by Jack Walton
Prologue
“Once there was a time of great prosperity in Kuran,” began the old man. “The fiends and dark spirits were driven back to wherever they came from and all was well,” “But the peace was shattered by a the darkest of the shades… Firuda,” “And so this time of darkness has settled upon us… but we should not forget that it is still the age of heroes, and therefore there is still hope,” he concluded. The village children looked on in wonder. “Elder Kinturi, what is a shade?” asked a young boy of five, named Kronda. Kinturi answered, “A shade is one of the darkest entities known to our kind, few can escape the power of a shade and only the greatest heroes are capable of destroying such fiends,”
CHAPTER I
TEN YEARS LATER
Kronda awoke to screams and roaring. He pulled on his clothes and boots, picked up a small dagger and ran outside. There were flames everywhere. Kronda could see people lying dead on the ground… everywhere. Suddenly a man near his feet grabbed him. It was Elder Kinturi. “Kronda, go to the statue of life in the square and say these words…” he faltered for a moment and then breathed, “Kuvrad vasr krasa, and then take the item in cloth that will appear near the bottom of the statue, take it and run to the woods West of here,” and with that Kinturi breathed his last. Kronda ran straight to the statue of life and uttered the words. Just as Kinturi had said, a long lumpy item wrapped in cloth appeared near the bottom of the statue. He picked it up and ran to the forest. On the edge of the village Kronda noticed oddly shaped shadows in between the buildings. He knew better than to investigate. Kronda finally reached the woods but did not stop running. Eventually he stopped, exhausted. Then, in a blur, a young girl dropped down in front of him and raised a dagger to his throat. Kronda’s own dagger was tucked in his belt but he dared not move.
*
“What are you doing in these woods and what is there hidden in that cloth,” she asked sharply. “My village was attack by fiends and I was instructed to come here by my elder just before he died, as for that bundle, I have no idea what it is,” Kronda quickly replied. The young girl paused for a moment, “I saw no fiends come through the forest, but then… hmm… it is not safe here, we’ll talk more when we’re in a safer place, follow me,” She set off through the woods at an amazing speed. It took everything Kronda had to keep up with her. Soon they came to a large tree with a rope ladder. The young girl turned to Kronda and said, “Once you start climbing don’t look back, just keep going until you find a wooden hut at the top,”
*
It was a long and rough climb; Kronda amassed more than one bruise as the ladder swayed causing him to bump into any branches near him. The bark was sharp and cut his skin. Kronda dared not look up or down for the young girl for fear of falling. Just as Kronda was beginning to tire he reached a small wooden hut built into the trunk. He hauled himself into the hut where the young girl was sitting around a stump table.
She gestured to a spare seat. As he sat down she brought out two large fruits and a small wooden jug of water. She handed one of the fruits to him. “The entire fruit is edible, even the skin and seed,” she said. “My name is Kronda,” he replied, “And yours?” “My name is Flyph,” said the girl, “And it is sad news you have brought me, very sad news indeed,”
CHAPTER II
For the first time Kronda actually took in what the young girl looked like. She looked to be about fourteen years old and was dressed in white linen. She had long, scraggly, dark hair and was bare footed. Then Kronda gasped, on her back was an elegant pair of dark, brown wings. Flyph was already eating her fruit and so Kronda started on his own. It was delicious; it tasted sweet, juicy and crisp.
