“I had Saryn venture forth to the old temple of our people long since abandoned,” Vel’dryn’s previous comment replayed in his mind as Saryn made his way to the lab to grab his weapons, he muttered aloud, “What does my people’s history have to do with this curse?”
As he opened the door to the lab, he found Selene reading from a grimoire that belonged to her father.
"Selene, are you ready to leave?" Saryn asked.
"Ready to leave for what?" Selene responded as she began to look up at Saryn with a puzzled look.
"I may need your help at the Ruins of Var’dryn plus you’ll be able to see what I do once the initiates are ready to join our guild,” Saryn said, going over to his desk, grabbing a couple of vials. “You could possibly learn more about our ancient heritage and there might be something magical there that we might not be able to sense."
"You really mean that?” Selene said with excitement, looking upon him. “I've only read the lore about those ruins."
"I'd bring anything with you that you may need,” Saryn responded. “Meet me outside in five minutes."
"If you'll wait, I'll be quick about it plus it'll give me time to ask a few questions," Selene said as she packed up a few of her possessions with haste.
"Alright, just make it quick,” Saryn responded, leaning against the desk, crossing his arms. “What would you like to know?"
"Well, first off,” Selene said, continuing to pack. “How do you know when someone is ready?"
"Well, when our people are around sixty years of age, they have enough knowledge to go through the trials. There are ten trials that they must complete to prove that they have retained all of the information that has been provided to them. Each trial is different depending on the situation, but they are performed the same way,” Saryn said. “For example, we test them on their knowledge of the weapons, how to obtain secret information, the history of our people's involvement in regaining the kingdom, etcetera. All of this information is secret before they enter and we weed out the ones who would threaten the guild's secrets."
"Wow, that's a lot,” Selene said as she finished packing her things. “Is there anything that you could tell me?"
" ."
"Alright. Well, I plan on holding you to that,” Selene said as she grabbed her things, walking up to Saryn. “I’m ready to go."
Saryn and Selene walk out as he closed the door behind them. They walk up the stairwell and open the door to the Eastern Wing. As they open the door, they see Beleryn waiting on them.
"Beleryn, are you ready to go?" Saryn said, walking towards the Main Hall. "By the way, Selene is coming with us. I have a feeling that her skills will be required."
"I'm ready to go. I’ll finish it on the way,” Beleryn said, going through the list, jotting down notes. His expression turned for the worst as he continued further.
"Is everything okay, Beleryn?" Saryn said as he noticed his friend’s expression out of the corner of his eye, turning his head toward him.
"Yeah I'm fine, the list just seems longer than usual,” Beleryn said as he continued to flip through the pages. “I've spent hours going through the list trying to find the anomalies in it because the names on here can't be right."
"Let me see it," Saryn responded curiously.
"Here, let me show you," Beleryn said as he handed Saryn the list and began to explain the issues. "See Val'nyr, he failed the last test due to lack of knowledge."
"Hmm, that is weird," Saryn said as he pondered the reasons why Val’nyr would be on the list.
"Right, he's not the only one,” Beleryn said with a worried expression on his face. “El'drya, Shur'riya, Tar'vyn are just only a few out of ten names on the list, that's the anomaly."
"Well, we will get to the bottom of this when we get to the Guildhall," Saryn said as he gives the list back to Beleryn. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention.”
Saryn, Selene, and Beleryn walked outside and were met by the sun's piercing light. They wound past the inner-city gates, and down a long path to a large wooden building atop a hill where several dark elves with longbows were firing at targets lined up against a wall that surrounded the yard at the bottom of the hill, as another elf shouted commands.
Without a second glance, Saryn walked up to the building’s main doors, a large tree engraved across them, and entered to find the room filled. The elves were dressed similarly, but the color of their cloak’s clasp separated each of them. They lounged about, talking and laughing amongst themselves.
As the door shut loudly behind them, several elves looked toward it, instantly straightening in their seats at the sight of Saryn. Melin’dra took notice of them, running up to Saryn, giving him a note.
“Here are the results from the initiate’s final test from last night,” Melin’dra said with a smile.
"Thank you, Mel. May I have Master Rav’vys, Master Uthril, Master Darilla, and Master Talena come see me in my office,” Saryn said. With that, Saryn turned on his heel and headed to his office, Beleryn and Selene following close behind him. A feeling of sadness forced its display upon his face as he opened the door. Inside Saryn's large office was a large map of Talim'dryl that was a gift from his mother shortly before her untimely death ten years ago. Various items lay on shelves, and a large desk. He walked over to shelves, peering at all of the items he acquired his successful jobs over the years from across the continent.
“What has happened to our people?” Saryn said with great disdain.
“Our guild has forgotten our history,” Beleryn replied. “They hear of our accomplishments and that’s all they know. They forget what you had to sacrifice to get where you and I are today.”
“Maybe you’re right, Bel,” he said.
“I know I am,” Beleryn said as he moved over to Saryn. “Take a look at this boar tusk. Tell me how you acquired it.”
“I acquired it from the boar, who was rampaging throughout the mountains of Dhon Varlorn, slaying the dwarven people,” Saryn said as he picked up the ivory tusk off of the shelf. “I put him down for the sake of all dwarf's existence.”
“Exactly, that is just one of many accomplishments that you and I have done for not only the people of Dir’lunde, but also for our people,” Beleryn said as they heard a knock at the door.
“Come in,” Saryn said as he placed the tusk back where a dust ring now stood in an empty slot.
Four dark elves make their way into the room as they took notice of Selene. An older Dark Elf male with a goatee shut the door before heading over to the wall next to the door, leaning backwards into it. He crossed his arms as he placed the sole of his black boot against the wooden wall.
