ILLYRIAN
Druish Pervonian Wizard
97
Time seemed to stand still, as did Buffy she was stood upon a hill
Looking at Molly she shook her head. I can’t see any other way
We need to read of what it was, to see what it was in your history.
If you tell me what it is you seek, said Molly, I’ll pass it on and try
The hidden words that’ll guide us to the sixth and the seventh seal.
Willow was drying her feet, after a relaxing water massage for them
answering the doorbell she saw Molly and Buffy stood in the hall
It was Molly’s idea to appear this way, I’d emerge watching the tv.
Willow smiled. I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going out tonight.
We’re not said Buffy walking in, grinning, unpaid security guards?
The books of the history of the Two Swords will be here tonight.
98
Sat by the table Molly sees Willow sitting down. You’re not going out
I can go to the pictures next week, will I ever see these books again?
No, said Molly. So I wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity like this.
Buffy, Willow and Molly started to read the books as they appeared.
This has about the first battle, there’s no mention of Goddess Darla
Although it says about your battle dress and you had two swords
It’s got who designed them, Holly Marie Elopes weapons maker.
Mention is made that she would know of his end, it not who it was.
If it is of the son, then wouldn’t it be that she is a seal? asked Buffy
She was said to have been sent to stand guard on the door to hell
Buffy said that is wrong. When I was there I saw no door or guard.
99
Willow read more. The leader of the army, was Holly Marie Elope,
When couples leave to get married in secret, they are said to elope.
So she was the first to go away in secret, where the meaning began.
But if the secret was that she did not go away, there is the secret.
Also that the first two and last two letters they make another name.
I don’t know, said Molly, I’d think that it would be to obvious
Buffy maybe it is, maybe it is so very obvious that it’s true, Willow?
All I have is of the first battle, when to armies joined, of names said
Names were said, none passed the tests, even a Rider named Molly.
One name had all the goddesses say no, no reason was ever given
The name is Saffron. I’d like to know why they wanted her a secret.
100
It is in this book as well, mention the name of Saffron. This is odd
This speaks of Saffron being missing, oh it’s being written today.
Saffron name has been kept hidden, protected by all the Goddesses
She helped a goddess release her father, from ferrying all undead
I don’t understand this. What is it, asked Molly I will try to explain
Mentions of one of the army, it reads like it is being written now
Here it is it says the whole army has just been put on standby alert,
That she has been missing for to long, who could have taken her?
If her father was Charon, said Buffy and he ferried the undead
It could be feared that she’s been taken to do what her father did
Fools, for now I’m in play, it must be vampires who are doing this
101
If she’s missing now, there’s no hindsight of what’s being written,
And without hindsight to relate to, the worst could easily be feared
I agree, said Buffy, don’t forget the worst, another answer it may be.
Willow read two chapters on, to read what the hindsight might see,
here it lists another. Then use the word panic, said Molly, of where
she is no one knows, they are but guessing, not seeing their thoughts
I’ll be as me, with the name I can see her feelings, that of her not me
A ball of flame came towards her, covering others the flames hit her
She had saved her friends. Molly felt her skin tighten, tear then fall
Patches of sight and sound were felt, of flashing light she was aware
of light looking down, but those lights were a strip here a strip there
102
All was blurred, as if the bright was full of clear jelly, voices heard
only a fragment here or a fragment there, she felt herself in a bed.
Molly’s mind, lay there, in Saffron’s body awaiting a sense to reveal
But her burnt and nearly lifeless body lay there, nought could it feel.
Molly searched in Saffron’s body, for her mind would think not see.
A meeting of minds began as Molly followed to Saffron’s thoughts
Giving the will to see those friends, Molly bonded in Saffron’s soul
Taking them to see Saffron’s friend Samantha. She heard beep, beep
and saw a monitor that listened to her vital signs. This is a hospital.
Willing her to see the other, Molly saw strip lights on the ceiling
Standing by a door Molly looked up, reading Intensive Care Unit
103
Looking into the ward, several nurses were stood by the doctors desk
Molly’s thoughts pushed Amy’s arm, it caused the door to hit its stop
Come in Amy, the doctor said. Sit with your friend its touch and go
Stood at the foot of her bed Amy heard the nurses update in the ICU
Molly’s essence flew to Saffron’s body, then woke in Willow’s room
Calling the Goddesses to her, telling them she’d check if it was her.