*
“Please tell me all that happened,” murmured Flyph. And so Kronda related to her everything that had happened, from the oddly shaped shadows to the cloth package. “I never saw the fiends come through the forest, though, there were some strangers cloaked in black in the woods this morning,” she murmured. “I just don’t know how… unless… SHADES!!!” “That would explain the odd shapes-shades can summon fiends any time anywhere-but… you’re sure you saw no shades?” asked Flyph. “None,” replied Kronda. “I think, we should see what’s in that cloth,” said Flyph. Kronda tore open the cloth and gasped, as did Flyph. Inside was a very long, thin, bright sword. “It now stands to reason that shades attacked what would be such an insignificant, useless village to them,” Flyph breathed. Though astounded by the beauty of the weapon Kronda asked, “Why would they want this, its just a rapier?” “That is no rapier,” said Flyph. “That is Rothria, the star of the South,” she breathed. “That blade is made from celestial crystal, it is unbreakable and ever sharp,” “The rest of the celestial shard this was made from resides in a great tower to the south,” said Flyph. “We are in the West, this weapon comes from the South, I don’t understand, and what are those three holes in the hilt?” Kronda asked. “The three holes were the resting places of three different gems, the top a Ruby, the left an emerald and the third a sapphire,” replied Flyph. “When the darkness came to our land of Kuran our last hero, Kadura, sacrificed himself to scatter the three gems to the North, West and East. He also sent the blade to the West, he did this to prevent the shade lord, Firuda, from obtaining the blade in perfect condition,” she continued. “No one knew where the blade or gems were hidden but legend said that if Firuda obtained the blade with the gems all would be doomed,” “However, if the gems and blade were found, the finder would have the power to vanquish Firuda,” Flyph sighed. “The three gems each had one special property, the sapphire allowed Rothria to be infused with celestial lightning, the Emerald cleared the mind and the Ruby infused the user with great courage,” “Unfortunately Kadura summoned a spiritual guardian or guardia to guard each gem,” continued Flyph. “Firuda lurks in the tower to the South, only the combined power of the three gems can strike him down,” ended Flyph. “What to do now?” Kronda thought aloud. “Exactly what the legend says,” answered Flyph.
*
That night Flyph prepared a mat for Kronda. After that was done she immediately went to bed. Kronda stayed up much longer. The fact that his entire village and its people had just been destroyed was just beginning to sink in.
CHAPTER
III
Early the next morning Flyph shook Kronda awake. “Quickly, we must be on our way,” she whispered. “What, already?” answered Kronda. “The sooner that Kuran is free of darkness the better,” “Do you know how to fight with Rothria?” Flyph asked. “I have only ever fought with an exceptionally long dagger,” answered Kronda. “Well, no matter, lets see just how good you are,” said Flyph. And with that he brought out a thin sabre about the size of Rothria. “We’ll cut each other to ribbons!” exclaimed Kronda. “Of course not!” answered Flyph. Kronda was surprised to see Flyph bring out two small bracelets. Then Kronda noticed that Flyph was already wearing a similar bracelet. She went to take it off. As she removed it Kronda gasped. Her wings disappeared. But as she slipped one of the other two bracelets on she was completely covered by a silvery light. “This will protect me from all but the very fiercest blows, unfortunately, as Rothria is a celestial blade, the defensive power of the frenda I’m wearing will be nothing, therefore and seeing as this is only practice we will use long strong sticks instead,” “put this other frenda on your arm,” said Flyph. Kronda did as he was told and soon after they were at blows, and, though they were quite evenly matched, it was soon revealed that Kronda was quite proficient and eventually he dealt Flyph such a strong blow that her stick was knocked from her hand.
*
They were now on the road again. The path twisted and turned so many times that Kronda had no sense of direction left. About an hour later Flyph came to an abrupt halt. “Well, is this going to be your first encounter with a fiend?” “No matter, watch and learn,” she said with a twinkle in her eye. Suddenly the air was filled with a tremendous roaring. And then the fiend was upon them; it looked like a huge lizard standing on its hind legs. Its claws were very long and razor sharp. Flyph replaced her wing frenda hurriedly. Then Kronda watched as she rose from the ground and soared towards the beast. The fiend raised its claws. Kronda gasped with panic, Flyph was going to fly straight into the claws. But just as Flyph was about to hit she disappeared in a flurry of feathers. Suddenly she was behind the beast. Kronda watched as she split her sabre into two small daggers. Then with one dagger she swiped the fiend while with the other she jabbed under the swiping arm, and then, to Kronda’s amazement the fiend just… vanished.
