Trekking up the heavy slope, the loose gravel dropped in short hops down the winding passage they just walked. Despite the fact this was the lowest point on the mountain range, the peaks themselves were some of the highest in all of Almaria.
The scary part was not the height. Strange shadows occasionally crossed over the pair, cast by huge birds of prey and draconic creatures. Schist clung tightly to Jharak as they slowly limped over a stony gulch, the pebbles they knocked causing a cascading effect off the side of a cliff.
Various flat ledges over the mountain held these little ditches from freak water flows that happen on occasion. Schist was relieved to find Darius pass was soon chomping straight into the great range, the flanks of each mountain forming high cliffs either side.
"At least we can't fall off here, right Jharak?"
The great V shape valley rose over the mountains, grey and rust coloured granite boulders littered the five metre wide flat at the bottom. The sharp inclines on both sides lead to a series of caves inside the cliffs, made by the creatures of the region.
"Schist, we might not be able to fall off, but we can certainly be taken off. You see, there are many creatures in these mountains who would be more than happy to eat us."
Pointing to a larger cave, perhaps over eight metres wide, a gruff, earthy mountain dragon watched. leering at the hiking pair from his almost inaccessible location on the cliff face, his two curving ivory horns shone in the light. His stubby fore claws tapped the stone floor of his cave in annoyance at the hikers.
"See that one? He is Argyle of Garrm, or the Guardian of these cliffs. He decides weather to let someone through or not. For over fifty years he's been there, and we haven't discovered any of the King's spies since."
"We didn't actually pay him, nor did he volunteer. We just exist together, because sometimes it's simply not worth the hassle to fight each other."
Pointing higher up the opposite cliff, he showed Schist group of thin Clay Dragons, walking from one cave to the other across the cliffside, grasping with their rough foot pads. They often growled at each other when they got in one's way, and carried bones and rocks in their mouths.
"Those Clay Dragons can climb any rock surface easily, letting them haul food up a cliff to eat in safety. They can't fly, but they're so light they can fall without hurting themselves."
Passing under the group, they hissed loudly, a few actively throwing pebbles and rocks at Jharak as he walked by. Soon the incline leveled off, passing various species of dragon and wyvern. Most often they hissed, or threw rocks, but others just glared.
"Why do they hate us so much?"
"Hmm? Oh, as you remember, I am a Child of the tree. As such, most of the energy I emit is that derived from water. This energy discomforts most of these beings, who are earthen in nature."
"Think of it like being feed something you don't like. You'd want to spit it out, or get rid of it. A lot of creatures feel uncomfortable around other types because of this."
They began walking down the great pass, the view opening up to a lake between the huge ranges of mountains. Into the distance, two more rows of peaks were visible. The cliffs on the sides began to sink away, the last cave holding a strange beast.
Emerging from it's cave, the great dragon was a bright red, with just a hint of magenta. It's body was slender, but with rows and rows of sharp, golden spikes down it's back. Decorative plate armour was present on it's legs and claws, shining a brilliant gold in the ever setting sun.
"What's that Jharak? He looks pretty."
"That, is an Amaranth Dragon. His name is Granite, because no one has ever pierced his scales. He's a fire dragon, unlike a lot of the other dragons in these cliffs, probably because he was forced here by the King's Steam Knights."
Carefully manoeuvring down the gravel pile at the end of the valley, Schist looked back at the beautiful red dragon, who was as vibrant as some of the flower's in the forest. He blew a little flame from his mouth, before bowing down on the flat outside his cave. Not paying attention, Schist slipped on the gravel a bit. Focusing more, he stored the memory for later.
Approaching the lakeside, grass had begun to grow on the gravel, but grew thickly on the soil layer around the lake itself. It must have been a good kilometre long, stretching through the peaks like a piece of string. It wasn't all that wide, but it's depth rivalled even the best of divers at some points.
"This is Draco pool. We'll stop here for a bit. No swimming though, it's too deep and freezing cold as well."
Resting at one spot for the first time in a while, Schist just lay down on the lumpy grass. The calmness of the area was only disturbed by a quarrelling pair of Clay Dragons, splashing each other angrily.
Schist opened his daypack, pulling out the empty canteen and the rest of the fel-nuts. Filling the canteen with the deep, freezing cold mountain water, he took a sip. It was definitely cold, to the point were it would be painful to drink quickly.
Eating the rest of his fel-nuts, he looked over at Jharak, who was meditating further along the lake. Sitting next to him, he looked over the impressive terrain. The snow caps on some of the mountains shone brightly, while sometimes Wyverns fought in the air, silhouetted against the grey granite of the realm
"What do all these dragons and stuff eat. I mean, they aren't eating us."
Considering the question, Jharak thought for a bit, before turning to Schist.
"Wherever we go, we leave behind a bit of ourselves, Energy, or power, or just happiness. Anyone can feel these, and absorb them for themselves. The more beings in one place makes more energy, which everyone can enjoy."
"This means some animals can go without any food for months or years, so long as there is life where they live."
"It's hard to explain, but you should know. You can feel nature, unlike a lot of the Steam King's empire. That is why they don't care for nature. Instead, they generate their own anger, and use fire stones for energy."
That sounded right to Schist. He definitely felt better than ever in the forest, or even in these mountains, but it felt horrible being in the mines. It was also about now that he realised he had eaten nothing but nuts these last two days, but still felt fine.
"We will wait for the Arch Mage, then head to Ya'ru. We don't want to stay out at night.. they still do eat you know."
---
With a final push, the Knight cleared the last of the trees, breaking out onto a tussock hillside. The land was devastated, with a huge patch of dirt splashed on the foothills, and the occasional landslip where the combatants tussled.
"What? The free alliance are known for their water powers, but who would have fought with them?"
Spotting her nest, the Wyvern Queen behind Steve flew back to her roost, ready for the night. Following her up, just slightly off the tracks to a pass in the mountain, he stopped at the base of her cave.
Spreading her wings, she took a bow. Respectfully, the Knight bowed back, tipping the young pair on his shoulders wildly. With one last screech, the Queen then rested, gracefully napping outside her home. Not wishing to leave without a goodbye, the Knight went on one knee, and pledged his thanks.
"Until now, I have never seen such intelligence from a creature other than my own civilisation. I thank you for showing me your wisdom. May we meet again."
With that, he walked back to the entrance of Darius Pass. The Children on his shoulders looked back at their mother, but did not fly. The Knight sensed they would choose this, as they seemed adventurous enough to leave their mother protection.
Hiking up the pass proved more difficult than he feared. The hydraulic pistons in his feet ran through steam, and the turbo motors designed for fast reflexes were aiding with a whining noise.
The main issue was the amount of gravel underfoot, causing slips and raising the costs of moving forward. The coal rune on his sword was very much active, compensating for the loss in energy. No doubt he'll need a water refuel soon, not to mention a rest stop to eat.
It didn't help that the sun was beginning to fall behind him, slowly being eaten by the vast forest at the base of the mountains. The sky slowly turned red, like it was bleeding sunshine across the land. Steve grimaced, knowing that stopping in such a dangerous location could be fatal.
As the pass itself became bordered by cliffs, he saw many different caves sunken into the face of the rock. Shadows were cast across their entrances by the late sun, the young Wyverns on his shoulder hugging each other as the cold night began to set in.
Taking his sword out, he watched the entrances for movement. Glowing eyes looked back, the faces of different reptiles just showing on the outskirts of the shade. None hissed, or threw objects. They simply watched as he walked down the pass.
The ground beneath Steve shuddered. looking around, the darkness was creeping in, stopping him from seeing anything. Pulling up courage, he shouted out.
"Who is out there! Speak now, or move aside!"
"Knight... I am Argyle, the Guardian of these ranges. Every step you take is a step on my land."
