Navigating the mountain pass proved to be a far more time-consuming than Karn had imagined. Multiple times, they were forced to retrace their steps because of the unpredictable nature of the branching paths. Frustratingly, some paths abruptly stopped, plunging into empty chasms and perilous cliffs, demanding the search for safer options.
Conversations filled with strategic suggestions with his new rock friend had punctuated their journey as they deliberated on the way. Together, they probed the rugged terrain, meticulously selecting each step to ensure their progress was steady and safe.
After a time, Karn found himself enjoying the rock’s company. Remarkably, he found Alec was warm, welcoming, and full of wisdom, captivating Karn's interest as he spoke. Alec's words carried a weight of ancient knowledge, each sentence revealing a depth of understanding that transcended human comprehension. As they exchanged ideas, Karn found himself drawn in by Alec's words, appreciating his unique perspective.
As they pressed on, the strain was visible on Karn's face. Sweat trickled down his forehead, mingling with the dust and grime that clung to his skin. But despite the challenge, a fierce, stubborn determination burned within him, propelling him forward. The mountain pass demanded his unwavering focus and adaptability. Much to Karn’s surprise he found that he was more than capable of tackling such a task.
As Karn's feet found the comfort of level ground, he let out a deep, relieved sigh. However, this momentary reprieve made him realize that their true journey was only just beginning.
He surveyed their surroundings, taking in the vastness of the landscape that stretched out before them. Rolling shallow hills and dense grasslands lay before him, concealing untold surprises and unknown perils.
After a short pause to gather their strength, they embarked on the gruelling march across the vast landscape. Step by step, hour after hour, they traversed the terrain, their determination propelling them forward. The scenery unfolded before their eyes, gradually transforming from rocky outcrops to a sprawling grassy plain.
With every stride, the land seemed to stretch endlessly, demanding their perseverance. The rhythmic sound of their footsteps mingled with the whispering wind, creating a symphony of determination that echoed across the expanse.
Sweat fell from Karn’s brow as he wandered through a winding path through a dense bronze grassland. They’d travelled some distance and had left the shadow of the mountain far behind.
Alec had perched himself on Karn's shoulder and occasionally guided Karn to correct their bearing north. Step by step, they moved further into an unfamiliar landscape and uncertain future. All the while Alec muttered to himself, saying things like, “What happened to all the water?” “Why’s it so silent?” “Where did all the grass come from?”
At first, Karn had his doubts about his uncompromising mission, but he knew he would do anything if it meant securing the safety of his friends.
Karn was deep in his thoughts when unexpectedly, they came across a shallow stream within a hidden indentation of the plain. Undeterred, he lunged across the divide, then bounded up the other side only to pause to survey the area. Sparse trees dotted the horizon as black birds dotted the sky, yet their significance was lost on him. His dark thoughts were far too distracting.
He contemplated the family that had been torn from him.
Losing Theo was like a bullet to the heart. It was a pain he never wished to feel again. Yet now history seemed to be repeating and the one thing he dreaded the most was losing Charles and Ellie.
Karn ached to see them safe again.
"Have you considered what it means to take up your fathers’ task?" Alec asked out of nowhere, breaking the silence.
Karn sighed. “It is a lot to take in at once,” Karn said sternly. A drop of sweat streamed from his brow. “I don’t suppose I have much of a choice, given our current circumstances.”
"It wasn't my intention for this to happen, Karn." Alec sighed. "As I said before, you're a survivor."
"Survivor, huh?" Karn grunted, jumping over a small boulder. “Monsters destroyed my home, and there's a chance the only people I care about are dead.”
Alec bobbed his head. “It is sometimes necessary to burn your boats when landing on a new shore. However, we don’t know that your friends are gone. In fact, I’m more and more certain they are simply in a different location. Maybe they came out the same time.”
“Great! I’ve got a magical bomb strapped to my back and you’re giving me a series of maybes?” Karn sighed in frustration. “Right now, What I need is answers."
Alec studied him for a time, then softly spoke. "You're still alive! You have the book! You may yet have the power to put everything right. I believe in you.”
"What makes you so sure?" Karn asked, a crack in his voice betrayed his uncertainty.
Alec laughed without humour. “Because we have no choice.”
Karn’s brow furrowed.
Alec seemed to stare intently at him. “I understand what this strange face folding of humans means. You’re confused.”
Karn couldn’t help but to grin. “Yeah.” He chuckled. “I just don’t understand why you believe in me.”
Alec thought for a moment before replying. “How much of your family do you remember?”
“Not much. A little from my childhood,” Karn offered. “It was Theo who raised me, really.”
