The Covenant of Unverdus Or The Green Forest Turned Black: The Fallen

By Armanis Ar-feinial

The Covenant takes place largely in a place called Kinasa, or the never ending forest. It is a place with beautiful winters, beautiful falls, and summers that one might die for. In Kac’s adventure to appease the God of the Universe, named Unverdus, he goes to the temple with some of his friends, many of them old, and some of them new to hi

• Language: English
• Publisher: TOPLINK PUBLISHING, LLC
• Release date: Apr 11, 2018
• ISBN: 9781948962131

Armanis Ar-feinial

Armanis Ar-feinial was raised in the little town of Bridgeton Maine, August 15, 1991. In Bridgeton, or rather the part he lived in was void of human civilization and instead surrounded by trees, and the forest of which he has a particular fondness for and so, in some of his works much of his settings are inspired by it. He has an eye for human interaction and social behavior and does his best to surround his themes around such things. His eye of human behavior lead him to study Criminal Justice in Mass, and later English Literature in the Boston area. He, however hates the city, and misses the Trees and longs for the day that he can go back, but admits that to his homeland, he can never go. He enjoys walks, reading classical literature, European symphonic and metal music.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The New Companions

It was a brisk, late fall afternoon. The wind blew and brought chills through the people of Kerina, lifting up their tunics with its cold breath. The wind brushed its soft caresses through the hair of suspecting elves and through the beards of unsuspecting dwarf merchants as all pulled their carriages or supplies off the road leading into the market district. The elves in particular wore green tunics, with brown pants to account for the decrease in temperature of the air. Some of the fur coats are mostly foxes, but the occasional one was of a bear or wolf, much rarely a wolf since they were used in hunting, terribly bad for the forest, and bad for the elves who used them as life long companions, or at the very least until the soil required the wolf back into the earth from whence it came.

Many of the leaves had already fallen, and the ones that had not were the ones that stayed true to the forest, the evergreen trees. Some of the green leaves, mixed in with the yellow and the red leaves danced in the cool wind, many fluttering about like birds around travelers. Some of them bristled and broke underneath the feet of those who steps on them as they are lifeless on the ground. Some of those that are broken, also managed to weave themselves in the hair and beards of the travelers on the roads, and in the coats of the fur and horses.

Brr! Yun exclaimed to Kac as she stepped into her house, brushing out any clutter of leaves in her hair. Her house was made out of one of the thicker trunks of the forest. It had lots of room, and many of the windows were carved into arcs. The ceiling was a few hands taller than Kac’s head, and the wooden design was exotic, and had very fanciful curls and dots lined between spaces. There are two chairs in the room, wood with fur surroundings, one of a fox, and the other, scales of a dragon, or some other extinct creature of old.

She closes the door behind them as they entered. I did not expect winter to come so fast. It seems only yesterday when I let you back in, just in time. She went over to her fireplace and lit it with a with a brief incantation, Illumini. The fireplace lit up the room evermore so, and provided a comfortable warmth between the two. The fire soon cackled, and the wood smoked which was released through the chimney. The smoke exhaled through a vent at the top of the tree.

Kac walked into the living room and took a seat on one of the chairs, the one of scales. Yes. It does seem rather soon for us to be heading out again. Perhaps that is why we should move so quickly, but we have been on the road for so long. I would rather not move out on the road again, not for a while at least, he said. He turned his head around to observe the place, nodding in approval. Not much has changed ’ere, not since I left. Oh, do you remember the good old days? How we would go into old man Fernal’s barn and tip over the livestock and then race over to the nearest library and start reading?

Yun warmed her hands by the fire. She looked back, letting her hair fall to frame her face as she stared him in the eyes. I do. Remember reading the old epic poems of our ancestors, the common tongue so old we hardly recognized it? Or perhaps the old legends which tells us Unverdus knows what. Now, those legends can be incomprehensible. She let out a laugh. Oh, those were the days, young and worry free, but now we have matured into responsible adults. Now we must plan for the future. We have so much to worry about. So little time to prepare.

Yes, he began, and no. He sat down in the chair, and looked up to the ceiling, he observed the crisscross patterns of the grains of the wood. Beyond the shining lights from the fire, there are ancient carvings in the tree, an ancient dialect of the old elvish, elvish that only the few scholars could read. Spoken out loud, it would sound something like this, Indomina undena, Nonden es. What it means very few know, but the scholars would read it as this, There is only one. Nothing else.

