The Summoning!

The sound of a distant ringing punctures the air. Phone! yells David. He reclines further in one of the three couches in the dormitorys TV room. Its another cold, rainy Saturday afternoon on campus. Yea, some Frosh go answer it! Oscar go! exclaims Rodney. Oscar leaps from the floor and runs down the stairs into the phone room. Everyone else settles back down to watch, The Exorcist. A minute later, Oscar returns saying, Its for Dave. Me? David sits up on his couch. Yeah and they sounded urgent, too. Dave pushes past Oscar exiting the room. Oh well, hes going to be a while. Mussing his red hair, Oscar plops into the empty couch. Dave slowly descends the stairs into the phone room. I wonder who is it? I havent received a phone call this year. He cautiously picks up the receiver. Hello. The receiver is cold; chilling his right hand. Is Sir David there? asks a distant voice. Yes, speaking. Dave reclines in the brown lounge chair within the dormbuilt telephone booth. We have need of thee in Manassah! You must come to us! The voice sounds even brisker. Dave begins to shiver. What are you talking about? Manassah? Do you mean Manhattan? Who are you? David rapidly fires questions into the phone receiver. He pauses, Hey I feel cold, really cold. There must be a window or something open down here.

All will be revealed when thou arrives. Be thou not afraid, I do not meanst thee any harm. A cold wave creeps up Daves arm before encapsulating his entire body. The wooden phone booth slowly begins to fade away. When Daves vision clears, he stands in a stone chamber. At his feet is an engraved star encrusted with glowing midnight blue jewels. In a matter of seconds, the gems power down. The chamber is roughly twenty feet in diameter. It is unadorned, except for a large oak door in front of him which slowly opens. A graying man enters. His face is robust and his hair is tucked beneath a glittering gold crown. His aura is one of distinct purpose and strength. I am King Owen. Thou art Sir David. His bass voice resounds throughout the room. Dave takes a slow steadying breath as he assumes his Tae Kwon Do fighting stance. Yes, I am. Now that weve got the obvious out of the way, lets stay calm. I was talking with this guy on the phone. I am now in this stone chamber. I dont know how I got here. Funny, I dont think this is helping much. Fear thou not! I mean thee no harm. Your bearing marks thee as the warrior my kingdom so desperately needs. The Kings huge hand shakes Daves, followed by a warm embrace. Tears glisten in the Kings eyes. There may yet be hope for my people. Kind sir, come with me. The King turns toward the door. I will explain on the way to the Sword Chamber. King Owen holds the door for David. The King leads them through a series of long winding tunnels. It was foretold that whence we discovered the Sword Prisma; we would then be able to summon a powerful hero from another world. That warrior will save my kingdom and our entire world. David finds it difficult to match the Kings 6 1/2 foot stride. Hes having a real hard time accepting his being here; where ever here is. Dave looks up at the
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King. His deep blue robe rustles as he walks. The corridors are huge, 9 feet tall and about 6 feet wide. On the walls hang gold-framed pictures of past kings, knights slaying dragons and princesses of enchanting beauty. Sneezing, King Owen stops in front of two huge stone doors. This is the Sword Chamber, Sir David. The duo enters. There is a distinct feel of magic to the room. It is so strong that even the skeptical David feels dwarfed by the power that resides here. Throughout the room, small pedestals stand with swords encased in crystal. Each pedestal details the swords history. The sword you seek lies there. He points to an ornate pedestal in the upper left hand corner of the room. On it is a sword handle and a silver bracelet. As David approaches the pedestal, the room is lit by a mixture of seven colors; red, green, blue, brown, indigo, yellow and orange. The King continues, If thou art the one in the legend, thou wilt be able to draw forth its power. Dave arches his left eyebrow. Um sir, you mean for me to pick up this handle? Yes. The Kings voice is steely and his eyes narrow. Oh, okay. /No me gusta! I dont like this. I dont even know where I am. Im supposed to fight in some place Ive never seen before. the only sword fighting I had was fencing at the University. I dont know, I just didnt get in many sword fights in Cleveland. David takes a deliberate breath; calming his nerves. He gingerly approaches the pedestal and reaches for the handle. Picking up the handle, he places the bracelet on his right arm. The colors in the room fade as a supernatural calm descends on David. Through the darkness, Dave watches the Kings hands weave a strange pattern in the air. The Kings eyes glaze for a second. A pale white light illuminates
