The Lord of Shadows Rises (14 page)

Alexander continued down the passage in the temple and came across a small lake with a man decked in Samurai armor, holding a katana. “So the prospect has arrived.” The samurai stood. “And one taught by my student.”

“Your student?” asked Alexander.

“Yes, Luray earned my title after he beat me in a sword duel. Now, before the test, you must train under me.”

“I don’t have time. The Lord of Shadows is taken over countries,” said Alexander.

“Let me finish,” the Samurai lightly admonished Alexander. “Time is slower in perception. One day is a least a month in the temple.”

“May I ask your name, Master?” asked Alexander.

“Jin Misabusta. Now let's begin.”

“I will teach you the first style that I mastered." The warrior raises his sword, with Alexander in mirrored stance. “Remember, the sword is an extension of yourself; until you realize that, you will lose against superior enemies.”

“Of course, Master,” said Alexander as he goes through the katas of his blade. The samurai master nodded as he observes Alexander form.

Jin looks on and sees Alexander slash imaginary opponents. After three hours of teaching, Jin said. “Take a short break,” said the master.

Xxx

After a month in the temple, which was a day outside, Alexander stood in front of the former master. “Now for your test. You must crack my sword by any means necessary,” said Jin.

The two stare each other down, daring the other to make the first move. Alexander grabbed his sword and rushed forward, but it is blocked by Jin’s katana. Flipping the blade, Jin forced Alexander off balance, and he stumbles back. “Is that it?” asked Jin he as jumped over a sweep kick.

“I am not done, yet, Master Jin.” Alexander slammed the handle of his sword into Jin’s chest making him stumble back.

Alexander seeing an opportunity rushed forward, hoping to disarm his opponent. Jin intercepts it with his sword as both fighters try to overpower the other. Alexander sword is forced down by the more skilled adversary. “Not bad, Alexander, but my experience is greater than yours,” He backhands Alexander, knocking him down. Jin charged the down teen and goes for the final blow, but missed as Alexander rolled away and grabbing his sword. “Remember, Alexander, experience trumps all other advantages.”

Jin held his sword to the side as Alexander ran forwards and goes for a strike which is locked by Jin sword. Seeing an opening, Alexander revealed a hidden blade in his sleeve and thrust it forward, forcing Jin to disengage.

Alexander rushes forward once more and jumped on a small ledge on the wall. Getting to Jin, Alexander jumped off and slammed his sword with all his might forcing Jin’s sword to crack.

Jin smiles and praises Alexander. “Well done, Alexander. You next test is of the mind. Head through the next door.”

A door appears in black smoke where there was just a solid stone wall before.
Magic?
Alexander wondered. He bows to his master walks through the door. Not noticing Jin disappears in a spectral image

Xxx

Alexander walked into a library. In the middle was a table with a map of the world. A man marched in with a German Stahlhelm helmet. He wore a grey military uniform with the designation of General. “So you are the new master. I am General Alois, a soldier of Germany and commander during the Franco-Prussian war,” said the general. “I was the strategist of the Order during my time. I rarely fought unless it was needed.”

“Alexander Theodorsen, Master of the Order of White Rose.” The blond young man introduced himself and bowed.

The man’s gaze bored into his soul as he stared into Alexander’s eyes before glancing at the sword. “You will not need your weapon in this test. Not all battles are won with brute strength or superior numbers, but with tactics and strategy.”

He pointed to the shelves of books. “The books on shelf I-250 are all military tactics and other similar subjects. I want you to read the
Art of War
by Sun Tsu, which most people think is outdated but has many strategies you can use in modern times.”

Alexander goes to a self of about fifty books on the subject of tactic as well as strategic games. He takes the
Art of War
and read it in about five hours altered time and takes the next book,
The Way of War
, was written by a French commander who was renowned for turning around losing battles.

After reading many more war manuals from famous commanders, he return to Alois, who is sitting at the table with the map laid out. “You learned what you can?” asked the Prussian commander.

