The Legend of Arthax

By Z. Belobrajdic

In a time before our time, there was a vast land called Arthax. A place where mystery abounded in every corner and everywhere you went there was a story to tell. The people of this land lived in a stable and peaceful environment, well protected from any threats around them. However, little did they know that a shadow of evil was sweeping over them, slowly and silently. Five men from different regions of Arthax, brought together by the paths that were put before them, sense this threat and commit themselves to find its source and put an end to it once and for all. Their commitment takes them on a journey through the land and history of Arthax. It takes them to the very edge of Arthax’s existence, which may hang in the balance. Dangerous lands, old friends and enemies, battles, giant scorpions and wolves that control fire stand in the way. Not to mention the unknown power that is growing to the east….

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 28, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329173699

Book preview

The Legend of Arthax

The Legend of Arthax

By

Z. Belobrajdic

Copyright © 2015, Z. Belobrajdic

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of both publisher and author. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

ISBN: 978-1-329-17369-9

Dedication

I dedicate this book to all the people who have encouraged me in my writing in the past.

Foreword

The purpose of this book is merely for the enjoyment of storytelling and imagination. There is no hidden agenda to it. Storytelling is an art, driven by imagination. I have tried my best, as a non-professional writer, to create this literary world and its characters in a way that will hopefully interest the reader. I enjoyed writing it and creating the stories, characters and worlds for it. I hope you, the reader, enjoy it as well.

Thanks for taking the time to read this,

Z. Belobrajdic

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.

- John 15:13, The Holy Bible (New International Version)

The Legend of Arthax

Act I Part I: The Two Friends

Prologue

Every legend has a beginning. Every legend has a source of its tales. In my dying days, I

seem to reminisce upon one legend in particular that stands out to me in the entire history of this

world. It is the legend of a small group of men, outcasts in their own society because of their

questionable pasts. A small band of undesirables who risked their lives to make safe and prosper

our good land of Arthax. You can be certain, that if it were not for these men, our world today

would not exist. You all would not have been born. For our world would have been a terrible one.

Our world would have been lifeless. No happiness or peace at all. Just fear and anger and sadness.

No hope. How could this have happened, you may be wondering? How did it not happen? As I

said, every legend has a beginning. Now, lend me your attention, as I tell you the greatest legend

of our land.

Chapter 1: The Two Friends

Long, long ago, in a world not of our own, there were two young men who were the best

of friends. Kathas and Ehud met when they were young boys. Ehud lived near Kathas and they

met one day while playing in the forest. Kathas was with a group of his own friends and they

were playing hide and seek. Kathas hid while one of his friends counted to twenty. Kathas turned

his head as he ran and thudded right into something. Kathas staggered back and saw another boy

he did not know, fallen over from when Kathas ran into him. Kathas helped him up but hurriedly

to continue to hide. Kathas and the boy ran behind a large tree. "You had better watch out, we are

playing a game. Kathas said. What game? Can I play? inquired the boy. I suppose. What is

your name? Kathas asked. Ehud. The boy answered. FOUND YOU!" bellowed a voice

behind them. It was one of Kathas friends, the one that had counted. A few more of Kathas’

friends showed themselves and one said, Who is this? pointing at Ehud, "He has mud all over

his face!" All the boys started laughing but not Kathas, his face seemed to twist a little as he

shouted, Leave him alone! The other boys kept laughing and Kathas hurried Ehud along and

the two ran off. Kathas and Ehud played together all the time from then on. They grew up together and always stayed near each other. Ehud would invite Kathas over to his house for meals all the time. They never went to Kathas’ house. It was just his father there and Kathas always wanted to get out of the house.

Chapter 2: Separation

Years past after their teenage years and into early adulthood. Kathas and Ehud were still

good friends. They both met a young lady named Camilla who became friends with them also.

However, things began to change. Hello, Camilla, is Ehud on his way? Yes. Camilla nodded.

