The Legend of Man: Book One: Destiny Awaits

By Alistair Sutherland

Friidian, a high Mage from the Magical place of Heavstat, has a vision of the future, a future that he now takes upon himself to prevent. He leaves on a journey to start a war with the human race. A fight he must win, or the humans will destroy everything in front of them including the other races.

Humans intend on stopping him at any cost but can they rise above their hatred and mistrust for each other. Can they convince others that the visions of the future will not come to be? Will the Elves, Dwarves, and other high races come to help the humans? Even though humans might turn on them in the future? Alternatively, should they help Friidian in destroying the human threat?

War is coming to Etheria, a world of myths and legends. Which side is right and which is wrong? Can the future be changed or is it etched in stone?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alistair Sutherland
• Release date: Jan 13, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463292044

Alistair Sutherland

Hello there, welcome to my neck of the woods (so to speak). I love to write and occasionally read. Most of my work will be in the fantasy genre. I will also dabble in Science Fiction.I have semi-returned from a long break, I will slowly get back into writing again as I have missed my fantasy and sci -f I worlds. I hope that some of you will like my stories.I also will be updating my Erotica account on Smashwords soon for those that have a naughty side, they can find my stories there, it is the other Smashwords account in the website link.

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The Legend of Man

Book One: Destiny Awaits

By: Alistair Sutherland

Copyright 2022 Alistair Sutherland

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Author Note:

This is a work of fiction, none of the characters are real or are they based on real people or events. Please do not take the actions or expressions noted in this story as the Author’s outlook on life or respected behavior of anybody alive or deceased.

Please have fun and enjoy reading these stories.

Table of Contents:

Chapter One: Missing Masters

Chapter Two: The Pains of Leadership

Chapter Three: The Betrayal

Chapter Four: From Bad to Worse

Chapter Five: Here we Stand. Here we fall

Chapter Six: Pride

Chapter Seven: The Unknown

Chapter Eight: What Lies Ahead

Chapter Nine: War on the Hill

Chapter Ten: Ends and Beginnings

Chapter Eleven: Seeking the Truth

Chapter Twelve: A Night to Remember

Chapter One: Missing Masters

In the time of Myths and Legends, a great ruling council watched over the land. They were only known as the Council.

For centuries the Mages of Heavstat did not push their great powers onto the land but did their best to watch and only push or steer the people. They only intervened when the moment was right.

The Council resided in Heavstat, a place of great magical power.

Heavstat was also a school for wizards. This is where children with magical gifts were sent to learn to perfect their talents.

Heavstat sat in a valley between two large mountain ranges that stretched for miles in either direction.

No one got to Heavstat without passing through a path between these mountains. It led in and out of the valley.

Two large towers guarded the path at the entrance and exit of the path. The towers had elemental crystals above them that were powerful enough to incinerate any living thing.

Heavstat itself sat on a large rock that hovered high above a great hole in the ground. From this hole, great energy flowed upward through Heavstat.

It was believed this was the reason, Heavstat was built here. To collect this energy and give it to those that could use it.

The people of Xyrene had called for help from the wizards.

The far-off land was being attacked by a large army of mercenaries and assassins calling themselves The Horde of Sorzad. No doubt named after one of the most notorious Assassin's ever to live.

He was killed after a fair trial held in the capital of Xyrene.

The Council called a meeting of its elders.

The main city of Renet will be taken by nightfall if we do not intervene, a small Asian mage said in long silk robes. He had a long-twisted moustache.

He was standing in the middle of a room.

The rest of the Mages were sitting at a table that was squared. The table encircled the Asian Mage.

We are only watchers, it isn't our place to intervene in the going on of others, Another mage said he was sitting in one of the chairs outside the square table.

At the head of the table sat two elderly men.

We can't just watch the whole city be slaughtered, one of them spoke. It wouldn't be right, he continued.

The other sat there in silence then he spoke.

We will help, but only to help. We will do nothing more than protect. Do no attack! He ordered. Illuscious, Wong, Trabias, the three of you will go. There is no need for us to send an army, he said as the Asian Mage and two others bowed and began to leave the white room.

I will join them it was me that they asked for, the other Mage began to say.

As you wish Merladio, the Mage said.

Merladio got up and bowed at the other Mage.

Merladio was one of the elders of Heavstat; he was slightly thin, with dark brown hair. Unlike most of the other Mages, he did not have a beard. His hair fell naturally downward just past his should. His eyes were green. He left the room with the other three mages walking behind him.

Now onto other matters, The Mage continued.

Outside, the four wizards began descending some stairs when a young student ran up to them.

Master Merladio sir, the young man began to say.

