Age of Souls

by Garrett Stevens

  “Must I ask it again?”

  R’nuuk scoffed an odd nasal noise in his frustrations.

  “With the seals gone, there will be another war of the siblings which will, like Low Realm, destroy High Realm. Not all eight children like each other and will do what they can to be at the top, vying for the next elder position. Low Realm use to be like High Realm until the children got a hold of it.” With a snort of frustration and a hope to be done, R’nuuk slinked down into his shirt slightly in hopes to slow his heart.

  “So, wouldn’t the relics given to us in High Realm be enough to seal everything back?”

  “Unfortunately, not.” R’nuuk sighed. “Once Necrolin started shifting the seals, unaware of the consequences, the distribution of the power amongst the seals began. Without these binding seals being balanced to limit the Dragon soul power, the war will begin again.”

  “Is there a way to get the seals back to how they were before?” Dominic remained calm in his chair, trying not to get sucked in to R’nuuk’s animated talking routine.

  “There are a few ways.” Spinning in his seat, R’nuuk scanned the spines of one of the piles next to him and pulled out a small red book, quickly opening it and flipping through a few pages in the middle.

  “One would need to gather all the relics of the Elders and take them back to their owners paired with the Relic of the Mother.” R’nuuk could see Dominic face questioning. “It’s something that the Spiri were given more than a few millennia ago, in hopes to be the forefront of the guard on the seals. The item is needed to bind back the Dragon relics to the Elders to give them their full power and allow the owners of each seal to perform their rituals and seal them once again.”

  “And the other ways?”

  “The hosts of the Dragon souls be killed to force the children back to the Palace of the Elders or Low Realm. This will relinquish the strain of the seals in High Realm and allow the Elders to seal them once again from their Palace.”

  “Seems simple enough.” Chyla spoke, making both R’nuuk and Dominic jump in surprise, snapping their gaze her way.

  She stepped back with her own surprise of their shock.

  “Would you like to go first then?” R’nuuk snickered.

  “What do you mean?” Chyla dropped a hip and fell against the corner of the wall, crossing her under her breasts.

  Ignoring her question, Dominic turned back to R’nuuk and continued their conversation. “So we find the relics and give them back. With objects that powerful and from the Elders, should be easy to find.” Domini sat back in his chair.

  “Do you remember what you were given?” R’nuuk had a slight laugh in his tone.

  “Yea, they were small, knuckle like fist weapons.” Dominic held his hands up.

  “Exactly. Small. Even though Dragons are massive creatures, doesn’t make their possessions needing to be the same. Do you remember the last place you had the relic?”

  Dominic lifted his eyes to the ceiling in thought. Both Chyla and R’nuuk remained silent while they watched him.

  “I had been knocked unconscious in the Battle of Murdone and then woke up to nothing.”

  “The Battle of Murdone was almost eight hundred years ago.” Chyla blurted out her shock to have Dominic give her a sideway look.

  “If the Dwarves have it then they would like have moved it into the Dragon’s Crucible.” R’nuuk spoke without a thought.

  “And where would that be?” Dominic asked.

  “What is the season?” R’nuuk stretched his back, trying not to slouch.

  “Believe it is just getting into the Moons of Iidal, Third Sun.” Dominic squinted one eye, rolling thoughts around in his head.

  “Third sun.” R’nuuk paused. “Meaning there are maybe only a fortnight or two before it moves. Should be outside the walls of Murdone, in the ruins of Karanka. Once the new sun rises it will be moved somewhere in Darke, likely near the Gurge Hollows.” Chyla giggled at his movements as he talked that prompted Dominic to cough at her in hopes to shut her up.

  “Then we don’t have much time.” Dominic leaned forward in his chair.

  “You never did answer my question before, and how do you know so much about this anyway?” Chyla finished her descent of the stairs and squeezed in between some piles of clutter on a longer sofa.

  “He used to be a part of the Darke Septum back in the day.” Dominic answered for him.