The nurses stepped away, Molly stood in full battle dress, by the bed
Yes, I was right, it is her. Ten more Riders dressed like Molly appear
A glow started in the ICU, the Goddess Tianara appeared, Thank you.
Saffron drew the covers off the bed, her battle dress took form on her
Goddess Darla appeared, as the sound of an army marching is heard.
104
The sky by the hospital became brighter, brightness filled the gloom
Armies of the Two Swords emerged standing in the hospital grounds
Samantha and Amy watched as Saffron and the Two Swords vanish
Lynda was watching the nine year old girl learning to ride a horse
her attention drawn to the four dark objects in the sky getting nearer
Hearing a horse galloping, turning she saw the child hanging on
as the horse ran around the paddock. Then it slowed and stopped.
Going to how the child was Lynda saw the four winged unicorns.
The Riders going to the aid of the child, helping her, settling her
As Lynda reached the girl the horse showed signs of stress and fear.
It is alright, she brings need for you to harbour your animals fear
105
Looking into the sky, a winged black unicorn flew down, landed near
Buffy jumped down, looking to the forest. It is somewhere in there?
Excuse me, said Lynda, careful in there, as all plants they will move
The children who come for horse rides, call it the forbidden forest
As a path will move, even the one you walk on, while walking on it
Looking to Molly, we’ll be alright, said Buffy, no fear will be for us
If you know that we’ll find our way out, then yes no fears there’ll be
No worries can there be with Riders to guide us where we cannot see
Good said Molly, I am curious why a path does that, how a path can
Walking towards the forest, I hope you don’t mind if I come, Lynda
As long as you know, that in there you might see things that cannot be
106
What do you mean? Like unicorns that fly, of white and of black?
You sound sure that you’ll find your way back, it makes me feel safe
I didn’t mean to be so convincing, neither of us know what we’ll find
In there lies a secret that your kind may never see, that’s if we find it
My kind, what do you mean, asked Lynda. Buffy looked. A human.
Those we may find in there, of this be sure, they will never harm you
We will both do what we can, and believe me, said Molly, that is a lot.
Lynda stopped, she looked at the rows of bushes behind. Clever that
Being able to see what I knew to happen, though now has meaning
Buffy looked, what could be in here that causes that, trees or what
Meaning, asked Molly. Is it the trees hide their shame or someone?
107
Someone asked Lynda, what person could do that she looked about.
From many a ago, he sought not to be seen, he protected his young
Herne once covered his tracks in the forest so they were not seen
walked from the forest. It was in this forest as well, but it isn’t him.
It could be the trees themselves, hiding what they never want found
And if they never want it found, the path ahead could be changed
Molly stood away from them. Hear me I am the general of the Riders.
I’m Molly of the Two Swords, together with them, we free the souls,
If we can find the tunnel, there is a possibility that all will be well
Trees and bushes were seen to move, to the side a cave did appear
Molly looked to Lynda, look, follow the Rider. Tell of us in here.
108
Waiting for Riders to appear Molly and Buffy went into the cave
Creeping along a light began to be seen as into a cavern they did go
There, and there a hundred yards in front, lay an enormous castle,
Going on, they opened its doors, a great many vampires it did hold.
Seeking pleasure, they spread out like a fan, Buffy kept to the side
Charging at them they ran to the waiting lines of the Two Swords.
It was never into purgatory I needed to be but the tunnel of light
As the last few vampires ran into her sword, Molly looked to Buffy.
I’ve got used to you being here, I’ll be sad to see you go, said Molly
Why think like that, I was created to do a job, and the jobs still here,
I could stay, and make sure all the gargoyles and vampires are dead.
109
Opening the door they saw a long cylinder with faded light one end
Buffy, make yourself ready for it may be that the evil hides here.
Turning to see, Death walked to beside them. Now its near, she said
going towards the light, the closer they got, the light stayed the same
Only Death held back, though it felt strange not being on her horse
Buffy held her hand to the light, in front of her eyes. I do see light
But when I hold my hand behind me, I see that the light has no glow
Where does the light come from, or is it just there? It is just there.