“Now, I have called all of you in here for a specific reason. I would like for someone to tell me the reason why failed initiates are going in for their final trials when they didn’t pass their previous ones,” Saryn said as he turned around to view the black cloaked elves with a blue clasp. He notices the older dark elf with a goatee resting against the corner of the room. “Let's start with Val’nyr. Rav'vys, care to shed some light on this?"
"His case was an exception,” Rav'vys said sharply. “I felt like he passed his third trial even though he missed it by a hair."
Saryn’s eyebrows raised as if Rav’vys had no respect for him as his superior. "So, what you're telling me is that I need to re-evaluate the brutality of these trials? They were created to be harsh for a reason. This is nothing new to any of us. We have all been where these initiates are right now,” Saryn said as he crossed his arms in discontent. “So, tell me how we should make these trials better than what has been done for a millennium? I’m willing to listen to other ideas."
"We just thought that maybe a little change to the trial's pass rate could be considered,” Rav'vys responded tactfully as he pushed himself off of the wall. “We are having a hard time keeping people here because the grading system is unfair especially when it comes to the third trial. This younger generation didn’t have to endure the aftermath of the invasion.”
“Master Talena, how do you feel about El’drya and Shur’riya?” Saryn said as he looked over to the white-haired female.
“I feel like they have a good head on their shoulders,” the female said. “They just need more guidance especially from the Grandmaster. These initiates respect you as do we. We feel like even though you’re here physically, your mind is off somewhere else.”
As he lets out a sigh as he walked over to the front of the desk then sat down onto it, he said, “One day, my father will have to step down as king and I will have to take his place. I have been prepping Master Beleryn to take my place as the Grandmaster. He will need a viable replacement once he takes over. Master level four is not easily obtainable. Beleryn can tell you how hard he worked and how hard I pushed him to get where he is at now,” Saryn said calmly.
“Selene, we’ve known each other a long time,” Saryn said as he turned his head towards her direction. “Can you give me some insight on this issue?”
“You brought me to observe, but what I will say is that everyone deserves a second chance, don’t they?” Selene responded.
With much internal deliberation, Saryn comes to his final decision, letting out a sigh then said, "So, I will be changing some of the grading to make it a little easier, but they will still be grueling. If I were to alter too much, they won’t realize how they’ve grown and matured. I will allow all of them to complete the final trial. If you are confident that they are ready, tell me right now. Otherwise, I have candidates who are capable right now to complete this task."
"I have confidence that Val'nyr is ready,” Rav'vys said boldly. “He is ready for whatever you have for him."
All of the other masters gave their vote of confidence on their initiates by nodding their heads.
"I'll give them a second chance to pass to become full members of the guild,” Saryn said as he stood up. “All of you are dismissed."
The masters leave the room as the last one shuts the door. Saryn placed his hands on his face as Beleryn placed his hand on Saryn's shoulder.
"Beleryn, what is going on with our people today? It's like hard work and perseverance is no longer sought after,” he said. “As leadership as a whole are we failing them? What is your logic on this?"
"I feel like certain leaders favor some initiates over others. You did with me and I know that I have made you proud,” Beleryn said confidently. “I also think they are onto something with the grading system. We need more people in our ranks, but we also can’t just let anyone in."
A thought crossed her mind as she said eagerly, “Love, think about it. If Talimdryl was safer than Brehling, we would see more and more people flock here to stay.”
“What do you mean? We are pretty safe from what I’ve seen,” Saryn said contently.
“Yes, but the Invasion of Talimdryl sparked rumors that this city is very risky to live in,” Selene said. “If we extended Talimdryl’s walls out further, we would be able to offer more living and more security. More forces from the guild would mean better security especially if Vyr’kas has changed.”
"You may be onto something, Selene. However, I feel father has become comfortable with the way things are and probably will not want change. I appreciate both of your wisdom." Saryn said, standing up, walking towards the door. "Let's get them ready to go."
Saryn opened the door, walking towards the center of the room, he began to speak to the congregation.
"It has come to my attention that our values are lacking to be instilled and I apologize for that. From now on, the grading system will be slightly changed. Knowledge of weaponry, as well as expertise and mastery, will be the first trial. You will have to pass with seven out of ten instead of nine out of mastery; History of the guild as well as knowledge of mind and body will be the second trial. In order to pass this, two tests will be completed; first one is the History of the Guild and why it was founded. The grade to pass this part will be eighty-five percent. Second one will be unlike anything we have ever done before. An obstacle course to test the initiates mind and body. This course must be completed within fifteen minutes. Forgery, lock picking, and stealth will be under the third trial. The grade to pass this trial will be seven out of ten for each skill. The final trial will encompass all three trials. A score of eight-five percent must have been achieved after everything is tallied up,” Saryn said, commanding the room. “You are only obligated to complete the trials you have not passed, in addition to the final trial. That means, if you’ve passed the first trial already, you will only need to do the second, third, and final. Seek help if you need it. That is what we as masters are here for. Am I being clear?"
"Yes, sir," Everyone shouted in unison as they salute him.
"I want everyone to know that we are the elite force here in the city, assassins and rangers alike. We are the force that puts the fear in the hearts of our enemies. The soldiers out front is just a tenth of what we are, which is why we are so revered," Saryn said as he tried to motivate the congregation. "Now, my brother will say that the Talimdryl Army is the only force strong enough to take care of threats, but what is the real answer?" Saryn said as he chuckled.
As one, all in the room stood and recited, "We are the elite: phantom and shadow alike. No other force is like ours. We are vigilant and we will not cower to our enemies who seek to destroy our way of life. Talimdryl is strong because we are strong; not only in numbers but also, in our hearts."
