Emi: Foreign Lands

By Ian Primeaux

Three months after the events that took place during the raid of Mt. Tenebris, Emi and her party are completing their training and preparing to head back to the mountain. But before they set off, Queen Vita bestows the title of "Champion" to each of them. Keeping in line with the legend, they venture out into an ancient jungle in search of the warrior that will join them as their fourth champion. Unbeknownst to Emi, the warrior they find has a special connection to her. After gaining their fourth champion the party returns home to find that three magical seals have been placed on the mountain preventing them from entering. Emi learns that the only way to break the seals is to travel to foreign lands and slay the guardians that are connected to them. Join Emi on her second adventure as she explores more of the magical world she has fallen into and discovers new secrets about herself and her family along the way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ian Primeaux
• Release date: Jul 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781638484301

Ian Primeaux

I am an independent author just trying to get more people to read my stories. I self published my first book in September of 2020 and have been working on writing and promoting ever since. I am currently working on a large fantasy series but would like to branch out to other genres and see if I can base them in the world I have created. My books are available physically and digitally, I also have free digital short stories. I took inspiration from my first book and series from things like Alice in Wonderland and Final Fantasy. My goal is to always have something to write.

Book preview

cover-image, Emi2SW

Emi

Foreign Lands

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2021 by Ian Primeaux

How it starts,

CH1 Champions

It had been three months since the raid on Mt. Tenebris, since the death of the traitor Captain Olren and the loss of Teddy. For three months the castle of Vidalos was the most silent location in the kingdom. The vibrant forests turned barren wastelands almost seemed full of life compared to the empty halls of the castle. After seeing the massive casualties the royal army suffered upon returning from the mountain and hearing rumors of what the main party saw at the summit, half of their surviving forces chose to flee to the neighboring land of Terrashan. Those who remained in the castle took to their respective training grounds to prepare for the next assault. Three particular individuals were making exceptional progress.

Redrick worked closely with his entire staff and new assistant director Monet on researching the soothe singer birds. With the majority of the wildlife of Vidalos now gone, royal scouts were able to venture out and recover samples of raw blight to be tested. On a table surrounded by scientists sat a glob of raw blight. The substance bubbled as the scientists took notes. A few feet away perched on a metal pole was a soothe singer. The bird chirped its song causing the sample to harden and fall to pieces. Several scientists quickly jotted down more notes. Monet, explain your theory once more, Redrick said staring intently at the sample.

Well sir, in legend, soothe singers were created by the goddess Vitally to prevent an ancient war from taking place. Now this is just a myth, but knowing what was waiting at the top of Mt. Tenebris… I’m afraid that we might be about to find ourselves in a similar situation.

The others looked skeptically at her. Has everyone heard clearly? Redrick asked. Our research must take a drastic turn. Science may not be the best way to solve this mystery. We need to begin looking into this legend. I want as many of you as possible in the library checking out books on the ancient war. We must gather all the information possible to prepare ourselves.

Groups of scientists broke off and headed to the library to begin their research. Before exiting the lab Redrick pulled Monet into his office. Monet, I would like to hear your full theory on this matter. Not the watered down version you told to everyone else.

You could tell sir? she asked nervous about where the conversation was going.

We have worked side by side for some time now. I am able to tell when you are hiding something. And enough of this ‘sir’ nonsense. We are colleagues.

Monet nodded and gave her full theory. Well sir… I mean Redrick. Most tales of the ancient war are specific when they include the two parties involved. The Goddess Vitally and her champions on one side, and the God of Death Omos and his creations on the other. The soothe singers were said to be created to weaken the evil hordes. But they alone didn’t end the war. It was the champions who sealed Omos away.

So what have you concluded?

If the blight is a sign of Omos’ return then we will need more than one bird. We need four new champions.

Down far below the castle in the hidden forest Arlo trains with Captain Rolt still. Having pulled the Godsbane sword from its resting place he now had a new source of power to adjust to. Keep your elbows bent when you strike. Stop treating it like a spear, Rolt ordered. Arlo had spent the entire time practicing with the sword but the smallest inconvenience was still getting in his way. After wielding the stone blade for thirty minutes he felt his entire body grow heavy. His muscles all relaxed causing him to drop the weapon. It would take one hour between sessions before he was able to pick it up again. Is there any way to build up my tolerance? he asked trying to catch his breath.

