Trials of a Planeswalker Ch. 02: Fall

Blayne shrugged. "Get my butt kicked?"

"Ain't that the truth? Alright, stand like this. I'm going to teach you how to fight the same way I was taught. Usually this style is used with magic in one hand and a sword in the other, but you'll only be using the sword half in these fights. That will limit the effectiveness of this style, but compared to the speed of vampires, I doubt these armored hulks will have anything on you," Varia said, standing sideways with her sword held towards him like a fencer. Her off hand was held away from him, in a position that was easy to cast a spell. Blayne studied her carefully as he copied her stance.

"I see why you use a saber. Any sort of serious weight on the blade would make this exhausting." Blayne said, twirling the wooden sword around lightly.

"It's also because it's faster. Standing like this gives you a better chance to parry and dodge. It gives your enemy less of a target." Varia explained, "The idea is to use your blade to keep the enemy's weapon from reaching you at all. Now try to swing at me." Varia said nodding at Blayne.

"Yah!" He exclaimed, lunging forward with a horizontal slash. In the blink of an eye, Varia evaded the slash, twirled her blade around his, knocked it from his hand and had the point of her wooden blade to his neck.

"Agile. Observant. You must be prepared for any sort of attack. Vampires fight dirty, underhanded and mean. They are naturally faster and stronger than humans so they don't have to train to be able to kill us. That is why you must not fight with brute force. Sure, thick armor and a hefty shield might work for a time, but what do you do when that vampire closes the distance and slips a knife between the plates?" Varia said, stepping back, "Any sort of cumbersome protection will only slow you down in the end. It doesn't work with this style of swordsmanship. You must have full control of your body and if you must wear any armor at all, it will have to be supple leather. Something that will move with you."

"So in this tournament..." Blayne started as he picked up his blade.

"You can't wear armor like they do. There's no way you can out force these knights without magic. Sir Reinhold may be an ass but he is still strong and experienced. He will be expecting the style of a knight, forthcoming and powerful. But you will fight tricky and fast instead. So if you get hit, it will hurt and you will likely break bones. They are using blunted swords, but that is little recompense for shattered ribs." Varia explained.

Blayne was surprised at how much she was getting into the lesson. She took it seriously, like she was a master and he was a lowly squire. Her eyes lit up and she spoke with a powerful fervor. She was passionate and skilled when it came to fighting with swords and she knew much from her time as a soldier. Blayne often forgot that she was actually a Sergeant on Innistrad. She had fought with a real army and trained with real weapons. He usually regarded her as a mage like him, ripping enemies apart with her magic.

"I understand. So what do I need to know?" Blayne asked.

Varia smiled wryly, cracking her neck as she took her stance again, "There is a lot."

The day passed in a wild blur. They trained all day, only taking a short break for lunch. By the time the sun went down, Blayne had barely started to understand her technique. He was still swinging his sword clumsily, relying on strength more than speed. But once it was over, as tournament entrants they had been given a small room in a building attached to the castle. The beds were comfy and the room was cozy.

Blayne groaned weakly as he fell into bed. His body was battered and bruised from Varia's training all day long. She lessons were far from forgiving. She struck him fast and without mercy. He could still feel many of her blows digging into his torso and limbs.

Varia lay down in bed next to him, equally exhausted, but with a lot less bruises. His blade had rarely connected with her body and he tried to hold back when it did.

"Blayne... I don't know how we're going to do this. You've barely got the basics down. You take a single hit in that tournament and you're finished. A blow from a claymore will kill you, blunted or no. It'll crush your skull or smash your chest in." Varia sighed, rubbing her face, "Please, can we just go?"

"I thought I did okay today. I'll be ready by the time the tournament comes. Plus I know you, you won't let me die anyway." Blayne said as he scooted closer to her.

"I wish I shared your confidence. We don't even have a full week: only four days. And I can't beat the crap out of you the day before the tournament. You'll need a break in between to recover. So that's really only three days." Varia said as she turned to him.

"It's not like we have to be scared. This is all just a contest. If we don't feel like I'm up for it by the time the tournament comes around, then we will go. No harm done. But I am enjoying this, I like seeing you so passionate and happy!" Blayne said, putting a hand on her hip, "You like teaching me all this, don't you?"

