-last edited on Feb 8, 2019 19:12:36 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Feb 8, 2019 19:12:28 GMT
Chapter 52
On the morning of the fifth day, Skirj finally reached the base of the mountains. At least, he thought it was the fifth day. Since leaving the Dragon castle, he hadn’t really been keeping track of time. There were only times with sun and times without. Neither of those were for sleeping. In the past five days, Skirj had only slept when it felt like his legs would collapse under him if he did not. The sleeping, always disturbed by the now-familiar nightmares, never lasted long before he would pull himself to his feet again and continue moving. There hadn’t been time for eating, either, but by now he hardly noticed the furious growling of his stomach. His mind was fixated on finding that gemstone from Septimus’s mask. The man who smashed his brother had taken it for a reason, and Skirj knew that once he found it everything would fall into place. Once he found it, he would finally be able to save Skrag. He would have been able to get to it faster if the teleporting would just cooperate. Whenever he tried it, it was as if something was holding him back, as if he wasn’t strong enough. But that made no sense; Skirj knew he was strong enough to teleport. It was his greatest magical skill. Nonetheless, it seemed he only had the strength to reapply the wardings whenever they were about to dissipate, so he just kept on walking.
Muscles groaning with each movement, Skirj slowly pulled himself up the face of the mountain toward the place where Jayden and Caisara had found Skrag, and Zelfern, and the others. His arms felt like they had been set on fire, and his legs were leaden pillars dangling uselessly in the air, but he would not give in. He was so close. So close. So close. A scream, almost a howl, echoed through the mountains, and when Skirj finally managed to haul himself onto the outcrop that was his destination he realized that it had come from him.
-last edited on Feb 9, 2019 19:15:23 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Feb 9, 2019 19:14:54 GMT
Chapter 53
When Skirj could move again, he pulled the lens out of his pouch with a shaky hand. It was still in perfect shape. He had been checking it every day – or, well, regularly at least; he could not have said whether it was daily – to make sure it was. Anticipation stirring in his chest, the goblin raised the lens to his eye and began to turn it. Four months of nothing, then some people – he vaguely recognized himself among them – carrying figures down from the mountain, then Jayden and Caisara arriving, and – stop! – what he was looking for. Skirj watched as his brother arrived on the mountain to confront Zelfern, as the large man smashed the boy and in turn was smashed by the woman, who was then smashed by Zelfern. He watched as Skrag desperately fought against an enemy who was stronger than he, as he struggled to survive, as he finally was victorious, and as he flung a glittering red gemstone into the forest below. Skirj watched, helpless to change what had already been done, as his brother sat down and was smashed.
Long minutes passed as Skirj wept for his fallen brother. I will save you. Whatever it takes, I will save you. This I swear, on my life; it I fail, it shall be forfeit. Do not give up hope yet, brother. I am coming for you. When at last Skirj stood, it was with newfound strength conviction, despite the fiery ache of his arms and legs, despite the hunger that clawed at his belly, and despite the exhaustion that threatened to send him toppling to the ground at any moment. He almost threw away the lens – what use had he for it now? – but instead he slipped it back into his pouch and began to climb back down the mountain.
When he reached the ground, Skirj turned to face the forest that bordered the mountain on two sides. Somewhere in there was the red gemstone that would save Skrag. Skirj had no idea where it could be, or even if it truly was still there, but he was determined to find it. With every part of his being, he needed to find it. Grimly, Skirj stepped into the forest and began his search.
-last edited on Feb 10, 2019 18:51:57 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Feb 10, 2019 18:51:43 GMT
Chapter 54
With a flash of blue-gray light, Beziov appeared in the meeting chamber. The room contained only a round table and eleven chairs. Surrounding it was nothingness. It was housed in some sort of pocket dimension, created by ancient Other. Beziov often wondered how they had done it, but there was not time for that now. Pressing a thumb to his amulet, he sent out the call. It was time for the Council to convene.
