Corilia: Requiem of Peace

By Joseph Hunninghake

Seventy years after the events of Return of the Protector, Tyler is back as the now experienced Akorat of Light. It's up to him and his friends to unravel the mystery behind the dark force that is slowly tearing apart Corilia, turning friend into foe, but to do so, he must turn to the world's dark history.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Aug 19, 2017
• ISBN: 9781387176946

Book preview

Corilia: Requiem of Peace

Corilia: Requiem of Peace

Book 2

© 2017 Joseph Hunninghake.

All rights reserved.

All names, characters, and places are fictional or written about in a fictional nature.

Printed by Lulu

www.lulu.com

Illustrations by Matthew Fey

Akorat of Light

Akorat of Darkness

Akorat of Earth

Akorat of Air

Akorat of Fire

Akorat of Water

Chapter 1: Memories

Bad idea, bad idea! The Protector kept chanting to himself as he ran through the dark of Mystic’s Forest, the sounds of cracking tree trunks echoing behind him.

A bellowing roar reached out into the night, followed by a tall tree falling over, nearly landing on the Protector. He stopped and, drawing his sword and summoning his shield, turned around to face the creature chasing him.

Very bad idea. He said to himself and ran toward the darkness that harbored the creature hunting him. He ran until he reached the uprooted bottom of the tree and stopped, looking at the stillness around him, illuminated by the glow of his armor.

Suddenly, another tree toppled, but the Protector jumped out of the way in time only to face the beast that had been chasing him.

It was a pale violet color and stood almost twice the size of the Protector. It had a small head relative to its body, with large black eyes and pointed teeth. It had multiple tentacle-like extremities in place of hair on its head. The creature was very thin with long arms and legs. Its hands had four, long clawed fingers that it pinched together to form a type of lance.

The creature lunged at the Protector with its claws, scratching up the trees and the ground. The Protector was constantly defending himself against the creature’s incredible agility, until he was finally able to jump on the creature’s back. He grabbed hold of the creature’s tentacle-like hair with his left hand and raised his sword to strike, but the tentacles stiffened into a spiky crown with such force that it flung the Protector off the creature’s back.

He lay at the bottom of a tree as the creature turned to face him. It lowered its now spiked head, pointing it toward the Protector and jumped at him. The Protector dove out of the way just as the creature impaled the tree with its spikes.

The Protector stood, picked up his sword, and jumped onto the flailing creature’s back. The blade of his sword started glowing with a bright light as he grasped it with both hands and plunged it into the creature’s heart.

The stuck creature stopped flailing and became still as it died. The Protector jumped off its back, walked over to a toppled tree and sat down, and began his instantaneous transformation back into his human form, Tyler Haysgard.

A veil of golden light surrounded him, blinding him to everything around for a brief moment. The golden streams that danced around his body intensified as his Akoratic armor melted away, evaporating, leaving his human flesh in its place. In an instant, he shrank from over seven feet tall to his much shorter human height. His vision blurred slightly when the veil of light dissipated as his human eyes were not blessed with the magic that his Akoratic eyes had.

Tyler quickly adjusted to his human form, sat on the felled tree, and looked through the tree canopy at the stars overhead, hoping one of them belonged to his former home, Earth.

This mapping is getting to be a real pain. A voice said, breaking Tyler’s trance.

I didn’t do that, Tyler said comically, turning to face his old friend, Vorrek Lergo. The beast did that.

Arimorius won’t be happy. Vorrek said with a laugh, and moved to sit next to Tyler.

He and Tyler began working with Arimorius to map out some of the continent Barokora’s less explored regions, with the stipulation that they do not interact with any of their findings.

Vorrek still had his long black hair, but it was kept in better condition than it was when the two first met. He was clean-shaven, but his face had grown heavy with the stress of being the Ancients’ ambassador in Aka’ra. He graduated from wearing the humble clothing of an apprentice to the lavish robes of an ambassador, but whenever he helped Tyler with simple tasks such as mapping unexplored regions, he would wear more casual clothing.

Vorrek wore a loose black shirt and dark brown leather trousers. He wore brown boots that stopped mid-calf and a satchel hung by his waist. Vorrek pulled out a rolled up map of the region and a chalkstone and proceeded to outline where the caves were in the mountains nearby, making a special note of the beasts that lived in them.

It wasn’t my fault! I didn’t even provoke the beast! Tyler laughed, then grew solemn, staring back at the stars.

So what’s on your mind now? Vorrek asked casually as he wrote some notes.

