Behind Crossed Lines

The village of Blythe is nestled in the mountainous region of Edilwyn. It was once a beautiful village full of life and commerce. Blythe was Edilwyn’s first merchant village. It was said the blacksmith there could forge a mystic sword fitting of the gods and goddesses. In fact, Agoras, the blacksmith, had a daughter, Delwyn who many mistook for a goddess. Agoras lived in a stone building large as a castle in the middle of town. He kept stables behind the house and his forge was to the side of the stables. In peacetime, Agoras would walk through the town fixing things here and there and showing the beasts of burden. Once in a while a warlord or soldier would commission him for a weapon. He was a large man with an unruly red beard and a bald head. His muscles would ripple under his shirt as he worked at the forge. Once in a while Delwyn would come out and sing for him while he worked. Her voice could draw in people from all over town. Delwyn had beautiful white hair with odd red tips. She was dark skinned and well-toned muscle from working with her father. Her step was light as air and quiet too. Oddly she forever smelled of fresh jasmine in springtime.

It was a cool autumn morning when a man on horseback rode into town. He found a man walking in the street and asked for the best blacksmith that could be offered. The man fidgeted under the intense stare but sent him to Agoras’ house cautioning him against waking the poor man and his daughter. The man paid him twenty silver pieces and rode to the middle of town where the blacksmith’s house is. He dismounted and led his horse to the stables. He woke the stable boy frightening him, “Sir, I am sorry. You startled me. Am I to stable your horse? Are you here for my master?” The boy flushed red at the scrutinizing gaze from the man. Without a word to the boy he gave the horses reigns and turned from the boy to survey his surroundings before grinning. Without looking at the boy he spoke in a slow deep voice.

“Yes I believe I am looking for your master, Agoras. I am to understand he is the best blacksmith. Are you able to fetch him for me? Tell him Aripis has come to call on him.”

The boy brightened at the praise given to his master but froze at the look on the man’s face. This man was not here for a normal weapon. This man had a dark feel and look to him. However he shook himself and took the reigns and bowed to the man.

“I will wake him straight away for you sir.” All warm feelings were taken from the area and a cold settled around. The horses neighed with dismay and the animals trembled as the man continued to survey the land around him. He had finally found Agoras. He had found the blacksmith blessed by the gods and the fallen angel he claimed for his daughter. This was his lucky day.

The stable boy ran into the house after stabling the horse. He could feel the cold all the way to his bones and he wanted this man gone as soon as possible. He didn’t like the feel that came with him. The stable boy, Baten took a breath and walked into the house to fetch his master. “Master! Master! Someone comes for you!” Baten ran through the house calling for his master. Agoras came from the upstairs rooms.

“Quiet boy. I hear your bellowing. I felt this stranger as soon as he came upon the town. It seems as though he wishes me to make him a deal not a weapon. Let us see what this is shall we?” He turned to Baten who turned a full sheet of white.

“Master he terrifies me. Please bid me stay in the house and help Delwyn.” Agoras shook his head and Baten sighed in resignation. He grabbed his master’s bag and hammer and they went out to meet with the stranger.

Aripis turned to the blacksmith and appraised him before smiling. “Ah I see it is true. You are Agoras, blacksmith to the gods, immortal being and guardian to Asora fallen angel.” Agoras stopped and looked at the man before him. He was dangerous and him knowing about Asora was even more dangerous. He was careful about his wording as he spoke to the man.

“What is it you are looking for… Aripis is it? I have nothing for you seeing as the blade you carry is gifted from a goddess already.” Aripis frowned at the blacksmith’s keen eye and looked at his sword before smiling again and turning to Agoras.

“Yes of course you would notice this. It was made by a lesser goddess and gifted to me. You see I am her son.” Aripis watched the blacksmith for his reaction and was disappointed that the famed blacksmith was as good with schooling his facial expressions as he was with forging his blades.

“I see.” Agoras pondered and stroked his beard thinking of which lesser goddess would have a son. “You still have not answered my question though. Why are you here asking for me when you have a divine sword already?” Aripis smiled and spoke directly to the blacksmith.

“I see you get to the point. Very well my friend. I come here today to make peace with this village. Although we are in a time of peace one never knows when forces will turn against us and plunge us into war. We need to make all the allies we can while we can. What do you say blacksmith?” At this moment, before the blacksmith could say a word, his daughter chose this moment to walk outdoors.

“Father, come to breakfast.” She then noticed the visitor. “OH! I’m so sorry sir. Would you be so kind as to join us?” Before Agoras could stop her, the invitation was out there. His weakness was posted for all to see and Aripis caught on and smiled at the girl before turning his now smirking face to the blacksmith. “I’d be honored to eat by the hands of such a fair maiden.” He turned to Delwyn and caught her pretty blush. He then really looked at her and realized she was more than beautiful and would make him the perfect wife. He would have her at any and all costs. He followed Delwyn into the house and the blacksmith turned to his stable boy. “We have let the devil himself into our homes. May the gods watch over us.” He followed them into the house while the stable boy sat there frozen. Finally he dropped what was in his hands and slowly backed away into the stables to disappear.

Aripis followed Delwyn into a spacious dining area and she showed him to his seat at the left side of the table. Agoras sat at the head and beckoned his daughter to his right side. A seat was between them meant for his long since passed wife. Aripis sat after Delwyn seated herself. She looked down at the table and spoke softly. “The servants will bring us our meal shortly. You have honored us with your acceptance of our invitation.” Aripis looked from her to her father and smirked yet again.

“I see you have taught your daughter well the ways of the court. Strange for a man such as yourself in your position.” Delwyn gasped but remained looking down at the table.

Aripis turned to her and felt angered that she refused to look at him. “Yes I know who you both really are and you do not have to worry. I will not turn on you.”

Delwyn slowly raised her beautiful stormy eyes to his. As he was caught in her gaze he saw a flicker of green and a flash of red but everything vanished before he could make out more. He smiled and said, “Yes I know who you are Asora, fallen angel.”