Storm of the Eighth Spire

By Tavian Royal

Monty and her companions have failed!

With the rise of the land, Arkenndrall, four demons and their abominable armies rain chaos upon the realm. All the while, dragons plan their final assault to break the ancient shield and return to everlasting power. Besieged by these forces of darkness, the empire implements their grand scheme to create a magical storm. A storm so massive that it would sweep across the lands with the sole purpose to cleanse it of evil and all dissension.

Faced with the realm's impending destruction, the forces of good continue to wane. Cowardly lords abandon their duties and escape to other realms. Jealous elves protect their prized captured cities but with no way to defend themselves. Decadent imperial citizens huddle in shielded metropolises while the seemingly benevolent empire drains them of their very soul. And with so much despair, the priests are nowhere to be found.

Despite these challenges, Monty, Calais and the other heroes return to Castle Pellandarr with a single hope: unite their few remaining allies and stop these evil creatures before the realm is ripped apart. Little did they know, a dead enemy has returned for its final revenge and not even Monty can stop it with her newfound power.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tavian Royal
• Release date: Aug 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463032176

Tavian Royal

Tavian Royal is a science fiction and fantasy novelist. By day, he is a workaholic software engineer creating epic software solutions and fending off code gremlins. By night, he enjoys reading and writing about fantastic worlds, over-the-top heroes and fun adventures. He lives in central Texas with his beautiful wife and children.

Book preview

PART ONE

Chapter One

Dragons and Demons

Astrea stared at the page of text for several long moments. She’d read it before, and it still didn’t help. Like many books about tower wizards, it talked in obtuse theories and had no practical knowledge. Frustrated, she threw the book onto the floor along with four other books she attempted to study this morning. How could she be a tower wizard if she couldn’t even summon her tower?

She turned to the open window and stared at the gray clouds. The weather should be warm for summer, but everything felt cold and sickly like the realm itself was dying. Tower wizards used the energies from within the realm to summon their tower but she felt fewer energies each time she tried to summon her own.  Astrea mentioned it to her teacher, Arkon, but he refused to listen. He dismissed such thoughts as excuses and told her to keep trying.

Her teacher was a middle-aged man despite his white short hair. He wore a black-and-white robe held tight around his waist by a broad leather belt. His hands were covered by black gloves which he wore even inside. Like his hair, he never talked about his hands and claimed they were a story for another time. Astrea heard him sigh at a nearby desk where he sat studying his own books.

You mustn’t get frustrated, Astrea, he said. It takes times for some students to gain their tower. In the end, they are as powerful as any other tower wizard.

But, the book doesn’t tell me anything I already don’t know. I memorized all five theories of Loggrima and do everything they said. Nothing happens. My sister walked out of her studies after the first day and could already turn into three animals.

She missed Aviva and wondered where she was these days. Unlike wizards, druids learned in the wilderness and not in libraries. She had left months ago and reportedly traveled to Adia to commune with ancient forests. It was to help Aviva understand the duties of a druid. Unlike her, she was stuck with only these books which only ever talked about how to focus her towers energies. If she ever got a tower, she might be the greatest tower wizard ever by all the books she memorized.

You are powerful, my dear. I have seen the bolt of energy you throw during your combat lessons which mean your tower exists. Eventually, it will come when you are ready.

I am ready now,  she snapped.

Are you? Controlling a tower takes full control of your mind and body. If a simple book frustrates you, how are you supposed to manage a tower, mmm? They are not your servant and have their own will.

Astrea wanted to roll her eyes. She already knew this from Raizah’s first law. One of the first tower wizards who lived during the Age of Heroes. He was so powerful that some said he could control the spires themselves. Despite all this power, none of his words helped.

She could feel the tower… or something, but it wouldn’t come. She imagined the beautiful inside with warm colors and plush furniture, unlike her own teacher’s drab tower. He kept everything gray and had few places to sit. It was almost as boring as the man himself. After he rattled off a few more theories, he stopped and shook his head.

I can see it’s going to be one of those days. Take these papers to Lord Master Rynage. He should be in the council’s hall and don’t dawdle. I don’t want you pestering the other students again.

I told you…

He raised his hand, and she stopped. No more arguing. Do what I say and take the papers.

