Hundreds of miles to the west of the Glade of the Heavens was a giant Ziggurat surrounded by a prospering city in an area referred to as the Wasteland. The inhabitants of the growing city were a mix of orcs, goblins, dark elves, dragonspawn, and humans. They lived in a tense but flowering harmony and had yet to decide on a proper name for the land. To them, it is still called the Wasteland.
Centuries ago, agents from the gods known as the Favored would swarm into the Wasteland, seeking out the Ziggurat. They were also called Adventurers, and they would lay siege to the many tombs, dungeons, and ruins that dotted the rugged landscape. The inhabitants of the Wasteland would fend off the Adventurers and etch out a hard living off of their gold and treasure. Until a goblin tribe discovered the true history of the Wasteland, of the gods, and what was inside the Ziggurat. It was the Machinery, and the goblins turned it on, which restored the world a little closer to its original state. It stopped the gods from allowing their Favored to return back to life and diminished their influence in the world.
Deep inside the Ziggurat was a wide circular chamber with a giant column of light in its center. Floating within the bright light was Milandra. She looked changed, as she was slowly awakening as the Gifted One. As the Nexus Guardian. She was dressed in a silver gown, and her silver hair floated around her head as if the beam of light was water, and she submerged within. Centuries of her memories trickled into her mind, and with each drop, she learned more of her purpose. One other shared the room with her. A lone figure that stood tirelessly as her guardian.
“Summon the others,” she gently ordered.
The black knight stirred. “It has been nearly a decade.”
“It has.”
“You have a quest for us?” Nameless asked.
“No, not for you. I have news, though. Summon the others.”
Nameless bowed and departed. Milandra smiled and shook her head. The knight was loyal and wanted to serve. It was many moments until he returned.
“It is done,” he said.
“Thank you,” Milandra replied.
A shimmering doorway rose from a circle made of bronze runes on the floor. It glowed with silver and blue light as electrical energies danced around its edges. Its surface was hazy, and it was unclear what lay on the other side. Emerging from the shimmering glass-like surface was a pink polka-dotted Ooraki dressed in a tanned tailored suit with numerous pockets and wearing a pair of fine-wired spectacles. Draped over a broad shoulder was a leather rune-covered pack filled with the tools of the enchanter trade.
“Master Enchanter Karl! Welcome!” Milandra greeted.
The Ooraki smiled and turned to shake hands with Nameless. “I trust you two have been well?”
“We have,” replied Nameless.
Karl glanced around the chamber through his wire-rimmed glasses and nodded. Through the lens, the enchanter was able to see the invisible magical networks created by runes and charged with mana crystals. The network he had designed and installed.
“Looks to be well maintained. Everything still works,” he observed.
“They have. You have done fine work,” Milandra said.
Karl moved around the chamber, studying the invisible runes and magical energies. He came upon two other circles, similar to the one where his portal was activated. These circles were made of obsidian.
“The others?” He asked.
“Should be here soon,” answered Nameless.
As if on cue, two portals of shadowy black rose up from the obsidian circles. The room dimmed as a gateway from the realm of shadows opened, and two figures emerged from each portal. The newcomers were complete contrasts of each other. One was dressed in flowing black robes that danced like a dark flame. The other wore a colorful outfit of fine silks and cloth. Draped over her back was a lute decorated with detailed carvings and paintings.
“Karl! Nameless! Milandra!” Elora exclaimed in excitement as she rushed to embrace the knight and the enchanter.
The dark-robed newcomer entered with a smirk and nod. They glanced at Nameless. The knight was in black armor and held an obsidian black-bladed sword with its tip toward the ground.
“Seriously, there should only be one of us with the dark motif. I say I do it better. Milandra, dear, can you make him into a silver knight?” Zel said with a wave of their delicate hand.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
The Nexus Guardian smiled gently and greeted the two newcomers. “Welcome, High Necromancer Zel and Chief Professor Elora. I have summoned you here because I have news.”
Elora and Zel nodded. Zel began to tap radically tap a rune with his foot.
“Karl! Your stupid enchantment is not working. I want to summon a chair!” They exclaimed.
Karl cleared his throat and motioned to another rune. “You are hitting the wrong rune.”
Zel looked to where Karl had indicated and stepped on the etched marking, and a chair rose from the ground. The necromancer sat down.
“Clearly, you need to better mark them, Karl,” Zel snorted.
Both Karl and Elora summoned chairs to rise up from the ground and took a seat.
