Mystic Kingdoms: the Crumbling Towers: Volume I of the Struggle of the Magi

By Michael B. George

Here is entailed the Parchments of the History before NewRise

The Magi of Paragon Tower had a saying. The three greatest assets of a wizard are a tower, a staff, and a pointy hat. The tower, that gives a Mage his strength to use magic through its mystical nodes. The staff, that gives order to a casting and focus to the casters power. Then finally, the pointy hat, which is always a style of fashion among wizards.

They would need more than these for the challenge that was soon to beset them.

When the wizard Andus is sent into the north to investigate a race of Dwarves he is drawn into a web of trouble involving serpents, Orcs, and Titans. Along with his new friend Feorn, what begins as a quest to save the Dwarven people becomes an unraveling mystery of a powerful Darkness that threatens all of Durse. Little does he know that his own people are soon to be beset by its sinister powers

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 17, 2005
• ISBN: 9781463490423

Michael B. George

Michael George resides in Bedford, Pennsylvania as a Computer Programmer.  Inspired by such authors as Tolkien, Lewis, Ende, and Doyle, George hopes to invigorate readers with a majestic fantasy world of thriving epic tales and fables.

Book preview

~ Mystic Kingdoms ~

The Crumbling Towers

Volume I of The Struggle of the Magi

Imagined by

Michael B. George

Title_Page_Logo.ai

This book is a work of fiction. People, places, events, and situations are the product of the

author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or historical events, is

purely coincidental.

© 2005 Michael B. George. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any

means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 05/05/05

ISBN: 1-4208-3832-6 (sc)

ISBN: 1-4208-5114-4 (dj)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-9042-3 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2005902003

Printed in the United States of America

Bloomington, Indiana

Edited By Roark Shallow

Cover Art, Tower Uteluin, by Glenda George

Contents

~Prelude~

Primary Scroll:

Meeting the Dwarves

Secondary Scroll:

The Tower Stirring

Third Scroll:

Treading Through the Unnamed Country

Fourth Scroll:

Orcs and Dwarves on the Hillside

Sixth Scroll:

A Ruse Against The Orcs

Seventh Scroll:

Account of the Council

Eighth Scroll:

The Tower of Darkness

Ninth Scroll:

Home Again

Tenth Scroll:

Jewel Riders and The Enlightening Of Wizards

Eleventh Scroll:

The Secret Hall of the Warlocks

Twelfth Scroll:

Sage

Thirteenth Scroll:

The Tower Crumbles

Fourteenth Scroll:

A New Foundation

Scroll of Knowledge

About the Author

For Dan Fisher.

Thank you always for your constant encouragement and lasting friendship.

 ~Prelude~

The muddy sky rumbled like war-drums as the wind followed forthwith, churning the seacoast with its heavy fingers. The wizard held his cap in restraint as the wind attempted to steal it from his brow. Standing close to the precipice that led to the foaming shoals below, he pulled back a safe distance from its edge. The tower Uteluin stood behind him, almost seeming to sway with the force that came from the sea. In anxious anticipation he ground his teeth. The sky lit with flickers of doom. His staff began to crack with the weight of his leaning so heavily upon it.

The cloak the wizard wore suffered upon him as the torrent of the storm worsened in its rage. In the far distance toward the horizon he could see two figures amid the heavens. The seas declared their fury as they approached ever further. As one who fears nothing and no one, the wizard was afraid of what arrived. The figures’ distorted shape was lengthy and sharp as dark shadows set against the heavy sky. Nightmarish creatures they were with shrill voices that pierced his ears. Their black bodies were broken shards of bone, a blanket of red stars beneath their ribs. A skull sat atop their pointy shoulders, where molten lava coughed from their bony jaws. They were air-born by wings that were bare of skin or feather, but were just skeleton bones.

