Invoke: Eternal Essence: Eternal Essence, #1

By A.V.Goar

The world was once as one, but the greed of few led to the demise of many. A once mysterious power known as essence caused The Great Continent's divide. The beings at the heart of the separation over 400 hundred years ago, Gifvoshu, return to the earth to see that it is reunited; however, this time things have been set in motion for the gathering of five younglings that will change the course of events.

 

Raustel wakes to find his home leveled and not a single survivor.

 

Alocia and Tarvain escaped the tortuos dwellings of the castle on the horizon.

 

Keon was saved by Paili after a city was thrown into the sea.

 

Each of these events lead to their meeting and the change in course only they can manipulate. Bearing their own crosses, the younglings will have to fight in order to overcome their inward struggles while learning what it means to be true to their essence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.V.Goar
• Release date: May 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223159650

Book preview

Prologue

Can you stand? Can you get up? We need you- the others are doing their best, but they need help.

The world tilted tauntingly as Damarcus struggled to his feet. Once he was upright, he leaned on the wall for support. A nurse stood behind him with her hands out as if to catch him.

If you can't do this-

Who else will? he said, steadying himself. How many casualties so far?

Over two hundred and that doesn't include the bodies we can't recover from the battlefield, the nurse said. We're doing the best we can, but we cannot grant a full recovery. What we do have isn't strong enough to undo the damage caused by essence.

The building shook as a massive explosion from the outside blew debris through the already broken windows. Damarcus fell to his knees and covered his face with his hands. He pressed his fingers to his forehead to stop the ache from strengthening.

There's no point in you going out there if you haven't fully recovered, the nurse chimed in through his disheveled thoughts. Have you even recovered enough essence to fight?

He looked back at her, his dark brows angled in resolve. The nurse started after him, but another grabbed her arm. She could only watch helplessly as he limped back to the battle. Damarcus' body protested painfully with each step, but there was no time for sitting around, gripping over wounds that would eventually heal anyhow.

There were five Gifvoshu at first- five beings that had been poisoned by their own power. Only one remained, and he refused to fall. Bodies lay scattered about near and far yet the numbers were steadily growing. With a simple wave of his hand, he created a wave of black noise that drew agonised screams from everyone who dared to attack at close range.

What took you so long? Arx called out to Damarcus. I thought you might have died on me.

Not a chance, he replied.

This one is even worse than the others. Arx sighed heavily beneath his dented armor. He was one of the few who had yet to visit the medics despite the bleeding scars on every exposed surface of his skin. I don't see how we could take him without a heavier backing force...

There were miles between them and the final Gifvoshu, but Damarcus was not in the mood to sit back and plan anymore. There was no time for that. Even from their distance, Damarcus could feel the essence pouring from him. No one using essence dared to get close when he had covered himself in a barrier of his own raw essence. They would clash, and it would be instant death for any of them.

Damarcus clenched his scarred fists as they began to glow with a soft blue, almost white, light. He looked at Arx.

I'm going back in.

You're not seriously trying that again? You're lucky to be alive right now-

Cover me.

Arx could say no more as Damarcus ran ahead into the ensuing chaos. He started after Damarcus when a sudden silence dropped. Dark light exploded from where the Gifvoshu was surrounded, blowing away any and all of their men on the front lines. Arx braced himself against the blast as it ripped up more of the already devastated earth. Coincidentally, a familiar dark-haired man was thrown against him, and both were blown back a few feet.

Damarcus scrambled to his feet. We have to finish him!

Arx got up quickly and grabbed the collar of his lighter armour. Damarcus, stop! Focus! You have to calm down; you know your essence is no good when you're stressed. Take a moment to think.

There's no more time to think! He snatched away from him and ran back into the battle, ignoring the pain in his leg as much as he could.

The Gifvoshu was shrouded in a dark cloud of raw essence. Arx charged past Damarcus. As he ran towards him, others got up to join him. If their legs moved, they were behind him. Their numbers were dwindling. This was their last assault.

Those remaining with enough will to move their bodies through the pain swarmed in from all sides. His expression was oddly calm.

Don't you understand your efforts are useless? As long as there is light, there will always be darkness.

Damarcus focused on his power as he charged forward. The darkness dissipated as he approached. A blinding, purifying light emanated from him as he got closer. This would be the end. He would make sure of it.

