Realities: The Realities Series, #1

By Eric Schmiedl

Realties is, at its core, a battle between good and evil with Biblical overtones. On the evil side (and the protagonist of the novel) is Illyad, a physically huge figure who thinks nothing of killing both those who follow him (primarily through intimidation) and those who oppose him. He possesses time control powers but he uses them for far more than simply slipping back and forth between the three time eras he holds sway over on the distant planet Valleria. He uses his temporal abilities to age his opponents to the point of death and causes buildings to fall by aging their support structures. Illyad, by his own words, craves power above all things, including women and drink (although he craves them as well).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eric Schmiedl
• Release date: Apr 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386455936

Eric Schmiedl

Eric Schmiedl has been a professional writer since 1989, working primarily in print journalism at newspapers in southern Ontario. He is also the author of the memoirs Don Quixote Versus the Devil and South Korean Mania. He is happily married to Marilyn, to whom he dedicates Realities.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

I am Illyad.

I have always existed, as far as I know. I do not age... I have always been like this, as far as my memory goes. And it seems to go on forever.

This planet, Valleria, will bend to my will. I have the power to transport myself through time, so I will hold sway in three eras of this world. Be it the year 1700, 1900 or 2100, my way will be the only way.

I am Illyad.

I am immortal, thanks to my temporal powers. I will be lord and master of this planet forever, starting with the three eras in which I will dominate. Yes, that is where I will start. I crave power, even more than I crave women and drink.

People fear me. I would not have it any other way. My abilities, my appearance and my mind make it this way.

I am Illyad.

I am the future leader of this planet, from then until the end of time.

CHAPTER 1: Circa year 1900, on the distant world Valleria

Whysen awoke in a world that was his own and somehow wasn’t.

His large, brawny, orange-hued frame lay on a grass-covered knoll, with his lungs rapidly taking in the sweet-smelling air. The Source shone down on him as always. Birds singing in a nearby forest and the distant gurgling of water flowing in a stream winding down a hill to the west were comforting familiarities.

All seemed as it should be, he thought. Even so, he had a feeling of alienation in this place that he had never felt before.

Then he began to remember what came before.

Where is Illyad? Whysen thought to himself. The powerful despot who had attacked Whysen’s people relentlessly was nowhere to be seen, even though their two forces had been locked in battle moments before. At least, Whysen thought it was moments ago.

Karreah? Mougo? Whysen launched himself up and called out the names as he remembered his trusted warriors who, like the despised Illyad, were now nowhere to be seen. Indeed, the entire armies of both sides were gone, leaving Whysen alone.

What happened? Whysen noted the sword he had held was gone, although he still carried his bow and arrows on his back. His clothing was tattered and he bore half a dozen minor wounds from the unfinished fight.

Taking his direction from The Source, the puzzled Whysen began to walk westward and toward what should have been home. It was there he hoped to find some answers.

CHAPTER 2: Circa year 1900, Khamnissa in charge

Khamnissa was in full battle dress at the entrance to the Great Hall, pacing back and forth, pondering her next move.

Then Elessa suggested that move to her. Khamnissa hadn’t seen the grey-haired woman enter the hall but she welcomed the intrusion into her match.

Your queen should advance past the first row of warriors; at least it would if I were playing. Victory in three moves, Elessa said with a sly smile. She had been playing this game for more than half a century and knew precisely how to size up the board in scant seconds.

If Khamnissa welcomed the input into the game, her opponent, Tinnia, did not.

I knew you were going to come in and spoil my fun. You do it all the time, Tinnia said, her normally bright face darkened by a frown. Would you leave us alone to play our own game for once, please, Elessa?

Young one, if you knew how to play properly, I wouldn’t have to come in and speed things along. It could be days before you two finish a game and only the Fathers and Mothers know how much time we really have to spare.

Khamnissa smiled. Despite the growing demands on her time and leadership these days, it was good to take a break and listen to her advisers bicker between themselves. It brought to mind gentler, more peaceful times.

You two, really. If my trusted friends can’t get along with each other, at least a little bit, perhaps we should see if you want to switch sides and work for Illyad.