  “But you’re not an Elf.” Chyla followed up with another question.

  “The Darke lands are home to more than just Elves, they just happen to have an Elf ruling them.” R’nuuk shifted in his seat as he spoke.

  “That means you probably know more than most anyone in all of Vulthrodin.” Chyla perked up in her excitement.

  R’nuuk stood from his small table and made his way over to a small stove in the corner. Shuffling a pile of books from the front of it, he reached behind another pile of odds and ends to retrieve a log. Stuffing it into the front of the stove he flicked his hand, igniting the wood and promptly closed the door. Reaching behind another pile he pulled out a kettle pot and placed it over an open hole on the top of the stove.

  “Tea?” R’nuuk had an upbeat tone.

  “Please.” Chyla called out from snug spot on the couch.

  Dominic nodded without a word.

  “So aside from sibling genocide, we need to get everything together and go talk with the Spiri?” Dominic filled in the silence.

  “Precisely.” R’nuuk shot up straight with a small hop and raised a finger. “Latisha has likely come to the main land to help the Neightur in their sacrilege and kill the other siblings to set her position of power in High Realm during the transition.”

  “And there is no other way to get to the Palace of the Elders or set the seals back to normal?” Dominic asked.

  “There are other methods, but you would need to talk to Baldur and get passage to the north to talk with the Leeman’s. And that would go down a road worse than killing the others.” R’nuuk turned his head to look at the kettle on the stove.

  “What are Leeman’s?” Chyla questioned.

  “A race of feline like people, they are extremely adept in magic; more so than the Elves, and don’t typical like outsiders. They rival the Dragons in magical prowess but live in solitude, drowning in narcotics and praying to their heathen gods. Even the Spiri don’t usually go that far north.” R’nuuk kept his eyes on his kettle which seem to settle his fidgeting while he talked.

  “I keep hearing the mention of Spiri, who or what are they?” Chyla pushed to the edge of her seat to see more around the pile beside her.

  “A beautiful and elegant protector race, no one these days knows of them or sees them as they are assumed long extinct by most. Only the few that have been around long enough, know of them. They live in Dire now, beyond the Draag Mountains. They used to reside in the capital of all Vulthrodin, Spiringlaive. A beautiful city to be held and the people carry their own special magics. Some use to think was given to them by the Elders as there is a very strict regulation for being a Spiri.”

  “Like what?” Chyla quickly asked.

  “One can only become a Spiri by besting a Spiri. They are all women you know.” R’nuuk stood to check on the water in the kettle.

  “All women, no men?” Chyla pushed for more information.

  “There has been the odd man here and there who have bested one, but their arrogance typically catches up with them and fall shortly after.” R’nuuk laughed.

  “And they are supposed to protect us?”

  “In a matter. I wouldn’t be concerned with them for the time being, you two will need to carry on as your time will need to be watched carefully and you will need to find your own seals.” R’nuuk sat back down while keeping his eyes on the kettle.

  “So, Latisha?” Dominic cut into the conversation.

  “Ah yes. Erisolin has always been trying to get up to standing with the parents and has been trying anything she can to be in true for in
High Realm. Like I said, likely wants you all dead, but I know you and Latisha have a past so there will be confliction there.”

  “I would prefer if Latisha was her old self, she seems corrupted now.” Dominic spoke, starring at the floor.

  “Very easily done, Erisolin’s despair can be intoxicating.” R’nuuk smiled and laughed.

  Pouring steaming water into a few mugs that seemed to just have appeared on the table, he stood with two of them. Stepping over a few small stacks of books to hand each of them their drink before returning to sit down with his own.

  “You two should probably get yourself some rest before heading off then.” R’nuuk sipped his tea which looked to calm his twitchiness.

  “We will take rest of the day and head out first light. Sky Pedestal is our first stop before heading south to the pass. Are any of Muria’s things left around?” Dominic blew across the top of the brownish liquid in his mug.

  “Should be a trunk of her things upstairs, will be the only trunk there. Help yourself my dear, you are her size.” R’nuuk nodded at Chyla as he spoke.

