"It's been a month since Saryn disappeared,” Selene said worriedly. “I'm starting to think that either he doesn't want to be found or something bad happened to him."
"I have the same feeling, let's just hope that we can find him soon. Everything is chaotic at the Guildhall. Masters seeking to claim the position as Head Guildmaster while I try to maintain order," Beleryn informed reluctantly.
"We have to find clues as to where he may have gone. Follow me I have an idea," Selene said as she headed towards the infirmary, Beleryn following behind her.
Selene and Beleryn walked inside of the infirmary, finding no one inside the room. They began to look for clues. She walked over to where he last stood before he disappeared but does not manage to see any magical anomalies with her elven sight. Beleryn also failed to see any trace of Saryn's trail.
"I thought this would yield something but this is unlike anything that I have come across in any of the books that I have read," Selene explained with sadness settling in her gut.
"Did your father have anything else that you haven't read yet?" Beleryn asked her as he began to ponder.
"Let's go to the alchemy lab and see if papa left me anything," Selene replied as she began to lift up her spirits.
When they arrived at the lab, Selene walked over to her desk, looking at all of the books on top of it.
"What would it look like?" Beleryn asked as he walked over to the bookcase and began to look around.
"Well, there are two things that could work. This type of magic leaves an invisible trail of black smoke. So, using a magical incantation to reveal it would be our best hope. If that does not work and we are dealing with something much more advanced, then we have that option as well. The other book that we are looking for is black, leather-bound Grimoire that has the word masters in the title." Selene said as she pulled a drawer and finds one book.
"Masters of the Elements, Volume 1...Masters of Magic, Volume 2... Selene, there's a lot of those types of books here from the description you gave me," Beleryn said while skimming over the books.
"Aha, this is the book that has the magical incantations that we need, Var'norn’s Guide to Magical Incantations," Selene said as she gazed upon the book, eyes widening then comes back into reality thinking about what Beleryn just said. "That's my mistake. Let me take a look." Selene said as she walked over to the bookcase. "Hmmm, it's not here. Where would it be?"
Beleryn looked around the room, eyeing a large wooden chest that sat on the floor next to her desk. He tried to open it but failed, noticing that is a glyph here. "This chest is locked, but I just noticed that it has a glyph in it.”
"This has to be it," Selene said as she walked hurriedly over to the chest, peering closely at the glyph. "Díghlasáil," Selene said as spoke in ancient elvish.
The chest's mechanical gears begin to turn and an unlocking sound is heard. Selene opened the lid to find a rectangle object inside it resting in satin. Selene pulled away the satin, slowly revealing an Ancient-looking, Brown leather-bound tome. The condition of the book has been well preserved. The front cover of the book read Xae’la's Tome of Inscriptions.
Selene’s eyes widened in excitement as she said, “This is better than anything I could have hoped for!”
"Who is Xae’la?" Beleryn asked inquisitively.
"Just only the mother of all magical beings. She was once a dark elf, who was exiled from her home because she was the only one to have magical powers. She traveled far and wide for ten years to find a place suitable for her lifestyle. She finally arrived at Tir’lon, the tree city of the Timberland Elves and Centaurs. She met a human named Loriel, a powerful wizard, and as they got close he revealed his true form to her. He was a Seraph, which mythology states that they’re a six-winged angel with dragon-like features. He was the most beautiful being to ever walk the land of Dir’lunde. He was the first to come to Dir'lunde to find a suitable partner that he could share his life with. She became infatuated with him as she knew that their souls were linked as one. A few years later, a dark entity named Tariel, Loriel’s brother, came down and swept over Dir'lunde. He resented the fact that Loriel would give up his home in Zion. Tariel was cast out of Zion because the Zion High Council heard word that Tariel was plotting vengeance against his brother. Tariel and Loriel viciously fought against one another. Then Tariel knew that the only way to beat his brother was to kill Xae’la. Tariel dodged Loriel’s attack then flew down to where Xae’la was, scooping her up before Loriel knew what he was about. She squirmed in his grasp as he flew back up, but the thought of falling to her death set in so she stopped. Tariel ended up being cast into the Abyss, while Loriel and Xae’la’s light created Angels, Dragons, and magic around the world. Dragons were created on the continent to the south of here while Angels were created on the continent to the west. You see, she is the reason why magic exists. To every beautiful story, there’s a dark event that led to its enlightened moment,” She said while wiping a tear from her eye.
“Wow, I never heard about the origin of magic. I honestly didn’t know that there were Dragons or Drakkons until Bavarax and Narziros came to the castle and I thought Angels only existed in Zion,” Beleryn said in amazement.
“Not a lot of people truly know the origins of where everything started. Anyways, let’s get going, I've kept us long enough,” She said as she grabbed Xae’la’s book.
Beleryn and Selene walk up the stairs and into the main hall. Selene stopped abruptly.
“Alright, so let’s take a look and see if there’s anything in here that can tell us more about tracking a magical presence,” Selene said.
Selene opened up Xae’la’s Tome of Incantations and began to skim through it. After several minutes of skimming and reading through several pages, her eyes widened.
“What is it? Is it something that we can use?” Beleryn asked as he noticed the facial expressions on Selene’s face.
“It’s sort of what we are looking for, but this requires a rare component called Seraph's Grace. I think Saryn had this in his alchemy lab,” Selene said as she headed back to the lab. “From what I can remember, Seraph’s Grace is a gold and white lotus flower with an iridescent sparkle to it,” Selene said as she placed the book down.
Both Selene and Beleryn began to look at the bookshelf containing various plants and different types of animal poisons. Beleryn grabs an empty jar.
“Well, shit. It looks like there’s nothing but a couple of petals here,” Beleryn said.
“It looks like we will have to find it. We also need White Sage, Seraph’s blood, and blood from a magical being. We have two out of the four ingredients and it looks like we are going to have to go to the land of the Seraphs to obtain the other two ingredients that we need.” Selene said as she grabbed a handful of white sage from the glass jar before heading out of the door and up the stairs.
Selene and Beleryn walked towards the main door. Before they could leave, they are stopped by a familiar voice.
“Where are both of you headed off to?” Sir Gregory asked.