Alec nodded. “I can tell you have some latent magical power, but you don’t fully understand its capacity.”
Karn paused. “I’m Magical? That’s a laugh.” He motioned a wave of his hand, pretending to cast a spell.
Alec chuckled. “Well, of course. The world we came from had no magical power, as such I couldn’t do anything. That was until you held me.”
Karn thought back, remembering the first time he saw the rock glow. It only glowed in his hands.
“It never happened while Theo held the stone.” He sheepishly winced hoping that he didn’t offend the creature. “I mean held you. Wait. You moved when I wasn’t even holding you.”
“True enough. I am no expert in fleshling magic, but I imagine your power had a lingering effect on me, like you said, charging a battery. Just like that book strapped to your back.”
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Karn smiled, finding himself impressed by the rock creature’s knowledge of earth.
“And the first time you spoke was when you touched the book,” Karn added.
Alec laughed, “While you maybe a spark of power, the book is like the sun. I believe that most fleshlings have a sort of spark of power within them, some more than others. Theo unfortunately had little to spare.”
Karn nodded trying to make sense of it.
“Theo should’ve told you all of this. I don’t suppose he explained much of this magic to you?”
Karn shook his head. “He spent most of his time training me in practical skills like shooting, fishing, archery, fencing, and swimming. I mean, I know how to read and write, and maths and stuff from school.”
“Practical? At least you practised swordcraft.” The creature's arms flew up frustration. “What about warfare? Statecraft? Magic?” Alec sighed, sounding defeated. “Magic isn’t merely a practical skill.” He clambered across Karns' shoulder and unclasped the strap of the backpack, swinging it off Karns’ body and forcing him to stop. “Pull out the book.”
Karn went to one knee and opened the bag, taking the book out and found a flat spot between the long grass to sit while Alec settled before him.
“Now. I don’t fully understand fleshling magic and I am certainly not equipped to train you in the finer points, but I can tell you what I do know. If it's raw magic, I still know a little that could be of help.”
Karn looked up expectantly. “Should I close my eyes or something? Centre myself?”
“No, you pudding head.” Alec let out a howl of laughter. “That's called sleeping, not magic.” He placed a small stony hand over Karns, guiding it to the surface of the book then explained, “when Hornbare was destroyed, this book somehow sucked in a lot of this world's power. An ocean of energy is now trapped within its pages. The power inside is immense and only someone who is in tune with it can access it without instant death.”
A shiver ran down Karn's spine. “I don’t want to open this thing,” he said shakily. “The last time I did, it nearly burned me alive.”
Alec shook his head. “Don’t worry. You won’t need to open it. The book itself is leaking so much power that you may be able to direct the magic without opening it.”
He thought back to when he hit the Reaper with the closed book then let out a pent-up breath.
“Even so, I wouldn’t know how to instruct you on what’s inside. Now let's try focusing on that raw power. First, place one hand on the book and another towards that large bush over there. This way, you will act like a conduit for the leaking power. Okay, good. Now draw your mind to the book.”
Karn concentrated. He focused on the physical feeling of his hand upon the leather of the book, extending his focus through his skin and towards the bush. Energy erupted from the book, coursing through Karn's limbs with an intensity he couldn't contain. The raw power was overwhelming.
BOOM!
Karn's eyes briefly locked onto Alec just before a powerful force sent him flying, churning up dirt, dust, and grass in its wake. Quickly releasing his grip on the book, the chaotic whirlwind ceased almost as abruptly as it began. A short distance away, under a mound of upturned grass and soil, a subtle movement hinted at Alec's presence.
Shaking himself loose, Alec stood, pulling strands of grass from between his joints. “What was that? I said concentrate on that bush, not on everything around you.” He said, approaching the remorseful figure of Karn.
“Uhhh… But I did. Sorry?...Maybe let’s not do that again,” Karn said. “This seems way too dangerous to train with.”
Alec muttered to himself. “So much power and no control.” His eyes glowed suddenly in a blue flash of light. “I underestimated how much power is leaking.”
Karn looked at the book as if it were a nuclear bomb.
“Until you can control the magic. I think it best that we take precautions before we try that again.”
“Stand back next time?” Karn asked.
“Ha, ha.” Alec said flatly.
Karn considered a moment. “So magic is like raw explosions and stuff?”
Alec's brow furrowed in concern. "You've yet to grasp the true essence of magic," he began. "Without it, beings like me wouldn't even exist. Magic is not just a tool or a trick; it's the foundational force that sustains all life here. It's woven into the very fabric of our reality. The power sealed within that book holds a piece of that reality captive, granting its wielder unparalleled control over life's myriad phenomena."