Now hold your hand away from the light, said Death, you can see it
Holding your hand away from light it’ll be in the dark of the tunnel,
To see the light go towards it, face the light, use it to guide your way.
110
So for the new souls they can go toward a light that will guide them
Think of the brightness of a light from a torch, you’d shield your eyes
The light would guide you, but you wouldn’t see it, it’d hurt too much
Those people who have said that they had a near death experience,
when they came back they spoke of the light at the end of the tunnel,
So, General of the Riders of the Two Swords, what of blinding light
No mention’s said of blinding light, only light at the end of the tunnel
Molly turned to look into the black darkness. Buffy looked with her.
What can we expect to find if we follow into the black? she asked.
Call to the Goddesses, there’s more than one that’s never been there
Molly called on them to join her walking to the bottom of the tunnel,
111
Through a felt dark black, grained with the texture of old well used oil.
Walking on, not seeing who was by them, until ground was under foot.
Death told them all to stop, she called so they could be near her voice,
Of here stay still, none of the rules of heaven, hell, or earth apply here.
A door could be in front of us. Molly held her arm out, saying aloud.
I want to open a door. Then turning a handle she was opening a door,
Letting in light, the darkness was all hidden. She held up her hand.
Is this light I see false or is it all around, they walked into the light.
What do you see before you, are there several fields of a long grass.
Death waved her hand across her body, in front of them lay a lake.
Of the things I thought I’d see, I never thought of a lake, said Molly.
112
Molly looked to Death, I know it’s wrong, but I can feel you smiling.
Death lifted back the hood of her cloak, she uncovered her aging skull.
Am I grinning at you or having a laugh, how do you feel a skull smile?
Now, may you stand firm, find something that will help you stand tall.
But not you Molly, I want you to walk into the water, to waist height.
Molly stopped, she looked about, curious at the lake of her dreams.
In this lake are the souls of the dead. They were held here, protected
Death faced Molly. In this lake is held what you have searched for.
Watch the middle of the lake and put your hand on your sword.
Molly looked to the middle of the lake. Death called to the lake.
Molly, general of the Riders, of the Two Swords, she stands in water.
to be continued
Time seemed to stand still, as did Buffy she was stood upon a hill
Looking at Molly she shook her head. I can’t see any other way
We need to read of what it was, to see what it was in your history.
If you tell me what it is you seek, said Molly, I’ll pass it on and try
The hidden words that’ll guide us to the sixth and the seventh seal.
Willow was drying her feet, after a relaxing water massage for them
answering the doorbell she saw Molly and Buffy stood in the hall
It was Molly’s idea to appear this way, I’d emerge watching the tv.
Willow smiled. I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going out tonight.
We’re not said Buffy walking in, grinning, unpaid security guards?
The books of the history of the Two Swords will be here tonight.
98
Sat by the table Molly sees Willow sitting down. You’re not going out
I can go to the pictures next week, will I ever see these books again?
No, said Molly. So I wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity like this.
Buffy, Willow and Molly started to read the books as they appeared.
This has about the first battle, there’s no mention of Goddess Darla
Although it says about your battle dress and you had two swords
It’s got who designed them, Holly Marie Elopes weapons maker.
Mention is made that she would know of his end, it not who it was.
If it is of the son, then wouldn’t it be that she is a seal? asked Buffy
She was said to have been sent to stand guard on the door to hell
Buffy said that is wrong. When I was there I saw no door or guard.
99
Willow read more. The leader of the army, was Holly Marie Elope,
When couples leave to get married in secret, they are said to elope.
So she was the first to go away in secret, where the meaning began.
But if the secret was that she did not go away, there is the secret.
Also that the first two and last two letters they make another name.
I don’t know, said Molly, I’d think that it would be to obvious
Buffy maybe it is, maybe it is so very obvious that it’s true, Willow?
All I have is of the first battle, when to armies joined, of names said
Names were said, none passed the tests, even a Rider named Molly.
One name had all the goddesses say no, no reason was ever given
The name is Saffron. I’d like to know why they wanted her a secret.
100
It is in this book as well, mention the name of Saffron. This is odd
This speaks of Saffron being missing, oh it’s being written today.
