Chronicles of the End of the World

By Bryan Keen

On the planet Litressa, a planet of swords, sorcery and technology, all is usually peaceful, until one day, during a knighting ceremony, when a guard suddenly loses his senses, and attempts to take the life of a young King, Vorst Lupis, who was about to knight his best friend. Compelled by duty, the young knight promises to find the cause of the knight's madness, but instead is asked to find the king's missing brother, and enlists the aid of Saphius Ulen Martok, a man whom you would never want your daughter to bring home to meet the folks, to help him. However, as their adventure begins, they soon discover that there is more than a series of random events plaguing their world, as they soon realize that an ancient evil is about to be revived, and soon, they will have to fight for the fate of their world.

Told in the 5-part narrative structure, and with 8 years of development, this English language novel not only tells of the fight for survival of the Litressan people, but explores a world of mystery and intrigue, and shows how the bonds forged in battle, love and friendship can strengthen the resolve of even the most incapable warriors.

Each page, carefully written, will keep you wanting to read further and further on, and the ending will leave you wanting more.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bryan Keen
• Release date: Jul 14, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476427188

Bryan Keen

I got into writing at a young age, but it wasn't exactly for the sake of writing. I had to write a short story to pass my English Class, which I was failing miserably. I got an A+, but the draft sucked. It wasn't until about the age of 19 that I really became serious about writing. I wrote the original draft of "Chronicles of the End of the World", and then posted it on FictionPress, and when I got the only 8 reviews I would ever receive for it, I knew I was ready to try it for real. However, life has a funny way of catching you by the tail, and I had to set it aside, and try to find work. It wouldn't be until Summer of 2008 before I actually began to work on the initial redraft of "Chronicles". The first few drafts really sucked, but I kept at it, until I had completed the work that is on Smashwords.

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Chronicles Of The End Of The World

By Bryan Keen (Cid Wolfe)

Copyright 2011 by Bryan Keen

Smashwords Edition

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PROLOGUE - The Journey Begins!

The excited voices that filled the elaborate and prestigious Hall of Liam the Gallant fell silent upon the subtle hand movement made by the king of Minnic, King Vorst Lupis. It was the greatest of days for all young knights in training, as this was the final step in becoming a knight: the king's blessings. There was nothing they could do short of forgetting their manners, or breaking the law that could keep the knight elect from becoming true knights.

All eyes were on Cameron Radcliffe as he approached the king to be knighted. Cameron Radcliffe, grandson of a former farmer, had been specially recommended by the king to be put through the knight’s training program earlier than the required age, owing to the fact that he showed great skill, and because there was literally nothing short of being executed that could change his mind, and even then, Vorst doubted that thought would deter him.

The royal guards flanked the king on either side as he approached Cameron, one of them carrying the Lupis family’s sword on a velvet pillow, its diamond-encrusted hilt glistening beautifully as a ray of sunlight intruded the room. The king was, himself, decorated in his ceremonial white clothing, which gleamed like a pearl as the sun’s rays shined upon its soft textures, its breast bearing the gilded crest of the wolf, the family’s crest, which also had a sunlit glow about it. His blue cape waved lazily as he stepped toward his friend, who kneeled before him as Vorst stopped and turned to the sword bearer.

For the first time in Cameron’s life, he wore something much more extravagant than his training clothes. He now wore a military uniform, which was dark blue in color, and had paldrons of pure silver. He was the picture of dignity that day. Vorst had even said it himself: If Cameron’s father could see him now, he’d have been proud. Cameron quickly glanced up at the second guard with his eyes, and noticed that he was twitching slightly. He frowned to himself, but then tried to ignore it, minding his own bearing. Vorst grasped the sword, took it from the bearer, turned his attention to his friend, and then spoke.

Cameron Radcliffe, he said, In recognition of your graduation to the ranks of knighthood, I hereby dub thee Sir Cameron Radcliffe…

The guard twitched again, and glanced at Cameron, then at the king. Could he be plotting something, or was he one of those types who had a problem containing his emotions? One way or another… it felt out of place.

…may you forever carry a sense of honor…

Again, the guard twitched, and tightened his grip on the sword, which was held before him. Cameron readied himself, his hand ready to move at a moment’s notice.

…dignity…

Another twitch, and the guard’s eyes began to turn completely white, his pupils narrowing, and turning into vertical, snake-like slits.