"Yes! Now that is what I'm talking about,” Saryn said as he clapped for the mass. Beleryn nudges him a bit on the shoulder. “Take a short break, I will be right back."
Saryn quickly moved back to his office. Beleryn and Selene follow him in.
"Well, at least you got them motivated. Let’s just hope the Ruins of Var’dryn can be suited for these final trials,” Beleryn said, concern growing in his voice. “However, I have a bad feeling something is terribly wrong."
"Then we must prepare for the worst,” Saryn responded to his troubled friend as he moved over to his desk, pulling out a rabbit’s foot. “Stay on your guard if anything happens and that goes for you as well, Selene."
"I understand," Both responded to Saryn's warning.
Saryn opened the door, letting the two out before closing the door. The trio walked back up to the congregation.
"The final trial will begin soon for those interested in taking it," Saryn said as he stood with his hands placed at the small of his back. “If you are not taking the trial right now, please return to your studies," Saryn said as he dismissed the initiates. "That includes the masters as well."
"But it has always been a tradition for the masters to attend the final trials with their initiates," Rav'vys said, his tone outraged.
"You will watch your tone especially to your Grandmaster. If you cannot find the appropriate respect, I will find a different use for you somewhere else!" Saryn said, snapping at Master Rav'vys for his rude behavior. "I will be grading these initiates who have failed their trials and ensuring they are ready for the guild. All masters except Beleryn and I will be staying here,” Saryn said sternly as everyone listened intently except Master Rav'vys, who can be seen standing in discontent with his arms crossed.
“I know all masters want their pupils to ascend as a full-fledged member of the guild,” Rav’vys said, conspiring others to join his movement.
“Okay, let’s talk about Val’nyr, the pupil that you favor so much. The same one you vouched would be good for our guild. Let’s see how he did on his third trial,” Saryn retorted, grabbing the board from Beleryn. “So, how did he do? Forgery, he got a grade of seven out of ten because he lacked the ability to properly forge a signature, but he got everything else right; Locking, six out of ten because he broke his key into a chest then got captured by a guard, which in turn failed him on stealth. This tells me that either he has someone training him poorly or he can’t grasp the concepts and must retrain. This is why I’m seeing to his final test personally.”
Faint sounds of murmuring can be heard as both masters bicker between one another.
“He was given an impossible mission. Worse than any other initiate here,” Rav’vys retorted. “All of the cards were stacked against him.”
“He is treated the same as everyone else here,” Saryn shouted. “Do you think I would not give these newcomers difficult missions? Or do I need to go through my own personal stories about how I bested my opponents due to my training here? Let’s talk about my training here when I joined. I was beaten and flogged for not passing stealth and forgery! I was like Val’nyr in a way, but I didn’t get special treatment for not passing once. My late mother and Selene tended to my wounds every night for thirty nights until I was able to perfect them both and that was almost forty years ago. I still have the scars to prove what I had to go through. Then I challenged the Grandmaster for the right to lead these people. You above anyone here should know what it’s like to be in this position as you were the previous Grandmaster.”
“I... I... That doesn’t mean that times are changing in the way we bring in members,” Rav’vys said as he cowered.
Leaning into Master Rav’vys, Saryn whispered, "If you don't like how I’m running things around here, you could always challenge me for the position if you feel up to it or you can stop acting like a child."
Saryn's last comment pissed off Master Rav'vys as he stormed off towards the outside entrance.
“Rav...” Saryn shouted.
“Let him cool off Saryn,” Selene quietly said as she grabbed his arm. “He’s more embarrassed then anything. Give him a chance to cool off.”
“You’re always my voice of reason,” Saryn said. “What would I do without you?”
“Not a whole lot,” Selene replied lightly with a smile. “Come on, let’s get back to the task at hand.”
“I agree,” Beleryn replied.
Saryn nodded as he turned around to face the congregation.
"Good, then we will get the final trials underway. If you will follow me, I will take you where you will need to go. Oh, Val'nyr, I want you to take in what I haven’t spoken to anyone about. You will also be temporarily assigned to Master Beleryn until Rav’vys can find a way to apologize for rude and disrespectful behavior," Saryn said with a smirk as he walked the initiates out of the building, placing a hand on the closing door, preventing it from closing. "Make sure you are ready to go today as I will be testing when we get back," Saryn shouted as he hears people scrambling to their studies like roaches in the light as they leave the guildhall.
Master Rav’vys can be seen pacing back and forth, muttering madly to himself as he’s seething with hatred. He looked up from his frantic rant, moving drastically toward Saryn.
Practically shaking in anger, Rav’vys said, "I won't forget this humiliation. I swear that I'll..."
Before the man could finish his sentence, Saryn’s hand shot out and grabbed his throat.
With a hard squeeze, Saryn said, "I dare you to finish what you were about to say. Get yourself under control or I'll have your tongue. You should tread carefully about your next word," Saryn said, glaring at Master Rav'vys, removing his hand from his throat as he made his point.
Realizing that he embarrassed himself, Rav’vys scurried back into the hall. Saryn shook his head and proceeding onward to the outer-city gates, others following behind him.
"Word spreads about some yelling over at the Guildhall?” A female voice comes out of the shadows. “Is everything under control?"
"Lieutenant Tal'anna, it's nice to see you again and yes, everything is under control. Just some people can’t take loss of a position well,” Saryn said. “Hope all is well with you."
"Rav’vys again? What’s new? Well, everything is grand and it’s going to be silent for the next week since we're not expecting any travelers. So, you know just usual daily routine," Lieutenant Tal'anna said. "Oh, hey I forgot to tell you, I'm being considered for the rank of Knight-Lieutenant. So, I'll be guarding the inner-city gates when that happens."