Keep practicing basic techniques. The Godsbane is the purest black ore weapon ever created. If it weren’t for the suppressive jewel attached in the pommel you would die the second you touched it.

Arlo looked down at the black jewel Rolt mentioned. Knowing that it was the only thing keeping him alive when he trained made him feel uneasy. But thinking back to the knight at the mountain summit helped him regain his focus. After taking some time to rest, he lifted the blade and continued the basic routines Rolt had shown him. The captain looked on at his pupil and gave a silent nod of approval. That was only fifty six minutes. Impressive.

Around the same time, an ominous air filled the sages den. Weaker mages and their apprentices had been warned to not enter the den. A feeling of immense power filled the area. In the main chamber Sage Kollet and Queen Vita watched from afar as Emi practiced her new spells. She held her hands out materializing a small spell circle in each one. They were conjured much faster than before. On the opposite end of the room sat several large boulders. With one hand Emi raised two of them up into the air. With the other she conjured a second spell circle above her head darker in color than the first. From this one came two purple arrows that flew to the boulders piercing them straight through. Using her left hand she kept the falling debris of the boulders floating. Then with both hands she crushed them against each other. The boulders cracked and fell to several large pieces on the ground. Vita and Kollet were proud of the progress Emi had made. She has come this far on nothing but her raw will. She truly is a prodigy, Kollet said. Vita looked on at Emi noticing how much she had grown since arriving in Vidalos. She is much more than that.

Kollet exited the den leaving Vita alone with Emi. How do you feel? the queen asked. Emi looked down at her hands still feeling the pulsing power from her spells. I feel a lot stronger than when we started. It was a little tough holding two of those boulders at the same time but the arrows are getting easier to use.

That is fantastic news! they walked over to a door hidden on the side of the den. Inside was a large room with a dirt floor. Upon entering Emi felt the air get heavy. In the center was a small glowing plant sprout sticking out of the ground. Go ahead, Vita said nudging her forward. Emi got closer to it. Kneeling down she reached her hands out around the plant. Her fingers tingled as magical aura flowed from it. Is it ready? she asked Vita. The queen approached but stopped a few feet away once she felt the aura. Not completely. You may be able to get a few hours out of it.

Emi closed her eyes and focused on the plant. Light started to drift from it to her. Vita looked on beginning to worry after a few seconds. Careful not to take too much, she warned. Emi pulled her hands away and stood. Vita could feel the difference in her strength. If this seed can make me so much stronger then why don’t more people use it? she asked.

The Dyadic Seed is not something every person can conjure. Without my help even you would not have been able to produce it. Your body has not grown enough to be able to contain all the power it can give you. Until then you may only pull fractions from it. Any more and the side effects could be dangerous.

Emi looked down at her hands. Though no physical changes had taken place she could feel the power the plant had given her. They returned to the training room to view the new power she had obtained. Two other boulders still sat amongst the rubble of the ones she had destroyed. Emi raised one hand up to them instantly levitating them off of the ground. With the same hand she conjured hundreds of small spell circles around the room. Vita quickly took shelter behind a large pillar. Flicking one finger down Emi sent thousands of magical needles flying from the circles. The needles uncontrollably flew piercing anything in their way to get to the boulders. Sensing this, Emi used her other hand to create barriers around herself and Vita. From behind the pillar Vita watched as the needles vaporized coming into contact with the barrier. Once the storm of needles had subsided Emi removed the barriers. Her and Vita examined the space where the boulders once sat. Nothing but dust and gravel remained.

This is what one hour of the seed’s power is capable of. Imagine what you can accomplish given more time to train, Vita said. Emi turned to her biting her lips. I took more than one hour.

Vita’s eyes widened. Emi, we agreed that you would not exceed one hour of assistance from the seed during training, she said sternly but still in a polite tone.

I know, but while I was taking it I felt like I could do more. So I kept going.

How much did you take?

Ten hours.

Vita was impressed by Emi’s handle of the power but didn’t want to encourage the act. You mustn’t take more than our agreed amount again. If something goes wrong you could begin to overflow with aura. If that happens the magic will need a quick way to exit your body. And the quickest way is what?

Emi hung her head in shame. An aura disruption.

You know what happens. Say it.

