The Heroes' Journey

By cristian taiani

In Inglor's world, an apparent peace is about to be undermined by an ancient evil, a darkness that in the past had already caused the greatest war the Seven Lands had ever seen. 
Sung and narrated by the bards as the Bloody War, men and elves took part in it, abandoned by the most ancient lineages of the dwarves, glorious was the battle where the Unnamed and his subject Zetroc were sent away. 

Twenty ages after that war, the same evil returns in the streets of Radigast, the capital of the Seven Lands, on its way it will meet Rhevi a half human half elf girl who grew up in her grandfather Otan's love, owner of the inn called the White Bear; her elf mother abandoned her and her father, in pain, enlisted in the army of Emperor Adon Vesto, the poor girl loses all trace of him, the girl who dreams of moving away from the reality of that city that doesn't accept her will have the opportunity to achieve her desire, but at what price? 

Talun a skinny and noble-minded boy with an arrogant temperament has just become a magician after a recluse life in the most sought-after academy of magic in Inglor, trained in the arcane arts by the most prepared masters commanded by headmaster Searmon, mentor and friend of the orphan magician, the only bond with his mysterious past. The two youngsters will meet each other during a party at the inn, but the happy meeting will put them in front of a mysterious man who will make them undertake a long journey tied to an oath that will seem more like a curse. 

During their journey, they will get acquainted with Adalomonte the ruby eyes warrior with a mysterious past, marked by the symbol of the wolf and the lion, the effigy of the brothers believed to be divinities. 

Those three will challenge destiny in search of freedom by starting a journey that will confront them with discoveries and mysteries greater than themselves, including magic, wars, dwarfs, dragons and time travel; they will find themselves becoming the heroes that Inglor was waiting for. 
They will meet the light elves in Elros Anàrion, the gnome brothers on Artificial Vessel, legendary prophecies, the eccentric pirates led by the terrible privateer Frasso and the perfidious elves of Darkness. 
They will cross the desert of Azir until they discover the archaic secrets hidden by time and the unnamed darkness.

“If you like writers like Wilbur, Smith, Lani Taylor or the great master Tolkien, then The Heroes’ Journey is the perfect book for you!”

Nico Pan - Bookstagrammer

“Without beating around the bush, Cristian Taiani is the new Tolkien!”

Life books factory - Online magazine

“Magic exists and flows through the hands of the emerging author Cristian Taiani.”

Libri la mia indipendenza - Bookstagrammer

• Language: English
• Publisher: BadPress
• Release date: Oct 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781071557372

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The meeting

Twentieth Age after the Bloody War, city of Radigast

––––––––

THAT winter was colder than usual in the city of Radigast: dark, heavy clouds spilled a dense, hard rain that made it difficult even to watch beyond the palm of your hand. Some drops bounced on the roofs of the houses and on the Academy of Magic, the largest of the Lands of the Shield, one of the Seven Lands of the world of Inglor.

To the south, the capital faced the Deep Sea, while on the north side we could see the very high peaks of the Morgrym mountains, where most people said that the most ancient lines of dwarfs lived.

The river, almost frozen, passed right in front of a tavern, reflecting beautiful colours that ranged from amethyst purple to cornflower blue, banging on the windows beyond which one could see a fluctuating, dancing figure; her hair was of a weird colour, a very rare one in that land: a cerulean blue with dark green reflections.

She was a very tall woman with a white skin without imperfections, she looked like a creature out of time. In her emerald green eyes she seemed to hide a treasure, a wealth that was hardly approachable.

Rhevi was busy cleaning the inn at the end of a hard day's work.

Under the leather bodice she used to wear, her dry muscles flickered, trained not only by her waitress work, but by years of sword training. She was above all a fighter, or at least she liked to imagine herself in that way, not because she had fought wars, but because she fought every day because of her diversity: Rhevi was not like everyone else, she was a descendant, although only half, of an ancient population of elves.

Sometimes, she dabbled in petty theft, not only because life in the village was hard, but to test her formidable agility.

Her father had left and she hadn't seen him in years, he had enlisted in the army of the Empire of the Shield and had never returned. She had never known her mother Elanor; she tried to imagine her, she sometimes dreamed of her.

In her dreams she was just a female figure with an elven appearance. The elves lived hidden by now, forgotten by the other races, they had fought and defended the people of the Seven Lands.