“We are going out to find information about a rare flower known as Seraph’s Grace and its location. We also need to find a way to travel to Zionia,” Selene said as she turned around, walking over to Sir Gregory. “There’s a spell in this tome that has answers that we seek. Our only problem is two ingredients that are needed for the spell to work.”
“You’re going to Zionia? The journey is not an easy one. Bavarax, Narziros, and I will come along with you,” Sir Gregory responded. “It’ll give me a chance to meet with a colleague of mine as well.”
With an approving nod, she said, “I would risk my life to get back the one man that I truly want to share adventures with and everything that this lifetime has to offer. He is all I have left since my family died.”
***
A knock on the door sounded, and Prince Vyr’kas sighed in annoyance.
“Come in,” Vyr’kas shouted.
A private walked inside, shutting the door behind him. He stands at attention, saluting Vyr’kas.
“What is it, private? Make this quick, I have other things to attend to,” Vyr’kas snapped.
“I have exciting news in regards to Prince Saryn,” the private replies.
“Tell me what you know,” Vyr’kas said as he became interested in what his soldier has to say.
“Lieutenant Tal’anna wanted me to relay...,” the private said as he’s interrupted.
“Just spit it out boy! I don’t have time to sit here and listen to you babble on. I have very important things to attend to. So, please for my sanity, tell me what’s going on,” Vyr’kas said demandingly.
“Selene, Sir Gregory, and Beleryn have left for the Western Region to find components for a spell to find the missing prince,” the private said as he shook nervously.
“Is there any other information?” Vyr’kas said as he walked towards the private.
“No other information to relay at this time, sir,” The private said.
“You have made me proud. I have a job for you,” Vyr’kas tells the private as he placed his hands on the private’s shoulders. “You are going to be my eyes and ears until my brother has returned home. Report back anything that they find. Is this too hard for you?”
“No, sir,” The private responded while staying in the form of attention.
“I will inform your superiors of this mission. You are dismissed,” Vyr’kas said as he walked back towards his desk and sat down.
The private leaves the room, shutting the door behind him.
***
After donning his gear and his bow, Beleryn took watch for the next four hours as the others sleep nearby. Sir Gregory had estimated another day’s ride until they made it to the border of Zionia. Beleryn sat there worried about being away from the guild members especially the initiates who had recently left the infirmary. What would happen to the guild while he was away and no one to truly lead them on the right path sunk into his brain over and over? As the sun began to rise upon the land, Beleryn saw movement out of the corner of his eye. About fifty feet away, a buck grazed the land. Taking out his bow silently, he nocked an arrow. As the buck bent his head down, Beleryn let his arrow fly swiftly. It hit the buck in the neck, knocking it to the ground.
Beleryn quickly ran over to the downed buck.
“I’m sorry for this,” he said, taking out his dagger and plunging it into the back of the buck’s skull. “Thank you for your sacrifice.”
Beleryn placed his bow on the ground before slinging the buck over his shoulder. Beleryn knelt down to grab his bow, heading back to the camp to begin to set up for breakfast. After twenty minutes of letting the food cook, Beleryn headed over to where Sir Gregory and Selene are sleeping, waking them up from their slumber.
“Did anything happen during the shift?” Sir Gregory as he sat up and began to yawn.
“Yeah...deer happened,” Beleryn said as he chuckled at Sir Gregory, noticing his raised eyebrow as he walked back to the fire.
“Something smells delicious, what is that?” Selene said, wiping the sleep from her eyes.
“We’re having deer for breakfast. It’s not your typical breakfast but at least it’s something,” Beleryn said as he brought over three plates of meat. “Now, let’s hurry up and eat so we can continue our mission.”
After finishing their food, the trio put away their stuff and began to set out on their trip. After a couple of hours of riding towards their destination, Sir Gregory slows down, stopping his horse.
“Beyond this point, we step into the Western Region. Stay focused and keep your head on a swivel,” Sir Gregory said as he stared off into the distance. “Remember, Bavarax and Narziros are going to be our eyes in the sky. Let’s get a move on. We have about fifty miles before we arrive to Zionia.”
The trio began to proceed with caution, not knowing what trouble lies ahead. Ahead lies a dirt road in between two wood lines as if it split the forest in two. No signs of anyone crossing the road as if the Western region was abandoned. As the trio ventures deeper and deeper into the forest, the only noises that can be heard is the faint thuds of the hoof prints striking the dirt. Suddenly, there are two large thudding noises from behind them, making the trio turn around.
“We have searched this place far and wide but there are no signs of a population from here all the way to the coast except the dwarves of this region,” Bavarax said worriedly.
“Well, this is definitely not good. Where could they have all gone?” Sir Gregory said, pondering on the possibilities. “It’s not like the Zion Disciples to give up their territory unless...No, that’s impossible even for them,” Sir Gregory said as a concerned expression washed over his face.
“What is it?” Selene said as everyone became uneasy by Sir Gregory’s words.
“To enter Zionia, you have to be chosen by the Angels. In order to be chosen, you have to be pure of heart. The Sanguine Blood Syndicate, the Jade Brotherhood, and the Zion Disciples don’t fit that profile. I’m starting to get a bad feeling about all of this. We have to get there quickly,” Sir Gregory replied frantically.
“Who are these groups?” Selene responded equally as she grabbed him by the arm.
“They are a gang of bandits seeking to control each other’s territory. The Jade Brotherhood are very stealth-like and they are notorious for ambushing people near the border of the West. The Zion Disciples are crazed zealots looking to get into Zionia, but never had the ability to. They have pillaged and have killed in the name of Zion under false pretenses. The Sanguine Blood Syndicate are a group of vampires who will mainly feed at night but have been known to attack people and feed during the day. The SBS is not to be taken lightly. They are always looking to not only feed, but also to add to their numbers to rule the Western Region. They roam throughout the day preying upon outsiders who unaware of the area, posing as people in distress,” He replied as he witnessed the horror sinking in on their unknowing faces with each of the bandit’s descriptions. One of them drawing their attention more than the others.
“Can a vampire infect an angel?” Beleryn asked.
“I don’t know,” Sir Gregory replied. “I don’t think it’s possible, but I don’t want to find out either. Now, let's go.”