Saffron name has been kept hidden, protected by all the Goddesses
She helped a goddess release her father, from ferrying all undead
I don’t understand this. What is it, asked Molly I will try to explain
Mentions of one of the army, it reads like it is being written now
Here it is it says the whole army has just been put on standby alert,
That she has been missing for to long, who could have taken her?
If her father was Charon, said Buffy and he ferried the undead
It could be feared that she’s been taken to do what her father did
Fools, for now I’m in play, it must be vampires who are doing this
101
If she’s missing now, there’s no hindsight of what’s being written,
And without hindsight to relate to, the worst could easily be feared
I agree, said Buffy, don’t forget the worst, another answer it may be.
Willow read two chapters on, to read what the hindsight might see,
here it lists another. Then use the word panic, said Molly, of where
she is no one knows, they are but guessing, not seeing their thoughts
I’ll be as me, with the name I can see her feelings, that of her not me
A ball of flame came towards her, covering others the flames hit her
She had saved her friends. Molly felt her skin tighten, tear then fall
Patches of sight and sound were felt, of flashing light she was aware
of light looking down, but those lights were a strip here a strip there
102
All was blurred, as if the bright was full of clear jelly, voices heard
only a fragment here or a fragment there, she felt herself in a bed.
Molly’s mind, lay there, in Saffron’s body awaiting a sense to reveal
But her burnt and nearly lifeless body lay there, nought could it feel.
Molly searched in Saffron’s body, for her mind would think not see.
A meeting of minds began as Molly followed to Saffron’s thoughts
Giving the will to see those friends, Molly bonded in Saffron’s soul
Taking them to see Saffron’s friend Samantha. She heard beep, beep
and saw a monitor that listened to her vital signs. This is a hospital.
Willing her to see the other, Molly saw strip lights on the ceiling
Standing by a door Molly looked up, reading Intensive Care Unit
103
Looking into the ward, several nurses were stood by the doctors desk
Molly’s thoughts pushed Amy’s arm, it caused the door to hit its stop
Come in Amy, the doctor said. Sit with your friend its touch and go
Stood at the foot of her bed Amy heard the nurses update in the ICU
Molly’s essence flew to Saffron’s body, then woke in Willow’s room
Calling the Goddesses to her, telling them she’d check if it was her.
The nurses stepped away, Molly stood in full battle dress, by the bed
Yes, I was right, it is her. Ten more Riders dressed like Molly appear
A glow started in the ICU, the Goddess Tianara appeared, Thank you.
Saffron drew the covers off the bed, her battle dress took form on her
Goddess Darla appeared, as the sound of an army marching is heard.
104
The sky by the hospital became brighter, brightness filled the gloom
Armies of the Two Swords emerged standing in the hospital grounds
Samantha and Amy watched as Saffron and the Two Swords vanish
Lynda was watching the nine year old girl learning to ride a horse
her attention drawn to the four dark objects in the sky getting nearer
Hearing a horse galloping, turning she saw the child hanging on
as the horse ran around the paddock. Then it slowed and stopped.
Going to how the child was Lynda saw the four winged unicorns.
The Riders going to the aid of the child, helping her, settling her
As Lynda reached the girl the horse showed signs of stress and fear.
It is alright, she brings need for you to harbour your animals fear
105
Looking into the sky, a winged black unicorn flew down, landed near
Buffy jumped down, looking to the forest. It is somewhere in there?
Excuse me, said Lynda, careful in there, as all plants they will move
The children who come for horse rides, call it the forbidden forest
As a path will move, even the one you walk on, while walking on it
Looking to Molly, we’ll be alright, said Buffy, no fear will be for us
If you know that we’ll find our way out, then yes no fears there’ll be
No worries can there be with Riders to guide us where we cannot see
Good said Molly, I am curious why a path does that, how a path can
Walking towards the forest, I hope you don’t mind if I come, Lynda
As long as you know, that in there you might see things that cannot be
106
What do you mean? Like unicorns that fly, of white and of black?
You sound sure that you’ll find your way back, it makes me feel safe
I didn’t mean to be so convincing, neither of us know what we’ll find
In there lies a secret that your kind may never see, that’s if we find it
My kind, what do you mean, asked Lynda. Buffy looked. A human.