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the room. David places the handle on the bracelet with a crisp metallic click. What is my mission? It is barely a question. David feels different; a warm confidence enervates his being. Know ye this, none may address the King of Manasseh in that manner. Not even a hero from a distant time. The kings big hands hang loosely from his robes. Dave takes a cautious half step backwards, raising the handle in the en garde position. Grim menace creeps into the kings voice. In my land, I am King. All that live here must treat me with my proper respect or suffer my wrath! Two brisk handclaps summons two guards encased in shiny metal armor with their weapons drawn. Guards, take him! Our alleged savior must be taught some manners. I dont know whats wrong with him. He was so calm and regal before. David raises the sword handle slightly; a 5 foot energy blade coalesces. The light from its seven colors illuminate the room. With the light comes revelation. Funny, with the sword drawn, I can see things clearer than before. The King has been infected by some kind of madness. This must be whats infecting his kingdom. David parries the first guards attack with a thought. The battle draws his mind to the business of survival. Taking the offensive, he slashes at his opponents blade, destroying it. Energy and knowledge flows into Davids body. Youre going to the bottom of the dungeon. The next guard thrusts low. Using his new found strength, David leaps over his attackers kicking them in their rear. This is weird; as I destroy things I get stronger. However, I dont want to hurt them, but I dont think Prisma can free them. David charges for the door only to find his way barred by King Owen. The king smiles broadly. Knave, it ends now. A cone of fire darts toward
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David. Reflexively, he thrusts the blade in the face of the cone. Oh, David and the rest stare in amazement at the Sword Prisma. It has negated the cone and David begins to glow slightly. I will be leaving now. David rushes past the King and his guards. His mind absorbs the situation. I dont want to hurt them but I dont want to die either. The king has succumbed to this illness. Turning left, David begins to outdistance his pursuers racing blindly through the corridors looking for an exit. Follow me, A winged falcon races through the corridors. Vigorously flapping, it looks into Davids green eyes. Huh, a talking bird? David stops and peers behind him. No sign of immediate pursuit. Prisma casts a sphere of white light alternating with its seven component colors. Quick I cant keep this form all day, follow me to safety. The falcon turns and flies up the hallway. David watches the bird round a corner then faces in the direction he has just ran. I dont know. Im lost and cant get home. Sighing, he races after the falcon. Its about time. The bird shakes its beak from side to side, chirping softly. The pair race throughout the massive castle before finally coming to a halt in the eastern tower. The falcon shimmers changing into a slender brown haired woman. Come, we can hide in here. She opens the door and enters. Who are you? Look, Im getting tired of people just telling me to follow them with out telling me why! David stands in the doorway impatiently tapping his left foot. I have questions that I want answered and now! He stands in the doorway casually brandishing Prisma in his right hand. The woman squints her eyes and reflectively sucks a finger before speaking,
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All questions will be answered after you enter here. This is the Kings meeting room. Heads of States have their meetings here since it is proof against magical scrying. Davids confused look causes her to explain further. Magical scrying is finding a person or object through magical means. Oh, and in answer to your first question, Im Dorthea. I would like for you to come into this safe haven so, if you decide to help me, we can save this kingdom. David steps into the chamber smiling sheepishly. Im David. I just had to get that out of my system. Less than an hour ago, I was sitting back in my own world watching movies with my boys and now Im Gods knows where with people chasing after me and Dorthea places her hand on his shoulder looking into his green eyes. Feel a little better. She smiles brightening up the room. Okay, you said that you have a lot of questions. David nods his head in agreement. Well, I have some answers for you. You are on the world of Cigam, in the realm of Manasseh. Okay, I quess thats good to know. David relaxes a bit gingerly returning Prisma to its wrist guard. He stands with his arms crossed. Youre good, not too subtle, but you are definitely good. I really do believe that you can help me. Dorthea smiles. What do you mean? For the first time. David looks around the room. It is circular with a diameter of about 30 feet. It is dominated by a round table with 7 plush chairs surrounding it. You sheathed your sword but stand with your arms crossed so that its easily accessible in times of need. Davids cheeks redden. I pride myself on being ever vigilant. Although it begins with a grim seriousness, David ends the sentence with a burst of laughter.
