At first, there was nothing but a thick, disorienting haze. The world around Enai seemed to lose all its vibrancy, becoming a dull, muggy void. He felt an inexplicable connection with everything around him, as if he had emerged from a primordial soup and was slowly evolving into a higher form of existence. His ability to speak, his memories of language, all seemed to have vanished. He felt like a newborn, experiencing the world for the first time.
As he floated through this strange realm, it was as if he was traversing the cosmos. An ocean of colors swirled around him, each hue more vibrant than the last. Gradually, he began to sprout arms and legs, and his memories started to return. Looking down at his chest, he saw a swirling vortex of Su’cran energy within his clear, glass-like body. There was no fear within him, only a sense of perfect peace and love.
His journey through this ethereal realm seemed to pick up pace. Faster and faster he traveled, until the colors around him blurred into a single streak of light. Then, suddenly, he came to a halt where he floated in mid air.
He found himself floating next to a giant blue star, its radiant light illuminating a surrounding whiteness. He had no concept of what a star was, but he instinctively knew it was similar to the celestial bodies he used to gaze upon in the skies of Salaria. In the distance, he noticed a multi-colored formation approaching him. A wave of emotions washed over him as it drew closer.
The entity stopped right in front of Enai. He reached out to touch it, but his hand simply passed through it as if it was made of air. Then, a voice echoed in his head, but it was not his own. “You can hear me, can’t you? I am Tarum, and I summoned you here. You Gongorians believe you’re the only ones who can see me. That’s not true. You’re the only ones who can return as your original selves, until you experience your second death. You must join me, and I will show you what you need to know.”
Tarum’s form began to morph, taking on the shape and dimensions of a celestial humanoid. The two of them merged perfectly together, and with a flash of light, Enai’s mind was flooded with information. Every neuron in his brain buzzed with a vast expansion of knowledge, as if the complex labyrinth of his mind had been unraveled in mere moments.
Within his own mind, he could hear Tarum speaking. “I'll now send you back to your body. You must use the information and knowledge I’ve given you to guide Salaria through the difficult times ahead. You are the firstborn of King Athdar, and the Gongorian elders thought they were smarter than me and even the one greater than I Axiel. Leaving you out of the Creaven was all part of the plan and they thought they were erasing history. I wish you all the success in the universe young enai. That’s a term humans use, whom you will learn more about in the future. You’ll understand more about that race in the future, for Salaria and Ulumbria brings balance to the eight other realms."
After a few more moments and another flash of light within his mind, he was hurled back to his body at an unimaginable speed. He now understood what it was like to have his soul recreated.
When he awoke, he found himself alone. He was lying on his bed, surrounded by the pelts and skins from his hunts. He rose to his feet and, with a broad smile, ran out to find his mother and Adwin. “Mom, Adwin, I know the truth, and I know what what must be done now,” he called out. But they were nowhere to be found. He searched the house, then the area around it, growing more frantic with each passing moment. Eventually, he ventured into the forest, where he discovered a trail of footprints.
As he followed the prints for miles, he finally arrived at the same clearing where he had found Di’joube. The grass had grown taller than before, and he realized he had been gone for over a month. In the distance, he saw his mother hunched over on her knees, her voice faintly calling out to Axiel. He sprinted over to her and saw why she was crying. Adwin had been killed, and Akilah was crying out to Akiel to save him. Adwin had experienced the second death. He knelt next to his mother, hovering over Adwin’s body.
“I’m sorry, Mother. I know I’ve been gone for far too long. I’m glad you’re okay,” he said. She looked up at Enai, her face streaked with tears, and began to speak. “They tried to kill me and you, but there was a force, an incredible force. It stopped the royal guard from killing us. Their blades couldn’t even touch me. They just collided with a force that created sparks. Then a shockwave knocked all the soldiers back dozens of feet when they finally retreated in fear of Axiel's wrath upon them. But poor, poor Adwin didn’t have the same protection. He fought with all his might, but their force was too much. We’ve actually grown rather close while you were with Tarum.”