She looks at him perplexed as he looked at the carvings of the grain; then she remembered something very important. He left something here many years ago, though the time might seem like an entire generation to a man, it is nothing compared the time of an elf for they do not deal with time in the mortal sense. She could laugh at the way she noticed men and women obsess over time when to her, it is meaningless, just mere snippets of an entire human life.

She walks over to the closet and opens it. The door is without sound, and the polished wood reflects the heat of the fire, and reflected even more light, so much so, Kac put his hand over his face. There are many fur coats. How do you mean? she asked. What worries do you mean we have, and at the same time also have them?

Well, he began as he cracked his knuckles, If we believe our God, Unverdus, controls everything, then he controls the outcome, whether good or bad. So if we believe that, which I do, then what is there to be afraid of? He got up and walked over to her, placing his hand on her shoulder. This new wisdom takes inspiration from recent events. My faith will hold steadfast as I am sure yours will. Yun, we do not need to spend every waking moment worrying, afraid.

She pulled out one of the larger coats. I think I see what it is you are trying to say, but all that I do not believe, not yet anyway. Yet with the recent events, it does prove what you say, but I still do not know.

All in good time, Kac replied to her skepticism. His gaze shifts over to the coat which Yun held in her hand. It was of the fur of a fox, clever little hunt that one. He recognized it since it has his old insignia on it; the bow matched with the sword right through it, woven in silk.

She nodded and then brought the coat up to his face. I have kept this for you, she said. Day after day, your own home was empty. I waited every day for you to come home, but you never did. I always thought you would return someday, however, not in the manner that you did. I kept this coat for you for many long years, waiting for your return, and now you are here.

He took a step back and grasped her hands. Well, I am back, and now, at least for now, we will not be separated. He takes the coat and puts it on. Well, you best get yours on as well. As much as I want to stand around and do nothing, we have work to do. Did you already send your note to the guild?

Aye, I did, she replied, slipping her coat on. They already know. Mahtan is in command now. For the time being, he will be taking care of some of the administrative things while we will be gone. The guild is in good hands, but better will it be when you are back. No one did things like you did. I cannot imagine things being better for us than when you are here.

Yun and Kac left the house, and she locked the door. They headed over to the stables and purchased a horse for hire. They also brought along saddlebags so that they could walk with comfort, stopping little during the journey. They walked very slowly, heading toward the market district.

The road is laced with fallen leaves of red and gold. The wind blew a little harder as more clouds gathered to the earth, and Yun and Kac could feel the leaves dancing around their skin. The coolness of nature’s precious cloth is refreshing to him. There are no leaves like the leaves of Kinasa, especially in Kerina where the leaves are the most moist, and most fed by heaven’s rains.

Kac looked down the road and saw a black figure in the distance. This figure, or so he thought, took the humanoid form, and about his height, if not an inch or two taller. He looked back again, but the figure was gone. Yun did not appear to notice. Did you see something? he asked, fear restraining his heart. He did not like seeing something one moment that would disappear in another. Memories of Fakino’s attacking him and then disappearing into smoke still haunted him. Down the road?

No, I did not, she replied. She focused her eyes down the road as well. She didn’t see anything besides the shadows of leaves in the fog. Why? Did you?

I_, he stammered. He shrugged off the feeling that he was being watched. It must have been nothing then. Despite the disappearance of the figure, he could not help but wonder what darkness might befall him. What evil would come and go before his very eyes without as much as an explanation

So what do you think of Yurilo and Lorana? Yun asked him as they continued down the road. The two elves, a wizard, and a former assassin were a bit peculiar even, of course they formed a bond within them very shortly upon meeting them. They seem like nice people, yet I am always weary when traveling with those of the Assassin’s Guild.

Well, if he was part of the Guild and is no longer, then he is the one who should be worried, not us, he laughed maniacally. The assassins are less forgiving than we are when it comes to those who abandon them. They normally kill their former comrades. They are never one to forget a grudge, no matter how long.

She nodded and kept walking.

But as far as good company, I think they would do well. I do not think we have reason to be afraid. Of course, Lorana is a wizard, and that is going to be useful, especially if we come across one of those wraiths again. Trying to kill a ghost is damn near impossible with mortal weapons alone. Kac said, and to his face returned a frown.