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Okay, okay. Now for my next question. Why am I here? Gesturing toward a seat, Dorothea walks over to the table. Manasseh is being invaded. A couple of weeks ago we received an anonymous letter demanding that we abandon the throne under the threat of having it stolen from us. My father refused. A week later is when the madness came. It started first in our most distant provinces. Sick people started going insane. David interupts, I think its caused by some kind of spore. Why, Dorthea stares at David. Things look different when I wield Prisma. When I looked at him, it came to my mind that it was some kind of spore that was infecting the kingdom. A roar vibrates the room. David whirls around facing the door; Prisma held in the en garde position. Behind me! Laughing, Dorthea points at the door. It locks. Im not helpless. The door shutters as something collides with it. Another howl reverbs from outside the door. It must be a Blood Wolf. Those are the best hunters in our land. Dad must have loosed them to find you. Wait a second. David faces Dorthea wielding Prisma. You said Dad. Yes, I did. King Owen is my father. Were going to have to leave. Even magically locked that door wont be able to keep a Blood Wolf out for long. Dorthea runs to the left side of the room and pulls down a candelabra. A section of the stone wall slides open revealing a exit. Lets go, he cant follow us through here. She stands in the entrance to the secret passage gesturing toward David. Okay, David heads toward Dorthea but the sound of the splintering door stops him. Spinning around, he activates Prisma blindly thrusting it forward. The energy sword imbeds itself into a snarling crimson furred wolf. Howling, the 500
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pound animal floors David impaling itself further on Prisma. Davids knee lifts the wolf 1 foot off of Prismas hilt allowing him to get a two handed grip on the sword. Theres a flash of white light and the Blood Wolf is disintegrated. Uhh. David rises up then falls back onto the floor. David! Dorthea rushes over to David gently lifting him up into her lap. /No puedo creer esto! I dont believe this? David trembles. I never felt anything like this before. Im literally bursting with energy. His body is surrounded by a soft white light. Hmm. David turns and faces Dorthea as the pair rises to their feet. What are you thinking? She leads through the secret door before securing it once again. It would appear that Prisma enhances your physical attributes but I was wondering what would that do against a spore? That yet remains to be seen. Next question, I was wondering what defense you have against this sphoral infection? None. David stops. He glances behind him before turning his gaze back to Dorthea. So what youre saying is that you could turn on me as suddenly as the King did. Dorthea pauses and faces David. I guess thats what Im saying. Biting her lips she paces the corridor. Actually, unless you particularly want to do this entirely on your own, I think that theres something that would allow me to go with you and be immune to the spore. Its Davids turn to pause. Nah, I dont want to do this all by myself. Water drips from the corridors ceiling.
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A howl echoes through the corridor. Theyve found the entrance! Lets go. Dorthea runs forward followed by David. I think this will be faster. David scoops Dorthea up into his arms. I can fly for short durations now. Prisma is cool. I increase my powers through combat. Thats another facet of Prisma. It gives you insight. I think so. Now where are we going? Were going after the Amulet of Domar but first we have to get out of the castle. The duo comes to the end of the corridor. Dorthea leaps out of his arms. Kneeling, she pushes a brick. A panel slides revealing the King and 10 guards. King Owens eyes dance with wicked twinkle. Traitorous daughter, foolish offworlder. Now you are mine. The Kings unsheathes a bluish long sword. Artic winds begin to arise within the castle pulling at everyone and everything. The guards lean into the wind hoping to anchor themselves in their plate mail. The King stands in the eye of the gathering storm. The winds are too strong! Dorthea is battered around the chamber. She slams hard into the west wall slumping to the floor. David steps toward her only to have the King bar his passage with his sword. King Owen, I have no desire to slay you or your men. The energy around David blocks the wind from ravaging his body. Not even a hair on his head is mussed in the artic wind. Then surrender the sword and your life. The king takes his sword in a double handed grasp and slashes at Davids head. No! David frantically parries with Prisma. The energy blade and magic blade clash and the room is illuminated by mystical energy. The King rolls his blade off Prisma and slashes at Davids chest. David backpedals into the wall.
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King Owen pauses and lifts his sword high. Let the frigid artic winds blow for they are the forerunners of the chilling snow. Blue light leaps from the blade and the winds intensify. Added to them are big snowflakes. David glances at Dortheas body being covered in snow. I have to get her out of here. David boldy thrusts Prisma at the Kings chest. King Owen arches backward untouched. This is the final warning. King Owen ignores Davids words manuevering to attack once again. The guards feebly clank around in their armor vainly attempting to make themselves useful in the battle. David grabs the nearest guard and hurls him at the King. What honor is their in such a base cowardly attack? The King struggles to untangle himself from the stunned guard. None. Im fighting to survive. David races across the chamber sliding to a halt near Dorthea. Shouldering her prone body, David turns and faces the King. This battle is a draw. When next we meet, there will be a clear victor. I am not done with you yet. King Owen thrusts the guard away from him and scrambles to his feet. But I am done here. David flies through the ceiling arcing into the night sky.

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