The Tarinn Fables: Kwennsefulass

By Kris W Godwin

On the island of Shali, a young man awakens.

Bereft of memory, and possessing a mysterious sword and necklace, he wanders into a nearby coastal town, where he becomes embroiled in a hidden war that threatens to tear apart the very fabric of the world itself.

Together with a determined innkeeper's daughter, a s

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kris Godwin
• Release date: May 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9780648258537

Kris W Godwin

Kris Godwin BA lives in Northern Queensland. His interests include reading, writing, gaming, animals, and the paranormal/supernatural.https://krisgodwin.wordpress.com/

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Step by confused step, he slowly made his way through the dense underbrush of the forest. He didn’t know where he was, or even who he was. It seemed like years ago when he had awoken, but in truth, it had only been a few hours. The man had arisen from what seemed like an eternity of nightmares and untold horror – none of which he could remember. Much like his own identity.

As he slowly entered the world of reality, he felt an immense pain on his right cheek, as if someone had sliced him open with cold steel. This was odd, considering the fact that there had been a mysterious sword lying right next to him, gleaming brilliantly in the morning sun. It had a dark lime handle with auburn ends, and a solid gold finger guard that was encrusted with a magnificent blue stone.

This weapon left the perplexed man awestruck, and when he absent-mindedly reached for the handle – and clasped it – he felt a surge of power that replaced his cheek pain with an even greater hurt. He tried desperately to let go, but the sword would not allow it. It wanted the grief-stricken person a taste of true power, and true consequence.

Suddenly, the turmoil stopped, just as quickly as it began. Gasping, he slowly released the sword, as fire seared its way through the rest of his body. For some inexplicable reason, however, he felt refreshed – like shedding an old skin.

He felt incredible. Reborn.

Clasping his chest to feel his madly beating heart, the breathless man noticed that he had another mysterious item – a necklace. A square shaped, emerald coloured necklace. It had a simple, peculiar design, and one finely engraved word; ‘Kwennsefulass’.

Kwennsefulass!

It was a word strangely familiar to him. Pondering all of this, he continued to trudge through the forest, not knowing why. Maybe he was looking for help? Maybe some place to die? Either way, he was determined to go on.

After a time, the fatigued man heard the song of water. A bubbling stream.

Rushing to it, he proceeded to take mad slurps, and wash away the grime. It was then he finally caught a glimpse of himself.

He stared into the pool and saw two brown eyes looking intently back at him. He had a thick, black head of hair – almost to the point of shagginess. His body was well-built and he possessed a pale complexion. Nothing, however, could have prepared him for what he saw on his bothersome right cheek; an immense scar that began at the corner of his eye near his nose, and extended slantwise right down to his jaw. In horror, the man felt his face to make sure it wasn’t a dream.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t.

He considered the possibility that the pain he had felt previously was inflicted by a real dagger, and not an ephemeral one. Now he was even more baffled. Standing up, he continued on.

Hours later, he marched miserably. His stomach was growling in protest, adding hunger to the pile of negative feelings he continually suffered. His gut felt like an empty cave, just waiting to be filled up with valuable nourishment. He tried to distract himself from his appetite by examining his necklace. That didn’t last long, for suddenly, the trees that had surrounded him vanished.

He was finally out of the blackness of the forest, and overlooking an incredible piece of scenery.

***

In the distance was a small town, barely alive with human activity. Further away was the most amazing thing the man had ever seen; a colossal stretch of water as far as the eye can see. Dotted along its edge were small boats and ships docking into the settlement after a hard day’s work; for two suns – one white and the other red – slowly sunk into the horizon with a blazing glory. There was something undeniably spiritual about it, and this made the man very relaxed. He’d heard the name of this water before...

The sea!

Yes! Yes, that was it! Hoping for some answers and a place to rest his weary feet, the man headed for the town.

As he got tantalisingly closer, the townsfolk gradually noticed his arrival and wondered where on earth he had come from. This was most certainly a change in the daily routine of fishing and shipping cargo! A strange man in ragged clothes seemingly appearing out of nowhere was coming towards them and, not knowing what to do, some of the people simply went indoors to avoid him. Parents called their kids in, and shopkeepers packed up and left their stalls, leaving the main road deserted.

As the stranger wandered dazedly through the town with a pleading look in his eyes, he was stopped in his tracks by a gruff looking fisherman with a large grey moustache and a bandanna.

