Lontepark

Yeah, I just felt Like posting it somewhere. You may remember (I highly doubt it though) That I posted about this story a while back, but I actually wrote this like 2 years ago before that. Anyway, If you need a good laugh...

Chapter 1

Elier Maccenthar Lestar had lived in his father’s castle all his life. He never went adventuring or exploring, nor did he ever want to. He and his family lived at home peacefully and rather richly. He was twenty-one and would come of age next year to be able to take after his father and become Lord Lestar when his father died. He was not very short or very tall and neither was he skinny or, shall we say, wide. He was quite normal in all respects except his hair which was more white than blond, his eyes which were more silver than blue and his skin which was unusually fair since he spent most of his time in the sun. His father, Lord Maccenthar Lestar was very, as we put it, wide, extremely tall and in all ways intimidating. All the same he was still very kind.
Elier’s father was Lord over Lestar castle and the town of Rafton and kept watch through all the southern lands. These lands were usually peaceful but occasionally there was a problem in Rafton which Lord Lestar had to resolve. If there was any important problems he would go to the capital town of Kalir and appeal to the high king who at this time was King Ghalling. Elier had been to Kalir only twice when his father brought him to see the great Market of Kalir. He, however, visited Rafton frequently when to play games and practice swordplay with the village boys. Sir Kalling, a member of the family, gave Elier his former horse, Condel, and taught him how to ride (and Elier rode very well).
His adventure started on one of these days where he was told to fetch some water from town. He saddled Condel got a few buckets and started off on the long road. This long road was, in fact, called Long Road and it went through a very long forest, which was, in fact, called Long Forest. They were of course named by the people of Rafton although the people of Rafton say differently. When Elier got to Rafton something very odd had happened.
Rafton was not a rich town and all the houses were small and made of wood. Rafton was not a walled town, but it had a fence with a small gate which was always open. Except on this day. The Gate was closed and there were two men standing guard. One of the men saw Elier and told him “Get out of here, quick. Go on home and tell your father that there’s a problem.”
“What’s the trouble?” Elier asked.
“The spring was clogged up and has been corrupted by the plague.” answered the second man
“What?” said Elier, “That spring is high on a hill!”
“We don’t know what happened, go on and tell your father boy!” said the first man.
“I‘m not a boy, I come of age next year and I want to help!” Shouted Elier.
The man said apologetically, “I’m sorry, sir. It’s just that we’re all so tense and worried. One man in the village is dead and four other’s have got the plague.”
“I understand.” said Elier, “Is it really all that bad?”
“Worse,” said the second man, “Your forgetting that we live off that water supply and many people drink from there.”
“I must go to the king, but is there anything I can do while I am here?”
A woman walking by heard this, went up to Elier and pleaded, “My son, Ramin, you know him, could you go see him maybe he will talk to you.”
“Of course, ma’am, what’s wrong?” said Elier and followed after Ramin’s mother.
“He went around exploring through the Red marsh, though, he’s been told not to, and he saw something. I don’t rightly know what it is, but I think you could get him to tell you.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you.” she said, “here we are Ramin is in his room to the right.”
“Got it” replied Elier the walked through the small house and knocked on the boy’s door.
“Come in.” said a sad voice.
Elier walked in and saw the six or seven year old boy, red eyed in his room.
“Oh, hello Elier did you come to play a game?”
“No, sorry. I don’t have the time today. I want to know what you saw in the cave. It may help everyone get their water.”
Ramin groaned, “I… I… Cant tell you. I don’t want to remember those things!” said the boy, his eyes full of fear.
“What happened before you found the cave?”
“I was walking through the forest and I saw the red marsh. I always wondered why the grown-ups said not to go there and it looked fun to explore so I went in. and then I saw the cave, I love exploring caves, so I went in there. There was red water flowing into the river from there. It was a really, really, really big cave. Then was I got really deep in the cave. And… there were pillars and walls made of this horrible fire. The fire wasn’t even red it was black! And they didn’t even give light! And there were these men wearing red robes kicking barrels of the black fire into the river. And then I saw… I saw… this thing… it was horrible! Made of red an black fire and there were these big wings and… I fell in the river and … I cant say anymore!”
Ramin went into the corner of the room and started sobbing. Elier try to comfort him and said “You’ve been through a lot. You were very brave in getting all out and you were very helpful to us.”
Ramin said though his tears, “You… You think so?”
“Yes of course.” said Elier, “But now I must be going, I have to see the king.”
“Bye.” said Ramin a little happier.
Elier started to leave when he saw Elier’s mother her face stricken with fear.
“What’s wrong?” asked Elier.
“Do you know what this means!?” she said.
“Your son saw who was polluting the river and has a big imagination. Why?”
“The Red wizards are allying with the creatures from the far, far north!” said Ramin’s mother totally shocked.
“What are you talking about I know nothing of the lands to the north.”
“What?” she said appalled, “Well, it is not for me to tell you. Hurry, ride to the king and tell him this. And whatever you do stay clear of Skelton!”
“Of course” said Elier as he ran off.
Elier got to his horse and quickly got onto the road. He had never taken this road before, but he knew it led to Skelton. He found he had to partially go through the red marshes. Now he realized what a horrid place it was and why Ramin would not speak of it. He continued on this road planning to go around Skelton. It couldn’t hurt to just see the place could it?
The road finally connected to the main road to Lestar Castle and he knew he had to be close. Soon he saw a camp in the distance. It was the Kaliran army! He came up to one of the men standing guard and asked, “What is the army doing here?”
“What do you mean ‘what is the army doing here’?” said the soldier, “Haven’t you heard the firens are trying to take Skelton.”
“What are ‘firens’?”
“Soldiers of Blackfire Isle!”
“Blackfire Isle?”
“Blimey your out of it!” said the soldier, “I’m not wantin’ to describe it to ya. You’d best go see one over there in the valley. don’t worry Arven, the greatest archer in the land, is here and ten blue wizards too.”
“Alright,” said Elier, “could you show me where it is?”
“Ok, follow me.” He answered and then walked down to the edge of a cliff, “Look there.”
In the Valley was the most horrible creature he’d ever seen. It was made of fire just as Ramin had said and it appeared to be wearing the black fire as armor. It almost resembled a man but much bigger and with colossal wings! There were two wizards wearing blue robes holding it in place with some odd magic and an archer with a blue hood and cloak and a great bow. The most interesting thing however was the arrows the archer had. Their tips were bright, white and gold, and shining. They seemed to give off light as bright as the sun. Then archer shot one of his arrows straight at the creature, there was a flash of light and all that was left of it was a dark black smoke. Many of the soldiers and onlookers cheered.
When Elier looked to the other side of the valley he saw the dead plague ridden town of Skelton. He could see the town clearly as the valley wasn’t very wide. There were many fires and he could tell that the firens, as the soldier called them, had camped there. He could also see a few men in the town and wondered why they where there. When he looked closer he saw that they were wandering around crazed. They had the plague. The town looked horrible, the buildings black with smoke and skeletons everywhere. He remembered Rafton. He couldn’t let Rafton become like this!
“What’s your name?” asked the soldier.
“Elier, Elier Lestar.” he said.
“You’re a Lestar then? You lot own most o’ Rafton don’t you?”
“Yes, and what’s your name?” asked Elier.
“Radigus Ernim at your service.” He said and bowed.
“Can you ride?” Elier asked.
“Yes of course, but I have to stay at the camp and I don’t own a horse” answered Radigus.
“That’s a pity. Can you tell me the quickest route to Kalir?”
“Just up the road. Why? What’s the rush?”
Elier told Radigus all about the Plague in Rafton and what Ramin saw. The soldier’s jaw dropped when he heard that the Red wizards were working with the forces of Blackfire.
“That can’t be!” he said, “We’re all doomed, that couldn’t have happened!”
Chapter 2

