• 20Oct 07

  All right, sound off

  Anyone actually reading my stories? I'll keep posting them here if there are, so comment, and tell me if you're interested in seeing more Aldonn.
  • Posted Oct 20, 2007 9:43 pm GMT
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• 30Sep 07

  The Aldonn Chronicles Ep08: The Thieves Guild Saga Part 8

  The Aldonn Chronicles

  Episode 8: The Thieves Guild Epilogue

  Last time: Aldonn, Frank, and Edward faced the biggest dangers they have ever known, and they won. They fought back the night, and saved the day. They are heroes, but their story is far from over. Still, it is the season to be jolly, and everyone needs time to celebrate.

  The throne room had never looked better, after being set up for the assembly it was truly a thing of beauty. The entire Palace staff stood at attention, while up by the throne, the king stood addressing them, and addressing Aldonn, Frank, and Edward who stood before him. At his side, Penelope smiled.

  Edward leaned over to Aldonn, "How are you feeling?" he whispered.

  Aldonn winced, holding his bandaged stomach, then smiled, "It was worth it."

  The both of them looked to Frank, and Aldonn whispered in his ear, "And how do you feel?"

  Frank smiled, "I feel like a **** hero."

  The king began his speech, "For 2 years, I have been king here. For 2 years I've ruled. Last night that rule almost came to an end. Last night, our fair city was almost permanently corrupted by the evil Thieves Guild. I would be dead, along with everyone else in this room, were it not for the courageous actions of these three men," he stepped down off his pedestal, and approached Aldonn, "I am forever in your debt. If there is anything you want, speak now, and I will give it to you."

  Aldonn remembered the large sword he'd taken off the wall, and how comfortable it felt in his hands. He looked to the side, where it lay on a table, not yet having been put back. Aldonn replied, "Can I have that sword?"

  A servant fetched the sword and brought it to the king. The king looked over it for a moment, and smiled, "This sword was a gift to us by the druids. It has sat on our wall for centuries. Unused. I think it would get much better use in your hands...it's yours." He moved on to Frank, "And what can I offer a thief like yourself?"

  Frank grinned slyly, "Your daughter..." Edward elbowed him hard, and he changed his answer, "A full pardon."

  "You already have it. Anything else?"

  Frank thought for a second, "One of those pastry things. The Flakey ones...god they're so good...Croissants! Can I have one of those?"

  "You can have one..." he moved on to Edward, "As for you, Edward...I apologize for firing you. Not only do I wish to rehire you, but I will put you in command of an entire guard unit. If you want it, it's yours."

  Edward shook his head, "I don't need your job. I don't need your kindness. There is nothing you can give me that I would want. I already got what I wanted out of this. I got friends. And I won't leave them now."

  * * *

  The assembly ended without a hitch, and the crew all went back to their duties. Aldonn, Frank and Edward stayed behind while the King said his private goodbyes. Aldonn was given ownership of his sword, as well as a holster that fit snugly on his back. Frank got his croissant, but instead of eating it, he put it in his pocket.

  They were about to leave, when Penelope pulled Edward aside, "You know...you can still change your mind. You can stay...I'd like that...if you stayed..."

  Edward shook his head, "I know when I've stayed too long in one spot. I've been here nearly all my adult life, reading about amazing places, and heroic adventures. It's time I had my own adventures.. And you're not part of my adventures. I'm sorry but here I am, saying no to the most beautiful girl in the world. No."

  She turned huffy, and left for her room. Edward rejoined the rest.

  "I did it. I turned away Penelope. I really feel liberated...like I did the right thing."

  Frank looked at him warily, "Are you gay?"

  Edward stopped, "My god, what did I do?"

  * * *

  The tavern was booming, with more spirit and camaraderie than Janice had ever seen. Everyone was being respectful, and peaceful, as the celebration raged well into the night. Frank stood on a table at the center of the Tavern, as everyone crowded around to hear his tale of how they defeated the evil thieves guild and saved the king.

  "And now..." proclaimed Frank, "I shall taste the sweet taste of victory." pulling out the croissant he took a large bite out of it, he began to chew, "Mmm... mmm... hmm... mmhmm..." He keeps chewing and his face slowly changes from joy to disgust, "It's stale...it's like weeks old!"