One by one, they began to appear, each accompanied by a flash of light – gray, red, brown, white, deep green, lavender, russet, emerald, and orange. When all had arrived, Beziov called the meeting to order. “We begin with some sad news. One week ago, Wisdom was gravely injured by the rogue sorcerer Skirj. He has not yet had time to fully recover, but I have been assured he will be well before we next meet. We are putting our best efforts into locating the perpetrator, but he has evaded us so far. Now, how are the rest of your assignments going? Sendon, you were the first to arrive. You may speak first.”
A muscular, red-bearded man replied. “The Iron Wolves are maintaining order as we should. There is nothing notable to report.”
Leif had been the second to arrive and he began as soon as Sendon finished. “Unfortunately, things with King Leonus are not going so well. He refuses to send anyone to help take down the bandits. If I could, I would order help sent myself, but I can see nothing for it but to hope they can figure it out on their own.”
Beziov sighed. “That is unfortunate. Those chosen are quite capable, though. They may yet manage to pull it off. Ensis?” And so, they went around the table in order of arrival. Daeglin Ensis, their sole agent across the sea, said as he always did that the Srevites believed their Water was coming soon, perhaps in only a few years. Elowyn in the forest and Freda in the north had nothing of interest to report, no pressing problems to be dealt with. Neither did Koriatnum, in the goblin tribes, or Jarred, in the City by the Sea, or Irya, far to the west. Until at last it came to Vasilla.
-last edited on Feb 11, 2019 20:14:15 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Feb 11, 2019 20:13:50 GMT
Chapter 55
Vasilla bore a worried look. Beziov had seen that on her often lately, ever since she’d returned with the Falkrions. He did not like it. Vasilla was not a woman who worried easily. Instead of simply prompting her to speak as he had the others, Beziov took a turn of his own first. “Most of you are probably already aware of the trouble brewing between the Riders and the Dragon Kingdom and dwarves of the east. They disagree on what to do with the Falkrions, and it looks as if it may very soon come to blows.” He turned his attention to Vasilla. “Have you been able to make any headway in convincing them not to do this?”
The dwarven woman sadly shook her head. “I have been too busy, Beziov. There is trouble in my mountains, and nothing I do seems to be quashing it for long. You are aware that my home is my priority. If I could do anything about the Falkrion situation, I would.”
Beziov gave another long sigh. “Is there anyone with resources they could divert to this issue?” No one spoke up. “Anyone? Blast!” Suddenly, he understood Vasilla’s worriedness. If this war could not be stopped now, it was anyone’s guess what the outcome would be. Only one thing was certain – there would be far more winners than losers. This sort of thing seemed to be happening to the Council a lot lately. For the most part, everything was fine, but anything of real consequence – the Well, the monster called Zelfern, that mad sorcerer Skirj, and now the Riders – they could do nothing about. Well, if they could do nothing, then they could do nothing. “Unless anyone has anything to add, the Council is dismissed.”
Almost hesitantly, Irya spoke up. She was young still, only on the Council because Morath’s attack had taken so many, but rarely did she seem to lack confidence. What could be bothering her? “Does anyone else feel as if we are being watched?”
Once again, no one said anything. They couldn’t be watched, not here; this was the only place in the pocket dimension, and it was quite inaccessible without an amulet. But when everyone else had gone, Beziov felt a tickling along his spine, as if invisible eyes were on him. Shuddering, he grasped the amulet, and was gone.
-last edited on Feb 12, 2019 20:37:58 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Feb 12, 2019 20:37:49 GMT
Chapter 56
As the sun set on the second day of Skirj’s search, he heard the voice for the first time. It called out to him, whispering his name, but not into his ears – into his mind. Even so, Skirj found that the voice was quiet in some places, louder in others. He began to divert his attention from the as-yet fruitless search for the gemstone, instead trying to follow the voice. If he could get to whatever place it was loudest, perhaps he could find the source. And then, at last, stumbling wearily on his empty stomach and overworked legs, he did.
It was the base of a tall oak tree, its roots covered by layers of thick brambles, where the voice practically screamed into his skull. Desperately, Skirj began tearing through the thorns, caring not at all when they pricked his fingers and only a little when they caught at his clothes and he had to waste precious time tearing himself free. But all his efforts yielded nothing but dirt and rough rocks, and he was almost prepared to give up when some small, hard object fell onto his head and bounced away. Startled, he looked up, and then he smiled. Up!
