Ch 54: Grounded

During the Audentia's flight over the Lost Forest, a malfunction of the airship's systems forces Schmitt to make an emergency landing. The team splits up as Scott, Schmitt, and Rufus work on repairs.

            Looking uneasy as Grey finished explaining his encounter with the old man in the cargo hold, Alexander said, “While I can’t say stranger things haven’t happened, this is a little peculiar…” Sinking into the chair beside Amy, Grey said, “More like very peculiar! That guy was a basket case!” Sitting in the assault coordinator’s seat, as he fiddled with the controls, Richter said, “I’m running a security check on the ship’s systems. It shows no sign that we were boarded by any light craft. No matter how I look at it, there’s just no evidence of forced entry at all.” Looking over his shoulder, Scott said, “Is there a security camera in the cargo hold itself?” Working the controls, Richter said, “It appears so…” After a moment though, he suddenly exclaimed, “WHAT?! All the footage before a few minutes ago is gone!” Standing staring out the window on the left side of the bridge, Mythra said, “I sensed absolutely nothing. How anyone could use an ability of some sort to teleport in and out of the ship without leaving a trace is beyond me.” As they seemed unable to find any answers, Scott scratched his head and said, “Hmm… Well whatever, it doesn’t sound like he was here to cause trouble. We’re almost to the Great Lake too.”

Looking around, Grey noticed Rufus had not returned and was about to inquire about his whereabouts when the ship suddenly jolted and warning alarms sounded. Alexander, Mythra, and Scott struggled to remain standing as everyone else held onto their seats. Schmitt feverishly worked the controls as he shouted, “Hold onto your hats folks, something’s wrong with the repulsion engines! We’re gonna be makin a crash landin!” Descending from the skies, the Audentia sailed over the forest at breakneck speed. Seeing the lake ahead, Schmitt thought to himself, “We crash in the trees at this speed and it’s over! Only way we’re gonna make this is if we use the hover engines of the emergency landing gear to keep us above the tree line!” Pouring on all the speed the Audentia had left, Schmitt steered the ship ahead towards the lake and activated the emergency landing gear. Nearing the treetops of the forest, the emergency landing gear barely pushed the ship away from the thick blanket of gnarled trees. Reaching the lake, the ship descended onto the water’s surface, the water churning beneath it from the force of the emergency landing gear. Skating across the water’s surface, the ship’s speed began to diminish, and as the Audentia settled itself above the water’s surface, Schmitt wheezed, “Whoo boy…” As everyone recovered from the rough ride, Alexander said, “What happened?” With a look of rage, Mythra said, “Well seeing as he’s the only one not here…” Just then the door of the Audentia opened and Rufus stepped inside, looking worse for wear as he said, “Someone sabotaged the engines!”

            Standing in the engine room with Rufus, Scott watched as Schmitt fiddled with a control panel and muttered, “Yep! Someone’s definitely done somethin’ nasty here! Things are a little more complicated with airships these days, but even I can tell that the computer system for runnin’ the repulsion engines here have been messed up somehow.” Looking over where a part of the cooling system should be, Scott added, “Not to mention a key part of the cooling system has been removed.” Nodding, Rufus said, “I realized someone had reprogrammed the repulsion engines so none of the safety alerts or emergency measures would go off in response to a malfunction in the cooling systems. They also shut off the emergency landing gear, but when I figured out what was going on with the ship jerking like that, I turned them back on.” Staring at Rufus skeptically, Scott said, “How did you pull all that off? What were you even doing down here?” Hanging his head, Rufus said, “I’m really sorry! Honest, I just got lost. I don’t really know my way around here. When I stumbled upon the engine room, I was impressed by the computer systems, so I thought I’d look it over. I may be an Ace Reporter, but I also spend a lot of my free time working on computers.” Grinning, Schmitt said, “If anyone should be apologizin’, it’s prolly us for doubtin’ ya! As a matter of fact, it sounds like ya really saved our butts here Rufus!” With an apologetic look, Scott said, “Yeah I guess so. Sorry Rufus.” Feeling embarrassed by all the praise, Rufus said, “Heh, it was nothing really…” Clapping him on the shoulder, Schmitt said, “Nah, you did good bud. Now though, we got a little challenge for ya. Seein’ as I’m not so good with the current programs, you think you can fix her up for us?” With a sigh, Scott said, “Even if he is a computer whiz, we don’t have the parts to replace what was removed…” Thinking a moment, Rufus said, “Wasn’t there some port on the west coast close to the Lost Forest? If I remember, the Navis Cartel set up operations to explore the forest there. It’s probably our best bet, if we could just get out of the forest.” Taking this in, Schmitt grinned again and said, “The Navis Cartel is sure to have spare parts for sale! Good thinkin’!” Walking up to the control panel and looking it over, Scott said, “Well we do have the air cycle. It’d be a bit of a trip, but I could go pick up the parts. Still, we need to be sure nothing else has been reprogrammed.” With newfound enthusiasm, Rufus said, “Leave it to me!” Letting loose a hearty laugh, Schmitt said, “That’s the spirit! Take your time, we got plenty of it. Since we managed to park her on the eastern shores of the Great Lake usin’ the emergency landing gear, everyone’s goin’ off to meet these elves while we fix things up.”