  Everyone laughed as Frank grabbed for a nearby mug, and spit out the pastry. The crowd dissipated.

  Meanwhile, Aldonn and Edward sat in a corner, mostly silent, starring blankly into their mugs of ale.

  Edward sighed, "Now what? Like...what are we going to do next?"

  Aldonn took another swig of his drink, "I want to get my memories back...but I don't know where I'd begin..."

  A man dressed in a slick tuxedo came up and took a seat beside Edward. He spoke in a calm and polite accent, "Good evening, Gentlemen. I might have an answer to your problem, if you will only lend me your ears."

  Aldonn looked up, "Who are you?"

  The man was perfectly clean, and well-mannered, and his teeth were pearly white, "First I want to congratulate you two on your actions that averted such a terrible disaster," he shook their hands in turn, "You two saved a lot of lives, which is why I'm here. My name is Mr. Webber Alumnus, and I am the leader of a very prestigious guild..."

  Aldonn cut in, "The thieves guild...?"

  Mr. Alumnus laughed out loud, "How utterly absurd. No, no, not the Thieves Guild. There are a lot of guilds in this city, Aldonn..."

  "How do you know my name," interrupted Aldonn again. As he asked the question, Frank noticed the man, and joined them at the table.

  The man frowned, annoyed at getting interrupted so often, "I am well informed. Ah Frank, good for you to join us. Now the whole team is here, hmm? As I was saying, my name is Mr. Alumnus. I am the leader of a very prestigious guild. You might have heard of it? The Adventurer's Guild. We recruit warriors, like yourselves to our organization, and then if someone comes to us needing help, which happens often, we send out some of our... agents, to assist. We also investigate rumors, disturbances, murders, and strange happenings. We're like the city guard, only we police the whole world. Our men are better trained, and better prepared for the things they have to face."

  This time Frank was the one to interrupt, "What things?"

  "Surely you've heard...unbelievable stories from people in cities far away? Stories of creatures like the world has never seen. I don't want to spoil the surprises waiting for you, but there are, ah, things...supernatural things, that hide in the shadows. Hide away from human knowledge. But sometimes they decide to resurface...and we help take them out. If you join us...we'll make you all into heroes, just like what you want."

  Aldonn leaned back, and folded his arms, "This sounds almost too good to be true, but when you sat down, you said you'd be able to help me get my memories back."

  Mr. Alumnus nodded, "Yes I did. And I meant it. I also told you that I am very well informed. My guild is the most well informed guild in Capsin, very little happens that we are not apart of. I am in charge of assignments, and if you join us, I promise to keep an eye out for anything that might assist you in your quest."

  Frank asked the next question, "Just one more thing. What do we do, when we're not doing your errands?"

  "Whatever you want. When you are given assignments...for the most part they are not mandatory. You'd still be allowed to live your own life, just with the added bonus of being connected to our resources. You'd also have full clearance to our headquarters. But I realize this is a big decision," he hands Aldonn a piece of paper, "This is a map to the headquarters, when you've decided, come find me there, and tell me your answer. I'll be waiting." He got up and left.

  Frank looked to Edward, "You've been quiet Ed. Or maybe you sleep with your eyes open."

  Edward nodded, "We want to help people. This seems the most efficient way. I'm in. Aldonn?"

  Aldonn smiled, "I think this sounds like fun. We'll get to see the world, and experience true adventure...and we'd be doing the right thing...I really want to do this. Frank?"

  "Because getting betrayed by one guild isn't enough for a lifetime...I say what the hell. Lets do this."

  They all slammed their drinks together in a toast and began to drain their mugs. Aldonn finished first and turned to Edward, "You said I'm untrained...with a sword"

  "Yeah. I'm sorry if I offended you..."

  "No...that's not what I...do you think you could train me?"

  Edward laughed, "When do we begin?"

  To be continued By Andrew Geczy

  Next Time: Their first adventure is over. They defeated the Thieves Guild, and found a purpose in their lives. But their story is far from over. After the Christmas break, we'll be back, new and improved, guaranteeing more action, more adventure, more drama, and more Frank. Stay Tuned.