Part 1

Disenchantment

Chapter 1

7 months, 3 weeks and 4 days before reincarnation

Raustel stared down the solid wall of earth from its taunting edge, feeling no bigger than an ant from such a height. Wind rushed up the rocky surface into his face. The horizon was lined with the golden light of sunrise. He took a deep breath as he looked back over the cliff's edge. Most wouldn't even think about doing what he woke up every morning to do- the one thing he could not start a single day without.

The valley could be appreciated in its entirety from so high. The river below was almost a line, snaking through the green lush below and creating a natural boundary for the forest on the other side. Heavy hundred-year-old trees separated the valley from the mountains still viewable from the river. The tips could be seen just over the trees from the ground below. The green faded to brown ten miles ahead where he knew the people of the land lived- people he had never and would never meet. Every morning was christened with the sight of a flock of birds flying east — the first and only animals he had seen in the valley.

The view reminded him of just how secluded the small town was. Luckily, no one was around to witness the mysterious talents of the occasionally pigheaded teen. As long as he refrained from hurting himself or making any stupid mistakes, it was perfectly safe. Raustel stood back from the edge of the cliff and rubbed his hands together. The valley was all he knew for the eighteen years he had been alive. Where he stood was the most comforting place in his small world- where the earth ended, and he could feel the wind around him, unobstructed.

A soft blue light formed between his palms as he focused on the glowing horizon. The world began to fall away around him, all but the wind and the image of the rising sun. Nostalgia came over him as he watched it, but he knew it wasn’t just the sight from the past eighteen years. He didn’t understand why the wind comforted him in such a familiar way. Raustel had come to realize that there was a lot he didn’t know. The newest thing he found he hadn’t the slightest idea of was this phenomenon he had come to create from seemingly nowhere.

Let's see how far we can take this, Raustel said, voicing the thought as it came to mind.

He took a deep breath, speeding up the flow of energy between his hands. His body began to move forward before he even realized that he was close to the cliff's edge. An unexplainable anxiety filled him as he came closer and closer to the end of the earth, but the sheer will to do so propelled him forward.

There was an instance of pure euphoria as he lifted from the ground into the air, catching the wind as he fell in ever so slow motion. He swung his arms out in a wide motion as if trying to slice the air in order to create a flow of energy around himself and slow his descent further. It worked beautifully, as he was able to float out further from the cliff.

This ability had shown itself almost a month ago now, and he had been playing with it since then. He was a novice at best with only a month of occasional use of this ability, but he had fair control over it. More than anything, he wanted to ask his parents about it and almost had a few times, but he knew how his father would take such a question. Raustel often started arguments with the questions he would ask.

He enjoyed the minute of stability before a strong wind disrupted his weaker stream. The flow of energy was thrown apart, and his rate of descent increased drastically. Raustel was sent hurtling towards the valley below. Flustered, he managed to create another burst of energy that hit the ground and bounced back up to slow his fall. He was able to land safely, though his limbs turned to jelly as soon as they touched the ground. Raustel sat back and tried to catch his breath. His hands were cool.

That was much better than last time, I suppose, he said to himself.

If anyone else had the ability, they were hiding it. The Amieran were a simple people who lived a simple life, but Raustel couldn't ignore the longing he felt when he looked upon a blue sky brushed with soft, white clouds. After a few minutes to steady himself, he got to his feet and began moving toward the worn path of the cliff. The path was carved into the wall of the cliffside, about two feet wide, and was completely man-made.

There was at least a twenty-minute run and then about an hour to make it back up the path into the small town. Raustel looked back to the sunrise and sighed tiredly.

There's no way I can get back before mother wakes up...

Olivia looked out the kitchen window to see children running by, screaming at each other about childish things. She shook her head. If only they didn't grow up, she sighed towards her frying pan.

She mused on the idea as she poured a little more oil into the pan. She left the pan for a moment to get a fire going in the large stone stove. Marcus! Marcus, where are you?

I'm- I'm outside dear.

She turned around and shook her head. He stood in the doorway covered in wood shavings from his chest to the bottom of his loose work pants; his broad shoulders were raised in anticipation. His dark eyes were filled with concern as he looked her over.

Do you need help with something? he inquired, smudging sweat and dirt on his cheek with a large hand.

The sun's only just come up, she whined. Can't you come in and help me make breakfast the way you used to?