A great crash came to the wizard’s ears, and the sea hurtled upwards into the sky. Amid the rolling of its waves was a giantess woman of pearl who stretched forth her arms in crashing waves. She went to smite the creatures from the sky, though they were stealthy. Their demonic cries seemed to injure her deeply, so she fell back to the trembling sea. Looking upon the fear-struck wizard the two advanced over him. The wizard threw out his hands in a horrific scream as the claws of the two monstrosities took him up.

Primary Scroll:

Meeting the Dwarves

The court of Paragon Tower was silent as the morning drew on in the land of Surn. Andus was with his student in the Divine Hall along with numerous other Magi, or wizards as they are generally called. In the massive hall, the white-robed wizards went about their studies of magic scattered across the chamber. Students practiced under their teacher’s guidance, sometimes two or three to a teacher. Andus had only one student under his practice, which he was pleased with. The Mage Andus was of a keen wisdom and kind heart, with many years of experience behind him. You would not know his age because of his smooth face, as most Magi retain their young appearance for hundreds of years. Only then does age swell through. He had once had golden strands of hair, as all young Magi do. Now the sleek whiteness of his hair and beard resembled fresh snow, and his eyes two blue crystals beneath white halos.

The golden-haired boy, Credalin, took up his staff in preparation of the lesson,

What do I do, Andus?

Andus held his staff out straight.

Like this, he said. Credalin followed his form putting out his staff. Now hold your palm outright before you. Good. Then you say the words, being sure that your palm is facing upwards and your staff is level, as you raise them together above your head.

Doing his best to follow his mentor’s commands, Credalin gathered his strength saying,

Dre’me, Dre’me, Dre’du!

Suddenly, the already well-lit hall was blanketed with light as an orb shot out from Credalin’s palm with a volley of blue and white sparks which rose high above him. The other golden-haired students watched eagerly and spoke in awe of his grasp of the spell. Andus patted the scholar on his back, then as Credalin let his arms down to his side the orb of light hanging above him slowly dissipated.

It won’t be long before you won’t need my guidance any longer, Credalin.

Thank you, Andus. I can only hope that my powers can equal yours someday.

I’m sure of it, he answered assuringly. The Mage’s eyes twinkled with care, which was a common talent of all wizards.

As the other teachers attempted to regain their students’ diverted attention, the main door opened and one of the Chancellors entered into the Divine Hall. It was Chancellor Caldian, one of Sage Verala’s most loyal servants. His long gray hair swayed at his back and a brown sash danced upon his cloak as he walked. He looked about the hall only a moment before he found Andus, then went to meet him.

When Caldian came before him, Andus smiled lowering his staff then said,

How may I help you, Caldian?

Sage Verala wishes to see you. I think you should hurry, it is quite important. There is news of another race inhabiting the ranges of the north, he whispered excitedly.

Speaking?

Aye. She’s waiting for you in the throne room.

Very well. If you will please see to Credalin. Caldian nodded, and Andus said goodbye to his student and congratulated him again on doing his lesson so well.

As the Mage entered the corridor he spoke eagerly beneath his breath,

Another speaking race. How marvelous!

For you see, the world was still very young, so many of the races had not met one another yet. If what Caldian had said was true then this would be the first that the Magi had found who spoke a language as they did.

Andus made sure that his cloak was furnished and the cleanest white, as was proper before the presence of the Sage. A few of the Chancellors awaited him at the throne room door, edging him to go in. Apparently, they were just as excited as he was of the news. The throne room gleamed with grandeur as light stretched in from a perfect stained-glass window on either side of the chamber. The colorful stained glasses depicted images of Magi during their wanderings in the years before.

Orbs of blue, green, and red protruded from the walls and others floated high towards the ceiling emanating their colorful light. While the majority of the castle was of granite and stone, this chamber was of a different sort. Its walls had no crevices nor were they rough, rather they were smooth and looked like one solid piece. Behind the throne was an arch that led to a balcony where the growing morning light trickled in.