*
“Where did it go?” Kronda asked. “To the place people call the Celestial gardens,” replied Flyph. “The souls of fiends gather there when they are killed. Once they enter the gardens the souls are calmed and become peaceful,” she said reading the question on Kronda’s face. Suddenly there was a blazing light. They had come to the edge of the forest and Kronda had not realized just how dark it had been in the forest. “This road leads to Kavera,” said Flyph. “I have only been to the town once and it was not pleasant… unfortunately that is all I know of the outside world,” she finished.
CHAPTER IV
The road to Kavera was
rough and the brambles, which grew next to the road, sprouted thorns a half a
foot long.
After many long weary hours darkness began to fall and they decided to set up camp. Flyph had brought some supplies from her home. That night over a dinner of berries and milk Flyph told Kronda that they would reach Kavera about midday tomorrow.
Early the next morning Flyph woke Kronda whispering quietly “There is danger here, we must move now,” Kronda hurriedly gathered his things. Within minutes they were on the road.
“They’re following us,” murmured Flyph. “Who?” asked Kronda. “I’m not sure,” replied Flyph, “But it is either a lowly thief or… ARM YOURSELF,” she shouted while throwing one of her shielding Frenda bangles to Kronda. Kronda could hear the foot steps now, if that’s what they were. He placed the Frenda on his arm and quickly drew Rothria before whipping around to face the enemy. Nothing. “Here it comes!” Flyph yelled. “It?” Kronda thought. In the next moment he pushed that thought to the back of his mind. The enemy had descended upon them so fast it was unbelievable. “BY HELL’S THUNDER IT’S A SHADE!” screamed Flyph. The shade paused as if to decide whom to attack first. This was Kronda’s first chance to look at it properly. All that could be seen of the shade was its great, night black cloak. Then Kronda looked at the long wicked looking blade it was holding. It was longer than Rothria but not as sharp looking. Kronda had only a few seconds to take this in before the enemy charged towards them. Flyph met him head on but Kronda saw the shade fling her aside like a doll, and then he heard it’s voice. “Pitiful girl, that blade will soon be mine,” The shades voice sent a shiver of fear through Kronda, but suddenly the shade turned to him and all thoughts were forgotten. The enemy charged and fell.
Kronda gasped. It was amazing. The fight had been so brief. At first Kronda had been panic-stricken when suddenly Rothria had started glowing, and then there had been a bright light, before the shade’s limp corpse fell to the ground. Kronda ran over to Flyph. He was relieved to see her eyes open. It seemed that the shade had not dealt her a fatal blow. “We should not spend more than a day in Kavera,”said Flyph. “As I said, it is not a pleasant place and the shade may have allies there, you can tell me what happened as we walk.
Kronda retold what had happened as well as he could. “Something you should know,” said Flyph after Kronda had relayed his story. “One: as you have probably guessed, the light was obviously some sort of magic, and two: magic is far from safe to use, it can be dangerous to the user as well as the enemy,” “Anyone can use magic but only some with exceptionally strong… uh, mind skills and willpower can use it safely and properly,” “What do you mean, mind skills and willpower?” asked Kronda. “Well… uh… I am not the right one to explain,” she replied. “It would be best if you did not use magic again,” “Its not like I had any choice,” mumbled Kronda. “I know,” Flyph replied. “We will find someone who knows more in Kavera,” she said.
