Victims of Fayte

By Michael Cancellieri

What would you do if your entire world were gone in an instant? This is the reality for Magnus and Eve, the last two survivors of an immortal race called mystics. 8000 years ago they lived in a kingdom of magic, ruled by Queen Rose. When the Queen decided to abuse the source of the mystics’ power, the Sephirot Stones, it caused a cataclysm that reduced the once great kingdom to nothing more than a hole in the ground. All of its knowledge and people lost forever.

Magnus and Eve wandered for thousands of years watching as the world takes shape. When a Sephirot Stone is unearthed in our time, the two must race around the planet to obtain the stones before they fall into the wrong hands.

The two must fight against evil forces, both old and new, to defend our world from an interstellar invasion that could mean our demise.

Can the two protect this world from the oncoming threat or will these invaders prove too powerful? Maybe an old friend can help them find the answers they need to save this word.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312191501

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Victims of Fayte

Victims of Fayte

Copyright © 2014 Michael Cancellieri

First Edition

All rights reserved.  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in review, without permission in writing from the author.

ISBN: 978-1-312-19150-1

Published in the USA by Lulu.com

This is a work of fiction.  Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.  Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Prologue: The End of the Beginning

Ten thousand years ago, before humans walked the Earth, there existed a civilization inhabited by Mystics that was far more advanced than any other ancient civilization in history.  These Mystics harnessed a power so great that it could be used to create whole worlds or destroy them.  The power they harnessed came from an unknown source that is credited with giving all life to the planet.  They called this source the Zohar.

The Zohar was believed to not have any physical form and thought to be protected by ten guardians called Sephirots.  This power could not be managed by any normal means, so the Mystics encased this power in the form of ten magic, crystal-like stones.  Though these stones were each no bigger than a tennis ball, their power was beyond anything ever conceived.  They called these the Sephirot Stones.

The Mystics thought themselves the most powerful beings in the universe.  They built their kingdom with the idea that they could shape the origin of all things.  They were the first to walk the earth after all.  They had no rival. The power they possessed gave them incredible strength, advanced intellect, and longevity.  Through the power of the stones, Mystics lived exceptionally long lives.  They were seemingly immortal.

Their cities were magnificent, like something out of a fairytale.  The streets were lined with lights that illuminated the stone roads and sparkling streams that flowed freely providing water to every home.  The civilization thrived for thousands of years, untouched by any outside force, until something unforeseen happened.

A meteor smashed into the Earth creating a huge explosion and leaving a giant crater in the center of the planet.  Out of this crater came a beautiful woman.  Her crystal blue eyes were mesmerizing.  Her long, flowing black hair with red highlights complemented her smooth flawless skin, but her beauty was no match for her power.  Her strength matched that of the strongest Mystics.  She sparked fear in many that lay eyes upon her.  Her name was Fayte.

Because she fell from the sky, some thought Fayte was sent by the Sephirots.  She used this to her advantage and worked her way into the trust of the royal family.  She used her influence to shape the kingdom to her liking.  Fayte remained part of the royal court for years until suddenly another appeared.  His name was Kane.  He was a very formal, very elegant man.  He had a strong, firm body and rugged complexion. His sideburns ran down his cheeks into his thick goatee.  He had a look that demanded respect.  A look that said he was wise and trustworthy.  He used his influence to gain the trust of the royal family as Fayte did, but he opposed anything that Fayte wanted.

The two argued for years over political influence about how to lead the Mystic kingdom.  Their most discernible difference was how to use the Sephirot Stones’ power.  Fayte wanted to use the stones to advance the society of the kingdom to its fullest, while Kane felt their power was too much for the people to handle and insisted that its power be limited to only essentials.  The stones were kept in a vault held deep underground.  Only the royal family knew the vault’s location.  They were inserted into a large stone tablet that lay imbedded in a wall.  From that stone tablet the power of the stones could flow throughout the kingdom, like electricity through power lines, but not to specific devices.  Mystics could harness this power and use it to enhance their own, already incredible, power.

Mystics had the ability to manipulate energy.  This is what they called magic.  Through this, they achieved many great feats.  These powers were thought basic amongst Mystics.  The Sephirot Stones helped enhance these abilities, but even without the stones their powers were great.  These powers included the following:

Energy Projectiles - By focusing energy into their hands, Mystics can project energy attacks to fend off opponents.  A small amount of energy for a quick blast or a larger amount for a stronger beam.  Through advanced focus, many different fighting techniques have been developed.