“That’s just what the boy saw,” said Elier.
“Hurry, there’s no time to lose!” said Radigus, “I’ll tell the general everything. Get to your horse and ride to the king with all speed!”
Elier ran to the gate jumped on Condel and rode as fast as possible down the road. The forest had ended and he was at the shoreline. He now realized that is was already far into the night. He soon sighted the great city of Kalir.
The walls were twice as high as the tallest oak in the long forest and the towers on the castle shot into the sky. He also saw many ships floating in the bay. The gates were closed when he got there so he knocked on the door of the gatehouse.
“WHAT IS IT?” a voice yelled from inside.
“I need to get in the castle,” Elier shouted back.
A head popped up in the window and said “No need to shout sonny! Why would you be wantin’ in at this time o’ day?”
“I am Elier Lestar, son of Lord Lestar, and I have very grave news for the king.”
“I’ve heard of you, I have. You wanna see King Ghalling do ya? Ha! That’s a laugh! The king is a busy man you know, and you’ll never be able to see him at this time o’ day. But you look tired so I’d do best to let you in.”
The man opened the gate and let Elier pass with a “thank you.”
All the stall were closed and lights were lit through the main path which led toward the castle. He got to the castle gate and found that is was tightly shut with no gatehouse. He saw a soldier walking by and said, “I need to talk to the king it is an emergency!”
The soldier yawned and said, “Ya, ya, that’s what they all say. Why don’t you go to the Lightrock Inn they ought to be open now.”
“You don’t understand! The Red wizards have allied with the forces of Blackfire!”
“Ha! I’ve heard that one too many times. Look, see that house? Perfectly intact. See that wall? Still upright and strong. See the castle? Not a dent on it. That’s proof enough for me that they haven’t allied.”
Elier found that he couldn’t get through to him and decided it would be best to tell the king tomorrow. He walked along the path to the Lightrock Inn and got a room for the night with a bit of change he had on him. The room was nothing like Lestar Castle but he had to live with it.
He woke up in the morning and realized he had slept till midday. He hurried off to the castle and talked to the woman inside.
“I need to talk to the king,” he said.
“Name?” she said.
“Elier Lestar, son of Lord Lestar.”
“Oh, wait here I will tell him.”
She walked into the room and came back in five minutes.
“Why do you want to see him?” she asked.
“There is a problem in Rafton,” Elier answered.
She left again into the room and when she came back she said, “Wait here, he will see you soon.”
After a long wait she told him, “You can go in now.”
Elier said, “alright,” and went in. It was a very big room decorated with statues of former kings and paintings of former queens. The king looked distressed and was sitting in his throne. He was a very big man, much like his father, with a long golden beard and a well decorated crown. He noticed that the crown had a stone much like the tips of Arven’s arrows.
“Hello,” he said, “I am King Ghalling, what is trouble in Rafton?”
“It’s the plague, my liege, It’s gotten into the spring of Rafton.”
“This is very grave news. Anything else?”
“Yes a boy, Ramin, went into plague cave and saw Red wizards and soldiers of Blackfire polluting the river with the black fire.”
“I’ve had suspicions of this but nothing to be sure, do you have any proof of this?”
“Just the boy.”
“Do you have him with you?”
“No, he’s at Rafton. He wont want to talk about it but his mother heard everything he said.”
“Alright,” the king said softly, “We have been looking for the cause of the plague. It seems you have found it. I will transport a few wizards with water and Arven to Rafton. I will also move the Kaliran army to the Blue wizard castle. What’s your full name?”
“Elier Maccenthar Lestar.”
“What? Really?” said the king a new light in his eyes, “And your father’s name?”
“Lord Maccenthar Lestar.”
“Do you know anything about sword fighting? Or archery?”
“I know little about archery and less about fencing.”
“Would you like to learn?”
“I am a son of a Lord, I am not one to learn these things and Sir Kalling can protect the Lestar castle.”
“Sir Kalling?” said the king surprised, “He’s at Lestar Castle too? Ha! I have to disagree with you, you are one who should learn the art of sword fighting. I have a feeling you will get on very well.”
“I beg your pardon sir, but I don’t see any need for me to learn.”
“Hmmm,” he started, “I will make you a proposition then. How would you like to be prince Lestar and have your father be king Lestar?”
“How…?” said the startled Elier, “King over what? And why?”
“All of the lands south of Skelton and the Dead River. If you only do a this one task for me.”
“Ill do it! What is it?” said Elier without thinking
The King laughed, a large hearty laugh, and said, “I want you to go to the city of Aethtown, to the north, tell the king a few ancient words, and do what he tells you.”
“What are the words and what will he tell me to do?”
“The words are: thernim eyva grinol renugh. And he will tell you the situation when you get there.”
“What about my family won’t they be worried?”
“I will go there myself and talk to them. Now repeat the words I told you.”
“Turmin avae grumo reno.”
“No, no, no!” said the king while laughing, “Thernim eyva grinol renugh.”
“Thernum ayva grinul renoh.”
“Close enough.” said the king still laughing, “You look hungry, stay in the castle today and rest. You’ve been through a long journey. My servant will lead the way.”
“Alright,” said Elier starting to leave, “Farewell my liege.”
The servant led him to a large room, a little bigger than his room at Lestar Castle. He thought of how his mother must be worrying. She wouldn’t worry once the king went there, they’d be proud. While he was thinking the servant brought in a tray of food. He realized just how hungry he was when he saw the servant bring him a platter with a juicy piece of roasted chicken, a loaf of fresh bread, assorted fresh vegetables, and a large jug of water.
“Your horse is being tended to in the stable sir.” said the servant.
“Very good,” said Elier, “You may go now.”
He finished his meal quickly and decided to go see the town. It was late in the day but before sunset. The streets of Kalir were full of people and all of the stalls were trying to sell him something.
“Would you like a few apples sir, straight from the Western Isles!” or “You look like you’d be needing a sword sir, want to buy one?”
He didn’t have any money with him so he didn’t buy anything but he would have liked to buy a new cloak.
He also decided to watch the ships in the port. He could see the great watchtower of Kalir in the distance over the bay. Some of the ships were from the Western Islands, he had never seen anything like them. It soon was sundown and he decided to go back to the castle.
He went to sleep early that day because he knew that tomorrow would be eventful.
“Time to get up sir!” said the servant.
“Oh?” said Elier, half asleep, “Yes it is isn’t it.”
“The King wants to see you.”
“Oh, well I’d better be off then. Goodbye”
Elier walked to the throne room and the king said, “Good, you’re awake. You need to leave soon. Even if you don’t know how to use a sword, you’re going to need one. You’ll need a shield too, of course.”
“Yes, ok. I suppose a shield couldn’t be that hard to use. Hold it in front of the other guy’s sword, right?”
“About right,” the king said while laughing, “But remember, humor will get you nowhere in Aethtown.”
“Yes, sire”
“Before you go say the words again, I’d like another laugh.”
“Thurnum eavya grinol runoh.”
“That’ll do,” said the king, “Now get to your steed and remember, follow the northern path and stay with the blue wizard then go across the rock plains to Aethtown.”