CHAPTER V
Kavera was an ugly town. The houses and lodges were in a tumbled mess. It looked as if they had been flung from the heavens and left where they landed. “Our first priority is to get lodgings and then we can find someone who knows about magic,” Flyph said. Kronda and Flyph walked through half of Kavera before they found an inn that was suitable to stay in. “I have only enough coins to last us three days at the most,” Flyph explained as they walked out. “How do we find someone who knows about magic?” asked Kronda. “QUIET!” snapped Flyph. “I should tell you that not many people are fond of magic users,” she said more quietly. “They usually put two and two together and end up associating magic with either shades or some other form of evil,” “OK… uh… where do we start looking,” asked Kronda. “In the town library or whatever is closest to that,” Flyph replied. “Are you saying that they don’t even have a library here?” asked Kronda. “Possibly,” replied Flyph. “Why are we looking in the library?” Kronda asked. “For the simple reason that most magic users are historians, scholars… the sort of people you would expect to find at a library,” she replied once again. Just then a child ran past. Flyph caught him by the shoulder. “Do you know where we can find the library?” she asked. “Its about five houses down from here,” he replied. Flyph tossed a coin to the child, told him he could go and then turned to Kronda. “This town is in worse shape than last I was here,” she murmured.
The library was dingy and very smoky. As soon as Kronda and Flyph walked in a fat man stepped in front of them. “This is my library, you must pay if you want to go any further,” he rasped. “How much?” Flyph asked. “Five crowns,” he replied smiling. Flyph drew the coins and passed them to him. The man stepped aside and let them pass. “How could you let him rob us like that?” Kronda exclaimed. “I didn’t,” Flyph replied. “By tonight they will be sand,” she said smiling. “How do we know who to look for?” Kronda asked. “We will just have to risk asking around,” she replied.
For five or so minutes all went well. Kronda had just finished enquiring the librarian himself when there was a shout from the back of the room. “GET OUT!” a man’s voice roared. “MAGIC USERS ARE NOT WELCOME HERE!” it continued. Kronda lunged for the door.
“We obviously can’t go back in there,” sighed Flyph. They were about to make their way back to their lodge just as a young man stepped out of the shadows. “I’m terribly sorry but I couldn’t help overhearing the argument that went on in there,” he began. “You had better come with me to my house, you obviously don’t know just how much the hatred of magic has grown in Kuran. And besides the town leaders will have sent out men to look for you by now.” Kronda had no trouble deciding what he was going to do.
Once Kronda and Flyph were safely inside the man’s house he began to introduce himself, “I am quite sorry for not explaining things to you properly before,” he said. “My name is Tazard,” he continued. “You will not be safe for much longer in Kavera, Lord Valandray’s men will soon be looking for you,” “Lord Valandray must be the towns leader,” Kronda thought to himself. “I believe that you were enquiring whether there might be a magic user in town?” Tazard asked. “Yes,” Flyph replied. “As I said earlier, the people’s hatred of magic has grown enormously since just last season. The fiends have been appearing ten fold since then, and there have also been unconfirmed reports of a shade,” said Tazard. “But on to magic,” he continued, “What seems to be the problem?” he asked. “Can we trust him?” Kronda whispered to Flyph. “I think so,” She whispered back. “Well?” asked Tazard impatiently. “I can use magic,” sighed Kronda. “I thought as much,” Tazard replied. “We want to know whether it is safe for him to continue to learn the art, and if so where we could go to get guidance,” sighed Flyph. “Did you discover your ability by accident, or did you have a knowledge of your power,” Tazard asked Kronda. “Completely by accident,” replied Kronda. “Last of all, what was the situation in which you used magic and what did you do?” “It was during a fight with a shade. He rushed at me but as I raised my sword to meet his there was this bright light and he fell to the ground dead,” Kronda finished. “But that’s not physically possible for someone of your age,” proclaimed Tazard. “Believe it or not, that’s what he did,” said Flyph. “That leaves only one explanation… You my friend, are carrying the sacred blade if I am not mistaken,” exclaimed Tazard. Kronda realized that they had trapped themselves. “We will have to trust him,” whispered Kronda to Flyph. Flyph nodded. “That he is,” said Flyph. “That alters the situation completely, my knowledge of magic is not large enough to explain how your magical abilities work,” he sighed. “Only my master, Thaven, would be able to explain, unfortunately, he lives in Tiruel,” sighed Tazard again. At that moment there was a knock at the door.