Yun’s thoughts immediately went back to the previous month, the deadliest encounter she had ever had the misfortune to face, that day when she saw her childhood friend nearly killed, as well as a companion and a wizard from the village of Malitu. Her mind flashed through these memories, and she shed a tear. How did you come to know the wizard? she asked him. She looked at him curiously with one reign in her hand, slowly petting the mud-brown mane as they walked.

She was but a little girl when I came to live in that village, he replied. One thing I do know is that when you lose your worry, you lose your edge. You start ignoring things like the terrain. I never gave up the hunt, but I did land in a few snares that left me injured. Almost every week, when I went out for my hunt, I would end up visiting the healing ward, and that is where she grew up. She grew up to be a cleric but had taken many more classes of wizardry. We got to know each other through the years, and I think she grew fond of me, asking me questions of home, which I never took the time to answer in full. He sighed. How we started adventuring together I do not know, for I was unconscious the entire trip as I am sure Kora told you when you let us in. She became a part of something big and did a lot for us that night.

Well, I am sorry you lost a great friend, Kac, she replied, keeping her eyes now to the ground. The fog grew thick, and it was much harder to see the roots of the trees. We all lose things, yet you seem to have taken it harder than usual.

Kac sighed before answering. Aye, he replied. The loss of any life takes a toll on the mortal soul. I think living among humans so long will make you feel as they feel. Once we thought we were very similar, we were wrong. We couldn’t be any more different. We do not belong of the world but in it. Living there as long as I did, I was living of the world, but no longer will I do that again. We do not take to heart the things they do. Normally, we deal with the loss of a friend or family member. Humans mourn it, and dwarfs seem to ignore it altogether, one dwarf I have met being the one exception. I am not going to lie. I do miss Quarala sometimes but only as the little sister she became to me, family.

Yun looked at him to observe his face. It was hardened, and she could derive nothing from it. She knew his mother was killed, and his father died mysteriously. He had little close ties with anyone but her. He did have distant cousins, but they were foreign to him also. The only cousin she knew he talked to, even if only through letters, was Erdan, the high elven ranger from Zinasa. Good words were only ever spoken of the high elf, but she never really saw him.

She took his hand in hers and brought it up, making a humanoid arc. Kac could not help but laugh, for he was taller than she was, and it made the arc look awkward. She giggled uncontrollably as they neared the market district.

The fog dispersed slowly to show the district. It was inside a large basin of grass with a lake nearby. The clouds flowed across the gentle ripples of this lake. Near the large Liran Lake was the tavern. There were many tents set up, many of gold, others green, brown, red, and orange. Many of the tents were set up in a way that one could enter them, almost like the ones in the festivals. These tents were easily up above fifteen feet, some of the larger ones are as tall as giants. The air is filled with the voices of thousands of people going to and from the tents, talking with many of the merchants, as well as with each other. At every corner, there is one bard, or a duet. The single bard, be it male or female would be playing a lute and singing ancient tales, while the duets, which would be richer in style and entertainment would be a flutist, and a singer who was also playing a guitar.

The two walked down slowly with their horse and entered the market district. The grass was soft and moist from the fog and damp air. Each footstep squished. As they reached the bottom of the basin, they were greeted by their companions.

Hello, friends! Lorana raised her hand in the air. Yurilo was behind her, making a purchase. She rushed over to them, smiling. A little late you are.

We took the scenic route, Kac replied, You know, down the old road of memories.

Ah, Kac, that is a long road indeed, one I seldom travel anymore. I travel the road of knowledge, like many wizards before me, she replied. Yurilo just stood and watched the three converse. So what supplies do you need? I have just spent my time picking up a few books myself.

We thought only what is necessary. Food and water is important. We should probably refill our quiver as well, Yun replied sarcastically. Kac only giggled. What have you!

Lorana nodded. I will not hold you up, I got books. she replied. I will meet you at the Green Leaf Tavern?

Aye, you will, Yun said. Kac was looking over to the market to observe something, a conflict he thought he was seeing in the distance. I will not be able to come until around dusk, though. I have another errand to run besides our supplies. We will be there. So just wait for us when you get there.

Alright, Lorana said as she turned to Yurilo and started walking in the other direction.

