Rise of the Champions
By
Nicholas Joslin
© 2020 Nicholas Joslin
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
This story is a work of fiction. Any names, characters, places, or events are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, or actual events, is entirely coincidental.
ISBN: 978-1-7321627-1-6 (Paperback)
The Five Clans of Forthoton and Notable Clanspeople
The Narsho Clan
Jonis Barod – Chieftain
Anna Myhre – Scout
Titus Fardson – Champion
Ragnor Jarult – Guard Captain
Olaf Tobar – Shaman
Roy Matkon – Elder
The Narsho is a proud clan that has always balanced their skill in battle while seeking better ways for their people. They begrudgingly fight a war against the Highrock Clan, which stems from an old disagreement few can remember. They seek only to end the war, preferably through peaceful means.
The Highrock Clan
Vlad Mace – Chieftain
Garon Mace – Prince of Highrock Clan
Lorag and Glora – Champions
The Highrock Clan is extremely aggressive and puts battle before everything else, seeking vengeance against the Narsho Clan over an ancient grievance. Their war with the Narsho consumes them, and defeating their foes is their upmost priority. The title of Chieftain is usually passed down from father to son, maintaining a royal bloodline.
The Forud Clan
Herold Wooll – Chieftain
Goreth Destro – Champion
The Forud Clan is an ally to the Narsho Clan, though they do not fight alongside them against the Highrock Clan. They live peacefully among the western woods.
The Linta Clan
Richard Yarmot – Chieftain
Becca Yarmot – Niece of Chieftain and trader for Linta Clan
The Linta Clan has developed the strongest economy of any of the clans and remains neutral in the conflict. While they trade to both sides, they recognize the borderline brutality of the Highrock Clan. They are quite skilled with sailing and building.
The Ancient Clan
Lorenz Mordou – Seer
Valon – Seer’s Apprentice
The Ancient Clan lives in seclusion within the Great Swamp, as it is distrusted by the other clans. They are the only clan whose members use magic regularly and study the old ways of magic use. They are led by a Seer, a powerful mage that can see through time and space itself when assisted by his clanspeople.
Table of Contents
Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Epilogue
Prologue
As the crude wooden gates opened, all eyes were on the strange man entering the large village. His face was hidden by a hooded cloak, which slowly trembled behind him in the harvest season’s wind. His robes seemed rather simple at first glance, being brown and rather plain. The only thing about him that remotely stuck out was the silver colored trim on his robes, a strange symbol on the chest of his robe, and a blueish light coming from beneath the hood. Still, the hesitation of those around him had nothing to do with his attire.
“You, Seer, lower that hood if you know what’s good for you,” one of the village guards grunted, his hand resting on the pommel of his sword.
The Seer turned to look at the guard, hesitating. He knew if he wanted to get his message through, he’d have to abide by the customs of this clan. After all, his message was far too important.
The Seer lowered his hood, revealing the face of an older man. His hair was still black, but beginning to grey, and was cut very short. At first glance his face seemed as plain as his robe, no scars or other signs of battle. However, his left eye was covered by an eye patch, and a strange blue light was trying to creep its way out between the patch and his clean-shaven face.
“By the gods! You’re not foolish enough to use your magic here are you? Take that patch off!” the guard ordered, lifting his poorly fitted bronze helmet to get a better view.
“As you wish. However, as Seer, I cannot stop the flow of magic,” the Seer replied.
He removed the patch, revealing his strange eye. While his right eye was simply hazel, his entire left eye was a glowing teal color, covering all other parts of the eye, or at least blending them together. The strange light unveiled the guard’s face in the poor evening light, revealing his worried visage and clenched teeth.
“Why have you come, Seer? You know your people are not welcome here. You know that magic isn’t welcome here either,” the guard asked, tightening his grip.
“I must speak to your chieftain, guardsman. I have a message of great importance. In fact, all your clan should hear my words,” the Seer replied, remaining calm.
“Hah. You think I’d let you near the chieftain looking like that? You look as though you are working some sort of nefarious spell. Perhaps if you can stop that strange glow, I can bring your message,” the guard replied firmly.
“I cannot stop this magic. It isn’t mine to control. As a Seer, magic flows through me no matter where I am. I now see the future, of a time of ruin that could befall us. Please, I beg of you, at least pass on my message to your chieftain,” the Seer pleaded.
By now a small audience of guards and clanspeople had begun to gather, all quietly talking about the strange Seer that stood before them. Some spoke more quietly than others, and some spoke briefly of tales of the past, of a time when magic had almost destroyed the Narsho people. This was the first time a member of the Ancient Clan had visited the Narsho clan in decades, putting all on edge.
“Well, I, er,” the guard stuttered, now noticing the crowd.