Damarcus went to his wife's side and embraced her gently. Of course I can, dear. I'll get cleaned up and be right back to help you.

Olivia raised her head to look into his eyes. He gently kissed her cheek, and she smiled, pressing her finger to her lips then placing it to his.

I'll be right back. Damarcus pushed a stray hair behind her ear then kissed her forehead.

Olivia watched him leave. She brushed the wood shavings from her dress and touched her fingertips to her swollen belly with a sigh.

Your father is so wonderful; I don't know what I would do without him. I can't wait for you to meet your big brother too, little one, she said wistfully. He is one of a kind. I have never seen a boy up earlier than him of his own free will.

A tiny jolt against her hand let her know that the little one was indeed listening. Olivia shook her head and put a pot of water on the stove. She checked that the fire was going then went back to chopping the few vegetables they had for morning soup.

Damarcus returned to help her accordingly, not a speck of dirt in sight. Olivia raised an eyebrow at her husband as he took the knife from her.

You clean up well, she said as she moved aside to let him finish chopping the few greens they could grow inside. You know, he looks just like you when you were a boy.

Raustel's a lot like me when I was his age, Damarcus replied as he put the leafy vegetables into a bowl. I wasn't as thick-headed, but looks are just as good.

Olivia raised an incredulous eyebrow but kept her opinion to herself. Where do you think he goes so early in the morning? There's nothing around here for days, and he knows about the cliff. Olivia lifted the top from the pot sitting on the stove as she spoke. I hope he's staying out of trouble.

Damarcus finished the greens then added potatoes and herbs to the pot. Once the soup was on and boiling to Olivia's satisfaction, she sent him on to making the bread. Once that was finished, and in the oven, they sat at the table and waited for their son's return. These waits were never the most pleasant, not when they lived so close to the capital.

The risk of them being found and not knowing where their son was did little to ease their worry. He was not often gone when they woke, but they were well aware of his early risings. Olivia took Damarcus' hand and squeezed it gently.

He's fine, I promise. Raustel is my boy; he won't do anything we've told him not to, he assured her.

It was an hour's wait before the boy in question came stumbling toward the door. He leaned against the door to catch his breath. It was not the best idea to go running back up about fifty feet with weak legs. Honestly, he wasn't even hungry, though telling his mother that was not an option. Raustel straightened up and fixed his hair as the door opened. Olivia sprang on him like a cat on a mouse, pawing at his face and mewling her worries all over him.

Mother... Mother... Mother, I'm fine, Raustel said as she turned him in circles. Mo-

No, Raustel, no- You are not fine! Her eyes had gone hard in an instant. What are you doing? Why do you keep going out so early? Why do you look like...like such a mess? Raustel, what's going on?

Damarcus turned her around and ushered her back inside while reaching back to grab Raustel's arm none too gently and dragged him inside. He sat both of them down at the table.

Can we try to make less of a spectacle of ourselves, please? he said as he closed the door. Olivia crossed her arms.

Dear, I can see you're upset, but we need to handle this like adults, okay? His gaze shifted to the sweaty teen sitting next to her. Talk to your mother, she wants to sleep at night every now and then, you know?

Raustel turned toward his mother. Her dainty arms were folded over her swollen belly. She had her face turned from him, but he could still see the curve of her cheeks and the length of her dark lashes past her thick, dark brown tresses. He pulled one of her arms loose and took her small hand between his.

I've been going to the edge of the town every morning, he said in a low whisper. The view there is perfect for watching the sunrise.

Olivia looked over her shoulder at him. Her eyes were narrowed and unbelieving. You know that cliff is dangerously high, what if you fell and there was no one there to help you?

I'm too careful for an incident like that, he replied, his eyes locked on her hand. He glanced up for a moment only to reassure her. You know all this worry is bound to affect the baby, so just calm down and don't worry so much about me.

She turned toward him then, her eyes softened for the pouring of emotions. You say that, and I wonder if you have any idea just how dangerous it is for us here. This valley is the only place we have, and it will be the place where your sister will grow up knowing nothing of the cruelty of men. I want to see you become a man one day, get married, start a family- things any mother wants for her only son. Please, Raustel Logni Cordell, promise me you will give me the benefit of that, at least that.