  • Posted Sep 30, 2007 10:31 am GMT
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• 24Sep 07

  The Aldonn Chronicles Ep 07: The Thieves Guild Saga Part 7

  The Aldonn Chronicles
  Episode 7: The Thieves Guild Saga Part 7 (Finale)
  
  Last Time: Invading the king's palace, The Thieves Guild has slaughtered most of the guards. They've started their war. Now Aldonn, Frank and Edward have to finish it. Do they have what it takes to stop an army?
  
  
  Frank stood at the top of the stairs, looking down on the battle, with daggers in each hand. Beside him, Edward and Aldonn stood with their swords at the ready.
  
  Frank yelled out, and everyone stopped fighting, "Lee!"
  
  Lee was on the ground floor, holding the rope that kept Manejo hanging in mid-air. He was still wearing his velvet purple outfit, which made him look cleaner and more stylized then the thieves he led. Looking up, he smiled, "Frank, I thought you'd be halfway to Ysune by now. I pegged you being much smarter than this, but I can only assume your friends are to blame. No matter what they've told you, Frank, you can't beat us."
  
  Frank didn't flinch, "I can try..."
  
  "I've never seen you so serious. After everything I did for you, all I gave you, and you would want me dead?"
  
  Frank broke out into anger, "You betrayed me, hell, tried to kill me!"
  
  Lee's voice grew deeper, "When I found you on the streets, you were nothing. I gave you life, and I can take it away just as easily. You are nothing to me."
  
  "Yet you continue to go out of your way to deal with me. You're obsessed."
  
  "You're weak."
  
  "You're crazy. Killing the king, taking over? That's not our way," said Frank, changing the subject.
  
  Lee paused for a moment, "This is your mighty come back? I needn't explain myself to you. All the rules have changed. We are the ultimate power here."
  
  Frank grew softer, "You were right about one thing. The rules have changed. I've changed. For once I'm doing the right thing. And you? You've changed to. You've gone mental. I'm going to stop you, and I'm gonna enjoy every second of it."
  
  With that, he threw a knife at a nearby thief. It hit the thief square in the chest, knocking him over the railing. The remaining guards used the opening to retreat up the stairs, and formed behind Frank.
  
  Frank looked to Aldonn, "Don't try to fight these guys. They'll kill you. The guards you fought weren't trained like they are."
  
  "Tell me how I can help," requested Aldonn, who recognized Frank as a very different person from the friend he met 3 days ago.
  
  Edward grasped his shoulder, "To win this fight, we need that mage. See if you can sneak past and cut him loose."
  
  Aldonn looked up, to where Manejo was dangling helplessly above the scene. Aldonn nodded, and fell back.
  
  Frank pulled another dagger from his side, and jumped forward off the top of the stairs, down on one of the thieves rising towards him. Knocking the thief down, Frank stabbed him in the chest with both daggers, then pulled them out, and stabbed them outwards to either side, taking out two other thieves closing in.
  
  Lee tied his end of the rope to a nearby lamp on the wall, allowing him to draw his daggers in preparation.
  
  Frank tripped a third thief, and threw a dagger at a fourth one. He pulled yet another dagger from his sleeve to replace the one he just threw, and moved into a flurry of slashes on a group ascending on him.
  
  Edward was close by, dueling with two thieves. They were faster than him, and he could barely keep up. He parried one knife from the right, a sword from the left, and a swing from above. So distracted by their arms, he didn't notice as one of them kneed him in the gut.
  
  One of the guards behind jumped forward and slashed one of the thieves away. Edward stabbed out at the other thief, taking him by surprise.
  
  Meanwhile Aldonn tried to find a way down the stairs, but there was too much chaos. One of the thieves, a greasy tall guy hunched over with a devilish blade, snuck past the battle and moved in on Aldonn with a grin. Aldonn pulled out his sword, as the man attacked. The man slashed left and right rapidly, as Aldonn dodged back, deflecting with his sword. Aldonn swung blindly out at the man, and got a gash on his arm to reward his efforts.
  
  The man grabbed his arm in surprise, dropping his sword. As he raised his dagger, Aldonn bent his shoulder down, checking into the thief, and throwing him off the railing. Suddenly having an idea, Aldonn, jumped onto the railing, and slid down the stairs, past the battle, landing flawlessly on the ground floor. Seeing the rope unattended, he made for it, and didn't notice Lee moving to intercept. Lee stabbed out, directly into Aldonn's gut, stopping him in his tracks.
  
