VIII
The sorcerer was already asleep, when the king entered. The king stopped for a moment, looking deeply into the sorcerer's eyes, they were widely opened. The king made a silly face, waived his hand in front of the sorcerer, there was no reply. What else could he do? The sorcerer was asleep, no, he was sleeping like a log. The king took one feather from his hat, and started tickling the sorcerer.
“Very funny, Your Grace.” the sorcerer said.
“You're awake!” the king said.
“Yes.”
“I need your help.”
“What kind of help? A spell or two? Something complex?”
“Yes.”
“Leave it to me.”
“I want you to scare someone.”
“Easy.”
The sorcerer entered the circle, looked at his sides, and started speaking the magical words. A layer of black smoke appeared around the circle. The sorcerer continued. Black figures formed from the black smoke. Their eyes were red as blood, their teeth were sharp as swords, their claws are spears, and their tails are a thunderbolt. The figures danced around the sorcerer. They were getting bigger and bigger. Their faces appeared from the blackness. Creatures from nightmares, there was no doubt, creatures from the worst nightmares. Their forms changed, they became more and more terror looking.
“Whom do you want to scare, Your Grace?” the sorcerer asked with a metallic voice.
The king, thought for a moment and said the name:
“Alerich.”
“It shall be done.”
The creatures left the room, most of them were going through walls. They went across field and villages. The sorcerer, in the meantime, with king was watching through his golden mirror. The creatures weren't different that normal clouds.
“Where is that man?”
“Patience, Your Grace, we will find him.”
“I hope so.”
“Have no worry, we will find him. This has to do with Lady Joanna?”
“Well… well, yes.”
“I knew it.”
“Can those things, go any faster.”
“No, Your Grace. There!”
“I see him.”
“Let's see he's talking about.”
Two figure stood near the castle entrance. One of them was leaning over the balcony. The second one was walking in circles with a nervous turn.
‘‘Relax, you are only making things harder.”
“I know.”
“Then, do it.”
“I can't. It's easy for you to say.”
“Relax.”
“I can't.”
“But you must.”
“I can't.”
“Everything will be alright, don't you worry.”
“I'm trying to.”
“You think it will be alright?”
“Yes.”
“How can you be like that? Like everything is alright, that nothing will happen.”
“I was always like this.”
“If only, I could be like you.”
“It's not so hard.”
“Will the Lady Joanna do it?”
“That, I don't know.”
“There is something that you don't.”
“First thing for everything.”
The mirror turned blue, the sorcerer moved forward, the king had done the same.
“What's happening?” the king asked with a shocked look on his face.
“Everything is going according to plan.” the sorcerer said without emotions.
“I hope so. I truly do.”
“The creatures have found his bedroom; we only have to wait for him to fall asleep.”
“So, more waiting?”
“Yes.”
“In the meantime, I'm going to make me a pair socks.” the king said in a sarcastic tone.
“Make me a pair.”
“Why don't you do it?”
“My hands aren't that skilled as yours, Your Grace.”
“Me and my big mouth!”
They waited. The knight and his squire sat at the table, drinking and eating until they were full. The knight was the first to break the silence.
“You like, don't you?”
“Yes.”
“There is no secrecy.”
“It's a known fact.”
“Where do I live?”
“In the castle, sir.”
“I know that. What I meant, where am I?”
“In the great hall, sir.”
“I know that. I don't know anything about you two.”
“It's strange. You don't know anything?”
“No.”
“Strange, you must know, that we are married.”
“When? How long?”
“Soon, it will be two years.”
“Two years?”
“Yes.”
“You didn't know it?”
“No. You were sixteen than.”
“Yes.”
“Was I there?”
“You were in the third row.”
“Third row… on what side?”
“The left one.”
“The left one?”
“Yes. You were with Lady Gardilia.”
“Lady Gardilia?”
“Yes.”
“I thought, I have forgotten something. Now, I see that. ”
“What did you forgot?”
“To write her a letter.”
“You think, that she still waits for you?”
“You're right. Forget the last part. I'm going to my room.”
“Goodnight, sir.”
“Before I go, I must ask you a question.”
“Ask away, sir.”
“Do you have kids?”
“Well…I…I can't answer that.”
“I've heard rumors.”
“They are wrong. She's pregnant.”
“Don't stay up to late.”
“I won't, sir.”
The knight slowly went up the stairs. His mind was spinning from the information he just heard.
“Almost, Your Grace.” the sorcerer said.
“I'm almost finished with the socks.” the king gave him a pair.
“They are much better than the socks Irianna sells.” the sorcerer was pleased with the quality.