’Ello, and what can we do fer ya? he grunted in greeting.

Finally speaking to another person, the man cleared his dry throat. I… I don’t know…

Eyeing this new arrival suspiciously, the burly man tried again. Err, okay. Do ya need any help? What ‘bout some information? Ya lost? Huh? Huh?

Groaning in pain and confusion, the outsider tried asking a question. Where am I? How did I get here?

Clearly unprepared for such a response, and realising that this ragged man needed some serious help, the fisher gave up. Look buddy, try the inn at the end of the town. That’s info central down there, that is. He pointed toward the ocean. Ya can’t miss it.

Nodding in understanding, the new arrival shuffled off.

Hey buddy! The fisherman called quickly. What’s ya name?

Turning, the man replied.I wish I knew. With that, he walked off again.

Watching him slowly recede in the distance, the fisherman gave a sigh and went home. This is gonna get interestin’ he muttered.

***

The inn was called the Queezy Fennick.

Odd, the man thought.

Out the front of the building was a quaint little fountain surrounded by a ground covered in small pebbles that led straight to the front doors. In the sunset, they were illuminated into a fiery orange. Inside, the man heard music, conversations, laughter, and the occasional glass breaking. He breathed deeply and went in. Inside, he almost gagged on the smoke.

Surely they can open a window? He thought to himself.

Wiping his face, he proceeded to the counter for questions. He waited until he was served by a middle-aged man. Probably the owner?

"Welcome to the Queezy Fen–

The server stopped mid-sentence when he saw the man’s scar and torn clothes.

Good God! His eyes bulged in shock. What the hell happened to you? He then snapped his large fingers. Jeleenn! I need you for a moment! He shouted.

At that moment a girl, who was probably seventeen or eighteen, with a slightly tanned complexion, long brunette hair, and striking sea green eyes, came bustling out the door. She carried a tray of mugs.

Yes Dad? What is it? she answered.

Help me with this… bloke. He looks half dead! the owner observed none-too subtly.

The other customers, becoming aware of the commotion, began staring at the new arrival.

Are you hurt? Have you been in a fight? asked the girl known as Jeleenn. She nodded to the man’s sword.

Um, well… he stammered.

What’s your name? interrupted her father.

All these questions! The man was tired of questions? He finally exploded.

I’m fine damn it! he cursed. Silence filled the inn.

Taking charge, he finally decided to answer a question, rather than ask one.

I… I think my name is Kwennsefulass.

CHAPTER I

"Kwennsafa-what?" stuttered the owner. He had an odd tone to his voice.

I think he said his name was Kwennsefulass answered the girl called Jeleenn. I can see it on that necklace he’s wearing.

"Well, I’m not exactly sure if it is my name replied the man. I don’t really remember anything."

Ah breathed the owner, he’s an amnesiac. He began to raise his voice. MY NAME IS JUGO AND THIS IS MY DAUGHTER, JELEENN!

He’s not stupid dad Jeleenn sighed Can you please get something for… ah… mister Kwenn’s wounds?

Kwenn…?

Okay, maybe he’ll… open up to you grunted Jugo, as he tried to remember where the medical supplies were. He then told a few burly men to keep an eye on the stranger.

Maybe Jeleenn doubted.

Where am I? Kwenn asked, determined to get an answer.

"Um, you’re in the Queezy Fennick Inn, I know, I know ‘queasy’ is spelt wrong, My dad he… well it’s not important. This is the town of Gen, on the island of Shali."

Kwenn responded with a blank stare.

"Er, you know, Shali? Of the Four Sister Isles?"

Another blank stare.

"Four Sister Isles…which are a part of Tarinn – the known chartered world?"

Yet another blank stare.

"Oh… okay… Jeleenn mumbled in disbelief. Well, what do you remember?"

Kwenn was silent for a moment, trying to recall the terrible sensation he received when he first laid hands on the sword, and the invigorating feeling afterwards.

What happened before that? He wondered. Where did I come from? What is this necklace? This weapon?

All he could think about was pain, sadness and death. It’s as if he experienced the end of everything, and he was involved somehow.

I… I’m starting to remember basic things he opined. You know, people, speech, objects, animals, feelings, the sea…

Okay, sure, but what about your home? Jeleenn intervened. Friends and family?

Kwenn looked beaten. No.

There was an awkward silence.