There were so many words building within that she could explode but knew better to argue any further. Teachers were allowed to discipline their students in whatever way they saw fit. Her last punishment involved working in the kitchen. Despite being in the great Citadel of Enlightenment and Truth, there was nothing magical or wondrous there. It was grimy and dirty. The cooks were mean and other servant boys made fun of her freckles. It was not a place she wanted to return too.

After she regained her composure, she stood and held out her hand. He gave her a pile of papers containing notes from different books. She turned and started walking out the door. Her eyes glanced at the top page and she stopped. The first several lines referred to the spires and individuals called the keepers.

Are these the keepers the legends talk about being caretakers of the spires?

Yes, yes, he said while closing several of the books. Rynage has been studying these stories for years. A waste of time if you ask me. While powerful in their own way, the spires are nothing more than ancient machines.

They kind of look like tall towers. Could they’ve had their own wizards?

That’s the theory but I’ve been in one of those monstrosities before. I can promise you they are nothing special. They look like they were made by ants. Now, go. When you get back, I will have another set of books ready for you. And, don’t play with the other students.

Fine, she said in acquiescence.

Astrea left and proceeded down the long narrow hallway. It led to an intersection of more passages leading to different parts of the citadel. She turned right which eventually ended at another intersection. This one turned to the right or led to a stairwell. She took the stairs and headed down three levels. It took her months to learn the maze-like innards of the citadel. Now, Astrea was an expert and could navigate to any section or tower with no trouble. With no servants in the passages, she made excellent time to the lower section of the citadel.

The lords’ council was in a circular building at the center of the citadel. The surrounding towers and building served different orders. Once she exited the smaller tower dedicated to tower wizards, Astrea made her way across the courtyard. The stone path meandered around several buildings and eventually led her to the rotund building. It appeared to have only one story, but she knew it had many levels beneath it. 

Before entering, she looked back at the high wall and couldn’t see any trees or other distinguishing land marks. There was rumors the citadel had moved again, but she had no idea where. They could be on top of a mountain or still in the plains of Antellia. The cooler weather suggested they weren’t in the Drift, but she wasn’t even sure if that were true. No one would say anything to a mere student, even the servants said little to her. Then, a rushing servant brushed against her and almost knocked the papers from her hands.  After steadying herself, she checked each paper for any damage. Sighing with relief at seeing nothing wrong, she returned her focus to the building and dodged more servants rushing away from it. Something big had to be occurring. She stepped inside but saw nothing different. There were no other dignitaries or lords. It was empty as usual. With no other answers to be gained, she made her way to the council’s great hall.

When she arrived at the closed entrance, Astrea took a deep breath. Despite being in this room several times, she still remembered the awful experience of her first visit. The execution of the bard and the rolling head was unforgettable especially when the head blinked at her several times before dying. Despite her fears, she knew the council cared little for a tower wizard student. Pulling down on the handle, the door unlatched and she opened it and entered quietly.

After closing the door, she stood on the lowest level where people would plead their case or present ideas. Normally, an attendant would man the door and announce visitors. For students, he would simply lead them to a side passage where they could go behind the council members and deliver the packages. With no attendant present, she would have to wait her turn and announce her presence to the whole council. She shifted her stance anxiously when she thought about the leaders of the lords glaring down at her. Fortunately, there weren’t very many seated today.

Leaning forward, Astrea confirmed Lord Master Rynage was seated at his bench. Like most, he was an old man with no hair and a long white beard. Despite his trembling hands, his beady, angry eyes made her uneasy, and she avoided him when possible.  Her attention moved to the right along several empty benches before identifying Lord Master Gaian of the fire wizards. Unlike the others, he still had long, brown hair and darker skin. After several more empty chairs to his right, Lord Poet Adellaire sat with her arms folded. As usual, she wore a large ostentatious hat covered in flowers and silk. The woman must’ve had a hundred hats because she seemed to wear a different one each time Astrea saw her. After two more empty seats, Antigone, the leader of the council, sat at its center.  He was the oldest member but his hands never trembled and his voice retained its deep, reverberating tone. His gaze was often cold and calculating which made her nervous and even more uncertain. The other members seated were Lord Master Karizan of the chaos wizards, Lord Master Shiron of Water, and Lord Sargent Drexel. Out of all them, she liked the dark-skinned man, Lord Master Karizan, the best. He was often the most kind and funny. Surprisingly, he was also the one who trained Lord Master Djinn, the orc who helped save Castle Pellandarr. When her eyes fell on him, his gaze turned to her, and he nodded cordially. She smiled in response and felt more at ease.