"I like hitting you with a stick." Varia smiled, "Alright Blayne, we'll keep at it until it's time for the tournament."

"Thanks honey." Blayne pecked her on the cheek. "Sleep well."

"You too." Varia sighed, cuddling close to him.

*******

CHAPTER 16 - ONE'S OWN HEART

The sun was low in the sky by the time Henry finally caught his first glimpse of the Gardens of Idena. The monastery slowly came into view over the crest of the hill he was climbing. Henry was glad when he realized he had finally reached his destination. He'd been travelling across Quilija for more than two weeks now. The farmer had said that it would take one week on horseback, but that mode of transport hadn't always been available.

As it turned out there was no road leading directly to the Gardens from the valley where Henry had appeared. Much of his trek had been across country. Henry hadn't really minded: it had been a pleasant and uneventful journey. Just two nights ago he and Robin had stayed in the home of a friendly old man who recalled being visited by Varia a few months back. The three of them had stayed up late into the night recounting the events that had befallen Blayne and Varia since they were reunited. Henry thought he might even come back and visit again once he had acquired the Black Lotus.

All in all, it was a nice change of pace from the constant danger that had seemed to follow him ever since he became a Planeswalker. That or maybe his new friends simply had a knack for inviting peril wherever they went.

Since Henry was on top of one of the many rolling hills that dotted the landscape, he had a clear view of the wall that ringed the Garden and monastery above. He decided it was time to speed things up a little. Fixing the far off walls firmly in his mind, Henry closed his eyes and teleported himself directly to the gateway of the Gardens of Idena. He knocked on the large wooden door and waited patiently for someone to answer.

When Blayne had first told Henry about the Gardens of Idena, Henry had assumed a rather unfavorable view of its caretakers. Back on Imriel, most religious groups fell into one of two categories. In the cities were the self-absorbed, stuffy priests who squandered other people's money on sterile architecture and frivolous ornaments. Then there were the contrarian fanatic cults who hid themselves on remote islands or deep in the interiors of the continents. As far as Henry was concerned he would be doing this world a favor by relieving such people of the kind of power wielded by the Black Lotus.

Instead, when Blayne showed him the Gardens from his memory, Henry had been taken aback by how just how alive the place was. Alive and yet so peaceful and still. These monks led simple lives separate from the world around them. Blayne also had fond memories of the monk named Nishok. Henry would have felt wrong stealing from such kind people.

The door opened a young initiate in blue robes stuck his head out to address Henry. "Welcome the Gardens of Idena, weary traveler." He smiled welcomingly. "Do you wish to seek shelter and nourishment for the night? The Gardens are sanctuary to all who come in peace." He said as he opened the door wider to invite Henry in.

"I thank you for your kind hospitality." Henry smiled back as he stepped through the door. The monk bowed and turned to lead Henry on a stone pathway winding through the vast gardens.

"May I ask your name and for what purpose you have come?" The young monk asked over his shoulder.

"Of course. My name is Henry and I'm here to see one of your brother monks on a matter of great consequence. I'd rather discuss it with him directly if you don't mind."

The young monk nodded and directed Henry to a stone bench at a fork in the path. "If you will tell me who it is you wish to speak with, I will see if they are free to converse with you at this time."

Henry bowed to the young monk and sat down on the bench. "He goes by the name Nishok, but he won't know who I am. Just tell him a traveler from beyond the stars has an important request and that Blayne and Varia are now wed and send their best regards."

The initiate nodded "I will sir. Please wait here and enjoy the serenity of Idena until I return." The lad turned and continued down the pathway, soon lost to Henry's sight among the various flowers and trees in bloom.

Henry had been no stranger to solitude these past few days. He took the time drink in the serene plant life around him. His eyes passed over the vegetable garden and the sand garden to the main monastery at the top of the hill. He found himself wondering if Robin would like it here, and how the monks would react if he tried to summon her.

His thoughts were interrupted by the initiate's return. "Brother Nishok has received your messages and eagerly awaits your arrival by the Lotus pond. I will show you the way." He said nodding toward the path from which he had just come. Henry got to his feet to follow the young monk once again. He could feel his heart beating faster. Could he really be so close to completing his quest?