__________________

Lontepark

Chapter 3

Elier got to his horse and started on the northernmost road. It was sad to leave Kalir but wouldn’t it be great to be a prince! Condel was in up and running, completely refreshed from his rest in the city. This road went straight to the Blue wizard Castle. The coast was far to the east now, and the bay to their south. It wasn’t long before he saw the tall castle on the horizon.
The Blue wizard castle stood on a tall island in the middle of Blue Lake. There was a wizard keeping guard and he said, “Who are you and what do you want? Speak up boy!”
Elier would have said something but decided against talking back to a wizard.
“I am Elier Lestar,” He said feeling like he has introduced himself a hundred times, “I was told by the king that I should stop here on my way to Aethtown.”
The first wizard called on another and talked to him for awhile.
“Were you supposed to tell the king of Aethtown anything?” said the second wizard.
“Yes, some odd words. I don’t know if I should say them here though.”
“He’s a Red wizard!” shouted the first man, “Show me your hands!”
Elier thought this was odd and put up his hands. The second wizard inspected it and said, “Nothing here. He’s clean.”
“Any enchantments?”
There was a flash then the wizard told him, “Nothing.”
“What about his eyes?”
The wizard looked at his eyes stood back in amazement and started to say, “How…? Let him in! He’s ok.”
“Thank you,” said the confused boy.
They led him into a room and said, “You can rest here, and I’d stay away from the rest of the castle.”
“Alright,” said Elier as he tried to sleep. It was a little after midday and he found it hard to rest. Soon a wizard came in and told him, “I am Onuax the head wizard.”
“I trust you know my name,” said Elier.
“Yes of course. I need to know, did the king tell you thernim evya grinol renugh?”
“Yes that’s what he said.”
“I thought so. That means you’ll be back here after you’ve been to Aethtown.”
“I don’t suppose you could magic me over there?”
“Magic is very serious thing. Not something to be joked about.”
“Understood, when shall I leave to go to Aethtown?”
“After I finish talking here. Now do you know about the Red wizards?”
“They’re the enemy.”
“That is all you know? They are wizards that have been twisted by Airzen. He destroys minds and replaces them anew. Then they become crazed with evil as they drink of the red lake.”
Elier was silent. He didn’t like the thought of evil, hypnotized, crazed, and plagued wizards.
“You will see the other enemy when you get to Aethtown. You had best get going to be there before nightfall.”
“Alright,” said Elier as he followed the head wizard out to his horse. He started back on the road toward the city. From this point on he didn’t see any trees on the road.
Just dead, dry rock plains. To the north he could see a great wall stretching on from the east to the west. There were many mountains behind and in front of the wall and they also stretched south in the west.
He carried on along the wall going east. Soon he sighted a castle. It was in bad shape to say the least. Its towers had fallen and the walls broken and chipped. Still, the wall still held together somehow.
There was no gate guard and the large iron doors swung open.
“Who goes there?” yelled the soldier inside. His armor dented and his clothes ripped. He also had an eye patch and many other scars.
“Elier Lestar, I am here to see the king.”
“Why?”
“I have to tell him a few words.”
“Ancient words?”
“Yes.”
“I see, go in then. Follow me.”
The soldier led him up into the middle of the castle and went into the kings chamber.
“I am King Veiren, Who are you?” said the king.
“Elier Lestar, the king sent me here to tell you: thurnim avya grinul renogh.
“I see. Do you know what that means?”
“No, sire.”
“They mean: I come to find the sword.”
“What sword is this?” asked Elier who was completely confused.
“It is the shattered sword. The sword of light. Blackfire’s bane.”
“Where is this sword, or the pieces if you say its shattered?”
“There is one piece here in Aethtown, one in Kalir, one in the Blue wizard castle, and one in the Red wizard castle.”
“So the king sent me to retrieve them? I see.”
“What do you know of the sword?”
“Very little.”
“Odd that the king should send you. No matter. I trust the king’s decision.”
“Sire, aren’t you a king too?”
“He is the high king, but no one ever calls him that.”
“Ah, I see. And this, castle what has happened?”
“You don’t know? How very odd. You shall see then. Follow me.”
Elier followed the king outside into the town. Not much of the town was left. All of the houses were destroyed, burned and broken. There were little caves everywhere. There were a few guards watching the town. None of them were in good condition. The king led him to the outside gate of the town and said, “Be careful. If your seen you could be shot by one of their arrows.”
Outside the gate he could see very little land and then abruptly nothing. It was an overpowering darkness. The water of the surrounding seas were spilling into this nothingness. Then there was a small island of rock with a small outcrop like a broken bridge. He could see lights hovering around it, flying to and fro around some sort of structure.
“That,” whispered the king, “Is the black pit and Blackfire Isle.”