Silence resumed. Many creatures looked out from their homes to see what was happening. The outline of an eagle of unheard of proportions landed to see the commotion.
"I seek passage through the pass unhindered. Now show yourself!"
Fire spread across the sky, lighting up the valley of cliffs. Many of the animals were scared off by the armoured dragon breathing flares of fire into the air, and the appearance of the massive brass coloured dragon, filling the entire pass with his legs spread wide. His head alone was over half a metre in width, and had several tons of mass behind him to power any movements in the confined space.
"We don't trust Knights of the Steam King. Too long have they prized us for hunting, even if you may differ."
"Even if I differ? What do you mean by that?"
"How many talk to those they hunt? You also have Kara's children on your shoulders, and they are not frightened by you."
The long held flame by the armoured dragon ceased. Instantly, the world plunged into darkness. Uncomfortably, the Wyverns clung to their guardian's iron suit harder. "The Queen Wyvern must be Kara".
"Yes, and I shall not be letting you through. Unless."
The air was still. It had been a long time since Argyle had ever negotiated with an intruder, rasing interest among the other creatures. Most even knew what he was going to ask. The frigid air of the mountains began to sift lower into the pass...
"...You can prove yourself as the next Earth Guardian."
Wow this story is amazing!
its great to you my lord!
there are some slight spelling mistakes:#
Civilization is spelled with a Z instead of an S
when you introduced "the man in suede" you wrote "Paided" I think you might have meant "Paid"
when you said "think about being Feed" I think you might mean "Fed"* as the word "feed" is something you do to/for your dog
*(you might alternately use "think about eating something")
#(all of these are just suggestions and I think that your story is really great)
P.S. I think I missed some of the mistakes so dont count these as all of them.
Great story Please keep writing!!!
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Quote from Aqualize »
it will obviously be CHOCOLATE ORE
used to make cocoa beans and CHOCOLATE CAKE and CHOCOLATE INGOTS
CHOCOLATE INGOTS will be used to make CHOCOLATE TOOLS which are obviously much stronger than diamond and also may be eaten if you are hungry.
Splayed on his desk, the man in Suede woke up from his prolonged sleep. Ink had been spilled all over the floor, and his pipe lay in the bile under his chest. He slipped off the desk, massaging the spots on his chest where he had been lying on wooden stamps and ink pens.
Not even caring about washing up first, he grabbed his pipe and lit it with his ring stone, puffing on it's last reserves of tobacco. Feeling more at home, he began writing the letter. His mouth twitched every time he wrote one of the traitor's names, holding back his anger to avoid ruining the formality of the message.
Rolling it up, he sealed the wax on it and rang a bell on his desk. Within a few minutes, the doors opened by the flustered messenger, wondering how his master got back so early.
He stopped at the doors, looking over the disaster of a office. A patch of burned carpet lay on the floor, while spilled ink, documents and wax had fallen or burnt on the floor. The smell of coarse vomit wafted out the room with ease, into the empty hallway he just came from.
The man in Suede sat at the desk, with the message in hand. Ignoring the smell, ripped clothing and mess on the floor, the messenger tried his best to not show any obvious reaction as he edged closer to his master. Snagging the letter, he exited as fast as walking allowed him to.
Picking up the fallen papers, the man in Suede placed them on his desk before heading to the shower room for a hot bath, and new clothes.
---
Strolling at the lead, the Arch Mage's runic clothing glowed in the night, making it easier to navigate. The edge of the deep pool was a step away at all times, ready to steal any heat from living creatures that fell in. The night grew colder, and a light dusting of snow could be felt.
They had been walking for some time now, and not a beast was to be seen. Most were asleep, in hiding, or hunting prey. Nervously, Schist watched as shadows grew and shrank in the limited light they had. The Arch Mage wasn't the least concerned with night time. Walking backwards without a hitch, she observed Schist as he feared his surroundings.
"So, Schist, you can control fire from what I've seen."
Without even looking, he nodded, still watching for strange patterns in the shadows. This place was so strange and exotic, he couldn't help but feel nervous.
"Have you considered making a light for yourself?"
Thinking about that, he felt there was enough energy in the air for magic. Holding his palm up, he began to focus...
"Wait. Don't think of a big fire. Just a little candle."
Stopping himself, Schist refocused on his palm, thinking of his little Wax-wick he used to have. He remembered the warming light it cast in his burrow, flickering in the night.
"Light"
With a *pfh*, a little spot of flame hovered in his palm. It grew quickly into a fist sized ball of flames, but no further. Providing far more light, and security, he felt more comfortable. Shielding his own eye's, Jharak stopped viewing the world with night vision. The fire proved to be helpful enough anyway.
"It's good that you know so much about magic already. Not many people of the Steam King can appreciate nature."
Unsure how to respond, Schist decided not to. That was how he reacted in his past, so he just continued watching, sighting a shiny grey dragon as it flew over a peak on his right. It went in front of a cloud, completely disappearing from vision.
"You know, there has been a Steam Knight following you. Steve Garrand."
Schist flinched then, looking up at the mage, waiting for her to say something. She seemed to lose focus, her mind wandering off into the black sky. Noticing Schist staring at her, she raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, it's not important. I just heard from a messenger that Argyle is confronting him now. He's trying to get through the pass or something."
Closing the discussion, she turned around and walked straight again. Jharak saw Schist's reaction at the information, which raised questions.
"Wait, the Knight was following us? I hope Argyle deals to him."
Hearing that, Schist couldn't help but burst out his feelings.
"No! Steve is good, he's good inside... He helped me."
"Well one of you is right, I'm not saying who though. Destiny will reveal itself."
The pair stared at the Mage, who giggled to herself. Jharak understood the annoying nature of the Arch Mage, so tried his best to ignore her. Schist on the other hand, could not help but plead for more facts.
"No, I won't tell you. He can himself. Or not, whatever happens."
A blanket of silence covered the three, and for the next hour, they walked into the night. Eventually, the pool came to an end, with just a small rise between another two peaks. Hiking the last part, they cleared the hill as the snow began to fall thicker onto them.
Clapping Schist's back, he sighed the feeling of finally arriving as intended.
"Schist, welcome to Ya'ru."
---
Standing in the shadow of both the earth and the beast, Steve tried thinking about what the dragon said. The darkness eternally spread around them, with no light whatsoever.
"Prove myself as the next Earth Guardian..."
"Yes, the next Earth Guardian. I'm sure you have an Idea."
Standing in front of the crowds of beasts, he had no idea what to do. Everyone was waiting for him to do something. All he could feel was the cold wind through his steel armour, and the presence of the beasts.
"What do you mean by Guardian?"
"Someone who can understand us."
"We don't want someone of Fire or Water to lead us into battle."
The armoured dragon belched flames again, lighting the cliffs for dramatic effect. Some of the clay dragons wandered further down the cliff to feel the Knight's response.
"You want me... to lead? An army of beasts?"
"Yes. But first, you must show yourself capable of such a task..."
"...and control earth and all of us."
"If you are here in the morning, I will teach you. Otherwise, I will not be so kind the next time I see you, no matter which way you walk this pass."
The world went dark again, and the different species of dragons returned to their caves. Incapable of seeing, he could only listen as the massive dragon climbed back into his cave, and lay down to sleep. With nowhere else to go, the Knight sat on the ground, as snow fell from the sky.
The Wyverns on his shoulder were still freezing cold. Hurt by their sickly look, he place the flat of his sword against them.
"Warmth"
Soon the three began to fall asleep. Taking them off his shoulder, the Knight held them in a cradle with one hand to protect them from the wind, the sword held on their backs by the other.
"I'm really not a Knight am I..."
---
Jogging down the gravel path, they arrived at a small mountain rest stop. A few log shacks adorned the camp ground, with a basic fire-pit and a lookout deck over the land below. It was pitch black over the edge of the lookout fence, save for the lights of a city in the distance.