They possessed unique and rare talents; in love with love, art and nature, they have retreated into the forests when they had realized that the world they had known had changed and was less and less respectful of ancient values.

When you grow up, I'll tell you everything, so don't ask questions.

Those who met Rhevi tried not to pay attention to her different appearance, at least in her presence, but there was certainly no lack of gossip from passers-by and evil ones.

Suddenly the door opened.

It's cold outside! Good job granddaughter. It was grandfather Otan, the owner of the inn the White Bear, a man with a generous appearance, a short stature and a pronounced belly, with a very friendly round face. He had a small island on his head surrounded by grey hair, and his shoulders were hunched because of hard work, he was always tanned, even in harsh and dark winters.

Thank you grandfather, you are very kind, as usual Rhevi replied with a smile, put down the broom and greeted him. Her work for that day was over.

She went out and headed into the back yard of the inn, drew her sword, an elven scimitar left by her mother in the house she was forced to leave, years before, when her father had left. The weapon was well preserved inside a trunk that she had discovered while playing hide and seek with her father. It was the only tangible memory of her mother.

She began her training stretching her back and her legs, then she took the sword and began to duel against an imaginary enemy. Her mind had moulded a formidable warrior, no matter how many jabs she could throw, he parried them all, turned continuously, used small boulders to jump, and trunks hubs to remain in balance.

After all, the opponent knew her well because she was the opponent. Resistance, speed and strength were important prerogatives to become a good sword fighter. Rhevi did everything by herself, remembering what her father had taught her and she had learned from spying the training ground of the soldiers of the Seven Lands. To improve the techniques she already mastered, she was supposed to find a master of arms. But how to get away from her grandfather? In her absence, the old man would have been forced to rely only on his own strength, and on his little helper Merry, a poor and thin boy with messy hair and crooked legs. Not to mention the cost of each lesson, impossible to afford.

That evening she felt observed, she peered into the white bushes, but saw nothing, took a deep breath blowing a white cloud, and exhausted, noticing that the sun had set, she went to sleep.

***

For Eurotovar’s sake, Talun you did it, you graduated!

The boy turned with a mocking smile and said: Doubt it Gregor? I'm the best apprentice in the all Radigast! Talun was tall and very slim, his face was covered with freckles, his hair was curly and coal-black, he had a goatee of an unusual red colour, he didn't know why since he had never known his parents. He had grown up at the Academy of Magic where he had been left at birth.

His only outfit was a dark tunic patched up in several spots. After years of studies it was finally over, he was a magician!

We will celebrate tomorrow! Let's go to the White Bear, I have some copper coins to spend. Plus one you owe me, if I remember correctly he said, laughing under his moustache, looking at his best friend, a paunchy boy with his hair in a small tail, dressed like him. The two had grown up together at school and over the years they had become like brothers. Gregor was often targeted by the bullies who called him fat or chubby boy. This fact had united even more the two boys who, mutually supporting each other, fought small daily battles.

Gregor replied laughing because he understood what the magician meant. True! Now that you graduated you can leave the tower, and you can take me with you, as a helper, it's great.

Life in the school of magic was very hard for apprentices, their days were made of a lot of study and little rest.

No apprentice could leave the tower until graduation, except for some quick errands. And no one, who was not of the academy, could enter except with a special permission of the supreme master.

Of course you're my helper, and you will be for a long time Talun replied with an air of superiority, the other glared at him and then burst into a loud laugh.

Talun was kind in spirit but had a flaw: he always stood above all, perhaps to protect himself or perhaps because he was truly superior to others.

They rose from the bench of the academy garden, located at the foot of the tower, a vast semicircle covered with vegetation, and with a huge wind rose in the centre, carved in stone and decorated with runes and images of ancient legends. One of them told just how the engraving was donated by the dwarf kings to the old headmaster, as a token of thanks after the bloody war.

The two friends walked towards their rooms. That night, Talun didn't got much sleep, he was still excited for the exam and for his first time out, without accompanying adults, waiting for him. In the darkness of his room, he felt observed. He got up and walked towards the large window in his room. Some drops of water crashed violently against the glass making it difficult to observe the outside. Talun ran his hand over the surface cleaning it from the frost; a lightning lightened his face almost frightening him, then came the thundering.

