Origin Mage

by John Forrester

  Aurellia strode over and bowed low, his hawkish face remaining impassive. “You have once again summoned me?” He lifted his eyes to Caisa. “And how pleased I am to discover you’ve escaped from the Underworld. It is my greatest wish come true.”

  The Nameless scoffed. “You most certainly are not pleased. It was you who allowed it to happen. You did nothing when these four rebellious youths played their tricks, casting that spell on me. It was quite unexpected, I’ll give them that, to use an unknown kind of magic on me. And they did it in that demigod’s lair, where the spell was the strongest. It truly worked and worked well, until the Starwalkers came and freed me. The stupid, delightful fools.

  “But I did learn a lesson about the foolishness of revenge from the Starwalkers.” Caisa’s eyes lit up in a sudden illumination. “Had they left things alone, I’d still be imprisoned there in the Underworld. Yet they spent a year looking for me in that hellhole, seeking retribution for what I did to their kind. And that got me thinking. What if I followed their example? Would I find myself in a similar trap, at the mercy of a more powerful foe?”

  “Well, how is it any different?” Mara asked, fixing her gaze on Caisa. “You’re still seeking revenge against those who imprisoned you on the Origin World. How do you know if they’re even alive? Likely everything there has changed.”

  “No,” Caisa hissed, her face turning red. “It is vastly different. The ones who trapped me in that prison beneath the Ruins of Elmarr were immortals, and I highly doubt anyone has been able to subdue and kill them. They will be around, though perhaps in secret. And don’t harbor the illusion that this is about revenge. I seek their power, I seek to feast on their hearts, I seek to consume their souls. Only I am strong enough to do this deed, to take what is rightfully mine, to utterly possess their strength.”

  “But you’re failing to consider an important thing.” Talis waited, digging his fingers into Charna’s luxurious mane, causing her to purr.

  The Nameless raised an eyebrow. “What is this ridiculous thing? Speak your mind, boy.”

  “If I so easily subdued you with an unknown spell, what makes you think that those immortals on the Origin World won’t be able to defeat you again?”

  “That’s what you’re for—the bait. You and your friends will be there to test their defenses. And of course, my now loyal Starwalkers will help you. Once we release them from their prison.” Caisa displayed a vicious grin, passing her gaze across those gathered around her. “Our next step must be measured and swift: to overtake the Starwalker sanctuary and secure their powerful relics. From there we will journey to the Origin World, and find the final victory.”

  7. The Faded Sanctuary

  Jared wished he never would’ve returned to this cursed world. Why hadn’t he listened when the others had told him to give up on his quest of seeking justice for the Starwalker deaths? Now, the situation was far worse than he could have ever imagined. They had taken his star fragment. And he was imprisoned here in this foul-smelling cell, in a city they called Darkov, resigned to the fact that whatever came next was surely a disaster for himself and his people.

  The door to his dark cell opened, and the torchlight caused him to shield his eyes. His vision adjusted to the light and he discovered a red-robed priest with a balding pate frowning at him.

  “The Goddess Caisa summons you. Follow me and remain quiet. Don’t force me to bring measures against you.”

  Jared resisted saying something snarky to the man, and instead, bowed his head and traipsed after him. He wouldn’t oppose this weakling of a priest, though he knew he could obliterate him in an instant, even without his fragment to amplify his magical power.

  There would be swift retribution for such an action, though Jared wasn’t sure if he cared anymore. Perhaps it was better to die now and sacrifice himself than to give this Caisa a way to find the Starwalker sanctuary. He debated it many times, but was doubtful whether getting himself killed would make any difference.

  The other Starwalkers in his quad were compromised, and could be tortured. Though strong, they would reveal the location of their sanctuary, after days of the agony torture brought, anyone would. His people were already doomed because of his foolishness.

  No, he would remain alive. He would think and plot. There had to be a way to outwit his opponent. He’d been in bad situations before and survived. This foe was no different. Time and patience would win in the long run, at least that’s what he told himself and hoped it was true.