Listen Jeleenn said, breaking the sombre mood, I’ll go and serve these customers – don’t mind the looks they’re giving you – and then I’ll get you something to eat, just… sit here and rest.

Kwenn was more than happy to oblige. That cave in his gut was still empty, and he was ready to relax when Jugo came stomping from behind the counter holding a bunch of bottles and clothes. A relieved look swept his face.

Found ‘em! he puffed.

Kwenn was uncomfortable again.

Now don’t worry, this stuff won’t hurt a bit Jugo was assured. They’re high quality herbs and potions, made by the green robes, uhh, herbalists… in case you didn’t know…

Kwenn didn’t know.

Anyways, they actually came an’ dropped these off personally – the greenies I mean – because they were on a pilgrimage to ‘spread the knowledge of herb lore to the uneducated’, heh, that was twenty years ago! Fat lot of good that did!

Then why did you keep them? Kwenn queried.

Ahh well… Jugo ruminated. "Maybe, for all their hocus-pocus, those wannabe-wizards are right about something. These potions do help cure the sick. Just ask that priest up the hill."

I’m not sick was all Kwenn could say.

I’ll be the judge of that.

With that, Jugo bent down beside Kwenn, and examined his scar.

Everyone’s staring at me Kwenn squirmed.

Who cares returned the squinting owner. Hmm, well, it looks like this cut’s been closed over.

What?

Yeah Jugo said, surprised, "and it looks like you’ve had it for a while. The bastard who did this was pretty angry I take it?

I guess… mumbled Kwenn. He could still see the horror on his face upon seeing that reflection.

You’re lucky then whistled Jugo, "‘cause a cut like that has two meanings – either you’re the victim – or the real victim got a lucky shot in."

Kwenn was aghast. "Wait! You’re not suggesting–

I’m not suggesting anything at this point.

There was silence as the two men looked at each other. The customers became aware that a sudden stare down was in progress.

I’m not a killer Kwenn proclaimed defiantly.

How do you know? Jugo remarked.

"If you want me to leave–

No. Surprisingly, a smile emerged on Jugo’s aging face. I just want to get to the bottom of your problem, as does my daughter.

Kwenn became cautious with his words, Your daughter wants to help me – you just want to interrogate me. Is that right?

Jugo gave a chuckle. That’s just how I do things. Jeleenn can be a bit naive sometimes, because she hasn’t experienced the outside world. She doesn’t realise that the world is full of bad people, and that bad people can easily stumble into a place like this unannounced.

Kwenn couldn’t find anything to say. Anger was boiling up from inside like a stove top. How could this innkeeper call him a murderer? A ‘bad person’?

He brooded with contempt. He doesn’t even know me!

He was tired of questions and tired of answers.

He decided he had enough.

Kwenn rose from his seat and was about to tell Jugo he was leaving – when things got a lot more interesting.

Naive eh?

Jeleenn was standing behind her father. She heard everything.

Jugo stopped grinning. What? Naive! I never said that! You must’ve heard wrong, ‘cause I said ‘Jeleenn can be too… he stumbled over his tongue before finding the right word "…nice! Yeah! I said sometimes you can be too nice, that’s why bad people can take advantage of ya! You see–

Save it.

With that, she tossed a bowl of beef stew on the table in front of Kwenn.

A stranger walks in, half dead and in a complete daze, and you start calling him a murderer and me a stupid naive girl!

Jugo tried to explain. What? I never said you were stupid! I… I just meant that you can be a little too trusting of strangers at times!

Too trusting? You’re too critical!

Oh yeah? He then he pointed an accusing finger at the beleaguered man.

What makes you so damn sure that this guy isn’t just some con artist who puts on a big sob story about having memory loss, just so he can get a free meal?! He probably killed the original owner of that bloody sword!

That’s not true! Kwenn jolted from his seat. I don’t have any recollection of my life beyond this morning! I don’t know where this sword came from or even if ‘Kwennsefulass’ is my name! He started to feel light headed.

Jugo was skeptical. Oh really? Then where did you come from this morning then? The sky? The ocean?

No, I woke up in the forest outside of town.

The customers were delighted. They may have paid for the food, but the show was free!

Jeleenn tried to reason with her father. Dad, please just cut him some slack! Even if he was a con artist or a murderer, there’s no way he could escape this town with its wary eyes, and news spreads like wildfire around Shali. The authorities could easily catch him.