Chapter 4

“That’s where the firens come from then,” said Elier.
“Yes. Now come, we have been here too long.” The king led him back to town and into the castle.
“Lets me see, Do you have a proper sword and shield?”
“Yes, of course.” said Elier as he took out his weaponry.
The king inspected them then said, “These wont do. I’ll get them enchanted tomorrow.”
“Enchanted? What for?”
“To be magic resistant. You’re going to be fighting red wizards you know. And your sword must be able to destroy the strongest shield.”
“Sire, will I be fighting anyone with a sword? I mean, do the Red wizards use them?”
“Ah yes, the Red wizards aren’t all magical no matter what they’re called. Some are just plagued warriors. You will be fighting those mostly. Now you will need some practice first though, come with me to the training grounds.”
King Veiren led Elier to a large open area where there were soldiers swinging around their swords. King Veiren then said, “This is Oethad, my best soldier. He will help you out. I have other things to do, farewell.”
“Now,” said Oethad as the king left, “you don’t seem very experienced and if my guess is right you’re a nobleman. So, give yourself some space and swing across.”
Elier barely suppressed his anger at being thought of as some spoiled rich son of a lord (even though it was true). He tried slashing a few times but couldn’t get the hang of it.
“We have a lot of work to do,” said Oethad, “Imagine that over there is the enemy. Now remember horizontal swing.”
The swing was slightly vertical and didn’t go through all the way.
“Try imagining you’re holding sword of light.”
Elier concentrated as hard as he could. I am holding the great sword. I can kill anything. He swung hard and let out a loud yell he had cut clean through the log and the cut was almost perfect.
“How…?” started Oethad, “The king was very wise to choose you for this.”
“I felt like… a warrior. Like it was in me all along” said Elier amazed.
“Maybe your ancestors were great warriors.” suggested Oethad.
“The king did seem interested in my name. But the only warrior in my family is Sir Kalling.”
“Ha! Sir Kalling? I can see I was very, very wrong about you.”
Elier practiced most of the day for a many a day and grew accustomed to sleeping in a cave. It was not long until he had become one of the best swordsmen in the kingdom. Elier couldn’t figure out why he was able to use the sword so well and why Oethad had so much faith in him. In betting, Oethad soon gained an extremely large sum of gold. Some of which he offered to Elier but Elier refused not wanting to take money from the one teaching him. Elier also knew how to survive on the rock plains or in the forest without food or a horse. He had begun to live on soldier food too. This was mostly grain, slop, vegetables, and, when your lucky, meat. He would have taken another month to prepare for the quest at hand had something else not changed his mind.
On this day he was in his bed trying to drift into sleep. Yelling and screaming aroused him. He scramble out of bed grabbed his sword and shield and rushed out the door.
Panic stricken villagers stampeded through Aethtown into caves and the Aethen soldiers did their best to keep the villagers safe from the enemy. Soldiers of Blackfire flew all around in search for prey.
Many a soldier was burned or fatally injured in trying to lure the firens away. Oethad was leading them. He had read too many stories to know that the mentor doesn’t last till the end. He ran forward to join them.
“Elier!” Oethad shouted over the roar of battle, “This is no place for you! Get to the caves, you are the one that can get sword! You must save yourself!”
“Leave this place! Never come back you vile creatures of flame!” Elier screamed to the firens, completely ignoring Oethad.
“No,” Said one of them with a low voice that sounded like the crackle of a fire, “You, Aethen boy, must leave or burn with the rest of the city.”
Elier thought of what could harm the firens, a sword of light or magic of water. Water! He swiftly pick up a bucket thrust it deep into a well and cast water all over the creature.
It let out a cry of pain and acted as a man would who had been set on fire. Then he knocked Elier back with his Blackfire shield. Elier accidentally slid into a narrow cave where the creature could not get him. He hit his head against the rock and fell unconscious.
He awoke in the infirmary of the castle. He looked around and saw many soldiers horribly injured or dead. Families were mourning all throughout. Wives, children, friends and other relatives were crying over loved ones. This had gone on much too long.
He saw Oethad in another bed alive, but still badly injured. King Vieren was unharmed and studying the damages done. He saw Elier and said, “It’s a good thing your alive. I hear you were brave, but foolish.”
“I owe him my life,” said Oethad, “The firen you attacked was about to strike me.”
“You were very lucky,” started the king, “Your enchanted shield protected you from any severe burns. I suggest you keep it whether you consider the shield lucky or not. Next month you can put an end to this.”
“No,” proclaimed Elier, “I am ready now, I will not risk another attack.”
“I thought you would say as much. Remember, many men have tried to get the last shard, all failed. Some of which are now plague ridden zombies. Are you sure you’re ready?”
“As sure as I’ll ever be.”
“I would go with but with this leg…” said Oethad
“I’ll be fine. One more thing, Do you know if the Kaliran army is at the Blue wizard castle?”
“I believe they are,” said the king
“Very good, I must start off at once.”
With all farewells said, Elier mounted his horse and rode swiftly toward the home of the Blue wizards.