“Before I begin, I would like to hear your updates,” Milandra stated.
Zel leaned forward in the chair with an eager grin on their pale face. “Necromancy is flourishing through the kingdoms. People are starting to see its utility! In the Imperium, the nobles started to use undead champions to settle feuds. I have started teaching in the Academy and have been working with Elora….”
The half-elf chimed in, “Thank you, Zel!”
The necromancer scowled at being cut off.
Elora continued, “As you know, the rift energies continue to run chaos throughout the realm. Undead spirits rising from graveyards causing quite the stir. So, Zel and I have partnered and started a course to train Grave Chanters.”
“Not the name I chose, by the way,” Zel pointed out.
Milandra arched an eyebrow. “Grave Chanters?”
“I think Necromancy does not need to be dark. Practitioners can have a flare! Traveling minstrels that can also aid villages and towns that have an undead problem” answered Elora.
“I absolutely love the concept! Just not the name or the outfits,” Zel retorted.
“Wonderful!” Milandra said with a clap.
“It’s a work in progress, but I have to admit. Elora is correct. It is going a long way with bringing NecromancyNecromancy into the mainstream,” Zel said.
“I have also begun working with Siv and the Order of Shaymus. We have started to train them in the art of entertainment, acting, and diplomacy. Their agents have begun to embed themselves throughout the realm and have uncovered plans from the servants of Ararax and Viaiter,” Elora added.
“They are still out there?” Asked Nameless.
“It is in their nature to steal and conquer, and unfortunately, others will try as well,” Milandra said with a frown.
“Others?” Elora asked, her voice rising.
“Do not worry. It is nothing you all can not handle. What about you, Karl?” Milandra asked, turning to look at the Ooraki.
Karl grinned. “We have been working on creating a magical rail system to allow for easier trade among the Imperium, the Plains of Dizerth, the Wasteland, and the Rolling Hills. Each region has an abundance of specific resources but lacks others. The magical rail system will allow regions to export what they have a lot of and, in return, receive what they need.”
Milandra tilted her head as if she was listening to another voice and then asked, “A train system?”
“Pardon?” Karl said.
“I apologize. In other realms, what you described is referred to as a train system,” The silver-hair lady replied.
“Train system? Yes, I suppose. It will allow for a flourishing global economy,” Karl said.
“Everything you three are doing sounds splendid!” Milandra clapped her hands.
“What of your news?” Zel asked with an arched eyebrow.
“Oh, yes, I need to depart.”
“What?” Nameless exclaimed, turning his great helm to look at the silver-haired lady.
“I don’t understand. Depart where? The Wasteland?” Elora asked.
“No, this world.”
“What?!?” This time it was both Karl and Zel that asked at the same time.
“You are the Nexus Guardian. You can’t leave,” Nameless stated.
Milandra smiled. “I am the Nexus Guardian. But we were mistaken. It was not for this world. It was for many worlds. Realms, to be more precise. In some instances, they are referred to as Servers.”
“What is she talking about?” Zel asked Elora.
The elf shrugged and asked, “Can we come with you?”
Milandra shook her silver-haired head. “I’m afraid not. You belong in this realm, and I need to depart to other realms.”
“What will we do then?” Nameless slumped his broad shoulders.
“I don’t understand. Why do you need to leave? We have started to do great things for this world,” Karl added.
Zel snorted and folded their thin arms as they sat back in the chair.
“I am the Nexus Guardian. That is true. However, I was not just lost in this realm but in others. There are parts of me out there that I need to find to make myself whole again, as for what you three will do. You are respected in this realm. You three will form the council, and I have already made the arrangements. The tribal leaders of the Wasteland will back you. It is time that this world is made whole again.”
“What will I do?” Nameless asked in a whisper.
“You will accompany me, silly,” Milandra replied.
Nameless lifted his great helm. “You said I can’t.”
“They can’t, but you are a loose spirit,” Milandra replied.
“I will follow you to the ends of the realms if need be,” Nameless vowed.
Milandra smiled. “Let us hope we do not have to travel that far.”
THANK YOU FOR READING! IF YOU ENJOYED THIS WORK, PLEASE BE SURE TO RATE AND REVIEW! RATINGS AND REVIEWS ARE THE LIFEBLOOD FOR US INDIE AUTHORS.
INTERESTED IN READING MORE? PLEASE CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE:
WWW.MRCASTILLA.COM