Pure Hearted

By Alina Banks

Nathallion, while getting back to the greater shrine of the Greater god of the light, was surprised when his phoenix companion, Talon, showed him this strange woman who seemingly appeared out of nowhere, Selene. He soon discovered that she was from a far away land. He decided to accompany her on her journey back home.
Along the way, the two are faced with many dangers including powerful ancients and demons. He soon finds out the truth as to why she was teleported to his land. For she holds a secret within. Is Nathallion able to discover Selene's secret before his world is destroyed?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mortal Realm Publishing
• Release date: Jun 6, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393134398

Book preview

The Start of Something

He could hear it, the sounds of the forest, the complete power of the trees and most of all, the power of the nature itself. He could feel all that moved beneath the trees, that which moved with the air, and that which moved on the ground. His own presence was, in fact, so trained that even nature itself was trying to get close to him. Opening his eyes, pure blue, he slung the axe that he had right on the side of the tree that he was feeling, and in one single sweep completely slashed through the thick of the wood .

The growl that followed was definitely not the tree.

A hellhound was behind him. It must had risen from the deepest, darkest pits of hell.

Upon looking closer at it, he realized that it was not a hellhound but rather an Ancient, a demon with such power over nature itself that it could tear the whole world apart. It was a creature that was unlike any other, a creature of such power that he himself would think thrice about going up against it. It could control nature, after all.

Well, I was looking for something to test my power with. He thought grimly, gripping his axe tightly. And this just seems to be a perfect test for me to see if my training has been worth it or not.

His axe spark with electricity, something that he had trained extensively to learn. His hand to hand fighting and his skills with a weapon were something that didn’t compare to his magical abilities, but he had been training. This would be a perfect test for it.

Come on then. The young man grinned, his soft black hair flowing slightly with the wind. "Show me your power, Ancient, and I’ll show you mine."

The creature roared and jumped for him, each one of his steps thundering in the ground. The man stood in a fighting stance waiting for a moment at which the Ancient was close enough to him. Once he was certain that it was time, he jumped in front and off to the side, easily side-stepping and avoiding the Ancient’s lunge.

Breaking into a run, the man looked around, knowing that he was in such an area that fighting would not be favorable. He was inside of a forest, and trees surrounded him and the Shrine behind. He couldn’t let the Ancient get to the shrine. Ancients didn’t have a good opinion of Greater Gods that he was protecting, and there was a shrine of one of the Greater Gods, Almerin, behind him. If the Ancient had opportunity, it would most certainly destroy it. So, it was simple. He would have to defeat this thing, using his powers. First though, was his physical strength that was going to be tested. One thing was, he wasn’t going to be able to fight a Rock Ancient on his own, no matter how hard he tried.

So that is why, he knew he was going to have to jump when he saw the cliff. It was hardly 20ft, and he wasn’t going to die, not by this simple cliff face. He was a wizard, a very talented wizard by the name of Nathallion. He had gone all around the entire continent to gain knowledge and manage to get powerful. He had the entire power of using every single manner of magic, and every single type of magic in existence to get to the point that he was right now.

"Grooaaaaa!!!!" There was a loud crash, resonating in the air as another creature suddenly broke through the cliffside and down the cliff, angry beyond belief. It roared in its bellowing loud voice which even caused the wind to escape from the rampaging creature.

It was made of rock. Like as if the rocks itself had merged into one to create the monster. It was on all four of its legs, like a lion, but was much bigger than a mere lion – about twenty times the size. Its eyes were pure diamonds, glittering with the power that it held in its body. Crumbled dirt ringed its neck like mane. Easily standing at a height of at least 30ft above the ground and amassing over a total length of 40 feet from head to tail, the Lentozian roared once again as it raised its hand, large and Ancient, with gleaming diamond claws to crush what it was chasing. As Nathallion had thought, and now he could see properly as per the runes that were decorating the entire body of the beast, it was an Ancient, much different Ancient from the other.