They found Nishok sitting cross-legged by the Lotus pond meditating quietly. Henry recognized the tan skin and the baldhead almost instantly. He also noticed that Nishok was indeed holding the Black Lotus just as Blayne had said. Henry was surprised to see just how small it was. Could fragile looking flower really be as powerful as the legends said? Henry wondered if the Monks knew just what they had in their possession.

Nishok looked up and smiled as Henry walked up to him. "Hello Henry, I understand we have a friend in common and that there is something you wish to discuss with me in private?" Henry nodded and Nishok turned to the initiate. "That will be all now brother. Return to your duties and I will keep our guest entertained until it is time for dinner." The young monk bowed obediently and departed.

"I know you said you important matters to discuss, but if you will indulge me first," Nishok said turning to stand beside Henry "Will you walk with me here awhile and tell me more about what Blayne and Varia have been up to since they departed our world? We rarely get news as it is, let alone that from other worlds."

Henry complied and began walking in step with Nishok as they circled the pond. "Oh you know Blayne," Henry said jovially "Still hurtling from one Plane to the next, usually landing on his face and making a splash wherever he goes."

Nishok laughed heartily at Henry's words. "I hope he hasn't been getting into too much trouble and his chakras are still in alignment."

Henry nodded "His magic works fine and there's no problem too big that Robin, Varia and I can't pull him out of."

Nishok smiled "I'm glad to hear it. But who is this Robin you speak of? Is she another Planeswalker who travels with you?"

"Robin? Oh no." Henry shook his head "She's not a Planeswalker. She's Blayne's sister. She can still travel with us because Blayne figured out how to summon her spirit across the Void."

"Interesting..." Nishok said as they continued circling the pond. "During his time with us, Blayne sometimes referenced aspects of life on his home world but never mentioned anything about his family. Though I suspect his concern for Varia's whereabouts and wellbeing were foremost in his mind."

"Most likely." Henry agreed. "Robin was safe back on earth at that time. Blayne told me that he didn't figure out how to summon her until he'd visited a few worlds after this one. Now he's taught me how to summon her myself." He added proudly.

"He must trust you a great deal if he is willing to place the safety of someone so close to him in your hands." Nishok pointed out.

"Yeah, I suppose he really does," Henry replied thoughtfully. "But he knows I could never hurt Robin, not that he'd let me get away with it if I did." He chuckled.

"True, I've seen just how much power Blayne has." Nishok, said.

"He told me that once he even battled a dragon that was actually an ancient Planeswalker who had invaded Blayne's home world." Henry added.

"I don't doubt it." Nishok replied "Do you love her?"

"What? Who?" Henry stammered as Nishok's question caught him off guard.

"Robin," Nishok said, "Do you love her?"

Henry stopped and stood still for a moment, his face turning red at Nishok's blunt inquiry. The monk halted in his pacing and waited for Henry's answer.

"Yes, I do." Henry finally said, in what he hoped was a sincere and firm tone.

Nishok smiled "I'm glad that you have managed to find love in the company of one such as Blayne. He is a good man. When Varia arrived at our monastery I could tell that she and Blayne cared about each other very deeply, but she seemed to be resisting her feelings for him very hard. From what you have said it seems Blayne managed to break through the barriers she built around her heart."

Henry nodded solemnly "She came from a dark and cruel world, as I have seen with my own eyes. It turns out she had a lot of personal demons on her conscience even after she married Blayne. Fortunately we were recently able to put those demons to rest and now she's the happiest she's ever been." He finished cheerfully.

"I'm glad her spirit is finally at peace." Nishok said smiling. "And now that my curiosity has been satisfied, do you wish to discuss the matter that has brought you to this world and to our garden?"

Henry gulped, unsure how to proceed. The sun was getting low in the sky and the shadows were growing long. After he had come all this way his goal was literally being held right in from of him. He looked down at the Black Lotus in Nishok's hands and took a deep breath.

"Nishok," He started slowly "Do you truly realize what you are holding in your hand?"