Beleryn and Selene quickly followed after Sir Gregory as Bavarax and Narziros takes off, piercing the sky towards the coast. After an hour of riding, they arrive at the coast, Bavarax and Narziros are already waiting looking at black smoke coming from the continent nearby. Sir Gregory quickly dismounted from his horse, running to the shore with horrid expression.
“Persephiel... Darohniel...,” Sir Gregory said as he shed a tear, beside himself with grief and fear building inside of him.
Beleryn and Selene placed their hand on Sir Gregory’s shoulders. Sir Gregory stands back up with an aggravated expression on his face.
“Bavarax, can both of you carry the three of us across the shore?” Sir Gregory said.
“I can carry two but I’ll have to carry Selene and Beleryn. Narziros will have to carry you,” Bavarax said.
“That’s fine. I have to figure out what’s going on,” Sir Gregory said as he pulled out his claymore. “Beleryn and Selene, make sure that you have your weapons at the ready. I have a feeling that we will be in battle once we arrive. I just hope the angels are safe.”
The two drakkons grab their charges, spreading their wings and taking to the sky as Beleryn and Selene following Sir Gregory’s command.
As the group neared closer and closer to the continent, a gigantic, vibrant and iridescent metropolis becomes more distinctive to the eye. A cornucopia amounts of fire plague the colorful city with sounds of battle ringing throughout the city. Angels can be seen attacking one another.
“What is happening?” Selene said, horrified. “Why are they attacking one another? Aren’t they on the same side?”
“I honestly have no clue. Let’s get closer to the city to find out. We need to see the high council,” Sir Gregory responded. “Narziros, that’s the Citadel right there. The place where the High Council live,” Sir Gregory said as he pointed to the enormous, arched building in the center of the city. Dead Jade Brotherhood, SBS, and Zion Disciples lay everywhere. A lot of SBS and Jade Brotherhood are seen fighting angels while other angels soaked in blood are seen fighting other Seraphs. Narziros began to descend rapidly towards the building, Bavarax following behind his brother. Narziros and Bavarax land softly onto the platform where two tall, large doors inlaid with gold and silver designs lie. Four Angelic Elite Guards, who is standing at ten feet tall, wearing ornate angelic battle armor and holding claymores with the tips into the ground, stand guarding the doors. The group begin to walk quickly towards the guards.
“Halt! No one is allowed to enter this sacred building. You will go no further!” The celestial guards say as they engage their weapons in attack mode.
“I am Sir Gregory Draconis, Paladin of the High King Norrinth of Vrassk. I am a friend to Persephiel and Darohniel. My comrades and I are here to speak with the Zionia High Council about what we can do to bring back peace to this land as payment for information to a key ingredient in a spell,” Sir Gregory said as he bowed respectfully.
"As you can see, we are a little busy at the moment," One of the guards said, lowering his weapon, waving his hand to the ongoing combat. “It wouldn’t have been as bad if we weren’t having to fight our own brothers and sisters.
"Please allow us to be the voice of reason and logic. We will get to the bottom of this attack," Sir Gregory said respectfully.
"Very well. I shall speak on your behalf but you will all have to wait outside until I come back," The guard said before departing into the Citadel.
"Do you think they will allow us inside of the Citadel?" Selene said as she looked back at the continuing horrific battle.
"Well, Selene," Sir Gregory said as they turn their attention on the ensuing battle. “If we don't do anything now, there won't be anything left but a beautiful city in ruins.”
After a few minutes, the doors opened back up as the guard walked out. The group turned around to see the guard with a reluctant expression on his face.
"The High Council would like to speak to you. Typically, we would ask you to relinquish your weapons with us but with the current events, I would ask you to stay armed. Whenever you are ready, you may proceed through," The guard said kindly.
The group walked in as the large door shuts behind them. Inside of the Citadel are ornately Victorian-styled couches inlaid with gold accents placed next to the walls, paintings of angelic versions of each chakra hanging above them. At the end of the hall, there lies seven thrones with seven Seraphs sitting elegantly in them. Behind them lies a large mural of Loriel, Tariel, and Xae'la's final moment. The group walked up to the angels as the one in the center raises up her hand, palm facing the group.
"You must be Sir Gregory. I am Azuriel. I understand you wish to help us get rid of this blight that has laid upon our land as payment for ingredients to a spell," A brunette female said to the group. She wore a white robe with a golden celestial sigil in the middle.
"You are as wise as you are beautiful. We are in search for Seraph's Grace and another ingredient required for the spell," Sir Gregory said, bowing respectfully.
"I know what you search for but let's talk about the payment first. The wizard Zineus's apprentice has found a way to destroy our protective shield and infiltrate our lands to infect our people. Tell us, how you will you help us with this blight?"
"I could use my powers of the divine…," Sir Gregory said courageously.
“You don’t think we thought of the first?!” Azuriel said loudly, standing up from her throne as she began to point at the mural. “We are the spawn of Loriel, himself.”
“I didn’t mean it in a derogatory manner,” Sir Gregory said as he placed his hands up in a non-threatening manner. “I was just going to say that we have my divine powers as well as a bow, magic, and my drakkonian friends. We have always found a way and we always will. Together, we will curb the threat that remains in your city and wipe out the remaining resistance.”
"Interesting response, indeed. Alright, if you help us with our issue, we will gladly give you the ingredients that you need," Azuriel responded, placing her attention on Selene, eying her with familiarity. "Do you need anything from us?"
"I need the help of Persephiel and Darohniel. I believe with their knowledge and added skill, we can defeat this plague in a timely manner," Sir Gregory said.
"They will meet you in front of the Citadel. Now, go before it's too late," Azuriel said as she motioned to the door with her hand.
The group bowed before the councilmembers before taking their leave towards the door. As they walk out, the corrupted angels seem to be winning the war. Two angels land gently on the Citadel's platform, one of them is a ravishing, shoulder-length, brown-haired female equipped with a claymore sheathed at her side while the other is a muscular-built, short, brown-haired equipped with a shield resting on his back and a three-headed flail at his side. Both adorned with the Zionic crest in the middle of their plate armor.
"Sir Gregory, is that you?” The female said with surprise, running up to hug him. “You're a sight for sore eyes."