He will be here shortly. She smiled. Kathas was finding it hard to breathe and his pulse was

racing a bit. Are you ok? Camilla asked. Me? Kathas responded nervously, "Yes, I am

quite fine." A few silent moments passed, Kathas heaved a deep breath and opened his mouth to

talk. C-Camilla? Yes, Kathas. Camilla responded calmly. "Well..I..we’ve been friends for a

long time. Yes, a good number of years." Camilla smiled as she answered delicately. Kathas

continued, ..And..well..I..I have grown quite fond of you. Kathas smiled and exhaled as he let that

last part out of his mouth. Camilla turned to look at him. Kathas now encouraged, stepped

forward and said, I have grown to love you, Camilla and I would like us to be together. Kathas

still smiled. Camilla was still silent as she listened. Kathas’ heartbeat rushed as he continued, "I

love you Camilla and I would ask you for your hand. What say you?" There was a silent pause

that seemed like forever. Camilla stuttered at first and said, K-Kathas, I..I am flattered. Kathas

smiled as he looked down at Camilla who went on, We are great friends… Kathas smiled some

more. But…nothing more I'm afraid. Camilla finished. The ground gave beneath Kathas as he heard

these words. He felt as if he was falling down a bottomless chasm. His stomach plummeted. His smile

disappeared. Camilla went on, I-I have been betrothed already. Kathas backed away, realization

dawning on his face. Ah, here you all are! It was Ehud. He walked up to Camilla and put his arm

around her. Camilla looked up at Ehud and then at Kathas. Kathas’ eyes were welling up but he tried his hardest to fight it. Ehud said to him, Are you all right, Kathas? Kathas turned and stormed off

angrily. Ehud looked quizzically after him and said, What is wrong? Camilla had her gaze on

Kathas but opened her mouth to speak and turned to Ehud.

Chapter 3: Kathas’ Sorrow

Kathas ran desperately through the forests where Ehud and he had one once played.

Night had fallen and it began to rain. Kathas’ face twisted with sorrow and anger as he ran and

splattered through the wet forest. After running for what seemed like forever, Kathas’ came to a

clearing. Kathas, flooded with sorrow and hate, collapsed into the clearing. There he laid as the

storm churned around him. Ehud! raged Kathas to himself. "How could he possibly have done

that to me?! What will I do without Camilla as my own!" Kathas wept as the rain covered him

from above. My friend! My best friend! Kathas raged. He looked up and winced as the rain hit

his face. His eyes focused on something further in the clearing. It was a towering structure but did

not rise above the trees. Kathas got up and walked slowly closer to it. As he got closer, he could

make out a large shiny structure coming out of the ground. It looked like a massive crystal. He

stared into it. There was his reflection. Kathas watched his reflection, which moved with him. But

Kathas thought he saw the reflection grin at him and he himself wasn’t grinning. Kathas shut his

eyes and shook his head. He then opened his eyes. Kathas raised his arm and hand to touch the

crystal. As soon as his fingers touched the smooth sides of the crystal, it began to glow a dim

white light. The white turned to red and suddenly red bolts of lightning shot out from the crystal

and found their way up Kathas’ arm and covered his body. The crystal began to glow more and

more. Kathas yelled in pain as the red lightning enveloped his body causing him to shake. More

red lightning shot out around the clearing and the red glow of the crystal became nearly blinding.

It covered the entire clearing and some of the surrounding forest. This went on for about ten

seconds and then the glow and lightning suddenly dissipated. Kathas laid on the ground flat on

his back, seemingly unconscious. Moments passed and Kathas jerked awake, breathing

erratically. Tiny charges of red lightning seemed to appear upon him every few seconds. Kathas

staggered to his feet, coughing. He noticed the lightning and held up his hand as it flashed a small

charge of red lightning. He looked at it incredulously. Then he looked up at the crystal, which

was dark and silent now. He then looked back at his hand. Kathas turned his hand palm out, red

lightning shot out at the base of a tree and caused rumbling beneath the ground. Suddenly, the

tree was blasted out of the ground and went up into the sky. It then began to drop and Kathas

covered his head with his hands, palms out. As the tree came hurtling down at him, it burst into

flames and burnt up before hitting the ground. Ashes floated slowly down as Kathas looked at his

charged hands again and again at the crystal. Kathas turned and grinned maliciously as he walked

away and muttered, If I cannot have her…no one can.