The morning arrived anyway, the storm had left a smell of wet earth and frosty air. Talun felt it penetrate right into the bones.

The day passed quickly between little chores and walking around the capital. The evening came, and with it the cold turned into an icy wind. His footsteps were accompanied by the sound of the shutters slamming against the locked windows of the small houses. The magician saw Gregor walking towards him, holding tight the permission signed by the supreme master to leave the academy.

It's freezing, let's get drunk! Talun said in a euphoric voice.

He went to the inn with Gregor and there they celebrated for hours, remembering funny stories and singing with full throat some tunes, until only the two of them remained.

At one point the waitress told them that it was time to close the inn.

Ehi, did you see her? She's the half elf! I've heard of her. How pretty she is said Gregor, a little drunk. In ancient times, when the two races were still united, it was not difficult for elves and humans to fall in love. But after the Bloody War the people of light had retreated into the forests, deciding not to mix elven and human blood any more.

Yes, but now it's time for us to go, it's late and I'm very tired, I haven't rested much last night and I need to retrieve my energies to study. Talun tried to block his friend before he could ask strange questions to the waitress, embarrassing both of them. Furthermore, every morning wizards were obliged to recite formulas to activate the energy needed to perform magic and the practice took time and concentration.

Talun got up from the table and walked towards the door, meanwhile, it opened and a wounded man entered the inn, bringing with him some sleet and the biting winter air.

He threw himself on him. The boy took him and placed him on the ground, he was completely dressed in black, his size suggested that he could be a barbarian warrior. Tall, with long hair and white as snow, his eyes were covered by a black veil, like the deepest night.

Are you okay? Talun asked with a worried voice. He pronounced a spell in a low voice, so low that people around him could not understand, his whispers were too fast. A light green energy radiated from his hand and the wound closed to its impact.

You're a magician! exclaimed Rhevi in astonishment. Fortunately, grandfather Otan had already retired to his room, if he had seen the scene he would have had a heart attack.

He didn't even look at her.Yes, the best of our time he replied with conviction.

Yeah... just nobody knows it yet Gregor countered with an expression of amusement and sarcasm.

The man sat up and said: Thank you, I was looking for a magician, I was wounded outside the city, by something... a beast... a beast never seen before. As he spoke, the wound opened again, and blood poured out again.

Talun was incredulous.How is that possible? I just pronounced a powerful healing spell, what could have caused you a wound that I can't cure? Which beast can it be?

The stranger stared into his eyes, and the magician lost himself in that bewitching look.

A strange, old beast, can you help me? His voice was warm, his tone intense, fascinating, even the best of bards would have stopped to listen to him.

Rhevi could hardly believe him, her fantasy was already exploding, projecting her into impossible battles, escapes and missions, finally she had the opportunity to live an adventure!

And so did Talun, already ready to say yes.

Gregor, instead, nodded with his head as to say no, then the man looked into his eyes and something sparkled in them.

Time to go to school! he exclaimed and walked out the door, like a puppet.

What did you do to him? Talun asked the stranger. Nothing, but I don't need him, and you have already accepted... he replied in a strange tone, as if he had read his mind.

I didn't accept anything, tell us what you want said Rhevi, stunned but curious. Everything was very strange and suddenly she was baffled by that ambiguous figure.

I want you to bring me a leaf... so that I can heal the wound, can you do it?

Talun immediately took the word: So little, a leaf? To heal? I just used magic and couldn't do anything, how can you say that a leaf can cure you? But if you're sure, tell me where I can find one.

The man answered without looking at him. It's magical, that's why it can cure me.

He turned to Rhevi. And what about you girl, can you do that?

She didn't even seem to think about it. Yes I can. I would be enough, there is no need to ask for further help added Talun, full of himself.

The stranger put one hand on his heart and the other on the girl's heart. Not caring about the statement made by the magician. Good, but you must swear it.

At that contact, Rhevi felt a heaviness on her chest, as if they had placed a boulder on it. But despite all, she answered: I swear. And then she added: Why don't you trust me?

He didn't even look at her and made Talun repeat the same oath, then he said: Of course I trust you, but I'm a man of the past and when you decide to help someone, you have to swear it! Said that, he walked towards the door with great difficulty, leaving behind him a small trail of blood.