Well, you may be right about that… Jugo conceded. "The old copperheads have gotten pretty paranoid recently when it comes to unscheduled departures, what with those pirates runnin’ about."

Jeleenn relaxed a little. And besides, what would an evil doer want in a small fishing village like this?

She may be right! Kwenn deliberated to himself. His eyes strayed to his sword. But what if this Jugo is right? How else can I explain this wound?

Why are you defending this guy so much, Jeleenn? You’re taking his side over me! Your own father! I… damn it!

Kicking a chair, Jugo stormed away to check on the cooking. I’ll be back in a minute he groused.

The tense atmosphere lingered a few moments longer.

"… I’m sorry… Jeleenn sounded shaken. Please eat…"

She walked briskly away, her egg shell blue apron coming loose.

Intending to say something to her, Kwenn thought the better of it and hungrily slurped the soup. For the first time upon entering the inn, He took a look at the interior of the building. Despite the blanketing smoke, which wafted out of the mouths of a few rough looking customers, there was a pleasant odour of mint and incense in the air. Two waitresses, wearing light coloured aprons like Jeleenn, were bustling about and handing out mugs of some sort of drink. One of the women looked a little older than Jeleenn, and the other about the same age. Polished antique tables with two large candles placed on their surfaces lit the ceiling with an otherworldly light, which caused the smoke to dance and flow like a herd of magic jellyfish. Pots, pans, pitchers, jugs and some bags full of herbs were lined behind the counter. The most striking things that Kwenn noticed however were the strange paintings and carvings in the wall. He had trouble making them out, but they seemed to be portraying various monsters and symbols, which came to life in the darkening sunlight that pierced through the windows.

Welcome to the end of the world.

"What–

Whipping around in his chair, Kwenn searched the room with darting eyes.

Who said that? He couldn’t remember what he just heard. Did someone actually speak to him just then? Or was it simply a noise in his head?

At a loss of what to do, he sat back down and exhaled.

What is going on here? Why can’t I remember anything? He thought in vexation.

Damn… he cursed, frustrated. He began to drum his fingers on the table, thinking of what his next step was going to be. What if this Jugo wasn’t going to help him? Will he be turfed out of the Queezy Fennick, to pitifully wander the land until he comes across someone who knew him? Who knew why he has a marvellous looking sword, a mysterious necklace with a word that has no meaning to him, and a scar that has healed yet still pains?

At least this Jeleenn girl seemed genuinely concerned.

As if his thoughts had been read, she then re-entered the common room with a pack in her hands – and two town guards.

Dad thinks it’s best if you should leave Jeleenn stated matter-of-factly.

What? Kwenn stood with a dull ache. Why?

Because an inn is no place for an amnesiac to stay, no one can help you here.

Where should I go then?

These men will take you to the church up the hill, on the other side of town. There was a change in Jeleenn’s voice.

One of the guards stepped into the conversation, a tall man with a giant red beard and a deep, gravelly voice. The priest up there can help you with your, uh, situation lad he rumbled, yet at the same time, seeming warm and caring. Though we don’t usually come across a bloke such as you, I’m pretty sure Ilod will know what t’do.

"Ilod’s a Numanta – a priest of Pheekon lore and ideals Jeleenn quickly intervened. A healer. And he has knowledge and resources that can aid you in regaining your memory."

Looking at the tall, red bearded man and his younger companion, Kwenn could not see any other alternative, besides leaving town barefoot and humiliated. He felt like a burden on these people.

Well… if you think this man can help…

Definitely. Jeleenn handed him the bag she was holding. This is just some food – bread, fruit and dried meat. All you’ve eaten was that stew, so I’m sure you’re still hungry. The church has some beds and I think it has a washing basin… Anyway, you can rest up for the night and hopefully find some answers in the morning – right after a proper breakfast of course.

Kwenn tried to smile at Jeleenn’s attempt at making him feel better. She was doing all these nice things and she did not even know him, unlike her father, who seemed to have already labelled him a ruthless cutthroat. Why in the world did this Jugo change his point of view of the lost man so quickly and drastically?

Okay… thanks a lot, Jeleenn. I guess I’ve been an annoyance to you and your father, and I’m sorry for causing you two to, um… Kwenn mumbled away as Jeleenn cast her green eyes downward to the floor.