Worry not if we do not make it. It means death befell us! Kac joked. Yun punched him in his shoulder. Kac rubbed the bruise, slightly chuckling. Ow.

Lorana looked at him in shock. Is he being serious? Such a high intelligence usually leads to a lack of common sense in this world. Truly it did.

Do not worry, Lorana. Yun chuckled. "He is only joking. He has a darkened sense of humor. We will be there and on time!" She looked to Kac with a sly smile on her emphasis.

Okay, she laughed nervously. She walked and left with Yurilo to go to the tavern, where they would wait.

Kac and Yun went through the market district and got their supplies from a merchant man and their equipment from a merchant dwarf. Their supplies were very meager, which requested little conversation from the man. They were not so fortunate with the dwarf, who was an excellent salesperson.

How ye be doin’, me pointy-eared friends? the dwarf said as his brown beard swayed to the breeze. He had a large array of weapons behind him in his tent. For protection, he wielded a rather large war hammer. What can I get ye and yer friend?

Just enough arrows for two quivers. We are not much interested in anything else, Kac replied as Yun watched from the middle of the road. Commoners, some travelers, and even some soldiers from the guard marched behind them, going back and forth, some humming to the tune for the nearby bard, whatever he or she happened to be singing.

Aye, but what good be arrows if you have not the bow? the dwarf replied. Here, why not take a look at the bows I have. I have plenty and can offer some discount for those who be of the Guild.

I have bows, but thank you for the considerate thought, he replied. There was one elf behind him who started chuckling. I only want arrows.

The dwarf pulled out a bow, and it had green leaf carvings designed on it. This be the Bow of Fire, the ancient bow that was once wielded by the great Aikanaro himself! Surely, one of your strength would want a weapon such as this!

I do not even know who that is. He chuckled nervously. Please just give me some arrows. I want nothing else, just arrows!

The dwarf muttered something underneath his breath, and Kac could not quite make it out, for it was distorted behind his beard. How about this one, the Great Lessien Bow, one that tales have been sung for, well-known. And how do you not know who Aikanaro is? You are an elf are you not?

Kac’s patience was wearing thin. I never heard of him! Now I do not want yer fancy bows. Just give me arrows!

I will not sell you arrows unless you take one bow or the other! The dwarf stared down at him. And Aikanaro is the one who vanquished the Great Serpent long ago, before the lands were as divided as they are today. That is who he was. He was a hero!

Fine, give me that bow, and you will take mine, Kac said. He walked over to his horse and took his bow off from it.

Yun held a smile to her face as wide as the east is from the west; she avoided chuckling. This dwarf is ridiculous, Kac said to her. To that, she placed both of her hands over her mouth to avoid laughter, or much rather, outright laughter.

He walked back to the stand and handed the dwarf his bow. He gladly took it and said, That would be a total of forty gold coins please.

Kac looked at him in utter shock, eyes widely opened. What did I just do? What do you mean? How much for that bow?

With the discount price, you being of the Ranger’s Guild, it is thirty-eight gold coins, lad, he said. Quivers, only a coin apiece. Arrows are dirt cheap, they are.

How did you know I was one of the Guild? His eyes wide with amazement, not one to really seek a bargain, but then again, what else is there? Is this a dream?

I have an eye for these things, elf, he replied. He handed the bow and the quivers over the counter to him.

How much was the actual price of it? he asked. He did not want to cheat the dwarf out of an honest purchase as ridiculous as this dwarf was.

I traded a half a dozen war hammers and paid nearly one hundred gold coins for it, he replied. Why do you ask?

Kac’s jaw dropped open. He was absolutely stunned with the amount of investment the dwarf made to take it. Why so much?

It is legendary. Use it well. Besides, the merchants’ company gets bonuses for selling legendary weapons, he said. He turned to the crowd. Next in line please?

Before Kac walked over to the horse, he looked behind the wooden sign in the back which read, Gordurf’s Smithing. Yun looked at him with shock. You needed a new bow?

No, I liked the old one, but this one feels just as good too, almost, like it fits, he said. It was discounted, though.

They started walking toward the lake. How much was it? Well, he began, "his investment was six war hammers and over one hundred gold coins for it, but I paid thirty-eight of it.

So it was cheap. I did not want to argue with that price. What did he say about it?" she asked.