Schist noted how the lights were not harsh coal or gas lamps. Instead, it was a harmonious glow, lighting up a giant tree and it's surroundings. It looked strange, the shurb-sized tree being possibly hundreds of times taller than it's neighbours, which were still bigger than most trees get naturally in the first place.
"We'll get a better view in the morning, so let us rest. Jharak, you need sleep, so I'll take guard tonight."
Tearing himself from the view, Schist went up to the little log houses they were to sleep in. On the outside, roots were growing from the logs into the ground, where someone had planted them in soil. The logs themselves didn't end by a sawcut, but instead curved up to the next log on top, growing into a house...
Opening the door, which itself was attached by live vines to the log, he gaped in awe at the interior. Little curled vines on the walls held luminescent beads, and the roof was a single transparent leaf. From inside, you could gaze at the stars with minimal interference.
On the floor, there were two reed mats, and a carpet of thicker green leaves. Testing, he lay down on one of the mats, the cushy floor providing more comfort than the mat itself. Just resting, he could see stars twinkle in the sky above him. The slaves talked about them when one managed to shine through the smog clouds, but the shear number was over powering here.
The mage opened the door, seeing Schist already falling asleep on the bed. She smiled, her runic clothes pulsing aura into the room.
"I'm glad it's relaxing for you here. If you hear anything in the night, be sure to get yourself up. Sweet dreams."
The cabin felt too safe to be a hazardous place to stay. The even lighting and night sky seemed to erase any thoughts of danger. The best part was the life though; Just being able to sleep inside a plant, it felt like he was in the forest again, although not as wild.
---
(-----)(-----)(-----)(-----)
---------------------------- |Signed and Authorised, -Tri Guard, Myan Hasar|
We have a security flaw in Karkun. Recently, the slave 'Schist' Was stolen by a member of the Free Alliance, Jharak, an elite skilled archer and wizard of their side. During the recovery of mentioned slave 'Schist', the adept hired from the Magic sector of the military revealed herself as the Arch Mage of the Free Alliance, and had stolen significant magical and non-magical entities, including but not limited to:
- One (1) Shaped A-Size Fire stone (w/orb)
- Two hundred and Thirty Seven (237) Minted Gold Coins.
- Five (5) Scrolls on Alchemy & Mana
- One (1) Full adept's robe
This is an utter breach in defence. The third highest ranking personnel of the enemy has sucsessfully penetrated our defences with no notion of us knowing, for a time period unknown to us. So far, only a single (if skilled) soldier has been sent in retaliation.
As a lord in your court, I bid you to send an attack on the province of 'Ya'ru', as a means of ending spy attacks.
Writer: Lord Eryk of South Karkun
Send to: His Highness, our King
----------------------------
(-----)(-----)(-----)(-----)
---
The freezing mountain air buffeted an invisible shield around the mage, leaving her in a completely windless environment. Skipping around the unlit fire pit, she twirled her hand around in the air, attracting the occasional stray snowflake to her. An armada of snowflakes twisted and swooped in the air above her head, attracted to a thin beam of aura from her finger.
A message arrived via telekinesis, slamming her in the head. Listening to the mail from one of her apprentices, she started flinging the snowflakes wildly into the air, making it seem to snow heavily for a second.
Writing her message back in the air, still dancing around the pit, she sent it with a flick of her finger. The Arch Mage felt glad she could finally express emotion without consequence, unlike her role as a King's Adept. Being soulless doesn't help with magic, you have to be emotional for the benefit!
"Kendra, I have news for you from Argyle..."
Recognising her messenger's voice, the Mage's heart ached to see her. She started pointing at snowflakes, exploding them into powder. She replied to the dainty, calm voice excitedly.
"Ohh, Fauve, Where are you? It's been so long since I last saw you!"
"Sometimes I just think you need to look harder!"
Leaping down the short hill slope leading from the lake, a slender, silver dragonness rushed to greet Kendra. Jumping onto her with it's front paws, she laughed as the dragon licked her face in loving affection.
"Aww stop it Fauve! Quick, what news do you have?"
Taking some of the mood in the air, the dragon focused it into a sheet of water, and splashed it on herself. Shaking off the layer of water onto her surroundings, she shed the dust of the mountain off her scales, making hide shine.
"Argyle told the Knight he needed to lead them, so that solves our issue there. He is most certainly earth in nature: he doesn't show any will to harm animals like other fire based humans."
Not really paying attention, the Mage pulled a snowflake onto Fauve's nose, making her flinch with the coldness. Snickering, the Mage stroked her neck as an apology. The wings on the dragon were very thin and delicate, Fauve's body built for speed and disguise.
"Hehe, Well it's a bit boring guarding these two. I know Jharak can handle a Gryphon or Two if they attack. I want to see how much of a warrior this Steve is."
"Who is Schist while we're here? he's a fire one right?"
"Yes, he's a strange one. Might be helpful though. Education is a must, but he certainly has enough emotion to control the intangible. We'll need to check his heritage as well."
The dragonness nodded in agreement, before bowing down. Hopping onto her back, the Mage clung around the dragon's neck and ribs. With a lopsided lift-off, Fauva powered into the black skies, Kendra's tunic flashing like a beacon in the sky.
Civilization is spelled with a Z instead of an S
It can be written either way. when you introduced "the man in suede" you wrote "Paided" I think you might have meant "Paid"
Fixed now. when you said "think about being Feed" I think you might mean "Fed"* as the word "feed" is something you do to/for your dog
Can't seem to find that one.
Thanks :biggrin.gif:
I hope the story is turning out Ok. Have no experience with a novel this long until now.
Any critiques are welcome by the way. If you liked or hated a particular scene of the Novel, please tell me. I'd be interested to hear what I write best.
I don't think it is possible to dislike or hate any of this story...
I don't know, I'm always nervous with this story. I'm unsure if the time gaps between when I wrote the different parts in the story could cause error with the characters.
Dodging around the huge coal carts piling into the Karkun Depot, the Messenger searched for the posting office to deliver the sealed letter in his hand. It's white parchment contrasted the stained black cobblestone streets as he ran over the road, evading the shouts from various homeless people after jumping over them.
With the posting office just around the corner, next to the High Lord's tower at the centre of the smoggy city, it was bad luck an arm grasped his head and pulled him down an ally. His humble shirt was smeared with ash as he tried to free himself from the iron hand that held him still.
Without a word, the armoured person stole the white paper, and knee'd the messenger under the ribs, winding him. With a kick, the victim rolled out onto the street, the grey figure left to escape down the alley with a burst of steam.
His lungs aching for air, the messenger picked himself off the ground. He recognised the crook as a Steam Knight, so the message was in the hands of someone more capable. Not being able to do anything about it, the messenger walked back to his masters office, the homeless people tripping him onto the cobble road when he passed.
---
Once again, Schist flew in his lucid dream, soaring through the sea of tree's, their wide trunks growing into the sky. Effortlessly, he hovered up to the canopy of the epic forest, the branches twining together, forming an almost impenetrable barrier against light. Spangling beams filtered down to the forest bed only through cracks in the roof, illuminating the trunks and leaf litter floor.
Energy swirled and condensed, invigorating the atmosphere, letting fauna and flora to survive on the ground without light, deer frolicking over ferns at the base of trees. Feeling the energy flow over him, Schist wafted it around him, feeling the power close to his skin.
Holding his hand up, he summon a plume of fire. It burned deeply, sucking on the highly oxygenated air to feed itself. Staring into the flame, he could feel it existing, but not harming it's wielder. It's master. Throwing the flaming plume in the air, he caught it in his other hand, it's vibrant glow shedding onto the golden trunks of the magnificent life around him.
Trying different magics, he created fire as flares, streaming out his hands. Pulsing a blaze out his feet, he propelled himself forward faster than he could ever dreamt of flying earlier, sucking the life of the woodland to feed the experience.