The Seer smiled softly, looking at the weary clanspeople that had joined the crowd. He knew many of the Narsho potentially hated him. Just being part of the Ancient Clan was enough for all the clans to distrust him. It was more tradition at this point, as no living Narsho Clan member had been alive during the great betrayal. Still, it didn’t stop new generations from being raised to mistrust the Ancient Clan and their ways. Some here probably even hated him, or at the very least, his magic. Despite it all, the Seer didn’t hate them back, he never could. A young redheaded woman suddenly caught his eye, but his interest was interrupted.
“What’s the meaning of all this?!” a booming voice said from behind the crowd.
In an instant, the mass of people made way for their Chieftain. He was heads taller than some of his clanspeople, bursting with muscle and vigor. His apparent stamina was surprising, considering his age, which only gave itself away through weathered grey hair and a long beard.
“Chieftain! A Seer of the Ancient Clan has arrived,” the guard answered quickly, pounding his chest against his bronze chest piece as a salute.
“Chieftain Barod, it is an honor,” the Seer greeted, kneeling to the dirt and staring down.
“Rise, Seer, but do not try any of your tricks. I am in the mood to rip a man apart,” Chieftain Barod replied, crossing his arms and staring at the interloper. “Stand and speak.”
“Thank you. I promise I am not here for any other reason than to give you, and all your fellow clanspeople, a message,” the Seer answered.
“Oh? And what message is that?” Chieftain Barod asked suspiciously, stroking his grey beard.
“It’s a warning, perhaps from the gods themselves, Chieftain. I have been gifted the ability of farsight. Through magic, I am able to see throughout our realm, and sometimes through the veil of time itself. Both what I have seen and what my people have sensed portends something truly dark for our realm,” the Seer began, pointing to his eye and beginning to speak louder.
“The gods, eh? Was it Ty’roel? Svune? Yrollshama perhaps? Or does the mad god Faraldo himself whisper into your ear?” Chieftain Barod mocked, gathering chuckles from the nearby clanspeople. “The gods remain silent, just as they always have.”
The Seer wasn’t deterred, looking around at everyone, then back at the Chieftain. He had to listen, or at least someone else would. He couldn’t waver now, not when their entire land was at stake.
“A great enemy rises to the far east. I know not the origin or identity of this enemy, but I see it is a terrible one. It is already here, infesting our land, preparing itself for us. All five clans must unite if we are to have any hope of stopping it. Time is running out, and before long it will consume us one clan at a time!” the Seer yelled, looking to all that would listen to him.
“The far east? The Cursed Lands? Nobody of any clan has traveled there in my lifetime. That is as preposterous an idea as the clans themselves uniting,” the Chieftain replied, his voice losing all essence of mockery.
“If we strike soon, it won't be too late to save our land!” the Seer urged.
“Enough! That is enough. Seer, your words are volatile and sound as though you wish to bring fear to my people. Begone! Leave our clan and do not return!” the Chieftain yelled, his pose becoming more aggressive.
The Seer simply nodded, knowing there was no more he could do. As he placed his eyepatch back over his glowing eye, he looked at the clanspeople that were watching him. They did look afraid, some looking angrier. He wasn’t sure if it was from his message or merely his presence. Regardless, he had done all he could. He quickly lifted his hood and bowed once before the Chieftain, wanting to show his respect.
He walked through the opened gate once more, not looking back. Despite how it appeared, he knew the Narsho clan had taken the news to heart. He could sense something had changed. Someone had heard his message and would likely see the threat for themselves. Someone in the Narsho Clan had listened.
Chapter 1
As the two scouts reached the top of the mountain, they yelled to the heavens in elation. They then looked at each other and embraced, both grinning ear to ear. They shared a quick yet passionate kiss, then looked back to the land ahead.
Beyond the small, rocky mountain in front of them was a long, unnaturally beautiful valley carved into the surrounding land. It was lush with vegetation and other untapped resources. It was surprisingly plain. To Anna, it seemed far from cursed.
“Anna, we’ve made it! We’re further than any Narsho has ever been! We’ve made it into the Cursed Lands!” the man cheered, looking to the young woman next to him.
“I am proud, Fredrik, and to think so much land still lies unclaimed. Why is it even called cursed anyway?” Anna replied.
“A good question indeed,” Fredrik replied, gazing into the unknown land ahead. “It seems to be anything but cursed.”
As Anna stared at the verdant valley, her green eyes were drawn to something at the very farthest point from them. She squinted, seeing something white and as tall as a tree, if not taller. She finally gave up, knowing she wouldn’t be able to see from here.
“Do you see it too? That white object?” Fredrik asked.
“I do. Shall we go take a closer look?” Anna asked.
“I think so,” Fredrik replied with a smile. “If you’re up for it, my love.”