With a hug and dance, Selene said giddily, “That’s great news! We would get to see more of you."
“I know and I grow weary of being stationed at the Outer-city Gates,” Tal’anna said as she giddily danced with Selene.
"I'm very proud of you,” Saryn responded warmly. “Selene and I will be well protected at night knowing that you will be there.”
With a respectful bow, Tal’anna said "Thank you, my lord. I appreciate the vote of confidence. So, are you all headed out for the final tests?”
"Yes, we are actually waiting for three more to meet us here but they should have already arrived," Saryn said he noticed the positioning of the sun. Moments later, they hear the steps of armor clanking against the stone path in unison.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
"We were set behind schedule a bit. Someone came into our room last night and took all of our stuff, we ended up finding them in the armory, but we didn't have time to go to town to pick up supplies like we wanted to,” Sir Gregory said worriedly. “Someone in the castle doesn't want us snooping into the ruins and they left this."
Sir Gregory holds a torn piece of silk fabric.
Saryn grabbed the fabric and examined it before saying, “Hmm, that's very weird.” “I’ll have it checked out when we get back,” Saryn showed the fabric to Beleryn and Selene. They looked at each other with a surprised look. “Well, are you ready to go?
With a crack of his neck on each side, Sir Gregory said, “We are more than ready. Let's get this underway.”
The group plus the fifteen initiates set out on their journey, walking down the dirt path towards the base of the hill.
"How far is it from the city?" Sir Gregory inquired.
"It's about five miles from here," Saryn replied.
"Good, then we should make it there within half an hour if we keep up a good pace," Sir Gregory said as he began to walk quickly through the hills.
"You never cease to amaze me! This kind of pace in armor at your age," Saryn said as his astonishment changes to a chuckle.
"Well, when you have these two to keep up with you have to stay in shape,” Sir Gregory said, turning around to face Saryn as he laughed, patting the Drakkons on the shoulder. “Hope you will be able to."
Saryn and the others begin to move at their speed. After twenty-five minutes they slow it down a bit.
***
"We are about five minutes out from the ruins," Saryn said as he turned his attention over to Sir Gregory. "How are all of you doing so far?" Saryn said as he looked back to see some of the initiates falling back a bit. "Where's Selene?" Saryn said as he doesn't see her in the light then hears a familiar female voice coming from behind him.
"She's beating your slow ass like she did when you both were kids," Selene said as she laughed, passing him. She turned around and forced her tongue through her closed lips.
"Now that is a matter of who you ask and now you mock me. Let’s go, Selene," Saryn said, smiling and chuckling at the same time. "Let's go, boys and girls, stay with us or do we need to go over Knowledge of Mind and Body again," Saryn said while trying to uphold a serious tone through his smile as if he formalities became non-existent in that brief moment.
Groans come from the initiates who were falling behind as they wearily pick up the pace in order to catch back up to the group. After about twenty-five more minutes of running, they arrive at a large, degrading temple. The foundation beams are still holding the temple ruins intact. Selene slides to a sudden stop. She looked upon the temple, picturing what the ruins would have looked like. Everyone else slowed down their speed.
"Initiates, I need you to surround the temple,” Saryn said commandingly as he sets up the perimeter. “Find some clues that can tell us what this place used to be or what we can learn about it."
With a sudden move over to him, she inquired in amazement, “Saryn, what did this place used to be?”
“My father told me that two-thousand years ago this place was where my grandfather and his subjects would perform different rituals upon them and our land,” Saryn said as viewed upon the ritual then whispered, “Our wealth is tied to that ritual which is a family secret.”
“Do you think that may have forced Mirla to attack the city?” Selene inquired.
“What do you mean?” Saryn replied.
“Think about it, dear,” Selene said in a whisper. “If rituals were performed there that would mean if she held Talimdryl, she too would hold everything that came with the land including the rituals.”
“She would have to hold the throne,” Saryn said. “That is a theory. However, the only problem is that it is tied to the blood of Thur’ryndil.”
“That does change things especially if blood magic was used,” Selene said.
“Blood magic?” Saryn asked.
“Yes, blood magic,” Selene said. “It is one of the darkest forms of magic. It is forbidden because it violates the most natural element tied to all land.”
“Which is what?” Saryn said in a worried tone.
“Life itself,” Selene responded. “Life is the universal energy that moves everything. It allows water to quench all creatures’ thirst. Fire to give us heat to warm our bodies. The sun helps create new life for plants, which we use to give us sustenance. I could go on and on about this. This is what we learn in the basic aspects of magic. Death is just the polar opposite of life; where life is taken away to give way to new life. It is very natural, but using blood magic to manipulate aspects of life can have irreparable consequences.”
“Father never taught me that,” Saryn said worriedly. “How come you never told me about blood magic?”
“That was the book I was reading when you came to get me this morning. It’s about Curses and Hexes. Blood magic is a curse that lets the user to either cast a spell on them or on someone else with the use of the user’s blood. Its use has perverted the reason why we have magic,” Selene replied. “Your grandfather’s actions could have severed magical ties to future generations.”
“Father, knows this to be true,” Saryn replied. “However, it’s easier to tell people that our family comes from a warrior bloodline than reveal the fact that his father was a maniacal mage bent on increasing his power over his domain.”
Saryn noticed hurried footsteps at the corner of his eye. All of the initiates come back. Some with excited faces while others like Val’nyr are disappointed.
As she noticed the initiates, she said, “We can talk more about it later if you wish.”
“I would love that very much,” Saryn responded.
"I found a small entrance that leads to a lower section of the temple. The possible chance of a getaway in case anything happened," Shur'riya said.