Stopping, he landed on the forest floor. Breathing deeply of the fragrant, organic smell, a sharp acid burnt his throat. Looking back where he flew from, a raging torrent of fire sapped on the tree's lives, animals fleeing out of fear for their imaginary life.
Falling trunks began to litter the ground as Schist tried extinguishing the roaring fire. Stamping out the flames was not making enough impact, so he tried absorbing the flames. Even as the fire gave him power, it would not extinguish itself, it's energy perpetual from the life it burned.
Using the absorbed power, Schist created a wave of smoke, the flow disturbing the flames. While the bush around Schist's efforts smouldered in the last of their fire, the pressure wave of air rekindled flames higher in a ring around the torn child.
A deep madness burst from Schist, unable to save the once great woodland from his own mistakes. He could not control what he had most control of. In an aggressive fury, he tried throwing away his power, destroying sections of the huge trees with explosions, but the energy of the blaze was drawn to him naturally, renewing his ability to destroy.
The desolate expanse of fallen trees reminded Schist of his old home, the great rocky desert stretching out one side of the city, leading to nothingness. He didn't want to make his past. He wanted out.
---
Gliding with the stars, the Arch mage stuck her hand out, icy powder from the clouds flowing between her fingers. Clutched in the other was the Scythe, to aid her in channelling energy. Her messenger drove forward, almost twice as heavy with a passenger. The great valley of cliffs lay below her, following the lake through the mountain tops.
As they got closer to the end of the lake, the caves got bigger, and more numerous. The place was empty, besides the roosting Wyverns standing on craggy pillars surrounding the cliff edge. Settling down in the valley, the couple silently landed, not a stir to be heard from the wild creatures.
The snow fell lightly across the cliff, accumulating in the pass, and on the armour of the Knight, his shell and furnace protecting him from the cold. Dismounting from Fauve, the mage dimmed her runes down, to preserve the night slumber of the beasts.
Sneaking closer to the Knight, the Mage saw the Wyverns in his hands wake up to her presence. Not wanting any trouble, she tapped them on those nose once each; fainting them in an instant. Calling her messenger closer, Fauve elegantly shrouded them in her wings, both hiding them into the snow and stopping Kendra's chants echo in the valley.
Holding out the Scythe, she pooled her incantations into it. The Knight grunted in his sleep, feeling the blue aura collect in the weapon above him. Starting to wail her song, she flung her arms over the Knight, his mind defiantly resisting the water magic.
Trying harder to break his barrier, the Mage held the Scythe on his chest, the magical pressure cracking a hole in his mental defences. With a snap, Kendra fell dead asleep, while Fauve provided energy to sustain the dream in the Mage's head.
Breaking into a fully created world rather than a void, the Mage realised that the Knight must have been dreaming beforehand. The view was a vast grassland, extending to hills in the horizons. Floating high in the air, she could see three rocks protruding from the ground, a creek running past. They were the only features of the plain.
"I am a dragon, agile and beautiful. I can sweep the sky at ease with my wings."
Shifting into her dream form, she spread her wings and flew towards the stones, nestled on the field like markers. She laughed at the thought of Fauve seeing her dream form, considering it was virtually her, but with fins and shorter wings.
As she thought that, the world wavered a bit. It was up to Fauve to provide energy to continue the dream world, previously held by the shaped gem. Her time was limited.
Swooping across the sunny, cloudless sky, Kendra saw the Knight sitting on one of the rocks. He was, however, not in uniform. She hovered just outside the rock formation, Steve watching as the dragon descended near him. Without armour, he wore instead a white shirt and shorts, sitting a two metres off the ground on the rounded boulder.
His sword lay against the rock, hilt by his foot, and his armour at the base. He was not old, maybe aged around the mid-twenties. While that didn't surprise the Mage, the Two Wyverns playing on the other rocks did.
"And I guess you're an epiphany. Tell me then, why me? Why am I different?"
The pair of Wyverns looked up, and flew to their guardian in fear. On the lap of the Knight, the striped one hissed, assured by the protection of Steve.
Settling down next to the rock, the Mage didn't know what to say. She was expecting him in armour, ready for battle. Instead, he was contemplating his being on a rock.
"I think that sometimes, you have to look less at yourself, and more at others. These Wyverns, why are they here?"
Stroking the upset Wyvern, he calmed it down. Soon it lay resting on his legs, like a cat on a chair.
"I don't know."
"They trust you Steve. Why did Argyle agree to teaching you how to control the powers of earth?"
"I. don't. know."
"He trusted you as well. What about Schist, why do you still seek him?"
The wind blew lightly as the Knight looked down, his depression unnerving both Wyverns. All three beasts waited for the man to answer. The sky warped a bit in Kendra's vision, bending in on itself. She was starting to run out of time.
"Knight, you have many creatures placing faith in you now. Your action defines the lives of many, no matter how you came to that position. Soon will come a time where you must betray a nation. You must trust in yourself to make the right choice."
"But.. I don't know what to do!?"
"Stop saying 'I'! You are not the only person with feeling here. You must make the choice which will benefit the people around yourself, over making the best choice for yourself. Until now, "I" was going to have some fun fighting you, but "I" needed to lift you up."
The world began to distort for Kendra, the sky falling like a huge tapestry, the land falling away at the edges of her vision.
"Time will tell you everything, until then, do as your heart says so, make the most of what you have!"
*CLAP*
Lifting herself off the Knight, a blazing pain lay between her eyes. The severed connection to the dream world caused a mental wound, the agonising headache pounding her. Unable to see through her spotted and blurred vision, she found Fauve collapsed on the ground by tapping around the with her foot.
Having fainted from exhaustion, Fauve was hardly able to fly them back. Unable to lift the silver dragon by hand, Kendra stole some of her own reserve life-force to hold up the dragon on a layer of snow. Walking back along the lakeside, her vision slowly cleared from the edges in. Muttering, to herself, she kicked at occasional stone into the pool as she passed.
"Augh, Stupid Kendra! You could have severally injured Fauve or yourself! No more stupid choices, friends are trusting you right now..."
---
Breathing rapidly on the mat, Schist sprang awake, sweat drenching his face. Recovering from the nightmare, he decided to walked outside to cool down. Standing outside, he felt lots better in the colder environment. He couldn't see the Arch Mage anywhere.
The air was active with movement. Just feeling the wind, not thinking about anything else, he could sense the energy in the air. It didn't matter that the nearest life was several hundred metres away, it carried everywhere the wind went. It just went to show how stagnant the mine was.
He didn't feel sleepy at all. He had rested a lot these past days, but didn't do that much work. Snow landing on his head, he looked up to see the cascading flakes, wafting on the shallow breeze. The clouds completely covered the sky now, sprinkling the flakes down to the ground.
"My friend, I felt your power. Your dream."
Gasping, Schist looked around the campsite, no one in sight. The deep sounding voice resonated around his head, echoing deep into his mind.
"Don't worry kid: I'm not with you, and I won't bother you for long."
"Just now, listen to me. This is a time of change. Whatever you do. - Trust no one."
"No one but me."
The voice emptied from his head, letting Schist think for a minute. Goosebumps rose down Schist's spine, so calm and collect the voice, yet he almost heard a craving, or longing on it's last words. Staring into the valley passage, he looked for anything that might have said such a thing.
"How do I know who you are!"
Nothing moved, but the flakes across his vision. Starting to freeze outside, Schist turned back around to the cabin, not before looking over his shoulder first. Even as he lay, shivering on the mat, he swore he heard booming, ominous laughter taint the night air...
--- Part Twelve!
But now some honest words: This is kind of like the best Minecraft Server I have ever seen. The builds are awesome, the detailing is awesome, the people are awesome and the awesomeness is awesome.
Well its heating up!