CHAPTER VI
“By order of Lord Valandray, hand over the ones you are sheltering in your home,” said a guards voice. “Arm yourselves,” yelled Tazard. Flyph and Kronda both donned their shield Frendas. To their surprise Tazard placed a Frenda on his arm. To their even greater surprise he was immediately encased in a coat of armour. And then the door crashed down. Flyph drew her sabre and Kronda drew Rothria from a back sheath he had bought earlier. Tazard drew from its sheath one of the great elven blades crafted from the stars. It was a bloody battle. There were four guards. The entire fight lasted only a couple of minutes, but by the end the damage was done. They had slaughtered every guard but during the last minute of the battle one of the guards had scored a hit on Tazard.
After they had gotten rid of the guard’s bodies, Flyph examined Tazard’s wound. It had absolutely smashed his hip and he was losing blood fast. Flyph managed to tie a piece of cloth tightly around it. “Two horses out the back… we must get to Tiruel,” gasped Tazard, and fainted.
They had been riding for about two hours taking turns at carrying Tazard. It was getting dark so they set up camp. Flyph redressed Tazard’s wound and laid him down by the fire. Then she walked over to Kronda. “His wound has gotten worse, I fear he will die before we can get to Tiruel,” she said worriedly. “When do you think we will get to Tiruel?” asked Kronda. “We will have to pass Fathire unfortunately as word of us will have spread. It will probably take us about three days to reach Tiruel,” she said gazing down at the map they had found in Tazard’s office. “We will probably stop just past Fathire tomorrow. It also seems that we will be camping quite close to what this map reads is a trail of the lost ones, although I know not what that is,” Flyph said. It suddenly struck Kronda that he knew nothing of Flyph’s past. “Flyph,” he said slowly. “You know a little about me but I know nothing of you,” he said. “What do you mean,” she asked. “I would like to know a bit about you and your past,” Kronda said. “Very well,” Flyph sighed, putting down the map. “This is going to be quit a long conversation so make yourself comfortable,” “When I was small my parents and I lived in the forest. Everything was well until my seventh birthday. On that horrible day three strangers asked for shelter in our house. They were dressed in complete black and we were suspicious, but could not deny them. In the morning when I woke they were gone the cloaked strangers who I now believe to be shades, and my parents,” she finished. “Do you know where they took your parents,” Kronda asked. “I’ve no idea,” said Flyph sadly. “Probably to the dark city Sagarth to work as slaves.” She turned away sobbing and went to sleep. Kronda made a silent oath that night that they would find Flyph’s parents no matter what. He also swore to kill every shade he met and should they flee he would chase them to the ends of the earth.
CHAPTER VII
The next day was uneventful except for a strange tingling Kronda felt inside him. When he asked Flyph they took another look at the map. “By the look of things the statue where you found Rothria was right on a trail of the lost ones, that probably means we can guess where the three gems can be located. That also explains the tingling,” she said. They took a closer look at the map. “What we must remember is that Kadura would have hidden them in the most dangerous places, places that only he could get to,” Flyph explained. “I think he would have placed the western gem in the Plains of the Sentinels, and the eastern gem in Ethreavia the Lost City, But where would he have sent the Northern gem?” wondered Kronda aloud. “Yes, Not in Sadorse, your home or the woods, and definitely not in Kavera of that I am sure,” said Flyph. “Fathire I think,” blurted Kronda. “Of course, why did I not see it before, it has to be Fathire for the simple reason that it is the closest possible place to the North,” she replied excitedly. Flyph redressed Tazard’s wounds and went to bed. It was dispiriting to see that Tazard was not waking, or getting any better for that matter.