…and above all…

The guard’s eyes turned red, and a terrifying, murderous expression crossed his face. He raised his sword over his head, and prepared to attack the young king.

Your Highness! Cameron said, Look out!

The guard swung his sword at the king, who was pushed out of the way by Cameron. The crowd screamed as this happened. The sound of metal on metal rang out as the sword struck Cameron’s silver boot-knife.

Get the king out of here! he shouted, and get the villagers back home safely!

The knights did not protest, and began ushering people out as quickly as they could. The people who had attended were tripping over one another as they tried desperately to escape, for fear that the crazed guard would try to kill them as well. Cameron kicked the guard down, and looked around for anything that would help him fight. He saw a shining object in the corner of his eye. The king’s sword had been left behind. Cameron backflipped as the guard got back up and took another swing at him, and then grabbed the king’s sword. He guarded against the next attack, knocked the guard’s sword out of his hand, and then stabbed the guard through the underside of his jaw, through the brain, and out through the top of his skull. Pint upon pint of hot crimson blood sprayed out as the guard fell into a lifeless heap on the floor. Cameron exhaled with relief, but then heard the guard’s armor rattling, and gasped as he turned around and saw what he had a hard time believing. The guard’s corpse had reanimated, and a moan came out of its helmet.

Still alive, huh? Cameron said, This time I’ll put you down FOR GOOD!!

Cameron loosened his grip on the sword, inhaled, and then exhaled as he tightened it again. A powerful energy flooded the room, but then condensed around Cameron, and then focused into the sword in his hands. He raised the sword over his head as the energy filled the sword. Once it had completely filled the blade, Cameron shouted: To the After Lands with you!! then struck the ground, and a wave of pure energy sprayed at the reanimated guard, who froze as the flesh was burned away inside his armor, which then fell to the floor loudly. Cameron got on his knees, and said a prayer.

Sir Roberto… I’m sorry. Cameron said, May you rest easy.

He crossed his heart, and then stood.

~~~

After the incident, the kingdom was in an uproar. Talk and gossip spread like wildfire. Some said that it was an enemy power trying to take over, while some also remarked that negligence had been a factor. Some of the local thieves insisted that their information, stating that an evil spirit had possessed the royal guard in question, was way more reliable. A number of these thieves were well-learned men and women, so the few biased guards, who still believed in social class systems, took their word, going on those facts alone. Cameron could truly agree with them without status being a factor, since he had fought the guard himself, and had immediately. Some of the soldiers were mostly concerned with how thieves got into the castle in the first place, despite their various security measures, for which the same thieves mocked them.

Chapter One – All Is Not Well

Cameron was standing before the king in his chambers. The king was pacing back and forth anxiously. His people were reasonably fearful, his brother was missing and at the moment, though his facial expressions showed nothing, Cameron knew that he was under more stress than a boy his age should be able to take. Cameron licked his upper lip, and tried to talk.

My king… Cameron said.

Cameron, please, drop the formalities with me. he said, We are friends, after all.

…Vorst, Cameron said hesitantly, your brother has been reported absent for days. Some are saying that he was behind this entire thing.

If he is, there’s something powerful guiding him. Vorst said, Raxt isn’t the type to take chances like this, foolish, though he may be.

I understand what you mean. Cameron said.

Not the bravest man, my brother. Vorst said, returning to his pacing. However…

Vorst had a point. Raxt was a coward, but if pushed into a corner… Vorst turned to Cameron, and looked at him imploringly.

Will you go find him, please? he asked, My mother is ailed to the point of sickness because of his disappearance. Besides our mother, Raxt is my only living family. If our mother or my brother dies, I’ll have nothing, not even the will to run this kingdom. I’d look for him myself, if my duties didn’t keep me here. Not only that, it would look odd if I abandoned my post after this.

Don’t fret, my friend. Cameron said, I’ll find him. But, I’ll have to ask to borrow Saphius for the time being.

Well, certainly, Vorst said, nodding, if you can pull him away from his work, whatever he’s doing. I just hope he’s not using the money that I allowed him for liquor and women again.

I’m sure he’s not. Cameron said. I’ll go find him in the morning, before I leave.