Demon

Alright little kitten. Nathallion’s voice was muffled, his face was not in view, and was covered with a scarf that he was wearing along with a tattered grey colored cloak. Feathery and warm. His eyes glowed a pure blue, the power of electricity shining in them. As power crackled around him he glared at the Ancient in the form of a lion. Calm down now, none of us needs to get hurt.

The beast roared, not just any simple little roar but a loud, terrifying roar that shook the very ground that they were standing upon, and with large thumps, the Ancient ran towards the Arch wizard. Some would call the man suicidal for standing up to the beast with just an axe, but the man clearly knew what he had to do because in just a simple second. He jumped. Now there was a thing about human legs that most should know. When one jumped, they used all the powers that they had in their legs and their muscles in their thighs and the back of their shins. So, it was not an easy task to jump, especially because the highest one could jump was about 2.5 meters. What the man did was outside of normal human capabilities because he jumped over 50 feet while standing vertically. Wizards had ways and means of being powerful, both physically and mentally, and he had enchanted his own body to be 10 times more powerful than a normal human, even a soldier.

Nathallion, or Nate, as known to few, twirled in the air, and landed down on top of the Ancient, slamming his glowing and sparkling axe on top of the beast. The Beast roared as electric sparks were sent through its body in waves. Nathallion grinned, and his eyes glowed more. Thunder roared from the sky and shot down traveling through the axe and into the beast, making the Ancient roar even more.

The Arch wizard then jumped from the top of the beast, and back onto the ground, watching in satisfaction as the beast collapsed upon itself.

What say now huh? The man taunted. All done already? Where’s the fire now little cat?

As if the creature understood that the man was taunting him, the beast conjured up all its energy left to get up and roared, loud and wild. This time around, it didn’t rush ahead. Instead, it slammed its front, rocky paws onto the ground creating a crater of pure and utter destruction below him, with fissures headed towards Nathallion.

Nathallion didn’t stop. He once again jumped up, spinning his axe around on top of him and then brought back down on top of the beast. This time, electricity shot out from the tip of the axe and instantly impacted the beast. The beast roared in pain, as volts of electricity passed through its body. Then, it fell down in a smoking heap, the smell of pure powerful lightning high in the air.

Alright, big guy. You wanna act strong, I’ll show you strong! Nathallion narrowed his eyes as he landed on the ground with a soft thump. He bent down onto the ground and brought from his pocket an etching device. He traced a semi-circle in the ground, followed by a line straight down the middle. He stood straight, closed his eyes, and started speaking softly. "Hepta Festr"

The same shape that he traced onto the ground was projected in front of him with lines made of light. The shape was inside of a large circle and from the middle of the circle spectral ropes shot out, binding the beast. The beast wriggled around, trying to escape from the ropes it became bound in, but as much as he wriggled and tried to escape, the tighter the ropes got. Then, Nathallion got on ahead with making the final shot that would take out the Ancient. Pointing his hand up to the sky, he took a deep breath, and closed his eyes. His essence traveled to the sky, and lightning crackled in the sky, thunder rumbled, and struck down upon Nathallion’s axe, completely immersing it in lightning. Then Nathallion threw the lightning imbued axe right onto the downed Ancient, and as soon as the axe was stuck firmly into the beast’s head, lightning exploded from the sky and the axe, destroying the entire rock Ancient into bits and pieces.

What remained was the axe stuck on a rock that was once the head of the beast. Nathallion sighed and shook his head, smirking as he called for the axe by raising his hand. The axe flew out of the rock and then back into the hands of the Wizard. He sighed and looked at the skies, looking for something, looking for the command, and he found it - a crackle of thunder so powerful all Nathallion’s previous powers paled in comparison to it. It was a sign of approval, of pride and of content of what Nathallion had done. Nathallion nodded, as if agreeing to the command, and turned around, walking towards the east, the smote body of his opponent lying off the face of the cliff.