I forgot, my name is Cortez. Tomorrow you have to leave the city and go where the black boulder is, do you know where is it?

I know where it is Rhevi said, looking at Talun.You'll find a house and I'll be there waiting for you. And the man returned to the darkness from where he had come.

Rhevi and Talun looked at each other, they were speechless. They had never seen or met each other before, and now they were about to leave together for who knows where, following the request of a stranger.

Breaking that awkward silence, they introduced themselves.

Well, we will meet here at the inn tomorrow and we'll go together Talun said, a little reluctant.

He greeted Rhevi, went out and headed for the school of magic. He walked very fast, all of a sudden he couldn't wait to return to the academy, the place that now he called home, but that in the past he had fervently wished to abandon.

Rhevi closed the door with four turns, if there had been more she would have used them all. She gently removed the frost from the window with her hand to peek out into the darkness, but apart from the magician who left the path at a quick pace she saw nothing. The scene made her smile, after all, that guy was funny with his weird ways.

CHAPTER 2

The Prisoner

Twentieth Age after the Bloody War, city of Radigast

––––––––

THE morning was perhaps accompanied by the most intense cold of the last fifty years. The freezing air held the whole city in a vice. The tower of magic was tainted by the snow that had fallen during the night. Talun got up from his bed feeling colder than usual, because he was not only a magician deep into his soul but also inside his body, his body certainly was not that one of a fighter, in fact he was very skinny with a milky complexion.

He ate an apple and drank some goat's milk for breakfast, he stand in front of his grimoire, an ancient book that was used by every magician of Inglor on which almost all magic acquired over the years by the owner was reported. There was a long list of recipes for making potions and medicines, formulas for summoning and astronomical correspondences.

Talun loved to keep the huge book in front of the window because during pauses he liked to observe the surrounding landscape. As every morning, the study of his magic began.

After a few hours, he was ready to reach Rhevi at the tavern.

He took the grimoire and his duffel bag, and went down the long white marble staircase, taking care not to stumble in his long bright red robe, embroidered in gold, the day before he had spent almost all his savings to buy it, it had been his gift for passing the exam. From the long windows of the Radigast Academy tower, you could see the crowded port, where every morning many varieties of fish products could be found; the old fishermen, even with adverse weather conditions, managed to steal those precious creatures from the sea, which almost always ended up in the jaws of some fat nobles.

Where are you going this morning? Gregor asked in a high-pitched voice.

I'm taking a walk. As you know, I am a graduated magician, I have no compulsory lessons since yesterday. But you have to go, otherwise you’ll be late and the supreme master will be angry. See you tonight, he replied very hastily, and greeted him with a nod.

The school looked like a labyrinth, and it most likely was, it was specifically built in that way, full of tunnels, corridors and crypts to protect its secrets.

While Talun walked surrounded by the din of the many boys that would soon have taken their seat in the classrooms, he came across the supreme master intent on calming his students.

Good morning! I was going out to take a walk in the city, he greeted him.

Headmaster Searmon looked down at him, he was very tall and exceeded his pupil by at least a span and a half; he was thin, with a thick beard, and long aubergine coloured hair, his massive figure was covered with a long tunic of shimmering colours that seemed to have a life of their own and to change constantly.

He looked at the young magician with a smile.Go my friend, but be careful, I have heard rumours about the presence of a beast out of town, if what they say is true, it could be very dangerous; I will have to speak as soon as possible with the Capitan of the guards to intensify the patrols. Obviously, as long as it is only a rumour, I don't want to cause any alarm, but people's small talk must never be underestimated. See you tonight Talun and congratulations for your exam, keep going and one day there could be a chair waiting for you here.

All he could do was blush and bow to say goodbye to him. But he had to hurry, a new friend was waiting for him.

The supreme magician saw him running away, their relationship went beyond the mere teaching, years before Searmon had made a promise to a very important man: he would have taken care of that boy as if he were his son. Searmon was indebted to that man for a big favour received and could not refuse. Since that day, it had been a succession of affection and advice between the two, but always with all due respect, especially within the academy to avoid useless chatter.

Talun emerged from the big school gates fully breathing the cold air, it caused him a feeling of well-being, he felt free.