  Chyla smiled behind her steaming mug and took a small sip, trying not to burn her mouth.

  • • •

  “They are beautiful, are they not?” Gemini stood on the edge of the steady river, looking up at the falls before them.

  The water cascaded all over the cliff face and raged its way over smaller sections. The multi-tiered falls stood hundreds of feet tall and nearly a hundred feet wide; lined with green moss and foliage growing from random crags, some trees looked like they were having a hard time keeping from being ripped out against the falling water. A heavy mist filled the air and floated its way to the ground, soaking everything it touched.

  Gemini and Faer stood near the heavily flowing river that stretched out from the larger bottom pools. The sound of the beastly falls engulfed the world around it, making it a little difficult to hear conversation, making both Gemini and Faer almost yell to talk to each other.

  “The path is off to the side, it’s a short hike up to the lookout.” Faer craned his neck up at the falls, trying to keep his voice above the roar of the falls and leaned in close to Gemini’s ear.

  With a subtle nod, Gemini stepped toward where he was pointing, the mist caressing her as she moved. Hooking his thumbs into the straps of his backpack, Faer followed and shifted the weight of his bag from a sore spot. The deafening falls removed any chance to carry a conversation while they marched up the side trail; no birds or critters could be heard through the rage of the beast.

  The trail they walked on glistened with moisture from the falls, the mist attacked everything it touched with no retaliation making the trail a little slick. The path was still surprisingly comfortable to walk on aside from the water streams attacking their footsteps, which helped with the amount of slipping they endured. Crevices filled with soils and pools of water littered the ever-growing height of the walls beside them. The stone formations of the mountain warned them that they would soon be swallowed into the earth and forgotten or perhaps crushed at any moment.

  Faer and Gemini kept their eyes on a swivel, checking behind them more regularly, with the noise from the falls someone could easily sneak up on them. Faer kept catching himself coming to a rest on Gemini’s backside which was quickly shook off. Her tight clothing now wet from the falls made her curves accentuated her fit body more and drew his attention with each step.

  It was not long before they crested the path. The walls of the mountain which wanted to swallow them whole, lost interest and suddenly opening to a levelled off clearing. The mists from the falls had backed off slightly and kept their distance from an obvious campsite to the right side. A circle of stones filled with scorched earth from remnants of previous hikers could be seen near the far edge. Most of the clearing had the mountain stone defending itself from the clearing, stretching far into the sky.

  The protrusions of boulders filled with moss or plant life littered themselves across the mountain face that carried through towards the falling watery beast. The edge closest to the falls had a long outcropping which was perfect for anyone to be safe while looking out at the countryside below.

  “We should be free to set up camp, doesn’t look like anyone has been here in a while. All the wards are gone, best start a fire to dry up.” Gemini spun on her heels to face Faer as she spoke and pointed toward the campsite.

  “I can set one up, but it won’t dry us, it will only keep the mist away.” Faer sagged his shoulders in exhaustion.

  Gemini smiled and nodded her approval.

  Faer slid his bag from his back and walked over to the scorched circle. Dropping his pack against a small nearby tree that looked like it was struggling with life, he squatted next to the coals and looked at either side. Gemini watched as he muttered his spell under his breath while waving his hands around in small circles. With a brief glimmer pulsed from the coals and a hazy wall appeared around the dead campfire. Rippling against the mists, the bubble grew and grew as it swallowed the entire campsite, pushing back the water from the falls and the engulfing mists. Collecting moisture more and more, steams of water began sliding off the feint invisible wall, pooling at its base.

  Gemini smiled at the thought of getting out of the brume and quickly spun around to the lookout. With a short trot over to the edge, she looked out over the waters raging beside her. The view was spectacular; you could see most of the central province and barely make out the peaks of Sky Pedestal sitting against the horizon. The sun hung in the sky like a tired eye failing to stay awake, creating an orange haze clinging on to a ripple of red and purple that made her smile.