Chapter 4: The Rage of Kathas

Kathas arrived at the outside of the city where all the people of that world lived. Kathas  raised his arms a little and pointed his hands at the ground. The ground beneath the whole city

shook. This went on extensively and people began to flee the city. Just bring them to me.

Kathas muttered to himself. Kathas pointed his arm straight to the northeast and thrust it up. A

large wall of flame rose from the ground surrounding that side of the city. He did the same with

his other arm on the opposite side also bringing up another flame wall. Inside the city, people

were screaming and fleeing for their lives. Ehud and Camilla were running through the street to

escape as well. Ehud looked up and saw the walls of flame. Kathas moved his arm and the wall of

flame moved with it. It moved through the city, burning everything in its path. Ehud and Camilla

ran desperately. As they ran, they both tripped and Camilla fell behind. Ehud looked up. The

flame wall was closing. Ehud stumbled to his feet and went to help Camilla when he was struck

by a piece of stone building broken off in the earthquake. The flame wall closed. Ehud fought to

get up. He looked up, Camilla!! She was having trouble getting up, she seemed hurt. Ehud

looked up at the flame wall and back at Camilla who glanced at the flame wall too and back at

Ehud. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Ehud yelled in agony. The wall of flame enveloped

Camilla and the people and buildings around her. Ehud’s eyes were stunned with tears and he couldn’t

breathe. A friend nearby shouted to him, Ehud, come on!!! Ehud did not know which way was

up, the escape from the city seemed to be all a blur. After finally escaping, he continued to run

into the forests where he collapsed, paralyzed with sorrow. Kathas turned, eyes glowing orange.

As if there was fire coming from them as well. He hovered into the air as he surveyed all the

people who made it out of the city. He raised his arm and pointed his palm at them. Jets of fire

shot out of his palms and he destroyed the survivors one by one.

Chapter 5: Escaping the Flames

The smoke from Kathas' destruction of the city began to spread into the forest where

Ehud had escaped to. Ehud coughed and looked up and around him. Smoke was filling the gaps

between the trees. Ehud began to run again and came to the foot of a small mountain and he

began to climb to escape the enveloping smoke. On and on he climbed, driven by his sorrow over

Camilla's death. Ehud reached a clearing on the mountain, high above the trees of the forest and

sat down to rest. He peered over the edge at the forest below, covered in smoke. A large curtain

of smoke billowed in the distance where the city had been. Ehud was on his knees trying to make

sense of everything around him. For hours, he sat gazing as the smoke rose through the sky.

Eventually, Ehud, exhausted, fell asleep on the rocky mountain outcropping. Ehud awoke a few

hours later and it was dark. He raised his head and saw in the distance below that there was a red

glow. A beam of red light shot up out of the forest and into the clouds above. Ehud frowned and

pushed himself up off the ground.

Chapter 6: Confrontation and Transformation

Kathas stood before the crystal, enveloped in its light and receiving red charges from its

glassy depths. The beam of light stretched from the tip of the crystal into the sky. Kathas face

was angry but controlled, his eyes closed. Small charges of red lightning crackled around his

body. Kathas then opened his eyes and turned. Ehud was standing at the edge of the clearing.

Tense moments passed for an eternity in silence. Only the sound of the charges from the crystal

could be heard. Kathas face was set firmly in an intense frown. Ehud's face showed traces of

tears but was stern. Finally, Ehud said, Why.. but as soon as he began to talk he was thrown

across the clearing into a tree. Kathas had finished powering up and thrust his arm casting Ehud

aside like a rag doll. Immediately after hitting the tree, Kathas extended his arm and shot out a jet

of flame at Ehud. He leapt out of the way just in time and the tree was set ablaze. Ehud tried

again, Why, Kathas!? Why did you do it!? Kathas thrust his arm again and sent Ehud flying

across the forest floor and said BECAUSE OF YOU! He threw Ehud again. "(cough)..

(cough)....What?! (cough) What have I done that you had to kill Camilla!?" Kathas thrust again

and Ehud went flying. YOU TOOK HER FROM ME!! SHE WAS MINE!! Ehud struggled to

get up, hurting from being thrown around. Kathas approached him and continued, "WE WERE

FRIENDS!! AND YOU TOOK HER FROM ME IN YOUR GREED!!" Kathas thrust his arm

again throwing Ehud at the crystal. Ehud hit the crystal with his back and fell to the ground.