"Persephiel... Darohniel... I'm so glad that you're okay," Sir Gregory said, embracing both angels. “The moment that I saw the protection spell had dissipated, I feared the worst.”
"Everything happened so quickly, we weren't prepared. It's beginning to look like old times. She won't give up until everything is hers. If this land or the land of Vraax perished, she will have accomplished her goals,” Persephiel said worriedly.
"Who?" Selene asked, her brow knitted in confusion.
"I speak of Mirla, the dark mage. She was Talimdryl's Court Wizard long ago before she was seduced by Zineus and his Black Magic. She held such promise. She was the first human to be accepted into a high position of an Elven court," Persephiel replied.
“Mirla?” Selene gasped, and the color seemed to fade from her skin. “She’s back?”
Persephiel placed a hand on Selene’s shoulder. “Ah yes, El’kar was your father, wasn’t he? A great mage, and taken tragically from us all. Mirla…,” She said before being interrupted.
“Will pay for everything that she has done and all of the lives she has taken," Selene said as her blood began to boil.
“Now, the high council informed us that all of you want to help us rid this plague from our home,” Persephiel said as she looked upon Sir Gregory. “What did you have in mind?"
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"If an angel were to become corrupted, can they be saved?" Sir Gregory said.
"As far as I know, there's not anything that can save them," Persephiel replied.
"Let me take a look at this book that I brought and see if there is anything that would help," Selene said, pulling out a leather-bound tome.
"Is that what I think that is?” Persephiel said, her eyes widened.
Selene nodded. "This is Xae'la's book. I found this in a chest that papa gave to me during his final moments," Selene said as she looked up at Persephiel.
"I never thought I would ever get the chance to look upon this artifact," Persephiel said astonishingly.
Selene began to skim through the pages of the book but finds nothing. After several minutes of peering through the book, she reached the end only to find a note. “Wait, what is this?”
“What is what?” Persephiel replied
"When magic becomes unified, no evil can disrupt its power," Selene said as she began to read the passage out loud then gasped. "I've got it. I know the answer."
"What is it?” Everyone said in anticipation.
"I told Beleryn about it when we were at the castle but in the final moments of Xae'la and Loriel when Tariel killed them. The moment when Loriel forgave his brother and touched his ankle, he killed his brother and when Loriel and Xae'la became one, creating two species on this realm," Selene said as she revealed her logic to the others. “What if we fused Divine Magic with Arcane magic?”
"I don't know why I didn't think of that before. Selene, that's genius!" Sir Gregory said with excitement. "We could cast cure disease since this is what we are dealing with but dealing with angels is a whole new other level that is too high for even me.
"Remember, the history dictated that Loriel split in two to create two races. Since we have both races here, we could try to see if it works. The only problem is that it will take some time," Selene said as she took command. “Beleryn and Bavarax, I need you to guard us while we channel our magic.”
"I'll inform the guards to do the same," Persephiel said in response as she motioned the guards to her position.
"Good thinking, Persephiel. Is it okay to create an arcane transmutation circle on the Citadel platform?" Selene said.
"Not typically, but I think they will understand," Persephiel said as she smirked.
Selene began to create a large circle followed by four mini circles shaped in a square around the large circle, inscribing Elven glyphs at particular points of each circle. She began to chant in Ancient Elvish to infuse the circle with magic.
“So, how the circle will work is Darohniel and Persephiel will stand on a mini circle at opposite ends while Sir Gregory and Narziros will do the same. This will allow for equal exchange of power. I will be in the large circle to unify your magic like a conduit,” Selene said as she pointed to where each of them would stand. “Once you are in position and ready, I will cast my magic.”
Nodding, they all followed Selene’s directions. When they were ready, Selene struck the ground with her staff. As the staff struck the circle, the circle began to light up with a blue hue. “Begin to cast your spells in your own language,” She said.
Sir Gregory and Narziros began to chant in Druatch while Persephiel and Darohniel began to speak in Zionian. Multiple corrupted angels rush toward the group at the sounds of chanting, moving towards their location swiftly. Beleryn began to fire his arrows while Bavarax swung at them as they move closer. Both of them miss as the corrupted angels as they dodge each of their attacks, circling around the group like vultures, attacking at different intervals while the four angelic guards raise their shields with their weapons at the ready, awaiting for another attack. The inner circles began to fill with golden light while the larger circle began to fill with a blue light as well as the glyphs surrounding the circles. Selene’s eyes and glyphs on her skin began to glow blue. As the last glyph lights up on the larger circle, all of the glyphs and circles fuse and turn into a green light. Flashes of green lightning began to surge around the circle. Selene’s eyes and her glyphs began to turn green, pointing her staff in the air. Electrified green light emit from the staff and shot into the air, forming into a gigantic, electrified green ball of light. The ball stopped its flight in the air then begain to spin fiercely, rapidly shooting bolts of green lightning in different directions. Lightning bolts pierce through numerous corrupted angel’s bodies, splitting off into the others in the immediate area. One by one, the corrupted angels began to plummet towards to the ground. A dark bolt soared through the air, piercing through the ball of lightning, altering its color from green to black. The ball of lightning exploded into large, black shards of energy. A slew of non-corrupted angel plummet to the ground after being impaled by the shards.
“This will teach you to mess with my plans,” a woman called out, her voice ringing throughout the city.
Several shards make their way towards the group. Fear and anguish washed over everyone’s face as the four angelic guards stood up, raising their shields, embracing for impact. The shards penetrate through the shield, impaling the guards, thrusting them in the walls of the citadel. The group managed to dodge the incoming shards at a split second, but lose their balance, falling to the floor. After standing back up, they check on the guards to see if they are still alive. Their veins are engorged, changing its normal color to black.
“Is everyone okay?” Sir Gregory said worriedly.
“Where’s Darohniel?” Persephiel said worriedly, looking around for her brother.
“Oh no!” Selene said as she turned around, looking at him, who is seen to hold up his shield up with a large shard penetrating through his body and into the ground, holding up his body. A shocked expression can be seen through his lifeless body along with engorged veins like the other guards.
“Darohniel! No!” Persephiel exclaimed as she rushed towards her brother, crying profusely. “If she wanted a war, now she’s got one!” She said as she looked up at Sir Gregory with vicious, piercing eyes.
