The Covenant

By Armanis Ar-feinial

The covenant of Unverdus is at hand. The god of the universe has chosen his tool. Kac will be that tool to blow the Seven Trumpets of the covenant to bring about the fulfillment of the age, the last age of the earth. Kac must take his companions deep into the heart of the forest to speak with the prophet, Cornelius, only to find him having other plans, which may delay the coming darkness, but it will end. He writes letters that tells Kac and his companions of the plan Unverdus has for them. As the times for the Covenant are being unfolded, a civil war breaks out, and another dark servant rises to even greater power than the former.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 2, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524565381

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Copyright © 2016 by Armanis Ar-feinial.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,

recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 06/17/2020

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1 The New Companions

Chapter 2 The Pool of Failure

Chapter 3 New beginnings

Chapter 4 The Mission Received

Chapter 5 The Legend of Ainara

Chapter 6 Retraced

Chapter 7 The Amulet

Chapter 8 The Destruction of Sheris

Chapter 9 Number Two

Chapter 10 The Amulet of the Darklet

Chapter 11 The Fires Rage

Chapter 12 Blenhiem

Chapter 13 The Basement

Chapter 14 Retaking Blenhiem

Chapter 15 What Must We Do Against Such Hate

Chapter 16 The Last Words of Hope

Chapter 17 The Seven Trumpets

Chapter 18 The Last Letters of the Prophet

Chapter 19 The Driever

Chapter 20 The Hidden Ranger

Chapter 21 The Barrows of Sterilus

Chapter 22 The Blood Red Dawn

Chapter 23 Through the Dragon’s Cave

Chapter 24 The Preparations

Chapter 25 Seeds of Destruction

Chapter 26 The Survival of the Barrows

Chapter 27 The Final Weave

Chapter 28 Renew

Chapter 29 The Trail of Tears

Chapter 30 The Siren’s Last Song

Chapter 31 The Darklet Domination

Pronouncing Guide

Locations

Dedicated to Billie Web. May you rest in peace and thank

you for being my light in a dark place. Rest in Peace.

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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 it’s soft caresses through the hair of suspecting elves, and through the beards of unexpecting dwarf merchants, as all pulled their carriages or supplies off road leading into the market district.

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. Many of the people were wearing thicker fur coats, usually made from wolf pelts, but there were also others that were fashioned from hunted bears. The clouds which hid the sun, were less dense than the other clouds.

Burr, Yun exclaimed to Kac as she stepped into her house. 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. She closed 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 spell.

Kac walked into the living room and took a seat on one of the chairs. Aye. 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 awhile 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, 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. 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!

Yes… he began, and no.

She looked at him perplexed. She walked over to the closet and opened it. There were many fur coats. How do you mean? she asked.

Well… he began, as he cracked his knuckles, if we believe our God, Unverdus controls everything…then He controls the outcome, whether it be 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 comes from the inspiration…given recent events. My faith will hold steadfast…as I am sure yours will too. 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 our recent event, it does prove what you say…but I still do not know.

All in good time, Kac replied

She nodded, 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 everyday 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 took the coat and put 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. Teyerien 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 were 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 saddle bags, so that they could walk with comfort, stopping little during the journey. They walked very slowly heading toward the market district.

The road was 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.

Kac looked down the road and saw a black figure in the distance. 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 and also to have it disappear. Memories of Fakino’s attacking him, 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 beside the shadows of leaves in the fog. Why, did you?

I…I think I did. 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.

So what do you think of Yurilo and Lorana? Yun asked him, as they continued down the road. 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 replied. 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.

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 from the village of Malitu, and a wizard, also from that village. Her mind flashed through these memories, and shed a tear. How did you come to know the wizard? she asked him.

She was but a little girl when I came to live in that village. he replied. One thing I do know, is that 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. I think living among humans so long you begin to 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 dwarves 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 is Erdan, the high elven ranger from Zinasa.

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. Near the large lake, (Liran Lake was by 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. The air was 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.

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 made a squish. 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. 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 beside 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! he 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 lead 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!"

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 is 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.

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 that be of the Guild.

I have bows, but thank you for the considerate thought… he replied. There was one man 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 Ainara 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 Ainara is?

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 Ainara 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, she avoided chuckling. This dwarf is ridiculous! Kac said to her.

He walked back to the stand and handed the dwarf his bow. He gladly took it, and said, That 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 a piece, arrows are dirt cheap they are.

How did you know I was one of the Guild?

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 get bonuses for selling legendary weapons! he said. He turned to the crowd. Next in line please?

Kac walked over to the horse. 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 towards the lake. How much was it?

Well, he began. His investment was six warhammers, 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 Ainara, 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 are no smiths that can 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 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. Before entering the building they tied their horse 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.

Kac never left Yun’s side as she made her way to the office at the end of the hall. Elves, men, and dwarves exchanged filthy looks towards him. He walked very cautiously…he knew many here would not welcome his presence in this room.

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.

Yun, you made it back! he said gleefully. I feared the worse when I saw Yara when she 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 Teyerien Lornye 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 it 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, he thought to himself.

You…traitorous scum! he yelled. The rangers only watched.

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. he 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 said.

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 Xaizune. 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 began eating. The two of them left the guild hall, without any more interruptions. They untied the 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 cut 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.

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 replied. 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, 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 Ainara, 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. Ainara? 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 Xaizune. 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 Ainara. 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 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 turn to see Yara. She sat down right next 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 to 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.

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 dwelt 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 and Yun stood up as she responded with a nod. They went just outside the inn. The lamp post 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 them to arouse their suspicion.