I actually was quite Upset/confused(confuzzled) when near the beggining you
kept on refering to shist's magic potion (that he drinks) as both a vial and a canteen it just >_< me abit.
also for some reason I was expecting him to lead a revolt or something...
but nvm this way was much more interesting...
Keep writing please great story
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Quote from Aqualize »
it will obviously be CHOCOLATE ORE
used to make cocoa beans and CHOCOLATE CAKE and CHOCOLATE INGOTS
CHOCOLATE INGOTS will be used to make CHOCOLATE TOOLS which are obviously much stronger than diamond and also may be eaten if you are hungry.
That said, I'll start on the next part.
A simple suggestion on geology here.
~~~
Slaves of the Coal Mine
An interesting Novel to pass the time.
Keep up the good work :biggrin.gif:
The scary part was not the height. Strange shadows occasionally crossed over the pair, cast by huge birds of prey and draconic creatures. Schist clung tightly to Jharak as they slowly limped over a stony gulch, the pebbles they knocked causing a cascading effect off the side of a cliff.
Various flat ledges over the mountain held these little ditches from freak water flows that happen on occasion. Schist was relieved to find Darius pass was soon chomping straight into the great range, the flanks of each mountain forming high cliffs either side.
"At least we can't fall off here, right Jharak?"
The great V shape valley rose over the mountains, grey and rust coloured granite boulders littered the five metre wide flat at the bottom. The sharp inclines on both sides lead to a series of caves inside the cliffs, made by the creatures of the region.
"Schist, we might not be able to fall off, but we can certainly be taken off. You see, there are many creatures in these mountains who would be more than happy to eat us."
Pointing to a larger cave, perhaps over eight metres wide, a gruff, earthy mountain dragon watched. leering at the hiking pair from his almost inaccessible location on the cliff face, his two curving ivory horns shone in the light. His stubby fore claws tapped the stone floor of his cave in annoyance at the hikers.
"See that one? He is Argyle of Garrm, or the Guardian of these cliffs. He decides weather to let someone through or not. For over fifty years he's been there, and we haven't discovered any of the King's spies since."
"We didn't actually pay him, nor did he volunteer. We just exist together, because sometimes it's simply not worth the hassle to fight each other."
Pointing higher up the opposite cliff, he showed Schist group of thin Clay Dragons, walking from one cave to the other across the cliffside, grasping with their rough foot pads. They often growled at each other when they got in one's way, and carried bones and rocks in their mouths.
"Those Clay Dragons can climb any rock surface easily, letting them haul food up a cliff to eat in safety. They can't fly, but they're so light they can fall without hurting themselves."
Passing under the group, they hissed loudly, a few actively throwing pebbles and rocks at Jharak as he walked by. Soon the incline leveled off, passing various species of dragon and wyvern. Most often they hissed, or threw rocks, but others just glared.
"Why do they hate us so much?"
"Hmm? Oh, as you remember, I am a Child of the tree. As such, most of the energy I emit is that derived from water. This energy discomforts most of these beings, who are earthen in nature."
"Think of it like being feed something you don't like. You'd want to spit it out, or get rid of it. A lot of creatures feel uncomfortable around other types because of this."
They began walking down the great pass, the view opening up to a lake between the huge ranges of mountains. Into the distance, two more rows of peaks were visible. The cliffs on the sides began to sink away, the last cave holding a strange beast.
Emerging from it's cave, the great dragon was a bright red, with just a hint of magenta. It's body was slender, but with rows and rows of sharp, golden spikes down it's back. Decorative plate armour was present on it's legs and claws, shining a brilliant gold in the ever setting sun.
"What's that Jharak? He looks pretty."
"That, is an Amaranth Dragon. His name is Granite, because no one has ever pierced his scales. He's a fire dragon, unlike a lot of the other dragons in these cliffs, probably because he was forced here by the King's Steam Knights."
Carefully manoeuvring down the gravel pile at the end of the valley, Schist looked back at the beautiful red dragon, who was as vibrant as some of the flower's in the forest. He blew a little flame from his mouth, before bowing down on the flat outside his cave. Not paying attention, Schist slipped on the gravel a bit. Focusing more, he stored the memory for later.
Approaching the lakeside, grass had begun to grow on the gravel, but grew thickly on the soil layer around the lake itself. It must have been a good kilometre long, stretching through the peaks like a piece of string. It wasn't all that wide, but it's depth rivalled even the best of divers at some points.
"This is Draco pool. We'll stop here for a bit. No swimming though, it's too deep and freezing cold as well."
Resting at one spot for the first time in a while, Schist just lay down on the lumpy grass. The calmness of the area was only disturbed by a quarrelling pair of Clay Dragons, splashing each other angrily.
Schist opened his daypack, pulling out the empty canteen and the rest of the fel-nuts. Filling the canteen with the deep, freezing cold mountain water, he took a sip. It was definitely cold, to the point were it would be painful to drink quickly.
Eating the rest of his fel-nuts, he looked over at Jharak, who was meditating further along the lake. Sitting next to him, he looked over the impressive terrain. The snow caps on some of the mountains shone brightly, while sometimes Wyverns fought in the air, silhouetted against the grey granite of the realm
"What do all these dragons and stuff eat. I mean, they aren't eating us."
Considering the question, Jharak thought for a bit, before turning to Schist.
"Wherever we go, we leave behind a bit of ourselves, Energy, or power, or just happiness. Anyone can feel these, and absorb them for themselves. The more beings in one place makes more energy, which everyone can enjoy."
"This means some animals can go without any food for months or years, so long as there is life where they live."
"It's hard to explain, but you should know. You can feel nature, unlike a lot of the Steam King's empire. That is why they don't care for nature. Instead, they generate their own anger, and use fire stones for energy."
That sounded right to Schist. He definitely felt better than ever in the forest, or even in these mountains, but it felt horrible being in the mines. It was also about now that he realised he had eaten nothing but nuts these last two days, but still felt fine.
"We will wait for the Arch Mage, then head to Ya'ru. We don't want to stay out at night.. they still do eat you know."
---
With a final push, the Knight cleared the last of the trees, breaking out onto a tussock hillside. The land was devastated, with a huge patch of dirt splashed on the foothills, and the occasional landslip where the combatants tussled.
"What? The free alliance are known for their water powers, but who would have fought with them?"
Spotting her nest, the Wyvern Queen behind Steve flew back to her roost, ready for the night. Following her up, just slightly off the tracks to a pass in the mountain, he stopped at the base of her cave.
Spreading her wings, she took a bow. Respectfully, the Knight bowed back, tipping the young pair on his shoulders wildly. With one last screech, the Queen then rested, gracefully napping outside her home. Not wishing to leave without a goodbye, the Knight went on one knee, and pledged his thanks.
"Until now, I have never seen such intelligence from a creature other than my own civilisation. I thank you for showing me your wisdom. May we meet again."
With that, he walked back to the entrance of Darius Pass. The Children on his shoulders looked back at their mother, but did not fly. The Knight sensed they would choose this, as they seemed adventurous enough to leave their mother protection.
Hiking up the pass proved more difficult than he feared. The hydraulic pistons in his feet ran through steam, and the turbo motors designed for fast reflexes were aiding with a whining noise.
The main issue was the amount of gravel underfoot, causing slips and raising the costs of moving forward. The coal rune on his sword was very much active, compensating for the loss in energy. No doubt he'll need a water refuel soon, not to mention a rest stop to eat.
It didn't help that the sun was beginning to fall behind him, slowly being eaten by the vast forest at the base of the mountains. The sky slowly turned red, like it was bleeding sunshine across the land. Steve grimaced, knowing that stopping in such a dangerous location could be fatal.
As the pass itself became bordered by cliffs, he saw many different caves sunken into the face of the rock. Shadows were cast across their entrances by the late sun, the young Wyverns on his shoulder hugging each other as the cold night began to set in.
