Lake Of Souls: Lake Of Souls, #1

By Josephine Mason

The gods came and destroyed the old world to craft a new one. In the new world one vessel was created that could not harbor a soul. The gods left them in a small piece of the old world to stand alone forever static and unchanging. Left as a reminder for all others of the world to not defy the will of the gods. One day though a new god appeared and gave this being a second chance. An oppurtunity to go claim a soul of their own from a mystical lake located somewhere in the lands beyond their own. To do it they would have to traverse the five kingdoms and consult the five Kings. The being's quest for a soul of their own angered the Kings for defying the will of the gods and yet there was a prophecy about this exact time. Will the vessel claim a soul of their own? What will happen for defying the will of the gods? The vessel doesn't know the answers to these questions all they know is that they must find the Lake of Souls.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Josephine Mason
• Release date: Jan 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201190002

Josephine Mason

I've been writing privately for twenty years but I finally decided to start sharing my stories with the world. Growing up, books were a wonderful source of entertainment that I want to help stay alive in the world. My greatest hope is to make people feel the same way I did growing up. To be able to be drawn into a book and lose the world around you. Immersed in a new land with new people and new experiences.

Book preview

In the beginning the world was gray. The creatures of this world did not know life or death, hunger or thirst, nor heat or cold. The creatures merely wandered the planet occasionally engaging in combat with one another though it meant nothing. Their existence had no true meaning and the world was static and unchanging.

There were five gods who were as old as the universe and wandered it in search of something. What that thing was they did not know but it was a compulsion that pulled them from galaxy to galaxy. These five gods happened to pass by this gray unchanging planet. They stopped to observe it taking a break from their journey. After a short period the gods decided that they wanted to remake this planet and give it real life. For no particular reason but it was a break from their journey and this they did cherish.

First they brought heat and cold to the land. The creatures burned and froze while fleeing from forces they did not understand. Then they gave both hunger and thirst to the creatures. More of them suffered because at the time there was little food and water. Finally they brought life and death to the world as a whole. With this many of the creatures succumbed to their burns, freezing, hunger, and thirst. The population of creatures was cut down by ninety percent.

With the death of all these creatures the gods decided that new life could now be brought to this planet. Life that would get rid of the rest of the creatures and would build a new world. So the gods discussed amongst themselves and decided they would make humanoid vessels. Vessels that could receive souls from the gods. So that is what the gods did. They created five thousand beings so that one thousand each could receive a soul from each of the gods.

The fire God Faslion took his one thousand and gave them souls of flame. With this they were given the ability to manipulate and create fire. They would be the warriors of this world. Of the thousand, one was chosen and he was given a larger soul than the rest. With this he was gifted the title of Fire King. With this work done Faslion sent all one thousand into the world and told them to rid the land of the creatures and once done they were to burn the world to ash. So as to make way for new life.

The earth God Terra was next and he gave his one thousand the souls of earth. With this they were given the ability to manipulate and create new earth. They would be the defenders of this world. An Earth King was chosen. With that the children of earth were told to craft a new land from the ash.

The wind God Brant came after and he gave his one thousand the souls of the wind. With this they were given the ability to manipulate the air and create more if needed. They would be the thinkers of this world. A Wind King was chosen. The children of wind were told to bring the winds that would help life move to all the corners of the world. As well as to begin the process to bring weather to this land.

The water God Wist came and he gave his one thousand the souls of water. With this they were given the ability to manipulate and create water. They would be the providers of this world. A Water King was chosen. The children of water were told to bring seas, lakes, and rivers to the world. So that life may grow.

Finally came the life God Lovent and he gave his one thousand the souls of life. With this they had the ability to manipulate the life of the land and create more when needed. Without them no life would succeed for long. A Life King was chosen. The children of life were told now to spread their power across the world so that life would come and stay.

With all of this done the gods looked down upon their handiwork and they were pleased. But then they noticed that one vessel was left over. First they argued amongst each other about who created an additional vessel but none of them could come to an answer. So they then decided that simply one of the tribes of people would have one thousand and one souls with them. But when they tried to imbue any of their souls upon the vessel the souls did not take. They each tried multiple times and each time the vessel would take in the soul but it would not fuse with it. Finally the gods gave up. Content with their works otherwise they decided it was time to leave and begin their search again. And so they left their children to do their work while the lone vessel was forgotten and left on its own.

As told in the Book of the Beginning

The vessel stood in that one spot for many centuries. It was but an empty creature given no life or thought. It did not need nor want for anything. Much like the creatures of the world before it the vessel was static and unchanging. One day another god happened upon this planet. This god was connected with the other five but he was also slower than his brothers and he was often far behind them. He looked over his brother's handiwork and eventually came upon the vessel. The god took a form much like the vessel and approached it, Tell me. Why are you not like the others? Did my brother's souls not fill you as they did the others? The vessel merely nodded at this new person. It did not know why this person was talking to it.

The god slowly walked around the vessel looking over it, Tell me this, if I could get you a soul that could fit you, would you take it? Even if it was a soul different from everyone else on this planet. Would you take it?