The monk looked down at his hands and frowned. The monk looked down at his hands and frowned. "Yes" he said slowly, looking back up at Henry with an inquiring look on his face "But I do not understand how you do."

Henry explained, "On Varia's home world there legends of a flower that takes centuries to grow and holds incredible amounts of mana, what you call life energy, in its petals."

Nishok nodded slowly "That does indeed describe the object in my hands"

Henry's eyebrows shot up and his mouth fell open. "So it's true then? That is an actual Black Lotus?"

"Yes." Nishok said solemnly "And this is why you have come?"

"It is" said Henry earnestly.

"So..." Nishok said as his face darkened "...you have come seeking power." He turned away from Henry and continued to pace around the pond.

"Then are the legends true?" Henry persisted, following behind Nishok "Is it really as powerful as they say it is?"

"That would depend on which legends you have been listening to." Nishok replied curtly, "And you have not yet said for what purpose you wish to use it."

"They say that it can grant any wish." Henry said "Please, Nishok. I assure you I have no intention of using it for myself. My goal is a noble one. I only wish to spare my world from looming death and destruction. Its power can do far more good there than it can hidden here in your monastery." He pleaded.

Nishok stopped to consider Henry's words "That certainly sounds noble." He turned to face Henry "But I'm afraid it's not that simple."

"What do you mean?" Henry asked, his heart sinking.

"What I mean Henry," Nishok said deliberately, "Is that the Black Lotus does not just solve problems on its own."

He continued circling the pond with Henry in tow. "Would you like to know how the Black Lotus came to be in the Gardens of Idena?" He asked.

"Um Sure." Henry replied. He wasn't sure what that had to do with anything, but he was still curious to hear the tale.

"It has always been here." Nishok said. That was something Henry hadn't expected to hear. Nishok continued, "It was created by the natural life energy of this place long before the monastery came to be. We didn't really make the Gardens of Idena Henry, the gardens are the reason we are here. When those who founded our order discovered this place centuries ago, it was already a sanctuary rich in life and serenity. Since then we monks have only built walls and the monastery and added a few plants of our own We now we only tend the garden and draw inspiration from it to achieve understanding."

"I'm not sure I understand what you are trying to tell me Nishok." Henry said confused.

"Simply put, the Black Lotus and the Gardens of Idena do not grant us enlightenment; it only provides the opportunity for us to do so. Do you see now?" Nishok asked.

Henry shrugged "I think so."

Nishok raised the Black Lotus up to level with his face. "Do you know why I meditate with this Lotus every day?" Henry shook his head, a confused look on his face.

"Because it shows me what is in my heart." Nishok said.

"It does?" Henry asked surprised. Nishok nodded.

"It takes a lifetime of discipline and devotion to learn how to live in harmony with nature as we do. The Lotus can give you more power than you can imagine but it will not give you the wisdom needed to use it. I am content with my life here in Idena so the Lotus shows me the world as it already is. That is why we have kept the Black Lotus here since it was discovered. Because we have the clarity, but not the need." He lowered his hands and asked, "How exactly do you intend to use its power to save your world?"

Henry bowed his head in resignation. He could see the truth in Nishok's words, but he had not come all this way to give-up now.

"On my world, the major cities have begun and arms race. Once they fought against each other merely for wealth and power. Now I fear they desire only destruction." He took off the necklace he wore and held out the Pearl Mox for Nishok to see. "They have already begun crafting powerful gems called Mox to channel mana directly from my plane. They will use these to power terrible weapons meant to murder thousands. If I could acquire a greater power, the power of Black Lotus, I could stop them from destroying each other."

Nishok's face was grim. He shook his head sadly, "Simply fighting power with more power will only lead to more destruction."

"How else am I to stop my world from falling apart?" Henry pleaded.

"Power alone is not an answer. Look around you." Nishok said, waving his hand at the surrounding fauna. "Do you think all of this would be possible if we were trying to control nature? We only seek to live in harmony with it. You must find the harmony in your own world if you wish to avoid catastrophe."

"But people aren't plants!" Henry said emphatically. "They don't just grow in the dirt. They are greedy and selfish. They must be made to see the futility of war. I can do that with the Black Lotus."