If my aura overflows and disrupts I could blow up, she said in a soft and embarrassed tone. Vita walked over to console her. I do not tell you these things to frighten you or make you doubt your abilities. I merely wish to keep you safe.

I know, Emi raised her head smiling at the queen, I just want to get Teddy back and find my dad as soon as possible.

As do I, but there is one thing we need to do before that.

Later that day Vita called an emergency council meeting with the remaining captains and sages. Emi, Arlo, and Redrick all entered the war room. How goes the research? Arlo asked Redrick.

Quite well actually. We may have found a connection between the sooth singers and the blight. Monet and I have several teams looking into it as we speak. How has the training been going for you two?

Arlo answered first, Strenuous as always. The Godsbane is much more powerful than I anticipated and Captain Rolt has not been holding back. But I am committed to mastering the weapon. What of your training Emi?

It’s going good. I’m learning all kinds of new spells and the queen taught me a secret technique to help me get stronger that I’m not supposed to talk about.

Secret technique? Arlo asked as he and Redrick leaned in.

Yes secret, I’m not supposed to talk about it so don’t ask, Emi folded her arms and turned away from them.

They both sat back in their seats. We understand Miss Emi. There shall be no further questions, Redrick said winking at Arlo. Once all the captains and sages had gathered, Vita entered the room and sat at the head of the table. Thank you all for coming together on such short notice. I know that there are not as many joining us as usual but recent events have led to quite a few of our higher ranking officers fleeing the kingdom. Not only that, but they have taken most of their squads with them. It is no secret that our army is currently at a disadvantage. But that will all change soon, she walked over to the party and offered her hand for them to stand. This is not at all how I planned on doing this but we must make do with what we have.

The three of them looked at each other puzzled.

Captain Rolt, Vita said reaching out towards him. Rolt drew his sword and handed it to her. Please kneel, she said to them. Arlo, Redrick, and Emi all got down on one knee each still confused. Vita began her speech, We may be about to face a great ancient threat. One that has been called a myth. A story kept alive by campfires and elders. Until now we have never had any reason to believe any of it true. I myself have even denied it. But now there is no question. The God of Death, Omos is making his return.

The captains and sages gasped softly as they whispered amongst themselves.

The queen continued, As the legend goes, only the four Goddess Champions can seal away the god of death. Unfortunately those champions are gone. But I have faith that my champions will do just fine.

The party all looked up at the queen realizing what was happening. Arlo kept his composure and bowed his head. Redrick glanced around for a way out of the situation but knew he was in too deep. Emi bowed her head to hide her excitement. Vita placed the sword on each of their shoulders. The Queen’s Champions. Rise, Arlo the Defender, Redrick the Chemist, Emi the Scholar. Rise and prevent this evil from spreading and taking over our world. The captains and sages in the room cheered and applauded. The party stood and looked at each other with different emotions. Champions? We are the queen’s champions? Redrick kept repeating to himself.

You look like you’ve seen a ghost, Arlo joked.

You look like you are underestimating the task we have just been given. This is no quest to infiltrate a forest or a mountain. This is a god. A quite real, quite deadly god we are going up against. A literal god of death, Redrick explained shaking as his vine arm wrapped around his neck and face nervously scratching.

I understand the situation quite well. I also recognize the difference in our strength from our previous battles. This is not a quest to take lightly, but it is also not something we must blindly fear. What do you think of it Emi? Or should I say scholar?

Emi never stopped smiling. All she could think about was being a champion. We can do this. Arlo’s right, the three of us have gotten so much stronger since the raid on the mountain. And we’ll keep training and get even stronger. We’re gonna go back to the mountain and beat that knight. Then I’m bringing Teddy home.

Vita walked over to check on her new champions. How is everyone feeling? she asked. Arlo and Emi showed great pride in their new titles. Redrick tried to hide his doubt behind a forced smile. I do have one question your majesty, he said, The legend states that there were four Goddess Champions. But we are only three. Do you have that much faith in us that you would believe we do not require a fourth?