There was a piercing cry in the air, a shout too high pitched to be a shout but too musical to be a screech. A cry of a magical creature so powerful and emotional that Nathallion’s entire emotions reached out to it, and he looked up at the creature. It was a magnificent bird, circling above Nathallion. He knew what to expect and raised his hand in the sky, letting the bird land on his hand.

Hey Talon, sorry if I startled you. Nathallion said, smiling at his familiar, stroking his plumage. The Phoenix trilled, its red and golden feathers shining in the light. Were you sleeping?

The Phoenix trilled once again, stopping Nathallion from walking, and he looked at his Phoenix, surprised.

Really? Here? He asked, incredibly surprised, and slowly getting alarmed. Where? Why? What is wrong?

The Phoenix twittered back, something that he hadn’t heard from the Phoenix since he was a little boy. Nathallion frowned as he thought of what it could mean.

Trekking back up the mountain and through the forest, he followed Talon as fast as he could until he came up to a point where there lay a girl. It was surprising for him to hear that Talon had rescued a her from falling down onto the ground and then set her off in a protected field near the shrine. Nathallion had built the field in honor of his late mother Naina. And while he knew that the woman was most likely dead, he didn’t want to disrespect the memory of his mother. It was something that he hadn’t even thought about and he didn’t want to think much about.

Right now, he needed to focus on the girl. The girl that was currently unconscious or hopefully asleep. She was completely covered in mud and grime and looked as if she had taken a dip in some sort of a marshland. Nathallion could only see her bright white hair.

Wonder what this is all about, Nathallion thought, as he shrugged and bent down to pick up the woman. His axe was hung up from a holder behind him. But first, healing this girl. I can smell the blood on her, and it’ll attract all kinds of little beasties towards her. I don’t want that, I don’t want that at all. The best thing to do here is to just get her to the shrine and douse her with some water. Damn it, she better wake up by then!

The Princess and the Shrinekeeper

M mnn..... Nathallion looked at the woman that was laying on his bed, and for once he thought perhaps he was cursed by the Greater Gods, because he didn’t know anything that could help him make it out as to why was this white-haired woman was here. Where ......

Easy now.... The voice that came out of his mouth was soft and tender. Usually, his voice was rough and brutal, as he didn’t speak much, but perhaps his voice that spoke poems was not only deserving of poems. You’re safe. You’re not in any type of harm.

It was something that his mother had always done. The first thing to do whenever someone needs help, or is found unconscious, was to make them feel safe, warm, and make them feel as if they were home. That is why he had laid her down on his bed and piled her up with blankets. That way at least she would feel as if she wasn’t lying out in the wild, in the middle of nowhere, but somewhere safe, somewhere where she could find some peace.

The woman, barely his age, perhaps slightly younger, groaned, slowly sitting up on his bed. He was embarrassed to put her on his bed, but after realizing that there was nothing else that could have helped in this situation, he had to put her there. What....... where......

Her eyes, pure golden, opened, and Nathallion had to prevent a gasp from escaping his lips. Those eyes...... they were so beautiful. It felt as if he was staring into an abyss of pure light, mystical and different from everything else. Those eyes felt so familiar, it was as if he had woken up every day just to look at those eyes, as if he knew those eyes from deep inside of his heart. It was as if those eyes were what made him go to sleep at night, and wake up every morning, even if this was the first time he was looking at these eyes. It felt strange.

Hello. Nathallion continued to smile.

Hello. The woman replied shyly, looking at him strangely. The first thing she saw was his clothes and she tilted her head. Shrine....Guardian?

Yes. He nodded. I am the Shrine guardian of the Last Shrine of Almerin in the Western-lands. My name is Nathallion, nice to meet you.

I am Selene Vivan Sullian, Princess of the Kingdom of Felton.

Nathallion blinked and stared at the woman, his earlier curiosity turning into concern, and slight distrust. The princes and princesses of Keimar didn’t treat Shrine Maidens and Shrine Guardians well.

Where....... Where am I?

In the Last Shrine of Almerin, like I said. I found you in the fields, and you were unconscious and hurt. I don’t know how you even came here.