            Leaving, Scott, Schmitt, and Rufus to work on the ship, everyone else set out for Altus Village, hidden somewhere within the forest. Walking down the gangplank of the Audentia, Amy looked at the thick wall of trees and said, “So just how far is the elven village?” Pausing in his stride as he stepped off the gangplank, Alexander looked to the position of the sun in the sky and said, “We’ll probably reach it by sunset, it’s hard to say.” In a matter of fact voice, Richter said, “The Lost Forest is the one of the largest forests in the world, covering a large portion of northern Ofralis. Many ruins lay within its uncharted reaches, and the Navis Cartel and the Adali Empire have even started a joint operation to explore the regions of it that lay within the Empire’s borders. Along the coast to the west of the forest, they’ve set up a small outpost called Expeditia. It’s always buzzing with archaeologists raving about their latest discoveries.” With a smirk, Mythra said, “Well they’d better watch their step. Whatever monsters may lurk within this forest, they pale in comparison to the elves.” His curiosity aroused, as they made their way towards the trees from the lakeside, Richter asked, “Are elves all that powerful?” Nodding, as they entered the forest, Alexander said, “Elven society has developed over the countless years ‘artifacts’ that enhance their abilities. Add that to their intelligence and skill and you have a race of powerful warriors, not that they’re really a violent people to begin with. It’s just that over the years, their encounters with other races have made them feel the need to be able to defend themselves…” Trudging through the overgrown foliage of the forest, after thinking about who would have given the elves such a hard time, Grey at last asked, “Was there some race in particular they were at odds with or did everyone just not like them for some reason?” Alexander felt a bit of shame as he said, “I’m sorry to say it, but humanity caused far more trouble for the other races than anyone. Though of course they never had any issue with the mautauians, whom they worshipped as gods.” Pushing aside a gnarled branch, Mythra said, “Whatever the case, elves aren’t too friendly to outsiders anymore! Be on watch for any booby traps!” With a sigh, Amy said, “Oh wonderful, another forest where I’m going to fall in a pit…” Suppressing a laugh, Mythra shrugged and said, “What’s wrong with a little home security? It’s not like it killed you anyways…” Suddenly, Grey looked up at the canopy of leaves above them, the sun shining through the holes creating patches of sunlight. He’d noticed something strange. There was something up in the canopy that looked out of place, it looked as though it were a gigantic log, and something stuck in it was reflecting sunlight. Seeing some form of strings attached to it, Grey followed it with his eyes down to a thin tripwire stretched out across the small clearing in the brush they were just entering. His eyes wide, he shouted just a second too late, “Stop!”