"It’s not your fault, really I mean it, but dad – well all of Gen – has been having a tough time lately. People have gone missing, and our animals have become, well, strange to say the least."

Strange?

Well… maybe I’ll tell you tomorrow, but you should get going now, Ilod doesn’t like to be kept waiting, especially during his twilight meditations.

Kwenn had no desire to leave, he felt as though he could talk to Jeleenn for an eternity, despite the fact he had nothing to say. Unfortunately, Jugo probably wouldn’t tolerate his presence at the moment, and some large sailors with tattoos along their arms were staring at the potentially dangerous stranger, telling him with their eyes to get out.

Another thing, interrupted red beard again, I’m afraid I’m gonna have to take that weapon from ya lad.

No! Kwenn barked, surprising himself. S, sorry, I mean sure, of course you can.

Nervously looking at his superior before receiving a nod, the younger guard shot the girl a friendly smile and a nod, before gripping the handle of the sword that was sitting on a table, and found that he could barely move it. Grunting and heaving, the man dragged the blade off the table surface before releasing his grip.

Mouth agape, Kwenn watched his sword hit the floor with a clang.

It weighs a ton sir! the rookie breathed.

Bah! Young people… I’ll take it then! With a swift motion, Red grabbed the handle and lifted (or tried) before resorting to two hands, and finally, his legs as well.

"Veronususs give me strength! Red gasped. It does weigh a ton!"

How can that be? He came in here holding it with one hand! Jeleenn exclaimed.

Well, it’s gotta be magic then. Either that or our confused friend is the strongest person on Shali! snapped Red, flustered.

Do you want me to call for a couple of troops to carry it sir? The young man asked.

No. It’s a waste of manpower. We’ll just let the owner bear it on the way to the church, Red responded, his eyes fixed on Kwenn, "but we will keep an extra eye on him."

***

After its mysterious new visitor had left with the two accompanying guards, The Queezy Fennick was normal once again, with sailors drinking and telling tall stories, fishermen boasting about their day’s work, visitors complaining about their rooms and cheerful music emanating from the chinor flutes of travelling musicians. A statue among the shadows of the second story porch, the innkeeper Jugo intently watched as the stranger Kwenn and his guardsmen friends made their way to the church, feet crunching on the pebble road. Twilight was finally passing into the darkness of the night, and lights were flickering to life in houses as townspeople were preparing for the end of the day. Sensing footsteps behind him, Jugo turned his head and gave a slight acknowledging nod to his daughter before refocusing his attention to the three disappearing men.

Jeleenn’s voice pierced the silence. Ilod will know what to do. He’ll get some answers.

Nodding, Jugo crossed his arms and gave a sigh.

Could you come downstairs and help, dad? Old Chundra has had a bit too much to drink. Again.

This early?

"I said Chundra dad, it doesn‘t apply to him."

Realising she was not going to get a snappy response, Jeleenn slowly turned away and proceeded downstairs.

You’re right Jeleenn Jugo suddenly said, his eyes sparkling in the starlight, "he looks exactly like him."

***

As he was devouring an apple, Kwenn took in the surroundings of the town for a second time. A salty tang was in the air, and fireflies -- each lit up in a rainbow of colours -- were apparently attracted to the odour, as they flew aimlessly in circles. Many bright lights showed that the docks were abuzz with activity, with sailors, merchants and even a few monks making their way to wherever their private business took them – although the majority of businesses wound up at Jugo’s inn. Shop owners were slowly packing their wares for the day, now not seeming to care that a ragged stranger accompanied by two guards stomped by. A large man with a creamy white top hat and matching scarf, dark blue suit and a blonde goatee, passed by Kwenn on a magnificent horse. Its fur was black-green and it sported two short horns which glowed neon red. Staring in awe, Kwenn nearly stood on the young guard’s foot – which was met with shouts of ‘watch where you’re goin’!’ and ‘just walk in a straight line! It’s not that hard!’

To Kwenn, this man seemed like the type who stored his anger away, just waiting for it to all come out at once and envelop some poor soul.

Oh leave him alone, Panin the red bearded guard, who introduced himself as Lumiin, scoffed. He’s just admiring the scenery. The lad has obviously never seen rainbow fireflies an’ green horses before.

Snorting with amusement, the young recruit called Panin eased up. Yeah, I suppose it’s a pretty miraculous thing to see, especially for someone like you.