__________________

Lontepark

Chapter 5

Elier rode Condel as fast as he could with last nights happenings on his mind. With the sword he could stop this. But how?
He soon saw the flags of the Kaliran army set up around the blue wizard castle. A Lieutenant noticed him coming in.
“Elier?” he asked, “Is that you? It’s Radigus! Radigus Ernim!”
“Hello Radigus, I see you fared well. A lieutenant!”
“Yes, the General already knew about the You-Know-Who and the You-Know-What teaming up. So I got myself ranked up!”
“I’m here on very important business, Radigus. I have been called to find the sword”
“You mean the sword? Blimey.”
“And I’m going to need help from you or someone else.”
“I see, well come to my tent we have a map of the Red wizard castle. This is not going to be easy.”
They walked toward the tent and looked at the map#. The map was old and wrinkled.
“The front door,” Radigus explained, “is enchanted to let in only people with the mark o’ the red wizard. The walls are also enchanted to make ‘em almost unbreakable. Which reminds me, do you know the laws of magic?”
“There are magical laws?”
“Of course, one: All magic will be undone at the death of a wizard or the breaking of his staff or amulet. Two: magic can not completely block off an area unless it last for less than a week. Three: no enchantments can make something invincible. Four: magic enchantment cannot be cast again until after another week. The wall blocking off Blackfire Isle is enchanted so that no firens can come through except for where Aethtown is. The enchantment will last until Onuax, head of the blue wizards, is dead. The wall surrounding Aethtown is enchanted every other week.”
“Can the firens just come around the wall over the sea?”
“No, firens cant travel over water. Okay, back to the map. There are a few ways we can get in. We could go through the underground way, from a cave east of the red lake to the basement of the castle. Or we could try to climb in through a window, but most likely we’ll get our heads blasted off by one of their wizards. That isn’t undone when the wizard dies by the way. Or we could go in through the water gate that leads to the basement.”
“Can we swim through the red lake?”
“Ya, ‘course we can. These wizards got all kinds of nifty things.”
“I have a suspicion that the tunnel leads to a camp of firen. The water gate would be the best way to get in.”
“Alright then we’ll have to get something from the wizards to keep us safe from the plague and another shield like that one to keep me safe from wizards, and a horse for me.”
“Fine, but how will we get to the water gate and how will break through it?”
“Well the forest around the castle is very thick and it’s hard to see someone swimming in the red lake. And knowing the red wizards they probably enchanted the water gate to be vulnerable only to melting, something the Blue wizards can’t do. But I’m sure they have something confiscated from them that ‘ill help us. No such thing as dark magic you know just the way you use it.”
“Sound’s good. Let’s talk to Onuax.”
“Better not, I’ll talk to the general so that I won’t be just leaving me post an you talk to one of the lower wizards about your quest, you can’t just march into Onuax’s room.”
“Alright, farewell.” said Elier as he walked off through the camp. He recognized a wizard, the one who checked him at the gate and let him in. He said to him, “Hello? Remember me from, what? Three month ago?”
“Hmm let me see… oh yes, I remember. You’re the one with the silver eyes! You have the look of a warrior about you, a wizard can always tell when a man has seen death. Now, why have you come here, need help getting the sword?”
“Yes, quite right. How did you know?”
“Your eyes, of course!” he said, “I have complete faith in you. You will be able to wield the sword.”
“Alright…” said Elier, totally confused, “I need a few items, two things to swim in red water, one enchanted shield, something to burn through a floodgate, and anything else that will help us against red wizards.”
“Hmmm,” he started, “I better give you the grand tour of the armory.”
And so he did. Elier was amazed at how much they had, everything from instant healing to instant death. Elier got two bandanas that would protect against disease and let you breath underwater, another shield like his, a glove that would heat up on his command and not burn him, ten water capsules, that would engulf any red wizard in water until he was melted, and two ice capsules for Airzen because they would not be able to kill him.
Elier thanked the wizard and returned to Radigus happily.
“What about the horse?” Radigus said with a small smile. Elier smile, however, had vanished.
“Forgot about that,” answered Elier, “I don’t think you would have wanted an enchanted horse either. Do we need two horses?”
“I suppose I could ride on your horse…”
“Let’s go then!” said Elier trying not to push the point.
So they rode off on the road down into the dark lands of the red wizard. Of course the castle was surrounded by a thick forest of dead trees, eerily entangled and seemingly reaching to grab anything that moves. Unfortunately they were enchanted to actually grab anything that moved. Elier and Radigus found this out the hard way. They found a clearing and tried up Condel to a nearby un-enchanted tree. Off they went toward the Red lake, with bandanas on. Neither of them felt good diving into what seemed like a lake of blood. Even though it was hard to see they found the water gate leading to the basement, Elier tried to say, “Glove: heat,” but it came out like, “blubb: ete.” So he fired up his glove, literally, and dove back in. The gate’s hinges burnt off easily sending tons, and tons of water into the basement. They quickly swam through into the lobby.
From the map they knew a wizard was behind the door in front of them. Radigus quickly opened the door and Elier hit the wizard square in the chest with the capsule. A wizard melting is not a nice thing to see, first their skin melts off… On second thought I might not want to explain it.
Elier fought off two plagued zombies while Radigus fought one that swum up from the basement. Radigus quickly dispatched his and lodged the door into the basement hall so nothing more would follow them. Elier learned that his sword was enchanted when he cut one of the warriors fighting him. It screamed in pain for about ten seconds and then fell down dead. The other one fled out the front door, lit on fire from Elier’s glove.
They ran up the stairs onto the second floor where they were greeted by four consecutive blasts of fire meant for their heads. Radigus and Elier ducked down and threw water capsules at both two of them, one hit and one miss. Two warriors came after them and were easily struck down. They tried throwing their water capsules again, this time hiding behind their shields. Radigus was hit in the left shoulder with a ball of fire rendering him unable to use his shield properly. On the other hand, both wizards were hit leaving only one more one the walls, which was then taken care of by another capsule. Now Elier had one water capsule one ice and Radigus had one ice and three water capsules.
Radigus took an ice capsule in his hand and Elier held his shield ready. When the went up the stairs a bolt of acid dissolved Elier shield and an ice capsule hit Airzen unexpectedly. He was old and very scarred, his eyes were a dark red and both his hands glowed with the mark of the wizards. They didn’t want to stay in the room any longer than they had to because they didn’t know how long the ice would last. They quickly swapped shields because Radigus couldn’t use his.
All the wizards had masks on, presumably because they couldn’t stand the light coming from the piece of the sword encased in a small prison. It was hard to miss them with the water capsules at such a close range. And the warrior was quickly killed by Elier’s enchanted sword. Radigus guarded the stairs while Elier attempted to burn through the Iron bars of the small room that held a piece of the sword that many had thought he would be able to wield. He reached in to grab it when Radigus yelled, “Stop! People have died trying to hold the sword of light.”
“The wizard saw something in my eyes that made him think I am the one to be able to wield it. I trust him.”
“Your eyes are odd now that I come to think of it. They’re Silver. I see what he meant, take the sword piece.”
Elier reached out and this time grabbed the piece of the sword, it was broken right above the hilt.
His hand tickled for a second but he felt fine. “Good,” he said with a sigh of relief, “Let’s get out of here, this place is really creeping me out!”