Ehud explained hurriedly as Kathas approached him, "It is you who are being greedy, Kathas!!

Look at what you have done!!! Our people slaughtered!!! Camilla is dead!!! She did not return

your love, Kathas!! Not the way you wanted!! You have to accept that!!! But we were still your

friends!!! We would have died for you!!!" Kathas stopped in front of Ehud and the crystal and

said in utter malice, Oh, do not worry, you will. Kathas raised his hand and Ehud rose into the air

in front of Kathas. Ehud seemed to be choking. Breathless moments past and the crystal was

doing something different. It was behind Ehud and began to glow the same way it did with

Kathas, only blue not red. A blue beam of light shot into the air above and multiple bolts of blue

lightning shot out at Ehud. This shock threw Kathas back and onto the ground. Ehud was left on

the ground next to the crystal as the blue lightning coursed through his body. The blue light

increased making it hard for Kathas to see. Moments past covered in blue light until all of it

finally disappeared. Kathas approached the crystal but could not see Ehud or any sign of him.

Kathas looked at the crystal, then the ground. Silence. Suddenly, with a great blow, Kathas was

thrust sidewards into a tree. Immediately, Kathas looked up and saw Ehud, his eyes burning blue.

Kathas got to his feet as they stared at each other. Ehud's face was still stern but calm. Kathas

twisted his face in anger, his eyes burned orange and he charged to attack Ehud.

Chapter 7: Destruction of the Friendship

Kathas and Ehud fought continuously for an eternity. Their once habitable and serene

land had now been ravaged by their battles. For, over the decades, their powers had grown so

immense that they commanded the very essence of the world itself. Kathas commanded the

ground with fire, earthquakes, stone and the like. Ehud became lord of the skies using lightning,

wind, clouds and rain. Until one day when Ehud was finally able to trap Kathas indefinitely and

contain his power. At this point, Kathas and Ehud were now beings of energy rather than purely

biological. The crystals had changed their bodies. Ehud had with him a sword, crafted by Camilla

that she gave him as a wedding gift. Kathas and Ehud were battling in the sky and Ehud charged

his sword with lightning and rushed Kathas and was able to stab him straight through where his

heart would have been. Ehud thrust his arm at Kathas and sent him hurtling to the ground below

as fast as lightning. Ehud followed. When he reached the ground, all Ehud saw was his sword,

glowing orange like Kathas' eyes. Having no other evidence to prove otherwise, Ehud concluded

that Kathas' energy was somehow trapped in his sword. Ehud took the sword to the crystal in the

forest. Ehud rose into the sky and charged up some lightning. He then sent the sword down along

a bolt of lightning straight into the crystal, where the sword remains encased.

Kathas' and Ehud's battles were so violent they created tiny holes in reality and space and time. In another dimension, the world as we know it, stands a fortress called Evermoon which is the same location as the crystal in Kathas' and Ehud's world.  

Chapter 8: Second Thoughts

In our world, there were two groups who fought against each other. One was the Glory Knights

who were made up of the ruling class of Arthax and the citizenry of the great city called Tanath. The

other, were the Shadow Knights. Their numbers were made up from all corners of the land of Arthax.

Basically, anyone who was not near the realm of Tanath. These people were unhappy with the rule of the Glory Knights and sought to overthrow their regime, by any means necessary. Their battles had gone on for years. Til one day, the Shadow Knight general, Stormhammer learned of an energy disturbance somewhere to the southeast. Stormhammer reveled greedily, Whatever this disturbance is, if I can find the source of its power, perhaps I can harness it or use it somehow to rid ourselves of the Glory Fools! Stormhammer ordered an expedition to the island of Mistmorne to investigate this disturbance.

Nonetheless, the Glory Knights had many spies. Some in the very ranks of the Shadow Knights

themselves. A spy caught wind of the talk about the energy disturbance and immediately escaped to

report it to his masters. Back in the city of Tanath, the next day, that spy was escorted into the throne

room to make his report the Glory Knights' leaders. To Mistmorne you say? inquired one of the Glory Knights. Yes, sir. the spy responded. There was a pause and silence and then the Glory Knight turned and ordered, Let us make our way to Mistmorne as well. We will catch them off guard. By this, we can cripple the Shadow Knights. Everyone moved to leave the throne room.

