Aether Wuld

By Marlon Rodriguez

"Where we're from, you hear about war, but never about the people. You never hear about the ones you just stop seeing, the kids who never went to school again, the people who gave up. We're looking for people like you who have a good heart and the courage to do what's right, so that together, we can build our own community that anyone around

• Language: English
• Publisher: New Degree Press
• Release date: May 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9798885042321

Book preview

cover.png

Aether Wuld

Aether Wuld

Marlon Rodriguez

New Degree Press

Copyright © 2022 Marlon Rodriguez

All rights reserved.

Aether Wuld

ISBN

979-8-88504-123-2 Paperback

979-8-88504-753-1 Kindle Ebook

979-8-88504-232-1 Ebook

Manati and Alex

Memories may fade with time,

but love is eternal.

May you rest in peace.

And to you, dear reader,

I don’t know who you are or who you will become.

But know no matter the mistakes you’ve made along the way,

nor the struggles you’ve endured,

nor the ideologies you’ve chosen to follow,

I will always love you.

Trust must be given before it can be earned so we may break from our fate of this circle of hate.

Author’s Note

I’ve always been a dreamer.

I’ve always yearned to escape this world in whatever manner I could. But over time, I realized dreams are just realities you need to work for. I started writing them down, developing them and building upon them so that they could become a reality.

Writing is a newer form of expression for me, though I’d like to have been more exposed growing up. It feels like a missed opportunity in so many ways. I am grateful to have started down this path nonetheless. I still have much to learn as a storyteller and I’m continuously working on my craft, but my hope for Aether Wuld is for you to see the people within my story for who they are.

Aether Wuld is where our story takes place on the Pangaean continent of Maan Kaal. To the southwest, Ymir, the four-armed giant, and her friends search for their lost companions, Roe and Marin, after they fail to return from their last outing. But it’s a race against time because they’re not the only ones searching for them. Arcvadász, the High Spirit of Death, is also on the hunt.

This world, much like our own, is a harsh and unforgiving place. But even amid the most unforgiving reaches of reality, you can always find a safe haven.

We hear glorified stories of the hero who stood in the face of adversity and won despite all odds. You see their trials, but you don’t hear about the grief, the failings, the pressure that heroes go through. That’s because heroes don’t exist—people merely rise to the occasion—both in our world and in Aether Wuld.

Welcome

The little shadow opened his eyes, finding himself in the dark void pocket he sprouted from. The nothingness that surrounded him offered comfort even in this new form.

A physical body? he murmured. Running his fingers along his hand and arm, he looked up past a breach in the void. Through it were nine floating spheres of energy. Each had a core pulsating with vibrant colors. Front and foremost was a red sphere. Its sheen was duller than the rest. The red sphere’s center followed each of the little shadow’s movements.

The darkness surrounding the little shadow gathered and formed a white sphere, similar to the rest above, before melding into a human body.

It’s strange the first time, isn’t it? the man asked as he came to be. Don’t worry. With enough practice, you’ll be able to take whatever form suits you best.

The little shadow felt his face, digging his fingers into his skin. I’m not going to lie, Lord Arcvadász, this is a bit overwhelming. What happens next? He smiled at the nine orbs above.

They floated in silence, watching.

Once the ceremony is complete, and I pass on to you my catalyst, you inherit all that I am. A long time ago, I dedicated my existence to this role, just as you did. But, Arcvadász shrugged and shook his head, even though I knew this was coming, I am still a bit nervous about having my existence expunged.

The little shadow frowned, clenching his fists for the first time. I understand we must take these precautions, but, my Lord, if I may ask, why not simply maintain your seat? You could continue your rule. You wouldn’t need me to be your successor and... A tear escaped his newborn eyes, as dark as the void he sprouted from, Apologies, my Lord, I do not wish for you to go.

Arcvadász placed a hand on the little shadow’s shoulder. "I taught you all I know, but my existence was one littered with grievous mistakes. Even if I wanted to maintain my seat, the High Spirit shook his head. This is my atonement, and you must be the one to right my wrongs."

It... It shouldn’t have to be me though, surely there’s something we can do, something so you don’t—

Arcvadász squeezed the little shadow’s shoulder. I am truly sorry.

The little shadow wiped the steady flow of tears from his face while huffing. "You don’t need to apologize to me, my Lord. I promise you I will fulfill my duties at any cost."

See that you do, Arcvadász said. He took off the amulet from around his neck: a bronze piece with a silver tip. Arcvadász stared at the catalyst in his palms and looked up at his companions. It’s truly been a pleasure. Be good to my successor, please. Not that I’d have a way to enforce that. Arcvadász took one last deep breath. All right, hold out your hands.

The little shadow did as his mentor instructed, sniffling.

You truly are a kind one. Arcvadász released the amulet in the air above his successor’s palms. It floated as white smoke absorbed Arcvadász, wrapping around the amulet. Wear this well. The ritual will be complete as soon as you take it into your possession. I’m ready when you are.

The little shadow stared at the amulet. I’ll do my duty well. He closed his eyes and took it, placing the catalyst around his neck. The smoke enveloped him, becoming one with his very being.

After opening his eyes, he found himself in the void, alone.

***

A few moments later, one of the nine from above spoke. Welcome back, Lord Arcvadász.

