Crystal Codex: Chapter Three

A quiver of fear ran up and down Rai's spine as she raced vainly after her guardian. Arrianna? Who in the Light's name was she, and how did Kurainkun know her? Questions like these blazed thoruhg the little girl's mind as she hurried forwards.

"Kurainkun! Kurainkun, wait up!" she moaned, knowing he would not hear her. Suddenly, she heard a girl's shriek, and the sounds of a scuffle broke out ahead. Arrianna had been grabbed by one of the young men chasing her, and after shrieking in shock lashed out with her fist. It landed squarely on the lad's temple, sending him sprawling. His peers rushed forward to avenge him; they wanted to make her pay as well as capture her.

They leapt into the air one after another as if to take her in a flying tackle, but she was ready. Leaping high into the air herself, Arrianna spun ferociously in a circle, roundhouse kicking one of them straight in the neck. While he plummetted to the ground, the other boy managed to wrap his arms around Arrian and bring her to ground. Raichana gasped in shock as she saw Arrian bite the young man's arm so hard he cried out in pain, blood trickling from the wound. He released his grip slightly, just enough so that she could spin around and and bring up her knee. The boy, suffice to say, let go of her for more precious things. He rolled to the side, vomiting from the agony.

Arrianna then stood, panting heavily, with blood trickling down her mouth. Her and Raichana's eyes locked for a moment, and Rai gasped in shock once again - Arrianna had but one eye.
"What, something on my face?" Arrian grunted, her voice light and silky, yet with a hint of a deadly undertone. The one-eyed girl swung her gaze from Rai to Kurainkun, who stood aside in amazement.
"So this is the little bitch you've been-"
She was cut short by a massive, powerful pain which seemed to grip her whole head like iron. She struggled in vain, feebly grasping at her neck, before slumping into unconciousness. The older master, his hair a sparkling grey and his body hidden in the depths of a long, flowing grey robe released his hold on Arrian's pressure point and stepped over her. His chestnut brown eyes sparkled with something like amusement.
"I trust you are her brother - Kurainkun was it?- whom she speaks of so...harshly?"
Kurainkun, stunned once again, nodded dumbly. The old man chuckled, then sighed.
"Come, we have much to speak of."

***

All of a sudden Kurainkun and Raichana felt very out of place.

They sat upon a carpet in the old man's residence - a large oak building with layered roofing and many drapes and tapestries donning the walls. Age and wisdom seemed to emanate from every corner, every speck of dust, so much that it seemed to almost swallow the two in its entirety. Furthermore, the old man seated before them seemed to embody perfection, his clothes clean and fresh, his hair neatly trimmed. Rai and Kurai, on the other hand, were matted and filthy after many hard days of travelling.

The old man sat with his eyes closed for some time, deep in thought, while the two of them nervously fidgeted, waiting for him to speak. He took a deep breath, and finally opened his wizened eyes.
"I have decided," he said, his voice as soft as the wind, "that you may stay the night. Your sister, Arrianna, will meet you here in the morning. Then we shall talk."
Kurainkun and Raichana looked at each other for a moment.
"That's...all?" Kurainkun said warily. The old man nodded, and clapped his hands twice. Two young women suddenly appeared beside him.
"Take our guests to their rooms," he said, then to the travellers: "You will find a hot bath and fresh clothes prepared for you. Go now."

As they were being ushered away, Raichana turned and bowed quickly.
"Thank you, sir," she said, looking at the floor. "Though I don't even know your name."

Though she couldn't see it, the old man smiled.
"I am called Garan, child. See you in the morning."