He walked through the most crowded streets of the market, he loved that part of the city: merchants shouting their offers, old men trying every kind of bargaining to save some money and children attached to the skirts of their mothers. If it had been summer, it would have been even more beautiful with the carts full of colourful vegetables and the large fountains full of children. He realized that he was wasting his time, he looked up at the grey sky and decided to hurry towards the inn.

***

That morning Rhevi got up very early, she came out from the inn admiring the soft snow outside and she carried out her hard everyday training session with her usual dedication. A blow on the left, one on the right, and then she stopped, her sword was shining in total stillness.

She noticed some droplets on the scimitar. A light rain was falling from the sky, it would shortly turn into snow.

She prepared herself for the meeting with Talun, she took the sword, polished it and although it was not necessary, she sharpened it. On the hilt, there was an Elvish engraving that she could not translate, the hilt and the blade were made of a strange almost indestructible alloy with a blue stone set on the top. The edge of the sword had veins of the same green as the reflections on her hair but she didn't know its secret and, at the moment, she didn't even realise there was one.

Finally, she placed it in the sheath, entered the inn, went to her room and filled a wooden tub with an infusion of aromatic herbs and hot water. She immersed herself in it and absorbed the warmth of the hot water until it cooled down.

When she came out of the tub, she saw her body reflected in the mirror, how stunned she was. It was simply perfect: thin and agile.

With an unusual gesture for her rough manners, she stroked her long blue hair and the reflection of her own eyes, of a deep emerald green, astonished her. She was uniquely beautiful, despite those pointed ears that sometimes came out from her hair, making her feel odd in the eyes of others. She dressed in typically masculine clothes. With her bustier, her sword and her dark leather trousers she was frowned upon by all the girls of the city, but she didn't really care. Actually she was amused.

She went down towards the inn's kitchen, always very tidy and clean.

Where are you going? You have to work tonight, you know? said grandfather Otan as he wiped a glass behind the counter and then placed it near a plate full of steaming eggs and two slices of toasted bread. He placed it near the girl who greedily ate.

Yes, I know, but I wanted to ask you for an afternoon off, I have to make a food delivery for a man who lives outside the city, otherwise you are the one who will have to go there! she lied.

No way, I'm a poor old man and with this cold I wouldn't even get to the city gates, but will you go there alone? It's dangerous outside and men who are looking for beautiful women's company are even more dangerous.

Rhevi looked at him and drew her sword at superhuman speed. Don't worry, I can take care of myself, and sweetly smiled at him.

Otan wrinkled his lips in a grimace.

Oh, I forgot! I'll take some water and some vegetables, the girl said as she entered the kitchen.

Don't be late, you know I worry about you, even though deep in my heart I know you can handle it. See you tonight, my child, said her grandfather in a honeyed tone. After all, she was always his child, she had taken his son's place, and he had raised her without ever letting her miss anything.

Rhevi came out of the inn and waited for the magician, after a few minutes she saw him coming already tired.

Hi Rhevi, are you ready? said Talun, shivering cold. Of course, and I'm very intrigued by that man, he replied. They set off and shortly afterwards they reached the gates of Radigast. They greeted the guards and left.

It was bitingly cold, the trees were bare and walking was hard because of the mud, the sky was cloudy, a storm was coming.

I hope it doesn't rain before we get to Cortez's house, said Talun, who provided himself with a really heavy coat and a hood pulled down over his face. Rhevi only wore a thick shirt and her bodice, but for the moment she was not cold, her body seemed used to that climate.

Talun come on, pick up the pace, some training in the woods wouldn't kill you. The young woman began to laugh.

Don't laugh, the tunic gets in my way, look, it's also covered in mud, I just got it as a present to myself and it's already dirty! he replied, offended.

After an hour's march, they saw the black boulder that the man talked about, they looked around deviating from the path and getting lost in the bushes, until they saw some white smoke in the distance and they knew they were on the right path. The weather hadn't been clement, so they arrived at the house completely soaked.

The exterior looked crumbling and seemed abandoned, but in truth someone was there.

Some smoke came from the small chimney. Rhevi came over and knocked, but to her surprise she noticed that it was already open. Talun suspiciously looked at her and they entered.

Is there anybody in here? he asked in a confident voice, but no one answered back.

The place was full of books and messy, the fireplace was lit and there was a pot on the fire in which a soup was boiling, its smell was nauseating.