Taking his sword out, he watched the entrances for movement. Glowing eyes looked back, the faces of different reptiles just showing on the outskirts of the shade. None hissed, or threw objects. They simply watched as he walked down the pass.
The ground beneath Steve shuddered. looking around, the darkness was creeping in, stopping him from seeing anything. Pulling up courage, he shouted out.
Silence resumed. Many creatures looked out from their homes to see what was happening. The outline of an eagle of unheard of proportions landed to see the commotion.
Fire spread across the sky, lighting up the valley of cliffs. Many of the animals were scared off by the armoured dragon breathing flares of fire into the air, and the appearance of the massive brass coloured dragon, filling the entire pass with his legs spread wide. His head alone was over half a metre in width, and had several tons of mass behind him to power any movements in the confined space.
The long held flame by the armoured dragon ceased. Instantly, the world plunged into darkness. Uncomfortably, the Wyverns clung to their guardian's iron suit harder. "The Queen Wyvern must be Kara".
The air was still. It had been a long time since Argyle had ever negotiated with an intruder, rasing interest among the other creatures. Most even knew what he was going to ask. The frigid air of the mountains began to sift lower into the pass...
---
Part ten!
A simple suggestion on geology here.
~~~
Slaves of the Coal Mine
An interesting Novel to pass the time.
TWO UPDATES IN ONE DAY!
CELEBRATE!
Probably not three though. Maybe. I'm not sure, still another... 6 and a half hours left to write.
A simple suggestion on geology here.
~~~
Slaves of the Coal Mine
An interesting Novel to pass the time.
You... Can't.... be... serious.
I am quite sure that this is the first book I have read with 2 updates a day. If you do three...
A simple suggestion on geology here.
~~~
Slaves of the Coal Mine
An interesting Novel to pass the time.
its great
there are some slight spelling mistakes:#
Civilization is spelled with a Z instead of an S
when you introduced "the man in suede" you wrote "Paided" I think you might have meant "Paid"
when you said "think about being Feed" I think you might mean "Fed"* as the word "feed" is something you do to/for your dog
*(you might alternately use "think about eating something")
#(all of these are just suggestions and I think that your story is really great)
P.S. I think I missed some of the mistakes so dont count these as all of them.
Great story Please keep writing!!!
1218 words.
So, I think I'll aim for one update per day. That seems reasonable.
A simple suggestion on geology here.
~~~
Slaves of the Coal Mine
An interesting Novel to pass the time.
Not even caring about washing up first, he grabbed his pipe and lit it with his ring stone, puffing on it's last reserves of tobacco. Feeling more at home, he began writing the letter. His mouth twitched every time he wrote one of the traitor's names, holding back his anger to avoid ruining the formality of the message.
Rolling it up, he sealed the wax on it and rang a bell on his desk. Within a few minutes, the doors opened by the flustered messenger, wondering how his master got back so early.
He stopped at the doors, looking over the disaster of a office. A patch of burned carpet lay on the floor, while spilled ink, documents and wax had fallen or burnt on the floor. The smell of coarse vomit wafted out the room with ease, into the empty hallway he just came from.
The man in Suede sat at the desk, with the message in hand. Ignoring the smell, ripped clothing and mess on the floor, the messenger tried his best to not show any obvious reaction as he edged closer to his master. Snagging the letter, he exited as fast as walking allowed him to.
Picking up the fallen papers, the man in Suede placed them on his desk before heading to the shower room for a hot bath, and new clothes.
---
Strolling at the lead, the Arch Mage's runic clothing glowed in the night, making it easier to navigate. The edge of the deep pool was a step away at all times, ready to steal any heat from living creatures that fell in. The night grew colder, and a light dusting of snow could be felt.
They had been walking for some time now, and not a beast was to be seen. Most were asleep, in hiding, or hunting prey. Nervously, Schist watched as shadows grew and shrank in the limited light they had. The Arch Mage wasn't the least concerned with night time. Walking backwards without a hitch, she observed Schist as he feared his surroundings.
"So, Schist, you can control fire from what I've seen."
Without even looking, he nodded, still watching for strange patterns in the shadows. This place was so strange and exotic, he couldn't help but feel nervous.
"Have you considered making a light for yourself?"
Thinking about that, he felt there was enough energy in the air for magic. Holding his palm up, he began to focus...
"Wait. Don't think of a big fire. Just a little candle."
Stopping himself, Schist refocused on his palm, thinking of his little Wax-wick he used to have. He remembered the warming light it cast in his burrow, flickering in the night.
"Light"
With a *pfh*, a little spot of flame hovered in his palm. It grew quickly into a fist sized ball of flames, but no further. Providing far more light, and security, he felt more comfortable. Shielding his own eye's, Jharak stopped viewing the world with night vision. The fire proved to be helpful enough anyway.
"It's good that you know so much about magic already. Not many people of the Steam King can appreciate nature."
Unsure how to respond, Schist decided not to. That was how he reacted in his past, so he just continued watching, sighting a shiny grey dragon as it flew over a peak on his right. It went in front of a cloud, completely disappearing from vision.
"You know, there has been a Steam Knight following you. Steve Garrand."
Schist flinched then, looking up at the mage, waiting for her to say something. She seemed to lose focus, her mind wandering off into the black sky. Noticing Schist staring at her, she raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, it's not important. I just heard from a messenger that Argyle is confronting him now. He's trying to get through the pass or something."
Closing the discussion, she turned around and walked straight again. Jharak saw Schist's reaction at the information, which raised questions.
"Wait, the Knight was following us? I hope Argyle deals to him."
Hearing that, Schist couldn't help but burst out his feelings.
"No! Steve is good, he's good inside... He helped me."
"Well one of you is right, I'm not saying who though. Destiny will reveal itself."
The pair stared at the Mage, who giggled to herself. Jharak understood the annoying nature of the Arch Mage, so tried his best to ignore her. Schist on the other hand, could not help but plead for more facts.
"No, I won't tell you. He can himself. Or not, whatever happens."
A blanket of silence covered the three, and for the next hour, they walked into the night. Eventually, the pool came to an end, with just a small rise between another two peaks. Hiking the last part, they cleared the hill as the snow began to fall thicker onto them.
Clapping Schist's back, he sighed the feeling of finally arriving as intended.
---
Standing in the shadow of both the earth and the beast, Steve tried thinking about what the dragon said. The darkness eternally spread around them, with no light whatsoever.
Standing in front of the crowds of beasts, he had no idea what to do. Everyone was waiting for him to do something. All he could feel was the cold wind through his steel armour, and the presence of the beasts.
The armoured dragon belched flames again, lighting the cliffs for dramatic effect. Some of the clay dragons wandered further down the cliff to feel the Knight's response.
The world went dark again, and the different species of dragons returned to their caves. Incapable of seeing, he could only listen as the massive dragon climbed back into his cave, and lay down to sleep. With nowhere else to go, the Knight sat on the ground, as snow fell from the sky.
The Wyverns on his shoulder were still freezing cold. Hurt by their sickly look, he place the flat of his sword against them.
"Warmth"
Soon the three began to fall asleep. Taking them off his shoulder, the Knight held them in a cradle with one hand to protect them from the wind, the sword held on their backs by the other.
---
Jogging down the gravel path, they arrived at a small mountain rest stop. A few log shacks adorned the camp ground, with a basic fire-pit and a lookout deck over the land below. It was pitch black over the edge of the lookout fence, save for the lights of a city in the distance.
Schist noted how the lights were not harsh coal or gas lamps. Instead, it was a harmonious glow, lighting up a giant tree and it's surroundings. It looked strange, the shurb-sized tree being possibly hundreds of times taller than it's neighbours, which were still bigger than most trees get naturally in the first place.
"We'll get a better view in the morning, so let us rest. Jharak, you need sleep, so I'll take guard tonight."
