“What is that thing?” she exclaimed as she inspected the menacing creature.
“A demon,” Deraj stated without emotion. “If your only chance to survive was to defeat this evil creature in battle, would you? Or would you fail before you even unsheathed your daggers?”
Ireli shook her head in disbelief, gazing at the massive horns above the evil beast’s head. Her eyes lowered past its charred chest and saw long sharp claws at the end of its fingers. Down the beast’s forearms extended numerous sharp bone protrusions in circular series, from its elbows all the way down to its wrists. The creature’s legs were bare, with charred skin similar to its torso, and its feet were like those of birds with three long toes and steep-arching talons. A long tail similar to a lizard’s extended from its rear, and the distal half of the tail was adorned with sharp bone protrusions in ringlike patterns like those on its forearms.
“How would I defeat such a beast?” she whispered hopelessly.
“Will you succumb to fear and your own self-perceived weakness?” Deraj reiterated. “Or do you wish to survive?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“Yes, you always have a choice. You may slumber as she does.” Deraj motioned back toward the glowing and eternally slumbering imitation of the tracker.
Ireli breathed deeply and reflected on her options. “I have no choice. Settling for death is no option.”
Deraj clarified. “You may die in battle with the beast as well. Surrendering is not the only possibility for failure . . . simply because you face the beast does not mean you will live. What strengths would you use against a fierce opponent in unforgiving combat?”
She glanced down at her daggers and slowly unsheathed two of them. She measured their weight in hand and released a knowing sigh. No other weapon or tool for survival was available for her to use.
“I must use my daggers,” she responded with a glum expression.
“Must you?” Deraj gave a questioning glance toward the frail human.
“What would you suggest I utilize instead?”
“I suggest you peer deep within yourself and discover the power lying dormant within you for the Ikalreev magic is the only effective way for a mortal to defeat a creature of immortality. While the blades could work, it would take a great deal of effort to succeed with only metal and mortal force. You must listen for the magic’s heart and search for its beckoning call so it can be willed into action. It will protect you and will allow you to use its power . . . that is why we gifted it to the five, Ireli,” the Ikalreev Archmage explained. “To utilize it in harmony against the evil which may endanger Verdunmull and blacken the lands under its oppressive influence. The world needs strong warriors, Ireli, and I beg you to look deep within yourself to find your strength.”
She heard his words but doubted him. “If it is immortal, then how would anyone defeat it?”
Deraj shifted and spoke a hard truth. “It is immortal, and its soul can never be destroyed unless the Divine One wills it to be so. The supreme existence is far beyond our reach and understanding, so we must attempt what is within our capabilities. The First Seal is important because it is the doorway connecting the underworld with the mortal world. The First Seal is not open yet; therefore, if the demon is killed, it will not return to this physical realm. Its immortal soul will return to Hell and remain there until the seal opens. The same premise works for the Initiate who races to open the First Seal. Should the Initiate die before the First Seal is opened, then it will be unable to return to this realm, which will prevent another Corrupted Temperean Event from occurring and prematurely ending this age.”
Ireli questioned, “What are these seals?”
“From the divine visions granted unto me, I have devised that the seals originally numbered three in total. In the beginning times of Verdunmull, the three seals were known as the Temperean Seals. They influenced the great titans of old to slumber for an age until they were needed to shape the world anew, but they were corrupted by an evil and altered for diabolical means. The seals beyond the original three are prisons for evil and fallen ones,” the magical being replied.
The tracker gave him a thoughtful glance. “If we succeed, then these seals will not open for some time? But this Temperean Event will still occur even if we prevent this Initiate?”
The ancient being nodded. “Yes, the Temperean Event is inevitable, but there are two types of this time-dividing event. The first type is what this world is currently experiencing, when an evil-influenced immortal tampers with divine will and causes the seals to open of evil accord. In turn, this type will open all six seals.
“The second type of Temperean Event is the natural and intended event of changing epochs. When all sentient life dies out or an apocalyptic event occurs, resulting in the death of all life, then the three primary seals will open to cleanse the lands and rebuild them. The Second through the Fourth Seals enclose the Temperean Titans; these seals are the only divinely created seals out of the six and were created to begin a new age when the old one died.
“The other three seals were created not by the Divine One, but by an evil that can corrupt angelic beings to do its bidding. That evil being’s influence caused the creation of the First Seal, and resulted in turn to the creation of the Fifth and Sixth Seals.”
Ireli listened to the wise one’s words but had trouble following as she was entirely unfamiliar with the subject being discussed. She was uncertain how to respond because this was all so foreign to her. Before all this, she had just been a simple tracker in the human borderlands and had fought nothing stronger than a mortal Hyip or orc warrior.
Deraj saw her palpable confusion. “Worry not, Ireli. I will instruct Caedmon to teach you and the other mages the history of these lands. It is far from simple, and an abstract mind is needed to fully understand the immortal realms and their ceaseless war. They battle over the souls of mortals. One side wishes to save, and the other wishes to destroy. A lesson for another time.”