She’ll be eighty-six years old in the morning. I should be eighty-six along with her. Tyler said looking back at the sky.

"You are eighty-six, and Nicole is a past memory. You have only been here for seventy years and already Corilia is becoming a better place, and thankfully, you have an eternity to work." Vorrek said, putting the map and chalkstone back in the satchel.

But I still only look sixteen! And living for eternity is a curse. Tyler said, upset.

How is it a curse? Vorrek asked, taking his attention away from the chalky map.

Think about it, you’re going to die, Sapphire will die, Arimorius will die, even the Queen will die, Tyler said depressingly. But I won’t.

You’ll still have the Chief and the Ancients. Vorrek said trying to lift Tyler’s mood, They live forever too.

And look what it’s done to them. Tyler said, They may not be human, but they were created with the capacity to be human, yet they choose not to feel, they don’t get emotionally close to people. Instead they take in orphans because they won’t have to deal with the emotions of working with their families. The Ancients are calculating machines that are numb to emotions. I don’t want to become that.

You won’t as long as you don’t let yourself become that. I can’t know what you have to deal with as Protector, but as a human you have to keep the will to feel human. The Akorats are the only real humans to live forever, but we still have no idea how long the Relicore lived for. I suppose nature agrees with you since no human currently lives for more than a few hundred years.

Earth’s humans barely live a hundred years, last I remember. Tyler said solemnly, I guess that’s really the pain. Nicole is going to die in a few years, if she hasn’t already, and I won’t get to be there to say goodbye. Did I ever tell you I never got to say goodbye to her? The night I dropped her off at her house was the last time I ever saw her. If this protector thing never happened to me, then I’d be old with her, possibly watching our family grow.

You don’t know that. Vorrek said gently not wanting to upset Tyler, That very well could have happened, but sitting here thinking about what could have been will not help you in the future. Crusher got over his pain after he realized he was called here for a purpose, just as the Akorats of Fire and Air have done over these past few years. Those two are having a better time adjusting to the lifestyle change than you, and you’ve been here longer.

What’s your point? Tyler asked.

Fate never challenges us with something we can’t handle, you just simply have to find a way to overcome the challenge without destroying yourself.

Tyler said nothing. Thinking about what Vorrek just said, he lay down on the log, staring into the stars, eventually falling asleep. Vorrek sat on the log silently for a while also thinking about their conversation, then he stood up and silently left the way he came.

Chapter 2: The Luxury Transport

Tyler opened his eyes. He was lying in his bed back home on Earth. It was clearly nighttime and the eerie silence that accompanied hung heavy in the darkness.

He stood up slowly, afraid to disturb the resting silence and crept to his door. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he could see the shapes of everything in his room, exactly as it was the night it burned. Tyler’s heart beat faster as he reached his closed door and wrapped his hand around the doorknob. The moment he turned the knob, the door flew open, knocking Tyler back, and consuming his room with radiant orange flames. Tyler opened his mouth to scream, but the fire surrounded him, suffocating him with the heat.

Tyler woke up from the nightmare screaming and writhing on the ground, attempting to brush the fire off, but soon calmed down from the initial shock. He sat himself against the log he fell off of during the night, still breathing heavily. This had been one of many similar dreams he was having with more and more frequency.

After a few moments, Tyler shook his head, stood up, stretched, and examined the damage of his fight with the beast the night before. There was a clear path of destruction tracing the chase between him and the beast. There were trees uprooted with others snapped in half all following the small craters dug out by the creature’s clawed feet.

I bet Arimorius won’t be happy about this one. Tyler said looking at the dead creature. He took one last look around then disappeared in a flash of light.

When Tyler reappeared, he was standing in front of the wooden house owned by the handler of the Akorats, Arimorius. He knocked on the door, which was answered by Arimorius, who had become noticeably older. The red fur of the Animangus’ body was becoming duller along with the beard Arimorius had started to grow over the past couple years.

You need a trim, Ari. Tyler said with a laugh and walking into the home.

Bah! I figured since I am pushing five hundred years old, I should embrace my age. I used to be the only elder without a beard, but not anymore! Arimorius said with a big smile, So what can I do for the Protector?

I can’t visit just to see an old friend? Tyler asked.

Knowing you...no. He answered with a laugh and Tyler smiled.

Someday I’ll visit for no reason, but I’m only here to tell you that the Eastern Caverns are definitely inhabited and dangerous. Tyler said as Arimorius brought him a glass of water.

Really? How dangerous?