“I didn't that Irianna sells socks. When did she start?”
“Two months ago.”
“I always wanted to beat her in her own game. This is my chance.”
“With the socks of this quality, it will be easy.”
“You think?”
“Yes.”
“Back to the matter at hand. Where is he?”
“In his room.”
“What is he doing?”
“Sleeping.”
“That fast?”
“Yes.”
“Send him the surprise.”
The sorcerer's hand moved, his bony fingers made a sign that was unknown to the king. His eyes had bluish light to them; his face was paler and paler, until it became a lightly blue colored. The only thing that stayed the same was his reddish hair and beard.
“It's done.” he said in a voice that shocked the foundations of the castle.
“Then, let's enjoy the show.”
Alerich turned to his side with one eye opened. He thought he heard something; he wasn't wrong. The creature lifted him and the bed high in the air. The knight froze, he was holding for dear life. The creature laughed at him, its mouth was wide open, reviling three full rows of teeth.
“Why must everything bad happen to me?”
“Because you a magnet to bad luck.” the creature said.
“You speak?”
“Of course, I do.”
“Well, that's something new.”
“Don't tell, that you have never seen a talking creature.”
“No.”
“Great, for you. Tell me this, do you like to fly?”
“Never had the opportunity.”
“You'll love it.”
“Are you sure?”
“I am.”
“Well, then, let's do it.”
“You wish, not mine.”
The creature lifted him high above its head. The knight was holding the creatures hand with such force, that the creature couldn't shake him off. The creature tried again. Again, the knight holds with such force. After half an hour, they were weary. Both of them gave up at the same time.
“This isn't good.” the king said.
“It could be worse.”
“True. Can you speak through the creature?”
“I can.”
“Is there something, you can't do?”
“One thing, to write a romance novel.”
“Me too. Never liked those types of novels.”
“There is one more type that I don't like.”
“What type is that?”
“Where the husband cheats his wife, and she faithfully prays that he will return to her and that they will live happily ever after.”
“Just, look at our Lady Vertina.”
“What's with her?”
“The last time, I heard about her, she had three lovers and two husbands.”
“Three lovers and two husbands? ”
“Yes. Do you know, what's the best part?”
“What?”
“They never meet.”
“That's impossible.”
“I had the same attitude, then I saw her with them. Each of them, waited for her in the different part of the palace.”
“She has a lot of stamina.”
“Let's return to the matter at hand. I want you to tell him, that he must leave Lady Joanna alone.”
“Done.”
The knight went on his knees, swearing that he will leave Lady Joanna alone. The creature turned, looked him in the eyes and disappeared.
“I will return, if you don't.” its voice could only be heard.
“I leave you, now.” the king said. He exits the room. Only his footsteps could be heard.
IX
A servant entered the king's room, in his hands he was holding a large pile of paper.
“You Grace, Alsfrut Grosod sends these for you see.” he said waiting for the king's command.
“Leave them on the table.” the king said.
He left them on the table, bowed his head and left the room. The king sat for moment in his chair. He looked at the large pile of paper that was on his desk.
That man is mad, he thought. I can officially say that he is mad. Who would want to read that? It's history. I hope is better than one of those romance novels. Never liked that man and his Romance of the Three States. It's always a bad choice to mix romance and history. Alsfrut is known for his history. Maybe, I'll give it a try.
The king sat up, he took the papers in his hand and with a high level of focus started reading. A few hours later, he finished.
Now, I know nothing. What happened to me? I must have got caught in the web of time. I won't try to read them again. I don't have the energy.
The king waited for his focus to recover. His head was spinning. He always thought that people were making up the stories. When they started reading something really long and boring, their heads hurt. He has finally, seen the truth.
After a hour and a half, he finally decided to leave his room. In the throne room, the royal painter waited for him. The canvas was already prepared; the paints were prepared.
I only need him, the king thought. What a timing. Maybe, he's a seeker.
“Your Grace, if you have a minute?” the painter asked.
“I do.” the king replied with a sarcastic tone.
“It's time for you painting.”
“Let's get this done.”
The king sat in the high chair. The painter took a red cloak and covered the right side of the king.
“What's this for.”
“A bit of decor, Your Grace.”
“Do, continue.”
The painter took out his pencil, measured something and made a rough sketch on the canvas. He took a few steps back, observed the sketch. With a swift turn of his head, the painter returned to the sketch. He measured again, always looking at the king.
“Is there a problem?” the king asked after a few moments.
“No, I just need to get the proportions right.” The painter said while he measured the king's nose. “A bit here, a bit there.”
This is going to last for hours, the king thought. That idiot couldn't even get my nose right. This will be a long painting.