Tearing himself from the view, Schist went up to the little log houses they were to sleep in. On the outside, roots were growing from the logs into the ground, where someone had planted them in soil. The logs themselves didn't end by a sawcut, but instead curved up to the next log on top, growing into a house...
Opening the door, which itself was attached by live vines to the log, he gaped in awe at the interior. Little curled vines on the walls held luminescent beads, and the roof was a single transparent leaf. From inside, you could gaze at the stars with minimal interference.
On the floor, there were two reed mats, and a carpet of thicker green leaves. Testing, he lay down on one of the mats, the cushy floor providing more comfort than the mat itself. Just resting, he could see stars twinkle in the sky above him. The slaves talked about them when one managed to shine through the smog clouds, but the shear number was over powering here.
The mage opened the door, seeing Schist already falling asleep on the bed. She smiled, her runic clothes pulsing aura into the room.
"I'm glad it's relaxing for you here. If you hear anything in the night, be sure to get yourself up. Sweet dreams."
The cabin felt too safe to be a hazardous place to stay. The even lighting and night sky seemed to erase any thoughts of danger. The best part was the life though; Just being able to sleep inside a plant, it felt like he was in the forest again, although not as wild.
---
(-----)(-----)(-----)(-----)
----------------------------
|Signed and Authorised, -Tri Guard, Myan Hasar|
We have a security flaw in Karkun. Recently, the slave 'Schist' Was stolen by a member of the Free Alliance, Jharak, an elite skilled archer and wizard of their side. During the recovery of mentioned slave 'Schist', the adept hired from the Magic sector of the military revealed herself as the Arch Mage of the Free Alliance, and had stolen significant magical and non-magical entities, including but not limited to:
- One (1) Shaped A-Size Fire stone (w/orb)
- Two hundred and Thirty Seven (237) Minted Gold Coins.
- Five (5) Scrolls on Alchemy & Mana
- One (1) Full adept's robe
This is an utter breach in defence. The third highest ranking personnel of the enemy has sucsessfully penetrated our defences with no notion of us knowing, for a time period unknown to us. So far, only a single (if skilled) soldier has been sent in retaliation.
As a lord in your court, I bid you to send an attack on the province of 'Ya'ru', as a means of ending spy attacks.
Writer: Lord Eryk of South Karkun
Send to: His Highness, our King
----------------------------
(-----)(-----)(-----)(-----)
---
The freezing mountain air buffeted an invisible shield around the mage, leaving her in a completely windless environment. Skipping around the unlit fire pit, she twirled her hand around in the air, attracting the occasional stray snowflake to her. An armada of snowflakes twisted and swooped in the air above her head, attracted to a thin beam of aura from her finger.
A message arrived via telekinesis, slamming her in the head. Listening to the mail from one of her apprentices, she started flinging the snowflakes wildly into the air, making it seem to snow heavily for a second.
Writing her message back in the air, still dancing around the pit, she sent it with a flick of her finger. The Arch Mage felt glad she could finally express emotion without consequence, unlike her role as a King's Adept. Being soulless doesn't help with magic, you have to be emotional for the benefit!
"Kendra, I have news for you from Argyle..."
Recognising her messenger's voice, the Mage's heart ached to see her. She started pointing at snowflakes, exploding them into powder. She replied to the dainty, calm voice excitedly.
"Ohh, Fauve, Where are you? It's been so long since I last saw you!"
"Sometimes I just think you need to look harder!"
Leaping down the short hill slope leading from the lake, a slender, silver dragonness rushed to greet Kendra. Jumping onto her with it's front paws, she laughed as the dragon licked her face in loving affection.
"Aww stop it Fauve! Quick, what news do you have?"
Taking some of the mood in the air, the dragon focused it into a sheet of water, and splashed it on herself. Shaking off the layer of water onto her surroundings, she shed the dust of the mountain off her scales, making hide shine.
"Argyle told the Knight he needed to lead them, so that solves our issue there. He is most certainly earth in nature: he doesn't show any will to harm animals like other fire based humans."
Not really paying attention, the Mage pulled a snowflake onto Fauve's nose, making her flinch with the coldness. Snickering, the Mage stroked her neck as an apology. The wings on the dragon were very thin and delicate, Fauve's body built for speed and disguise.
"Hehe, Well it's a bit boring guarding these two. I know Jharak can handle a Gryphon or Two if they attack. I want to see how much of a warrior this Steve is."
"Who is Schist while we're here? he's a fire one right?"
"Yes, he's a strange one. Might be helpful though. Education is a must, but he certainly has enough emotion to control the intangible. We'll need to check his heritage as well."
The dragonness nodded in agreement, before bowing down. Hopping onto her back, the Mage clung around the dragon's neck and ribs. With a lopsided lift-off, Fauva powered into the black skies, Kendra's tunic flashing like a beacon in the sky.
---
Part 11!
A simple suggestion on geology here.
~~~
Slaves of the Coal Mine
An interesting Novel to pass the time.
Civilization is spelled with a Z instead of an SIt can be written either way.
when you introduced "the man in suede" you wrote "Paided" I think you might have meant "Paid"Fixed now.
when you said "think about being Feed" I think you might mean "Fed"* as the word "feed" is something you do to/for your dogCan't seem to find that one.
Thanks :biggrin.gif:
I hope the story is turning out Ok. Have no experience with a novel this long until now.
A simple suggestion on geology here.
~~~
Slaves of the Coal Mine
An interesting Novel to pass the time.
A simple suggestion on geology here.
~~~
Slaves of the Coal Mine
An interesting Novel to pass the time.
I don't know, I'm always nervous with this story. I'm unsure if the time gaps between when I wrote the different parts in the story could cause error with the characters.
Anyway, onto the next part.
A simple suggestion on geology here.
~~~
Slaves of the Coal Mine
An interesting Novel to pass the time.
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Retired StaffI agree. All I have to say. You can't hate this story. It's amazing.
With the posting office just around the corner, next to the High Lord's tower at the centre of the smoggy city, it was bad luck an arm grasped his head and pulled him down an ally. His humble shirt was smeared with ash as he tried to free himself from the iron hand that held him still.
Without a word, the armoured person stole the white paper, and knee'd the messenger under the ribs, winding him. With a kick, the victim rolled out onto the street, the grey figure left to escape down the alley with a burst of steam.
His lungs aching for air, the messenger picked himself off the ground. He recognised the crook as a Steam Knight, so the message was in the hands of someone more capable. Not being able to do anything about it, the messenger walked back to his masters office, the homeless people tripping him onto the cobble road when he passed.
---
Once again, Schist flew in his lucid dream, soaring through the sea of tree's, their wide trunks growing into the sky. Effortlessly, he hovered up to the canopy of the epic forest, the branches twining together, forming an almost impenetrable barrier against light. Spangling beams filtered down to the forest bed only through cracks in the roof, illuminating the trunks and leaf litter floor.
Energy swirled and condensed, invigorating the atmosphere, letting fauna and flora to survive on the ground without light, deer frolicking over ferns at the base of trees. Feeling the energy flow over him, Schist wafted it around him, feeling the power close to his skin.
Holding his hand up, he summon a plume of fire. It burned deeply, sucking on the highly oxygenated air to feed itself. Staring into the flame, he could feel it existing, but not harming it's wielder. It's master. Throwing the flaming plume in the air, he caught it in his other hand, it's vibrant glow shedding onto the golden trunks of the magnificent life around him.
Trying different magics, he created fire as flares, streaming out his hands. Pulsing a blaze out his feet, he propelled himself forward faster than he could ever dreamt of flying earlier, sucking the life of the woodland to feed the experience.
Stopping, he landed on the forest floor. Breathing deeply of the fragrant, organic smell, a sharp acid burnt his throat. Looking back where he flew from, a raging torrent of fire sapped on the tree's lives, animals fleeing out of fear for their imaginary life.