Well, he said it belonged to Aikanaro, the one who destroyed a serpent. I really do not know what that means, so it has some historical significance, yet it seems… it just fits right. It is hard to explain, he said as he firmly gripped it. It felt too natural. There were no smiths that could forge a weapon to fit a hand so perfectly.

I see, she said as they began walking away from the district. The two continued on their travels through the cold afternoon.

The clouds were still covering the sky, and the breeze was not getting any warmer. Yun needed to wrap her arms around herself to keep warm. They passed through a meadow and some thick brush before they reached the Guild Hall, which was made from a giant tree trunk, reaching approximately three-thousand feet around the perimeter. Before entering the building, they tied their horse to a wooden post outside.

Many of the rangers were sitting around the tables made from sanded-down oak, eating their lunch before practicing with their bows to hone their skills. The room was filled with the roaring sound of chatter. It immediately stopped as Kac’s presence was known. Some of the elves he knew, and their faces all the more angrier than everyone else. There was a dwarf’s face, graying hair which looked the angriest. Only the older men and women recalled who he was and why he was hated. Many of the new rangers were absolutely confused as they tried to piece together why he was detested so much.

Kac never left Yun’s side as she made her way to the office at the end of the hall. Elves, men, and dwarfs exchanged filthy looks toward him. He walked very cautiously. He knew many here would not welcome his presence in this room. No one would ever accept him back, and even less so would he be accepted back as a leader if he was given the opportunity again.

He and Yun entered the office and shut the door. He let out a deep sigh as Yun approached the clerk, whose name was Uronos. He looked up. The grain of the office wood went up with designs written across, ancient writing it is. There is a library of materials in the back, it held across the wall, and the papers only survived by virtue of some of the spell casters among them. Many of those documents are as old as the written language. Everything here is well documented.

Yun, you made it back! Uronos said gleefully. I feared the worse when I saw Yara and the rest came back, but you did not. I am quite fine, thank you, she replied. I had other things I needed to attend to, just like I do now.

Where are you going now? Uronos seemed concerned. It is unusual for a guild master to be away from her duties for the time you have. You are needed here! Your note does no excuse this! Turning to Kac, he said, You seem somewhat nervous today, former guild master. What be wrong?

Nervous looks. I do not want to be killed by my own kin anytime soon, he replied. I have too much to do and even less time.

Well, that goes without saying, but I am sure you will be fine, unless one of them gets drunk, he replied, turning to Yun. Where are you going now?

I need to travel with Kac and a few others south. It will require secrecy, and why we are going I will not tell you, but I will tell you that Unverdus demands this. I will be leaving in the morning. I wish to place Mahtan Luinwe in charge in my absence, such as my note suggested. I am not leaving the other associate in charge for too long. I am leaving this information with you in case my letter has not made it here yet, which you made clear it already has, she said to get back to the matter.

It will be done, he said. I will speak of this to no one. "Thank you, Uronos. Farewell. May Unverdus watch over

you."

She left with Kac. They went through the hall. One ranger, a dwarf who apparently had too much to drink, walked over to him. Great, a drunk dwarf, Kac thought to himself.

You… traitorous scum! he yelled. The rangers only watched, all of them eager to what would happen to he, where so much hate is placed on his shoulders.

Yun separated the two of them. Smorguf, stay away from him. She gave him a cold, icy glare. As captain of this guild, you will stand back!

What captain are you harboring this… scum! he yelled. Get outta me way!

It is okay, Yun. Kac sighed. Let him.

She nodded to him and stepped aside. The dwarf clenched his fists and brought them up. Defend yerself!

I will let you know, dwarf. If you make a sudden move on me, it will be you on the ground, he spoke this comment rather coldly.

The dwarf threw his fist at him. Kac grabbed him by the wrist and twisted him, leaning on his back; the dwarf was now on the ground. He pulled ever so slightly, not to harm him but to restrain him. I told you, dwarf. As former captain of the Guild, I am much stronger than many of you. Do not trifle with me again. He let him go, and the dwarf got up and grumbled. He went outside the Guild Hall.

Yun walked up to the center of the room. No one is to talk to Kac. Leave him be. He knows what he did in the past was wrong, and I forgive him of that. Whether you accept him or not, he is part of this guild! He has done more and discovered more than any of you! If you cross him in an unfavorable way, you will answer to me!