The robed elf finished his long-winded explanation and the council quickly took a vote to approve his idea. Like most times, it was voted down. The slender male elf protested but Antigone cut him off. After stating the rules for appealing their decisions, the man nodded and then stormed away in anger. Not seeing anyone else in the lower chamber, she got to her feet and smoothed out her brown training robe. Despite its ugly facade, she always tried to look her best before the council. 

Then, a man wearing a dark red cloak swept past her. His boots echoed against the chamber’s curved walls. He was a younger man with short brown hair and wore a gold necklace along with several jeweled rings. But, one ring on his right index finger caught her eye. It contained the symbol of a noble house, encrusted with diamonds.

He was a baron.

She stood in shock as no one from the nobility ever visited the council. While most noble families lavished riches and honors upon the few who were also lords, they hated the council. It was a threat to their constant power struggles and schemes in the court. Astrea didn’t understand it nor did she want too. The baron stopped at the center of the room and raised his arms.

My fellow lords and masters, I bid you greetings, he said while scanning the room. It has been a long time since I’ve last been in these walls.

What do you want Baron Sinjara? Antigone said. I don’t believe you have an appointment.

An appointment, he laughed. Why would I need an appointment to the very place I helped build? Of course, that is precisely the reason I have come. I promise you, my fellow lords, Brand would have never wanted the council to become yet another bureaucracy. It was supposed to help teach lords how to use their powers to better protect this realm. Instead of being the realms protectorate, it has become nothing more than procedures, rules and paperwork. I mean, really, does anyone ever look at any of your notes you write each day? No, they end up in a vault where they rot. So, it is with sadness I come here to inform you that the council has lost its way and is no longer needed. You and your servants may leave peacefully before I turn this place into rubble. A shame, really. I thought it was one of the more amazing establishments built in this realm.

I am sorry, Lord Master Shiron of water said. Are you threatening us? The older woman with thinning blonde hair stood from her seat and leaned forward. The empire has a lot of nerve to threaten us directly. Your weapon must be almost done if you to be this bold.

Oh, I am not with the nobility nor do I represent the empire. I represent the faction trying to return the realm to a simpler, better time. A time with no empires, demons or monsters lurking about. A time with no barons or their mad schemes. A time with no lords bandying about, like little children playing gods. His lips twisted upward into a smile that sent shivers down Astrea’s back.

What does one crazy baron expect to do against the citadel full of lords? Shiron said. She crossed her arms with a raised eyebrow.

For a water wizard, I would expect your mind to be much more fluid. Gaian, a fire wizard, understands, especially as impatient as he is. Then, his expression turned serious. I am not here alone. Some of your fellow lords have realized this truth and fight with me.

Lord Scout Nys appeared from the shadows near Astrea and stepped forward. She held her bow in her left hand while her black and silver cloak hid the right hand.  The hood concealed her face except for her long silver hair. When she stopped at his side, two others appeared. The dark-skinned Lord Captain Illium also joined him along with a woman who wore little clothing. Long blonde hair fell past her broad shoulders and down her thin frame. Astrea figured she had to be a druid or champion. They were the only lords who often wore so little. The woman placed a hand on her hip impatiently.

Are we done yet? the woman said.

Lord Master Nys, Antigone said while shaking his head. So, you’ve finally have shown your true self. Why am I not surprised you would be helping the mad druid, Lord Warden Centauri? And, Lord Navigator Illium, I see you have also taken a side, the wrong side I might add.

Nys, what are you doing? Adellaire said. She sat forward with wide eyes. For a moment, Astrea saw fear in her eyes before she recomposed herself.

They are showing themselves as the true traitors they are to this council, Shiron said.

Astrea saw Nys’ right hand move with a slight motion before disappearing again. It was so quick, some didn’t notice until the water wizard’s body slumped over her desk. A long silver dagger impaled her forehead. Blood flowed over a long silver blade protruding from her forehead and pooled on the floor below. The other lords jumped to their feet.