Kwenn was not in the mood for conversation. He had basically been walking non-stop for the whole day with barely anything to eat; and after a day such as this, sleep was the ultimate salvation. Unfortunately, Lumiin and his underling Panin were in a chatty mood.

So how much do you really know? Lumiin continued, "Jeleenn told me you didn’t even know what the bleeding world is."

No, I have no idea about… Tarinn, or what my name is, or anything. I’m sure Jeleenn and Jugo told you everything. It became clear to him long ago that Jugo was the one who summoned the town guards.

Yeah, well, we’re happy to give you a run-down on the goings on of our fair town Lumiin replied, the caring side of his personae showing once more, that is, if you don’t mind us jabbering on about Gen and the Four Sister Isles.

No, please Kwenn welcomed. I wouldn’t mind learning more about this place, it feels so, so…

Alien? Panin interjected.

"Yes. I mean, I thought horses were supposed to be brown or black – not green with red horns. At least, that’s if my brain isn’t messing with my recollections."

Grinning, Lumiin started the explanation. "That’s because the horse you saw was a Grinoaga – a ‘devil steed’ some call it, but in truth, it is nothing but a very loyal if bad tempered animal. They say the horns only glow when there is something powerful or mysterious nearby."

They glowed when I was near Kwenn stated emphatically.

Hey! We were near too Panin corrected.

Nay Lumiin continued, just trotting into the town causes those horns to shine. No one knows why, but Gen and the surrounding area is a hotspot for magi and priests. We don’t really get to chat with them, as they usually pass right through the town on some sort of pilgrimage. Days later they return, not saying a word, and hop on a boat and sail away. Ilod, as well as priests before and after him, aren’t allowed to say anything because of an oath of the Numanta order.

So you just accept the fact that the town has some sort of hidden power? Kwenn probed Hasn’t anyone tried to… I don’t know… beat the truth out of this Ilod?

Laughing, the two guards quickly looked around to make sure no one heard their unacceptable reaction.

Believe you me, our ancestors have tried Lumiin shook his head.

What do you mean?

War.

Oh.

Hoping he had not offended the men, Kwenn tried to move the subject onto something lighter.

"What about when Jeleenn told me that your animals were acting strange? I ac–

"It was called the Battle of the Mind Lumiin stated, as if he never heard Kwenn. It was the last great war on Tarinn. Over five hundred years ago. Basically it was a fight between magic users and us common folk."

There was a twist in Kwenn’s stomach, like a feeling of guilt or shame. Obviously he did not know why. How come?

I’m sure my young recruit can fill you in Lumiin confidently said, turning to Panin, assuming he’s been doin’ his homework.

Panin seemed to be ready for this to happen. Adjusting his tunic, he cleared his throat and picked up where his superior left off. "In the year 4623 NA, a great and powerful grey mage called Tios claimed to have found an artefact floating in the sea near the Forever Gone Ocean – that’s south-west of this very island – which allowed him to see in the past and in the future. Realising he could possess great influence over the leaders of the world, Tios appeared before the head counsel of Wizards and showed them what events would befall Tarinn in the coming years. Although the Wizards could glimpse the future with this artefact, the visions were vague and drained a lot of their power.

"Soon word got out to a guy named King Rafendulaus, who ruled the continent of Amurnymm, that the magi had foretold that his kingdom would be swallowed up by a great evil and that there was nothing him – or his later descendants – could do to stop it. Seeing this as a threat by the magi, and not a warning, Rafendulaus sent representatives to the western continent of Gamsay-Rumm, where they in turn persuaded the head politicians into taking this magi threat seriously."

Head politicians? So this… Gamsay place didn’t have a king? Kwenn asked.

I do recall kings and queens for some reason… royalty…

Gamsay-Rumm had no king, and the royal bloodline has been lost for centuries Panin answered. Anyway, it turned out that Gamsay’s leaders were also aware of the actions of the magi, claiming they had been receiving reports of preachers visiting towns all over the world, urging citizens to ‘change their sinful ways or be doomed to a lifetime of suffering’. Not wishing for bloodshed, the counsel of wizards sent Tios to Gamsay-Rumm in 4624 NA to assure Rafendulaus’ representatives and his comrades that they meant no harm in making these foreboding statements – that they were simply being told what to do by a greater power. Unconvinced of the greys’ ‘attempt’ at sincerity, the prime minister Vandyd and vice chancellor William arrested Tios and had him interrogated, so they could learn exactly why the magi started these cryptic messages in the first place. That, and the fact that the counsel of Wizards sent one of their underlings instead of themselves to talk with the leaders of Tarinn was quite suspicious."