I don’t remember either. Selene shook her head, rubbing her forehead. My head hurts.....

You need to drink the tea that I have kept beside the bed. Nathallion said, pointing at a clay cup. It will help. You also need to rest more as well.

I do? Selene asked, tilting her head.

Nathallion sighed and nodded.

Why? I feel fine?

Yes, but whatever has happened to you is magical in nature, and magical happenings do not just happen. Nathallion said bluntly. You have most likely been enchanted to not remember what has happened to you, and then sent away. I need to figure out where you came from, and why you are all the way in Keimar.

Keimar! Selene started getting up and with wide eyes. I..... I am in Keimar? But that is miles away from home! I can’t even remember the last time I was in Keimar!

Nathallion looked at Selene and saw the panic in her eyes and the worry in her brow. Her golden eyes were glittering. Nathallion knew that unlike the royals of Keimar, this princess was going to be different from the other Royals that he had known.

I will be honest, Princess. The Royals of Keimar don’t take kindly to me and my people. They hate Shrine Maidens and Shrine Guardians, simply because of a tale that goes longer than anyone can remember. I apologize in advance if I appear as cold and distrustful towards you.

But my father adores all Shrine Guardians and Maidens! Selene protested. In Felton, all Shrine Guardians and Maidens are celebrated! He even has a designated festival for them! Have you never been to it? Shrine Maidens and Guardians from all over the continent appear for it!

No. Nathallion said, soaking a wet cloth inside of a green paste. The water in the cloth thinned the thick paste, and once he was sure that the newly formed liquid was properly soaked inside of the cloth, he turned around and walked towards the princess. Sit down, let me heal your leg.

Selene looked at him strangely and then looked at her leg. She gasped when she saw the bruise, a purple splatter with greens tinted veins. Poison.

This is a mark that has been done by Poison Magic. Nathallion said softly, rubbing the now green cloth over the purple skin. Selene gasped as the pain increased in her leg. This will hurt, but the poison will be neutralized. This is a slow, painful poison, and it will travel up your body until you're dead in a matter of months. We need to counteract it now.

Selene couldn’t respond. She couldn’t have a conversation while in such distress. Her leg burned like fire and stung like needles. The scream that came out of her mouth was unearthly, but as soon as the pain came it was gone. It left behind a warm, fuzzy feeling inside of her mouth and body. She raised her head to look at Nathallion. He was brushing her leg off with a simple wet cloth now. Wow. She muttered. The purple bruise was completely gone, and a single scratch remained.

Was that inside of me? Selene said pointing to a small, purple needle with wisps of purple smoke emitting out of it.

Yes. A Needle infused with Poison magic. Nathallion muttered, shaking his head. Someone really strong and dark did this. Not everyone can use Poison Magic, a very dark and dangerous magic.

How would you know? She asked, looking at him accusingly. How would you know that Poison Magic is so dark and so dangerous?

I may be a shine guardian, yes, but before that, I am a wizard, not just any wizard but a very strong one. One that has travelled the whole world in search of knowledge and power. Nathallion snarled at her downright accusation, standing up to his full height. "Don’t think that I have done this, princess, for if it wasn’t for my companion, you would have been dead!"

Slumping at the sudden feeling of fear and unrest that was inside of her, Selene looked at him, and sighed. I am sorry. I didn’t mean for it to come out that way.

A lot of wrong has been done because of speaking without thought. Nathallion snorted, turning around and walking away. I am a wizard that was trained by the wizard’s guild, and I have been trained in Magics of all kind. Runic, Offensive, Defensive, you name it. I do not like Poison Magic because it come from evil and intent to cause death.

I see. The princess whispered. I thank you for saving me, Sir Nathallion. I will make sure my father repays you for your services.

The only repayment I will ever want is a promise your father would never treat Shrine Maidens and Shrine Guardians like the royals of this land do. You need to rest now, but tomorrow you should be good to travel. We will talk more about your situation, later. I must go hunt and then prepare for the daily prayers. If you need anything, there is a bell beside your bed. Shake it.