A few days later, Stormhammer and his expedition group arrived at the ancient ruin of Evermoon in the eastern forest of Mistmorne. As they entered, they saw a curious flash of blue light flickering in midair in the middle of the fortress. They approached it cautiously. There were those who doubted Stormhammer's enthusiasm for seeking this disturbance out. One of them was his own Commander, Blackmoore. He tried to voice his opinion to Stormhammer and encourage caution but Stormhammer would not listen. He was too consumed with his own greed for power and his hate of the Glory Knights. Blackmoore's friend-in-arms was also wary and tried to support Blackmoore's attempts to get Stormhammer to withdraw. Eventually, Stormhammer grew angry and spat at Blackmoore and Revo, Away from me! You two are hereby banished from the Shadow Knights for insubordination! Begone! Blackmoore and Revo were a bit stunned at first but did not hesitate to leave. Blackmoore and Revo headed north as they looked back at Evermoon, wondering what would become of the other men. Revo stopped suddenly. You hear that? Blackmoore listened. It sounded like the rustling of leaves. They both turned and saw through the forest, not too far off, an approaching army of Glory Knights. Blackmoore and Revo ran for their lives. The Glory Knights found them and pursued them. They ran through the forest for what seemed like days. Morning approached and the forest thinned. Blackmoore and Revo kept running, for the north beach was approaching. They finally reached the beach and seemed to had lost the pursuing Glory Knights. Yet, only to find themselves surrounded on the beach, with an even larger army and fleet of Glory Knights.

Chapter 9: A Meeting of Outcasts

Blackmoore and Revo were captured and brought to Tanath. They were put on trial in the throne room of the citadel for the crimes of the Shadow Knights. Where are your comrades? asked the judge. We have told you, they were at the Evermoon castle. replied Revo. The judge shot back, The castle was empty! Revo and Blackmoore looked at each other. If you will not talk then we have no choice but to incarcerate you into the northern prisons! Blackmoore and Revo looked serious as they were dragged away. They were transported and loaded onto a ship docked on the Dragonmare Sea, the cold sea to the north. They were kept below deck with the other prisoners which included a pirate and what seemed to be a Glory Knight. Blackmoore wondered why he was imprisoned. On the way down, Blackmoore noticed a small boy on the ship and wondered why he was there. 

A day passed, the waters grew colder. Vapor could be seen coming out of the sailors' mouths.

Night approached. Off in the distance, a flickering light was spotted. The crew was roused to readiness.

Below, the prisoners could only hear the shuffling and footsteps on the wood above. Blackmoore, Revo

and the others wondered what was wrong. Time passed, however and Revo fell asleep with his head

against the wooden wall. All seemed quiet but suddenly there was a sharp whizzing noise right by Revo and a crash of wood. Revo opened his eyes immediately. There was a hole in the wall by his head where he had been sleeping. He looked down and saw that the bar holding his shackles in place had been destroyed, he was now free to move about. Revo peered through the hole and saw a ship right next to the one they were on. Revo turned and proceeded to release Blackmoore from his chains. The two rose to leave but held back. They looked back at the other prisoners, then looked back at each other.