Chapter 6

They started down the stairs to the third floor. Elier went in front because he had the shield. No problems on the third floor, Airzen was still frozen solid. The second floor was clear but they saw some clatter in the courtyard. They cautiously walked down the stairs on to the ground floor when they were pelted with bolts of fire and capsules much like theirs but with fire inside. They ran fast with their shield out and made it through unharmed. The basement was still flooded and they dove back into the water, still having the bandanas on. Elier noticed that a firen was there, angry that the most dangerous thing to them was stolen. When they came up to the forest he swooped down to grab one of them. Elier did the riskiest thing he could think of, and threw the piece of the sword of light at the Soldier of Blackfire. He saw the same flash of light that he saw when Arven destroyed the firen at Skelton then a pillar of smoke rose into the sky.
Elier realized this was as good as a signal to the Red wizards and he and Radigus ran as fast as they could to the horse, after they had retrieved the sword piece first. Off they rode and didn’t see any followers. Soon the two companions saw the familiar tower and white tents. They were cheered on happily by all the soldiers and wizards. Amazed at what they themselves had done, Elier, Radigus, the soldiers, and the wizards all joined a great feast. If I describe to you what they ate it would make your mouth water and drool all over this book, something that would not be to my liking. After they ate they locked the sword piece up in the castle and slept fourteen hours, at least many of them did. Radigus’s arm was healed by one of the wizards the next day. With all farewells said, Elier rode off to Kalir with a letter from Onuax to get the tip of the shattered sword. Kalir looked as grand as ever but there was an odd feel of sadness around the town. Finally he came into the throne room to see the King.
“Elier! This is a surprise, how goes your mission?”
“I have stolen the sword piece from the Red wizards and have a letter from Onuax requesting for you to give me Kalir’s shard.”
“Is it true? Finally we have our weapon from the past!”
“It is all in the letter, and sire I was wondering how has Rafton fared?”
“You haven’t heard then,” said the King quietly, then trying to change the subject said, “Well the wizards gave all the people their water and purified the spring.”
“What haven’t I heard?”
“Oh, nothing…”
“What haven’t I heard?” Elier said persistently and louder.
“When they went into the caves… three of our wizards and five of our soldiers were killed by firen. Arven survived and is here in Kalir. Then the firens… they attacked Rafton. The whole town was burned, not many survived. We found that Ramin, your friend, is alright, but both of his parents…”
This was a hard blow for Elier. Rafton was where he grew up. Again the thought that all of this must stop came through his head.
“Sir,” Elier started, “I wish to go see the people of Rafton and help them there.”
“No, I think you would serve Rafton better by avenging them!”
“I will do nothing for revenge, but this cannot go on. I will go.”
“I will show you to the sword.”
The end of the blade was locked away deep underground in a cavern only accessible by swimming through a lake. Elier came out of the lake wet but with the third piece of the sword.
“Godspeed be with you,” said the king.
“Yes, I’ll need it,” said Elier as he left to fetch his horse.
He rode hard to Blue wizard castle, feeling the pain of war. He left the great city with everything nagging on his mind.
Radigus was there to greet him, “Elier! I’ve been ranked up to a commander, the general thought I would have died on our expedition.”
“I’m happy for you,” said Elier cheerlessly.
“What wrong?”
“Rafton has been burned.”
“What? Blimey.”
Elier got the full blade of the sword from Onuax (very quickly, not wanting to talk) as well as boots to protect from Blackfire and an amulet that would give him the magic abilities of a blue wizard, something very hard to get.
He left quickly with a mission at hand.
Aethtown was less cheery than he was. When he entered in with the blade many cheered, but halfheartedly.
Oethad was in the throne room instead of the king. “Hello,” he started, “There was another attack while you were away, three more soldiers gone and the king fell into the pit, he was shot by one of there arrows. I am king now.”
“Why do they torture us! This is too much, where is the hilt of the sword?”
“Follow me.” The hilt was hidden much like the end of the blade. When he had all the pieces King Oethad said, “There is only one man who can put the sword together, and I have a suspicion that it is your father.”
“What? How?”
