Valkyrie Black

Chapter 17: More Than Meets The Eye.

Val saw another flash of red in her vision and leaned back, narrowly dodging another stone thrown her direction. It was followed by a flurry of small stones thrown at various speeds. The last one she reached out a hand and caught, spinning her body to absorb the impact and hurled the stone back at her attacker.

Morgessa grinned, dodging the stone with the barest of movements. “Now you are learning. Never let an attack go to waste when you can use it against your attacker. I think you might do well with us. What do you say? Train with me and my students?”

Val considered for a minute. She was already spending a small fortune with the other trainers. “What will it cost?”

Morgessa chuckled, “Desmond was right about you, you are sharp. I don’t require coin for my training. What I do require is Scath plasma. There are many things a Spark Blessed can use Scath plasma for. Even this cave is guarded by a Scath lock that requires plasma to open. Not a full unit mind you, but one crystal might open the passage a dozen times.”

Morgessa paused for a moment and considered, though it seems you have found another way in, so perhaps it will not be as taxing on you. For my part, I require payment monthly in the form of four Scath plasma units.

Val considered. Four was not unreasonable if she were still in Parcia, but here in the fortress mountains it was near impossible to find any of the Scath. She had to venture down into the nearest city, more than three days ride. On top of that, it cost for transportation if she could even find anyone to take an unaccompanied minor.

“I see you are wondering how you will get such. There are a few methods. You can always purchase them from the quartermaster, though I believe I heard you were the primary source of his supply these last few years. Desmond might be willing to sell you some of his. Finally, as part of your training, I will personally escort all three of you to various hunting grounds once a quarter. We can work together to collect what is needed.”

That sounded promising, especially if she could work together with others. A question burned in her mind “Are you all spark blessed?”

The boy she believed to be Cade looked at Alexa before answering, “We are not, but my father is a Hunter Spark. It is only a matter of time before it is passed to me. However, I am descended from a long line of Hunters so while I do not carry a spark, I have been able to see them since I was little, and Morgessa has trained me to fight and engage with them.”

Alexa nodded as well. “I don’t know my parents, but I too have been able to see them since I was little.”

Morgessa interjected, “Alexa may be an orphan, but she is a true silverblood of Suria. There is no question of that. These two are unique among the typical riff raff and prissy rich kids who come through here. I believe you will make a good addition to the team. So, what is your decision?”

Val considered for only a heartbeat more before she nodded and held out her hand.

Morgessa clasped her hand and then Val felt her grip tighten as a tendril extended from Morgessa’s hand and encircled her wrist.

“Laan amlygu sik” Morgessa intoned.

Val struggled against the grip, but Morgessa’s sigil flared to life between them. Val stared, trying to understand the sigil. It seemed to be two large V’s with their points facing away from each other and their arms crossing. Where the arms intersected, a single  line slashed through both sides and extended out past both ends. 

[ Briathos, you are seen, and known. ]

“Ah, a rare treat. Azrael. You are seen and known as well.” Morgessa said with a smile, releasing Val’s hand. “The dark angel Azrael has not been seen in many generations. It will be an honor to train the newest bearer.”

“Briathos?” Val asked, curious.

“A name you will not repeat. Few know of my continued existence, fewer still know which spark I bare. Names are power, especially in Suria. Among the ranks the 100 are the elite. Of them, the final ten stand above the rest. Only six through ten are publicly known as they sit on the counsel in the thirteen seat. They take turns at power, but there are generals even among the elite. While most do not speak of such things, there are more powers in the world than the counsel would care to admit.” Morgessa explained gravely.

“Sadly, some of the great sparks have lost their inherent personality. The lives of those who came before have faded from memory and may be lost to the ages. “ Morgessa said as she turned to lead the trio out of the cave. “Never assume that a spark blessed has anything more than a title and the basic human skills they themselves have developed. It is true that some of the high families have the power to split the world wide open, but most you encounter have little more the street smarts and clever wit.”

Morgessa pressed on a seemingly solid wall, and to Val’s horror, passed right through it! Cade and Alexa followed suit as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.

Val walked to the wall and placed her hand on the solid stone.

[Open Passage?]

She acknowledged the query and felt the solid wall suddenly lost all form, feeling like an illusion instead of bedrock. She passed through and was greeted by the soft blue glow that permeated the fortress.

“Meet here every morning at dawn. We will train harder and longer than any other discipline.” Morgessa commanded before strolling off into the distant corridor.

“Welcome to the club,” Cade offered, before heading off as well.

Alexa was the only one to hang back. “Want to get some lunch?”

Val nodded, right now, food sounded good. She had a LOT to process.