Enai looked down at his mother, and tears began to flow from his eyes as well. The pain in his mother’s eyes struck a chord within him. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. "I’m so sorry, Mother. I know now what I have to do. Were you aware that we exist in a world made of not one but two worlds? That balance is being tested now, and I have to get this orb made from a ancient essence called Su'cran back to the Stone Keeper before someone named Salvarion gets a hold of it. I now realize Axiel wont interfere directly with his creation, but for what reason I do not know. The demi gods on the other hand have a slight physical connection with us and they're ultimately guided by Lord Axiel. We have a right to fight and decide which side wins. It’s possible the balance could forever be broken.
“I have newfound information that gives me a better idea of how to stop this madness,” he said, standing up and helping his mother to her feet. “We will give Adwin a proper burial and ensure we stand up for everyone in Salaria. We need to leave this place and seek refuge elsewhere. I’ve met an Ice Elf named Zacarya. He lives in the mountains not too far from here. I'm not sure if he'll help us mother, but the Kingdom of Lilivia is our best hope at returning the stone to the stone keeper, whom ever that is."
They walked back to their hut and gathered their things to make their journey toward Zacarya. “My son, you do realize the Ice Elves aren’t going to welcome us with open arms,” his mother said. Enai looked at his mother and replied, “Mother, you’re going to have to trust me on this one.” She simply nodded in agreement. Before they set off for Li’livia, they gave Adwin a proper burial, and Akilah mourned him. The next morning, they set off for the mountains to the east. It would be a few days’ walk through all sorts of terrain. When they reached the base of the Li 'Livian Mountains, where they began their ascent.
The base of the mountains was a verdant expanse, a terrain teeming with forestry until you ascended about halfway up. Then, the lush greenery gave way to a stark landscape of rock and ice, reminiscent of a tundra. They navigated the mountain’s treacherous slopes with caution, wary of potential ambushes. Enai, with his keen senses, detected an unusual scent wafting in the breeze. He halted in his tracks, signaling to his mother to do the same. He crouched low, pointing in the direction of the peculiar smell. The rustling of leaves in the underbrush confirmed his suspicions - they were not alone.
Rather than confront the unknown, he decided they should circumvent the potential threat. He unsheathed the sword he had taken from Adwin’s lifeless body, its blade glinting ominously in the dim light. As they stealthily made their way around the source of the noise, they realized it was an Ice Elf scout party, huddled around a warm fire, preparing to set up camp for the night.
They began to carefully navigate through the brush to the left of the camp, making sure to stay downwind to avoid detection. However, their efforts proved futile as one of the scouts spotted them, yelling out “intruders.” The Ice Elf lunged at Enai, her spear aimed straight at him. But Enai, with reflexes as swift as lightning, dodged her attack. He then parried her next onslaught with his sword, shouting out to his mother, “Run!” The rest of the scout party, alerted by the commotion, began to converge on their location.
Enai quickly followed his mother up the mountain, his heart pounding in his chest. He encountered another Ice Elf who lunged at him with a spear, grazing his lower right torso. He retaliated, driving his blade through the Elf’s sternum. As he withdrew his blade, blood poured from the open wound.
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The Elf collapsed to his knees in agony, his head falling forward onto the forest floor. He gasped for air in his final moments before succumbing to his wounds. Enai unsure how to feel at this point, for he's never killed a sentient being. A bit of sadness in his eyes as the elf bled out in the snow. The crimson essence flowing along the frozen ice toward Enai's feet where he steps out of the way of the small river of vitae. By this time, one of the Ice Elves had captured his mother and was holding her at dagger point. The leader of the scout party stepped forward, unsheathing his sword. “Who are you and what business do you have in Li’livian?” he demanded.