"Good job, any possible chances of escape are always something that we look for,” Saryn said as he looked onto everyone else. “Did anyone else find anything?"
"I found this scroll hidden away in someone's remains," Tar'vyn said as he handed the scroll to Saryn.
"Excellent, let's take a look," Saryn said as peered upon at the scroll. "Wow, this is not just any old scroll. This is the map to the temple itself. Did you notice anything else about the corpse that could identify who it might be or might have been?" Saryn said as he's astonished by the find.
"I didn't find anything on the body except the scroll. It was as if someone planted it," Tar'vyn said as he knew exactly what was going on. "The guild staged this, didn't they?"
"You are very wise beyond your years. Yes, we did, but it was your perception and knowledge that led to your find. We must always find intel before we take action. It allows us to stay several steps ahead of the enemy. We bring the surprise to them, not the other way around. Think of it as controlling the outcome of the battle," Saryn said as he began to teach the young dark elves. "Now let's head inside and see what else you find. Always remember your training."
The whole group headed into the temple. Sir Gregory took his flint, lighting the torch but realized that he is the only one doing so.
"I totally forgot that all of you could see in the dark. What a bummer. I'm going to stick out like a sore thumb," Sir Gregory said as he moved to the back of the group. "I will let all of you lead on, I'll stay in the back with Selene.
Everyone began to move swiftly and silently. Bavarax stepped on a pressure plate tile and the sounding of mechanical gears began to spin then several arrows fly. The elves dodge the arrows at the last second as they end their flight into the shield.
"Be careful where you step, brother. You always were bad at places that were trapped," Narziros laughed as he punched Bavarax in the shoulder, who can be seen looking upon the shield with content. Bavarax nodded as he began to laugh.
"We are no good here, we will stay behind and cover for all of you," Bavarax said.
"Just follow where we step,” Selene said.
Selene and Sir Gregory caught up to Saryn and the rest as quietly as they could. Bavarax and Narziros followed them as they watch Selene and Sir Gregory placing their feet on select tiles. As they moved closer to the group, they see the group crowding around a large round door. The door seems to be surrounded by writing with a glyph on top.
"This is in old elvish,” El'drya said out loud as she examined the door. “I can barely understand what it says."
"Indeed, it is. From time to time we come across languages that we don't understand. We must take the time to learn all the languages we can," Saryn said as he touched his hand upon the glyphs.
"I really don't see the point,” Val'nyr retorted. “All we need to do is get in and get out."
"Okay, can anyone explain to me why we must learn all languages that we can?" Saryn said as he redirected Val'nyr's comment.
"We must learn all languages so that way we may be able to access certain places that we typically would not be able to access in order to be successful in our mission," El'drya answered.
"Excellent answer," Saryn said with praise as Val'nyr crossed his arms. "Now, these inscriptions around the door are known as glyphs. They are the magical force that powers certain types of doors. Everyone used to possess certain types of magic and everyone lived in harmony..." Saryn said as he became interrupted.
"Until a human wizard known as Zineus corrupted his soul by delving into the arts of Black Magic. To this day, people believe that his followers are trying to resurrect him," Selene said as she moved towards the door to inspect it. "I comprehend what this is saying. To find what you seek, you must provide the answer to my riddle. A valuable resource that many people use but tend to waste frequently. What am I?" Selene said as she pondered on the answer.
"I have the answer!" Tar'vyn said in excitement. “Time.”
Everyone began to look at the door in excitement and cheered for Tar'vyn but there's no budge at that door. Tar'vyn's excited expression swiftly shifted in the opposite direction. A sound of gears pulsated throughout the walls as it began to close in. The initiates begin to panic.
"Amóra!" She said hurriedly in her ancient tongue.
The mechanical gears began to slow down then stop preventing the walls from closing in. The glyph on the door lights up brightly and the door slowly opened.
With a hint of excitement in her voice, she said as she smiled at the young dark elf, "You were right Tar'vyn, you just had to say it in ancient elvish."
"As you can see, studying languages has its perks. It could mean life or death. I'm still learning our old language," Saryn said as he smiled at Selene, mouthing a thank you to her. "Now, let's press onward."
As the group pressed on, they enter an enormous room. Torches along the sides of the wall begin to light up in succession. There are three elaborate stone sarcophagi inlaid with gold towards the far end of the room with a pedestal sitting on an elevated platform. A cornucopia of Coves lie within the walls of this room each one containing a sarcophagus inside it. The group carefully moved towards the pedestal resting upon a dais. Once they arrived at their destination, Saryn turned around and looked upon Sir Gregory.
"That pedestal is where I retrieved the book," Saryn said as he pointed at the pedestal.
"Did you read the book?" Sir Gregory said inquisitively.
"No, I was informed not to read it," Saryn said with a puzzled look.
"That's what I was afraid of," Sir Gregory said worriedly. "Narziros, I'm going to need you to cast a curse removal on the book.”
"You think the book is cursed?" Narziros said with a puzzled look.
"Unfortunately, yes,” Sir Gregory said worriedly. “I know this room looks like an average tomb, but with the book back in the vicinity of the pedestal the energy in this room seems a bit off."
Narziros closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "I can feel a very faint touch of darkness within this book. Nice find Sir Gregory, seems like you’re teaching me a thing or two,” He said as he opened his eyes. “Let's see what I can do."
"Saryn, since you were the one who took the book from the pedestal, I'll need you to put it back," Sir Gregory said, curiously waiting to see what happens. "Narziros, go ahead and cast that removal.”
Narziros grabbed his holy relic, starting to recite an incantation in Drakkonian then placed it on the book. As he finished his incantation, he lifted the relic off of the book. "There that should do it."