The terrifying demon at the far end of the infertile land planted all four limbs and roared in fury, its four eyes burning with rage over its gaping, serrated beak. It pawed the earth with its talons, preparing for battle.
“Close your eyes and gaze within for the magic’s heart. Listen for its heartbeat and answer its beckoning call. It yearns to find harmony with you and awaits its release,” Deraj asserted.
Ireli did as the Archmage instructed and closed her eyes in hopes of finding this unrealized power caged within her. She doubted the magical being’s words but had little choice as she did not want to die here in this dark cave. No one else would grant her refuge from this place; if she wanted to escape this trial, she would have to muster the courage and strength to do so of her own fortitude. The tracker was terrified and wondered if she was even capable of such feats. She had never seen a creature as evil and hideous as the salivating beast before her. The beautiful woman breathed deeply and closed herself off to her physical surroundings as she delved within to find the slumbering magic.
The demon raged as it clawed the soil and vocalized in petrifying shrieks. Claw marks littered the area surrounding the evil creature; its eagerness to fight was overwhelming, and it could barely contain itself, though it was held back by Deraj’s magical will. The Trial of Gales had created the beast, and it would not act unless released to encourage the awakening of Ireli’s magic.
The tracker ignored the raging beast and searched within for any sign of the elusive magic. She heard nothing and felt nothing. She was not even sure what sensation she was searching for, and her focus began to waver. She shook her head in frustration and snapped, “I cannot feel anything; there must be no power residing in me. You must be mistaken. Perhaps I am not the person you seek.”
Deraj rejected her words. “You are the one meant for this trial. Have faith in yourself and trust your abilities for the magic will not wake if you fear what you may become. Calm yourself and find the self-confidence you need to be the strong-wille
d human you are and maintain your resolve.”
Ireli took a deep breath and attempted to calm her mind. She listened to her breath as it filled her lungs, and she focused on its soothing sounds. The flowing air filtered into her thoughts as she heard the subtle movement coursing through her airway. She felt a slight wind rise and swirl around her as she focused on her breathing. She began to sway under the rising wind as it pushed against her body, and a warming sensation rose in her chest as the magic’s heart accompanied her own. The magic mirrored her beating heart, and a harmony was found between her physical and magic hearts. A power flowed through her whole body as the Ikalreev magic woke within her, and she felt its beckoning call.
She opened her eyes, and a glowing teal light engulfed them. A powerful feeling completely filled her and provided her comforting warmth inside. The magic spoke to her nonverbally and encouraged her to utilize it as she desired. It provided her with the knowledge needed to begin using its strength. She held out a hand toward the evil creature and thought about the result she wanted.
A gale burst forth from her hand and rushed toward the demon. The wind’s force pushed against the beast and lifted it off the ground, propelling it backward through the air. The creature spun without control as it flew back and roared in rage.
She willed the gale to cease, and it listened to her internal call. The wind died, and the beast fell haphazardly to the ground. She glanced at her hands in disbelief and marveled at her newfound power. Never had she known such magic existed within her, and she failed to understand how it resided there.
“How is this possible?” she gasped. “Why do I have this power? I am not magic born or taught.”
“The Ikalreev Archmages have granted you the magic with a spell of their own which spans space and time. A magic too complex to explain with uncomplicated terminology,” Deraj said. “The extreme theories of amplified magic would be unfathomable even to the most brilliant magic wielders of your time.”
The tracker stared at her hands in bewilderment while listening to his explanation and inquired, “What type of communication is this? It is not words, yet I can understand what it wants me to do.”
“The magic’s nonvocal communication was created so your mortal mind would not collapse under its influence. A fragile intellect that hears intangible voices has the tendency to break as the magic speaks in an imposing and dominant way. Your less-fortified mind would diminish and become a slave under the vocal will of the magic.” Deraj attempted to clarify.
“So I can feel its will but not hear it? Because I would go insane?” Ireli reiterated to herself in understanding.
“Yes, a fragile mortal is not strong enough to endure the burden of the magic’s voice because most mortals are unable to fortify their intellect against an unceasing and inescapable authority. Its voice would crush your individuality, essentially commanding control of your physical form and corrupting your purpose.” Deraj added, “Do not be concerned. Magical precautions have been provided in order to protect you from such occurrences, including the nonvocal communication.”
“Oh good. Well, what now?”
“Feel the wind heart’s will and learn how to utilize its power,” the magical being said. “We will begin your lessons. Take a stance and prepare for the demon’s onslaught. Remember, you must defeat a demon by killing its mortal body in order to send its immortal soul back to Hell, where it will remain; however, if the seal is opened, then you must repeatedly kill the creature each successive time it reemerges from the seal until the seal is closed. You will have a brief respite from each demon while it regains its strength in the underworld. Use this time wisely to become more powerful, to cull their numbers, or to find the method of closing the First Seal. Should the seal remain open, then an endless onslaught of fiends will overrun the world.”