The mere mention of Illyad’s name was enough to stop Elessa and Tinnia cold. They slowly turned their heads at Khamnissa and glared. Immediately, Khamnissa regretted making the joke.

Sorry. Please, Tinnia, let’s finish our game ... and you, Elessa, no more hints. I want to win this one on my own.

That’s fair, Elessa replied with a smile. "I’ll go to the sanctuary and pray... that you don’t lose this game too badly."

Sitting down at the board opposite Tinnia as Elessa left, Khamnissa took a deep breath and made her move.

I knew you wouldn’t move the queen after all, Tinnia said smugly.

CHAPTER 3: Circa year 1900, Illyad on the warpath

Illyad grinned. He grinned often.

Today, with clouds overhead and a growing feeling of want in his heart, the Northern Empire leader rode his steed full out. Leading a column of troops, he was anxious to get the battle underway. This would be a minor skirmish in his overall plan, of course, but nonetheless he would win a key piece of territory – albeit a small piece – if he were successful.

And he was always successful, when it came to important matters. Perhaps the odd minor battle might go to the other side ... but the war always went to Illyad.

Advance! As he barked the order, he drove his iron-gloved fist forward in the air, and in so doing, sent 2,000 men charging ahead.

His Seconds and Thirds were also in the lead of his advancing troops, to his right and left, several hundred metres in either direction. Their heavily-armoured horses reflected what little light was making its way from the sky.

Illyad kept grinning. The anticipation of blood was irresistible.

From the south, the opposing forces rode to meet Illyad`s challenge.

The fools, Illyad thought to himself, they should have joined me when they had the chance. Now they’ll pay for standing in my path.

The forces clashed, with Illyad cutting a swath of gore with a massive two-handed sword that he gripped in his right hand. In his left he wielded something even more lethal.

The sword hacked its way through a sea of flesh and bone surrounding Illyad. On the rest of the battlefield, bodies from both sides fell to the ground but the tide quickly favoured the Empire forces.

Illyad noted that several of his Seconds and Thirds had fallen in this phase of the campaign. No matter... they can easily be replaced.

Less than an hour after the forces of north and south clashed, Illyad’s troops stood triumphant.

Leader, one Second called to Illyad, some of our foes wish to surrender. What would you have me do?

Illyad threw his sword at the Second, impaling him.

Dog, it is known we take no prisoners in battle. The rest of you, carry out my wishes.

Amid the screams and groans of the dying, Illyad’s grin grew broader.

CHAPTER 4: On a timeless plane, the Elementals emerge

They are fighting again.

Father Earth folded his massive arms across his chest and sighed. To see such senseless death was regrettable... to have it play out across his lands was even more distressing.

Mother Air inhaled deeply and frowned.

Why do you care, Earth? They are not your concern. It has always been this way; it will always be this way, she thought.

I care because I do, Air. That too has always been and always will be. They live on my lands and take in my gifts, why should I not be interested in their concerns?

He received no answer. Mother Air simply relaxed and let her mind go among the clouds. He hated when she did that... it was impossible to raise a point with her when she flew.

Perhaps it is time for The Entity to become involved, Father Earth thought.

What? Mother Air returned and glowered at him. You will not call on The Entity for such a small thing! From the time of the beginning to the end, you are a fool!

Father Earth grumbled and unfolded his arms.

Do not presume to talk to me in such fashion. Do you not remember the ancient ways? I am not to be toyed with.

Mother Air’s frown relaxed into a smile and she thought softly. Yes, I know ... but you know I am not your subject either. I will think what I please, when I please, and there is little you can do about it.

Father Earth folded his arms again. No matter how many eons passed, things were unchanging. He turned his attention away from Mother Air and focused elsewhere.

CHAPTER 5: Circa year 1900, on the march

Whysen quickened his pace. He could scarcely wait to get back home, but he was still puzzled about what had happened in the battle with Illyad.

As he continued to walk towards the west, bits of his memory began to come back to him. He remembered standing against Illyad with his sword drawn ... Oh, what happened after that? he thought.

Then it came to him. His sword had barely touched Illyad’s left hand... the dreaded left hand...

Then there was a blinding flash, and the next thing he knew, he had found himself on these lands alone.