I’ve been waiting a long time to do that, Nys said. You don’t know how boring and droll she could be. She was probably one of the dumbest wizards I’ve ever met.

I don’t know what you have planned, but it won’t work, Antigone said. The citadel has many defenses especially against rogue lords.

Maybe, but I know these defenses well since I built them, the baron said. Don’t you find it odd that most of the council is missing along with many of your colleagues. I certainly don't because they know the truth. The truth that the time of the council and the lords is over. You say the corrupted are perverse monsters but I say the lords have become no better. And, you know it. He smiled again while pointing at Antigone. After a moment, he tilted his head to the side. You still don’t know me?

A mad baron with delusions of grandeur, Lord Master Gaian of fire said. His hands were covered in flames while he took a defensive stance.

No, I am not the baron of the castle Sinjara, I am the dragon, Sinjara.

The baron’s eyes glowed purple and his body transformed into a silvery dragon. Its head rose to the ceiling while its long tail broke through several chairs near Astrea. Unlike other pictures she had seen, this dragon had a slender body and shorter neck. Its scaly skin glowed with a pale silver light. As fear and awe flooded her mind, Astrea found herself paralyzed. People in the upper chamber screamed while the council remained unaffected. Adellaire and Karizan had vanished while the other lords prepared for combat.

You dare fight me, Sinjara said in a deep voice. I am one of your great heroes who saved this realm from the demons and their armies. You should show me respect and kneel out of gratitude.

We will listen to no more of your words, dragon, Antigone said.

Then, you will die first, old human.

The dragon opened its mouth and breathed a ray of reddish flame toward Antigone. The council leader did something with his hand and caused a thin, metallic shield to appear before him which blocked the incoming blast. Metal arms exploded around him and surrounded his body with a metal framework. His right arm lifted a massive cannon that had appeared from under his robe. It blasted the dragon with a blinding light. Rockets exploded around the lower chamber, but Astrea couldn’t move or take her eyes off the writhing the dragon. Nys and Illium had jumped to the side and were fighting back while Centauri observed with crossed arms. Then, a hand grabbed Astrea’s mouth, and another arm wrapped itself around her body. Still unable to move, the girl was lifted up and carried out of the assembly hall.

Once placed on the floor, Astrea realized the man carrying her was Lord Master Karizan of the chaos order. He was breathing heavy from the exertion while looking to his left and right. The passage was empty from her own brief glance.

Are you all right, little one? he said.

She got to her feet but was still shaking. Nothing felt injured but her whole body seemed numb. The dragon’s power felt like it had sucked the very life from her. The girl nodded once she steadied herself.

Why is there a dragon here? she said. It was the first of many questions that stumbled out of her mouth. The wizard shook his head while smiling.

Trust me, I have many of the same questions, but they are for another time. We have to get you and the others out of here. Now, come with me and don’t look back. You mustn’t look at the dragon or a demon directly at least until you have the proper training.

You mean a tower right, she blurted out. It was the wrong thing to say but the deep resentment inside her remained.

Oh, little one, you are a lord, tower or no tower, remember that. Now, lets go while we still can. I have a feeling there are others working with this dragon.

They ran down the passage into a large room. It was a gathering room for visitors but it also was the closest room to the building’s exit. Explosions and roars echoed from the assembly hall while making the walls and floor shake. Debris and dust fell causing Astrea to throw her hands over her head. Karizan remained focused on the exit and pulled her along. A few kitchen servants ran from the stairwells and headed to the same exit. There were no there lords in sight. In the last several days, she had seen few lords, in fact. Did they know something was coming? The thought made her cringe.

Eventually, they reached the exit along with several other screaming servants. Dark clouds covered the sky with flashes of lighting. An unseasonable cold wind blew across the courtyard and sent shivers up her spine. Everything appeared gray and dead outside. Was it the lighting or some other evil force? Karizan wasn’t interested and led her past several smaller towers. Buildings behind her exploded sending stones and flying debris past her. Looking back, she saw a red beam of light lance out of the stone rotunda. The roof collapsed and the side of the building exploded. She tried to study the damage further, but the wizard yanked her to him. Another tower blocked her view, but it also gave them cover from more flying rocks and ash. Karizan released her arm and ran to a place near the wall. He moved his hands over the grass and a tunnel appeared.