Falling trunks began to litter the ground as Schist tried extinguishing the roaring fire. Stamping out the flames was not making enough impact, so he tried absorbing the flames. Even as the fire gave him power, it would not extinguish itself, it's energy perpetual from the life it burned.
Using the absorbed power, Schist created a wave of smoke, the flow disturbing the flames. While the bush around Schist's efforts smouldered in the last of their fire, the pressure wave of air rekindled flames higher in a ring around the torn child.
A deep madness burst from Schist, unable to save the once great woodland from his own mistakes. He could not control what he had most control of. In an aggressive fury, he tried throwing away his power, destroying sections of the huge trees with explosions, but the energy of the blaze was drawn to him naturally, renewing his ability to destroy.
The desolate expanse of fallen trees reminded Schist of his old home, the great rocky desert stretching out one side of the city, leading to nothingness. He didn't want to make his past. He wanted out.
---
Gliding with the stars, the Arch mage stuck her hand out, icy powder from the clouds flowing between her fingers. Clutched in the other was the Scythe, to aid her in channelling energy. Her messenger drove forward, almost twice as heavy with a passenger. The great valley of cliffs lay below her, following the lake through the mountain tops.
As they got closer to the end of the lake, the caves got bigger, and more numerous. The place was empty, besides the roosting Wyverns standing on craggy pillars surrounding the cliff edge. Settling down in the valley, the couple silently landed, not a stir to be heard from the wild creatures.
The snow fell lightly across the cliff, accumulating in the pass, and on the armour of the Knight, his shell and furnace protecting him from the cold. Dismounting from Fauve, the mage dimmed her runes down, to preserve the night slumber of the beasts.
Sneaking closer to the Knight, the Mage saw the Wyverns in his hands wake up to her presence. Not wanting any trouble, she tapped them on those nose once each; fainting them in an instant. Calling her messenger closer, Fauve elegantly shrouded them in her wings, both hiding them into the snow and stopping Kendra's chants echo in the valley.
Holding out the Scythe, she pooled her incantations into it. The Knight grunted in his sleep, feeling the blue aura collect in the weapon above him. Starting to wail her song, she flung her arms over the Knight, his mind defiantly resisting the water magic.
Trying harder to break his barrier, the Mage held the Scythe on his chest, the magical pressure cracking a hole in his mental defences. With a snap, Kendra fell dead asleep, while Fauve provided energy to sustain the dream in the Mage's head.
Breaking into a fully created world rather than a void, the Mage realised that the Knight must have been dreaming beforehand. The view was a vast grassland, extending to hills in the horizons. Floating high in the air, she could see three rocks protruding from the ground, a creek running past. They were the only features of the plain.
"I am a dragon, agile and beautiful. I can sweep the sky at ease with my wings."
Shifting into her dream form, she spread her wings and flew towards the stones, nestled on the field like markers. She laughed at the thought of Fauve seeing her dream form, considering it was virtually her, but with fins and shorter wings.
As she thought that, the world wavered a bit. It was up to Fauve to provide energy to continue the dream world, previously held by the shaped gem. Her time was limited.
Swooping across the sunny, cloudless sky, Kendra saw the Knight sitting on one of the rocks. He was, however, not in uniform. She hovered just outside the rock formation, Steve watching as the dragon descended near him. Without armour, he wore instead a white shirt and shorts, sitting a two metres off the ground on the rounded boulder.
His sword lay against the rock, hilt by his foot, and his armour at the base. He was not old, maybe aged around the mid-twenties. While that didn't surprise the Mage, the Two Wyverns playing on the other rocks did.
"And I guess you're an epiphany. Tell me then, why me? Why am I different?"
The pair of Wyverns looked up, and flew to their guardian in fear. On the lap of the Knight, the striped one hissed, assured by the protection of Steve.
Settling down next to the rock, the Mage didn't know what to say. She was expecting him in armour, ready for battle. Instead, he was contemplating his being on a rock.
"I think that sometimes, you have to look less at yourself, and more at others. These Wyverns, why are they here?"
Stroking the upset Wyvern, he calmed it down. Soon it lay resting on his legs, like a cat on a chair.
"I don't know."
"They trust you Steve. Why did Argyle agree to teaching you how to control the powers of earth?"
"I. don't. know."
"He trusted you as well. What about Schist, why do you still seek him?"
The wind blew lightly as the Knight looked down, his depression unnerving both Wyverns. All three beasts waited for the man to answer. The sky warped a bit in Kendra's vision, bending in on itself. She was starting to run out of time.
"Knight, you have many creatures placing faith in you now. Your action defines the lives of many, no matter how you came to that position. Soon will come a time where you must betray a nation. You must trust in yourself to make the right choice."
"But.. I don't know what to do!?"
"Stop saying 'I'! You are not the only person with feeling here. You must make the choice which will benefit the people around yourself, over making the best choice for yourself. Until now, "I" was going to have some fun fighting you, but "I" needed to lift you up."
The world began to distort for Kendra, the sky falling like a huge tapestry, the land falling away at the edges of her vision.
"Time will tell you everything, until then, do as your heart says so, make the most of what you have!"
Lifting herself off the Knight, a blazing pain lay between her eyes. The severed connection to the dream world caused a mental wound, the agonising headache pounding her. Unable to see through her spotted and blurred vision, she found Fauve collapsed on the ground by tapping around the with her foot.
Having fainted from exhaustion, Fauve was hardly able to fly them back. Unable to lift the silver dragon by hand, Kendra stole some of her own reserve life-force to hold up the dragon on a layer of snow. Walking back along the lakeside, her vision slowly cleared from the edges in. Muttering, to herself, she kicked at occasional stone into the pool as she passed.
"Augh, Stupid Kendra! You could have severally injured Fauve or yourself! No more stupid choices, friends are trusting you right now..."
---
Breathing rapidly on the mat, Schist sprang awake, sweat drenching his face. Recovering from the nightmare, he decided to walked outside to cool down. Standing outside, he felt lots better in the colder environment. He couldn't see the Arch Mage anywhere.
The air was active with movement. Just feeling the wind, not thinking about anything else, he could sense the energy in the air. It didn't matter that the nearest life was several hundred metres away, it carried everywhere the wind went. It just went to show how stagnant the mine was.
He didn't feel sleepy at all. He had rested a lot these past days, but didn't do that much work. Snow landing on his head, he looked up to see the cascading flakes, wafting on the shallow breeze. The clouds completely covered the sky now, sprinkling the flakes down to the ground.
"My friend, I felt your power. Your dream."
Gasping, Schist looked around the campsite, no one in sight. The deep sounding voice resonated around his head, echoing deep into his mind.
"Don't worry kid: I'm not with you, and I won't bother you for long."
"Just now, listen to me. This is a time of change. Whatever you do. - Trust no one."
The voice emptied from his head, letting Schist think for a minute. Goosebumps rose down Schist's spine, so calm and collect the voice, yet he almost heard a craving, or longing on it's last words. Staring into the valley passage, he looked for anything that might have said such a thing.
"How do I know who you are!"
Nothing moved, but the flakes across his vision. Starting to freeze outside, Schist turned back around to the cabin, not before looking over his shoulder first. Even as he lay, shivering on the mat, he swore he heard booming, ominous laughter taint the night air...
---
Part Twelve!
A simple suggestion on geology here.
~~~
Slaves of the Coal Mine
An interesting Novel to pass the time.
I actually was quite Upset/confused(confuzzled) when near the beggining you
kept on refering to shist's magic potion (that he drinks) as both a vial and a canteen it just >_< me abit.
also for some reason I was expecting him to lead a revolt or something...
but nvm this way was much more interesting...
Keep writing please great story
A simple suggestion on geology here.
~~~
Slaves of the Coal Mine
An interesting Novel to pass the time.