Then there she was, elegantly sitting upon the throne clothed in a royal purple gown. Sage Verala, leader of the Magi. Andus braced himself under her beauty and power, which was beyond common words. Like the pulsating orbs, her fine light-blue hair woven in long wavering locks glowed of its own accord. Her deep eyes shifted colors each moment, ever-changing in their entrancing reflection. Not a wrinkle was upon her, her skin smooth as rose petals and smelling of spring lilies. Effortlessly, her power filled the room along with the blue aura that radiated in her pureness, which Andus felt as he entered the chamber. As she went to speak, the Mage thought of how soothing her voice was, like a gentle whisper,

Andus, my trusted Mage. I have called you forth to take on a most principal task of this court.

What would you have of me, my Lady?

These two Magi wanderers here have brought me tidings of a mountainous country to the north. The wanderers she spoke of stood off to her side, one taller than the other, both all too anxious to share their news. As I am told, in these mountains lives another race who speaks with words as we do and go about the same as we walk. Tell Andus of your findings wanderers.

The one Mage who was taller began first,

We came upon this country, which they call Brach, and there are mountains for as far as the northern coastline. These mountains are none like I have seen, so grand as to touch the clouds in their height and topped with snow on their pinnacles. There is one mountain there that is taller than all the rest, ever so glorious in size. Surrounding it is a triad, three very different mountains. On its north side, there is a mountain that leans heavily to the east as if it would topple. To the west the mountain has circular ridges, like a spiral that follow it from its base to its very upper point. And finally, to the east it looks as if the top of the mountain were clearly taken off, shattered from its base, and it is slanted where it was broken.

Here was where the other Mage began to speak,

Along the tallest mountain’s southern slope we found a shaft, only half our size. We had to crawl a few feet into it before the shaft widened so as we could stand somewhat. There were stairs at the end of the shaft that went deep into the heart of the mountain, and we followed them. When we reached the bottom we found a city carved entirely of stone, filled with these very small people. We cloaked ourselves with magic as we did not know whether to reveal ourselves, and we stayed among these people for three days.

They call themselves Dwarves, spoke the other wanderer out of turn.

A truly small people, their beards almost dragging upon the ground as they walk. As far as we could tell, they know nothing of magic.

All they care to do is build further into the mountain. They have only two cities, though they stretch on for miles and miles, as immense as they are. Such masterfully crafted buildings, very different from our towers.

They have two rulers – a King and Queen. Each has equal governing powers over their people. They are called King Bemda Dache and Queen Swe Dache.

Just in order to understand what they said we had to cast an enchantment. Though otherwise, their language is just as fluent as our own.

Verala looked at him and said,

Andus, I’m sure we would all like to know more of these Dwarves.

Yes, my lady.

That is why I would like you to go to the Dwarven country Brach and represent the Magi people before the King and Queen. Tell them of our interest in their people and our desire to be friends. Go and return as swiftly as possible. We will all be anxious for your return.

Throughout the description of the Dwarven people the Magi among the throne room were gawking with fascination and the envy of the court was upon Andus, who warmly smiled in his curly blue shoes. He replied,

As you wish, Sage Verala.

The court was in a palaver of excited discussion as Andus left. Verala remained still in her throne, her eyes following the Mage as he departed. He immediately went to his quarters to gather his things before his journey. Andus did not mean to fiddle around the tower any longer than he needed. His heart had been yearning for an outing for some time, though now he would also be the first to meet the Dwarves (visibly anyway.)

While collecting his traveling things, Andus recalled a great saying among the Magi: The three greatest assets of a wizard are a tower, a staff, and a pointy hat. The tower, that gives a Mage his strength to use magic through its mystical nodes. The staff, that gives order to a casting and focus to the caster’s power. Then finally, the pointy hat, which is always a style of fashion among wizards. Andus had his staff already with him. Its intricate design of curves and notches gave way to the brilliant blue jewels that studded its one side. He put away the white hat and cloak that he had been wearing for study, then removed his traveling cloak from the hook on the wall and his hat from the wardrobe. Both were a shiny dark-silver and the usual Magi traveler’s attire. His shoes however were not, which were an outlandishly blue color and curly at their ends. The Mage looked at himself in the mirror with a twinkle in his eye. Strapping the belt about his hat, and tying the rope about his waist he said to himself,

Now I shall have a good trip which has been long in coming.