“I understand how you must feel. She has definitely done enough damage since she descended. We will bring her to justice,” Sir Gregory said as he hugged her.
“She will pay dearly with her life,” Persephiel said, fire raging in her pupils. “Go inform Azuriel, I will stay here with my brother.”
Sir Gregory nodded as he led everyone but Persephiel into the Citadel to inform the councilmembers. As they walked in, the place looks ransacked and silence fills the room. Sheer terror washed over their face as they sprinted towards the thrones only to find them covered in golden dust. Their staves and their crowns are strewn around the thrones.
“What do we do now?” Selene asked.
“I’m at a loss for words. I, honestly, have no clue as to what we are going to do,” Sir Gregory responded regrettably.
“Well, I guess we have to go back home and wait for Saryn to get back,” Selene said as she began to shed a tear.
“Wait. Persephiel is still an angel, correct? Why don’t we ask her exactly where to go to get the ingredients?” Beleryn inquired.
Sir Gregory and Selene’s expressions completely change. The group headed back outside to find Persephiel on her knees, holding golden dust, crying profusely. The large shards are nowhere to be found.
“Persephiel, I know that this is not a good time to ask this of you but we need a favor,” Sir Gregory said as he tried to comfort her.
“What is it?” She replied with pain in her voice.
“We need Seraph’s grace and one other ingredient. Speaking of which, what is the other ingredient that we need,” Sir Gregory replied as he looked back at Selene and Beleryn.
“The blood of Zion,” Persephiel said.
“Come again?” Sir Gregory responded in disbelief.
“The only spell that required Seraph’s Grace is an ancient location spell that only angels know about. I’m guessing that Selene found it in Xae’la’s tome,” Persephiel said she looked up at Selene. “I will be willing to give some of my blood for the spell, but I want something in return. I want to come with you so I can avenge my brother,” she stated as she stood up, regaining her composure.
With everyone nodding his or her heads in agreement, Sir Gregory said, “Of course, you can join us. We will find justice for Darohniel.”
“Then I will take you to the garden, but we must fly,” Persephiel said, extending her wings with the others following in suit.
After five minutes, they land in an immaculate garden, full of cherry blossom trees and a wide variety of flowers of every color of each chakra with a river running through it. Persephiel guies them over to a large oak tree in the back. There are little, white flowers with a shimmer of gold along the edges growing around the tree. Persephiel picks one up, handing it to Selene.
“This is what you came here for. I just wish it was under better circumstances,” Persephiel said. “Let’s go back to the Citadel, magic is not allowed in the garden.”
“Agreed, thank you,” Selene said as she began to smile.
When they arrived back at the Citadel, Selene pulled out a bowl from their cooking ware, placing the components inside of the bowl. She grabbed a knife from the sack, slicing the palm of her hand over the bowl. Blood rushed from her hand, dripping into it.
“Alright Persephiel, I'll need that last component,” Selene said as she pulled out Xae’la’s tome. Sir Gregory pulled her hand, tending to Selene’s new acquired wound.
Persephiel nodded, running her hand down the edge of her claymore then held her hand over the bowl, allowing her blood to pour into it. She closed her eyes for a few seconds and her skin began to heal itself quickly.
“Once the final ingredient is in the bowl, it says that the spell will show the caster what their heart truly desires,” Selene said as she began to read the passage. “I don’t know what will happen so it is best for everyone to stand close.”
Selene spoke in ancient Elvish as blue fire bursted into existence within the bowl. Orbs of blue fire began to swirl around the group, engulfing them. When the flames dissipated, they found themselves in front of a mighty castle made of stone and iron that was embedded into the side of a mountain. Dead bodies were strewn about. Some of them with burn marks while others are shattered remnants encased in ice.
“What happened here?” Sir Gregory asked, investigating the bodies. “These are dwarf bodies with scorch marks and frozen wounds.”
“I recognize these markings,” Selene said with a shocked, horrified expression washing over her gentle face. “These are enchantments I did for Saryn’s blades.”
“Whatever that possession did to him is not going to bold well for him. I fear the worst, I'm afraid,” Beleryn said worriedly.
***
Saryn woke up in a four by four dark and musty cell, his hands chained to the wall. His hair looked grungy and matted as if he hadn’t showered in weeks. He began to look around the room to figure out exactly what happened. Snippets of scenes invade his mind, not knowing why he’s having them. He tried to break the chains from the wall but they wouldn’t budge. Saryn’s head began to sink.
“What the hell happened to me?” Saryn said out loud as fear sat in his mind.
Doors flung open as several dwarfs in plate armor walk hurriedly to Saryn with angered expressions as their eyes laid upon him.
“Let’s go, ya filthy maggot,” One dwarf said as he unlocked Saryn’s metal chains. “You’re lucky that Belmyr decided to allow you to live. If it were left up to me, you’d be dead right where you stood,” the dwarf said as he looked down at Saryn, spitting in his face.
“I swear I had no clue as to what came over me,” Saryn replied as he looked back at the dwarf sincerely, spit running down his face.
“Save yer blabber for Thurdren,” the dwarf said as he pulled Saryn up, placing his hands behind his back, placing metal cuffs around his wrists. “He’ll want a piece of ya after ya murdered his younger brother.”
The dwarves escort him out of the dungeon cell into a long stone corridor, lit up by only torches.
“Move quicker,” The dwarf commanded as he pushed Saryn forward.
Saryn quickened his steps, looking down at the ground as he wracked his mind, trying to remember what happened. A faint memory began to surface…
***
Two dwarves, in finely-crafted armor, can be seen riding in a cart, filled with a bunch of armor and weapons, down a dirt path, heading towards what seems to be a large castle, adjacent to the mountains. Four dwarves, also in finely-crafted armor, are seen to be walking with the cart, weapons by their side.
“The look on my nephew’s face is going to be priceless once he finds out that we sold almost all of our old inventory from the armory,” One dwarf smugly said as he yanked on the reins of his pony.
“Aye! He will surely have to pay us for losing the bet. What ya going to do with yer share of the gold, Sargik?” The dwarf asked as he looked down, opening a large satchel, full of gold coins, eyeing his prize.