Come, little one, this will take us far away from here. It is one of the many escape routes built during the Age of Dragons.

No, I don’t want to run, Astrea said. Hearing the explosions behind her brought back memories of her own village being destroyed. She could do nothing to stop it… or save her mother.  She had power. An energy welled up inside her and for an instance she felt another energy echo back to her. Was that her tower? I can fight.

And you will fight, he said while grabbing both her arms. Djinn told me what happened to you and I understand. I watched my village get slaughtered by raiders and there’ve been more since then I couldn’t stop. But, there are many more times I did and brought those horrible men to justice. But to do that, you must know when to fight. Now, come. You will be fighting soon enough.

Reluctantly, Astrea nodded and followed him to the large hole in the ground. It appeared to be a long cave running deep underground. Looking back, she could see others running to them. Her eyes immediately noticed Lord Poet Adellaire, the leader of the bard order. The older woman still wore her ridiculous hat as she ran to them.

Go, go, most have already escaped, she said.

Then, another lord appeared from behind an exploding tower. It was Lord Master Arkon, her teacher. He was leading several other robed figures she didn’t recognize along with many servants. When he saw her, he smiled and waived her forward. Before she could wave back, Astrea was pulled inside by Karizan. The walls and ground were dry with few plants or insects. The others joined them as the ground shook from more explosions.

Close the entrance, Adellaire said to Arkon who was at the very back of the group.

There could be others, Karizan said.

They can open the entrance again if they have too. We must get to safety quickly. Her tone was shrill, and Astrea heard the panic in her voice.

Yes, yes, Karizan said with a disgruntled voice.

Arkon closed the entrance, and everything went dark. Adellaire raised her hand and a ball of white light appeared above it. It floated into the air and lighted their way through the long tunnel. Occasionally, she noticed markings on the wall. They were fresh.

Does somebody live here? Astrea said.

Trolls use it to come to the citadel when needed, Karizan said. Fortunately, no trolls have been seen in months, but we should hurry. They don’t like intruders, especially human ones.

Trolls? Astrea wanted to know more but the distant explosions quieted such thoughts. Her body was still trembling from earlier and caused her to stumble over a rock. Karizan placed a calming hand on her shoulder. It helped and allowed her to focus on the cave ahead, but the distant ground-shaking attacks continued to gnaw on her nerves. 

The tunnels had several intersections that branched deeper into the underground. Despite the passageways’ confusing nature, the other lords navigated them expeditiously. After a time, Astrea had lost all sense of direction. She thought about asking but decided against it. There would be other times to discuss these tunnels in detail. For now, their escape from the dragon was all that mattered. The girl knew their capture was still possible by seeing the fear in the other lords’ eyes. No one said anything but their continuous glances to the rear of the passage or above told her enough.

Fortunately, the cave ascended and Astrea could smell the fresh air above. They were close to the exit by the distant bird sounds. After another turn, she could see the glimmering light of the exit in the distance. The other lords rushed by her and even knocked her over. Arkon pulled her from the ground before anyone could step on her. 

Stay close, he said. My tower is hidden, but I can teleport us to it if needed.

Why not teleport now or before?

When it comes to demons and dragons, they can detect towers like navigator ships easily. If I revealed it, the dragon could have destroyed it along with me.

That is why you are hiding here so the dragon won’t find you.

Yes, our towers are powerful. They could take on armies as you know. But, there is little they can do against a demon or dragon. Now, keep your eyes open and look for trouble.

They were nearing the exit and her eyes were adjusting to the gray outside. Trees and a distant mountain range came into view causing her to hurry. When she stepped out of the cave, Astrea blinked. They were no longer on Antellia. Could they be in northern Adia? She remembered no portals or magic. Was this the place where the citadel moved? When she turned to ask her teacher, she found him staring with wide eyes. Astrea followed his gaze and gasped.

A woman with tan skin and massive bat-like wings stood in front of them. Narrow robes hid little of her body, and her folded wings were taller than she. As she approached the group, each wing would spread itself out a little to make her seem much bigger. This was a demon.  Astrea fell to her knees, powerless against the creature‘s crushing, sickening presence. 