Andus then left the Paragon Tower as numerous onlookers watched him from the higher parapets.

At this time of the world, the riding of horses was not known, except by the Freen of the South country, known as Padae-Cal, and the Men of the Far Eastern kingdoms. Horses did not roam the higher plains where the Magi were, but rather they were among the green pastures of the farther southeast. Since the Magi did not know the Freen at this time they did not have horses to ride about, which was just as well. Magi were lovers of traveling and exploration so often used their magic to travel, just as Andus would do.

Once he was some ways from the outer foundations of Paragon, Andus turned to look at the glorious tower. It stood as a zenith and landmark over that country that was called Surn – Paragon Tower, the capital of Surn. Of the five Magi towers built, Paragon stood as the epitome of them. Built over a period of two hundred years by tens of thousands of Magi, the massive tower consists of eight hundred chambers, fifty vast levels, and numerous turrets and parapets. Within its walls was contained the Node of Power, containing a portion of magic from every Mage who had ever lived. None who saw it could dispute its grand presence in the world of Durse.

He figured he would not be gone long enough to miss it, so the Mage took a last look and went along his way. He hadn’t a clue of the adventure that would greet him. Waving his staff methodically he was gone with a quick flash of light. When he reappeared he was much further north, though still among the green plains. Andus didn’t wish to stretch his powers too far anyhow, and wanted very much to take a nice walk. The tower of Tze was not far from where he was, and being along the way he had decided to stop there.

A rain came upon him further into the evening, but he didn’t mind it much. Sundown brought him unto the tower, which was kindly lit with an inviting light. The enchantment upon the tower would ignite its torches at the approach of any Mage.

Normal node towers are unlike the Paragon Tower. They don’t have as many floors or chambers, just four; one of which is delved beneath the ground. Each of the node towers are stocked every fourth moon with supple stores and provisions for any Mage that might pass through, so Andus was well suited for. Though all towers share a common purpose, which is to supply Magi with magic. Within each tower is a node, or an everlasting supply of magic within a single entity. The node is kept in the basement upon a golden mantle whereas its powers provide magic up to a certain extended distance where it begins to dwindle. This is how Magi got about in the earliest of days, and they were very dependent upon the nodes.

Andus was up fairly late that night as he examined the constellations from the uppermost floor, pondering their beauty and what ancient tales were related to them. His favorite of the constellations was the brilliant yellow and blue stars that made up the Pale Dove of Eriythin. He recalled its story being told to him numerous times in his studies. Eriythin was the great sorcerer of the stars, a Child of the Lord Laeuio, who sent the Pale Dove to Durse with the flaming hair of the Lion’s mane. This was set into the waters of the pool where the first of the Magi came into being. Eventually sleep caught up with Andus and he fell into a deep slumber.

Andus awoke with the following dawn, and his body felt rejuvenated of its magic. While the urge to explore still teased him, he knew it best to keep from prolonging his journey. Again, with the murmuring of a few words and a flash of light he arrived among the country of Brach. Hillocks and mountains encompassed the land before him as a morning fog slowly crossed like a fading shadow. Some of the mountains were incredibly small while others unbelievably big, though the tallest peak the wanderers had spoken of was by far the most impressive of them all.

Just as they had said, a triad of mountains surrounded it on the north, west, and east sides. A feeble green moss made its way up these mountains, all about their southern face and dipping into the valleys around them. The Mage had to do a bit of exploring to find the shaft that they had spoken of. Andus looked down into it with a look of distress. It was awfully narrow. He could see a dim light at the very end of the small shaft, so putting his hat in hand he bent to his knees and slowly crawled into it.

