Guilds of Galyndor: Quest for the Sagacitas Elixir

By K.S. Crooks

In Guilds of Galyndor, Guild members have the exceptional ability to harness many powerful forces that exist in the world. There are four Guild disciplines, each different in their abilities; nevertheless the same in their intentions: Guild Masters serve as peacekeepers, protectors of the land, even as warriors when the need arises.
The four Guilds are
Shoguns, who have the ability to enhance their physical attributes and senses.
Elementals, who are capable of manipulating the basic elements of nature- water, fire, lightning, earth and air.
Ethereals, who have the ability to manipulate light, control their shadows and access an alternate realm using mirrors.
Shamans, who are capable of manipulating life auras, allowing them to affect plants, animals and positively influence human health.
Kendra, Wyatt, Garrick and Naomi- four new Guild students will become a team and great friends. In the face of tragedy, they take on the challenge of saving the life of a fellow student. Their quest takes them throughout Galyndor to new destinations, and shows them sights and creatures they did not know existed. To overcome the tremendous perils of their undertaking, each of them will need to discover new strengths and abilities, or their friend will perish.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496923608

K.S. Crooks

K.S. Crooks has coached for twenty years in the sports of wrestling, football (soccer) and basketball and has been an educator for over ten years. He has always found that knowledge is easier to gain when imagination is allowed to flourish. K. S. Crooks has trained in four different martial arts for over three decades, studied science and researched mythology from various cultures around the world. He has always dreamed of a world that contains the properties of all three. In his story, he has created such a place. K. S. Crooks lives in Toronto with his wife and three children and is an avid comic book collector.

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© 2014 K.S. Crooks. All rights reserved.

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Published by AuthorHouse 07/24/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-2361-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-2360-8 (e)

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Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1    Finishing Day

Chapter 2    The Finishing Ceremonies

Chapter 3    The Guilds Festival

Chapter 4    Day of the Guilds Tests

Chapter 5    Journey to the Guild

Chapter 6    Guild Orientation

Chapter 7    First Day of Classes

Chapter 8    First Week of Training

Chapter 9    Activating their First Abilities

Chapter 10    First Labyrinth Trial

Chapter 11    Completion of 1st Level Abilities

Chapter 12    Team Labyrinth Trial

Chapter 13    Junior Guilds football

Chapter 14    A Gryphon Falls

Chapter 15    Journey to the White Mountains

Chapter 16    Into the White Mountains

Chapter 17    An Obsidian Rises

Chapter 18    The Sagacitas Flower

Chapter 19    The Sagacitas Elixir

Chapter 20    Ability Training Resumes

Chapter 21    The Guilds School Year Ends

Epilogue

About the Author

For my Kristi,

Forever and Ever Babe

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Prologue

The nation of Galyndor is filled with wonders. With the high peaks of its mountains, the lush green of its valleys, crystal clear lakes and hot windy deserts, Galyndor is full of a variety of landscapes to please the tastes of all who visit. Galyndor is governed by a Ruling Council comprised of twenty-three officials: the elected King or Queen and their Vice Ruler, the Governor and Deputy Governor of each of the ten Provinces, and the Head of the Guilds of Galyndor. This nation is ruled primarily by humans; nevertheless in this world there are a variety of beings, creatures, and forces that are seen and unseen, many of which exist in this country. Among humans the ones with the highest regard are the Masters of the Guilds of Galyndor.

Guild Masters have the special ability to access some of these forces, depending on which Guild discipline the person is a member. At the age of sixteen a person advances from school, most with the intention of working or apprenticing in their chosen vocation. On the day of testing, which takes place across the country of Galyndor on one day each year, a select few are identified and accepted to train for four years to become Masters in the Guilds of Galyndor.

To be brought into any Guild is a great privilege; however why one person has the ability while another does not, is still one of the world’s great mysteries. There are four Guild disciplines in total, each one different in their abilities and fighting styles, nevertheless the same in their intentions: Guild members serve as peacekeepers and protectors of the land or whatever duties the council requires of them, even as warriors, should the need arise.