“Yes; I am ready,” said Alexander with determination.

“I will be the judge of that.” Alois motioned Alexander to sit at the table. “Let us play a game. What you see is a map of the area in which we will deploy our troops. The objective is simple, and that is to take the enemy base while keeping yours safe. You will have several bases, one supply base and a forward base to recruit more troops.

Alexander looked at the map on the table. “The dark brown terrains are mountains which will give your troop the best line of sight. The field, or the light green colored area, will be of less benefit to the troops, while the forest will be the least beneficial. Got it?” asked Alois as he explained the different terrains.

“There are two types of troops: artillery, which requires two or more soldier. It will say on each card how you need to operate the canons, while the riflemen are your infantry. You also have one medic for each of our sides which will bring a soldier back to life. All right, let us start.”

The two sat on opposite ends of the table and put their troops in position for battle. Alexander makes the first move, putting two soldiers at the artillery and starts to pound Alois line causing casualties.

Alois went to the mountains hoping to get the advantage it provides. The battle continued as both generals employ their strategies. After three hours, Alexander finally pulled as daring raid, killing a medic and taking the supply camp. An hour later, Alexander started his siege of the main camp.

Alois, seeing a no other option, focused on hit and run tactics which was doing massive damage to the front line, until Alexander took out the raiding units. Another few hours later, Alexander took the main camp, claiming victory.

Alois smiled as he saw his defeat. “You are a skilled commander to use such unorthodox. You weakened my moral and troop recruitment to achieve victory. You pass the second test,” Alois stated.

Alexander bows. “Thank you.”

“The next test will be on diplomacy. I wish you the best of luck.”

Xxx

Alexander took the stairs to the next floor. He entered a room with the decor of a throne room. On the throne was a man with a white beard. He gave off an aura of nobility and wisdom. “Welcome to the third test. I am Advisor Peter of Russia and a member of the Order of White Rose before Alois. Like Alois, my role was not a fighter but a negotiator.

“Master Alexander of Norway”

“My purpose was to prevent any conflict with a peaceful resolution,” said Peter. “You will learn how to negotiate and debate others to achieve the desired outcome.”

“When do we begin?”

Peter showed Alexander different methods for solving problems. “This will be a written test. The test is of different scenarios. You need to write out how you would resolve each dispute.”

Alexander finished and Peter looked over the test and passed him. “Nicely done. Head up to the last trial.”

Alexander climbed the stairs where he found a room set up as a dojo, with fighting mats and a ring. In the middle was a man with yellow pants and a blue coat with the rank of Colonel. “Greetings, I am Colonel Han of Prussia, 12
th
generation Grand Master of the Order of White Roses 1805.”

“Why is a Grand Master himself testing me?” asked Alexander.

“You’re the catalyst of victory in this conflict. The temple is a living entity who has searched the heart of the master to decide who attains the rank of Grand Master. I last grand master will administer the test.”

“Did the temple not give the test or did they all fail it?”

“All masters since my time failed this part. If you fail, the temple will choose another from this generation or, if none are found, I will wait for the next generation. I will not teach but go straight to the test,” said Han.

“What is the objective of the test?”

“You must defeat me. You can use any form of fighting but no weapons allowed.”

Alexander walked to the ring, followed by Han. The two stood at opposite ends of the ring and got into position.

Alexander ran forward, going for a jab with two fingers but misses as Han redirects the fingers with his hand. Han grabbed Alexander and threw him across the ring and rushed the young man.

Alexander, seeing his first style had no effect, brought his knee up and thrusts forward into Han chest. Seeing another opening, Alexander tried to slam an elbow into Han’s head but was caught. Han sweeps Alexander’s feet from under him, knocking him down.

Alexander recovered and flipped back to his feet. The two eye each other before charging with a flurry of punches and kicks. Alexander slammed a knee into Han’s chest again but Han blocked it and punches Alexander. Han charges forward as Alexander stayed in one place, waiting for Han to get closer. As Han gets within range Alexander grabs him and throws him out of the ring ending the fight and the test.