“Let me tell you the history of the sword. To the far west there is an island called Ezian. It is said that a piece of the sun came down and crashed on that island. Maccenthar Avendar was the one who discovered it, as he was a great sailor. He had a brother and a sister, Arven Avendar and Larissa Kalling. Arven and Maccenthar were there with their brother in law, Elion Kalling. Then a ghost came up from the rock and said, ‘Thexaven reveruna evya elgiih.’ This means, I pass the power to you. Since then they have been the only ones to be able to use the stone for anything. Maccenthar became a great blacksmith, Arven became a great archer, and Kalling once used the sword of light. If you say Sir Kalling is your uncle then your real name is Elier Maccenthar Avendar.”
The past few days had officially turned his world upside down. Elier was in complete shock. Oethad sent to bring Arven the archer, Lord Avendar, and Sir Kalling to Aethtown. This amounted to both Elier’s uncles and his father.
Elier didn’t sleep well for the next three days while he awaited his family. He had nightmares of firens destroying Lestar Castle and burning everyone and everything.
Lord Avendar was told everything that happened in detail when he arrived. He was very proud of Elier but worried all the same. The work on the sword started quickly and it wasn’t long till Sir Kalling saw his sword completed. He explained how he was almost killed by burns and showed Elier many scars. This was the cause of much discomfort on Elier’s part.
The mission plan was as follows: Blue wizards would enchant the sword till it was indestructible except by water, as in being worn away by a stream. They would also get him a new shield to protect against their arrows and five more ice capsules, because they were so effective in his last venture. Arven and Sir Kalling would stay behind and protect Aethtown. To get to Blackfire Isle Elier would get blue wizards to make a bridge of ice. Once in enemy territory anything could happen.
Elier knew he wouldn’t receive a kind reception when he crossed the once broken bridge, now temporarily repaired. He cautiously stepped on the bridge of ice and cold air wrapped around his feet and nipped at his legs. Trying to escape the freezing air, he ran across till he reached a castle of flame. The whole structure was built of Blackfire and firens were dodging back and forth on the battlements and inside the windows. Arrows flew at him from every direction. One scratch of his sword was fatal to a firen. Pillars of smoke rose high in the sky. They had not shown Elier’s people any mercy and he was not about to show them any. He shot bolts of water at arches on top of the walls with his priceless amulet. It was as if the water inside him concentrated in his hand then burst out through a million tiny holes in his hand.
The water dissolved their armor, weapons, and the soldiers themselves like acid would to metal armor. He cut and opening in the door with his sword and walked through into a large courtyard. There was nothing there but fire and the stone under his feet. He remembered where he was and held up his shield against any arrows. He backed into a corner where he could fight them one on one from only one direction. He felt the amulet constantly replenishing his water supply and sweat flowing all over him.
The ever-dark sky was filled with smoke, and the firen retreated into their keep because their ranks had been so depleted. He saw many of their soldier fleeing to the north. This puzzled him as this was the most northern land as anyone had heard of. Then for a split second he saw a great ship sailing on nothing and boarded by shadows and what’s worse, he could see straight through it. Then it was gone in a wisp of smoke. He now realized that the heat was making him see things.
He refocused to the mission at hand and started to push further into their defenses. Their gates fell open as he slashed at their hinges. Thankfully he was hiding behind his shield as every firen shot directly at him. Next thing anyone knew you couldn’t see because dead soldiers floated about the room. Anxious to find their king he climbed up into a great tower until he reached a small room (or a big room in human terms). Inside were two firens, one dressed in a Blackfire robe and the other in dark armor wielding the dreaded Sword of Shadow.
The knight called out with a deep echoing voice saying, “You evil human, murderer of my people, I sentence you to die in fire!” A sharp searing pain came across Elier as the Blackfire Sword of Shadow burned through his shield and pierced his heart. The creature continued, “The last attacker almost died the same way, this time I finish the job right!”
Elier felt as if he was being burnt from the inside out as the dark knight ruptured his stomach. All faded went dark…