Greetings, my dear lords, she said with a bow. My name is Lady Enix. Please, don‘t worry. I have no intention of killing you. Instead, you will be playing an essential role in my little game.

Chapter Two

A Lady's Request

Exhausted, Korren placed his head against a dusty bookshelf. He had spent days in this library and was no closer to an answer. Despite it being one of the smaller libraries in the Arcaneum, it had the oldest tomes of the institution. It also meant these books were thick with archaic instructions, rarely staying on topic. One book actually had a chicken recipe in the middle of it. After finding that chapter, Korren had reached the limits of his patience. 

The engineer had to find a way to rebuild the rocket ship his master had created. The head of his order took the vessel from him after he had repaired it and returned it to the Arcaneum. They felt he lacked the experience and knowledge of managing such an extraordinary device. Even though he maintained it for years, they took it away and dismantled it. These fools would pay for their insolence, and he would prove his greatness to the realm. First, he had to rebuild the ship.

After spending so much time repairing it, he knew how to assemble a new one except for the engines. Somehow, his master found a way to control the output of the ethaerium without blowing everything up. To make things more complicated, he interfaced the engine with an airship ethaerium generator. This allowed it to hover, land and takeoff. The generator required a lot of power which would decrease the overall output of the rocket engine. He thought about adding a second generator just for the rocket, but two large generators could prove very dangerous. Ethaerium was volatile, especially when in the proximity of another generator. It was almost like it didn't want to be separated. After a few moments, he pushed the hefty tome onto the shelf and studied the next ledge. It was more of the same. He glanced at the other curved bookshelves next to him and pondered where to go next.

The library was a large circular room. Books lined the walls and the rows of curved bookshelves. At the center of the room was a glass pedestal that held an old piece of art. It was a large blue crystal shaped like a flame and was called the Divine's Fire. Usually, engineers wouldn't bother with useless art décor, but unexplainable firefly-like lights floated within it. Most first-year students at the Arcaneum would try to discover its secrets only to fail. Korren had spent two months taking readings and found nothing. It was cold and generated no heat or other energy. The lights had no pattern, and the surface was indestructible. Many tried breaking or destroying it but with no success. It was another example of the many undiscovered mysteries in the planes. 

As he proceeded to the next bookshelf, Zilvary started to snore again. The old man had been sleeping at a desk near the crystal sculptures. He was bald and thin even while wearing a sizable gray robe. Most masters liked to wear overcoats and process, but Korren still preferred his brown pants and a gray shirt. Wrapping his fingers up in his uncombed red hair, he held his arms over his ears in an attempt to ignore the noise. The young engineer thought about saying something, but Zilvary was one of the most excellent engineers of his time. The man created the spire knights and many other extraordinary weapons. But, the man was grouchy and berated students that annoyed him for answers. Unlike most engineers, Zilvary hated his creations which Korren never understood. He figured it was part of becoming old and foolish. Again, something he planned on avoiding unless these books don't drive him mad first.

Releasing his hair, he rubbed his clean-shaven face and pulled out another tome about sewage pumps. Could his master have used an exploding toilet for part of his rocket? It was possible since the engine design made no sense. As he flipped through the pages, Korren heard footsteps over Zilvary's gurgles and snores.

I see my help has brought you great glory, Lord Savant Zilvary, a woman said. 

I knew you would find a way back from the dead, Lady Enix, he said. Korren stopped and thought back to the stories the orc wizard, Djinn, and the maru, Monty, told about the Fifth Spire. Was she the same creature? In the gap between the books and the upper shelf, he could see a woman wearing a black cloak standing over the old man. Her dark face was beautiful, but he couldn't see much else under the cloak's hood.

 Good, it is refreshing to see that someone hasn't underestimated me and my power. You were always one of my favorites.

What do you want, demon?

Very well, I seek payment for the services I provided many years ago. The great Zilvary would be nothing if I didn't show him the secrets of the soul.

Your services have brought nothing but pain and death. My inventions had killed thousands of innocents when they were supposed to protect the populace from monsters like you.