His cloak felt ever so burdensome on him in such close quarters. The shaft went on for a bit as it slanted into the mountainside. Dirt and dust got up in Andus’ face as he shuffled between the tight walls. The further he went the brighter the light at the end got. Eventually the tunnel began to widen a bit and Andus didn’t feel so scrunched.

When he did come to the end of the tunnel into a little cavern Andus gave out a great puff and looked back up the shaft.

I hope that I won’t be leaving the same way, he said dusting himself off.

The light he had seen had been coming from a very odd little place in the ceiling. With the ceiling not too far above him, Andus saw a number of stalagmites dressed with laces of large covered candles. At the far end of the cavern there was a staircase, and the flickering candles made them dance with sparkles in their stone surface. Smiling, Andus put his cap back on his head then started down the stairs. They spiraled with long bends further into the recesses of the mountain, the stalagmites of candles following him down.

An even brighter light greeted him at the bottom of the stairwell, as the entire mountain opened up to the Mage.

My word, he said. The whole mountain must be hollow…

He stood atop a small outcropping where another stair led down into a city that spanned before him. The Mage couldn’t see its end from where he was, because it went so far into the distance. Its buildings were the like of which he had never seen, huge and bold, though beautiful in their intricacy. The stalagmites above the city were ten times as large as the ones Andus had seen near the shaft. Their light was bright enough to see most of the inside of the mountain. Among the cobblestone streets were the short people – the Dwarves. Andus gathered himself then continued down into one of the streets. The Dwarves surely did not expect him that day. Some of them screamed while others pointed and looked on. A great deal of excitement was going on. As it was, they just had no idea who or what he was and wanted him gone.

There was one Dwarf that Andus saw who did not look exceptionally shocked and so he went to go see him. If he wasn’t shocked before, he sure was when the Mage was standing before him. Not only are Magi tall compared to Dwarves, Magi are tall compared to ordinary Men. So this Dwarf with his small pudgy head tilted all the way back, looked up at the towering Mage. They gazed at each other for a moment, Andus thinking of what to say.

The Dwarf was a very rugged one, his pale face, green hood and trousers covered with soil. His beard was long and tangled. Like his hair it was a fiery orange. While he was somewhat intimidated by the Mage before him, the Dwarf’s stone gray eyes did not waver.

Salutations, Dwarf, said Andus finally. The Dwarf just stared at him with a look of confusion. May I meet your King and Queen? Still the Dwarf kept his mystified face. Andus scratched his head then tried, My – name – is – An – dus. An – dus. Slowly the Dwarf began to say something but it sounded like gibberish in the Mage’s ears. If I didn’t know better, it seems I’m trying to talk to a mad man. Again, the Dwarf said something and it came out all garbled to him.

The wizard threw up his hands, frightening the poor Dwarf.

Oh, that’s it! he said chuckling. He had just then remembered what the wanderers had told him about having to cast a spell to understand the Dwarven language. Waving his white staff while speaking an incantation his lips glowed a greenish color, Foreign tongue, strange speech, every word to me teach. The wizard felt the roof of his mouth fizzle and his throat vibrated. Of course, the Dwarf didn’t know what to make of this and began to speak under his breath,

Whatever this strange creature wants, I wish it would just go from here.

The wizard shook his head,

That is hardly a proper way to greet a foreigner to your land.

I’ll be, it speaks! shouted the Dwarf.

Exactly! I feel just as excited about it as you do, he said laughing. But if I may skip the idle talk I am on a sort of task. My name is Andus and I am a Mage. My people, the Magi, have a great interest in you most excellent Dwarves and we were hoping it might be possible to get to know one another.

You’re certainly not like any creature I’ve ever seen, spoke the Dwarf with a sly eye.