The rangers turned to their dishes and continued eating. The two of them left the Guild Hall without any more interruptions. They untied the horse and left the area. The trip was silent. No words were spoken until they got to the tavern.

Lorana and Yurilo sat across from each other in the Green Leaf Tavern. A candle was lit between them. Lorana was enjoying soup as Yurilo sliced through his sandwich, cutting off the crust as well.

There was silence. It was late in the afternoon, just before dusk. There was enough chatter going on with the people inside; it would be easy to conceal something hidden across the table without being noticed.

Exactly what are we doing traveling with these two? Yurilo broke the silence between them. Adventuring, but at what cost? I must know what it is I am getting into, Lorana. I didn’t exactly sign up as an adventurer but a protector. I do not want to risk putting anyone in danger unnecessarily, especially when it is outside my control.

Lorana swallowed her soup before answering. "I myself do not know, but I can only assume it has something to do with the serpent that we have been looking into. She sighed. Something big is coming, Yurilo, a great storm, and I know not what it will be. It scares me, but I know it must be done, and I will see the end of this. I hope you will join me in this. I trust you."

It is never wise to trust someone of the Assassin’s Guild, Lorana. You know this! he replied.

She eyed him with suspicion. What is he playing at? Her hand reached for her staff near the table.

Though I am not one to lie, I promised to protect you, and I will hold true to that oath, he added. But never let your guard down, for I cannot be everywhere at once.

She loosened her grip and began to eat her soup again. I know. I just thought more of you, Yurilo, before the assassins took you in. She sighed.

Well, I doubt that I will return to my old ways, but I also do not go into places blindly, he replied. What do you think it is about? He mentioned something, the temple of Corela or some bother. What do you suppose that means?

The wizard pondered this a moment. Well, one does not often go to that temple without good cause, unless they live in the area. That is also where the prophet Cornelius lives. So I assume there is some spiritual warfare that is going on, something big. Unverdus is a good god but with no shortage of enemies, for the people of the world love the darkness, and Unverdus is of the light.

The assassin nodded, knowing exactly what she meant, for he too loved the darkness, as he looked out for wandering eyes or ears, his pupils moving left to right to observe the people around him and those just entering. Well, I guess that is a good enough answer as any. I will stay with you until such time as you or I see fit, whichever comes first.

She nodded, and then she heard the door creak open. She turned around in time to see it shut. Kac and Yun had spotted them and walked over, taking a seat in between the two of them.

How went the errands? Lorana asked. She shifted her gaze from Kac to Yun.

Rather interesting, Yun said, holding her face up with her hands. She was sure Kac wanted to keep quiet with the recent event at the Guild Hall. We met a dwarf merchant who, for whatever reason, was adamant about selling us a particular bow. Said it was owned by an Aikanaro or some bother.

Ah, interesting. Who is that? Lorana asked. Even this knowledgeable wizard did not know what this dwarf knew.

Apparently someone who killed or destroyed a serpent long ago, Kac replied, irritated. I still do not know what that means.

Lorana’s leaf-shaped ears perked up. Aikanaro? she asked. A serpent? Ah! It is clear to me now.

What are you talking about? he asked, annoyed.

You and I have a common friend, Kac Xaizan, she began. For months, I was researching something, the serpent that I fear that story is about! We should investigate this before we leave. Do you think we can find that dwarf before we do so? Do we have time? I simply must know.

I think we can spare some time. Now who is our friend? he replied. I must know. This is a rather odd situation you put us in.

Kora, she answered. I will tell you more. In my studies, I have found that the serpent caused great chaos, and an elf—it does not say who—sealed the serpent into the abyss. It also spoke about how it would return using the Stone of Immortality. The elf, I feel, would be this Aikanaro. If the dwarf even knows the name, he should know more about this tale. We simply must know, for if it were to come back, who knows what would happen?

Kac nodded. Well, I fear he already packed up and went to sleep. I doubt he’d be in one of our taverns or inns. ’Seemed somewhat disrespectful to us elves, but I am sure we can find him in the morning.

Good, she replied. Yurilo just finished his sandwich, tossing the crust into his mouth.

Well, we better be getting a good night’s rest then. Yun yawned. The bard started playing his music again. But what a lovely melody that is!

Kac simply agreed but was more partial to the idea of rest. Yurilo and Lorana went up to their respective rooms as Kac and Yun enjoyed their meal together.