Enai, quick to respond, yelled out, “I’m Enai of the Tianin Tribe and I’m seeking out Zacarya, the great Ice Elf hunter! Please don’t harm my mother, she has done nothing wrong. I was merely defending myself. Death was not at all my intentions.” The leader looked at Enai and ordered, “Tie them up and bring them back to camp to be tried.” They confiscated Enai’s bow, sword, sheath, and the black satchel containing the clear stone. They then escorted them up the treacherous mountain. As they neared the icy edge, Akilah began to slip. The female scout caught her and pulled her up. Akilah looked at the Elf and said, “Thank you.” with a modest and humble tone.
The Elf responded, “Don’t thank me, you’ll soon meet your fate for the loss of a fellow Kin. You should have never left Tianin.” She then nudged Akilah in the back with the butt of her spear, saying, “Now go!” When they finally reached the top, they began their descent into the shallow valley nestled in the mountains. The Li’lilivian city was a sight to behold, with its white stone streets and beautiful alabaster structures. The spires towered overhead, their tips lined in gold. It was a magnificent sight. As they made their way to the gates, the city’s day-to-day workers stopped and stared at the two captured Gongorians. When they finally reached the gates, a troop of guards questioned them, “What did they do and why did you bring them here?”
The scout party then revealed the body of the dead scout member. “They are murderers. Well, the male is anyways,” one of them said. The guard stepped back and signaled them through the gate. They were then escorted to the jailer’s building in the center of town. As they were being escorted, Enai began to scream out, “Zacarya! We need you! We’re all in grave danger! You need to come see me right away! Zacarya, if you can hear me please let them know I’m not a murderer. It was self-defense and I’m innocent!” The scout leader punched Enai across the jaw and grabbed him by the collar, dragging him inside the jailer’s building.
The jail reeked of musk and was incredibly foul. Enai thought to himself, for the beauty of this city you'd expect the jail chambers would be more refined. The jailers approached both of them, replacing the rope with shackles on both their hands and feet. They then tossed them both in separate cells. The cell was rather small and reeked of mold. There was one window that was barred off with iron. He could not reach the window for it was too high. There was a bed of dried Or’an leaves. They were leaves of the great Or’an tree. Considering they were prisoners, the leaves were quite comfortable to lay on. After a few hours, Enai could hear someone walk inside. They were speaking a language he could not understand. A few moments later, Zacarya walked toward the cell. “Thank Akiel, you’ve must have heard me,” he said. The Elf closed his eyes and began to rub his index finger and thumb at the base of his nose.
There was a stir of commotion amongst the guard in the main room. Zacarya looked at Enai and said, “I’ll be right back.” He headed into the room to see that the guards had discovered the sacred stone orb. “What is it?” one of the guards asked. “Give it to me,” Zacarya demanded. “King Vhoadan must see this at once. As one of the king’s guard, I command you hand over the stone.” The guard, with an annoyed look on his face, handed him the Stone. “Just make sure he gets the bloody stone, Zacarya,” he grumbled. Zacarya took the stone, shouting out to Enai, “I’ll return and you will be freed!” He sprinted through the town to the main castle where the king resided. The stone was very flashy and caught the attention of many locals. He reached the front steps and darted to the top with lightning speed. “Let me pass, I must speak to the king at once. Look, look at this stone. He will know what kind of power it possesses,” he said. The king’s royal guards allowed him to pass. He entered the grand hall, screaming out, “King Vhoadan, you must see this! Look at it, you’re the wisest in the land and you’ll know what this is and what signs the Gongorians bring.” The king’s eyes lit up with amazement and he began to speak. “It is true,” he said under his breath. “Bring it to me! The Creaven speaks of the prophecy of the chosen Gongorian. I’m sure King Athdar has some explaining to do with the Gods.” The king lifted the stone closer to his face, taken by the beauty of the power contained within it.