Deep in one of the caverns is a massive nest of Ilecks. I know you asked me to map Corilia as detailed as possible, but after getting chased through Mystic’s Forest by an Ileck, I’m going to avoid exploring caves. Tyler said.

When did this happen? Arimorius asked, "I was unaware Ilecks lived on this continent.

Last night. It left a pretty big mess too. Tyler said as he took a drink.

That is truly interesting. I thank you for the information. Arimorius said as Tyler handed the glass over and began to head for the door, Oh, before you leave, you must go to Aka’ra as soon as you can, King Serronius wishes to see you.

Why? Tyler asked, fairly surprised and relieved Arimorius was not mad about his incident.

Another Akorat has appeared, the Akorat of Water. I sent her to Aka’ra for her training, two days ago and I have a letter that the king wants you to train her. You’re welcome to teleport there, or I can find you a ship that’ll get you there about the same time as her.

Am I hearing this right? Are you giving me permission to take a vacation? Tyler laughed.

An Akorat taking a vacation? Unheard of! We’ll just call this a business trip. Arimorius said with a smile and led Tyler off to the port of Corrin Ga’et.

Tyler walked through the city, noticing how much it changed since he first arrived seventy years ago. The city had grown significantly, requiring most of the buildings to add floors. The governing council of Corrin Ga’et does not allow anyone to cut into Mystic’s forest significantly, so the only way for the buildings to go is up. Many of the buildings were also moving to brick and stone instead of the traditional wood structures. As Tyler and Arimorius approached the city’s port, he saw the grand white bridge that had been built several years ago as the city expanded to the other side of the river.

Although the river itself was very wide and deep, large vessels were not allowed on the river like they once were thousands of years before. The city of Corrin Ga’et built a separate port at the mouth of the river for the larger ships to dock while smaller ferries transported goods to the city itself.

Arimorius booked Tyler on the next ship to Aka’ra and the two parted ways as he was taken to the transport by one of the ferries. One of the perks Tyler loved was that he almost never had to pay for anything on Corilia because he never needed any of the services the other Corilians did. He would typically help farmers or any other Corilian free, but he would sometimes get paid for his work. Through this freelance work, he had saved enough money to buy the supplies to build a home for himself in the mountains of Barokora. He spent years building his home piece by piece with the help of his generals and sometimes Sapphire and Vorrek. Gaius, the Akorat of Earth, would also help occasionally, but he was often busy excavating artifacts from the deserts on the continent of Tertellya.

Tyler stepped off of the ferry and saw the line of people waiting to board the gigantic transport ship. He saw no masts on deck, and it was designed differently than he had seen any other seafaring ship. The deck was contained within a metal-reinforced glass dome with a large creased metal sheet fitted on the front of the ship giving it a sort of horned appearance. Circular windows dotted the ship’s sides and at the rear of the vessel was a large towering structure that took up the back third of the ship. This structure had enormous glass windows and Tyler could make out the different floor levels inside.

He joined the line and handed his ticket to a man in a navy blue uniform who let him walk up onto the deck of the ship.

Excuse me, sir. Tyler asked one of the deckhands who was dressed in the same navy blue uniform as the first man, What kind of ship is this?

This is a TS-380 Luxury Transport. He said with a smile.

This is an airship? Tyler asked. He had no idea Therama Shipyard built airships this large.

Yes sir. The man said, This is their newest model of transport ships. This is the first completed model, and its maiden voyage. I hope you find your cabin comfortable, the Therama Shipyard engineers and designers spared no expense on luxury.

Thank you. Tyler said, and the man went to help another guest.

He looked around the wide, open deck. There was plenty of space for everybody as they scrambled to find their cabins before the ship departed. Sitting in the center of the deck was a circular structure that appeared to be a bar with a stage that was raised over the bar with a domed roof over it. He looked back at the massive tower that dominated the back of the ship and decided to go find his cabin. He looked at his ticket that said ‘A-116’, but he had no idea where that was, so he decided to find another deckhand. He found a deckhand who looked at his ticket and pointed near the top of the tower and said his room is up there.

He entered the bottom floor of the tower, which was a grand entryway ordained in gold and marble sculptures, one being of the Protector, making Tyler smile. There were also large portraits of King Therama with his wife and his twin son and daughter who were still under a hundred years old. As he gradually drifted toward the stone staircase leading to the upper levels, he saw a glimpse of someone he thought he recognized standing in the center of the floor. He moved to see the face, and he smiled when he saw Orra Stelli, the facility manager of Therama Shipyard.

Orra! Tyler yelled as he jogged over to her.