Enhanced strength - Otherwise know as ‘powering up,’ Mystics can focus energy reserves in their body to build up their muscles and enhance their strength.  Powering up usually requires time and focus, but it has been know that under extreme duress, some Mystics can generate massive amounts of power.  Powering up is not much different from flexing muscles on a grander scale, but causes much strain on the body.

Elemental Magic - Not all Mystics are capable of this type of magic.  It’s the combined abilities of using one’s own energy and fusing it with nature. Though this is primarily used for fighting, it can be used for everyday things, like providing drinking water or digging crops.

Flight - This was somewhat of a rare ability.  Only the strongest Mystics could fly.  Flight was achieved when energy was evenly distributed throughout the body and then pushed off through the feet.  It takes great focus and concentration to maintain any sort of altitude, but with practice, can become second nature.  Mystics that couldn’t fly could still focus energy in their feet to jump to incredible heights.

There are so many different abilities that exist in this world that it would be impossible to list them all.  Teleportation, summoning, healing, and transformations are just a small sample of other magic and abilities that exist.  Though some of these abilities may be uncommon, and some just downright rare, be assured that there is no limit to what can be achieved when there is a will to pursue it.

At the peak of this Kingdom’s prosperity, around 6000 B.C., the ruler on high was Queen Lorelei Rose.  She was a crude, ruthless leader.  She hungered power above all else.  Apart from Fayte and Kane, who acted as unofficial advisors to her, Queen Rose had another to whom she would turn.  He was known only as Wiseman.  No one was sure what he looked like.  He was always covered by a hood and draped in a cloak.  Like the Queen, Wiseman had an obsession with power.  He wanted access to the Sephirot Stones.  He claimed he could make use of the stones to prosper the kingdom even further, but the Queen would not hear of it.  The powers of the Sephirot Stones were for her and her alone.  No one really knows the extent of Wiseman’s power.  He’s never been seen in battle nor has he ever demonstrated it for show.  He was truly a mystery in every way.

Paranoid that her subjects would grow stronger than herself, the Queen limited the amount of power that the Sephirot Stones emitted and the people of the kingdom grew weaker.  She ruled with an iron fist.  Eventually the people grew angry over the Queen’s abuse of power and turned to Kane, Fayte, and Wiseman as a means of ousting the Queen.  Fayte and Wiseman both wanted to use the Sephirot Stones for their own selfish gains, so the two of them formed an alliance.  Kane wanted to keep the Sephirot Stones away from the Queen and hoped to wean the people off of their power and prevent another from growing mad with power in the future.

Fayte, Wiseman, Kane, and Queen Rose are not the only players in this game, however.  There was another.  His name was Magnus Rose.  He was the Queen’s son.  Magnus was a brash young man in his mid twenties.  Very powerful, even compared to Fayte.  Apart from his strength, you could say he was quite normal.  Moderate build with very short dirty-blonde hair that spiked in the front.  He always wore a long dark coat with a thin, single edged sword strapped to his belt.  He was well versed in swordplay, an art that was lost to most in the kingdom.  With power like they had, what would a sword do?  Magnus was clever, though.  He had found a way to infuse his energy into his sword and use it as a conductor to amplify his power.  This made him a feared warrior amongst those in the kingdom.  Even Wiseman was wary of him.  Though very strong, Magnus is not one to look for trouble or to start a fight.  He would avoid killing if he could and would show mercy to his opponent.

Magnus was appalled by what his mother had become, a power hungry mad woman who would destroy everything to obtain power.  He distanced himself from his mother and thought of her as nothing more than a tyrant.  He saw Fayte as a lying opportunist who had been playing the Queen from the very start.  He never trusted Wiseman either. There was too much unknown about him to warrant any trust.  However, he was very good friends with Kane.  Both saw eye to eye on many things.  Magnus knew the power of the Sephirot Stones were too much for anyone to handle and felt that getting rid of them was the only way to bring peace to the kingdom.  Magnus’ only other ally was his girlfriend Eve.  They had been together since they were children and were virtually inseparable.

Eve wasn’t the strongest fighter in the world.  She could hold her own for sure, but what she lacked in strength she made up for with potential and persistence.  She always strived to be strong.  She knew she would have a long way to go to catch up to Magnus, but never stopped trying.  She was very beautiful.  She was the same age as Magnus, had long black hair with cute bangs, fair smooth skin, and a slender body.  She was a true beauty and had a heart to match.  She even tried to learn how to use a short sword so she could practice with Magnus.  She never did get the hang of it, though, but she still practices vigilantly to get stronger.