  The priest led him upstairs and down a narrow corridor until the strengthening sunlight slowly blinded Jared. It took a while for his eyes to adjust. How long had he been in that cell? A day, two days? He hadn’t slept much and the hours were blurred together. One long, horrible nightmare. He hoped he would eventually wake from it. But alas, he clung to no such notions.

  Soon they reached another black and gold pyramid. This one was smaller than the others, and they stepped down a dimly lit hallway until they reached what appeared to be a great hall of worship. Curious eyes turned toward him at his arrival. To his surprise, he recognized Talis and Mara.

  He coughed and balled up his fists. The young heretic, Rikar, was also here? His very existence was vile and sacrilegious. The boy was formed of Starwalker blood and bone. Not only was he a murderer, but he was a desecration to their race.

  “Master Jared! How good of you to join us.” Caisa gave him a haughty grin.

  He strolled over and bowed to the Nameless, muttering curses under his breath. At her quick gesture, he crossed his legs and sank into a pose of silent contemplation, wondering how he might sway the situation in his favor.

  Caisa chuckled. “It’s good to see you’ve still retained your manners and a good sense of humor. They will serve you well in the days ahead. Though I’m afraid proper manners will do nothing to dissuade the rulers of the Origin World from obliterating you.”

  Perhaps he could convince them to obliterate her, thought Jared. If she was their enemy, then they shall be his friend, at least for a little while. The only question was how could he attain such a task? He must somehow get a message to those Starwalkers who had visited the Origin World. Perhaps they had some nuggets of information to share.

  “Now, it is time for us to depart from this dreary city for the last time.” The Nameless rose to her feet and scanned those around her. “A motley crew, indeed, yet you will have to suffice for the time being. Master Jared, how many other Starwalkers can we count on to join up in the fray?”

  “If it were a matter of an overwhelming force set against them, hundreds—”

  “You have failed to provide me with a precise answer.” Caisa narrowed her eyes at him.

  “One could estimate close to eight hundred, that is, if your forces were quick and talented enough with the arts.” He glanced at his hands, realizing they were clenched. “Our population fluctuates. People come and go from one planet to another all the time. And even with the element of surprise, there’s no guarantee we’ll secure them all.”

  “Do you see me caring about your pathetic worries?” The Nameless waved a dismissive hand. “Tell me the details. How many exactly will fight for us?”

  “A sizable portion will flee for another sanctuary. At least half. Our people are used to being ambushed, hence our honed skill at making quick escapes. But you must know, we don’t take well to fighting for another’s cause. We have many factions and are by nature highly individualistic. In addition, there is a large faction that worships the rulers of the Origin World.”

  “So you’re informing me that it’s useless?” She grinned like she knew the answer. “Many have commented on my persuasive personality. I’m sure most of your members will be convinced to fight for me.”

  “Perhaps your charm and wise words will persuade them.” Jared lowered his eyes.

  “Don’t get smart. That’s what I have you for, to help allay their fears.” She gazed at him, unyielding.

  He nodded and tried to maintain an eve
n face, though inside he wanted to scream. In a little while he’d come up with a plan to overcome the Nameless. But he was running out of time. Before they left for the Starwalker sanctuary, he would have to find a way.

  “Are we ready for our journey?” Caisa studied one of her elder priestesses. The other six remained in meditation.

  “Our forces are few. Shouldn’t we consider rallying a larger army?” The old bald-headed priestess winced at Caisa’s harsh reaction.

  “Don’t be an idiot. Where are these forces that you speak of?”

  “But, the city. This world. Certainly there are soldiers and magicians we could summon to our cause?”

  The Nameless scoffed. “Those pathetic mortals remaining in Darkov? Old dying generals and inexperienced youths. Nothing and no one of value. The Starwalkers fighting by our side will be the strongest allies we could hope for, not to mention the powerful relics and star fragments we will find in their abode. We will immediately open a portal and journey to this sanctuary in the stars. Master Jared? Will you do us the honors? I believe we are sufficiently prepared for battle.”