Cannot speak now Cayaison, urgent matters press the hour, maybe when I return, Merladio said as he continued his path.

The young student stopped as he watched them go.

It must have been urgent if he didn't stop to talk, a young woman came up to Cayaison.

His never brushed me off like that before, Cayaison said worriedly.

They walked back to a bench lining the large hallway.

I wanted to show him my grades. He would have liked them, Cayaison said, looking down the hall in their direction.

Everyone would like to have them, they are excellent, the young girl said. I wish I could do as good as you when I have to take my tests.

You will do fine Alixia, you are doing much better than I was doing when I was at your level, he smiled at her.

We are only a year apart Cayaison you don't have to make it sound like you are that more advanced than I am, she smiled.

At that moment, the head Mage came down the stairs, followed by other wizards from the meeting.

There is Master Friidian. Maybe he would like to see your grades, Alixia said, pointing at the head wizard.

Cayaison seemed nervous.

I don't think he likes me much. He always has something bad to say about what I am doing, he said nervously.

Go on, you need a master's approval to take up Advanced Magic, and what other way to advance than approval from the Grand Master? She smiled, pushing him off the bench.

He began to walk towards Master Friidian. He looked back at Alixia, who had her fingers crossed.

Master Friidian, sir, Cayaison said, his voice barely audible.

One of the other wizards nodded in his direction, which made Friidian turn around. 

He did not like Cayaison, unlike most of the other Masters who thought of Cayaison as a promising member to the Heavstat council members.

He was brash, and Friidian hated it. His hair which was dark black hair, always looked messy, his face was dirty, and he was too tall and big to be a wizard, not that he was fat, but he wasn't skinny either.

Even though all students wore brown robes with brown sandals, Cayaison always looked like a mess.

All around, Friidian hated him.

What is it, Cayaison? Friidian said, his voice sounding annoyed.

Sorry to have bothered you. I will go…. Cayaison began to say. He turned to go.

You have already stopped our conversation; you might as well finish what you had to ask, Friidian said.

Well, it's just that I have got my grades and wanted to get approval to go to the advanced magic classes, Cayaison said.

The other Mages began to whisper among themselves.

Friidian turned to them.

We will talk more on today's matters later, gentlemen, he said, turning and grabbing Cayaison's grade parchment. Let's see, he said, looking over them. You are doing good in all classes and extraordinary well in hand magic, but not so well in non-verbal magic.

He looked over the parchment at Cayaison.

Cayaison felt his knees shaking.

Well, it is just that I cannot seem to concentrate hard enough to…. Cayaison began to say.

No excuses, as a Mage you must never give an excuse for something you cannot do, it is or it isn't there is no reason for either, Friidian said as they had reached the center hall. I will give you permission to go to Advanced Defense against Physical attacks, and Advanced Elements, as well as Advanced Physical Attacks but as for Hand Magic and Non-Verbal you will need to take them again, I will not advance you in one without the other, he passed the parchment back to Cayaison. Is that understood?

Cayaison took back his parchments, seemingly disappointed.

Yes Sir, he said.

Well, I bid you good day, Friidian said.

Turning and heading into the center of the hall, where a blue circle lit under his feet, carrying him upwards.

Cayaison watched him leave.

As much as Friidian hated Cayaison, the feeling was not mutual.

Cayaison did not understand Friidian. From the very first day, it seemed the old master had it out for him and never once praised or congratulated him.

Alixia came running up to him.

Well? What did he say? she sounded excited.

He advanced me in some of them but not all, he said with a low head.

Which ones do you have to take again, She asked.

I have to take Hand Magic and Non-Verbal Magic over again! he said.

But you’re so good at Hand Magic it would be a waste for you to take it again, she said shockingly.

Well, he said I cannot take an advanced class in one without taking it in the other as well, Cayaison said as they began to walk back into the hallway.

Well, he may be right, it makes sense when you think of it that way, she said.

I bet if I talked to Master Merladio, he would have advanced me into all of them except Non-verbal, Cayaison retorted. Where could he have gone in such a hurry?

Alixia looked around and then looked at a piece of paper.

We are going to be late for History of Magic, she said, running off.

Cayaison quickly followed.

They ran through the empty halls, then turned one corner and up a small flight of stairs until they had reached a wide wooden door.

They pushed it open and slowly walked inside.

Glad the two of you can join us. We were just about to start, a giant Mage said.

He was the biggest of all the Masters. Some said it was the sweet rolls that made him so big. His voice boomed out of a small mouth hidden by a beard and a beard of pure black.

Even though he seemed menacing, he was a real gentle and soft-spoken man.

Find a seat and we will get started, the teacher said.