Magnus and Eve were not unaware of the turmoil happening in the kingdom, but they tried to keep themselves apart from any conflict that may arise due to the Queen’s ambitions.  Magnus did not want any part of his mother’s cruelty.  It would have been enough for him to just stay with his beloved Eve forever, but sometimes it’s just not that easy.

The Queen had finally decided to move forward with her ambitions.  She sought to infuse the power of the Stones into herself directly and become a god in the process.  Kane had gotten whim of this insane plan and sought help from Magnus and Eve to stop her plan and save the kingdom.  This is where we’ll begin.  Kane is at Magnus and Eve’s house explaining what Queen Rose intends to do to and hopes for their help.

Are you sure about this Kane? asked Magnus.  I mean, would mother really try something so, crazy?

I’m certain, replied Kane. My sources are reliable.  She intends to enter the vault tomorrow evening.  She must be stopped at all costs.  Will you help me?  I’d hate to think what could happen.

Yes, of course. Magnus answered.  But what does she want?  What purpose does it serve to infuse the power of the stones directly?

Kane answered with a sigh, She hopes that by absorbing the stones’ power she’ll be able to transcend space and time. 

Is that even possible? asked Eve.

If the stones are actually connected to the Zohar and the Sephirots, who knows what they’re capable of, said Kane.

All right, said Magnus.  What do you need from me?

I need you to handle Wiseman and Fayte.

Handle?

Yes.

You mean like a distraction? Magnus looked unsure.

Exactly, Kane went on to explain.  I can’t handle all three of them at once.  I’ll barely be able to stand up to the Queen alone.  I need you to keep Fayte and Wiseman busy while I take care of her.

And what will you do exactly? Eve asked.

I’ll follow the Queen to the vault and destroy it with Stones inside and leave it buried deep underground, Kane said.  I probably would have destroyed the vault a long time ago, but I was never told the location.  Weren’t you told Magnus?

No, sorry, Magnus answered.  After the last ruler passed on and mother took over, she made sure that no one else had that information.  I’ve even heard rumors that some high ranking officials who were privy to that information mysteriously went missing soon after.

Are you sure you’re okay with this my friend? Kane asked.  She is your mother after all.

I’ll be fine, Magnus replied.  I came to terms with this a long time ago.  I knew she would go too far eventually.  Don’t worry about me.

Oh, and there’s one other thing I should mention, said Kane.

What’s that?

Have you heard of a man named Simon?

No, who’s that?

Apparently he’s an associate of Wiseman.  I don’t really know much about him myself, but I hear he’s very dangerous.  A skilled fighter, very strong.  I heard he practices the dark arts, whatever that means.  You should be careful if he confronts you.

Got it, said Magnus.  Anything else I need to know?

One more thing.  Take this, Kane tossed Magnus a small, marble-like object.

What’s this?

It’s called a binding sphere.  Just use it on Fayte if she tries to fight you.  It should slow her down, at least a little bit.

Okay, thanks, said Magnus.

Thank you Kane, said Eve.

Okay.  Get some rest.  I’ll signal you when the Queen makes her move.Kane exited the house.

We’d better get some sleep, Eve said as she kissed Magnus on the cheek and went into the bedroom.  Magnus just sat in a chair and stared up at the ceiling.

Meanwhile, Wiseman and Fayte were putting their plans together.

What are we going to do Wiseman? asked Fayte.  If the Queen achieves her goal.....

Relax Fayte, Wiseman interrupted.  I have everything under control.  I’d like you to meet an associate of mine.  Fayte, this is Simon. Simon, Fayte.  Wiseman stepped aside to introduce a large, muscular man with long blood red hair.  He stood at least seven feet tall.  His eyes had the look of pure rage.  Just being in his presence would make you tremble.

Simon, eh, Fayte remarked.  What’s so special about him?

He’s stronger than you, said Wiseman.

You’d be wise not to underestimate me, Wiseman.

You’d be wise not to overestimate yourself, Fayte.

Fayte shrugged and leaned against the wall.  Okay so what’s the plan? she asked.

It’s simple, really, Wiseman explained.  We’ll let Kane take care of the Queen.  There’s no doubt that he’s already planning to stop her.  After that, you and I can help ourselves to the Stones.

The three of us could take care of the Queen easily.  Why wait for Kane to do it?  Fayte asked.

Because I’m sure Kane has already asked Magnus for help.

Magnus, the Queen’s son? Fayte seemed surprised.

Yes, him.  I’m sure you’re aware that he and Kane are good friends.  There is no doubt he would ask Magnus for help.  That’s where Simon comes in.  Simon will keep him busy, Wiseman explained.