“Understood . . . simple enough. Just have to kill them repeatedly in futility. Makes sense.”
“Survival is not futile,” Deraj replied. “Hope must persist, even if the First Seal opens. The five mages must protect the remaining life on this world for the five will be the last hope for any to survive the third Temperean Event, should it be corrupted. You have the power to destroy the evil and reduce their mortal forms to dust. The remaining seals are not required to open during a corruption event. If the five mages succeed in wisely dispatching the five evils before they are able to reach the other seals, then the power behind the seals can be contained in equal measure. Never sacrifice hope, should you wish for any to survive the approaching Temperean Event.”
“The other seals do not have to open?” Ireli asked. “What do you mean?”
“The five evils prophesied to emerge from the First Seal will have the ability to open the remaining five seals. Each evil being will only be able to open one seal—one for each evil,” Deraj said.
“So if the First Seal opens and we are able to stop these five evil beings from reaching the other seals, then we can prevent the Temperean Event from worsening?” she questioned.
“Yes.”
“Will that also stop the event, even though the First Seal has opened?”
“No.”
“Then what are we supposed to do?”
“The Ikalreev were not granted visions of the Temperean Event’s finality. The divine being that spoke to us was unable to grant enlightenment. The angel indicated that the Divine One had not written the event’s conclusion as it was not a natural Temperean Event, and the outcome would be directly influenced by the beings residing in the world and the evil encroaching on it. The means to stop the impending event, should it begin, will need to be discovered by the mages who are granted our power. I cannot provide you with the insight you seek. The fate of the world rests in the five mages hands, and it is your responsibility to unveil the truths we were unable to discern. While doing so, you must protect those living during the transitional times between ages. The tribulations will be catastrophic, and only the strong and wise will survive.”
Ireli breathed deeply and released a stressful sigh. “Very well, then. Teach me how to be strong. I do not fully understand what you have spoken about, but I do not plan to die. I will survive, and you will help me prepare for what comes.”
“Agreed.” Deraj bowed to the human and then motioned to the demon who had recovered from its flight. “Let us begin. When you leave here, you will be prepared to fight an army of these evil creatures.”
“Good,” she said with a smirk, the teal glow surrounding her eyes intensifying. Her resolve was solidified, and she was determined to survive the approaching tribulations should they fail in their quest to prevent the seals from opening. She had faith in her ability to become powerful enough to defend those requiring her protection, though until her defense was needed, she would focus on preventing the coming event from even occurring. She was determined to kill the Initiate and end the beast before it ever reached the First Seal.
Chapter 22
“Veiled Eyes”
“The trials will prepare the four chosen mages for the tribulations by enlightening their minds to hear the heart of the Ikalreev magic within them. Each element will provide a unique and required ability for battle in unity. Without one, their strength is halved; without two, their strength is halved again.”
The Ikalreev Prophecies 16:4–6
The night had been cold in the elevated mountain air, and the group huddled together near the warm fire during the frigid hours. They were able to sleep with shared body warmth, thick blankets, and fire at their backs. The group members had wrapped themselves in pairs in the thick dwarven blankets for sleeping arrangements: Kellen and Auvelia lay lovingly together, Gavina kept Treasach warm during the night as she felt obligated to her past student and prince, and Leith did his best to keep his sister from freezing.
Faolan was the only one who did not sleep. He remained on watch as he refused to relinquish his post. He felt responsible for their safety and would not allow himself to lower his guard. He did not wish to fa
il his friends, though his recent conversation with Caedmon weighed on him heavily. Over the past weeks, he had grown closer to his companions and would truly be burdened with guilt should anything happen to them.
The night passed without event, and the warming sun rose again. They kept the fire alive into the morning hours in order to combat the weakening cold. No communication had come from the three who entered the trials the day before. Those remaining on the surface could only wonder and wait for the mages to return from their awakenings.
Gavina and Auvelia took over the defensive watch from Faolan when the sun rose above the trees. The young guardian was relieved no further issues had arisen during the dark hours, and he released his tension with a deep breath as he handed over watch responsibility.
As he rejoined those at the campsite, Kellen saw his exhausted expression.
“Are you all right, son?”
Faolan glanced at his father as he neared the campfire. “Yes, I am fine.”
The old general knew his son hid his true feelings. “You should rest before your exhaustion takes its toll on your body.”
“I will be fine, Father.” The young guardian resisted.
Kellen was worried but did not wish to pressure him too hard. He realized this journey and new position were fairly taxing and might be affecting Faolan adversely. He glanced over his son and took note of the dried dragon’s blood still weighing down the guardian’s uniform.
“You should at least wash those clothes while we have a respite here,” Kellen urged the disinclined guardian. “I noticed a stream not too far to the south. It would do you good to have a moment of rest . . . and to remove the awful smell coming from your clothes.”
Faolan glanced down at his green guardian uniform and brought part of it up to his nose. He took a deep sniff and coughed from the smell, to which he had apparently grown desensitized some time ago.
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