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

She nodded her head, 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. 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. Her thoughts were of Kac and the others. She knew that they must complete the task, whatever it is.

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. So many questions, and not enough answers. I must find out what ails my father.

She left her room, and traveled through the halls, decorated with red carpets, and paintings on the walls, 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 messy, and 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 about it, but could not think of what it could be, something new.

She 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. She flicked it, and an opening appeared in the wall. It was a corridor that went down into parts of the castle she had yet explored. She walked down it cautiously following the light from the torches on the walls gave. She entered underground into a great dome. Moss covered the ground floor and the ceiling was of stone, or so it seemed. There were many rocks in the way. She could 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. 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! he cried. Let me go! He fell to his knees on the rock.

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!

Gergo stood up and he bowed to the pool. Thank you. he turned around, and 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 started 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? She walked up the steps to see an aqua green pool. She stared at it for awhile, but nothing happened. She looked to and from the pool, making sure her father would not come out again.

Ah child. came the voice. It emitted 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.

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 it happening now, but I will humor you. In the 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. There will be no victory.

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 none left who can stop my wrath. Oh, you can thank yourself, for I would have never completed this without you, Kora. You took Kac, and in his mind was planted a spell, which latched onto your father. He is now under my full control. Even in death I can do this…when I return, I will be far more powerful. it paused as Kora looked in terror. On the very surface of the water was the kingdom, dying before her very eyes. Elves fought each other for no reason and killed each other. Yes, you brought this kingdom to its knees, and they will know it. Any elf that survives this chaos will be burned at the stake, or worse. Before I am through with Alkathos, not one elf will remain in existence. My victory is inevitable, elf! Do not worry about the halflings, I will leave them be, for they are of little use with their weak arms, and arrogant hearts! I will let them have their peace.

There is one who has bested me in combat. she replied to it. Decrepantaur, you do not know my God Unverdus, and He will not allow this to happen!

I do know Unverdus. He betrayed me, and created this vile and evil world. Just because you believe it will not happen, does not mean that it will not. I know the one of whom you speak…and right now, I have orchestrated his death. Yes, he will die, in Sterilus. He is strong, but he will not be able to fight off the forces I have in store for him. As soon as he enters that god forsaken land…his fate is sealed! Goodbye Kora.

Damn you! Damn you! she cried. You coward!

The only cowardice…is in you. his voice faded, and spoke no more. She cried in front of the pool. Another light emitted from the pool, a blue one. She looked at it. Another eladerin?

The light turned into another eladerin, one with different lighting markings on her than the one she saw months before. Everything he said…will come to pass. There is no stopping it this time. To stop it would mean making the most precious sacrifice of all.

What is that eladerin? she replied, standing up tall.

Your son. it vanished.

My…my son? Who does she mean? Kac perhaps…no…not him. Why must this happen? So this is the one whom I care about…the one whom I love. Yes…it is a love. I do love him, but why was life so cruel, why was his fate tied to evil?!

There is pain, there is hopelessness. There is shame. There is death. There is darkness, but is there life? Is there hope? No. With all these things, can we still muster the courage? Courage…yes there is courage also. But the light…has faded from my sight. Unverdus where are you?! Tell me what it is I must do? What hope is there in all of this? I cannot see it! The last time, the last time you know we only got in because of you…but are you really going to deprive us of our home? Are you going to persecute us? Why?

Another light came from the pool. It was a bright yellow light, like the sun. Do not question what I do. Who are you to question me? I made the sun the moon and the stars, and I have named each and every one of them! I created you. Yes, you. From before the creation of the world, I knew I would make you, and make you I have. I have shaped you in the womb, as well as out of it, and you are the person I meant you to be. Do not question me, just do as I ask. Have faith, for even with a little of it, you can move a mountain. Just do what I ask and remember, I control everything Kora. Farewell.

The light dimmed, and the dome was filled with the dim light of the pool. Unverdus forgive me. She thought to herself. She knew she had to get out, and warn Gorda of her father’s plot.

She ran back out of the dome, following her father, but the door was shut. She put her ear to the door, and heard nothing on the other side. She searched the wall for a switch or lever, and found one just to the right of where the other switch would be. She opened the door, and much to her delight, her father was not in the room. Likely he will be roaming the halls. She closed the door behind her and left the room. She hurried down the halls, and into the healing ward. She panted as she got into his office. She swiftly closed the door, and leaned back against it, panting. Gorda looked up from his paperwork, moving his spectacles up towards his face.

Good grief Kora! What happened to you? he noticed her pale face. You look like you have seen a ghost. Here take a seat. I will get you some tea. He offered her a chair, and went into the back, and brought out a few leaves, bringing them to a boil before her eyes using a spell. He placed the cup in front of her and she took a sip.

I went into my father’s room. she replied, getting a disapproving look from him. Something is wrong.

I told you to stay away from there. he said. If your mother caught you she would have thrown something at you without taking a second look. She could not care less if Unverdus was right there! She would hit him. She is as angry as a raging boar.

She took another sip of tea, and just looked at the leaves. Did my father come see you?

No. He has been in his sick bed since he fell ill. he replied. The only one to see me is your mother and you. Only you seem to have any sanity left. This kingdom, as well as their age, is finally getting to them. They are losing their bearings; none in royalty have ever lasted this long.

He has made a pact. she replied. One that will destroy us all. He will have you examine something…I do not know what. Whatever you do…do not do it.

I cannot deny the king. he replied. "While I am one of his royal subjects, I must do and act