A few hours later… the painter has finished the first under-layer.
“You've made progress?” the king asked after a half of hour silence.
“Yes, I have finished the first under-layer.”
“That only leaves the shadows and the highlights, if I'm not mistaken?”
“True.”
“How long will that take?”
“Anywhere from two to three hours.”
“Great, I can hardly wait.”
Two hours and fifteen minutes later…
“I am finished.” the painter said, putting away his brush.
“Let's see it.”
“Behold, Your Grace. I give to you, my masterpiece.”
“You aren't wrong on that part.”
The portrait on painting was the same as the king. Everything was reproduced to the smallest of details. Every hair on his face could be seen. The king was quite pleased with the painting.
“Tell me, could you do a love scene?”
“I can do anything.”
“I don't know.”
“I will prove it.”
“I'm waiting.”
“In what form?”
“What do you mean?”
“In the form of a painting or in the form of a book?”
“You can do that?”
“I can.”
“Then, I choose the book form.”
“If it is the book form, one or more?”
“More.”
“How many?”
“You decide.”
“I accept the challenge.”
The painter left. The king looked at his painting. Still, he couldn't believe the realism of the painting. It was a small canvas. The details were stunning.
XIritian entered the room, hoping to find Abigail. The room was empty, no, the whole house was empty. Everything that was important, she has taken with her.In the middle of the room there stood a table. It was strange for him to see that table there. On the table there stood a letter. He opened the letter and read what was written inside:My lord,I have talked to Lady Joanna. You must know that all is well and she is in love with the king. She waits the king's move. I hope that you are well. We are all, only pawns in the king's game. I bet, that you already know this. Watch yourself, there are people that will kill for you position in the king's court. You have played you part, I will now, play mine.I hope, that I will see you soon.Yours truly,AbigailIritian left the house with a smile, the first one in three years since his wife has left him for
XIIThe samurai walked down the path. Olgierd looked at him. That man was strange. His hair was strangely placed on the top of his head. He carried two swords, the long one was on his back while the normal one was around his waist. Both of the swords were made in the same pattern. The long was twice the size of the normal one. Olgierd betted that the samurai's second sword was lighter than his. The shape and the curve meant that the sword-man was extremely fast. He heard stories about them, unlike most people, Olgierd believed in stories.Three hooligans went on the opposite side of the road. They saw the samurai and immediately stated attacking him. The samurai pulled out his sword, he made a fast vertical attack. The closest hooligan fell on his knees. Blood soaked his red tunic that could only mean, that the cut was deep. He tried to get up. Blood gushed in streams. His lifeless body fell to the ground. The samurai lunged at them the r
XIVA lone wolf watched as they went their way. He could barely be seen in the thick bush. But, he was there. They know it. They didn't know how large he was. He was the only 'friend' that saw them leave for the sea. The wolf's expression change. His teeth were bare. Now, they knew that it was a large wolf. He waited. He stood there like a statue. There was no way, that they could defeat him. They were sure of it.“What will you do now?” the captain asked.“Don't know. I will think something.” Olgierd said.“You are going east, and you don't know what to do next?”“I know, what I'm doing next.”“What?” the captain steered the ship from the sharp stones. “That was close.”“I'm going to change my name.”“In, to what?”“I'll think of something.”Olgierd turned. He walked to the si
A few years later peace still continues, but not for everyone.REPAIRSAgilrwar lifted his head; his eyes shinned with a fiery red glow. His head turned to the side, he sniffed the air. There was a new smell in the air, a smell that he didn't smell, ever since the castle became his. His eyes turned black with the iris blue, as ice. His face remained the same, cold and distant. He sniffed again. The smell disappeared. His eyes looked at the columns of the main hall. A miserable pile of rubble, it has been his six months, since he gave the order to repair the roof and every defect the castle had. Six months passed, and what they did, repaired a few parts, nothing and nothing less, just a few parts. The parts survived for two months, and with the first rains, the holes opened again. He moved to the other side. A drop of rain fell on his head; he stood up, walked down the wet red carpet. His face looked at every corner. The more he looked, th
HOMEThe North of the continentPhiawuqoais Kufluywan, a cold and rugged place, surrounded by four of five highest mountains in all of Phiawuqoa.It is a land where heroes are made and legends are created in the sharpness of the land.One part of the land is a rich forest, the other a desolated place.From the harsh land appeared a tall youth, Buckler, who had different views of leadership. At first, he secretly revolted against Galad, but after that more and more openly, until, he challenged Galad to battle. In the meantime, Galad was creating an heir.Galad accepted the proposal and defeated Buckler.Archyr, a hardened warrior, defeated the rest of the army.“Brother, we must go!” said the tall man that stood near the edge of the mountain.“Yes, you`re right, the mountain will explode!” Korundus replied.After a couple of days, the Dommunirr landed