  Jared stood and stretched his back, aiming his gaze at an empty area in the temple. It would prove suitable for his casting of the portal spell. He thought of the best place inside the sanctuary for their arrival. Their sanctuary was a circle, similar to a small world, but hollow on the inside to allow light to enter in from both sides. After thinking about the many possible positions for their entry, he decided on the gardens, where few people usually went. It was also heavily observed by their monitoring devices and would offer his people a chance for escape.

  “I will cast the spell,” he said, and stretched out his hands. A ripple of power shot from his fingertips and formed a pulsing silver sphere above the ground. From what he had seen of the magical portals cast by Talis and the others, the Starwalkers possessed a much different kind of magic. “Who would you like to come along into the portal with me?”

  “After what happened the last time with young Master Talis?” Caisa smirked. “No, I imagine I don’t trust you. How fitting then, is it for me to send Mara into the portal, but not with you. My high priestess will go with the crafty girl. If anything happens to her, I’m sure Talis will personally see to your execution. And my high priestess will inspect whether the location you have chosen is an ideal place for our arrival. If not, you will change the destination until I am satisfied.”

  “Why would I dare do anything to oppose you? I wouldn’t dream of it.” Jared waggled his hand. “And do not worry, it is the ideal location. It is in the gardens, quiet, and will allow us to enter the sanctuary by stealth.”

  “We’ll see whether that is the truth or not. I’m not inclined to trust a man who has a sword at his neck.”

  “If you doubt me, then have your high priestess and Mara see for themselves.” Jared swept his hand toward the portal. “Enter and see that my words are true.”

  Jared caught a frown forming on Talis’ face. The boy held Mara’s arm.

  Caisa gave off a small laugh. “It would be poetic justice if this Starwalker were to have opened a portal into the stinking bowels of the Underworld instead of his sanctuary in the stars. Do you trust him enough, boy, to allow your girl to enter at the peril to her life? Or perhaps, instead, he has summoned a portal into the most dangerous place in the sanctuary, risking the girl’s life as an act of revenge? We shall see.”

  “I will kill him if either is the case,” Talis said, releasing his grip over Mara’s arm as she stepped forward. She cast a hesitant glance back, but turned anyway and walked up to the portal alongside the high priestess.

  “Fight to the death if you have to,” said the Nameless, and Mara and the high priestess stepped inside.

  8. Gardens of the Stars

  As soon as Mara entered the other side of the portal, she gripped her daggers and commanded them to make her invisible. The transition moved her into the hazy gray world of invisibility. Out of the corner of her eye she could see the high priestess tensed and studying the lush gardens.

  Mara spied the curved glass above that afforded a view of the stars. They were in a very large chamber filled with dense foliage and budding flowers. The place was about several hundred feet wide, stretching to two sides that ended in glass. The glass curved upwards and met the star-filled zenith. The gardens continued in both directions. One meandered off toward a waterfall, and the other went off into a thicker jungle.

  A broken twig snapped Mara’s attention back to the old high priestess. Her face was pale and yellow now from her time in the Underworld, though her skin was wrinkled from her years living in the Nalgoran Desert. She scanned around in concern and anxiety.

  “Where are you?” the old crone whispered, her voice irritated. She turned to study the pulsing portal, confusion twisting her face. After a while, she searched the empty gardens, trying to appear inconspicuous.

  Mara suppressed laughter at the strange sight of the old priestess dressed in a red silk robe, so out of place considering the simple garb the Starwalkers usually wore in the sanctuary. The high priestess, though confused by Mara’s disappearance, seemed satisfied at the lack of danger. She turned and stepped back into the portal.

  Finally, Mara was alone. Once the high priestess returned to Caisa, Talis would be furious at Mara’s disappearance. But that was exactly what she wanted. They had to do something to destabilize Caisa’s grip over their destiny, and Mara decided now was the time for her to act. She had whispered to Talis her plan and he had wholeheartedly agreed. If they waited until they got to the Origin World, it might be too late for them to survive and eventually return home.