Maybe, you and your empire shouldn't have stolen demon shards. Oh, I know it was you that built the collector above the Fifth Spire's portal. Only you had the knowledge to store shards for a long period. But, I am prepared to move past all that. It was painful but fruitful. I am more powerful now than I was before the Fifth Spire. So, don't tempt me or anger me unless you want a most exhilarating death.

Fine, if you're so powerful, what services could I possibly provide?

She leaned closer to him with a wicked grin. Her eyes burned with a green light. I want you to build me a device to kill the maru known as Monty. You already have another soulforge you can research. She glanced at the crystal.

Despite the history we tell, the maru saved thousands of lives from a dragon that almost destroyed this institution. His body was destroyed in the attack, and that crystal is the only part of him that remains. I will not destroy it. There is enough blood on my hands.

Don't destroy it. Use it to build a weapon that will nullify its energy. It can serve many purposes. I think I know enough about your feeble technology to modify the device if needed. But, you will make me the device so I can make that maru pay for the pain she has caused. 

Why not make it yourself? The soulforge is right there. He pointed to the crystal.

Korren's mind was reeling. How could that sculpture be a soulforge? He always imagined it was like an ethaerium generator. How did anything connect to it?

You know I can't touch it. The Divine's power still flows within its veins.

Before Zilvary could answer, a young student in brown robes burst into the room. He was breathing heavy with wide eyes. His pale face could be the result of shock or the months of studying in the Arcaneum's dungeons that first-year students endured.

The Citadel… I mean the Lords' Council… I mean… it's been destroyed, he said while catching his breath. Master Lucid sent me here to find you. They want to activate the defenses in case we are attacked.

Oh, stop your blabbering boy and tell me how it was destroyed?

We don't know, but a few survivors saw the soldiers nearby.

The empire doesn't have the power to destroy the citadel and the ancient relics that protect it.

No, they saw the land turn gray.

So, Malorgria is helping the empire. He glared at Lady Enix. Working with one demon is foolish enough.

Let us just say that a lot can be accomplished when lords cooperate with demons and dragons, she said with a smile.

Korren couldn't believe it. The citadel was full of relics and unexplainable magic. It was supposed to have protections against celestial beings. Now, they want to kill Monty. If the citadel was destroyed, she wouldn't stand a chance against so much power. He had to warn them. But, how?

Then, he remembered the room had a back door leading to the Arcaneum passageways. From there, he could escape to the hangar and onto one of the airships. Monty was in the Antillia province located on the other side of the realm. Despite his doubts about the plan, he stopped listening and crept to the back door. 

Korren grabbed the iron handle on the narrow door and pulled. But, nothing happened. The door was stuck. Like everything else in this older part of the Arcaneum, it didn't work. Not wanting to take any more time to fiddle with it, he yanked on the door several times before it gave way. In the process of his carelessness, he fell back into a bookshelf and caused an avalanche of books. He cringed at the continuous loud crashes. He heard Lady Enix yell an inaudible command and then something roared. Without waiting, Korren dove into the passage and ran.

* * * *

After darting through several passages, the engineer found himself lost. The Arcaneum was built like a giant clock, filled with rotating gears and rods. The mechanisms moved the halls and rooms around into different configurations allowing the structure to adapt to various needs. Unfortunately, none of the instructors or other engineers documented the configuration or drew a map. Korren stared at the spiderweb of tunnels before him with uncertainty.

Blundering into a classroom was the best scenario since other rooms were filled with dangerous experiments. Part of an engineer's training was surviving the audacious trials with ethaerium, electricity, hazardous chemicals, mutated animals and something called radiation. With footsteps of a terrible creature fast approaching, there was no time to evaluate the correct course. Before taking one last look behind him at the empty hallway, Korren plunged down the passage on his left and hoped for the best.

The other students and technicians jumped out of the engineer's path. None appeared surprised or concerned since most students were often behind schedule. Racing down halls was a regular act, and most learned early on to avoid the rush. For a brief moment, he thought about asking for help but realized none of these simpletons could help against a demon.

After turning down another hall, he saw the large doors at the far end. Then, he heard the grinding gears and knew the passage would move to a different section of the building at any moment. Already breathing heavy, he pushed his tired legs further. Most engineers had little food or exercise, instead of focusing on their intense studies. Although, the thought of a darkling eating him gave him the necessary incentive to keep moving. The end of the hall started to change from a wall to a group of gears. He still had time as the destination hadn't revealed itself.