They heard the door creak open but ignored it. So the guild masters meet again! came an excited voice. The two were startled and turned to see Yara. She sat down right next to them, the feet of the chair scratching the floorboards near their table. It has been long since either of you have been here. What has been happening?

Well, Yara, Yun began, looking at her as she sipped some water, we have been traveling some time now and will continue the journey soon. We have a task of utmost importance.

Pray tell? she asked, seeming very eager to take on another adventure, inviting herself to one, despite the minor pain in her side.

We will be going into south to visit the temple in Corela, she replied. We are involved with the turning of a new age. Exciting it is.

Yes, very exciting, Kac said, nearly like coming across something new. That is very exciting. The new age, it is actually an honor to be a live at such a transition and even more so to be the harbinger of it.

Well, we know what ended up happening last time you did. Yun laughed.

Aye, but it was for the better, he told her. I would not be here if that was not the case. A lovely conflict it ended up being. Funny how it turned out.

Would you care to elaborate? Or is it secret? Yara inquired. She looked deep into his eyes for an explanation.

Well, I was attacked on the road, and that is what started it. I escaped, and we went back to rid the land of an evil that dwelled there, he said. He desired to change the subject, for his thoughts quickly turned to his friends Quarala and Jorre and this new person Glenroy. I wonder why he stayed behind, if he traveled with my cousin. So what brings you here this night? And I am afraid I failed to catch your name.

How silly of me, she responded. My name is Yara, a new addition to the Ranger’s Guild, nearly a year ago, of course, when Yun here allowed me in. I overheard that you were going on a grand adventure. There was talk in the Guild Hall earlier, so I thought I might stop by and witness the two masters of the Guild in history. It would be an honor to offer you my blade and expertise.

Yun and Kac looked at each other. If you will excuse us. Kac spoke softly. Kac and Yun stood up as she responded with a nod. They went just outside the inn. The lamppost lit little more than a few feet around the inn. There was still loud chatter going on inside the tavern.

Do you trust her? Kac asked. He was concerned. Should we trust another person to join our party? I am unfamiliar with the other two as it is, and to take on another, I do not wish this to become dangerous or to bring trouble. I need you to tell me. Do you trust her?

I can and do trust her, she replied. I was the one who trained her when she was little in your absence, no less. I let her in the Guild as I saw her promise and went on a few scouting trips with her to see her progress. She is trustworthy, and I would trust her with my life, Kac. It would be good for her to join us, for if Lorana and Yurilo prove to be untrustworthy and do something to make us think otherwise, we will have one more to trust other than them. We should run it by them in the morning, however. We do not want to arouse their suspicion.

Aye. He looked at the ground. Okay, let’s tell her.

She nodded, and they went back inside the tavern. They approached her, and Kac shook her hand. It will be a privilege to have you on our side in this, for we know not what troubles lie ahead. You are an honorary companion.

Thank you! she replied with enthusiasm. I will go home and pack. When do we leave?

Well, we do not know yet, Yun replied rather sleepily. Something recently came up that we must investigate immediately. We need to find a dwarf in the morning. It is not likely that he left, so it should not be long after that. It will give us time to introduce you to the rest of our companions and for you to pack your things. It is likely that we leave tomorrow, so make sure you are ready.

Aye, Captain. She nodded and left the tavern.

Well, it has been a rather interesting day. Kac yawned. Time to turn in for the night.

Chapter 2

The Pool of Failure

Kora lay in her bed. Her eyes stared widely at the wooden ceiling of the room. Her arms lay across her chest as she lies. The room was of a green-painted wood and the bed of golden posts. Her bed was layered with covers, which mirrored the leaves of the forest. Her gear lay at the side of her dresser, which was painted more of a sea-blue color than of the green over tones of the room. Her thoughts are of Kac and the others. She knew that they must complete the task, whatever it was.

Why is my father sick? Why is my mother like this? She was never this hostile. Not once have I ever seen her in this rage. I do hope Kac is okay. Am I even sure they made it out safely, Yun and Kac? They should be, for they were always quick and capable of protecting themselves, some of the best rangers I have ever seen or had the honor of meeting. But why? So many questions and not enough answers. I must find out what ails my father. There is a need, what is the sickness that befell him so?