Damarcus stood in the background leaning against the wall. He looked to his son now, reading his reaction. Raustel released his mother's hand and embraced her as tightly as he could without putting much pressure on her stomach. Olivia put her arms around him and squeezed him tight. Damarcus nodded his approval, then returned to the kitchen to check on breakfast. As he stirred the pot sitting over the fire, a cloud of grey smoke began to fill the kitchen.

Olivia practically shoved Raustel away as she struggled up from the couch and walked briskly to the kitchen where shouting ensued. Raustel proceeded to open all of the windows. It wasn't often food burned, but shouting usually meant something was off. He leaned out of the window and watched the busy streets of the town.

A strange peace washed over him as he watched the clouds glide by overhead. It was the same calmness he associated with the cliff, but much more tame. He wished for some explanation as to why he reacted so strongly to things so far out of his reach, flight and distant horizons. It made him curious as to what his childhood had been like.  Their arrival to the valley had blurred most of those memories.

Raustel! Olivia called from the kitchen, hurry and wash up so we can eat, dear. Your sister is not one for patience.

Yes, ma'am, he called back before jogging to the washroom.

The washtub awaited him in the small back room just wide enough to fit the tub plus one. It was often he wondered how bathing worked where they used to live. He relieved himself of his now sweat-drenched clothes, slipped into the warm water and set to cleaning the light layer of dirt from his limbs. Once dried and dressed, Raustel returned to the front of the house. There was another voice, one he recognized instantly as someone he didn't know. They didn't often have visitors.

Yes, Damarcus said. We'll stay well aware.

Stay safe.

Raustel walked into the living space as Damarcus closed the door. He raised his eyebrows questioningly, but his father just shook his head and went into the kitchen where Olivia was setting up the table. A bowl of steaming soup, a side of sweetened vegetables and freshly baked bread sat waiting for them. Damarcus helped her into her seat before seating himself.

What was all that about at the door? she asked as she straightened a wrinkle from her dress.

There's been some worrying activity near the north city recently, and someone came in to warn us, nothing serious, he replied.

Olivia picked up her spoon without another word. There was nothing to be said since everyone was thinking the same thing. The idea of leaving the town was not pleasing in the least, especially for Olivia in her current state. They already had nothing to their name; leaving surely meant death for any of them, being as unfamiliar with  the terrain as they were. The valley was the safest place on earth for them.

Chapter 2

7 months, 3 weeks and 4 days before reincarnation

Fabre tucked his gloves under his arm and picked up the short stack of study materials before leaving his room. The servants ducked out of his path and others blatantly ignored him, not that he paid much mind to anyone else in the corridor. He proceeded down the main hall with his focus solely on his destination. He pushed his thin, nickel framed glasses up the bridge of his nose as he walked briskly until he came to the study. A moment was taken to straighten the wrinkles from his dark brown jerkin.

Satisfied, he pushed open the door and marched inside. A wide-eyed, dark-haired girl looked up from her reading as he dropped the stack of books on the table. She gave a small smile and closed her book.

There you are, I was wondering when you would come. I started to worry you had forgotten me in dealing with my sister.

I no longer handle your sister’s affairs, Princess Ita, he replied calmly.

She waved off his comment. How is she? She's doing well, I hope?

Fabre pulled his gloves on. She is fine. Where did we end in the last lesson?

We were stopped in honorary titles and customary behaviour. Do you see her often?

Fabre glanced up at her then took a book from his stack and opened it. The room was silent but for the flipping of pages. Ita decided to take the chance and ask the forbidden question. Do you think I may go to see her today?

Your Highness, he said with a sigh. "I am no longer the caretaker of your sister. She has a lady servant to care for her needs. If you or I were seen at her door, we would be severely punished by the king's- your father's- hand."

Ita sat back in her chair and softened her expression. But she is my only sister, and I have only ever seen her as an infant. My own flesh and blood, dear Fabre. I want to see her- I do not care what my father says.

Fabre looked up at that. Watch what you say, Princess. You and I share the knowledge of your father's patience for such words.

Ita grabbed her book and opened it reluctantly to the page where they had left off. Fabre began his lecture, and she listened less than half heartedly. He went on about princes and kings and queens until Ita tuned him out altogether. Fabre was well learned in her tuning out methods, however, and stopped when he noticed her blank stare.

Princess.

Ita started straight in her chair. Are we done?

No, we are not done. This is important for your future. How do you expect to be a queen without knowing the way to carry yourself properly?

Ita gave an exasperated sigh. Dear Fabre, I am just too busy thinking about my dear sister's future. Where will she be in five years?