~~~

Smoke from an incense burner filled a darkened room with a rich, sweet aroma. The only light that filled the room was from a few dozens of candles, and a thin ray of the sun’s morning light. A thin, yet broad-shouldered man and a beautiful, slender young woman were indulging in a few early morning sinful pleasures on the man’s bed. The woman’s red tresses covered his face as she kissed him, and she was moving and twisting her hips upon him, moaning with the utmost pleasure. The moans intensified as her pleasure intensified. The look in the man’s eyes spoke to her. She knew he liked it as much as she did. Suddenly, she sat up, and started moving up and down upon him, bringing him to a new level of pleasure, and then began to rock her hips back and forth, until their bodies exploded into a loud climax. She moaned excitedly as she climaxed, and then laid her head on his chest. She smiled, kissed him, and then dismounted him, and then started dressing, still smiling. The man sat close to her, wrapped his muscular arms around her waist, and kissed her neck softly.

Hey, he said, Gotta go so soon?

Yeah, she said, I do have clients other than you today, you remember.

Yeah, I know. the man said, sighing, How much do I owe you this time, Gabrielle?

This one is on me this time. Gabrielle said, Just don’t let the mistress know about us.

On my honor. the man said.

Whatever honor he had, some might say… Gabrielle reached her left arm over her shoulder, and stroked his clean-shaven face as she kissed him.

It was good to see you again, Saphius Ulen Märtok. Gabrielle said.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and Cameron walked in, wearing light, silver armor and a royal blue traveling cloak, with the royal crest on it. His brown hair was tied back, exposing his lightly tanned face and blue eyes. Gabrielle squeaked, surprised and embarrassed, and let herself out, waving a silent goodbye to Saphius, who simply sat there, stooped over, looking at Cameron. Saphius grumbled as he glared at Cameron, and then began to fidget with a thin, leather case of cigarettes, which was the exact size of a modern day cigarette pack.

Don’t you know how to knock, you little jerk? Saphius said snidely.

I need your help, Saphius. he began, only half caring about the hooker’s presence.

Uh-huh… said Saphius, shiftily.

I’m going out of town soon, Cameron said, and I need someone with your skills and magic power.

Uh-huh… Saphius said, What’s in it for me?

Cameron frowned at Saphius for being selfish. He thought quickly.

How about me not telling the king about you abusing his grant money? Cameron said, a tone of blackmail in his voice.

Get out… Saphius said, a pissed off tone in his voice.

But… Cameron said, a little disappointed.

…unless you’re into guys, all of a sudden, leave! Saphius said.

…oh…right! Cameron said, sliding outside.

He closed the door, and waited for Saphius to get dressed. However, as he closed the door, he could hear screams and whooping outside. He opened Saphius’ door again, and found that Saphius had escaped, and was running across the rooftop of the stable nearby, stark naked.

Damn it all! Cameron spat.

He climbed onto the windowsill, and leapt, his silvery armor glinting as sunlight hit it, his cloak fluttering in the breeze, like a super-hero flying into the wind, and landed safely on the roof, and then gave chase. Saphius snapped his fingers, and black leather pants materialized over his exposed parts, and then down his legs, stopping at his ankles. He turned, and forced Cameron back with a psionic wave. Cameron flipped, and landed on his feet, almost like a cat, mere inches from the edge of the roof.

C’mon, don’t be such a baby, Saphius! Cameron said.

Get the fuck away from me! Saphius said, I ain’t going nowhere with a little kid… especially not you! Last time I helped you, my ass was nearly violated by a troll!

I told you I was sorry like a thousand times! Cameron said, Get over it!

Get over it? Saphius said, backing off, In case you didn’t hear, I said a troll tried to rape me! A troll!

This is direct from the king! Cameron shouted.

So what? Saphius said, shrugging.

I need you! Cameron said, nearly pleading, The kingdom needs you! Someone tried to kill the king during the knighting ceremony!

At this, Saphius put his arms out, and a black tunic materialized over his upper body, hanging down in front and back, placed a cigarette in his mouth, lit it, and then stared at Cameron as he puffed it, his hand in his pockets. A concerned expression seemed to be crossing his usually apathetic face. There were two things that Saphius never let anyone mess with: His cigarettes, and his money. He stared at Cameron for a second, and made a noise, representing thought.

You don’t say? he said, …and that’s all?

Should there be more? Cameron asked, quite disgusted at his remark.

Well, yeah… Saphius remarked, a bit condescendingly, Was the soldier possessed, or was it some idiot with a death wish?