If you’re hunting how will you hear it? Selene asked, taking the bell carefully in her hands. There were specially crafted runes that were etched onto the side of the metal. Other than that, it was a normal bell. What do these mean?

It is for amplification. If you shake the bell, no matter where I, I will hear it. I shall take my leave now and leave you to your own. Nathallion said as he walked away.

Looking back at the bell, she couldn’t help but admire the fact that the Shrine Guardian that had saved her was such a handsome young man. I wonder how such a man became a Shrine Guardian.

---

As Nathallion slept, he saw himself walking on the road with a female figure beside him. He saw himself fight what seemed to be a massive creature with his bare hands. He saw himself climb a mountain with the female figure on his back. He watched himself save a little creature that reached to his waist, all the while fighting the biggest, largest thing that he had ever seen in his life, and finally using his powers in the open. He also found himself inside of a cell, awaiting judgement, and the female figure bargaining against the one wanting to give him judgement. He saw himself fight against 5 armored figures, and then a cackling, distorted figure, before he was given freedom from the vision.

Gasping, Nathallion woke up, his eyes wide and mouth open. He didn’t know why he had gotten a vision, but he had. He focused his attention on the princess that was laying in his bed. Perhaps that is where he would get all the answers as to why did she had that glow around her.

Oh, good morning. Nathallion said, as he watched Selene stretch her petite arms above her head as she yawned. Sorry for my treatment of you yesterday. As I said, the royals of this land don’t exactly treat us guardians or wizards well. You say you are from Felton, correct?

Um.... yes.... and I accept your apology. Selene said, tilting her head. Umm.... why do you look ready for battle? She glanced him over noticing his battle axe strapped to his back and big boots that covered his shins.

We’re going to take you home.

"Wait..... we?" Selene asked, surprised since she had expected to journey home alone.

Yes. I know that I wasn’t exactly polite, and for that I apologize and am glad you forgave me. But you being here... I will come with you to make sure that you get home safely, and to find out who poisoned you. As a wizard.... that is my task. Nathallion tossed her a sack with some of his mom’s old clothes. Put these on.

Selene pulled out a fur scarf, a heavy blouse, and a thick wool skirt that reached her feet. There was also a pair homemade leather boots that reached her knees.

Dangers of the Wild

H ow long have you been traveling for again, and how do you know so much about the wild ?

When you travel for as long as I have, you learn a lot of things. Nathallion said, chopping down a fallen over tree with a single sweep of his hand, covered and coated in magic. His weapon of choice was an axe, but he wasn’t using it, not right now. He had remembered to activate all the defensive blessings and runes of the shrine, and pray to his patron god, Almerin, before he left to give him guidance to find his true destiny, and guidance to compete this mission safely. Especially if you’re living alone. You kind of have to learn, otherwise you’ll die.

Oh. So how do you guard the shrine while traveling?

Nathallion replied, raising a hand. No one can cross the barriers of the Shrine without my notice, or without my will.

And the golden dusted trees are the barriers? Selene asked, coming to a stop beside him. She looked at what he was seeing and gasped. There were 4 camps, all of them destroyed, and bodies slain. Blood frosted the grass like snow. But this was the first time she was looking at any form of civilization since waking up in Nathallion’s bed.

Oh Greater Gods.... She gasped, her hands flowing to her mouths. What happened to them? Who did this?

Tyrants. Nathallion said, walking closer to a body and inspecting the wound. Madmen, corrupted by their own lust and greed. They are monsters that turn into undead creatures. These are their marks.

But this one is burning! Selene cried out. Nathallion’s attention turned to the one that she was looking at, and indeed his wounds were on fire. Flames flickered upward from the cuts, and the body smelled of burnt hair and singed skin.

Flame Magic. Nathallion said, getting up. He closed his eyes and muttered a soft prayer before moving the two bodies closest to him to