"Alright, let's return this book to its rightful place," Saryn said as he walked up to the pedestal and cautiously placing the book back in its original spot.
The orb around her neck began to glow with a bright red hue. Selene looked down and realized that this was a trap laid for him.
“Saryn, wait!” Selene exclaimed. “It’s a trap! Move away from the pedestal.”
“Huh?” Saryn said as he turned around to look upon Selene, her voice becoming muffled to him.
As Saryn placed the book onto the pedestal, he is lifted into the air; his head looking up at the ceiling as his arms began to struggle. The sight of the levitation left a horrific expression on everyone's faces. Saryn turned around to look at everyone. His eyes look as if darkness covered it with smoke protruding from them.
"Fools! Do you think that your puny magic could rip the curse that I had laid upon this dreadful book,” Saryn said with a deep, guttural voice, his eyes glaring down upon the rest of the group.
"Who are you?" Sir Gregory shouted.
"I am one of many names. The great eradicator...but most people know me as the infamous Zineus the wizard, who achieved more than anyone ever thought possible and now, with your friend's body, I shall live again!" Saryn said with a fiendish voice.
"No!" Selene said as she pointed her staff towards Saryn, a tear falling from her eye.
"Selene, don't do it,” Sir Gregory said as he lowered her staff. “I understand the amount of pain you must feel, but Saryn is still in there. If you kill him, you'll also kill the only chance of saving him from Zineus."
"He may still be here but he won't be for long. The transformation is almost complete," Zineus said as he turned around to the sarcophagi chanting in an ancient human language. "Rise, my minions. Rise from your graves and kill these non-believers." Zineus said as Saryn turned around and pointed towards the group. The lids to the sarcophagi begin to slide off.
"Retreat, we can't face him now," Sir Gregory said to the group as he began to run towards.
With a wave of his hand, he forced the doors to shut, Zineus said as he laughed maniacally, “No one is going anywhere. Your souls are the final ingredient to my transformation. Go forth, my minions! Kill them!"
"I guess we stand and fight. Everyone ready your weapons!" Sir Gregory said to the group.
"The initiates are not even remotely ready for this!" Beleryn said to Sir Gregory as he draws his bow, knocking an arrow.
"Well, Beleryn. There's no way out of this. They are going to have to be," Sir Gregory said as he unsheathed his claymore from his back.
Everyone began to unsheathe their weapons, moving them to the readied position. Bavarax roared as he clanked the heads of his double-headed battle axes. Narziros moved up to the forefront with his shield and war hammer. The initiates drew their daggers and bows, some with a fight in their eyes, the others quivering at the face of death. Behind Sir Gregory, Selene stood with her staff ready to cast combat spells. The snarling and the groans rang throughout the room as the skeletons poured out of their tombs, grabbing the weapons that they were buried with. The dead made haste towards the group.
"They're coming!" Beleryn said with much discomfort.
"Bavarax! Narziros! Let's take the forefront!" Sir Gregory said commandingly.
"Agreed," Bavarax and Narziros say as they nodded their heads.
As the Skeletons barrel into the group, each of the group members seamlessly take out the conjured dead.
"This is way too easy," Sir Gregory said as he began to worry about what's to come.
"Ah, you think this is way too easy. Shall I increase the difficulty?" Zineus said inquisitively as a smile formed over Saryn’s face.
Zineus’ eyes erupt with fire as he began to chant in an ancient language. The room began to shake vigorously, splitting from his location towards the door. Flames bursted out of the severed ground. Everyone moved to the side as to not fall into it.
"Let me introduce to you what we humans refer to as...Hell," Zineus said as hands began to come out of the fire.
Little tiny demons began to pour out, attacking the group.
“Ahhh!” Val’nyr screamed as razor sharp claws pierced his ankle, dropping him to the floor. “Help me! I don’t want to die.”
“Huh?” Beleryn said as he looked back.
A few of the demons grab the initiates down into the fiery hole as they bellow out in terror on the way down. With a horror washing over his face as he viewed younglings being dragged into the hole, Beleryn sprung over to save Val’nyr.
“Stay strong, you hear me,” Beleryn said. “Now, get up!”
With a gut-wrenching scream, Val’nyr said, “I’m trying, master! I can’t pull myself up.”
“Here, let me help you,” Beleryn said.
Beleryn yanked him out of the hole with all of his strength, laying Val’nyr on the ground beside him. Horror washed over his face as Beleryn noticed that half of his body has been torn to shreds and his legs no longer attached to his body.
“Master, why are you looking at me like that?” Val’nyr said painfully. “What’s wrong with me?”
“Everything is going to be okay,” Beleryn said as he knelt down, looking upon Val’nyr. “When this is all over with, we will get you to the Templar.”
“Will I be okay? Will I live?” Val’nyr said as he began to fade away.
“Yes, little one,” Beleryn said as a tear streamed down his face. “Now, sleep. You will need your strength.”
“Yes... Master,” Val’nyr said as he drew upon his last breath.
“I’m sorry, Val’nyr,” Beleryn said as his voice began to break. “I’m sorry that Saryn and I failed to protect you all.”
With the death of Val’nyr and the other students, Beleryn rose up onto his face and tried to motivate the remaining quivering initiates, "Remember your training. Remember what Saryn would say, instill fear in your enemy's hearts. It doesn’t matter what prior actions were made or what was said. If we are to die, we die together as brothers and sisters of the Shadowed Wolf’s Den. Val’nyr and the others do not die in vain!”