Arcvadász wiped the tears from his cheeks and ascended from the void. Crossing through the breach, he floated into a simple stone room littered with runic carvings and focus circles. Even to Arcvadász, none of them made any sense. He focused his attention on the orbs surrounding him.

I am ready to begin. Resume my duties.

The cold red sphere took the form of a woman with antlers and verdant flaming hair. A tiara emerged from her skin and weaved itself through her hair. Welcome back, Arcvadász. In case you had forgotten, I am Tuzuralk, the High Spirit of Flame. Are you prepared?

Arcvadász hesitated, Is Lord Arcv—

Tuzuralk sighed. Arcvadász, the mourning for the little shadow in the void pocket below has ended. Her eyes suggested otherwise. You are, now, and always have been, Lord Arcvadász, the High Spirit of Death. Do you understand?

Arcvadász shut his eyes and nodded.

Tuzuralk’s cold red eyes locked with the amulet around his neck. Arcvadász, how many Catalyst Wielders are there meant to be?

Ten, in total.

And yet there are eleven, she hesitated. With a frustrated voice, she continued, You failed to eliminate trespassers on sacred ground. You allowed them to desecrate monuments and ancient relics with their mere presence, and worst of all, you allowed those trespassers to take the Catalyst of Time, which, if you do not remember, was never meant to be wielded. The last time Eita Wuld was in this much danger was when the Sötalo first bore their way into our reality from their own. What do you have to say for this?

I have erred, Arcvadász agreed, his head bowed. By my name, and the name of the world, I will undo this wrong. I will hunt the thieves, reap their souls, and return the Catalyst of Time to its rightful place.

Tuzuralk raised her chin. "Well spoken. You still have the followers you’ve amassed through the ages, as well as the souls you’ve reaped at your disposal, but you will not receive any aid from the nine of us. This is your blunder, so you shall see it through."

Arcvadász nodded. I understand.

Out of seemingly nowhere, an eyeball unfurled into existence, staring at Arcvadász. Then another, and another, until they completely surrounded him. Irises of every color, pupils of every shape and size stared at him. They weren’t physically present or visible, but Arcvadász could see them, just as they saw him.

Tuzuralk’s eyes were the most intense of all. We’ll be watching, Arcvadász.

1

Eita’s Kihn

In the northern grasslands outside of Eita’s Kihn, Maan Kihn’s army gathered its forces for an assault upon the city. Eita’s walls still stood strong, though pockmarked with boulders and ballista bolts. Their northern gates, however, did not. Scorch marks littered the fields and walls, bolts embedded in the stonework, yet not a single defender could be seen upon their walls.

With the sun beating down on their heads, Silan, one of the oldest legionnaires, wiped the sweat off his shaved head. Ash and dust dirtied the air, donning his battered helmet. He watched from the ranks of his fellow troops as General Reddof trotted by on his golden-scaled stallion, adorned with just as much ornamental armor as the portly man himself.

Riding alongside the general on a large, reptilian mount was Lady Talia, clothed in a violet dress with silver embroidery.

Sweat continued to drip from Silan’s brow as the general preemptively congratulated himself and the legion on their assured victory.

"Men! These vermin think to have the might to claim themselves a Kihn of Eita! The kingdom of our world, he scoffed. And yet, their main gates have been rendered inoperable thanks to our mages; those inside await our blades. I will lead us into the fray as we defend the honor of the wondrous Maan Kihn and eradicate those heathens off the face of Maan Kal!" He raised his jewel-encrusted long sword to the sky.

The army roared as he grinned back at them.

"For too long, this filth has stained the graces of our liege. For too long, this filth has sheltered our prey. For too long, this filth has gone unpunished. The general paused. As he scanned his troops in search of dissenters, his eyes glazed over Silan’s. Our actions here today have been sanctioned by the grace of Lady Talia. Thanks to her, generations to come shall remember you lot as heroes."

Lady Talia spoke with her head held high. "You are all doing a great service, and for that, I thank you. Not only are you defending the honor of our great kingdom, but you are also paving a path for us to strike at the Anih Kihn from where they least expect it. Gaining this territory will protect our families from those beasts that continue to threaten your children. Your comrades continue to lose their lives on the front lines, but I promise you, vengeance for the fallen will be ours." She nodded toward the general, who only grinned in return. Accompanied by two cloaked men with similar reptilian mounts, she rode northbound.

Silan huffed, watching Lady Talia. Vengeance? If this means keeping Anya and Silya safe, then I guess that’s all right with me.

Now, let us cleanse this land. The general turned his steed and trotted south toward the castle town.

The sooner you finish here, the sooner you can go home, Silan muttered to himself as he readied his sword and shield.

***

The legion marched toward the broken gates of Eita’s Kihn. Despite all the destruction they left in their wake, Maan Kihn’s troops hadn’t taken a single life.

Silan looked up at the deserted stone walls that protected the city, considerably shorter than the walls protecting Maan Kihn. He waited for an ambush from his fellow soldiers but huffed when none came. The general looked back one last time at his troops and raised his sword toward the open gates.

Forward! he shouted as he rode toward the tower at the city’s center.

Silan’s brow furrowed as they crossed through the gatehouse unharmed.