It took Skirj longer than it should have to climb the trunk, but his muscles were stiff and trembling with fatigue. In a way, it was a feat of great mental fortitude that he managed it at all. When he reached the first branch, he almost paused for a rest, but there was no time, and he continued. Halfway to the top, something caught at the corner of his eye – a bird’s nest, and in it a glittering red gemstone. The very item he had been searching for, and, he now realized, the source of the voice. It seemed to call out to him as he stretched out a hand – almost there, another inch, got it – and snatched the jewel out of its resting place. The round gemstone was surprisingly warm in his hand, glowing faintly and pulsing with vital energy. He stared at it in wonder, and then it spoke to him. No longer simply calling his name, it said, Hello, Skirj. This is Septimus Merlinsson. Can you hear me? Skirj fell out of the tree.
-last edited on Feb 14, 2019 19:38:57 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Feb 14, 2019 19:38:38 GMT
Chapter 57
It was light again when Skirj woke, so he knew the rest of the night must have passed. How long was that? Two hours? Three? Too long, in any case. What had happened? He remembered hearing the voice, climbing the tree, taking the gem – the gem! A flash of panic jolted him upright, but when he looked at his right hand, the stone was still there, clutched firmly in a bony fist. Since when had his hands been that thin? The rest of the events came back to him, and he slowly brought the gemstone up to his face. “H-hello? Septimus? Are you there? Is that really you?” His voice came out slow and clumsy with disuse. His throat hurt, too. When was the last time he had drunk water?
All those thoughts were washed away when the voice in his head replied. It is me, Skirj. I am glad you have found me. I was beginning to worry that no one ever would.
All Skirj could say was, “How?”
The voice chuckled. When one holds an item of magical power as long as I have this gemstone, a strange connection develops. When the holder is smashed, his soul will often cling to the item, preserving him on this plane of existence.
Skirj decided to decipher the implications of all that yet. “I’m glad I found you. I need your help.” All the thoughts and feelings he had had over the last four months suddenly began to flood out. He tried to keep to the essentials as best he could, but there was so much, and all of it suddenly seemed important.
It was a few minutes before Septimus replied. I will help you. You have saved me, and I owe that to you, at the least. And, besides, I think it is time that your apprenticeship properly began.
Skirj could have wept with joy. “Thank you. Thank you. Where should we begin? I’ve been thinking a lot the past few days, and-.”
The voice in his head cut him off. We begin with you sleeping, and then getting a proper meal. You will be no use to your brother if you smash yourself from inattention. Skirj tried to protest, but the voice held firm. Sleep, Skirj. You need this. Sleep, or I will not help you.
And Skirj slept. For once, there were no nightmares.
-last edited on Feb 16, 2019 19:16:59 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Feb 16, 2019 19:16:38 GMT
Chapter 58
From atop a ridge, hidden by the brush and her green cloak, Legolie watched through her spyglass as the bandits began to move out of their base. First a dozen, then a score, then twice that. No dragon, though. She wondered what that meant. A rustling sound came from the bushes behind her, and she spun around, her short sword drawn and ready.
But it was only Jayden, wearing a gray woolen cloak to keep the sun from reflecting off his armor. Legolie nodded her head toward the bandits and he lied down beside her, accepting the spyglass as she handed it over. After a few minutes, he handed it back and stood up. “Well, we have a lot to talk about. The others are back. All of them. And I know the man leading the bandits.”
Sliding the spyglass back into its case, Legolie stood up as well. “Let’s go, then.”
They found Leinad, Caisara, and Isabel waiting for them some hundred-odd yards down the slope. Leinad and Isabel looked like they had been travelling without rest for weeks, which they had. Caisara, as always, didn’t appear to be tired at all.
There was no time for pleasantries. Legolie nodded to each of them and then said, “Isabel, you go first.”
“The kids are safe in the City. I’ve hidden them in a place no one else living knows about, in case someone does come to the City.”
“That’s good,” Legolie replied, “Leinad, I hope your news is as good.”
Sighing, Leinad shook his head. “King Leonus won’t send anyone. He says we can do this job on our own. Giving us any soldiers will just make it harder.”