Han returned back to the ring and bows to Alexander. “That was your final test, Grand Master Alexander Theodorson of Norway."

“Thank you, Master Han,” said Alexander as he bows to the former grand master.

Han smiled and snapped his fingers. Alexander’s robes turn into a blue robe with emblem of the medallion on the back. A passageway opened at a wall revealing stair. “Take that passageway to the top of the tower.”

“Finally, I can move on!” said Han with joy and relief as he disappeared.

Chapter 18 Lenora and Mason’s trials

Lenora entered her passageway and found herself in a forest
Why is there a forest in the temple?
she wondered.

She turned her head and sees a man with dark skin and war paint on his face holding a spear. She jumped back. “Who are you?”

“My name is Smoking Bill, chief of the Sioux nation and master of the Order White Rose, teacher of Master Thompson,” said the man.

“I am Lenora of The Order of White Rose and student of former Master Thompson.”

“The first test is of tracking and stealth. You must find me without alerting me of your approach. If I hear you, I will move to another part of the forest. Understood?” said Smoking Bill.

Lenora nods. “But first, I will teach you different tracking methods.

For a week in the temple, Lenora is taught the proper way to track using all senses.

“Now we are ready to test.”

Lenora nodded her head as Bill slipped away. Heading in a random direction, she looked for Smoking Bill. After about an hour of searching, she sighs in exasperation.
Where is he?
she thought. Heading back into the starting point she analyzed the ground and discovered some snapped twigs in the opposite direction she just went the first time.

Lenora heads in the direction of the snapped twig. She marked every third tree she passed with a knife as to not get lost. She found Bill within two hours, but he was alerted to her approach and ran off, starting the search once again.

Bill hid under some brush. S
he is using tracking skills but her stealth needs work
, he thought. He felt a tap on his shoulder. He jumped, seeing Lenora behind him.

“Found you, Master Bill,” said Lenora in a sing-song tone.

The Native American grunted. “Well done on passing the first test. The next test is through the door. I wish you luck.”

Lenora headed to a door that materialized in front of her and went through.

She found herself in a dojo with mat, and saw a man of Asian ancestry standing in the middle wearing a white gi. “Greetings, prospect. My name is Lei and this test is a skills test, but first I will show you my form known as the Mantis.”

"Of course, Master,” said Lenora.

The master explained the form as a counter and low attacks, making it hard to defend against. “There are two forms of Mantis: the Northern Mantis Style and the Southern Style. I will be teaching you both,” the master explained as he goes into a stance, right leg in an arch still on the ground; left leg behind slightly bent to provide support. The arms are bent downward one in front of the other for quick strikes.

Lenora mirrors him.

The man stands across from Lenora after she has proven capable with the style. “You must land a clean hit on me to pass.”

Lenora bowed and gets into Muay Tai style with the man going into mantis style. Lei charged first going for a downward jab, but it is stopped by Lenora’s knee. Lenora goes for a roundhouse, but Lei grabbed and threw her across the room.

Lenora manages to land on her feet and she ran forward, sending a knee thrust to Lei, who managed to dodge it. He then blocked an elbow headed to his face. Going low, he tripped her with a sweep kick.

Lenora got to her feet and blocked a kick. Gripping the leg, she threw him, trying to make him fall down. Using the momentum of the throw, he flipped midair and lands on his hands and flips back to his feet

Lenora let out a growl in frustration,
His defense and recovery are superb,
she thought.

Lei rushed and sent out a short jab which is caught by Lenora. Seeing an opening, she went for a knee thrust which is blocked by Lei’s left leg.

Lenora smirked and sent a strong punch with her free hand hitting him in the chest. Lei breaks off. “Well done. You pass the second test,” he said with a bow.

“Thank you, Master Lei.” Lenora bowed in return.

“Now head to your final trial,” said Lei, and he disappeared.