Hopefully, my warriors made it back home. Where else could they be?

As he walked back in the direction of the Village, Whysen noted that the long route there looked different today. The trees were wrong ... there were fewer of them along the way. And some areas that had been clear the last time he walked this way had become overgrown.

Strange indeed. How could this be?

With a shrug of his shoulders, Whysen put his questions aside and continued walking. Home was still a long way off, and Illyad’s forces could still be on the march.

Thoughts of home and worry for his warriors dominated Whysen’s thoughts. He hadn’t seen his right hands, Karreah and Mougo, since past midway in the battle. He hoped they survived. He smiled at the thought of Mougo’s bravado going into the fight... he had vowed to put Illyad’s severed head into the Magyar River just to watch the fish devour it. If only that had come true, what a wondrous place the world would have been. Well, Mougo, if it’s possible, I intend to give you another chance to feed those fish.

The sound of several voices, low voices, came from around the next bend in the route and it was hard for Whysen to hear what they said. He ran behind a row of bushes, crouched down, and waited.

Minutes passed. Whysen breathed quietly and waited, watching the path through a small opening in the bushes.

At last, four heavily-armed men appeared, marching along the route. Whysen breathed a sigh of relief, as they did not wear the hated uniforms of Illyad’s forces. They were wearing black uniforms of a sort, but they were entirely different from any clothing Whysen had seen.

Then he saw them, high on the sleeves covering their upper arms. The matching insignias, with the cruel-looking, bloody dagger in front and a tortured Valleria pictured behind.

Illyad! It is Illyad’s emblem! How can this be?

Whysen waited for several minutes after the men had passed, then continued to head west toward home ... or what he hoped would be home. In this land that was his and was not, he did not know what to expect at the end of his journey.

CHAPTER 6: Circa year 1900, Elessa teases Ezzler

Elessa washed her hair at the foot of the Great Hall. She liked it there, it was quiet and she could think to herself. She prayed silently as well, to The One who reigned over all things.

At that point, Ezzler walked by. He thought of winking at her, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so.

Come on, Elessa said with a smile, aimed coyly at Ezzler, whom she had gone to school with as a young girl. We can go to dinner, go dancing and then get to the good stuff.

Ezzler looked slightly shocked, puzzled and generally in disarray.

I’m kidding. We don’t have to go to dinner first, Elessa said, laughing, brushing her long, wet hair with an old-style brush.

Elessa, why is it always this way with you? Ezzler said, a slight smile growing on his face.

She did not reply. An answer wasn’t needed between these two.

Come, help me with my hair, she said, continuing to brush the brown-grey strands.

Elessa, I’m on my way to the blacksmith’s. You can join me there if you wish, he said with a sigh before turning and walking down the main cobblestone street.

Your loss, Elessa thought.

CHAPTER 7: Circa year 1900, Tanya and the ‘ultimate empire’

Illyad strode across the remains of the battlefield. He stopped by the lifeless body of the man he had thrown his sword at, pulled it out and wiped the bloody edge on the man’s tunic.

Another victory... if only it weren’t always so easy, he thought.

His soldiers had continued on to the town behind the defending force and, as usual, were bringing the women out for Illyad’s inspection. A line of eight of them was formed.

I am pleased, he said as he approached the first one in the line, an attractive woman of about 20. Tears streamed down her cheeks as he stroked her long, black hair.

The woman to her left was a different story. The raven-haired, blue-eyed beauty glared at Illyad before she spat on the ground before his feet.

Illyad grinned but he didn’t touch her.

The right man could build the ultimate empire with a woman like that behind him, he thought.

What is your name, my dear?

She was silent. He grinned again and repeated the question.

Tanya, she said curtly.

A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. Come with me, please.

Tanya appeared somewhat surprised at that. The word ‘please’ from this dictator? Impossible! she thought. Nevertheless, this unexpected turn of events prompted her to walk alongside Illyad as he strode toward his makeshift headquarters on the far side of the battlefield.

Inside the massive tent were the remains of the defenders’ church... a statue, some books and a cowering preacher.

You. Holy man. I have need of your services, Illyad said as the preacher got up from his chair.