Cayaison and Alixia found a seat near the back.

Since we have later students I will start over, the teacher said.

My name is Visiroux, he said with a wave of his hand. The words Visiroux appeared in the air, floating around for a few, then disappeared. My specialty is visions of the past and present.

Immediately a hand shot in the air.

Are you as good as Master Friidian in seeing the past and the future? a young child asked.

At this, Visiroux laughed.

No, my dear boy, not even close, He replied as he walked around the class. I can only show visions of the past, based on what we have heard or speculate I cannot show or see what really happened, he said. As I was saying I will be showing you the History of Magic and hopefully by showing you, its history. It will help you in knowing how to handle it.

He then grabbed a book and began to chant over it. The wooden desks in front of each student opened. A small book came out of each desk, the desk closed, and the book landed in front of them.

Now, if you turn to the first page, you will see a Mage. His name is Wizardar Tumanous. Can anyone tell me what they have heard about him? he said as a small picture of the Mage they were looking at appeared hovering in the air.

A young woman raised her hand.

Yes? he pointed at her.

He was the first human we know to have used magic, she stated.

Correct! Visiroux smiled. Wizardar was a human not like many of you. Who now have Wizard or Mage blood, that helps you understand and perform magic. Wizardar as much as we have figured out was not known to have any such ancestors or family to have passed on their ability.

Cayaison raised his hand.

How was he able to use magic if there was no magic in his blood? he asked.

Good question as we all know those without magic in their blood cannot use magic, only when magic is infused into our blood can we do such things as….

The teacher raised his hands and began to float off the ground.

Levitate, he said, then he lowered to the ground.

And… he moved his hands as miniature white horses danced across the tables. Create visions.

The class was in awe.

All of this is possible because of the magic that courses through my blood and my whole body, Visiroux smiled as he looked at his students.

The class was silent and was hanging on each word he was saying.

Today we will visit the day Wizardar used magic. Now remember in my visions you will not be able to talk or touch anything, it is only an idea of what happened based on readings in books and hearsay, Visiroux smiled.

Everybody in the class was on edge.

Now everybody come into this circle he said as he picked up his staff and made a circle on the ground,

They all rushed at him.

Cayaison since you are the oldest you will watch over everybody is that understood? he said with a serious look.

Yes, sir! Cayaison smiled anxiously to see Wizardar.

And off you go, Visiroux said as he whirled his staff.

The children and young adults span in circles before stopping in a wood clearing.

The kids began to look around Cayaison held one as Alixia pulled on another.

Stay in the circle everybody we are only here to look! Cayaison said.

At that moment, two young boys came running into the clearing.

He's coming we have to hide! one said.

Climb the tree! the other said.

The two boys began to climb as a man with a dog came running into the clearing.

I am going to get you kids! the man shouted, stopping in the clearing.

The dog spun around in a circle and rushed towards one of the trees.

Get down from there you will hurt yourselves! the man said this time with care in his voice. Come on I will not harm you. I just wanted to scare you is all! the man said, pulling back on the dog. Sit! he barked at the dog.

How do I know you won't hurt me or my friend? The little boy in the tree asked.

I'm a farmer; I don't want to hurt you. Now please come down from that tree, the farmer pleaded.

I am coming down, the little boy said as he came down from the tree. The farmer stepped away.

Are you hurt? the farmer asked as the boy came down.

We are sorry we trespassed on your property sir! the little boy said.

Ah it's alright, now where is your friend? the farmer said.

Wizardar it is safe, you can come down now! the little boy shouted.

You sure? a voice said.

Yes, son now come on down, The farmer said.

There was a rustling of movement, and they could make out the young boy coming down from a tall tree. But his foot slipped, and he began to fall.

The farmer made a move to catch him. Even Cayaison acting on instinct, made a move to save the kid, but just before the kid hit the ground, he stopped. He floated for a while, then softly fell to the ground.

The farmer and the other boy stood there for a while, not believing their eyes.

Wizardar stood up and looked at the farmer. His eyes were watering.

What did I do? the small Wizardar began to cry.

It's alright, son, let's get you home to your mother, the farmer said, picking up the young child. Come on, you too, he said, motioning to the other child.

The students began to spin again and found themselves back inside the classroom.

So did we enjoy our trip? Visiroux asked.

The students made their way to their chairs.

Yes, sir! Cayaison answered.

Any questions? asked Visiroux, but he could see everybody's mind was elsewhere.

Then a hand shot up.

What happened afterwards? the child asked.

We are not completely sure but what we do know is that many other things happened to Wizardar, all of which he had no control over.

The class fell silent as all the kids were deep in thought.