His eyes were red, Cameron said, ignoring his tone, and had slits like a snake. He didn’t seem to know what he was doing.

A sign of dark magic. Saphius said, pointing his cigarette at Cameron, Either that, or he’s fuck-ugly and diseased.

Come on, Saphius! Cameron chastised him, Be serious for once.

Cameron frowned at Saphius’ joke. Saphius put away his cigarette in a flash of flames, and scratched his head. He then stood, and stretched, and looked into Cameron’s eyes.

You’ll need more than just me, kid. he said, shaking a finger.

More than you? Cameron asked, Who could be better than you?

Give it some thought, Saphius said, and spare me the flattery.

Then, after a moment of thought, it hit him. He shivered as Saphius gave him that ‘you-know-who-I’m talking about’ expression.

Her? he said, A girl?

Radcliffe, Saphius said, I know you don’t think too highly of women, but don’t you dare start with me! She’s not a silly little girl anymore. We need all the help we can get if you’re thinking of taking on a big responsibility like this.

I guess so… sighed Cameron, Oh, and just so you don’t say I never mentioned it, the king asked me to look for his brother.

Fine, we’ll get the other brat, too! Saphius said, now balancing on the edge of the roof.

Saphius walked downward on the roof, and leapt to the ground.

Let’s go get ready now, he said, landing, You go get her, and I’ll go get my stuff.

Don’t skip out, Cameron warned, or I won’t pay you for this.

Nah, forget about it! Saphius said, waving away his comments, I’ll do this as a favor.

Okay, then. Cameron said, balancing.

Cameron mimicked Saphius in walking to the edge, but slipped, and fell through the straw roof, his feet dangling as he tried to pull himself out. Saphius sniggered as this happened, and then returned to his quarters to get his clothes and supplies. He then stopped dead in his tracks as he looked at his savings. He had just grasped what he had told Cameron about money.