The vessel cocked its head at this question. Something inside of it stirred for just long enough to utter its first words, Yes I would.

The god smiled, Good then I will tell you a secret. A secret that no one else on this planet knows. Somewhere on this planet is a lake. A lake that contains souls. So many souls that even if I were to give you a number it wouldn't mean anything to you. These souls are blank. No blessing from any of my brothers has been placed upon them. So if you were to find this lake then you would be able to obtain a blank soul. If it is blank then it can become whatever your body will accept. So do you want it?

The vessel stared blankly at the god taking in all the information. Finally it spoke, I do want it. However I do not desire anything enough to move from this spot.

The god grinned from ear to ear, Ah now that I can fix. I can make you desire it enough to move. That's easy enough. With that the god placed his hand upon the chest of the vessel.

The vessel could feel something welling up inside of it. A longing that began to burn at its very core and filled it up from the top of its head to the tips of its toes. The god stepped away from the vessel, Walk my child. Take your first steps and begin your journey.

I looked down at my feet and thought of the lake. A lake that would make me like everyone else at least somewhat. With that thought in mind I picked up my right foot and stepped forward. With that it became easier with every step until I was walking as if I had done it all my life. The god nodded ever so slightly with a small smirk, Now go onto the kingdom of fire to begin your journey and claim your soul.

Chapter One 

Fire Kingdom

After three days of walking I finally arrived at the kingdom of fire. I had learned a couple of things while walking. Even though I had been bestowed with a sense of longing to find the lake I had not been given anything else. I still did not need nor want food, water, or sleep. I did not grow tired from walking either. I was rather amazed at how large my territory had been. I had thought the gods hadn't left me much space but I guess they never wanted any of their chosen children to find me even by accident. However I was here now and it was time to truly begin my search.

The landscape was barren, nothing but red sand, dust, and rock everywhere I looked. The air was warm and humid, precipitation clinging to my skin though I didn't really take notice. Off in the distance I could see a large mountain spewing flame and ash from its top. I could hear the sound of bubbling water a bit ahead of me. Walking forward I took in my surroundings trying to decide what would be the best course of action for finding the lake. Finally I decided to go investigate the source of bubbling water.

My course took me into a gorge and I could see the bubbling water at the end of it. Tall cliff walls surrounded me on both sides. When I arrived at the bubbling water I found it to be nothing more than a pond. I shrugged and traced back my steps picking a new direction to move in. Soon I was on an upward heading path that I figured could take me to a better view of the land. The sun was high in the sky and I'm sure if things like heat meant anything to me I would be rather uncomfortable right now. Instead I was simply confused why my body was slick with water.

After many twists and turns in the path I came out onto a plateau, where there was a small village. I approached the village intending to ask someone there if they knew about the lake of souls. But as I approached I could see the villagers all running into their homes, away from something. I reached the outskirts of the village only to be greeted by a young child holding a spear, W-who are you? Are you here to attack us?

I stopped, looking down at the child, I am the vessel. I am not here to attack you. I'm looking for the lake of souls. I just wanted to ask if anyone here knew of it. With that I started walking past the child only to be stopped by him and his spear again.

Some of the adults started to come out now to join the child in standing in front of me. A large round man with muscular arms stepped forward and grabbed the spear from the child shoving him backwards. Now the man pushed the tip of the spear against my chest, You said you were the vessel? The one the gods couldn't put a soul into? I thought you were nothing more than a fairy tale. But from that funny symbol on your chest I think you've got to be something from a story.

I looked down at my chest wondering what the man was talking about. On my chest was a circle cut in half by a line down the middle. I ran my hand against my chest finding it to still be smooth, Hmm.. I don't know myself. I wonder if he gave it to me or did I have this as a mark given to me by the gods? You've left me wondering but it doesn't matter because I'm looking for the lake of souls. Have you heard of it?

The man lowered the spear deciding I was simply peculiar but not a threat, Nope. Never heard of it. But maybe if you could talk to our King he could tell you. He knows all there is to know about this land.

I nodded, So then which way to your King? I'll go to meet him now.

The man pointed me towards the mountain spewing flame, Head to the volcano. You'll find the capital soon enough from there. Now please leave us stranger. We've been kind to you for the most part so let us be.

I nodded again and started walking in the direction of the thing the man called a volcano. If the only person who could help me was the King then I would find him. He would tell me what I wanted to know one way or another. It looked like at least a large chunk of my walk would be on flat ground. This was welcome because it would mean faster travel. I focused on my goal and pushed forward keeping the volcano directly in front of me at all times.

I would still stop to investigate any source of water I came across. Which made for slow going and some interesting detours. I would occasionally come across a random person out trying to forage from the mostly barren land. When I would approach they would often make a point to quickly get away from me. The ones who didn't run off I would question them if they knew of the lake. They never did and would just point me in the direction of the volcano.

After two days of walking the volcano was much closer though I had come up to a chasm, and was being forced to go a long way around to get past it. Finally I found a bridge but standing in front of it were five people in armor. I walked up to them intending to ask how I would get to the King when they all drew out swords. One of them who stood a little taller than the others stepped forward, Halt! This is the bridge to go to the castle. What business do you have at the castle?