Those we may find in there, of this be sure, they will never harm you
We will both do what we can, and believe me, said Molly, that is a lot.
Lynda stopped, she looked at the rows of bushes behind. Clever that
Being able to see what I knew to happen, though now has meaning
Buffy looked, what could be in here that causes that, trees or what
Meaning, asked Molly. Is it the trees hide their shame or someone?
107
Someone asked Lynda, what person could do that she looked about.
From many a ago, he sought not to be seen, he protected his young
Herne once covered his tracks in the forest so they were not seen
walked from the forest. It was in this forest as well, but it isn’t him.
It could be the trees themselves, hiding what they never want found
And if they never want it found, the path ahead could be changed
Molly stood away from them. Hear me I am the general of the Riders.
I’m Molly of the Two Swords, together with them, we free the souls,
If we can find the tunnel, there is a possibility that all will be well
Trees and bushes were seen to move, to the side a cave did appear
Molly looked to Lynda, look, follow the Rider. Tell of us in here.
108
Waiting for Riders to appear Molly and Buffy went into the cave
Creeping along a light began to be seen as into a cavern they did go
There, and there a hundred yards in front, lay an enormous castle,
Going on, they opened its doors, a great many vampires it did hold.
Seeking pleasure, they spread out like a fan, Buffy kept to the side
Charging at them they ran to the waiting lines of the Two Swords.
It was never into purgatory I needed to be but the tunnel of light
As the last few vampires ran into her sword, Molly looked to Buffy.
I’ve got used to you being here, I’ll be sad to see you go, said Molly
Why think like that, I was created to do a job, and the jobs still here,
I could stay, and make sure all the gargoyles and vampires are dead.
109
Opening the door they saw a long cylinder with faded light one end
Buffy, make yourself ready for it may be that the evil hides here.
Turning to see, Death walked to beside them. Now its near, she said
going towards the light, the closer they got, the light stayed the same
Only Death held back, though it felt strange not being on her horse
Buffy held her hand to the light, in front of her eyes. I do see light
But when I hold my hand behind me, I see that the light has no glow
Where does the light come from, or is it just there? It is just there.
Now hold your hand away from the light, said Death, you can see it
Holding your hand away from light it’ll be in the dark of the tunnel,
To see the light go towards it, face the light, use it to guide your way.
110
So for the new souls they can go toward a light that will guide them
Think of the brightness of a light from a torch, you’d shield your eyes
The light would guide you, but you wouldn’t see it, it’d hurt too much
Those people who have said that they had a near death experience,
when they came back they spoke of the light at the end of the tunnel,
So, General of the Riders of the Two Swords, what of blinding light
No mention’s said of blinding light, only light at the end of the tunnel
Molly turned to look into the black darkness. Buffy looked with her.
What can we expect to find if we follow into the black? she asked.
Call to the Goddesses, there’s more than one that’s never been there
Molly called on them to join her walking to the bottom of the tunnel,
111
Through a felt dark black, grained with the texture of old well used oil.
Walking on, not seeing who was by them, until ground was under foot.
Death told them all to stop, she called so they could be near her voice,
Of here stay still, none of the rules of heaven, hell, or earth apply here.
A door could be in front of us. Molly held her arm out, saying aloud.
I want to open a door. Then turning a handle she was opening a door,
Letting in light, the darkness was all hidden. She held up her hand.
Is this light I see false or is it all around, they walked into the light.
What do you see before you, are there several fields of a long grass.
Death waved her hand across her body, in front of them lay a lake.
Of the things I thought I’d see, I never thought of a lake, said Molly.
112
Molly looked to Death, I know it’s wrong, but I can feel you smiling.
Death lifted back the hood of her cloak, she uncovered her aging skull.
Am I grinning at you or having a laugh, how do you feel a skull smile?
Now, may you stand firm, find something that will help you stand tall.
But not you Molly, I want you to walk into the water, to waist height.
Molly stopped, she looked about, curious at the lake of her dreams.
In this lake are the souls of the dead. They were held here, protected
Death faced Molly. In this lake is held what you have searched for.
Watch the middle of the lake and put your hand on your sword.
Molly looked to the middle of the lake. Death called to the lake.
Molly, general of the Riders, of the Two Swords, she stands in water.
to be continued