Visiroux walked to the front of the class, where he watched the puzzled looks of the students.

Then another hand shot into the air.

But like you said earlier no one can perform magic without it being in their blood, The child said.

The rest of the class looked at Visiroux for the answer.

Well, you're correct, Visiroux smiled. No one can really perform magic without a hint of magic inside them. But as you have seen some are born with the talent to perform basic spells, He looked at each of them. This is why we have the test before you get to Heavstat so those with those talents, can come and learn to enhance their abilities and as their talents grow magic becomes part of them.

Cayaison raised his hand.

Can someone that just has the talent be as powerful as someone with magic inside them?

Visiroux smiled.

Even though Wizardar was the first human, that we know of to use magic he was not the most powerful Mage or Wizard.

Were there any others that could use magic before him? a child asked.

Many, but they were of other races, Visiroux replied.

A loud bell chimed.

Well, that is the end of today's class, Visiroux said.

A sigh of disappointment filled the class.

If you have time before your next class, try to perform the basic spell you saw in the vision, Visiroux said.

That is easy, a child said.

Without a chant or a staff or no hand movements either, Visiroux said, smiling.

The class fell silent.

Do not do it alone or from too high! Visiroux said, dismissing his class.

Once they got out of the classroom, Alixia and Cayaison walked together down the large hall.

The halls were huge. They had large archways spanning from one side to the other.

Light shone in from the very tops of the ceiling down to the floor, from small openings lining the walls.

Large mosaics of Mages dueling evil wizards or Mages battling giant fiery demons lined the walls in stone.

Hand-carved dragons made up door archways to some of the classes other were of serpents or spiders or friendly gnomes and dwarfs.

Many students got lost in the halls just looking at these pictures and craftsmanship. They would stare for hours, forgetting about classes.

Cayaison found that one of the carvings was a massive picture that he traced down the entire length of a hallway took him one whole week to look at it thoroughly.

Like most of the older students, Cayaison had tired of looking at the pictures and carvings, but he still stood in awe at the vast staircase leading to the Council's main room.

That was the best class I have ever had! Alixia said, breaking the silence that had fallen over them since they had left the classroom.

Cayaison smiled.

Even though Alixia was a younger student than him, he found her funny, which was the reason they became close friends.

She was taller than him, probably one of the tallest women in Heavstat. Her hair was long and curly brown. She did not draw many looks from many of the other students, mainly because she was taller than most of the men and boys. But she was not ugly either.

Cayaison always thought of her as beautiful in an intelligent way.

It was the first class of this year you will have plenty more classes, he said.

We’ll have you had many classes like that? Alixia asked.

No, I have not, he answered, knowing this was a set-up.

Well then it stands to reason that this was your best class too, she spun around on her heels.

Walking ahead of him.

They soon reached the main hall, which was a circular hall with winding stairs. This was the primary way to get up and down Heavstat.

Every hall led to this one.

Flowing through the center of the staircases was a swirling purple light. It was said that if it ever stopped that Heavstat would fall.

They stood at one of the landings, watching the kids read a book or play a game. On one of the other landings, throughout the main hall.

One young teen came up to them.

I am looking for The Magical Arts class, do you know which floor it is on? he asked.

Go up to the fourth landing then take a look at the marker and it will tell you how far you have to go down the hall, Cayaison answered.

Marker? the teen asked.

Alixia pointed to a prominent stone mage standing just inside the archway of the hall behind them. He held a large book in his right arm with the names of classes in that hallway and where to find them.

Oh, I have never seen them, the teen smiled, then ran up the nearest stairs.

So, what class do you have next? Cayaison asked her.

She picked out a roll of parchment and looked it over.

Earth Magic, she said smiling.

That's a good class, Cayaison said.

The loud bell chimed again, but only once, which meant if no student was on their way to class, they had better be on their way.

Students began to rush everywhere.

What class do you have? Alixia shouted over the loud ruckus that had begun.

Physical Defense, he said.

She laughed.

Have fun, she turned to run down the stairs.

Hey Alixia! Cayaison shouted.

She turned to look at him as he moved his hands next to a potted plant; a small dirt hand waved at Alixia from the soil.

Show off! she shouted, then ran down the stairs.

Cayaison was going to be late again. He began running up the stairs to the fifth landing. As he got up, a young man was standing waiting on him.

Hey Dawain, he said as he joined the young man.

How is Alixia? Dawain asked.

Dawain never admitted it, but he had a thing for Alixia, even though relationships were permitted inside Heavstat. He did not want to pursue anything mainly because he knew she liked Cayaison. And on the other hand, he knew she was out of his reach.