I stared blankly at the man, To talk to the King. Why are you stopping me?

The knight took another step towards me, Are you the vessel that everyone keeps telling me about? Looking for a lake of souls?

I nodded, Yes. The few people who were willing to talk to me told me that I could find out about it from the King.

The knight now put the tip of his sword against my throat, We have been given strict orders to not allow you into the castle, and to kill you on the spot if you attempted to cross the bridge.

Not knowing what to kill me meant I nodded again, Well I am seeking to cross the bridge. Would you please move now?

With that the knight plunged his sword through my throat. I fell to the ground gasping for air. The last thing I saw before I passed out was the horrified looks on their faces when I showed no sign of pain.

I dreamt of the lake. I was standing in front of it reaching for a soul inside but my arm kept getting shorter and shorter keeping me just out of reach. I could hear laughter all around me, Poor little vessel. The gods didn't love it enough to give it a soul like us. It thinks it can be like us. My longing for the lake and its contents grew in me until it felt like I was leaking from it overflowing out of me. My dream turned to darkness and all I could see was the odd symbol on my chest. A voice spoke from the darkness, Rise vessel. You are not bound by death like those fools. Rise and go forward by any means necessary.

I woke up laying on the ground staring up into the sky. It was nighttime now. It had been daytime when the knight had 'killed' me. I tilted my head slightly and saw the knights were now at the other end of the bridge. I guess they had decided they didn't need to worry about me anymore so they had left. I realized if they saw me up and moving they would come after me. So instead of standing up I rolled over on to my stomach and crawled out of their view before standing. If I wanted to get across the bridge I would have to get a weapon like them so that I could kill them before they put me down like before.

I traveled back to a village I had skirted past earlier in my travels. Perhaps they would have weapons I could procure for myself. It was another half day's walk back but time meant nothing to me. I found the village and walked into it intending to simply ask for a sword. However the people all ran to their homes away from me. After much searching I found where the weapons were kept. They were in an even hotter area than the rest of the fire kingdom. In this place I found a blade that felt good in my hands and that I could swing easily. With the weapon obtained I made my way back to the bridge.

Upon arriving back at the bridge I found the knights on the other side still. I stood on my side and called out, I'm back. Should I come to you or will you come to me? I could see what looked like confusion on one of the knight's faces before he put on his helmet and marched towards me. This was a different knight than last time and he was the only one approaching me. I backed away from the bridge so that we wouldn't be fighting on it. As soon as the knight cleared the bridge I rushed at him swinging my sword with all my might at his head. I caught him off guard with my speed and managed to score the blow. He staggered backwards and I stabbed this time trying to strike at the spot between where his helmet and chest plate were separated at. His neck had been exposed from the blow to his head. With the stab I placed the blade firmly into the knight's neck. Upon pulling it out I am sprayed with a small gush of blood.

The man falls onto his back dead now. For a moment time seemed to stop and I could see the soul of the now dead man. It was burning bright like a flame and at that moment I reached out and grabbed it. The soul flowed into my body. I could feel it inside of me giving me new found strength I didn't have before. I didn't have the ability to manipulate flame but in its place I was given additional strength. The sword felt even lighter in my hand than before and so I claimed the dead knight's sword to wield as well.

As I looked across the bridge I realized that now the other four are all running towards me. I stood at the front of the bridge so I could keep our confrontation to one on one combat. As soon as the one in the lead got into my range I swung both swords at the same time into his right side. He put up his arm to try and block but all he did instead was help me in propelling him off the bridge. As his body began to fall I took his soul into me and felt my strength grow again. With his comrades now off balance I stepped on to the bridge to get to the next knight bringing my swords back from the left now. I propelled him off the bridge collecting his soul as he flew off, the blow from the left at least partially fixing the bridge from swinging as much. I started to take another step forward when the last two knights turned and ran back to the other end of the bridge.

I took off after them intending to overtake them before they got to the other side. I managed to reach the one in front of me about three quarters of the way across. Once again I swung my swords from the right into his right side sending him flying. I collected his soul as he flew. My mind had a brief moment of wondering how exactly I've managed to get so strong. That moment was cut short though when I saw the final knight had made it back across. He started wildly hacking at the ropes, managing to sever them before I made it across. I jumped in a last ditch effort missing the cliff's edge by mere inches. I could hear the knight laughing as I fell. Darkness began to surround me as I fell further and further into the chasm. Suddenly I hit the ground and blacked out before my brain fully registered the sound.

I'm at the lake again. I stared into the crystal aquamarine waters watching the souls swim around. I looked into the lake and I can also see myself reflected back at me. My body appeared to be rather beat up at this point. I wondered how I would continue moving seeing as my limbs were somewhat mangled from the fall. Pitch black surrounded me and I could hear the voice of the god, Rise. You still have much farther to go.

I awoke in a dimly lit cavern though I can see no source of light. The heat here was quite strong but of course no real issue. As I stood and looked around I saw my two swords near me as well as the body of the final knight I had killed. I pulled his sheath off