  As she went inside the dense shrubbery of the gardens, she heard the whoosh of more people entering through the portal. She spotted Jared, Rikar, and the high priestess enter first, and they were soon followed by Talis and his lynx, Caisa, and the others of their party.

  The old priestess gestured around, exasperated at Mara’s disappearance, but eventually she shrugged and looked at Talis.

  “How could she just disappear?” he said, his voice angry and accusing.

  “It’s like I said, when I went through the portal she wasn’t here.” The crone looked at Jared. “What kind of a strange portal spell did you cast? Is there any possibility of the spell misplacing her?”

  Jared snorted. “Nonsense. There’s not a chance. There has to be another explanation. She is probably somewhere around here, scouting perhaps?”

  “How can you be so sure? I stepped into the portal, and the next thing I knew she was gone,” the high priestess said, exasperated.

  “It could be that you fainted, the old and feeble-minded faint quite often in my observation.” The Starwalker made a weak attempt at suppressing a grin. “The girl certainly went off to find you some water. If you don’t know it, the fact is that she’s been to our sanctuary before.”

  “I most certainly did not faint. I can assure you I had full control of my facilities.”

  “A lapse in consciousness, perhaps? How should I know? But we all saw the girl step into the portal with you, and yet, for some strange reason, you failed to find her.”

  “I didn’t fail at anything!” shouted the high priestess. She glanced around, embarrassed at her outburst, then continued, softer now. “As I said, she simply wasn’t there. But I believe she has to be here.”

  “Then shouldn’t we look for Mara first?” Talis asked. “The gardens seem empty enough. As strange as it may sound, for some reason I agree with the high priestess. Mara must be here. It’s simply up to us to look for her.”

  “It turns out the boy isn’t as idiotic as he looks,” said the high priestess, mollified.

  Talis pointed toward a waterfall in the distance. “I think we should split up and search the area, remaining as stealthy as possible. If we discover other Starwalkers, we should return to this same place and warn the others. Half of our group should venture that way, and the others in the opposite direction. Have you a bette
r idea?”

  “I believe I am leading this expedition. You will do as I command,” said Caisa, irritated. “If we should encounter anyone, we will stun them and bring them back here, if you are able. I will then convince them to join our cause. Considering this, Lord Aurellia, you will go with Talis, Nikulo, and his strange feline. The others will travel with me. I trust this composition will suffice.”

  Talis and Aurellia bowed to the Nameless, and shuffled off toward the thicker jungle. Caisa left with Rikar, Devonia, and her elders. Soon Talis and Nikulo were alone with the dark lord, with Charna sniffing through the jungle. She had caught some scent and was sneaking straight toward Mara.

  She tried not to giggle as the lynx’s whiskers tickled her.

  “I imagine young Mara is hiding someplace in the thick brush?” Aurellia gave a snarling smile. “She was always a sneaky little schemer.”

  “Charna is leading us to her. I don’t even need to use the Surineda Map.” Talis glanced at Aurellia, frowning. “Do you really want to go off on this ridiculous quest to the Origin World? It seems the Nameless is determined to have us all killed in her quest for revenge.”

  “One does not resist one’s master. A lesson you would be wise to learn, young Talis. Your spirit is filled with rebellious thoughts and notions of boundless freedom. You are too much the romantic with a poetic heart. Scheme away as you like, but I am afraid you will find yourself disappointed. Though I must say I was impressed by your plan and flawless execution of imprisoning my master in the Underworld. Ultimately, it was all for naught. You have failed to gain anything.”

  “You are wrong.” Talis stopped and studied the aged, ashen face of Aurellia. “I’ve secured the freedom and safety for my people, and that of my world. Naru is completely new and glorious. The heart of Carvina is rebuilt and shines once again. Even the old generals and young soldiers of Darkov plan their escape to saner ports. You call this nothing?”