The Initiates look upon each other with a sense of urgency, griping their weapons tightly. A spark of motivation erupted into flames of hatred as they fiercely peered upon the incoming demons like feeble maggots. The ones with daggers dart quickly, taking quick thrusts at them. Daggers pierced the demon’s reddish-skin while one is impaled into its temple as the one’s bows pick off the rest. The ones struck, fall back down to the pit while others drop to the ground, crumbling to a pile of ash. New demons sprung out of the pit, these look different than the first wave. These had bones piercing through their skin like growths. They lifted their hands into the air, gripping the bodies of the inexperienced elves, waves of bone cracking, echoing throughout the room. The bodies of the elves drop to the floor, laying on the ground contorted. Narziros and Sir Gregory looked back at the young elves laying on the ground, their eyes become fierce as innocent life was being taken at the hands of evil.
“That...is...enough!” Narziros and Sir Gregory screamed as they both unequip their weapons and pull out their holy symbols. “An die geister tilanda undeathins, ei hinum vonda ohreinindum ehgoi Narziros kai ehgoi Sir Gregory Draconis, Afneita dval paraitithete apoti in diesem lanti. Sie werden hor eiste exorismenoi! Olafta sto, im namen von Norrinth, dem wahren kaenig ton Daekar, Afiste to fos gruber dir regieren, estiki maeta vera,” Both of them said as they utter in Druatch, raising their symbols into the air.
The demons are pulled back into the pit as walls of light emitted from the symbols, filling the room as the split ground shifted back to normal while waves of skeletons drop to the floor as the light passed through each of them.
"Nooooo!" Zineus said as he realized that his plans have failed. "You will rue the day that you have messed with the Great Zineus."
"We are not done with you! You will answer for your crimes!" Narziros and Sir Gregory snarled in tandem.
"Now, that's hilarious!" Zineus said as his possession over Saryn ends.
Saryn’s body plummeted to the ground, hitting his head on a sarcophagus on the way down, rendering him unconscious. Everyone except Beleryn rushed to his aid. Narziros and Sir Gregory place their holy symbols on Saryn, one symbol rests on his head, the other on his tandem. Selene took Saryn's hand, beginning to cry profusely. Distraught washed over Beleryn's face over the destruction that this new-found foe as he looked around the room. Beleryn knelt down to attend to the dead, shedding a tear for them. As Beleryn turned one over, their eyes began to slowly open. Beleryn's eyes widen in amazement.
"Narziros, could I get your help? We have one that's alive!" Beleryn exclaimed.
"Sir Gregory, are you fine to take over for me while I help Beleryn?" Narziros asked.
"Yes, tend to the wounded," Sir Gregory said as golden radiating light emitted from his hand onto Saryn's unconscious body.
Narziros rushed over to Beleryn. His eyes widen as Beleryn's claim has truth behind it.
"Have you checked anymore of them?" Narziros asked with excitement.
"I've only checked a couple," Beleryn responded as a thought comes to his head.
Beleryn began to check the other young elves to see if they made it, while Narziros tends to the severely wounded elf. After checking a couple of elves, he finds another one.
"El'drya, how badly are you hurt?" Beleryn said as he moves her ever so carefully.
"I can't feel my legs, Master Beleryn." El'drya informed him as she began to cry.
"I know little one. Saryn and I didn’t plan for this," Beleryn replied with much grief. "Narziros will be here in a second. Narziros, we have another one!"
Beleryn found Tar'vyn and Shur'riya in the mix of bodies. Both Shur'riya and Tar'vyn have become speechless, they want to scream in agony, but are unable to. They are relieved by the presence of Beleryn. After Narziros tended the wounded, he and Beleryn moved quickly to Saryn. His unconscious state has not subsided.
"We need to leave, we need to get him back into the infirmary and away from this place," Narziros said as he began to check Saryn's vitals. “Sir Gregory, are we done here?”
“No, that book needs to be cleansed!” Sir Gregory shouted as he sprinted toward the pedestal.
“You’re so pig-headed sometimes,” Narziros snarled. “Let’s get this over with.”
“Enough with the banter! Come, help me,” Sir Gregory said as he opened the book and placed his symbol on half of it. Black smoke began to form around him.
Narziros placed his symbol on the other half as they began to chant. Light formed on the book as the black smoke loosened its grip on Sir Gregory. The smoke retreated back into the book as it began to fade away. Light exploded out from the book, encasing the ruins.
As he let out a sigh, Sir Gregory said, “All right, this curse is no longer attached to this book.”
“Saryn is growing?!” Selene exclaimed, viewing upon Saryn’s form extending, her eyes widened.
“He is!” Beleryn said in disbelief.
“What?!” Sir Gregory said as he and Narziros ran over. Everyone astonished by the major development brewing.
“Sir Gregory, you were right,” Bavarax exclaimed. “That book is what caused his change. You said a life siphon curse?”
“Yes, unfortunately,” Sir Gregory said as he pondered. “However, since Saryn didn’t open up the book, Zineus was not able to fully take him over.”
“That black smoke was trying to cling to you when you opened it,” Narziros said.
“It would have if you had waited a little bit longer,” Sir Gregory responded.
“You ungrateful piece of …” Narziros growled as he’s interrupted.
“Okay, children that’s enough,” Selene retorted. “We have more pressing matters at hand.
"Unfortunately, we didn't bring a cart like I insisted," Beleryn said with much discomfort.
"I have a solution, but it's a lot more advanced than I have trained myself. Bring all of the wounded near us as I perform this ritual,” Selene said as she began to chant, the runes on her body and her eyes begin to glow while Beleryn, Sir Gregory, and Bavarax swiftly bring the wounded in the circle of magic that Selene is creating. “Ó Fuhl'ryn, máthair na cruinne, heyra motivele mele. Théloume na fuinneamh enérgeia tou sómatós mas apó aftí ti thési leis an bhaile, Coinnigh Talimdryl. Tha e airson ar nostru cel mai înalt, așa că este!"