“Dhurgin, I honestly have no clue but if I have to, I think I'm going to buy my wife a nice...” Sargik responded as he becomes silent.
“What’s wrong? Can’t figure out what Darlene wants this time?” Dhurgin chucklingly said as he looked up at Sargik with his head missing, only a charred neck remained. “Sargik?” Dhurgin exclaimed as a horrified expression washed over him as something brushed up against his leg, sounds of coins being pushed together.
Dhurgin looked down as he saw Sargik’s head laying sideways, picking up the head, spinning it toward him. Sargik’s head has a shocked expression on it.
“What in the bloody hell? Dhurgin questioned as he noticed black smoke soaring past him quickly, dropping the head.
The other dwarves pull out their weapons as Dhurgin pulled his out as well, standing up trying to follow the black smoke as it disappeared quickly. A dark figure covered in black smoke stabs one dwarf in the abdomen, ice protruding from the wound as the dwarf fell over. The dark figure in black smoke quickly dispatched all of the other dwarves that were walking, all of them suffering from different fatal wounds. The dark figure disappeared again.
“Show yourself, ya bloody demon!” Dhurgin sneered angrily.
“Are you referring to me?” The dark figure asked.
Dhurgin turned around as he is impaled, being lifted into the air, sliding down onto two swords either being burned from the inside out or his organs freezing. He stares blankly down at Saryn. He twisted both of his blades and viciously pulled them sideways, cutting the dwarf in half.
***
Shocked at the sight, Saryn stumbled when he came to. He tried frantically to break loose from his bonds. “That couldn’t have been me. I would have never done that.”
“Oi! That’s quite enough out of ya,” the dwarf said just before hitting Saryn in the back of his head with the pommel of his axe.
Saryn opened his mouth to protest, but no sound came as darkness from his unconscious state took him over.
Saryn woke up, sputtering from water being thrown onto him. Eyes wild, he looked around, trying to figure out where he was. His eyes fell upon three figures dressed in green, the color of the royal house. Relief filled him as he realized he could plead his case before the king.
“King Thurdren, I would like to speak about my actions,” Saryn stated as he slowly rose up onto his feet.
“I didn’t give ya the authority to speak,” the older, white haired dwarf replied as he waves his hand. “Now, sit dog!”
The two dwarves punch Saryn in the kidneys, forcing him to fall onto his knees. He began to cough vigorously.
“Now, ya listen to me! Not only do I have to deal with the Orcs killing my men but now I have to deal with ya too. No, we are going to squash that. Yer going to tell me why ya slaughtered my kin. Do not force me to have ya killed,” Thurdren yelled as he walked over to Saryn, scolding him with fierce eyes
“My name is Saryn Thur’ryndil. I am the son of Vel’dryn Thur’ryndil of Talimdryl. I honestly don’t know why I killed them. The last thing I remember, I was standing in the infirmary of my castle and everything went dark. After the darkness subsided, I woke up in your dungeon,” Saryn explained as he linked his hands together.
“All I hear is lies. Ya do not have the appearance of a prince. Nor do ya have anything to prove yer nobility. We found nothing on ya but yer armor and weapons. So, tell me the truth or we will kill ya!” Thurdren said as he walked back to his throne, sitting in it.
“I swear what I say is truth,” Saryn pleaded. “I was the one who saved your people from the vicious boar attack thirty-five years ago.”
“I met the real Saryn Thur’ryndil, an elf made of honor. For all I know, ya could be anybody who used magic to disguise themselves as him. I grow weary of this barbarous madman; kill him then dispose of the body,” Thurdren commanded as he waved his hand.
“No! Please listen to me,” Saryn begged as he rose up again before being knocked back to the floor. “You have to speak to my father!”
“Enough! Kill him now!” Thurdren said angrily as he stood up out of his throne.
One dwarf pushed his leg into Saryn’s back, forcing his head to the ground while the other dwarf pulled out his axe and lifted it up in the air. As Saryn saw his life flash before his eyes, the doors to the throne room flung open and the most blessed sight filled his vision as Selene, Beleryn, Sir Gregory, Bavarax, Narziros, and a ravishing, winged brunette who wore elaborate plate mail rushed into room.
The dwarves sprung into an offensive stance, thankfully forgetting about Saryn’s beheading. Bavarax and Narziros began to roar viciously as Beleryn quickly nocked an arrow while Selene pulled her staff in front of her, pointing it at the would-be executioners.
“Put your weapon down and step away from him or I’ll kill you where you stand,” Selene ordered ferociously, her eyes and tattoos began to glow blue.
“Halt! Ya will go no further. What is the meaning of interfering with justice in my throne room?!” Thurdren retorted.
The winged, brunette placed her hand on Sir Gregory’s shoulder then nodded with a serious look on her face.
“Alright,” Sir Gregory said as he walked in front of his group with his arms out to the side. “Will everybody just disengage for a second and let’s handle this in a non-aggressive manner to sort everything out.”
“Who are ya?” Thurdren asked.
“My name is Sir Gregory. I am a paladin of Vraax. I understand why you are upset; we saw the carnage when we arrived,” Sir Gregory said as he knelt down, placing his arm on his chest.
“Oi! Yer with those pesky lizard folk?” Thurdren said in a disrespectful tone.
The Drakkons snarled at the dwarf king, their eyes filling with fury. Sir Gregory quickly turned around to his friends, shooting them a pleading look as he held out an index finger. With a swift turnabout, Sir Gregory said, “My humble lord, we are humble servants to the High King Norrinth of Vraax. We come in peace unlike some of their kind.”
“Ya mean there are good ones too?” Thurdren responded dumbfounded.
“Aye,” Sir Gregory replied.
“Ya know this one?” Thurdren asked as he pointed his finger at Saryn, forgetting his condescending remark.
“Yes, he is the prince of Talimdryl and a good friend to all of us,” Sir Gregory replied as he stood back up.
“He disappeared from the infirmary after hearing about the deaths of his guild’s younglings after his possession by the wizard Zineus. We’ve been searching for him ever since. It was Selene and Beleryn that made a major breakthrough in finding him,” Sir Gregory said.