She left her room and traveled through the halls decorated with red carpets, and on the walls were paintings of heroes in the past; she was one of them. She traveled to her parents’ quarters and softly pushed the door open. The covers were wrinkled as if someone just got up, or got up not too long ago, and there was no sign of her father anywhere. The mirror in the room was darkened, and on the dresser was a black amulet, barely visible.

She looked out in the hallway to see if she was being followed before closing the door. She walked over to the amulet and brought her hand to it. She sensed something dark and mysterious, but could not think of what it could be, something new. The gem of the amulet was cold, there was no warmth, and even though it was cut finely, rounded where it should be, there was plenty of aesthetic appeal to it, but its presence brought upon her great dread which cannot be explained as she knows not how. She has no desire to take it, she has not the will to acquire it, and she is dismayed at the possibility of whatever enchantment may squirm through the heart of the gem which is meant to be worn by only the fool, who would take such a dangerous tool.

Kora released her hand from it and looked at the mirror. She saw something, not in the mirror but to the side. It was a switch, a wooden leather painted black as the gem, so that only those looking for it would find it, fortunately here eyes are keener than most. She flicked it, and an opening appeared in the wall. It is a corridor that went down into parts of the castle she has not yet explored. She walked down it with overwhelming caution, following the light from the torches on the walls. She entered underground into a great dome. Moss covered the ground floor, and the ceiling was of stone, or so it seemed. Whatever it was actually made of is just as unknown since there are no great stones underneath here, there shouldn’t be. There are many rocks in the way. More things that ought not be here. She can hear her father speaking, so she crept up slowly and quietly behind some rocks, until she could see his back.

He was very pale and spoke inside a pool, his hands are around the edges, clenching them, veins appearing on his hands. His hair, messy dipped into the pool as he lamented over it. I have made it! What more do you want from me? he said in a voice filled with despair. After all of this time… I have been slaving to your will. Let me be. You told me you would make me well. I have created it for you! I have done everything you have asked! Let me go! He fell to his knees on the rock. His tears came rushing down like rivers over rocks.

Oh, but your work is not over yet came a powerful voice. It echoed along the walls. First thing you must do is give it to Gorda, your chief healer, and have him duplicate it. That is your next task. I will release some of my hold on you. Enjoy your health, my servant! The sinister voice echoed along the walls, or was the voice coming from the walls? Kora can’t tell.

Gergo stood up, and he bowed to the pool. Thank you. He turned around and walked down the stairs leading up to the pool. He went back into the corridor and out of the dome. He did not see Kora, who sighed as soon as he passed by. She starts to get out from behind the rocks when she heard him scream in frustration. She hid again and heard him stomping back into the dome. She eyed him carefully, trying not to let him notice her, but so she could keep an eye on him. He was frantic, looking for something or someone. He knows someone crept in here. Unverdus, please make him leave. I have investigating to do. Please lend me a hand, she prayed, and as if the great god Unverdus knew, Gergo left the dome. She heard the door shut behind him.

She let out another sigh. What… who was he talking to? Who is he a servant of? Clearly confusion of what this proclamation was for, she walked up the steps to see an aqua green pool. She stared at it for a while, but nothing happened. She looked at the pool and back at the door, making sure her father would not come out again. The pool rippled from the previous disturbance to it, and ever more so as the bottom of it glows red like the Fire of Hell.

Ah, child, came the voice. It emanated from the pool. She looked down but saw nothing. It has been a long time. I believe you know who I am?

I do not recognize the voice. But you obviously know me. How? she asked, responding pleasantly she added, Who be ye who has gained a hold upon the iron will of my father?

Iron is weak when heat is added to it. I am the unrelenting heat from underneath the pits you sent me to. I am he who has died and he who will rise again. My victory was only stalled when you destroyed my body. You do not know what is happening now, but I will humor you. In a matter of months, your kingdom will fall, and Unverdus will rip your precious people out of it. In one swoop, I will have destroyed the lands of Kinasa, the one people who could defeat me. You will not succeed this time! Your lands will fall into chaos in just a matter of months! he said. There is no hope. And while this chaos is happening, my servants will work on returning me from the grave!

I will stop you, just as I have in the past! she declared. I have seen many walk before the earth and many of them stronger than I am. There will be no victory. You will not taste your victory Decrepantaur!

"In a matter of months, this forest will start to die, wither into nothing. Then the fall of Zinasa is next, where Crillion is still king. It will fall! And then there will be