Karn raised an eyebrow. "But I thought you said you’re not being familiar with fleshling magic?"
Alec nodded slightly. "That's true. My understanding is limited to what I've observed, primarily from your father."
A swift motion in the bushes abruptly interrupted their conversation. Something, moving with astonishing speed, darted from the undergrowth. Before Karn could even react, a blur of golden-brown fur, bristling with teeth and fangs, lunged at him, knocking him forcefully to the ground.
“Ah!” Karn shouted.
Karn looked up and found himself looking directly into the salivating jaws of a fully armoured Lioness. The monster’s clothing seemed human. A tunic of leather and gold covered its chest, and a sword hung at the belt at its waist.
Pinned beneath the creature, Karn's gaze locked onto the creature's pale, curved horns. As its jaws descended, a fatal bite imminent, Alec's voice rang out, sharp and commanding.
“STAND DOWN, FELDREKEN!”
Instantly, the beast hesitated, looking up. Karn felt the press of its sharp claws on his shoulders, but they didn't release him. The lioness, now with a hint of humanity in her eyes, began to speak with a growl. “Who do you think y-” She stopped mid-sentence, a look of genuine surprise contorting her ferocious features.
“How is this possible?” she whispered, her claws morphing into delicate fingers. Karn found himself looking into the face of a human woman.
Shifting uncomfortably under her gaze, Karn turned away, trying to avoid the intense scrutiny of the woman now sitting atop him. She, however, only had eyes for Alec.
Alec's expression was stern. “Identify yourself. Your company, your legion!”
The woman, still clearly taken aback, responded, “I've heard tales of Elementlets, but never believed them...” She lowered herself into a respectful position, bowing her head. “Feldreken? I’m Felren! What do you know... of my tribe?”
Alec's brow furrowed. “Felren? From a tribe?” He paused, clearly trying to make sense of things. “What's on Ren Daral is going on?”
She looked taken aback. “Who are you?”
Before she could press further, Karn managed to scramble to his feet, interposing himself between Alec and the woman.
“Hold on,” Karn interjected, extending a hand toward her. “I'm Karn. Clearly, there's been a misunderstanding here. Perhaps we could start over?”
The woman Alec called a Feldreken knocked his hand aside. “The name’s Lyra. Tell your Elementlet to answer my questions first. This is Felren territory, as such, you are either prisoners,” she paused glaring at Karn. She flashed a smirk, exposing a pair of long, inhuman canines. “Or food.”
If it were possible for a pile of rocks to look both angry and shocked, Alec would have been so. As it was, steam sprayed from every joint as the tiny formation of rocks clattered together in an odd buzz of rage. “Have the Feldreken mutinied? Since when did the Royal Guard threaten innocent travellers and lie about cannibalism?” The elementlet roared.
Karn frowned. Seeing that Alec was going to continue in this way unless something changed. “Alec, please answer her.” Karn requested of his new tutor. “Remember why we came this way? It wasn’t to argue with the first person we met.”
Alec grumbled about "discipline" and "lions," trying to rein in his emotions. "Look, as you can see, I am an Elementlet. And you, Feldreken, are a servant of the King..."
A sudden growl escaped Lyra’s throat at the mention of the king. The woman, mid-air, transformed into a horned lioness. She darted at him; claws bared. Before he could react, he was pinned to the ground once more, the deadly claw just inches from his throat.
With unexpected strength, Alec jumped in. His stone-like arm pushed the lioness away from Karn, while his other hand redirected the impending danger. Watching Alec's display of power felt like seeing an ant lift an entire hill. But just as swiftly, Alec's energy seemed to wane. His glowing heart stone dimmed, and his form appeared smaller.
The energy he had drawn from the book was rapidly depleting.
A few feet away, the lioness shifted back into her human form, clearly bewildered. As she rose, her hand moved instinctively to her sword's hilt. Karn, sensing danger, pulled himself further away.
A palpable tension filled the air, the standoff evident in their locked gazes. The woman, teeth bared, growled, "You serve King Lorthac? That madman?"
Karn, trying to keep his distance, questioned, "Who's King Lorthac?"
The woman paused, her aggression lessening slightly at Karn's genuine confusion.
Alec, equally puzzled, replied, "I serve King BalDrakkus. I don’t know this King Lorthac you speak of. Where is his kingdom?"
The woman's eyes widened, "King BalDrakkus? But he died… Hundreds of years ago. King Lorthac now rules Brancourt."
Alec's composure faltered; the weight of this revelation evident on his face. “What year is it?”
Lyra gazed at the bewildered rock elementlet and spoke with caution, "986 A.C."
Alec, despite being a rock, managed to gasp.