A few seconds after casting, everyone in the circle began to dematerialize, disappearing from the ruins. As they re-materialized inside of the castle’s main hall, they are encountered by the king’s royal guard with swords and spears drawn on them.
“Unarm yourselves, you fools,” Vel’dryn replied. “Can’t you see that’s my son and the others? What happened to my son and these younglings?”
“Saryn was possessed by Zineus, who in turn summoned demonic creatures and the dead within the ruins,” Narziros responded.
"I have heard of this man, Zineus. He reigned terror across all of Dir'lunde over two thousand years ago. He almost completed his quest to rule the whole world, but my father drove him back and eventually killed him. He suspected that one day Zineus would return," Vel'dryn replied as terror washed over him. "Soldiers, prepare the pyre. We will give them a proper funeral. We will take my son and the wounded young to the infirmary.
"Yes, my liege," Soldiers answer the king at the stance of attention then proceeds through the entrance to the main door.
“Saryn seems a bit taller than he did earlier,” Vyr’kas inquired.
“That’s because the curse is no longer tied to him,” Selene responded.
“Interesting, how did you manage that?” Vel’dryn replied.
“Narziros and I repelled the curse from the book,” Sir Gregory said. “After the curse was broken, Selene noticed that he was growing back to that of a normal elf.”
"Narziros, can you heal Saryn? I will compensate you greatly," Vel'dryn asked as he walked over to Narziros.
"You don't have to compensate me, I do what I do because I care for people," Narziros said as he tried to ease Vel'dryn's mind. “Yes, I can heal him but I know Sir Gregory wants to help him as well.”
"Aye, I will be there to help Saryn as well as the others," Sir Gregory said his eyes fixated on the frantic king.
"Beleryn and I will be there for support, we care a lot about Saryn," Selene said to King Vel'dryn.
"Agreed. Let's go," Beleryn said with an affirmative nod, bending down to grab Saryn, throwing him over his shoulder.
Vyr'kas, Sir Gregory, Selene, Vel'dryn, Bavarax, and Narziros each carefully carry the three wounded initiates to the infirmary. The servants working in the infirmary sprang into action, making arrangements as the group walked in.
"Lay them down carefully. We don't want to cause any further damage. I need everyone, but Sir Gregory and I to stand clear," Narziros commanded as he placed Shur'riya carefully on the bed. "Sir Gregory, will you assist me. This will be intense and this will be more than what you know."
"Yes, I'm ready," Sir Gregory said in agreement.
Narziros and Sir Gregory pulled out their symbols.
“This may hurt a bit, but nothing that you can't handle," Narziros said as he began chanting in his tongue slowly, Sir Gregory repeating after him.
An orb of golden white light began to emit from the symbols, growing bigger with every second then explodes encompassing the whole room with golden white light. Every organic being that was caught in its path seemed as if they were nourished. Bone cracking noises begin to ring inside the room as the wounded elves' contorted body began to shift back to normal. A smile washes over their faces as they could finally sleep in peace without feeling the pain. Everyone began to stagger a bit from the force of the Orbs. Saryn finally wakes up from his unconscious state.
"Wha...What happened?" Saryn asked as he slowly sat up on the bed, placing a hand on his head.
“Whoa, easy does it. You don't want to overdo it. You were unfortunately possessed by the spirit that was cursed into that book. When you put the book back on the pedestal, you sort of freed him causing him to possess your body," Sir Gregory explained to him as he placed a hand on Saryn's shoulder.
Saryn began to see tiny glimpses as to what happened, but specifically remembers the demons that sprung from the pits.
"Are you and the initiates okay?" Saryn asked as he looked upon Sir Gregory then quickly looked around the room, only seeing the three initiates. He quickly moved out of the bed, not following Sir Gregory's orders. Unable to balance himself, he fell to the ground. Selene and Beleryn swiftly move over to pick him off of the ground. "It is okay, I’ve got this.”
"Surely looks that way," Selene said worriedly.
"El'drya...Shur'riya...Tar'vyn...," Saryn said as he looked at each elf laying on the table, sleeping with a smile on their faces. "I saw tiny glimpses of how it went. What really stood out was the ground splitting and demons coming out. Is that true?" Saryn inquired as he turned around to look at Sir Gregory.
"Unfortunately, yes. However, Narziros and I quickly assessed the situation and banished everything. When Zineus saw what happened with his plan b, he decided to let you go. At that moment, you dropped from the air, hitting your head on a sarcophagus, which in turn knocked you out. Thankfully you only broke a few ribs and slight bleeding from the head. You're lucky that you didn’t smash your skull or you would have been dead. Unfortunately, he got away, but Beleryn was assessing the casualties and was only able to find these three severely wounded. As you can tell, they will be fully healed, but it will take some time for them to recuperate," Sir Gregory replied, briefly divulging accounts of what happened.
"Arrgh!" Saryn screamed in anger. Black smoke circled around him suddenly before he disappeared, leaving everyone in the room shocked with fear.
"Whoa, where did he go?” Sir Gregory said. “Did you know that he could do that?"
"No, I never knew. It's not possible either way," Vel'dryn replied. “You see only elves with an affinity for magic can cast spells. My family line has always been that of a warrior bloodline.”
"He must have absorbed some of Zineus' power when he was possessed," Sir Gregory suggested trying to assess what just happened. "Our only hope now is to find him so that way we can figure out if there are any negative effects.
"I want to be there when you examine him. I want to make sure as well," Selene responded as she agreed with Sir Gregory.