Blackmoore and Revo came rushing up onto the deck, followed by the other prisoners. No one paid any attention to them being released for there was a battle on deck. Blackmoore and Revo were focused on escaping. They both grabbed swords to protect themselves and turned, searching the deck for something that would help them get away. Amidst the clanking of metal and the yells, Blackmoore spotted a small boat hanging near the edge of the ship. He pointed and Revo acknowledged. Swords raised, they powered forward through the haze of the fight. Who are these attackers? questioned Revo. Blackmoore continued forward and both of them reached the small boat. Revo got in as Blackmoore motioned him in. Blackmoore climbed up on the side rail of the ship to enter the boat when he caught a glimpse of the attacking ship. It was dark upon the sea, but Blackmoore made out a worn brown and silver flag with what seemed like the head of a wolf on it. Blackmoore lowered his eyes and thought he saw the head of another small boy watching the attack from the other ship. Blackmoore's gaze was brought back by a yell behind him. He turned and saw a man lying on the damp deck, having just been slain. The little boy Blackmoore had seen when he came on the ship was knelt by the man and trying to hold him, sobbing, Father! Blackmoore! Revo shouted. Blackmoore looked at Revo and then back at the boy. Just a moment! Blackmoore hopped back onto the deck and raced toward the boy and his dead father. One of the attacking fighters came at the boy from behind with two swords but Blackmoore arrived just in time and thrust his sword across the attacker's chest, who then fell. Blackmoore gathered the boy who shouted, Nooo! Nooo! Blackmoore carried the boy with him to the boat, rushing on his way. Cut it! Blackmoore shouted to Revo. Blackmoore ran and threw himself with the boy, back first into the boat just as Revo cut the line holding the boat up. The boat fell to the water and Revo tried to keep his balance. They were just on their way as two more bodies came flying over the side of the ship. It was the other two prisoners. The pirate and the former Glory Knight. Blackmoore and Revo helped them into the boat. They made their way to try to put some distance between them and the ship. They had escaped, with the ship shrinking in the distance, smoke billowing from it and into the night sky.

They floated in silence, the air became slightly warmer as they went further south. About a day

later, the escaped prisoners washed up onto shore, exhausted, lying in the wet sand. Blackmoore and Revo got up and looked around. Grasses sprouted up the beach, away from the tide. They turned to see the others getting up. Blackmoore stepped forward to help the boy up. They stood for a moment. Revo motioned as he saw a structure in the distance. Blackmoore looked and they all moved towards it. Along the way, introductions were finally made. I am Impero, former citizen of Tanath and Glory Knight. I was imprisoned for treason. Or so they thought. My name is Revo and this is Draegan Blackmoore. responded Revo. We were banished from the Shadow Knights for similar reasons but we were then captured by an army of Glory Knights on Mistmorne. Mistmorne? What is all the way over there? inquired Impero. My name is Shackle, I was a pirate some time ago, but no longer. I was arrested because of my background. Blackmoore spoke, Nice to meet you both. We will tell you about Mistmorne. Blackmoore then turned to the boy and knelt down and asked, What is your name? The boy's face looked tired but finally he said quietly, Arius.  

The Legend of Arthax

Act I Part II: The Black Dragons

Chapter 10: A Familiar Face

A pale dawn rose in the east. White wispy fog shrouded the rushing waves of the Dragonmare

Sea. An infinite darkness stretched along the horizon. Seagulls hovered the shores for food, occasionally squawking and fighting over a morsel of food. Lord Blackmoore, leader of the Black Dragons, stood atop the observatory tower of the Black Dragons coastal keep, Watergarde. Blackmoore stood silently with his eyes closed, his sword , Saberflame, in his hand, the edge of the blade resting on the ground. A cold gust of wind swept past and made his silver and red cape billow, unfurling the symbol of a black dragon with red eyes upon it. The gulls began squawking again, but the squawking faded, into a different sound. But what? Blackmoore could not make it out. He tried to listen harder but still nothing. He tried harder still. He began hearing a distant voice. But what was it saying? The voice grew a bit louder. The voice was raspy, like a hissing snake. Come to me... the voice was saying. Find me... Blackmoore listened harder. Find me and free me! Suddenly, the handle of Blackmoore’s sword began to grow hot and he immediately dropped it and backed away in horror. The sword glowed orange for a brief moment and died away. Still stunned, Blackmoore walked cautiously towards the sword, wind whistling quietly past his ears. Lord Blackmoore! It was Arius, the young boy Blackmoore had rescued from the ship battle some years ago. My lord...is everything..all right?  Blackmoore paused for a moment as if he had not heard Arius, but then slowly turned and said, I am fine, Arius. You..you just startled me is all. What time is it, Arius? Arius responded, It is about the sixth hour. Captain Shackle sent me to retrieve you because a newcomer has arrived and is interested in joining our number. Excellent, Blackmoore said, fill me in as we make our way back to the main hall". Arius and Blackmoore turned and began descending the stone steps leading to the third floor of Watergarde. As