Anna couldn’t help but blush, still not used to this romantic side of Fredrik. She knew this was only temporary, as they couldn’t reveal their true love when they went back to the clan. Scouts and warriors of the Narsho Clan were forbidden from taking each other as a companion while they served. The fact they both were in love would be frowned upon, calling their service into question. However, they had hidden it well, something both Anna and Fredrik hated to do.
“Of course. At least the climb down will be easier than up,” Anna replied, quickly kissing Fredrik.
“Do you think that is what that Seer tried warning us about?” Fredrik asked, staring back down into the distance.
“I do not know. However, I still would take his words with a grain of salt. I only hope we don’t run into the Highrock Clan,” Anna replied.
“He sounded so sure of himself. I don’t know, I just worry about him being true. That’s how I’ve managed to talk Chieftain Barod into letting just us explore out this far alone. He normally wouldn’t let only two venture this far, let alone without any soldiers. And I doubt we’ll see Highrock Clan scouts out this far,” Fredrik replied.
Anna sighed, staring at Fredrik as he moved his hand through his long, golden blond hair. He had been increasingly worried about the Seer’s words since he had visited two months ago, almost to the point of worrying her. She had known Fredrik her entire life, and he had never been one to get caught up in superstition or care about any sort of magic. But since that day, he had been focused on getting to the Cursed Lands to see for himself. While Anna did find some of the Seer’s words provoking, it was Fredrik that truly believed them.
“I know. We have enough supplies for another day or two of walking. Then, we’ll have to turn around unless we start replenishing them, which isn’t guaranteed,” Anna added, grabbing a piece of cured meat from her bag and taking a large bite of it.
“Well, we can reach whatever that is before the sun falls from the sky. I think we should at least try to see what it is, don’t you?” Fredrik asked, withdrawing his own chunk of meat and taking a few bites.
“Of course; I already suggested that, you rockhead,” Anna chuckled, putting away her food and kissing him on the cheek. “Now let’s get a move on, swiftly and silently.”
The two shared one quick kiss and set off down the hillside, determined to reach what they had seen in the distance. Fredrik was more excited than Anna and she realized this. However, she had enjoyed the journey and his company so much she almost dreaded going back to their clan where their love had to remain secret.
As they worked their way down the rugged hill, Anna felt herself smiling brightly. Even though it was called the Cursed Lands, they hadn’t seen any signs of a curse yet. In fact, it seemed the opposite. The land around was fertile, filled with life, as though no clans had been here in some time.
They didn’t speak much for the next hour, saving their breath as they moved quickly through the lush forest. They kept a jogging pace the whole time, both in superb physical shape. Then again, it was the Narsho way to move swiftly and silently, their scouts being their eyes and ears everywhere.
“As peaceful as it seems, I’m still keeping my eye out,” Fredrik finally spoke, his ocean blue eyes darting from enormous tree to tree.
“Rightfully so. There has to be some reason this place bears the name it does,” Anna replied.
“One would think,” Fredrik quietly replied.
They pressed on for another hour, knowing their destination had to be close. Based on how far it appeared, they had to be moments away from stumbling upon whatever it
was. That fact filled Anna with some trepidation, as it had been some time since she had seen any sort of combat. While she didn’t doubt her training as a scout, she knew it only took one moment of indecision or one mistake to be dealt a lethal blow.
It wasn’t long after that they found exactly what they had seen from the small mountaintop. Now, standing before the two, was an incredible yet damaged white stone arch. Most of it was intact, but the center of the top had fallen onto the overgrown cobblestone path below. Thick vines twisted around it, and other flora grew around the base. Beyond that archway lay more buildings of the same impressive, white stone and impeccable architecture.
“By the gods, look at this,” Fredrik said in disbelief.
“It looks like the home of the gods themselves, does it not?” Anna asked, walking ahead and resting her hand on the pillar of the stone archway.
“That it does, albeit a seemingly abandoned, overgrown one,” Fredrik added.
Anna looked closely at the stone pillar of the archway. It was finely carved, and the stone was nothing like the crude rock they used back in their village. The Narsho buildings were made of wood and comparatively ugly grey, basic stone, and she knew whoever had built this was skilled in craftsmanship.
“Shall we continue in?” Fredrik said, looking at the mossy cobblestone path before them.
“Of course. If there is a threat to our people somewhere in the Cursed Lands, I’d be surprised if these ruins had nothing to do with it,” Anna said, walking onto the cobblestone path.
The two forged ahead down the cobbled path of the ruined town, both in awe of their surroundings. All the buildings were finely made, boasting white stone, pillars, and superior designs. It was like nothing they had ever seen before, and neither could find the words to describe what they were feeling.
They continued to walk in silence down the ancient path, heads turning as they passed building to building. There were no signs of present life, just of those lives that had once thrived here. Some items like pots, carts, and other objects found in daily life were scattered around, most smashed or aged beyond usability.
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