With the realization of truth donning over his elderly face, King Thurdren regained his composure then said, “Alright, go back to yer post. I demand to hear what happened,” Thurdren ordered as he dismissed the two guards and walked back to his throne, shaking his head. “Sir Gregory is the only one permitted to come up to the throne and explain everything.”
Sir Gregory nodded then quickly walked over to the throne. Selene, Beleryn, Bavarax, and Narziros walked over to Saryn as they sheathed their weapons.
“I’m so happy that we found you. I can’t tell you how much it hurt to see you leave without a trace. I feared that something terrible happened to you,” Selene said as she wrapped her arms around Saryn. “Don’t ever leave me like that again! You’re all I have left.”
“I don’t remember anything except one memory of me killing dwarves but even then, I don’t even remember doing it until I was being brought up here. The last thing I remember was getting furious then everything turned dark,” Saryn explained as he rested his forehead on Selene’s shoulder. “I’m just glad to see everyone again especially you.”
“Well, you’re okay and that’s all I care about,” Selene said as she grabbed a handful of his hair, pulling his head back, kissing him passionately.
Thurdren and Sir Gregory walked back towards Saryn. Thurdren lended out a hand to Saryn. Saryn grasped his hand as he helped him up.
“I hope that this does not hinder a friendship being made between us,” Thurdren said as he looked up at Saryn. “Sir Gregory told me everything that has transpired and I believe that we all have to come together to destroy the dark mage Mirla before any more cities are wiped out.”
“I can move past this. I understand you were doing what you thought was right. I am more than willing to build a friendship with the dwarves; I know that we can benefit from each other as well if we were to establish a trade route,” Saryn said boldly.
“We will have to sit down and talk more about that one once we get to that point,” Thurdren responded as he motioned Saryn to move with him, Selene followed in suit. “Now, if yer group would like to move towards the throne, I think introductions are in order.”
Saryn motioned everyone to move towards them. They respond to his command, walking towards the throne. Thurdren sat on his throne as he peered over the array of different races standing before him.
“This is my son, Belmyr. He is the eldest of the two. And this is my son, Rannyr. Both are talented in the art of combat,” Thurdren said as both of his sons raise their hand slightly as they are introduced. “I am King Thurdren Ironshield of the Ironshield Clan, the oldest clan of dwarves in Dir’lunde,” King Thurdren said proudly as he lifted his in the air. “This is Dhon Varlorn, the mightiest castle built upon the Ice-Crowned Mountains. Who might ya be?”
“Since we have already met before, I’ll introduce everyone else. This is the love of my life, Selene D’unnala, whose skills lie in the magical arts,” Saryn explained as he gestured his hand at Selene. “This is my right-hand man and best friend, Beleryn Nol’dil. You should remember him as he helped him get rid of that boar problem of yours,” Beleryn bowed to Thurdren.
“Aye, I thought ya looked familiar,” King Thurdren responded.
“These two large, hulking beasts that you called lizard folk are Narziros and Bavarax. Last, but not least, this is Persephiel. She is an angel from the illustrious Zionia,” Sir Gregory said.
“Well, it’s nice to meet all of ya. We will meet with ya in a week’s time to talk to ya about trade routes. We won’t keep ya longer than what we have already,” Thurdren said respectfully, holding out his hand.
“Indeed, we look forward to working with you in the future,” Saryn responded as he shook Thurdren’s hand.
Sounds of large explosions can be heard as it shook the throne room. Alarm bells can be heard ringing throughout the outside of the room.
“What in Myanvis’ name is that? Thurdren exclaimed.
“I have no clue. Sounds like you are under siege,” Sir Gregory replied.
“Aye, those blasted Orcs are at it again. Just what I need,” Thurdren said.
“Father, this is not some regular Orc siege. They seem to be backed by some dark presence off in the distance,” Belmyr quickly explained as he peered out of the window.
“Where, my boy?” Thurdren said as he looked over to where Belmyr was pointing. “I don’t see anything.”
“They were just there,” Belmyr said with a puzzled look on his face.
“There can only be one responsible,” Sir Gregory reported as he pulled out his claymore. “We need to be ready for the worst!”
“Belmyr and Rannyr, sound the alarms. Guards, fetch me Saryn’s gear and head downstairs,” Thurdren commanded.
Belmyr, Rannyr, and the guards spring into action. One guard runs towards the wall where a stone door lies. The guard opens the door and comes back out carrying Saryn’s armor and weapons.
“Here are your belongings. Now, let’s see what you can do with it,” Thurdren said, smiling slightly.
Saryn nodded as he immediately began to equip his gear. Alarms continuing to blare out throughout the halls.
“Let’s do this,” Saryn said as he unsheathed both of his swords.
Everyone including the king headed outside, running towards a flight of stairs heading towards the ramparts. Sounds of battle emit everywhere as metal upon metal clang against each other. Orcs can be seen attacking dwarves. One individual that has an appearance of an Orc can be seen fighting another one.
“Who is that?” Saryn asked as he pointed towards the reddish-orange tinted Orc wielding a variation of a great sword, which is currently fighting another one.
“That, my lad, is Korrath. He is a Half-Orc. His family was murdered by that Orc tribe when he was a baby after they found out that his mother had relations with a Human. Belmyr and his soldiers were coming back from a hunting trip and saw the Orc pull all of them out of their house,” Thurdren responded as he explained to Saryn about Korrath’s history. “Apparently, the mother was their tribe leader’s daughter, who had ran away from her home to be with this human. Her father was the one doing the executions. Belmyr and his soldiers came onto their land, killing most of the Orcs with their crossbows. The father and a couple of Orcs fled. Once they arrived to the house, Korrath was laying down, quiet as a mouse, smiling up at Belmyr. They found both of his parent’s heads had been severed from their bodies. So Belmyr brought him back here. We raised him and trained him since we thought that he could help us while exacting his revenge against the Orc tribe.”
“Wow, what a terrible thing to do,” Saryn responded.
“Aye, now Belmyr saw the dark figure off in the distance over there,” Thurdren said as he squinted his eyes, pointing towards the location. “However, I don’t see them.”