            Walking into the tripwire just as Grey shouted his warning, as Mythra looked back at him, Grey dove forward and tackled her to the ground as the log plummeted down from the canopy. Having been the one furthest in front, Mythra had thankfully been the only one under it, so the booby trap claimed no victims. Getting to his feet as the others rushed around the log to help, Grey looked back at the log and saw that the reflective objects in it had been large jagged blades. With a sigh of relief, Grey said, “I dunno about your home security Mythra, but these guys set their traps with intent to kill.” As Grey helped Mythra up, Richter said, “Everyone unharmed?” Brushing dirt off her clothes, Mythra replied, “Well, after being the one who said to watch out for traps, my pride is certainly hurt…” Suddenly, Alexander shouted, “Amy, barrier!” Reacting quickly, Amy raised her barrier around them as a barrage of arrows shot at them. Striking against the barrier, as the arrows bounced off of it, a woman’s voice called out to them, “Leave trespassers! Your kind is not welcome here!” Looking in the direction of their attacker’s voice, Grey and the others laid eyes upon a group of three people with long pointed ears up on a large branch of one of the gnarled trees ahead of them. Wielding wooden bows, they were dressed in leaf adorned, green and gold colored leather armor. Two of the elven warriors were male, and the third was the female who had called out to them, her hair blonde with streaks of green in it. Her armor somewhat more feminine as she wore a skirt and not pants, she also wore a green, leafy looking circlet on her head.

Gesturing with his hands for them to calm down, Alexander called out to the elves, saying, “Now now, we’re not here to cause any trouble. Please stay your weapons.” Glaring at Alexander, the female elf said, “Don’t patronize me human! I care not why you are here, you will leave or else!” Irritated by her attitude, Grey said, “Hey, you could at least hear us out!” Turning her glaring gaze on Grey, the female elf replied, “You have nerve to speak to me with such contempt, human…” With a smug look on her face, Mythra said, “I think you’re the one with nerve miss elf, to speak to He of the Infinite in such a way!” The elves’ eyes went wide at this, but quickly the female elf’s face changed to a look of disbelief as she said, “He of the Infinite? This human child? Do you take us for fools?” Adjusting his shades, Alexander said, “Our claim is genuine, though I cannot blame you for your doubt. Simply give us an audience with Elris. He will verify our identity.” Hushing their voices, the two male elves debated with the female elf about something. Turning to Mythra, Richter quietly said, “Can you hear what they’re saying?” Her hat on her head snugly, Mythra could still hear far better than the average person. Glancing at Richter, she quietly replied, “They’re talking in elvish. Not my cup of tea…” Finally, the female elf said, “It is curious how you know about the Elder, but don’t think you will meet with him unless we are convinced. To be certain you are not part of the recent human incursions into our land, you will be tested…” With a look of surprise, Amy said, “Human incursions?” In realization, Richter asked, “Has there been bloodshed between the researchers from Expeditia and the elves?!” Aiming her bow at Grey, the female elf said, “Yes, and there will be more here should you be lying! If you are He of the Infinite, let’s see your power to nullify our Elder Magic!” With that she fired an arrow at Grey.

            Shining green with the power of nature energy, the arrow met with Grey’s blade as he barely managed to form his sword in time. The arrow struggling against his blade for a moment, as Grey activated his EDE Dissipation, his sword glowed and the arrow’s power faded. It fell to the ground as the elves stared in disbelief, and with a quick sigh of relief, Grey lowered his sword with a grin and said, “You happy now?” Jumping down from the branch to stand before Grey and the others, the female elf studied Grey with her green eyes and said, “This must be some kind of joke!” With a mixed look of amusement and frustration, Richter muttered, “My, she’s a stubborn one isn’t she?” Glaring at him, the female elf shouted, “Are you mocking me?!” Suddenly a voice called out, “Come now Stella, this is all really unnecessary.” Whirling around with a look of surprise, the female elf uttered, “Elder?!” Stepping out from behind the gnarled tree appeared a male elf with green eyes and medium length, neatly parted white hair, who wore a leafed circlet adorned with a yellow crystal that looked like a crescent moon. His coat dark green with gold embelishments and white frilly cuffs, his brown leather shoes bearing silver buckles, he fixed his gaze on Alexander and said, “Forgive me for being late Gabriel. I do hope our Captain here hasn’t given you too much trouble.” With a smile, Alexander replied, “Not at all Elris.” Her face falling, in a subdued voice, Stella said, “Elder, you mean they really are…” Nodding, Elris said, “Indeed Stella, they are Angelorum Lux. While I do not recognize most of them, there is no doubt if Gabriel the Immortal is among them. Though, I must say I am surprised to see that Mythra the Spellweaver has come out of seclusion.” Managing a smile, Mythra said, “It’s been awhile hasn’t it?” Flashing a grin, Elris said, “Only about a thousand years.”