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Lontepark

Chapter 7

To make an amulet of water, a wizard must give his life. Mostly when a wizard is about to die they make one. As a result the amulet can save lives. Elier did not know this until he awoke. He quickly as possible jumped up and ran his sword right into the Blackfire Knight. His smoke filled the room.
“I will not kill you yet, king.” started Elier angrily, “I want to know, why? Why are you fighting us, destroying our castles and killing our people?”
“There are reasons and circumstances beyond our control. We wouldn’t fight if we didn’t have to.”
“What circumstances do speak of?”
“Fire is not the only thing in the pit, beware darkness, death, and time. This is all I can say. Also, you can’t kill me, I have been enchanted so that I can only be killed by Arven. But do not worry, I cannot kill anyone but him.”
“I will spare the few of you left if you make an oath that you will not let any of your people attack any lands south of here.”
“I will protect your lands as long as I live.” said the king of the firens, “but I warn you, If I do I shall not live long.”
“I value your word, there has been enough deaths. Farewell.”
“Farewell, but remember my words: beware of other forces at work in the black pit.”
Elier left quickly chilled to the bone. The king commanded Elier to be let across safely, and kept his word. Completely depraved of water, Elier was tended to in Aethtown’s hospital. He had a grand welcome and many rejoiced and sent the news to Kalir. Sir Kalling congratulated him for finish the job he could not and King Oethad knighted him, Sir Avendar. King Ghalling came to Aethtown at once when he heard the news. The feasting lasted for weeks.
The high king made Lord Maccenthar Avendar, King Avendar as promised. Elier still wasn’t happy. He decided to renounce his claim to be prince asked the king only that he could have a small piece of land in the long forest and that Ramin, the boy from Rafton, could take his place in Lestar Castle.
Elier still had unfinished business. The Red Wizards were still holding out in their castle and the plague was spreading. Sir Avendar and Arven rode out to the Tower cave on the east side of the Red lake. They defeated the firens camped there and, with the help of the blue wizards, raided and cleaned out the Red wizard castle. They kept three wizard alive to try cleansing them of the plague. It would be a horrid thing to make a type of wizard extinct. When they wizards were finished, however, they saw no sign of Airzen. The coward escaped when he heard that his allies were defeated.
It took three years to clean out the Red lake, but eventually it was returned to it’s former glory and called Victory Lake as a memorial of the end of the war.
Elier made his home in the Long forest, always ready to help anyone in Rafton. They called him the Woodsman, and he never got credit for what he did for them in the northern world, but in that he lived well.

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lin

Feel better now?

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