  Lee smirked, "I don't know who you are, but I always enjoy a good shish-kabob"
  
  He pulled the blade out and looked on happily as Aldonn fell to his knees, gripping his gut.
  
  Suddenly Frank exclaimed from above, "Hey Lee...catch." He threw a dagger, which thudded into Lee's right hand. Lee stumbled back and screamed in pain.
  
  Aldonn struggled to his feet and stumbled for the rope. He grabbed at it, and used it to keep himself up, but when he tried to untie it, it was too tight. Seeing a huge sword hanging on the wall, he stumbled for it, and fell. He could feel his strength slowly drain away, and his vision began to fade.
  
  * * *
  
  Frank jumped over a large group of thieves, leaving them for the guards to distract; meanwhile he went straight for Lee. One of the thieves turned to follow Frank, but Edward grabbed him from behind, and slit his throat.
  
  Lee similarly ran for Frank, and they met in the middle of the Front hall. Frank blocked an attack with one blade, then swung out with the other. Lee used his second blade to intercept Frank's blade, and then stabbed forward with his first blade.
  
  Frank jumped back, throwing his second blade at Lee's head. Lee dodged to the right, and the dagger barely nicked his ear. Growling, Lee slashed viciously at Franks face, leaving a gash on Frank's cheek. Frank dropped into a crouch, pulling a dagger from his boot, and stabbed upward at Lee. Lee caught Frank's arm between his blades, and twisted until he had Frank in an arm lock.
  
  Lee had Frank's arm caught, back twisted, and a blade was at his throat. Frank gasped, and tried to grab for Lee's knife, but Lee put a foot on Frank's midsection, and let go while pushing off, to send Frank sprawling to the ground.
  
  Lee stood above him, now holding three daggers, after stealing one of Franks. He threw two of them effortlessly, landing on either side of Frank, pinning him down. Holding the last dagger menacingly, Lee stopped, "I have one more question before I kill you, Frank."
  
  Frank groaned, "Make it fast, I run on a tight schedule."
  
  Lee smiled, "Do you regret coming here, and defying me? Do you feel foolish for taking from me what was rightfully mine."
  
  Frank stopped to consider his answer before answering defiantly, "No. Given the chance, I'd still be here."
  
  "Even now? That you are about to die..."
  
  "There is nowhere I'd rather be, than standing...lying here...in opposition of you."
  
  "Maybe you have changed, after all."
  
  * * *
  
  Aldonn lifted the sword from the wall, and held it high with both hands. It was heavy, and clearly meant to be a two handed sword, but it also felt comfortable. It felt like he was meant to hold it.
  
  Aldonn buckled, and the pain in his stomach came back. Knowing his time was limited, he struggled back to the rope, and slashed down hard on it with his sword. The sword went right through, and the rope let go.
  
  Manejo dropped from the ceiling and hit the floor with a loud audible thump. He groaned and didn't move for a second, but soon the sounds of battle stirred him from his lull.
  
  Manejo yanked his hands free of the ropes, and pulled off his gag. Rising slowly, he brought his arms up and began to concentrate, "Lightning..." Electricity began to form around his hands, jumping from finger to finger. He brought his hands together, and slowly spread them apart. The electricity surged from one hand to the other in tendrils of energy.
  
  Manejo surged his hands forward and whispered something inaudible. The lightning coursed out, hitting each and every thief as well as well as Frank. They all convulsed madly, except Aldonn who was already unconscious, and then dropped to the ground, so that the only people remaining were the surviving guards, Manejo, Edward, and Lee.
  
  Lee looked around the room, and realized he was beaten, "Crap."
  
  Manejo looked to him, and began chanting another spell, but Lee knew better than to stick around, and he ran for the door.
  
  Edward approached Manejo slowly, and cautiously asked, "What did you just do?"
  
  "I targeted anyone who hadn't had a bath in 3 days," replied Manejo firmly.
  
  To be continued By Andrew Geczy
  
  Next Time: They did it. They managed to stop the Thieves Guild's evil plan to dethrone King George and take Capsin as their own. Now Aldonn, Frank, and Edward are done in their quest. But they still have a future. And that Future will begin...next week. Stay tuned.
  
  
  • Posted Sep 24, 2007 12:16 pm GMT
  • Category: Writing
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