A large explosion hits the right side of the keep where Saryn and the King are located. Saryn noticed out of the corner of his eye, quickly pushing himself and the king out of the way. Selene, Beleryn, and Sir Gregory stumble to the ground as Bavarax, Narziros, and Persephiel extend their wings flying up into the air, quickly turning around seeing no one in sight. Belmyr and Rannyr arrive at the bottom of the ramparts. The orb around Selene’s neck began to glow with red again.
“Saryn!” Selene said as she noticed the orb’s glow. “It’s happening again.”
“What is?” Saryn questioned as he looked up at her, witnessing the glow emanating from her neck. “Is that the glow that you mentioned earlier?”
“Yes, it happened when you placed the book on the pedestal right before you were possessed,” Selene responded with fear in her voice.
“Is everyone okay?” Belmyr inquired. “We heard an explosion,”
“Aye, we’re okay. We’re just a little out of sorts at the moment,” Thurdren said as Saryn helps him off of the ground. “That dark figure ya saw was not where ya said they were and I guess they caught us off guard.”
A cloud of thick black smoke filled a small area in the back of the courtyard and a woman with red and black hair protruding from her tattered cloak appeared through the mist. Her lips turned up in the most malicious smile Saryn had ever seen, and her eyes portrayed the darkness of her soul from her black sclera to her red iris and black pupils. She gleamed at them.
“Exactly, where I want all of you,” the woman purred, walking towards them. Saryn was completely certain that this must be Mirla.
“Murderer!” Persephiel yelled as she unsheathed her sword, flying toward the woman with hatred in her eyes. “I will kill you where you stand, Mirla!”
Mirla raised her staff and casted a spell towards Persephiel. It threw her straight into the side of the castle’s building, knocking her unconscious.
“No!” Sir Gregory exclaimed as he reached his hand out to Persephiel through the holes of the ramparts.
“Oh, you’ll get your turn soon enough, Sir Gregory,” Mirla sneered at Sir Gregory.
Mirla pointed her staff towards Belmyr and Ranny, casting two greenish-black spears towards them. Bavarax roared loudly as he dove towards the dwarvish princes.
“Brother! No, don’t!” Narziros exclaimed as he saw his brother respond.
Bavarax arrived at the nick of time to push Rannyr out of the way of the spear as one spear goes through his right side and into Belmyr’s abdomen and the other spear into his left shoulder. Bavarax is slammed against the wall of the ramparts. Narziros roared loudly as Selene takes her staff and pointed it at Mirla. Narziros began to fly towards his brother, inspecting his condition.
“Mérava,” Saryn said as he pulled three of his daggers out, whispering the incantation that is embedded into them. Saryn swiftly threw them in Mirla’s direction.
Mirla took her staff, smacking each dagger to the side. The daggers hit the ground, clanking off of the stone pavement.
“How pitiful,” Mirla retorted as she cackled at him. “You think I would be easily dispatched like that, young boy? Your father should have taught you better, but then again Vel’dryn lets others do his own dirty work. Isn’t that right, Selene D’unnala?”
Saryn is taken back from her reflexes. He knew that there was no way that she could have countered his attack. The thought of this foe made him realize that he was outmatched and his skills lacked.
“Sféar de Incendiu,” Selene said as a large spherical ball of fire emitted from her staff.
As the large ball of fire gets closer to Mirla, she waved her staff in front of it as it separates into tiny balls of fire, singeing parts of her cloak and robe. Mirla continued her walk towards them.
“You’ll have to do better than that, I'm afraid. I wonder if daddy would be so disappointed if he knew that his little girl is a failure,” Mirla said as she began to smirk. “I’m sure he would roll over in his grave right now. I guess I should’ve let him live to teach you something so that I may actually have a challenge.”
“Blúirí de glacia!” Selene yelled furiously as tears streamed down her face.
Shards of ice burst out of Selene’s staff, heading straight for the sorceress, but Mirla merely pointed her staff up as fountains of flames poured out, disintegrating Selene’s ice. Mirla began laughing, her laughing turning to a cry of pain as an arrow from Beleryn’s bow pierced her shoulder.
The flames from her staff ceased as Selene’s shards began to hit their mark. Mirla let out an ear-wrenching scream of agony as darkness began to form around her.
“This is not over!” Mirla screamed, disappearing into thin air.
Saryn’s reluctance to act to this powerful individual made him question if he was truly fit to rule over his land and protect his people. Fear sank in more and more with each thought as he cowered.
***
The injured witch arrived into a dark cave lit with torches on the walls. A decrepit man can be seen lying on a stone table surrounded by black fire. The witch stood up slowly as she walked over to the man. A glass orb resting upon a stand can be seen in the back. It contained a numerous amount of golden essence swirling around. One by one, the essence turns from gold to black, disappearing out of the orb. The blackened essence encasing his body, disappearing moments later.
“Master, I’ve come bearing news,” Mirla said, writhing in pain.
“Is Saryn and his followers dead?” Zineus responded.
“Well, no …" Mirla replied as she is at a loss of words and is being lifted into the air.
“I’ve lost my only connection to that twerp and this agent of yours has failed to acquire that dreadful city,” Zineus said with his hand outward, slowly rising up from his table. “I was a fool to ever think that a dragon could do the work of a human.”
As she clung for air, she muttered, “I’m trying the best that I can. Since you have my daekarian soul, my magic is hindered greatly.”
“You will find a way to figure it out,” Zineus said as a dark figure can be seen.
“Mirla and I will do as you ask,” The dark figure said. “We will make sure that Talimdryl is aligned with your ideals.”
“Ah, Vyr’kas, my pupil’s pet,” Zineus said as he snickered. “How are you going to do that?”
With a nefarious grin shooting across his face, he said, “The same way that I took care of my mother.”
“You still failed to kill your father,” Zineus said as he loosened his grip around Mirla’s neck, she dropped to the ground, breathing heavily. “Why would this be any different?”
“Because Saryn’s love for his father will be tested greatly,” Vyr’kas said slyly. “He won’t have a clue who is father is after I’m through with him.”
“Mirla, you have one more chance to prove that you can do this,” Zineus said as he laid back down on the table. “Otherwise, El’kar’s daughter will take your place. Now, leave me so I can rest.”
“Yes, master,” Mirla said as she began to grind her teeth. A hand is presented before her as she looked up at Vyr’kas with disapproval.