            Making their way through the forest of gnarled trees, Grey and the others followed Elris and the other elves on their way to Altus Village. Deep in conversation about the problem with the people of Expeditia, Elris was saying, “The problem is they refuse to listen. They are absolutely convinced we’re trying to keep them from some sort of treasure. We simply can’t have outsiders finding out about the Gate or even our village’s location, and as such we’ve had to resort to rather unfriendly methods…” Brushing aside a branch as he walked, Alexander said, “I see. There’ve been casualties I take it?” With a solemn tone, Elris said, “Yes. We’ve lost quite a few good Rangers…” Glancing at Stella, Elris added, “All under the command of Stella, our Ranger Captain.” As this sunk in, Grey felt he could relate with Stella. Just as Alastor had said, Grey hated him for destroying what was precious to him, and Stella hated humans for the same reason. Feeling rather sympathetic as well, Richter said, “I know it doesn’t mean much coming from us, but I’m truly sorry.” A shadow fell over Stella’s face and she muttered, “I don’t want your pity.” As she stormed off ahead of them, Elris said, “Stella…” She neither stopped nor looked back.

As she left their sight, the two male elves rushed after her, while Elris simply sighed and said, “As you can see, you’ve come at an inconvenient time. An unreasonable hatred of humans in general has spread like wildfire.” With a troubled look, Amy mumbled, “Not everyone is like that though…” Nodding sagely, Elris said, “I fully understand that, but many of the others fail to acknowledge it. To be honest, I would like to secure you passage to the Gate with as little contact with my people as possible, but it will take time to clear the way of our security measures. Only a couple of hours, but by then it would be getting late.” Suddenly stopping, Elris glanced back at them and said, “Anyways, we’ve arrived.” Looking ahead of them and seeing no sign of any village or civilization at all, Amy blinked in surprise and said, “We’re here? I don’t see anything but more forest…” Grinning, Alexander said, “Rest assured we have arrived. Up until now you’ve had little more than Mythra here as evidence of the true nature of the world, but I think a visit to Altus should help sweep away any lingering doubts you may have.” With an indignant expression, Mythra muttered, “Little more than? Evidence? Alexander, are you reducing me to the level of some obscure fossil?” Ignoring her glare, Alexander said, “Well then, lets not just stand around. Lead the way Elris.” Proceeding forward, after a few steps Elris seemed to disappear.

Reviews

[Ryan Henderson]

Sorry I haven't reviewed in so long! Geez it's been months but I've been busy with school and sports and of course my writing.

Anyway, this chapter was quite enjoyable! Even though it was a filler you managed to spice it up just like you always do! I love how chummy the characters are with each other, it truly gives the book an atmosphere of friendliness that just consumes the reader.

MYTHRA THE SPELLWEAVER IS AWESOME (Still) haha in the few months that I didn't read this book I gotta say I missed Mythra. She is still my favorite character and that'll probably never ever change.

I'm liking Stella's character so far. She seems very proud and stubborn. I can tell from her apparent disregard for humans that she sticks to her own kind. I have a feeling that she'll warm up to Grey. Maybe not the group, but probably Grey. After all, he is He of the Infinite :D

I quite liked how you tied in the stranger's visit to the Audentia that happened in the last chapter to this one. If he is the one who sabotaged the Audentia, I wonder why he did it? Or perhaps it wasn't him at all... Maybe it was... RUFUS LENSCAP! Maybe he's been evil this whole time...

Great chapter by the way! Lots of Mythra in this one, which is great. I look forward to the next one! :D