“Bring me the barer of this stone. I must speak with him immediately. For a new beginning may be on the horizon,” he said. The word spread through to the Jailers and Enai was released and brought forth to the king. The king looked at the Gongorian and signaled him closer. “Come to me, Gongorian, I understand you killed one of my men in self-defense. I’m not happy with this, but you’re here to help this world, aren’t you? Can you tell me what the stone represents?” Enai looked up at the king. “I can tell you much about the stone. I can tell you much about everything. I have been enlightened beyond my years,” he said. The king stood to his feet and walked toward Enai. He placed his hand upon his head and said, “Lord Akiel, bless this Gongorian through my hands.” After the prayer, he grasped Enai by the elbow and told him to walk with him. “I have something for you. Something to aid you in your quest for redemption for what your father did and a quest to free us from this internal war which has fueled greed, murder, slander amongst many other bad traits within all of Salaria. That is why the balance is beginning to tip and soon we won't be able to regain what we've lost,” he said. He looked over to Zacarya and nodded. “You too play a role in this. You need to come with us, nephew” he said. He guided them to the royal chambers. There was a big golden-lined door with rubies inserted into them. He opened the door and told them to step inside.
In the grandeur of the royal chamber, there stood a mannequin, it was adorned with a plate chest piece. “This is for you young Ic'la,” the king announced, his voice echoing in the vast room. This chest pieces is unique, its embedded with a red stone at the center. “ When I was a much younger elf, I found that gem in the halls of the sunken temple of the demi god Marthorn as the creaven delared someone from Lilivia would, and that young elf was me. When I became king I had a vision to insert that gem into the finest plate chest armor in the land. I tried to adorn the armor, but it yielded not effects for me. If my suspicions about you Enai, this should serve you well. The red stoned armor I believe is for you, Enai, and the green whispering tree bow for you, Zacarya.” Enai donned the chest pieces, and like a glove, it fit perfectly. “So far so good,” the king murmured, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.
Without warning, the king tossed Enai a sword and summoned his knights. “This next test will determine if you are indeed the destined ones in the Creaven. Forgive me, but you will face my best men in combat.” With a commanding shout of “KILL THEM,” five guards lunged towards them.
As the knights’ blows came within inches of the duo, the emeralds on Enai;s chest pieces glowed intensely. In what seemed like slow motion, a full suit of sleek armor materialized around his body. It happened so swiftly that by the time the blades had traveled a few more inches, his entire body was encased in a flexible yet sturdy unbreakable metal. The blades clashed against the armor, sending sparks flying. The guards recoiled in shock and awe, while Enai and Zacarya stood there, equally amazed. Once the guards dropped their weapons, the armor retracted back into the Jewel. The king looked at them both and declared, “I knew it.” He approached them, placing his hands on their shoulders.
“Are you both familiar with the Xclyrions? They dwell in the south, in the desert of Solas. Enai, had you lived in Gongoria during the purge, you would be familiar with this race of people. They were once considered in high regard with you kind." Enai scoffs saying. "Pfft My kind?" The king prior to your grandfather exterminated most of them. They were born with a mutation that granted them foresight. They are also born albino, and the king tried to purge this mutation from Gongorian society. A few escaped and migrated south to the land of Solas the rest went east to the easter sands of Thre'more. Every race has its dark history, and we try not to judge the Gongorians of today’s age for the wrongful acts of past leaders. All this has been chronicled in the Creaven, and hopefully, history will not repeat itself.” He began to walk, signaling with his hand for the two to follow.
The king smiled and grabbed the most recent copy of the Creaven which was printed. “Read this while you are on your journey, and you will understand,” he said. “The fastest way there would to travel through western thre'more, but beware for the MIghty TIon reign surpreme in those lands and they are might foes. It will take two days to prepare for the journey. You can stay with Zacarya until then.” And of my mother? The king rest his hand upon the young Ic'la's shoulder and says. "You mother will be well cared for right here in my lands. No harm will come to her less peace treaties be broken. Now go, rest and you leave in two days time."