The Shogun Guild is thought of by many as the fighters. They have the ability to enhance their physical attributes. They can increase their speed, strength and perform amazing acrobatic feats. They can heighten their senses increasing their sight and hearing. Beyond this, Shoguns can tap into a 6th sensory perception, giving them a great advantage during battles.

The Elemental Guild is considered as the thinkers, for what they do can have consequences beyond what is immediately before them. They have the ability to manipulate the basic elements that make up the world- water, fire, lightning, earth and air. They can control each element, intensifying their properties and moving the elements around on command. Elemental Masters can even make such elements part of themselves.

The Ethereal Guild is thought of as the gatherers of information. They have the ability to manipulate light and darkness. They can control their own shadow, making them move and perform tasks. They can use mirrors to communicate and transport objects. Ethereals also have extraordinary abilities to create illusions and disguise.

The Shaman Guild is held as the explorers and healers. They have the ability to manipulate plant growth and cause them to become mobile. They also communicate with, command and take on the characteristics of animals. They can turn mental thoughts into physical manifestations. Most notably, Shamans have the ability to positively affect the heath of others.

The school and headquarters of the Guilds is in the village of Faywood in the Province Ryuu. The Guild is a place of learning, training and inspiration for the people of Galyndor. Every citizen has access to the help and knowledge of the Guilds; nonetheless, only those who show they have a full connection to one of the four Guild disciplines have the potential to master them.

The Guilds of Galyndor begins on what is called Finishing Day, which is the final day of school for all those who are or will shortly turn sixteen. This is a bitter-sweet time for most as they are sad about having to no longer go to a place they have attended their entire life; yet also happy they will soon be able to choose a vocation and work towards the life they want for themselves. What the owners of shops, factories and other businesses look for when taking on a young graduate is their vocation report. This report is an assessment of the person’s physical capabilities and knowledge along with a list of local and distant professions that typically use those skills.

The report is by no means an absolute for what a person can or will do, nonetheless it is an excellent measuring stick. Coupled with the emotions of ending school are the illusive dreams of becoming a member of the Guilds of Galyndor. After a day of celebrations there comes a day of testing, this for a select few will be the making of a new way of life.

Chapter 1

Finishing Day

1.jpg    Kendra Shale    1.jpg

Kendra Shale is still in bed when her mother Beata opens her door and tells her to wake up or she will be late for the final day. Kendra lives in the village of Daiter, which is on the southern coast of Faro, the northern most Province of Galyndor. Their home is a modest thatched house with a small family space, kitchen and two bedrooms on the main floor and an upper loft, where half has been converted into her bedroom or as she calls it her ‘sanctuary’.

Kendra does not open her eyes. Instead she simple raises one arm and waves at her mother indicating she will be up in five minutes. When Beata walks away from the room in walks Kendra’s brother Asmund, who is thirteen with the face of an angel and the mind of a devil, making him quite the little tormentor. He quietly tip-toes through the room, pulls the blanket off of Kendra and slaps her across the back of her leg.

She sits up in a flash, almost fast enough to catch him before he bolts out the room and down the stairs. Kendra sits for ten seconds and decides it is not worth it to fetch the blanket and return to bed. She walks downstairs to the washroom and cleans herself up with water her mother pulled out of their well earlier in the morning, making it rather cold when she places her hands inside and splashes her face. This acts as a final touch to jar the last of her foggy senses.

Kendra goes back to her room, takes her Finishing Day school clothes out of her wardrobe and puts them on. She then goes back to the washroom brushes her hair and places it into a pony tail since it makes her mother happy. Kendra closes the wardrobe, stands in front of the doors as if it is a mirror and closes her eyes. In her mind she goes over her shoulder length yellow hair, paler than average white skin, blue eyes and though not a large girl, being 5’10" with a medium build, no one would ever call her small. Kendra has always felt a little awkward and out of place because of her size and has worked hard at making sure no one else realizes it, especially anyone at school.