Vita smiled at them. Come with me, she lead the party along with Rolt and Kollet down past the underground arena. While Emi and Redrick were unsure what was going on, Arlo knew exactly where the queen was taking them. They had arrived to the underground forest where Arlo spent most of his days training with Rolt. Emi was amazed looking up at the massive drop of water hanging high above them lighting up the area. Redrick tried to come up with a theory on how an underground forest was possible but despite his best efforts he could not. What is this place? he asked. They walked out onto the center of the open field. The Godsbane was sitting upright thrusted into the ground. Emi and Redrick both looked at Arlo who gave a weak grin and shrugged his shoulders.

This place is only known by the few of you who stand before me right now, Vita explained, You may have heard rumors that the castle was built on this mountain to protect the Godsbane sword. This is untrue, when my family began ruling this kingdom thousands of years ago they constructed this castle to protect this forest. Deep within these woods lives a tribe of ancient people. A group that has chosen to remain hidden for eternity. My champions, your first quest is to venture into this forest and bring back our fourth champion.

Forgive me your majesty but I must ask. If these people wish to remain hidden how will we convince one of them to return here with us? Redrick asked.

There is no need for concern my chemist. The warrior you seek will not refuse, she replied confidently. Arlo spoke up, My queen, do we have any information about the threats we may face in this forest?

My brave defender, during your training you approached the barrier did you not? You must have seen an unusual creature on the other side.

Arlo nodded, I had never seen anything like it. It was a ferocious beast that could rival even the hounds.

Hearing this gave Emi an idea. I can bring a blank book and start a new bestiary! she proclaimed.

I would expect nothing less from my scholar, Vita praised her, You may all gather whatever items you need and return here in one hour. I shall lower the barrier so that you can begin your quest.

The party left the underground forest to gather their belongings. Vita stayed behind with Rolt and Kollet. Are we sure the tribe will not be hostile to them upon their arrival? Rolt asked.

I had the same question your majesty. If the legend is to be believed then having them use your name when they meet might put them in more danger, Kollet added. Vita turned to the barrier and peered through the forest. I can only hope that Emi meets the warrior before any of the other tribes folk.

Emi returned to her room to gather her things. She placed a blank book in her bag along with a few snacks. Just in case, she said grabbing her dagger from a dresser. Captain Rolt had fashioned a new handle made from iron for the weapon. She passed by a stack of books on a table next to her bed. During her time away from the den she had been reading dozens of different spell books as well as books on ancient legends like the champions. Walking over to a mirror, she inspected herself before the journey. Several days prior she requested a new set of clothes from the royal tailors. When choosing the material she noticed a bin full of scrap cloth and spotted something familiar. Pieces of Teddy’s old fur were still there. Using what they could, the tailors crafted a small shrug for her to wear over her shirt. She requested that they add a few random buttons to the front. Every time she looked at it she was reminded of her friend.

The old set of clothes Amoretta had given her became badly damaged over time. She insisted that the garbs be refurbished but the tailors explained that the material was too worn to simply be patched. Instead they put together an identical set made from stronger cloth. She accepted the new set and kept her old one safely wrapped up in her dresser. With an updated outfit and her equipment prepared, Emi thought back to the first time Teddy saved her from the hounds. It’s my turn to save you, she slung her bag over her shoulder and left the room.

While making rounds through the lab Monet heard a strange noise coming from Redrick’s office. She let herself in and saw him frantically moving around the room grabbing different devices from shelves then putting them back. No no not this one. Maybe that one? No no no, he said to himself. Is everything ok Redrick? she asked.

He dropped the items he was holding and turned to greet her. Ok? Is everything ok? No Monet things are most certainly not ok, he picked the items up and continued, I assume you have heard the queen’s announcement pertaining to Arlo, Miss Emi, and myself?

I have! Aren’t you thrilled? To be a champion and follow in the footsteps of the heroes from legend-

Again he dropped several items. I am no hero Monet. I am a scientist. The previous journeys I assisted on were nothing compared to the task before me. And now that we have confirmed your theory on Omos’ return, well I cannot say that I am eager to embark.

Monet walked over and helped him pick up the items from off the floor. Redrick, Queen Vita chose you as a champion because she believes in your ability to help save this land. You along with Arlo and Emi will be able to overcome any obstacle. And it’s not just the queen, we all believe in you too. Monet led him to the door revealing the other scientists standing outside his office. He looked out at all the of them smiling and cheering him on. We believe in you sir! You are truly fit to be a champion! they called out. Seeing his colleagues rallied together gave him a bit