And what’s in it for you, Simon? asked Fayte.

You don’t need to worry about that, said Simon.  Just get the Stones.

Are we set then? asked Wiseman.  Fayte nodded.  "Good, then I’ll see you tomorrow.

The next day came quickly and soon enough it was evening.  Kane, Magnus, and Eve had followed Queen Rose to the secret vault that was located behind a wall in the central chamber in the royal palace.  Just behind the wall was a staircase leading deep down underground.  As the Queen made her way towards the stairs, Kane and the others approached from behind.

Stop right there, hollered Kane.  I will not let you abuse the Stones’ power.

Mother, I don’t know what it is you want, but I will not stand for this, said Magnus

You were always a good boy my son, but you could never understand what potential there is in the Stones’ power, said Queen Rose.  Think about it.  Fayte is not of this world, which means that there must be other worlds out there.  If we had the ability to travel to these other worlds, who knows what we could discover?  Infinite knowledge, infinite power, infinite wealth.  The Queen’s eyes became wide and she smiled sinisterly.

You’ve gone completely mad, said Magnus.

A ball of black light appeared in the room.  Out of the light came Wiseman and Fayte.

It looks like we’re right on time, said Fayte. 

What are you two doing here? asked Queen Rose.

Oh please your highness, Wiseman said with a sarcastic tone.  You know damn well why we’re here.  We’re taking the Stones, and there’s nothing you can do about it.

You’ll have to get through me first, boasted Magnus.

As you wish, said Wiseman.  As Wiseman snapped his fingers, a sudden explosion came from behind. Something had burst through the wall.  It was Simon.  Magnus and Eve each took a step back in surprise.

Who the hell is this?  Magnus yelled.

That would be Simon, said Kane

You could have mentioned he was huge, Eve exclaimed.

Simon, if you please, said Wiseman.

As you wish, Simon ran toward Magnus and grabbed him and put him in a bear hug.  Simon then, while still holding Magnus, ran toward the wall and smashed right through it into the next room.  He then continued to run into the wall at the end of that room and smashed though that to the outside of the palace.  Still with Magnus held tight in his grasp, Simon flew into the sky and headed outside the kingdom.

Magnus! Eve screamed in a panic.

I have to keep an eye on Simon, said Wiseman  It’d be dangerous to keep him off his leash for too long.  I assume you can handle everything here.

Don’t worry.  These two are nothing to me, said Fayte.  Wiseman disappeared in a ball of dark light.

Queen Rose had already begun to make her descent to the vault.  Kane looked nervously at Eve.  He knew that Eve was no match for Fayte alone, but he couldn’t waste too much time in a fight. 

Go Kane, said Eve.  Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.

I can’t, you’re no match for her, said Kane.

I said ........, Eve stopped in mid sentence and lunged at Fayte.  Eve took a swing at Fayte, but Fayte easily dodged, elbowed Eve in the stomach and grabbed her by the hair.  Eve then took a small marble she had been concealing in her palm and pressed it against Fayte’s stomach.

A binding sphere!  Damn you Kane, uttered Fayte.  When the binding sphere hit Fayte, a bolt of lightning wrapped itself around her.  Fayte fell to the ground unable to move and barely able to speak. 

Cur...se...you, Fayte muttered.

Go Kane, yelled Eve.  I’m going after Magnus.  Go, stop the Queen.

Right, said Kane. We have ten, maybe fifteen minutes before the binding sphere wears off.  Be careful Eve.

Eve flew through the holes in the walls and followed after Simon.  Kane then turned toward the stairs in the hidden passage and proceeded down.

Outside the kingdom, in the wilderness, Simon had taken Magnus.  He stood floating in the air.  This should be far enough, he said as he flung Magnus straight into the ground.  Magnus crawled his way out of the dirt and managed to get to his feet. 

Okay, Magnus groaned.  You wanna fight.  I’ll give you a fight.  Magnus then drew his sword.  He went into a fighting stance.  He started to stress his muscles and focus his energy.  AAAAHHHHHH! he shouted.  The ground began to shake.  Magnus swung his sword and released a huge wave of energy at Simon.  Simon put his hands out in front of himself as if to catch the energy wave.  The wave hit Simon in his hand with great force and started to push Simon back.  Simon used his great strength to push back on the energy wave.  Magnus then swung his sword again firing another energy wave at Simon.  The second wave hit the first and exploded.

Ha, that all ya got? mocked Magnus.  Simon walked