Once he reached the large double doors, he threw one side open to find a growing gap of emptiness between him and the hangar, a vast red-lit room. The mechanisms thundered and popped in the distance. Many students had disappeared into the endless churning of cogs. Korren couldn't wait any longer.

Using the last remaining strength in his legs, he ran and leaped across the abyss. But, it wasn't enough. He fell but somehow managed to grab the ledge at the last moment. With his legs dangling below, he pulled himself up while gritting his teeth between groans. With nothing to hold, he used most of his strength to steady his hands along the slippery metal floor. After a moment, he leaned forward and grabbed a niche in the wall. It was deep enough for his hand to grasp and pull himself onto the ledge. Breathing heavily, he remained on the floor with one hand holding his beating chest. Sweat dripped from his forehead despite the cold wind blowing into the room.

When he was rested enough, he scanned the walls and floor and realized this was the wrong room. He couldn't believe it after all this time. He was supposed to be in the airship hangar so he could escape this place. Instead, this was the relic hangar. None of these crafts worked and were kept here for study. They had detectable power but was inaccessible. Often, relic classes became a joke people used to build their inventions. The passing response involved some statement about unfathomable technology. Korren had used a similar line, but he had a knack for relics. His insights led to one of the first discoveries in a decade. It was the reason his master chose him from the other candidates. After scanning the line of crafts, he knew none would fly but maybe he could hide in one. 

Korren ran to a more substantial craft shaped like a fish. His hands searched the smooth outside for a door or hatch. In a hurry, he accidentally cut himself on one of the fins. After sucking on his cut finger, he continued his search on the other side of the ship. When his bloody finger touched the hull, the craft lit up with lines of blue light. A door slid open and revealed a cockpit with a small room behind it. Without thinking, he jumped inside and settled himself in the pilot chair. What was once black metal was now full of pictures of the surrounding landscape and sky.  He searched for the controls and finally found two panels with symbols. After pressing several with no luck, one glowed and caused the craft to rise from the ground. After the door shut, he discovered the relic was communicating through his mind. With a few brief commands, the ship launched out of the open hangar and over the rocky landscape of the Eretia province. 

For a brief moment, he saw a creature of red armor and fire chasing the ship. It raised a massive sword but did nothing with it.  After the hangar and monster faded from view, he focused on navigating to Castle Pellandarr where Monty and Calais were living.  With it on the other side of the realm, Korren hoped he would arrive before it was too late.

Chapter Three

The Sins of Tomas

In Castle Pellandarr’s dungeon, Tomas leaned against the white wall of his cell. It was a small room with one barred window and a door of iron bars on the other side. A small cot and a bucket were the only furnishings. He hated that bucket almost as much as the food of plate near the door.

Tomas didn’t deserve it after all that he did. They should have treated him like the animal he was and chained him to the wall. Then, they could throw him bone scraps from the kitchen as they did with the other dogs in the castle. He had done so much wrong a bucket was too good for him. The black pants and shirt only reminded him that he was an animal disguised as a human. No, he was a monster like the ones that tried to storm this castle and kill everyone inside. He had spent his life hunting corrupted, and now he had become worse. It was all for his wife, and now she was gone too. She was stolen by the very demon that promised to save her. But, he never saw it, because he believed he could have a second chance. It never came, and his selfish actions caused even more destruction. Some like Calais say he deserved pity. She was the only reason he was alive and not killed on that blasted temple.

He readjusted his body and cringed at the pain in his abdomen. It was the wound where Carina, his beloved wife, stabbed him that night when the portal was activated. Despite Monty and Ren saving them from the demon and his spawn, they could do little to stop the other demons.

Everyone waited for some grand assault from the darkling army. Instead, the demons disappeared and infected the land and the people. The jungles of Xandia became infested with darklings. Overnight, the disease swept through the nearby villages of the humans and the orcs killing hundreds without raising one blade. Despite Tomas laying in a tent for a week, he could feel the realm crumbling beneath him.

With no way to find the demons, Monty and her companions retreated to Calais’ home, Castle Pellandarr, to gather more allies and plan their next attack. They dragged Tomas along in chains. Besides the surviving air elves, the commoners