Kendra makes her way into the kitchen, to find her brother is already seated next to her father Bosse with her breakfast waiting for her.

Sit and eat before it gets cold. says her mother.

Well how does it feel to finally be advancing out of school? her father asks.

I do not know? Good I guess. It will be interesting to see what they think are my strengths and weaknesses.

Expect to see a blank piece of paper. Asmund says laughing; to which his father gives him a small smack on the back of his head.

You are great at many things dear. her mother says. What you need to do is narrow down select group of vocations you would be happy doing and then see if your report has any of them. You will then end up with one you actually will be happy doing.

You can always come to work at the mill with me and your uncle. says her father. You already know how to do a lot of the work from all the times you have come by to watch.

I know, only I have never felt as if it is my sort of thing, but I will keep it in mind.

Kendra and Asmund finish eating then each of them put on their light coats and head outside to travel to school. Being in the most northern province of the country means even this late into the year mornings can still be a bit chilly, yet the air always warms by midday.

Kendra and Asmund walk along the side of the road, being careful to stay away from the carriages and lone riders going about their morning business. After five minutes they meet up with Asmund’s friend Petra and his brother Kale, who is Kendra’s friend along with Luther. Asmund and Petra run further ahead to join another group of boys, leaving their older siblings walking behind.

What do you think each of your reports will say? Kale asks Kendra and Luther.

I think mine will mention how brilliant and dashing I am. says Luther.

What it should say is, you are delusional and smell like a goat. Kendra tells him.

Seriously, do neither of you have concerns for what it may say or what your future holds? Kale states gravely.

This really worries you. says Kendra. "My parents say it is a guide to help you start down the best path. I think that is true, but I also feel whatever it says cannot tell us for certain who we are or who we will be.

I suppose you are right, I simply do not want to be stuck working in my father’s bakery all my life.

They continue their stroll to school with Kale’s words weighing heavily upon Kendra. She thinks to herself, ‘If I am not sure who I am or what I want how does anyone else? How true can this report be?’ The three friends arrive at school and find their usual places amongst the rest of their class at the outdoor auditorium and wait for the arrival of the professors.

After nine minutes all the professors stride across the stage and have a seat, then the Head Professor of the school walks to the front. I congratulate all the students and professors for their efforts thus far and hope they shall continue over the next two days especially during the ceremonies. We still have much to do before the passing of the reports tonight. I trust all duties shall be attended to with the vigor and resolve I have come to expect from you. Make this the best day of ceremony our school has ever had. Everyone cheers and rises, heading for their assigned duties. Kendra takes a moment to look around feeling as if she is on the verge of something wonderful.

1.jpg    Wyatt Dalca    1.jpg

In the village of Ogremoor of the Kronos Province, Wyatt Dalca is woken up by the shouting of his two sisters who are fighting again, the way they do every morning. Wyatt’s home is a rather large thatched house with four bedrooms, kitchen, bath, family room and his parent’s den. They are well off though not the wealthiest in the town.

As he comes out of his sleepy haze he hears sporadic utterances from each of them. From what he can gather, his older sister Janna thinks their younger sister Iris took her hair brush, something Iris completely denies and tells Janna, You probably lost it or father is using it to brush the horses.

Wyatt lies in bed for five more minutes. When the fighting momentarily moves back into their bedroom, he walks into the washroom and locks the door, preventing either of them from getting in to complete their preparations until he is done. After all it is Finishing Day for him not either of them.

He takes his time even when they start pounding on the door. You two could have been in here all this time instead of waking me up with your fighting. Wyatt tells them emphatically. When he completes his washing, he opens the door and can barely move out of the way as Janna and Iris push past him to get in themselves. Wyatt goes back to his room puts on his school clothes and walks down the hall to the kitchen for breakfast.

As he sits at the table his father Kennet gives him a pat on the back and laughs You really got your sisters back this morning. I guess you finally had enough of them?