"I’m hardly a creature. But please, if I may, I would like to meet your King and Queen."

Oh, is that all? he said in a sarcastic tone.

Truly, I mean none of you any harm. Surely you can see that.

The Dwarf thought for a moment, then smirked slightly,

Aye, you have a certain air about you of an honest person. But would you leave if you are still unwanted when the King sees you?

I should be very upset, but yes.

The Dwarf nodded,

Andus, was it? Come along, I’ll take you to ‘em then. But be warned, deceive me and you’ll regret it.

Andus nodded and the Dwarf started down the largest of the cobblestone streets with a pick in one hand. Not noticing the tool before, the Mage felt he had some clue as to why the Dwarf was so sullied, for he was a miner of sorts. People continued to stare upon him as he followed behind the Dwarf. He didn’t take any notice. Andus was much too preoccupied with his fascination of these fantastically crafted structures.

As short as the Dwarves were, their buildings were much bigger, often being stories high. Spanning upwards, one structure looked as if it could house at least ten Dwarves, and there were at least that many staring at him from its windows. Down one of the alleys came a most disgruntled sound and the wizard tried to see what it was. Three Dwarves grumbled in exasperation as they tugged upon numerous reigns that were attached to some whiskered gargantuan creature he couldn’t entirely see. Andus made a note to find out more of that later. Even further away from where they were, towards the center of this rock-born city there was a statue. Obviously it was of a Dwarf, a stern one at that, and he wielded an upraised axe in his right hand, and a horn in the other. The statue loomed over the city and its people. His left ear even touched one of the candle-lit stalagmites.

Here we are, came the miner’s voice. Finally looking forward Andus saw the immense palace. The Mage was awestruck for the palace put the other buildings about it to shame. Huge pillars supported its entranceway, some shaped in the form of hammers and others the shapes of Dwarves. From where Andus could see it looked as if it were comprised of three major structural components, the left and right wings and the centerpiece. Its walls seemed to be made of a different substance than the other structures because it was much smoother and gleamed more brightly. Two very large Dwarves were at its entrance. Their immensity came from their armor, which was a stalwart metal with chain mail as an undercoat. These guards stopped the Dwarf and Mage with their very sharp halberds.

"Where do you think you are going with this creature?" demanded one of them.

Why must you all insist that I am a mindless thing of some sort? huffed the Mage. I do speak and act, don’t I?

The Dwarves took no notice of him.

He wishes to see the King Dache. He’s come from outside the mountain I think. I don’t know how he got down here; just appeared in the streets, explained the miner.

Your ignorance of me is very unmannerly I should point out.

We’ll escort you in, said the large Dwarf, and Andus’ guide nodded. Thence, the guards led them into the palace, occasionally glaring at the Mage as they entered its halls.

The inside was as equally impressive as the outside of the palace, decorated with artifacts and draperies. But the throne room was most magnificent with its inspired carvings of figures within the walls. The King Bemda was in one chair, and the Queen Swe in the other. Both of them had silver gray hair, which sparkled like the staircase had done under the candlelight. The King’s beard spread about him, tied into two locks at its ends, and he looked like a strong, rugged Dwarf for his age. His Queen was much gentler, and her long hair dangled far to the floor before it looped back up.

King Bemda looked up from a large tome as the party arrived into his court, while Queen Swe paused in some conversation that she had been having with one of her handmaidens. All of the Dwarves bowed and Andus quickly followed, doing his best to be respectful in this foreign land.

Your majesty, began one of the guards. This stranger requested to see you and the Queen.

The miner stepped forward folding his hands around his pick,

He came to me in one of the streets, majesty. He seems harmless enough; says he just wants to know about us.

Bemda did not speak, so then the miner stepped back next to Andus. The Mage could tell the King was studying him, but felt it awfully dreadful to be the object of suspicion.

If I may King Bemda, my name is Andus.

You speak? were the King’s first words.

It does seem to be an exceptional thing in these parts.