This was getting a bit too much for Kwenn to process. Wizards? Magi? Kings, politicians and names he has never heard of swam in his jumbled mind, trying their best to escape his head and drop out of his ears. He did not know how much more information could be crammed into his brain for today. It’s ironic, he thought, the one thing I crave and I’m too tired to even think about it.

Despite these feelings, he was intensely interested in this story. He owed it to listen to this poor guard, who had clearly been forced to recite this tale many a time.

So the politicians eventually thought the wizards were plotting to make war, right? Even though they weren’t?

Well, no one really knew that for sure Panin corrected, and no one still does. Anyway, let me finish the story! I want to prove to boss here that I’m just as competent in mind as I am in swordplay.

Aye! You can’t be a good town guard if ya don’t know anything about war history! Lumiin smirked, punching his young recruit in the arm.

Y… yes sir Panin winced. "Where was I… ah! That’s right. Tios allegedly told Vandyd and William about the artifact, and where it was held. He begged his captors to execute him, seeing as he betrayed the trust of his order. Now, Vandyd and William were at a loss of what to do. Should they treat this as a threat by the wizards? Was there a need to impose a curfew or outlaw mages in some way until this problem was resolved? What about surrounding countries and continents? Could any of them shed light on the situation? Magi from all over Tarinn claimed that they had nothing to do with the sudden silence of the order of wizards. They even said that they could not contact them any more, that the wizards simply disappeared. Rafendulaus could not wait any longer. Fearing for the safety of his kingdom, he imposed a ban on magic usage and sent the order for magi to turn themselves in to the authorities – or else face death.

Seeing as the location of the Wizards' great tower was unknown, Rafendulaus tortured many magi – especially those considered evil or unorthodox – but could not get any answers. His generals advised him that they should rally other kingdoms to their cause, before the Wizards gathered too much power. Eventually, propaganda was spread among the common people of Tarinn. Things that could not be explained over the years were all of a sudden the magi’s fault. Natural disasters, plagues, wars and even legendary monsters were all the result of magic apparently.

"Citizens tore down temples, burned shrines and ransacked mage ware shops, simply because they believed what their leaders told them. Seeing no way to voice a different point of view without losing the favour of the people, Vandyd and William joined the anti-magi cause and held Tios prisoner for another four years. In 4628 NA, a young woman by the name of Wenwyn claimed to have possessed the magical artefact that Vandyd and William were seeking. With it, she brought many magi out of hiding and rallied them under one, single coloured flag – violet."

Breathing, Panin turned to Lumiin and asked if he could have a drink of water.

Soldier Lumiin said gruffly, If you want a drink, I can dunk your head in the trough in front of your off-duty mates.

No thanks sir Panin licked his lips.

"Good. Now finish your delightful tale, and then you can get a drink. We‘re nearly there."

Judging by the chatter that goes on between these two, Kwenn thought, it’s obviously a quiet night.

Panin tried to remember where he left off. "So, yes. Wenwyn. The new leader of the magi. With the artefact, she started a new order of violet robed mages and formed a rebellion to combat the world leaders and cast off the shackles of oppression. By some mysterious means, Wenwyn blessed her most gifted sorcerers with new powers and abilities, the likes of which have never been seen before. These special mages were able to ‘control the very fabric of time and space’, according to records from the battlefields that would soon follow. After amassing enough troops, Wenwyn – now calling herself the Leader of the Flower – waged war on the people of Tarinn. Rafendulaus, having anticipated this eventual uprising of mages, equipped his soldiers with as many anti-magic charms as his own mages – having renounced their vows and the arcane ways – could muster during the previous years of the outlawing of magic. Sending wave after wave of soldiers, the king of Amurnymm hoped to quell this threat before it became too great, but to no avail. The violets had already taken the continent of Qualm and the islands of Tapl-Tapl and Mazum. Amurnymm was next to be invaded, yet, it was not. Instead, The Leader of the Flower sent all her battalions around the continent – and I mean all the way around the continent – to force Rafendulaus to lift the laws against the magi and surrender, or else they lay waste to his Kingdom. The move didn’t make sense; Wenwyn’s forces were too far spread out. The king expected his allies Vandyd and