruising and then the bruise would heal almost instantly. How is she doing this?

He hurt Jhar! My Jhar! her mind raged. He belongs to me! As her mind raged, Alana felt a warmth flow her. As it flowed through her, she noticed that Gustavus blows were not hurting her anymore and she felt stronger.

Alana began to laugh and then casually reached up and grabbed Gustavus's wrists. When she did, he howled in frustration and rage as he realized that she was stronger than he was.

"Oh father, don't you see?" Alana said over Gustavus' howls, "Its time for you to step aside. After all you're not the person you once were." She reached up and twisted Gustavus' neck, killing him. "And neither am I."

She rushed over to Jhar. "Jhar! Are you okay?" She leaned down over him. "Are you okay baby?" Her hands ran down his face as he moaned in pain.

"I'll be okay. Your father is he?"

"He's dead. Now it's my turn to rule Jhar." She said down to him, her voice cold with authority and power. Jhar shivered. "It my time Jhar. Nothing will stop me." Her blue eyes flashed and then she softened. "Let me help you up and get you to a physician for healing. As I have said before, you belong to me Jhar Helyar and I want you to be with me ,forever."

**********************
Over the course of the next year, Linea found itself in the midst of an economic depression that affected the large city of nearly 700,000 souls. Alana, now the most prominent merchant, announced that she would head an alliance of the wealthy merchants to help address the economic downturn. At first, there were whispers among the less prominent merchants that the depression had been manufactured but these whispers and grumbles were silenced as the questioners began to die in accidents, robberies, and illnesses.

The Merchant's Alliance, slowly began to secretly buy Linean newspapers, giving Alana a controlling interest. Where once there had been questions regarding the economic conditions of Linea, now there were stories of the Merchant's Alliance's great deeds and economic measures. Every month, the Merchant's Alliance began to hold festivals and game days for the common people and put out press releases saying that Alana Corehall had funded them.

As all of this occurred, Alana, accumulated great wealth, and used her growing influence and power to bring control over sectors of the economy. As the situation slowly began to change, the constant press that praised the Merchant’s Alliance slowly began to focus more and more upon Alana Corehall herself and her deeds. Artists and artisans began to glamorize her beauty and soon statues and paintings were put in various corners and public works projects throughout the city.

The populace, being exposed to this constant adoration of Alana, began to adore her themselves and any moves by well-protected critics to curb or blunt her influences were countered by angry mobs of average citizens. Sensing that she now possessed the public's protection, Alana bribed popular citizens who began to call for her to be made the first Linean monarch in centuries. What first began as whispers, soon became an overwhelming groundswell as the people of Linea began to openly call for Alana's ascension the throne.
Finally, a mere year after the depression had begun, Alana, feigning disinterest and reluctance, accepted the demands to make her Queen of Linea. One month later, the Linean depression ended.

*************************
4 years later.

When Jaina awoke, she felt completely refreshed. She walked back through the darkness to the hole she had fallen down. When she reached it she looked up at the opening 20 feet away and something deep inside of her told her that she could she jump out if she wanted. Springing upward, she shot out of the hole and onto the forest floor that was now covered in darkness. "Incredible!" She said to herself aloud and then made her way back to Linea in the darkness, the two moons floating overhead.

As she made her way to the city's gates, she could see the glittering white spires, now aglow from the wan light of the twin moons of Laken and Frost. I'm home she thought to herself and smiled, Wait until I tell Jhar what I found and he sees what I can do. It will be incredible! She thought as she approached the gates.

"Stop in the name of the Queen! Who passes in the darkness!" A tall woman asked, her face covered by a concealing patch of darkness. Jaina could tell that whore a large brimmed hat that was folded up on one side and topped off with a loud feather. While her face was concealed, a small ray of moonlight revealed a deep blue colored cloak with a silver crown patched just above her heart. Behind her, she could see the outlines of several seven other women who appeared to be similarly attired and of the similar height.

Queen? What is she talking about? Linea has no queen. How long was I was asleep for? "Jaina Warra, from the Fisherman's Quarter."

The tall woman stepped out of the shadow and Jaina noticed her beautifully defined face, long dark hair, milky white skin, and her powerful build and noticeable muscularity. The other women behind her were also attractive and possessed similar builds. What happened to the normal male guards? I have never seen women so physically strong before!

"I am Captain Sara of her Queen's Royal Guard," the woman said curtly to Jaina. "Do you have your papers for being out after curfew?" The woman said curtly to Jaina.