At this point, I would be ecstatic if they were both married off; although I am unsure who would have them…maybe having them eaten by ogres is a stronger possibility. Wyatt says.

Now, now. his mother Winona replies. One day you will be thankful to have them both in your life. Ask your father how he feels about his two sisters.

Wyatt looks at his father, who shakes his head dismissing what Winona said. Maybe your Finishing report will tell you to become a cleric. Then you may marry them off yourself.

That would be glorious. says Wyatt smiling.

What would be glorious? asks Janna, as her and Iris walk into the room. This causes everyone else to laugh, including their mother despite her best efforts to hold it in. After he finishes eating Wyatt helps his mother clean up then goes outside and sits on a chair at the front of the house. While watching several people walk and ride by on their way to wherever they need to be, he wonders what he will be doing a year or even a month from now.

When Wyatt’s father comes out he asks him if he wants a lift to school. He tells him sure, as long as they can pick up his two best friends Alarick and Gedion along the way. Wyatt jumps into the back of the wagon and they head off down the road. After four minutes of travel, they are at Alarick’s house and five minutes later they have Gedion as well. The three boys have been close knit friends since the age of six.

They have had many adventures together and are always particularly fond of fooling others with who is who, because Alarick and Wyatt have always looked nearly identical. They are both 6’2" with skin of dark brown, which never seems to darken or fade regardless of how much sun they are in, dark brown cropped hair, a large build, and similar facial features. The most striking difference between them is Wyatt’s eyes are grey while Alarick’s are brown.

While they are riding along they begin another round of their favourite travel game skeet. Skeet consists of hitting a target chosen by someone else with a stone while travelling in a moving cart. They usually pick signs, trees or even the occasional bird. Alarick tells Gedion to hit a small shop sign, which he easily does then on his turn to choose he tells Wyatt to hit a small tree trunk. Wyatt takes aim, throws and completely misses the tree, almost hitting a woman in the head with the stone.

What was that? Gedion ask him.

I suppose I am a little off since my sisters woke me up early again.

Well, next time tell us so we may seek refuge or at least disguise ourselves when you nearly kill someone. Alarick says. They decide for the safety of their fellow residents to suspend their game until another time and simply nap for the next ten minutes until they arrive at school.

As they approach the school, Wyatt’s father slows down the two chestnut brown horses, allowing the three boys to leap off the cart. They venture inside and are met by a two girls in their class, who tell them everyone is outside in the back. They head out and see the entire faculty on the near side of the field, the students of the Finishing class at the other end and all the other grades sitting on the sideline benches.

Wyatt walks over to his history professor. What is going on?

Every Finishing Day for the past twenty-two years we have had the students decorate for hours, then they go home, and return in the evening for the ceremony and celebration. As you know, based on the advisements given to us from last year’s finishers, we elected to have all of you complete the decorations yesterday. With our newly created free time we will have decided to have a football match, Finishing students versus professors.

Wyatt and the others run over to the end of the field and take up positions on the side with their classmates. There is a finisher from last year coaching the team. Normally this is a problem, as back to back Finishing classes tend to clash with each other, as often there are many siblings amongst them. However, in this case it is acceptable to all for two reasons: 1) the boy coaching has no siblings and 2) everybody knows he is the best football player living in the village.

The game starts and there is a flurry of action and the roar of the other students cheering. The playing styles are vastly different as the finishers use the- chase after the ball and outrun your opponent approach. This method works at first earning them a goal in the first three minutes of the game. The coach makes a full line substitution and Wyatt and his friends take to the field. They keep the pressure going and Wyatt assists on a marvellous top left corner goal by Gedion.

In the second half with a 2-0 lead, the finishers try to keep up the pace and pressure they had in the first half, but the patient passing style of the professors begins to pay dividends. The professor’s score their first goal two minutes, which leads to an opening of the flood gates. Over the rest of the second half, it becomes evident the professors were holding during the first half as they score five more goals and win 6-2.

