Chapter 2: Building Tension
In the hallowed halls of the ancient monastery, nestled high in the craggy mountains, the once-feared Iron Maiden now known as Elara, paced the stone floors. The echo of her footfalls was a metronome to her thoughts, each step a count in the rhythm of her resolve. The air was thick with the scent of aged parchment and the faintest hint of incense, a constant reminder of the sanctuary she had found here. Yet, her heart was not at peace.
In many ways her life had changed for the better. That night of passion and horror produced a daughter; a beautiful little girl of auburn hair and full cheeks who was naturally magically inclined. Elara's tribe was believed to have Giant's blood in their veins, and Giants of old were sensitive to magic. It is only fitting she would pass her inherent gifts to her daughter, especially since the child's father was also magically inclined.
She pursued the discipline of combat magic as a means of fortifying her unequaled skills in single and battlefield combat. She learned quickly and was even able to assist in her own healing after giving birth. The mages at the monastery cared for her little girl as their own. Elara would have to leave her, for she had a score to settle and a kingdom to restore.
The mages were of great assistance in alleviating her trauma from that night. The swordsman's various disciplines and ability to best her through moving from one to the next with such fluidity reminded them of a particular pupil who was famous for moving from school to school, learning what he needed to, and vanishing without a word.
When she described the magic that was used that night she discovered that some of it was through magical techniques, like the stone fist bare-knuckle fighting style he used toward the end of the fight. The vanishing from the window, though, was through an enchanted totem, where if left in a location the owner need only activate its safe word and is then transported immediately to the totem's location. All of this required meticulous planning and near flawless execution. Her mind was put at ease that she was dealing with magic that was ancient, since before recorded human history. And thanks to the tutelage of her adopted family at the monastery and various connected schools throughout her travels, she was considerably better prepared.
She learned to connect to the energy of that around her, for it existed in all things. Learning this discipline, she was able to bond with her sword rendering it weightless and able leave and return to her hand at will. She learned the elements next. Blasts of heat or cold or wind at varying intensities could be produced using the kata the mages taught her. She then learned the magic of persuasion and influence, which could render a person susceptible to her influence depending on their mental fortitude. This complimented her relationships with animals as well, as an unbroken mare, Stella, bonded with her and would only let her mount after the use of this ability.
It was a long ride from the mountains of the monastery to the nearest town, so she stopped at the nearest tavern to grab a drink to warm her and stock up on provisions and maybe get a hot meal.