Legolie had to bite her tongue from saying something rash. When she was sure she could speak calmly, she said, “Well, then. We have what we have. Caisara, I hope you found something that will give us an advantage, because-.”
Leinad cut her off, raising a hand apologetically. “I’m worried about Leonus, Legolie. He looks tired, and he kept mumbling about dreams.”
“There’s nothing we can do about that, Leinad,” Legolie said with a sigh. “We just have to do our job. I’ll help if I can when that’s done, but we can’t afford distractions now. Caisara, please go ahead.”
Caisara nodded and began making her hand signals to Jayden.
-last edited on Feb 17, 2019 18:48:47 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Feb 17, 2019 18:48:33 GMT
Chapter 59
When Caisara was finished, Jayden turned to Legolie and gave the report. “There are some four dozen of them all told, living in that cave system in close quarters. The biggest cave is where the dragon is, and their leader sleeps in the same one. They have little armor, but plenty of weapons. Some gold, too, kept in the same cave as the dragon, but it looks like looting villages hasn’t been that lucrative.”
Legolie took a few minutes to digest the information, and then asked, “And you are sure you weren’t seen? By anyone?” Caisara nodded indignantly, almost looking offended, and Legolie gave a wave of acquiescence. “We’ll keep watching them for now. Help whatever victims we can but stay low. We can’t be found out yet. When we have enough information to make a proper plan, we will move. Now, if that’s all . . .”
Shaking his head, Jayden stepped forward. “It’s not. I saw something when I was looking through your spyglass, Legolie. I know the man who is leading these bandits. His name is Pursigon, and he worked for Kelrin Dragonsblood when he was trying to conquer the world. He was one of Kelrin’s dragon riders. Twelve years ago, I helped Kelrin Dragonsblood to smash a dragon brood mother and steal the eggs she was guarding. The first of those was given to Pursigon. His dragon is called Fovos.”
Legolie tried to find the words to respond, but nothing arrived. At last, she was able to say, “What . . . what can you tell us about them? Anything that might help?”
Jayden stood there for a minute, tapping his foot, before he responded. “Pursigon was never a proper leader when I knew him. He could lead people, and effectively, too, but he was always at his best when there was someone above him. If he’s really leading these bandits now, there might be something we can exploit there. From what I remember of Fovos, she was always nervous. She hatched before we reached the nest, and if she hadn’t been whimpering from her hiding place we might never have found the eggs. Pursigon was picked as her rider because he could control her. I don’t know what it means that he’s not with her now. Nothing good, I think.”
In Legolie’s head, a glimmer of a plan began to form.
-last edited on Feb 18, 2019 22:41:12 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Feb 18, 2019 22:41:03 GMT
Chapter 60
The little campfire was burning low when Errica and Hayteleck finished their meager evening meal and began to pack away those supplies. While Errica went to grab a little more firewood, Hayteleck pulled out his lute, and, just like he did every night, began to strum. Suddenly, everything they had gone through in the past few weeks – the journey to that strange temple, Skirj’s increasingly troubling behavior, his subsequent disappearance, their repeated failures to find him, and their most recent failure just two days ago at Paladeen, where everyone had seemed on edge and no one would talk to them – caught up with her, and she snapped. “Just for once, could you not do that! It’s giving me a headache!”
Calmly, his face betraying not a hint of the same frustration Errica felt, Hayteleck set down the guitar. Instantly, the Mermian regretted her outburst. “I’m . . . sorry. I didn’t mean to shout. It’s just . . .”
Hayteleck nodded. “It’s just, what are we even doing anymore? How can we possibly find him if we have no leads to go on? Is there even a point in finding him? Is he . . . is he even alive? If you want to go back to the Towers, you should.”
For a long moment, Errica didn’t know what to say. Should she go back to the Towers? Did she really want to, at this point? Maybe it was time to go home at last. But then she saw Hayteleck’s eyes. They were so weary; the usual spark of life seemed missing. She couldn’t leave him to do this alone. So, at last, she shook her head. “No. No, we are going to find him. We are not going to give up.” If perpetually cheery Hayteleck was starting to lose hope, then she would have to take that role. Somehow, she would have to keep them going. Errica took her frustration and molded it into determination. “We will not fail, Hayteleck. I swear it.”