O, great King Gilwar, who heard you tale? Who knows your true tale? Nobody of the living people, at least. Why is that so? Why are you forgotten? Not in a million years, you should be forgotten. But you are. It's time to change that. Our story begins with a hero destined to be king, if he defeats all the obstacles in his path. A path, that won't be easy. After many hard months and even harder obstacles, he is near his goal. Will he succeed? If the old stories are true… maybe… Gilwar turned; his face was filled with dread. How many more must he defeat, to achieve his goal? A goal, that seemed to be farther than ever before. Nothing, in this world, could defeat his iron will. He stopped, looked in front of him. Must he kill his own people to achieve his goal? A lonely woman walked towards him. Her eyes are black as night. Something was terribly wrong with her. She walked like a puppet. Gilwar moved a step back shocked. There was no way, that that woman could wa
I Ages ago, there once was a man, not an ordinary man. That man had incredible powers. Most people in the area called him a warlock, but he was more than a warlock. He was an extremely gifted alchemist. His experiments were known throughout the land; he was kicked out the academy because of them, but that didn't stop him to continue his work. All of his ancestors were renowned alchemists. He chose a different path, a path that will make him famous for all generations to come. He walked slowly, his head held high. There was no one in the world that was more important than him. He knew this. Yet again, faith always has a card to play. Against her, every power is weak, even a mighty alchemist. Even, he can't escape her powers. No one can. The alchemist turned. His eyes were looking in every direction. He had the feeling that somebody was watching him. He turned again. There was nobody. The street was empty. He continued to the boo
IIt was noon at the end of February, and the summer of 156. The snow in the mountains had already melted from the living sun's rays, the Naie flowed more strongly in its bed because of theonslaught of mountain waters spilling across the plain below Nanporo.By the tall window sat a woman in the small room of the city, old but strong, wrapped in black. If it weren't for her blonde, gray hair combed on either side of her high forehead, if the long ends of her black cap hadn't curled around her yellowed face, a man would have said that a shaved male head was sitting there. Her face was large, her jaws strong, her nose long, curled over her mouth, her mouth wide, her lips pale and thin, her yellow eyebrows thick and reduced, and below them stared at the world up to two riddles, up to two pale blue, small gloomy eyes, from which you tried in vain to foretell what feelings are in that heart, what thoughts are shini
IAlbert walked with every possible thought in his mind, good or bad. As he walked the sword was near hand, the legendary sword. It was comforting, that one thought was more than enough to raise his spirit. He was near the opening. Down below the earth, placed in an endless cavern, the Dark One was preparing to be free once again. No one of the blessed had noticed that the world has changed, that everything changed, and that even the darkness around them changed. As always, there are is a group that noticed everything. He wondered in what group he was placed, even before the truth was told he know deep inside that everything has changed and he could fell that but couldn't see it.He waited. The Dark One will soon appear, he didn't know in what form and how much powerful he will be. He will appear.IIThe magical chains around Rolfheim, the first among the gods that created this world until he fell, slowly we
In darkness of his workroom, the emperor sat, thinking what to do next. He had a lot of options to think about. All of them look like the right decision, but on careful analyzes, every decision was wrong. He was at a standstill. Hours passed, he was still at the beginning. To him, they looked like minutes. Minutes, he spent in reviewing. There was always something that he missed.His grandfather was a great strategist and his father before him. Everyone in his family was a great strategist, but no one has a problem that he clashes with. The maps were scattered on a large, massive oak table, maps of all sizes and meanings. The oak table was from his great-grandfather's time. The north is in chaos and the regional lords are fighting against each other, it's more than a good time to attack.King against king, brother upon brother, and the empire was never stronger. In the year since he became emperor, the state has grown dramatically. No one had glorious beginnings, not e
TRAVELING STONEHjolt wandered through the dark corridors that lead to massive crisscrossed system of caves. Who knows how long did he wander? Darkness was everywhere around. He stumbled and tumbled in the darkness, until he didn’t found a brass hinged door. Naturally, he tried for the hinge, but the door didn’t open. He tried again. When he was ready to take a respite, a voice from spoke the following lines:"Once a dark-eyed Argan girlShod my horse.She asked for a small amount of moneyNot highly valuing her work.What’s your name, young lady?And the young lady replies:"You’ll hear my nameIn the clatter of your horse’s hooves."I rode along the street,I galloped the roads,And along the path among brown rocks,And among gray rocks.