As the sun rose the next morning Kronda prepared for the day ahead. He volunteered to carry Tazard first, of which Flyph was grateful. As they saddled the horses Kronda took a quick look at Tazard’s wound. It was infected.
Another day passed uneventfully. That night however, disaster struck. Kronda and Flyph were sitting around a crackling fire when they heard sounds behind them. Tazard was thrashing around in his sleep. “Oh this is the worst thing that could happen,” cried Flyph. “He has a fever, one I am afraid that might be fatal,” she wailed. They both rushed to Tazard’s side. Kronda poured a little water through his lips. From that moment on one of them stayed with Tazard while the other got some sleep.
It was in the early stages of the morning and Kronda was on watch over Tazard. Kronda knew it would not be long now before Tazard’s strength gave out. Kronda poured a little more water through his lips. All of a sudden Tazard went stiff. Kronda walked over to Flyph and woke her. Flyph gave him a questioning look, Kronda nodded. “We must bury him somewhere,” sighed Flyph. Kronda looked around and pointed out a large tree nearby. While Flyph began digging a grave Kronda collected some large stones with which to make a gravestone. Once they had buried Tazard, Kronda placed the rocks in a small pile over the head of the grave, he then drew his dagger and carved the words: Here lies Tazard, smiter of evil. “We must move on,” said Flyph beside him. “I know this will not sound good to you but, I’ve taken his weapon and armour Frenda,” she continued. Kronda nodded he understood.
CHAPTER
VIII
They were nearing Tiruel when Kronda began to wonder what would happen if you wore two Frenda bangles at one time. When he asked Flyph she snapped back, “I absolutely forbid you to try it. What powers a Frenda is the strength of the wearer. For example, if you were unconscious then it would do nothing. If however you were wearing two, then the effect would be increased greatly, but the power would be so strong it might not be possible to remove the Frendas.” Kronda was disappointed at this but it did not dampen his spirits, as Tiruel was now a large lump on the horizon. “We should reach it just before dark,” said Flyph following his gaze. “I left my sabre behind as Tazard’s blade will prove more effective in a fight,” She explained.
Unlike
Kavera, Tiruel was a nicely organised city. It had a large wall surrounding it
with guards posted at every gate. As it was getting dark Kronda and Flyph found
lodgings at the TRAVELER’S INN. As they stored their belongings in
their room Flyph turned to Kronda and said “Take care to keep Rothria in its
sheath, there are certain people we don’t want to know about it.” Kronda
understood, but tucked his dagger into his boot just in case. The inn’s food
was excellent and both of them had a good meal.
In
the morning they both split up to look for Thaven. Flyph handed Kronda some
coins and walked off. Kronda began to walk in the opposite direction. Within the
hour he saw a cart filled with people, their hands locked by chains.
“Slaves!” thought Kronda immediately. They were indeed slaves, slaves bound
for the dark city, Sagarth, Firuda’s domain. There was only one guard and
Kronda knew he could easily over power him. Flyph had given Kronda Tazard’s
armour Frenda. The thought was suddenly wiped from his mind however as he
realised that that would mean revealing Rothria. “How can the people of Kuran
let them get away with this?” Kronda muttered to himself disappointedly as he
watched the cart trundle away. “I agree,” said a nearby voice. Kronda had
not realised anyone had heard him talking to himself. He turned to see the man
who had spoken. He was a young man of about twenty-five years. Kronda realised
he was supposed to be asking around for Thaven, this man was as good as any
other. It turned out that the young man was Thaven’s apprentice, Stavary.
Stavary directed Kronda to a house about two streets from Kronda’s own.
“Thanks,” murmured Kronda as he walked away. Kronda walked straight to
Thaven’s house and memorised what it looked like. It had a thatched roof and
rough wooden walls. That night Kronda told Flyph what he had discovered. “I
too have found a little information on Thaven. It seems that the townsfolk
dislike him because of his dealings in magic,” said Flyph. “we will go and
see him tomorrow.”