But before she could say anything more, a flash of indigo light lit their little clearing, and three people stepped out of the trees. Their leader, a silver-haired man with a neat beard and a blue-trimmed gray robe stepped forward. “Errica, Hayteleck, we need your help.”
-last edited on Feb 20, 2019 16:49:19 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Feb 20, 2019 16:48:50 GMT
Chapter 61
Errica, still basking in her newfound determination, stood up and strode toward the man. “Cyril Isenthorne. And Ealdwina Aldazalan and Axalicon Zengarden. What help could we possibly give three members of the Board?”
Errica knew as she said them that the words were ruder than was wise, but she was not expecting Axalicon to round on her with a face contorted in rage. “You dare joke!? Your friend Skirj attacked Wisdom! He was nearly smashed! And you are going to help us find him!”
Before Errica or Hayteleck could respond, Cyril placed a hand on Axalicon’s shoulder. “Calm, friend. I do not think these two were involved in what happened. And if they were, they would do everything in their power to help us correct it. As it is, I don’t doubt they will do that.” To Errica and Hayteleck, he gave a look that said he expected them to do just that, and with not a hair of resistance.
Mind racing, Errica struggled to work up a response. “Of course, we will help you. If Skirj has done as you say, he must be found before he can do any worse.” Had Skirj truly almost smashed Wisdom? If so, his state of mind was worse than she had thought. Wisdom was his friend! “Unfortunately, we have been unable to locate him even after weeks of searching, using all the leads we could find. We have already visited the Riders, and they know nothing.” An idea blossomed, and she had to clench her teeth to keep from smiling. “If we knew where it was, we would go back to his old home, next. The goblin tribe in the mountains where he grew up. Perhaps you will be able to locate it where we cannot.”
Cyril nodded. “Thank you for your help. We will do as you suggest. If you uncover anything, you know where to find us.” Motioning for the others to follow, he strode away into the trees.
As soon as the blue light was gone again, Hayteleck pulled Errica to his side. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? Sending them to his tribe?”
Errica shook her head. “You and I both know very well that he won’t go back there. I bought us time. If what they said is true, we will need it. If they find him first, they will smash him. I, for one, won’t let that happen.”
-last edited on Feb 21, 2019 19:10:07 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Feb 21, 2019 19:09:47 GMT
Chapter 62
As the sun rose the next morning on an Errica and Hayteleck who had not slept for worry of how they would save their friend before it was too late, an orange portal opened just north of the Dragon Kingdom’s castle, and the object of their fears stepped out. “It’s somewhere around here, I think, on top of a hill. I visited this place once, years ago, but the memory’s a little hazy.” A ball of orange light flickered to life in his hand. “It will help if I can see it.”
Septimus’s voice rang in his skull. Maybe you should have waited until morning.
Skirj shook his head. They had debated that point already, and he would not wait a second longer than he had to to continue his search. He was grateful for Septimus’s help, though. Reflecting on it, he knew that if Septimus hadn’t convinced him to rest he wouldn’t have lived even a week longer. Besides, it had been talking to Septimus that had given him this idea in the first place. It had happened after Skirj awoke from what he later learned had been almost a full day of sleep. He had been preparing a meal, at Septimus’s instructions, when the thought came to him.
“Tell me again how you survived. You said your soul clung to the gem, but did you have to do a spell or something to make that happen?”
I did nothing but keep it close to me, came the response. As I told you, when someone forms a strong attachment to a magical item, typically by carrying it on their person for a long time, his spirit can be inadvertently bound to it. When he is smashed, instead of being taken to the Keeper’s realm, he is trapped inside the item, able to reach out from it with his mind, but nothing more. That is what happened to Morath, with the Crown, and now to me.
Skirj considered the concept for a long time. It did make sense, in a way, but strange nonetheless. As he was finishing off the last of his food, a thought arrived. “Septimus, Skrag had a sword, a magical sword that he got form Morath. Do you think if I can find it his spirit will be there?”
It’s worth a try.
And that was how, some days later, Skirj found himself here, searching the hills for a sword with a green blade.
She is my new Skrag. 