I The border with Kirdan, stretched as long as the eye could see, the ground trembled with their gallop. They rode without rest, for days, swift as a wind, for they must deliver a message to Albin. Important news await, which he alone must hear. Their armors were the same; hard to spot the difference between them, the heraldry, which hung on their right shoulder, was the same; a yellow turtle on a green field, the sigil of House Transin. The bull horn-helmed knight stopped for a moment, looked at the worn-down signpost. His dark green eyes looked at the names on the board. He mounted his steed, turned to the other direction and galloped, the others followed in toe. "Kerd is that way,"said the first knight. "True,"replied the bull horn-helmed knight. "Why are we going in the opposite direction?" "Would you go to Kerd?" "No." "Neither would I." "That's the point." "You think that Albin
IThe year is 263 of the Ertail Age, during the tenth anniversary of King Kird's ascension to the throne of Northern Moscodia. Two brothers feuded over the birthright for the throne of Felard, who at the time was the center for the druidic brotherhood and the main trading center for the whole region Uthtira. The older brother tried peacefully to calm down his younger brother, but alas, his efforts were futile. The younger brother was manipulated by his wife Girtanna, who lusted for wealth and power of Felard. There were rumors that she had an affair with the older brother. Who knows is this true or not? Man with higher knowledge say that one of the keys to the treasure chamber of the late King Galbar is hidden somewhere in Ferlard.The older brother moved his hand across the cold marble of the statue; he looked up at the eyes of the Wolf God. He always wondered in recent time, do the all mighty gods ever hear the prayers of ordinary people and nobles.
IThe morning sun shinned bright in the first days of winter, giving a false feeling of warmth. Herbog walked up the creaking, dried oaken steps. He stopped, looked at the guards on the palisade. The guard turned to left, continued down the palisade. Herbog looked up at the sigil of House Aswar, a proud lion danced on the light breeze. He wondered was it a good omen or a bad one, he wasn't very religious, most problems he resolved with the sword, if you could call that large piece of steel a sword. The soldier waited for him to get up, Herbog turned towards the show-covered field; it will be a harsh winter, it always was and will be, ever since the new king came."I don't like it,"the guard said while covering his face with mask that hung lowered to his chest."Neither do I,"Herbog replied.The man turned, "always the same blasted weather.""It could be worse.""True, but still it's blasted.""I know."
Thunderbolts lighted the cloudless sky, made strange patterns, which the astonished viewers watched without breath. Never have they seen such splendor and might. The thunderbolts were a strange and mystical sight in these dry, desert parts of the Continent. It was unheard of, let alone witnessed on a cloudless night like this. It was a strange omen of things to come. The viewers watched as the thunderbolts glided across the sky, meeting in the middle and, once more, going their separate serpentine ways. The children were terror-stricken but had enough courage to continue watching. In the meantime, in a distant and hidden place, a child was born. Its fate was already decided. Tonight, the witches will come for it. A woman stood nearby; there must be something that she could do, anything even the smallest thing would change to course."Ashal rar' an el da raet,"the words stop in her throat. T
IRuins of the old hill fort stood on the top of the Hill, the Hill as it was called, was closer to a mountain than to a hill. Long ago, the fort was a place of splendor and envy. Now, everything that's left is a ruin, a home for the Dread King and his servants. The main watchtower was the only thing that remained same. In its prime, the fort hand at least five or six watchtowers. The dense, lush forest, that surrounded the fort, has changed beyond recognition.People, now a day, call it the dark forest. Once a mystical place, now you can only find ghouls and other creatures from nightmares. Even in the daylight hours it was pretty dark in the forest. The trees with their long branches looked like humans with claws.Wizertein, five months… I ride for that wizard, Jarden thought. He was astonished with the passing of time. To him, it looked like it wasn't more than two or three weeks.In the human tong, Waweren is Tuverin-
IThe group of men stood and debated in the large longhouse. The major sat in his high chair, which was decorated with two fierce eagles. "What are we to do?"he asked. He had a brooding face that saw seventy winters, each stronger than the other."We will have a wedding,"Olaf replied. "Who's with me?"The hall cheered."Is the choice unanimously?"the mayor stood up. "I ask again."Everyone raised their hands."The matter is closed. Sing men, let the hall echo."The stood up and started to sing:"Friends and kinsfolk met to deliberate To whom would they marry off their kinswoman this year? Rosy youth They deliberatedTo whom would they marry off their kinswoman this year? We want you to wed the son of a king Who has more gold than poor Roland has land? Wed the son of a king