Xxx

Lenora head through a door and come out in a deserted western town. Looking around, she saw a handsome man, a cowboy with a hat and two pistols in holsters. On his brown vest was a sheriff’s badge. “Greetings, pretty lady. You must be here for your trials,” said the man in a thick western accent.

“Yes, I am,” Lenora says with a slight blush.

“My name is Sheriff Billy Bob, and I’m the weapons specialist of the Order of White Rose,” he introduces himself.

“Lenora,” she said trying to regain her focus and lose the blush.

You choose the weapon. Your goal is to disarm me with your weapon of choice, but you must not lose your own. First, we need to get you with a variety of weapons,” said Bob.

Lenora looked around and saw walls covered with different hand weapons. “Pick three weapons you want to learn and I will teach you,” said Bob.

Lenora picked two daggers, scimitar, and a short, straight sword.

“Let us begin.” A construct of one of the weapons appeared in his hand.

The training lasted for a week until she was ready for the test. “You have done well. Now it is time for your test. You know the objective, correct?”

"Yes, Master.” She nodded and takes out her bo staff with another one appearing in Billy’s hands. The two stood across from each other. Lenora ran forward and swings her staff, forcing Billy to block it with his own.

Billy broke away with a strong twirl of his staff and brings it over his head to strike. Lenora blocks the blow but the force of the hit brings her to her knees. “I am disappointed, little lady. Maybe you are not fit to be a master,” he taunts her.

"Don’t count me out yet,” she growled as she pushed back. “I have not yet begun to fight.”

Billy grinned as Lenora flipped her bo staff sideways and pushes down on Billy’s weapon.

Bringing the other end of the bo staff up, she tries to hit him with repeated blows of her staff, forcing him to dance from side to side to avoid the attacks.

While spinning away from her, he didn’t see the staff heading to his hands, slamming into them and forcing him to drop the weapon. Billy let out a yell.

“Yaahoo! Very good little lady. You pass the final test. Head to the passage behind me, and go to the top of your tower.”

Lenora nodded headed to the passage. She climbed to the top of the stairs where a black shroud hid the other towers from view.

She is shocked at what she sees, which then turns to anger. “You!” she growled.

A giant man appeared out of the shroud chuckling. “Congratulations weakling. Now I will end you like I ended your master,” Vladimir taunts as he sets his feet apart, arms spread and ready to wrestle.

“I am not the same little girl you swatted away last time, you piece of filth,” Lenora growled as she got into a Muay Tai stance.

Vladimir went for a punch, but Lenora dodged it and sent a knee thrust into his chest making him stumble back. Vladimir recovered and slammed a fist into Lenora making her cough up blood. Lenora recovers. “Still brutal, but I will beat you!” she declared, grabbing Vladimir’s head and slamming it with a jumping knee causing his nose to bleed.

“Your master couldn’t beat me, what hope do you have?"

Lenora pulled out her staff as small blade appeared at the end of her weapon. She swung it, blade manages cut him in the chin. Vladimir pulls out a big hammer from a holder on his back. It had black head. He tries to hit Lenora, but misses as she rolls under it.

She backed away as Vladimir tried to hit her, missing every time.

Moving to the side, Lenora kicked Vladimir on his right side making him stumble back. “You call me weak yet I have been dominating this fight,” she shouted, rushing forward.

Vladimir grabbed her head and slammed her on the ground. “You’re overconfident, girl,” he snarled.

Lenora sprung up and starts land blow after blow on the goliath of a man. Backing him up to the edge of the tower and sent a powerful kick to Vladimir, toppling him over the edge. Lenora breathed in and started to relax, until she saw a hand on the edge.

Lenora growled, “What does it take to put you down?” She slammed her foot on the man’s hand. His yell echoed as he fell. Master Thompson has been avenged. She stands in the middle of the tower as the shroud on the top disappears.

Xxx

In the Shadows temple, the Lord of Shadows waved one of his hands, using the dark arts to form a storm of lightning and rain around his tower. “When the masters and the armies come, I will be ready.” He laughs darkly. Next to him was his sword. On the wall was Hathaway’s great sword and the sword of Master Eirik that was taken from Alexander’s home.