When the game ends all the students give a round of applause to the professors for how well they played and for arranging the game. All the students are dismissed for the day to do their own personal preparations for the Finishing Ceremony and Guild celebration.

1.jpg    Garrick Cole    1.jpg

In the Province of Ultan Garrick Cole walks along the roads of Gryphon Valley with his friend Meghan McBride on their way to Garrick’s father’s blacksmith shop, after completing their school’s decorations. While they are walking Garrick turns to Meghan, May I ask you something a little personal?

Of course.

Why are you friends with me? I mean most people would avoid being seen with someone who has the type of status I have in this village.

Well, in case you did not notice, I am quite different than other people in this village.

Garrick turns away for a moment as he feels himself blush, then turns back when he regains his composure. Garrick has never thought much of himself. He is 5’10" with a slender build, medium brown skin with a hint of red, short black straight hair, and brown eyes. His feeling has always been, at best he is quite ordinary. As for Meghan, they have been friends for the past eight years; it was four years ago when he noticed how beautiful she is and how much affection he has for her.

This is with regards to your Finishing report, is it not? asks Meghan.

I want to have a different life than my father. He has worked so hard, for such a long time and has little to show for his efforts.

What do you mean? He has his shop.

Yes and because he cannot afford to hire anyone, he has little time for sleeping, eating or anything else, including me.

Maybe this is what your father thinks he needs to do for the both of you and he does not realize how it affects you. Especially, since you are not one to bring things up with him. You have to remember when your mother died he changed and I am not sure he has recovered.

They arrive at the shop and stroll inside to the back and find Garrick’s father Magnus is working at a forge. The shop is modest in size with its three rooms. There is the lobby where customers come to place their orders, the finished orders are kept in the middle room until they are picked up or delivered. Finally, the back room with two forges is where all the orders are made by Magnus, with help from Garrick and Meghan.

Garrick and Meghan pick up a broom each and begin sweeping the small fragments of metal spread out across the floor. While they are working a gentleman arrives at the front of the shop and call his father over. The man’s attire indicates he is a person of wealth from the provincial capital of Anvil Stronghold. Magnus goes over to the man and they talk quietly at first. Magnus tells Garrick and Meghan to bring out the three boxes of cart attachments next to his work bench. When they return the gentleman is offering Magnus money.

This is only eighty percent of the agreed upon amount. Where is the rest? Magnus asks.

Well the order is three days late. says the man.

That is because you had the order changed twice.

Yes and you said it would be acceptable. You can take the money or I can take my business elsewhere.

The man steps closer to Magnus, stares him in the eyes and starts poking him hard in the chest. If you do not take this money not only will I take my business to another establishment, I may start telling others how you cannot complete your orders on time and the poor quality of your work.

The two men stand staring at each other, neither one saying a word at this point. Meghan notices the fire in the forge has grown intense and may soon become dangerous. She tells Garrick, who goes over to his father to let him know as well. Magnus’ entire body relaxes. He takes the man’s money and asks Garrick and Meghan to give the man the boxes, while he goes inside to tend to the fire. After they give the man the boxes and watch him ride off Garrick goes inside to confront his father.

Why did you let the man get away with that?

What would you have me do Garrick, we do need the money.

The money does not matter to me. You could have pushed him back and told him you will not be taken advantage of. Everyone around here thinks of you as a push over and that gets passed on to me when you are gone.

If I fought the man, I would be permitting myself to become out of control, which would be bad for everyone.

You do not understand father and I think you never will.

Garrick storms out of the shop and heads down the road towards home with Meghan running to join him. Once she catches up to Garrick they walk silently together for ten minutes then stop in a small grove. He does not understand. Garrick finally says to her.

You need to see things from his point of view.

What view is that?

If he fought with the man, yes he may have gotten all of the money, but there would be no way he would ever procure his business again. You heard what the man said. He could make it difficult for your father to procure any further business.

…I know, yet would it be terrible if he refused to back down once?

They stay in the grove until they hear the voices of several parents arriving at their homes after leaving work early