He was short, not just short but very short. At least he wasn't pudgy or fat, he always told himself. His hair was a dark blonde.

Cayaison and Dawain had hit it off right from the start. They had joined the same week. Cayaison first then Dawain.

She is good, I just saw her off to her next class, Cayaison answered.

They began to walk down the halls together.

Looking forward to our class? Dawain asked.

Whoever looks forward to Physical Defense Classes? Cayaison asked sarcastically.

Dawain nodded his agreement. They made their way slowly to their class, where a line of students was just outside the door.

Well looks like we made it in time, Dawain said.

Master Wong was with Master Merladio downstairs just before the first class. They looked like they were in a hurry, Cayaison said.

Just then, the door opened, and the students began to enter.

Cayaison and Dawain were the last to enter.

The room was circular. It was lined with torches, the room sunk downward by a set of rings. On each ring, there were benches students began to sit on these benches.

A semi-circular pit took the very low middle of the room. The ground of the pit was made of gravel and broken wood chips.

On the far wall, there was a dark black hole.

As the students began to settle, the teacher stood from one of the lowest rings.

Welcome class my name is Tunadas, he said smiling.

Cayaison immediately recognized that he wasn't a Master by the color of his robes. He was just a little older than Cayaison, but his face was chiseled, his hair a light blonde, light blue eyes and a very arrogant demeanor to him.

Where is Master Wong? a student asked.

Master Wong is away. I will be taking his class until he returns, Tunadas said with a grin. Where did he leave off can anyone tell me?

Cayaison could tell that he was not going to like this teacher. His grin and smile told Cayaison he was not to be trusted.

This guy is going to be a pain, Cayaison whispered to Dawain, who stifled a laugh.

Dawain, isn't it? Tunadas asked immediately.

Yes Sir, Dawain answered.

Why don't you come down here and show us how to defend ourselves against an Orc Invader? Tunadas asked, smiling.

But sir we haven't reached the Orc’s, yet we are still on … a student began to say.

A high-class man like Dawain can handle himself against an Orc Invader right Dawain? he said.

Dawain began to descend the rings.

Right, Dawain said with a worried voice.

Cayaison shot an angry glance at Tunadas, who returned it with a smile.

Tunadas sat on the lowest ring.

Dawain readied himself. He stood in the pit, looking at the large black hole in front of him.

Let me know when you are ready, Tunadas said with a smirk.

Dawain nodded back at him.

Here it comes, Tunadas said.

Dawain's heart was beating right out of his chest. He had not faced an Orc Invader; he had read all about beating them but never encountered one.

There was a loud grunt from the black hole then there was a glint of light.

Dawain took a step back.

The most furious thing he had faced was a Bearaman. He had spent most of the following week in bed bruised.

A large green Orc, heavily clad with armor and a giant axe, emerged from the hole.

The whole room took a deep breath.

Tunadas smiled, looking back up at Cayaison, whose eyes were locked on his friend.

Weak spot is it's back… weak spot is the back, Dawain whispered.

He could easily do this if he could use magic. A simple confusion spell is all he would need.

The Orc roared at him, then charged, swinging its axe.

Dawain parried the first swing and ducked as the Orc span around with another swing.

Good move Dawain, Tunadas shouted. But avoiding it won't defeat it, he added.

Yes sir, Dawain said through gritted teeth.

He was running out of options soon; the invader would go berserk and swing his axe harder and faster.

The invader roared loudly at him as it rushed at him with its axe held in both hands high above his head.

This was Dawain's chance. He blocked the incoming high attack with his staff and then kicked the invader in the chest, pushing it backwards.

The angry Orc rushed once more with a downward swing, but Dawain rolled out the way, quickly lodging his staff between the Orc's feet, forcing it to trip.

Dawain moved fast, jumping on top of the Orc, grabbing his staff, and then holding it on both sides under the chin of the Orc. He began to pull back on the staff as hard as he could until he heard a loud pop.

The Orc let out a loud scream then its body fell limp.

The class began to clap and cheer as Dawain slowly got up, still watching the Orc's body for any movement.

You can relax Dawain! Tunadas said. Class, once an Orc's back has been broken its whole body will go limp essentially it is still alive, but it is unable to move or attack, Tunadas added.

Dawain climbed the stone circles until he returned to his seat next to Cayaison.

Good one! Cayaison said, greeting his friend.

I thought it would cleave my head off when I did that roll! Dawain said, visibly shaken.

Came pretty close, Cayaison smiled, pushing his friend.

They both knew they couldn't be mortally hurt in this class, but they could be hurt. If the axe did make contact, it could break the skin and cause bleeding. But it couldn't kill.

Who is next? Tunadas asked as the