A soldier in a black cloak and hood, obscuring his face except the red eyes, entered and bowed. “My Lord, I bring bad news.”

“Hmm, let me guess. We lost a general?” asked the Lord of Shadows with no worry or care. “Which one?”

“Vladimir has been killed by a master.”

“I see no significant loss; I have other pawns. Any news from the trials?” the Lord of Shadows inquired.

“Alexander of Norway and Lenora of the United States passed their trials.”

“Perfect; keep me posted on the situation,” said the Lord of Shadows.

Yes, my Lord.” The figure slunk back into the shadows.

Xxx

Mason was heading to his first trial. He followed the passage until he got to a wooden door. Upon opening it, several candles lit the room. “Welcome, Master of the Order of White Rose,” said a Spanish-accented voice. A man appeared, dressed in a black suit with red shoulder pads; on his arm was a red cape “I am Alfonso, champion matador of Spain.”

“My name is Mason. It is an honor to meet you.”

“This test is about endurance,” the matador explained. “We will fight hand to hand but we must take the attack head-on, no blocking or dodging. You have to last an hour minimum.”

Mason gent into a jiu-jitsu stance with the master getting in a boxer stance. Alfonso goes for a jab hitting Mason. Mason retaliates with a strong punch, making Alfonso grunt as it hits his chest.

Alfonso sent a haymaker at Mason landing it on his chest making the teen gasp. Mason sends a kick to Alfonso’s head making him stumble from the force of the kick. “Not bad,” Alfonso said, returning a kick to Mason’s left side. Mason held his ribs. “The enemy won’t give you a chance to recover.”

Mason, fighting the pain rushes forward and slugs Alfonso in the face, bloodying his nose. The battle continued until Alfonso notices the time, and halted the test. “Well done. You lasted for an hour. You pass test one.”

Mason’s injuries start to visibly heal. “What is this?” asked the young master.

“This tower makes it look like you suffered damage; it will disappear. It is the room playing games on the mind,” said Alfonso.

“Thank you, Master,” said Mason as he bows to his senior. A door appears on the stone wall.

“I will warn you, you must not hesitate; look forward, not back. Move without fear.” With that bit of advice Alfonso disappears.

Mason nodded his head and walked to the door.

Xxx

Walking through the door he sees a labyrinth and a man wearing the uniform of the French military “My name is Henri, I am Brigadier General of the French Military. This test challenges your intelligence with riddles. You must make it to the other side of the maze and answer riddles to access the passageway to the next room.”

Mason nodded his head and walked to the maze. “First, you will need to read the books on the shelf. Once you have done that, we will start the test,” said Henri.

Mason gets to the shelf and picked a book. After reading all of them for about an hour, he returns to Henri to begin his test. “I am ready,” said Mason confidently as Henri nods his head. A door opens revealing the entrance to the maze.

Mason enters. At the first wall where a statue of a sphinx appears. “First riddle. For most, it is short and limited but long and unlimited: what is it?”

Mason thinks for a moment
.
“Time, it is short and limited for all living things but long and unlimited in general,” Mason answers.

The statue’s eyes glow and the wall moved to the side, revealing a passage. Heading into the passage, he continues down the corridor, making turns and getting to his first dead end. He retraces his steps and heads to the next riddle. A statue of a phoenix appears from the ground. “I am flimsy and I contain knowledge but it is limited. I am a teacher of intellect: what I am?”

Mason thinks for a bit. “The only thing that comes to mind is a book since the pages itself are flimsy.” Another the passageway opens.

Heading around the corner, he sees a wall with a scroll and writing on it. Reading it, he see another riddle. “Give me food and I will live; give me water and I will die. What am I?” says Mason as he reads the riddle.

“Fire,” His answer is correct and the scroll crumbled to dust. The wall lowered, showing a passage and another wall with two statues of humans holding spears and covered in armor of stone.