"Uh.. Papers?" Jaina said confusedly and noticed that a few of the women behind Captain Sara had placed their hands on the pommels of their swords.

"Yes. Papers. Where have you been? Queen Alana requires all Linean citizens to carry the proper papers while we're at war with Manarans. Do you have them or not?" She said testily.

"I don't." Jaina said downcast. What is going on here?!

"Pity. We will have to take you in for questioning. Come with us." Captain Sara snapped her fingers and two of the powerful female guards moved to be stand behind Jaina. "Come with us. Now."

Jaina stood frozen in place as the women behind her reached out their hands to forcibly move her. When the first hand grabbed upon her bicep, Jaina moved forward quickly to break the grip and then kicked backwards, hitting one of the female guards in the solar plexus, sending them flying backwards.

"We have a Manaran spy! Kill her!" Captain Sara shouted as the remaining six guards drew their swords and rushed upon Jaina.

The first guard, a dazzling red haired woman, thrust her sword out, aiming for her Jaina's abdomen. Jaina, with her new reflexes, turned her body in a complete circle and extended her fist, which backhanded the guard when Jaina completed her turn.

Behind her, Jaina could hear the boot clicks of the female guard she has kicked running toward her, the blade of the guard’s sword sliding out of its scabbard. When the footsteps were a few feet behind her, Jaina sidestepped quickly and extended her foot out which tripped the guard into her female companions.

"Get her!" Captain Sara shouted, and then pulled out a whistle. When Captain Sara did this, Jaina could hear dozens of other whistles from the nearby streets around her join Captain Sara's chorus. In front of her, she could see more tall shapes running in her direction.

I can't stay here. There are too many of them. Time to leave, she thought as she searched the building around her. Ahh.. I think I can make that ledge. Crouching low, Jaina sprang upward with a thrust of power and grabbed onto a ledge from one of the buildings on the small city street. From there she climbed upward another two stories until she was looking down on the guards, now nearly two dozen in number, below her.

"Get up to the roof! I want her stopped now!" Captain Sara commanded, the women around her staring dumbfound up at Jaina. "Quit staring. You have a job to do! Do it or I'll have you put in irons! Go!" With that command, the women began to run towards the ladders on the sides of the building.

Uh.. I didn't think of that. Jaina thought as the first female guards head peeked up over the building's ledge and then reached the top. Within seconds, seven female guards stood across from her on the roof, their swords drawn.

Jaina looked down. Well.. I can't go back down and I can't go further up so.... She looked at the 20-foot expanse between her and the building across from her. She turned behind her and saw the women cautiously approaching. She took ten steps quickly backward. Here goes nothing. She picked up running speed and then leaped over the expanse, coming down in a roll as she reached the other side.

"Wow! What a rush!" She said aloud and then looked down below her. She could hear Captain Sara screaming out commands for the guards to follow.

I can't play this game all night. It's time for me to leave. Jaina thought as she leaped to the next building, then to the next, making her way back to the Fisherman's Quarter. Every time she leapt, she could see the running forms of the city guard become further and further away.

She went home.

***************************************************

By the time that Jaina had traversed the vast city, the twin moons were beginning to set in Western sky overlooking the ocean. Spotting her parents small apartment above their shop, Jaina nimbly climbed down from the building that she had landed on and made her way to the door.

Looking around her for any sign of the blue-cloaked guards, Jaina banged on the door that echoed in the sandy streets in front of her home. Looking upwards, she saw the glow of a lantern flicker on and saw the light vanish as it moved down into the main shop, then the door opened.

“Father!” Jaina gushed rushing toward her father and embracing him strongly.

“Jai.. Jaina? Is it really you?” The man creaked with surprise, a tear building up in his eyes and then falling down his check to be lost in his short cut, gray beard.

“Yes Father ! It’s me.”

“Oh my... we never thought... come in.. come in.,” he hustled her inside and then took one last look into the street to make sure that no guards were watching. When he had closed the door, he yelled upward “Jinara! Jinara! Come down quickly!” He turned back to Jaina and embraced her this time. “We thought you had died! We thought you had been taken by the forest! Where have you been?” He cried exasperatedly.

A voice from behind them groggily asked from the stairs, “Jon what’s going on? Why so much...” she paused as her eyes caught sight of Jaina. “No.. can it really be?” she asked quietly, her feet carrying her unconsciously down the stairs and toward Jaina. “Is it?”

