The Story Of Talist Cont.
By: Tohshan
We rode to Sanctum to report what was going on. The city was in arms. There had already been several smaller attacks, but nothing like what we had dealt with. I sighed as I climbed the steps into the main part of Sanctum. Sain, Grogin and Faedrin were ahead of us, and I let out a soft sigh. Nioua trotted up next to me, and smiled, speaking softly to me, "Cheer up girl, I don't think he will be TOO mad at you and you DID have backup this time!" She giggled and ran ahead, and I smiled to myself as Siet joined her and the started a conversation with the dwarf Grogin. Lagging behind gave me time to study everyone, as I dodged those soldiers and others who were walking with purpose. I had to admit, the elf was good looking. A point my sisters had not stopped letting me know about. I had merely shrugged to their questions. He seemed nice enough, but nice could be deceiving. I did not trust easily and I was not looking forward to giving the report to Cyril Kalmar and Shyla Starhearth. Well Shyla wasn't bad. My sisters had taken me, with my letter of introduction to meet the leaders. Shyla had greeted me with a kind warmth, and I found it easy to talk to her or ask questions. Cyril on the other hand, intimidated and then later enfuriated me. He treated me like a pesky kid sister, refusing to acknowledge that I WAS a warrior of some skill. Since we had to make reports of suspicious activity, or invasions we encountered, I was often giving reports, and getting chided for my actions. Again I sighed and trudged up the dias to stand behind the elf and his dwarven comrades. Keeping my head low, I hoped for once I would be overlooked and forgotten. Casting a quick look, Cyril had not noticed me yet, but Shyla had and gave me a slight smile and wink. I felt a little better. Then the voice I dreaded spoke, "Talist, kindly do not stand there like you are about to be executed. I am glad to hear THIS time, you actually helped in battle, instead of causing a disturbance."
Something in me snapped. Now going off at the ruler of a city is never a good idea, but sometimes, you can only take so much chiding for something before you've had enough.
"I do NOT cause disturbances! The Vigil chose me as a warrior, told me my duty was to protect this land and that is WHAT I do. In the name of the Vigil!" I took in a deep breath and pointed at the big man who had so tormented me. I did not notice the look of his surprise on his face, or that I had attracted the attention of all those in the room at the time, even so far as the portal. "I am sick and tired of you mocking me My Lord, I may be young, but I am not stupid nor lacking in talent to which souls were chosen for me. YES THAT'S WHAT I SAID! Chosen for me! I do my duty to the Vigil and whatever the Vigil wishes, I shall do! You my good Lord, can go jump off the bridge if you don't like it!"
That said, I turned and stalked off, leaving everyone on the dias, save Shyla, who was wearing a very pleased smile, gaping like a landed fish. I stomped outside, not noticing that for once people were moving out of my way and whistled for my horse. Bast immediately came to me and without looking around or even thinking, I leapt to his back and headed over the bridge and out into the wood. Instinctively Bast headed to a little beach, one of the few not infested with sea creatures and I slid off him, left him to ground tether and walked to the waters edge, glaring out into the distance. I needed to clear my head.
Back in Sanctum, Shyla turned to Cyril and laughed at his expression. "Well, you did have it coming you know. You have been very unkind and far too hard on her. She is one of our most promising warriors."
Cyril snorted lightly, "I am hard on her because she is one of our most talented." His gaze dropped to the four female dwarves standing in front of him, glaring. He sighed. "Fine, I will apologize to her the next time I see her." He waved his hand in dismissal and then turned and stomped down the dias. He swore he heard one of them mutter something about sheep and a good shearing...