  Her smile held as she closed her eyes, taking in the final light of the day before turning back to the camp. Faer was quick with his fire today, easily in a rush to get things dried off. Gemini stepped through the ward for the camp with a dip of her head and dropped her bag next to where Faer had placed his. Sitting beside it with her back against the wall, she let out a sigh and rolled her head toward Faer.

  “Any idea what we are supposed to do up here?” Gemini watched him with her question.

  “Aside from the potion she gave me, Shershin was not very helpful.” Faer reached under his cloak and pulled out the small vial of liquid as he watched the fire and held it out towards her.

  “There is not much here. Even the rock face is not climbable. This potion supposed to help in some way?” She squinted at the brown liquid.

  “She said we would know when to use it and that we would need to drink it.” Faer pulled the vial closer to his face and curled his nose up with a disgusted look.

  “What’s in it?” Gemini pushed herself up from the stone backing and rocked onto her feet to be closer to Faer.

  “Bunch of animal parts and an odd assortment from her pantry, the usual sort of concoction.” Faer huffed a short laugh.

  “Well, you figure out what it this is all about and I need to get dry.” Gemini gave the vial a final squint and turned to her bag.

  Pulling on the ties to her shirt, she slid it off quickly which surprised Faer to turn away from her bare back. He could hear her take the rest of her clothes off and set them near the fire, draped over some sitting stones.

  “Wish you would warn me before you to do that.” Faer called out from the other direction.

  Gemini looked his way and laughed.

  “It’s just a naked body, everyone has one.”

  “But you’re the Princess.”

  “None of that nonsense.” Gemini snapped. “I am just a woman. You should get out of your clothes as well before you get ill.”

  “Have you grabbed a blanket?” Faer refused to turn before he found out she was decent.

  “Yes yes, you can turn around now.” Gemini laughed again.

  Faer sighed and slowly turned to find her fully naked, standing on the other side of the fire holding a large blanket in one hand out to the side. Her fully bare body was beautiful against the fire light with the fading sun be
hind her. In a quick protest, he shot his hand in front of his eyes to block his vision.

  “By Incinolin’s name?” He yelped.

  Gemini laughed loudly.

  “Don’t’ you find me attractive?”

  “Of course, but…”

  “You’re fine now.” Gemini laughed louder this time

  “Actually this time?”

  “Yes.” She said with a giggle.

  Faer slowly opened his fingers to peek through and then removed his shield when he confirmed she had wrapped herself in the blanket. He stood and stumbled over to his own bag to pull out a similar blanket.

  Looking for a good spot to try and keep out of her vision while he undressed, Faer struggled with trying to set up a block from her. Gemini giggled through the noise from the falls which quickly made his face turn red.

  “I really wish you wouldn’t laugh when I am doing this.”

  “Oh relax.” Gemini chuckled to herself and stretched her arms out at the flames.

  With his back to her, Faer undressed while trying to keep himself modest behind the blanket, that was only met with more laughter every time he failed to hold on to something. With his final piece of clothing off, Gemini let loose a sharp whistle. With a beet red face, Faer slinked his way into his blanket and stomped his way back to the fire, dropping his clothes next to another sitting rock.

  “You should probably lay those out better.” Gemini winked at him.

  Rolling his eyes, Faer stretched out from under his blanket and fumbled with each article, setting them up to toast against the heat.

  “When should we drink this potion?” Gemini asked.

  “I don’t know if I want to.” Faer answered trying to keep from looking directly at her.

  “She wouldn’t give us something to hurt us, where’s the fear?

  “It’s from Shershin, there is most definitely something she didn’t tell me.”

  Gemini laughed again and held out her hand.

  “Let me see it.”

  Faer retrieved the vial from the pocket of his pants and handed it to her. Holding it up against the fire, the brownish liquid had a small shining to it. She looked past it, through to Faer who had found the courage to look at her again. With a questioning eyebrow flick from vial to him, Gemini was responded with a shrug.