“Yes. Mother. It’s me.”

“Oh Jaina!” She cried.

The three tearfully embraced each other in the lantern lit shop.

***********************************************************
As the sun arose that morning, Jon, his wife Jinara, and Jaina sat around a small wooden table talking about all that happened. Jaina learned that she had been missing for nearly six years and told her parents that it had felt as if only a week had gone by. Following that, her parents had told her about the recent depression and the rise of Queen Alana to the throne of Linea. Jaina was shocked to hear of all of the changes.

“What about the Royal Guards? What happened to all of the men who once had their position?” Jaina asked.

Her mother sipped her cup of bitterroot, “Oh, well that remains a mystery Jaina. No one knows. They began to appear about a month after Queen Alana, bless her heart, took the throne. Aren’t they beautiful women? Tough, and brutal, but they are also obeyed and followed. They’ve brought order to Linea.”

“They are beautiful, yes, but I’ve never seen women so physically imposing before. Are they mercenaries from some foreign city? They are incredibly strong.” Jaina asked, musing.

“No they’re not mercenaries,” her father piped in. “In fact they’re picked from the city games which Queen Alana holds every two months. Women from the across the kingdom come to compete and the strongest among them are chosen for Queen Alana’s Royal Guard. The others lead our armies and the men that are now fighting abroad. It’s a tremendous honor.”

“And their changes?”

“No one really knows. They swear allegiance to the Queen and then they leave the city for a month. When they return, they come back bigger, stronger, smart, and more attractive. They are given their choice of any man whom they choose. A few have even had children, females of course, and so far, they’ve also seemed ahead of the other children. No one knows what happens to them. Some say its sorcery, some say that their oath of loyalty to the Queen Alana has blessed them. Of course, none of them compare to the Queen herself. None of them.” Jon’s eyes were glazed over and his face flushed with red.

“How so?” Jaina continued

This time her mother cut in. “Well only ten years ago she was simple old Alana Corehall but over the last decade she has begun to change Jaina. The short and sticklike woman has become a beautiful woman. She’s taller and stronger than any in her Royal Guard. Her blonde hair is as if made of silk and her blue eyes have such intelligence as to be unmatched. As she made more and more public appearances, people noticed how her body was changing. and how attractive she was becoming. Whereas muscle on a woman had at one time been unacceptable, the Queen’s appearances redefined beauty, made it acceptable. Men began to desire it and women sought to emulate her look if they could. That is why so many try to become Royal Guards. In the end, the people love her even if she can be authoritarian at times. She saved Linea Jaina. All over the world, cities come to pay homage to her. She is feared and adored.”

“Yes. Adored.” Her father cut in. “Duke Helar is a lucky man.” He giggled.

Jaina gasped. “Duke Helar? You mean Erick Helar right?”

Her mother laughed, “Silly girl. Erick Helar was killed five years ago. He died of illness. Queen Alana married Jhar Helar, his son.”

Jhar married the Queen? Jaina sighed sadly. “Oh. That’s... that’s wonderful I suppose.”

Jinara frowned, remembering the Jaina of six years ago and gasped, “Oh my child. I’m so sorry. I forgot. It’s been so long you see and...”

“It’s alright mother. It’s all right. How long after I went missing did they begin to court each other?”

Jinara looked at her husband Jon for support, finding none, she kept quiet
.
“Tell me!” Jaina snarled, her fist slamming into heavy wooden table, splitting it down the center and causing it to collapse in on itself. “How long!”

Jon and Jinara sprang to their feet, and Jon gulped as he looked down in horror at what his daughter, his little Jaina, had done and uttered, “Three weeks after you went missing Jaina. Three weeks.”

Three weeks eh? He said he loved me! How could he do this to me? She raged inside and turned away from her parents to look out the bay window in front of the shop. When she did, she noticed her reflection in one of the small square windowpanes. Of course. Look at me. I am nothing. I’m pale and small, washed out face, dark hair. I’m a commoner. Nothing! What was I thinking, thinking he would have me? she squeezed her hand and felt the power there. I’ll show him what I can do. I will show everyone.

End or Part 1.

Future Installments: Jaina slips into evil, unlocks the Star Stone’s true powers, gets her kingdom, and begins her quest for domination.

Empress Hardyan vs Jaina in Hellfire Keep and the saving of an age...

Rayne and the new ascension.....

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