Fabre closed his book. Perhaps we are done for the day. You need sleep. I will alert the king of your condition.

Ita closed her book and followed him out of the study. She manoeuvred the corridors like a mouse in a maze until she came to the corridor shaded by dark drapes. Ita stood at the end of the darkened corridor, staring down the length of it. She wanted to see her sister so badly she would have risked the wrath of her father ten times. It did not sit well with her being treated as an only child when there was another.

The king never talked about her and Fabre avoided the topic completely. She gazed down the corridor until one of the doors opened. She hid around the corner until she heard the door closed then peered around the corner to see who had come out. It was a girl in an all-black overdress and slippers.

Her hazel eyes were set forward as she walked briskly down the corridor. The princess stepped out in front of the girl and smiled brightly. The girl stopped with a gasp.

I know I should be elsewhere, but-

Forgive my tone, Your Highness, but no, you should be, the servant girl said quickly, lowering her gaze. You could be in trouble if you are seen here.

She tried to go pass, but Ita stepped in front of her. What is your name? The servant girl tried to pass again, but Ita kept in front. Tell me your name, servant girl.

Tarvain Badrick, she answered quickly. Please-

Do you know my sister?

Tarvain glanced up only for a second before shaking her head. I do not. I am sorry.

Ita's expression softened, and she stepped aside. I apologise for keeping you from your duties.

She watched the girl almost run to the corner. The princess reluctantly returned to her own chambers before she could be seen.

Tarvain went about her task somewhat distractedly, moving quickly along the path towards the kitchen with her eyes locked to the floor. No one cared to give her a second glance as she walked briskly through the halls. The kitchen was almost empty, but for the cooks preparing lunch for the king and princess. They did not pause for even a moment when the girl entered. A silver tray with a lid sat on a small, neglected table in a faraway corner. She picked up the tray, sighing at the black ink that tainted the polished silver.

Without a word to anyone, she returned the way she had come, back to the dimly lit corridor. She paused in front of a door in the corridor that had been painted all in red. Tarvain balanced the tray on her forearm to open the door then proceeded inside. She closed the door quietly behind her then set the tray on the small bedside dresser. Alocia sat on the edge of the bed with both hands set regally in her lap. Raven black tresses brushed her face from the bun tied on the back of her head. Stone grey eyes surrounded by a pale, fair complexion glanced back at the lady servant.

At seventeen years of age, Alocia's demeanour had been moulded into a hard, reserved young woman. Her stone grey eyes held a cold countenance that made even the most confident individual shiver- on the rare occasion she actually saw anyone other than Tarvain or Fabre. Her hair was the darkest seen even in the exotic kingdoms oceans away. It's almost sad, Tarvain thought as she finished twisting up her hair and clipped it in place with a metal piece. All this beauty set to sit here in isolation.

Alocia looked at the tray on the table then back at the other girl. Her eyes moved across her face as if attempting to count the many dark freckles that shrouded it. Must I continue to endure this torture?

It is not torture, My Lady, you must eat. Tarvain took the lid from the tray and brought it to her. You barely touched a morsel the other day.

Alocia looked on the small chicken and potatoes with disgust. I am not hungry, she mumbled as she turned away.

Tarvain picked up the plate and sat on the bed next to her. Alocia, you have to eat something, she said.

Alocia glared at the plate. Do you know who made this?

Alocia... Tarvain started but shook her head in defeat. She held it out to her anyway.

I... I cannot eat this if you cannot tell me where it came from...

Tarvain looked down at the plate and wrinkled her freckled nose. Dear, it came from the kitchen. You know Fabre makes all of your meals, Alocia. No one else is allowed to touch your things but Fabre and I.

Alocia fell onto her side on the bed with an exasperated sigh. Tarvain conceded and put the plate back on the tray.

I know this is hard for you, but one day-

Do you really? Alocia propped herself up on her elbows. I have been enduring this for years- even before you came to the castle. This life- this distrust- it did not come from nowhere. I cannot just wish it all away like you can. This is my life.

I do not wish anything away, Tarvain replied sternly. I am here for you- only you. Stop- She clenched her fists. Your Highness... Please, just eat. She offered her the plate again. You need to eat; you seem frailer every time I see you and I don't like it.

A silence fell between them that made both girls rather uncomfortable. Alocia took the