She turned around and her face lit up, Tyler! I’m not used to seeing you without the glow.

Yeah, the armor draws too much attention, then I wouldn’t be able to travel on ships like this. He said, still amazed at the grandness of the ship.

I can imagine. Have you found your room yet? Orra asked.

Not yet, I was heading that way, but then I saw you and had to say hi. Tyler answered with a smile and a shrug of his shoulders.

I can help you find it! She offered and Tyler handed her his ticket.

Wow, you’re in hall ‘A’. I didn’t know an Akorat was paid. How did you afford this ticket? You didn’t kill anyone for it did you? She asked jokingly,

Tyler laughed, No, a friend of mine from Corrin Ga’et bought it for me.

That’s a pretty nice friend! Just follow me. Orra said with a smile and led Tyler up many stairs and down many decorated hallways before they reached a beautifully carved wooden door with a golden plate that had the number ‘116’ etched into it. Tyler opened the door to see a grand room of white stone tiled floors, mirrors set in golden frames, a large dark wooden desk underneath the clear window that was bordered in gold as well, and a large bed with a polished head and foot board made of the same sort of wood as the desk. To the right of the doorway sat a walk-in closet, and the door to a bathroom next to the closet.

There’s a key in the desk, but all of the hallways have guards so you won’t have to lock the door unless you really want to. Orra said, I’ll leave you to settle in.

Actually, I don’t have any luggage, so could I have a tour of the newest airship the Lots have to offer. Tyler asked.

Orra smiled and said, Sure thing. We may even run into Kirra.

Good, I haven’t seen her in years. I haven’t seen either of you in several years for that matter. Tyler said.

Well we’re here now! Let’s get this tour started. Orra said, and led Tyler to the operating floors above them. She took Tyler straight to the top of the tower where Lot officers operated the massive airship. The operating room was a large space that covered the majority of the floor. Officers sat at desks scattered around, talking amongst themselves, discussing the best routes for the ship. Others examined the technical aspects of how well the steering reacted, how fast orders could be sent to the engine room, and how effective the window in front was.

Tyler and Orra walked over to the massive window, put their hands on a guardrail that ran the length of the window, and looked out over all the people that were still on deck, trying to find their rooms.

We’re about to take off. Orra said excitedly. A man dressed in a light brown uniform decorated in golden plates wearing a tall hat with white feathers walked to a metal panel next to the steering wheel and twisted a white button then pushed it in. After a moments delay the giant airship slowly and silently began to rise toward the clouds. The ship had risen high above the ground when the man, who Orra said was the captain, pushed the same button, which ejected it from the slot and the ship gently stopped rising. The captain nodded to the ship operator, who stood at the wheel, and he grabbed the lever to his right, pushed it forward, and the ship began to glide forward through the sky.

Everything’s so quiet. Tyler remarked since all previous airships were very loud.

Yup, we added special dampeners and exhaust ports that keeps the engine cleaner, stopping any of the parts from grinding. It also turns out that the engines in the first two models were incredibly oversized. It works wonders when you give an airship the proper engine. Orra said with an embarrassed chuckle.

I assume this ship uses a bladder also? Tyler asked. After the first generation of airships, Therama Shipyard developed bladders that could fill up with a gas generated by manipulating an energy crystal that was perfect for lifting the heavy airships.

It sure does. It’s by far the easiest way to go, and it’s cheap too. She said, There’s also a lot of other features. Since this is the first luxury transport we’ve made where the guests can travel on deck during flight, we had to think of a way to keep all creatures from being blown off the ship. So we opted for the dome. Orra pointed to the metal plate at the very front of the ship.

I like it, it gives the ship a nice presence. Not to mention how beautiful the sight will be! Tyler said.

Loterima was known as the continent of air, so we’ve considered that a personal challenge to be known for allowing people a unique experience amongst the clouds! Orra impassionedly said.

That’s some serious marketing speech! Tyler said with a laugh. Mind showing me the engine room? He asked as the two turned away from the window. As they were about to leave the operations floor, Orra’s sister Kirra walked through the door.

The two sisters were identical twins, but Kirra had a much more serious nature than Orra did, which is why their father gave Orra the job of working with people while Kirra worked with the finances. Despite Kirra’s usual seriousness, she smiled wide when she saw Tyler standing in front of her. Tyler initially had a lot of trouble telling the two apart until he learned to recognize the differences in their personalities. He was thankful that they were forgiving when he mixed up their names, until they pointed out slight differences in their dress. Orra was more apt to wear layers of loose, casual