Rhevi and Talun searched all the other rooms but found no one. They waited a while, then the half-elf said: What do we do here? Let's go away! In that moment, the flames of the fireplace suddenly died out and a jet of compressed air came out from a hole under the embers. Both of them jumped away in fear.

What's down there? asked Talun getting closer. With a gesture of his hand, he raised the metal grill without touching it and he saw a staircase below it.

What shall we do? asked the magician, already imagining her answer.

Are you really asking me that? Let's go down, I didn't come here just to get cold and wet!

Rhevi began to go down followed by her companion.

At the bottom of the stairs there was a tunnel, there was a strong smell of mold and everything was completely dark, at least for Talun, because Rhevi could see very well in the dark: the slight ray of light coming from the top of the staircase was enough for her, a trait inherited from her mother.

Wait, for Eurotovar's sake! I don't see anything! exclaimed an annoyed Talun and with a gesture accompanied by some incomprehensible words, he created a ball of dancing light with his hands. Now, we can venture for who knows where, can't we? he said with a mocking and pleased nod as the luminous sphere followed them.

The tunnel was narrow, almost claustrophobic, very dirty and pitch-black.

Rhevi, who walked in front of him, noticed a round bronzed door. As they walked they heard a click and with an elegant pirouette she dodged four arrows coming from the small slits; the magician was open-mouthed, her agility was incredible. He made a grimace of approval.

Are we sure we want to continue? Talun asked, almost turning to go back, but she grabbed him by the sleeve, pulling him forward.

She ignored his words and came to the door. There was a strange representation engraved on it, a face: half wolf, half lion with some mysterious runes around it. The jaws of the wolf were wide open, leaving his sharp teeth perfectly visible, while the lion was in a proud pose, They seemed the representation of chaos and calm.

Rhevi touched the blazon. Can you read what's written here? she

asked.

I'll try. Talun seemed to fall into a trance state, and his eyes became golden yellow. His eyelids moved swiftly as if he were analysing the whole language in search of those symbols, then he stopped abruptly.No, I can't. It's a very old language, I'm sorry.

Rhevi tried to open the door but it was closed. She took out some strange tools from her belt and set to work on the lock, after a few minutes there was a click and the door opened.

I see that you have other hidden skills besides being an acrobat! commented the boy, she smiled as she crossed the threshold.

They weren't ready at all for what they found inside: a very fair complected being, with long tapered arms, sharp spines coming out from his palms, and with no mouth. For a moment he stared at them.

Then the fast-moving creature attacked the boys, but Rhevi drew her sword with the same speed.

The monster took her by the arm sinking his spines and making her scream out in pain, she angrily sank a blow into his belly forcing him to let her go immediately.

Talun formulated a sentence in an unknown language and some bolts of dark green energy left his hands skewering the monster's back, then he hit him in the chest knocking him down.

The two companions heard a hissing voice inside their minds.

My master will find you and kill you... The creature had no time to say anything else because Rhevi's sword came down hard on his skull, killing him.

Talun stood up quickly and joined Rhevi, trembling and wounded; she was trained, but not to the pain, it was the first time she had faced a monster in a real fight.

She was scared and happy for the outcome of the fight at the same time.

Let me see your wound, Talun said; with a quick and very strange gesture of his hands he created a light violet light that made it completely heal.

Thank you, you are fantastic, said Rhevi, making him blush. They looked around, seeing many torture tools; the same engraving on the door was reproduced on the blood-stained floor. A few yards from them there was a well and next to it a large black mirror that reflected nothing.

The two approached to watch it closely. Talun studied its slightly oval shape, it looked like onyx but it wasn't. He touched it and for an instant he thought he saw a hand smaller than his own reflected in it.

He left the object behind him and approached the well, they looked out to see the inside and were both frightened.

Inside the well there was a shirtless man, his wrists and feet were chained, forming an X. Completely battered, he had many injuries, it was clear that someone had a good time in torturing him.

Let's pull him up, Talun said in an angry voice. Despite not knowing the man, the scene had deeply shaken him, according to his strict sense of justice, no one could ever deserve this sort of punishment.

He approached the pulley connected to the chains, grabbed the pegs fixed to a cogwheel, and he pulled up the prisoner using all his force and the help of the half-elf.