The Celestial Forge
By: Schin Ka’Tharos
CHAPTER 9
(Part 3)
I was encircled by an entire pack of crazed jackals.
Jackals are a somewhat common breed of creature in the lower half of Ildara but I am aware they are not seen in many lands. I know that jackals are not found within Jaspen or the Spear Islands for instance, however I have encountered Isprex there which I believe to be similar in many ways.
Known for both their cunning and recklessness, the Red-Claw that had attacked was certainly the death scout, a common technique implemented by most types of jackals. Willing to lose a member of the pack just to probe and investigate just how dangerous the prey they hunt is, the pack had sent a younger member ahead to test their prey and for possible glory in a quick kill.
It had injured me but was still wary as it could sense the unbridled power of the celestial rain roiling within me.
The pack stalked around me and gradually tightened their circle like a noose, their laughs reflecting their anticipation for the kill and powerful prize. Arcane essence crackled and arced between them in red flashes, flaring up when one would brush by another.
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I did not know their rank as they were so far above me I couldn't sense it. However, I could see the signs that marked them all out as high ranking Disciple Class. Collectively the pack could rival a lower level Adept. And there I was, a mere 5th Apprentice.
The three ranks of power I had just gained were meaningless here.
I remained unmoving and stood in their midst, ready and attentive.
When Forging, either internally through soulforging or externally via spellforging, a Forger is directing and molding essence in a specific pattern. Wild and untamed in its’ nature, Arcane Essence is extremely difficult to shape except through the most basic of rough techniques. It is however far superior in strength and raw power compared to Celestial Essence.
Unlike the Arcane, Celestial essence is made to be shaped. What it lacks in pure power it makes up in versatility and functionality. I was still bursting with Celestial Essence from the Rain flowing inside me and it wanted me to mold it, as if desperate to form a pattern.
Odd as it may sound, it was here that I first truly allowed myself to wrestle with my future and my choice of paths. Maybe due to facing my possible death, or due to it being the first real obstacle along my path of revenge and rescue of my grandfather, but there in those moments I started to come to terms with the path before me and why I would walk it. It was here that I began to know, truly know, a purpose in life.
It was here that my rage and misery finally slipped its leash.
Next Chapter...
Chapter 10: When Peace Ends