Why the hell did I tell him ‘no money’? he said, grumbling, Well…fuck me sideways… I guess I’m doing this for free, then…? Shit!

~~~

Cameron walked downtown to the magic school, where the girl that had been mentioned studied to ancient arts of offensive black magic and defensive white magic. She was one Alphina Sel Karina, born to a human father and an elfin mother, and possessing an impeccable skill with her powers, even at the young age of seven. Now, seven years later, she had matured into a young woman, and her power had increased dramatically. Most human sorcerers and sages at the school could not match her power. She was not only the top of her magical class, but a certified genius in the art of psionics, the art of channeling one’s thoughts into a powerful form of psychic energy. She could manipulate her environment at will, bringing an object to her, or push it away. In battle, she could repel her enemies with a thought. Her telekinetic powers scared even the most indifferent of psychics. Despite all that, you would think she would be a total sweetheart…right? But, no, she was not! She was like a dainty little princess. She hated being ignored, hated to get dirty, hated the great outdoors (unless one of her servant girls is with her to attend to her needs), and was absolutely in love with Cameron, and pitched a fit if anyone ever tried to take him away from her for even a second. Okay, so she was a little on the spoiled side, but Cameron knew he had to bring her, or he would never hear the end of her childlike complaining and crying. He sighed, and approached the gate. Sage Mimo stood at the gate. He was a middle-aged sage, proficient in defensive magic. He had a large, bushy brown beard, which, with the hints of gray, looked like a lot of squirrels had slept on his face, and left their tails behind. He fixed his silvery eyes on Cameron, and raised an eyebrow.

How may I help you, Sir Radcliffe? he said.

I need to take Alphina Sel Karina with me. Cameron said, The king has asked me to take her with me. I can’t disclose any further details as to why. Anyway, please let me through!

Mimo nodded.

Professor Sedge, east wing, classroom 2-F, in you go. Mimo said.

He permitted Cameron to enter, and then returned to his watch. Cameron stepped through the wrought-iron gate, and walked through the courtyard, which was decorated along the walkway with statues of the great masters of old, and the greatest master in the center on a pedestal, which was the center piece of the beautiful, circular waterstone fountain, from which poured the purest water. The great human master of the magical elements, Dak’haman, looked as though he were staring down at those who entered, like a gleaming, stonework god. The craftsmanship was unnervingly good, made from colored stones, to match the master’s features to the historical record’s description of a man clothed in white robes, adorned with gold trim on each sleeve, piercing silver irises, with onyx stones as the pupils of his eyes. His skin was made of a terra cotta colored stone, to represent his dark tanned skin, the hair on his head made of diamond, to represent his shining, chameleon-like hair, of which he could change the color at will. A shiver ran down Cameron’s spine as he looked into its eyes. He pried his eyes away from the great master, and then walked down the path, and into the school. A man on the way to Sedge’s classroom who bore a striking resemblance to the statue in the garden met him as he neared the school’s entrance. The man smiled at him in the friendliest way. This man was, in fact, the Great Master of Sorcery himself, Dak’haman.

Ah, Sir Cameron! he said, Long time, no see. I can only assume, since you opted for the door this time, that your business isn’t personal.

Master Dak’haman! Cameron said, You’re perceptive as usual. I came with orders to requisition a student.

Cameron held up his official papers, which the Great Master merely glanced at as he took it from Cameron.

Miss Karina? Dak’haman asked, She’ll be pleased to hear that. Well, then… I approve.

So easily? Cameron said.

Yes, Dak’haman said, She’s sure to ace the finals, even without the end of year classes. She’s such a talented young lady. Besides, it’s not every day that two young lovebirds get the chance to go on a mission together.

Dak’haman laughed to himself as he walked past Cameron, who scoffed in an indignant way.

We’re only under orders! Cameron said defensively, Don’t read anything into it!

Dak’haman laughed, and then looked back at Cameron.

I’m joking, of course. Dak’haman said, grinning, You don’t have to be so serious about it, Mr. Radcliffe.

You’re too lighthearted, Master… Cameron said, How did you ever achieve the rank of Great Master?

By enjoying my work. Dak’haman said, eyeing a bluebird that had just landed on a windowsill, I worked hard, and had a lot of blind luck, too. I have some parting words for you: Take care of that girl. She might rub you wrong occasionally, but she’s a very special girl. Women with her kind of devotion don’t come around easily.

But she’s so… clingy. Cameron said, crossing his arms.

That’s just how she shows her love. Dak’haman said, It’s how you know she is sincere with you, and that’s what makes her the way she is.

How do you know so much, Headmaster? Cameron asked.

Occupational hazard. Dak’haman said, I have to watch out for the special candidates in the kingdom. Some become good, and some become twisted and evil. One never knows who will become a protector, and who will be the adversary.

As the Great Master parted ways with him, Cameron thought about what had been said. Enjoying your work? That concept was a bit strange, since he had always believed that a soldier was supposed to be serious at all times. He made his way to Sedge’s classroom, just in time to encounter a wave of students exiting the classroom. He stepped to one side, and walked around them, into the classroom, where Alphina was still packing her books into her satchel. Alphina, a brunette half-elf, was sitting at her desk, wearing her favorite black dress, which had a gray collar, with a red silk ribbon at the base of the collar. She had a black satin choker around her neck. In some ways, her complexion made her look like a doll made of the finest porcelain. She was still packing away her school supplies, and stretching. She turned her head toward him, and beamed at his arrival.

Cameron! she squealed, smiling.

She knocked over her seat as she stood, and ran toward him, throwing her arms around his neck.

Did you miss me? she said.

Uhm… sure… I guess. Cameron said.

Hmm? Alphina said, Something on your mind?

Just thinking. Cameron said, I was kind of hesitant to come today.

Why? Alphina asked.

I dunno. Cameron said, I guess it was the idea of taking you along today.

Well, happy to see you, too! Alphina said sharply, stepping back, and crossing her arms.

Uh, did I say something wrong? Cameron asked.

I’m not mad, Alphina said, but you could be a little more enthusiastic about seeing me.

It’s not like that! Cameron said, The king and Saphius recommended that I take you with me, and you know what I think about putting you in danger!

Is it because I’m a girl? Alphina asked, glaring at him.

Uh, no… I, uh… Cameron stuttered, I, um… I just…

Well, are you a man or not? Alphina said, Out with it! Why don’t you want me to go?

At this point, she had him lifted off the ground, holding him by the collar of his armor. Cameron might have been freaked out more if she wasn’t a magic user, but he knew he couldn’t hide the facts. This was one of the things about Alphina that scared the hell out of Cameron.

Alright, I’ll confess! Cameron said, "I couldn’t live with myself