Yes? The preacher could not fully meet Illyad’s penetrating stare.

I want you to perform a marriage, between this woman and I. Now.

Tanya gasped and the preacher’s mouth dropped. She was a member of his congregation.

Tanya, do you submit to this barbarian? the preacher asked, finding some inner strength he had been missing.

Illyad answered for her.

If she doesn’t, the other women die. And so do you.

The preacher and Tanya’s eyes met. They knew Illyad would carry out his threat without hesitation. Then Tanya spoke.

My lord, if I am to marry you, I must insist on the safety of the remaining people in my town. I demand the immediate withdrawal of your troops or there will be no marriage.

Agreed.

Tanya was again taken aback. Could ensuring the survival of her fellow villagers be this easy? Not that she relished the idea of being married to this... this individual.

With that, the preacher took out his holy Scripture and began with the words: This gathering is to join...

CHAPTER 8: Circa year 1900, approaching the City

Whysen stumbled out from the underbrush. It had been some time since he had seen any of Illyad’s troops.

Thank The Source, he thought, at least that bastard Illyad hasn’t completely overtaken things here.

From there, the only thing to do was continue walking toward his Village. Taking his direction from the waning Source, he strode towards home.

When he arrived, he was shocked.

What is this? The Village is huge... more buildings than I remember, or even understand. And an even greater wall surrounds the place.

He approached this City cautiously, concerned that Illyad had made his headquarters here. However, there were none of the hated one’s emblems to be seen... quite unusual for the dictator.

Whysen made his way to a large gate in the wall. Two guards stopped him, asked him a few questions, and let him through with instructions to go to a building called the Great Hall.

Then, he spotted an attractive, older woman washing her hair in what looked like the local square.

Hello!

The woman started, looked Whysen up and down, and smiled.

Big boy, what took you so long? Elessa said, smiling and preparing to take him to Khamnissa.

CHAPTER 9: Circa year 1900, mentioning Illyad

Whysen took in the sight of a City that looked like something made of fantasy. The buildings were made of materials foreign to him and their design was beyond anything he had ever seen.

It hit him all at once, in such a fashion that he didn’t answer the woman’s suggestive comment immediately.

Well, big boy, Illyad got your tongue?

The mention of the hated name made him snap out of his temporary shock.

Illyad! You know of him?

I should say so. We’ve battled him and his horde for as long as I remember. Apparently, he’s left an impression on you as well.

Whysen frowned. He’s killed more of my people than I care to recall. It seems like you have a history with him as well.

You could say that... you could easily say that. Who are you, young one?

Whysen, leader of my people in the battle against Illyad. And you?

Elessa, adviser to Khamnissa, our leader against the hated Illyad.

Before we go further, I remember this area as my Village grounds. What happened?

Elessa looked thoughtful for a moment. It has always been our City. Perhaps you are mistaken about your Village location.

But I followed The Source; it has never been mistaken before.

Elessa’s face softened. Young one, perhaps it is time you met Khamnissa. She might have some of the answers you seek.

CHAPTER 10: On a timeless plane, lives in the balance

Mother Fire stopped, deep in thought.

It is beginning to unfold, Water... the mortals are meeting, she finally thought to her mate.

Father Water smiled.

Is it not ever thus, Fire? The young ones – mere infants by our measure - continue to fight and fight again. It is not within even our powers to change these things. It is ever so, it will always be ever so.

Mother Fire frowned and shook a pulsating, orange-glowing fist at her mate.

Do you not wish to intervene, considering such a juncture has been reached – and is being reached – in their affairs? Thousands... nay, tens of thousands of tiny lives are hanging in the balance.

I know that as well as you, Fire. However, the wrong sort of intervention on our part, and on the parts of Earth and Air, could cause disaster that would destroy the entire world. Do you wish to be the author of the entire destruction of Valleria?

Achh, you make me ill sometimes with your caution, caution and more caution. So many times we have let this Illyad and others of his ilk run rampant over the little ones. Shall we just sit back and watch again?

Water eased back in his massive, liquid-laden chair. Yes, my dear, I dare say we shall.

"No! We shall commune with the others about this! This decision is not yours alone. And, perhaps, we shall contact The