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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 3, 2017 16:15:45 GMT -5
The thunder of explosions sounded in the distance. Flames shot through the air. The roar of a dragon echoed against the mountainous backdrop. The fall of the kingdom, the birth of a new beginning. A new time. This was nearly a thousand years ago when the dragons roamed the land. Bound to mages that possessed the ability to perform the arts of Azazel, the first dragon to bond with a hume, long ago. The woman was the first of the bloodline, the first to discover this magic. It was a magic that was as rare as it was powerful. Though, that time ended when the elven king from the south, from the land of Haptarot and the city of Yunik, finished the war with a deadly blow. It is said the demons were summoned to help him over take the Azazel Mages. It is said that with each Dragon that fell, the bond was broken and both would lose their lives. Though, the scripture from those days has been lost, years ago. The stories of the Azazel Mages carry on by word of mouth and by an old mage named Lendon. He is said to be nearly 800 years old, an elf from the ages of the wars. Though his mind now isn’t the same as it was in his young age, his eyes are glazed over and appear like sky blue marbles.
War had left the world of Algut alone for years, the Elves remained in the southern continent of Haptarot, thriving. The other continents all interconnected by bridges or slivers of land were in peace. The northern continent of Sumarey holds only ice and the bodies of those that have searched in vain for the dragons that were destroyed years ago. It is said that the dragons rest within a temple in these mountains. But all who have gone looking…have never returned. Their bodies found frozen among the ice and snow. Though some live on the continent of Sumarey and survive against the harsh climate. A city of all species, mages, elves, humes, dwarfs even vampires and werewolves. Our story doesn’t begin in Sumarey though, it begins on the continent to the East, Zorille. This continent is home to the large city of Askabar. The city that hold the grand castle and the strong family line of the Zowrey family. The kingdom had been around for centuries, the city around them flourished. It is said that if one wants to become something you must move to Askabar to become it. Many from all around traveled to Askabar for goods, for foods and clothing. All of the fine clothing and armor could be found in Askabar. Liquor, beer, wines.
The city had been threatened nearly 5 years ago by the elves. King Jonathan Zowrey had lost soldiers in a trade with the elves. Innocent lives were lost. Some of his best craftsmen. Only one soldier survived, knocked unconscious and sent back to the city with a note pinned to his armor from the elven king. Calling King Zowrey to war. So, without a choice he gathered his soldiers and they went to war. The battlefield is between the two lands where the city of Tren used to stand. Now the buildings were crumbled from explosions. No one that lived in the city of Tren survived. One day a horse rode toward the castle, a white flag attached to the soldier that rode forward. He climbed down from the horse at the gates of Askabar speaking of a peace treaty, that his king claimed to have made a mistake. The soldier was marched inside and to the throne room where Jonathan sat next to his wife Elanor.
“A treaty?” The king stared to the soldier.
“Yes your majesty.” The elf stood, his battle armor was worn, plates were broken off. His arm was wrapped in bloody cloth, he was even missing part of one of his pointy tipped ears. He bowed his head deeply. “My king has sent me with this.” He held a beautiful wooden box forward as he bowed deeply.
“What is this?” The king stood and stepped down to him.
“A peace offering, an elven pendent. My king wishes to apologies for the lives that he has taken…” The elf kept his head bowed.
The king took the box and took a step back he slowly opened the hand crafted box and looked to the pendant inside. It was a deep red, like the blood that had been lost. It had swirls of silver that encased the jewel. He pulled it from the box and looked it over. “And what does this pendent stand for?” He asked looking to the soldier.
“The wearer will come to good fortune your majesty. My king wishes only good fortune for you. He knows that a simple apology does not offer closure to the lives that have been taken in this senseless war.” The soldier spoke, his lines rehearsed carefully.
Jonathan took the pendent and placed it back into the box. “I will send a letter to your king, discussing his peace treaty.” He spoke. “Now, be gone from Askabar, elf.” His words were sharp like daggers as they came over his lips.
It wasn’t until later in the evening while sitting in his study that the king pulled the pendent from the box once again. He inspected it, looking over the beautiful design. When he took it and placed it over his head a reddish glow came from the pendent for a moment and he held his hand to his head. He leaned back in his chair, a sense of dizziness overcame him.
This was the beginning. Within weeks of wearing the pendent the king became overwhelmed with a sense of rage, he needed to have control over all off Algut, he needed to conquer the elves and make them pay. He paced within his throne room. “Captain I want you to get me the most powerful mage in Algut.”
“My king?” The captain asked as he looked to the king before him. He could see the rage in his eyes. “Your majesty, we are at peace….the elves called a treaty…there is no longer a war…the people of Askabar are rejoicing. As we speak a celebration is being held within the city…”
The king stepped forward and stood before the captain, “Bring me the strongest mage in all of Algut, or I will gut you right here in my throne room. I will put an end to the elves attacking. They will attack again, don’t you see? This is a trick. They want us to celebrate. So they can attack us once more.” His voice was angry.
“Of course sir, at once.” The captain rushed from the room.
***
“Amalliey what are you doing out here?” Elanor stepped into the gardens of the castle. “You missed your lesson, that isn’t like you.”
A young woman looked up from a flower that she twirled in her hands, it was wilted, the petals were nearly falling off. She had ocean blue eyes and chocolatey brown hair that hung down her back. Her tiara sat upon her head and glistened in the sunlight. She looked back to the flower and slowly the stem began to regain strength and the petals held life within them once more. She gave a soft smile as she looked to the flower before she looked to her mother. “Father has been…” She paused and furrowed her brows slightly.
“I have tried to reason with him, Amalliey.” Elanor sat next to her on the bench. “He just won’t allow the elves to get away with this. Not again.”
“What do you mean again?” Amalliey asked softly, “This has happened before?”
“To the Azazel Mages, yes.” Elanor spoke. “Didn’t you ever listen to Lendon when he was still alive?” She gave a soft laugh.
Amalliey shook her head. “That old elf wasn’t sure of up or down. How am I supposed to listen to that?” She questioned and looked to her mother once more. “You’re the key….that’s all he would ever say to me, mother, that I am a key. To what?” She scoffed. “To healing the scars of the land?” She shook her head. “He said I could do many things, though he always spoke in riddle and he never made any sense…”
“Amalliey.” Elanor interrupted. She stood and stepped to the edge of the gazebo and looked out over the beautiful city of Askabar. “You are more powerful than you could imagine.” She looked to her with a smile on her lips. “You just haven’t unlocked it yet.”
“Why is it always riddles with you and Lendon. What is there to unlock? I can bring dead things back to life…I…no one else can do that, mother, not even you.” Amalliey held the flower up, a smile on her lips.
Elanor turned and took the flower, “You are capable of so much more.” She spoke and gave a nod. “Tomorrow you will come to your lesson?” She asked, her mother looked forward to the meetings. She loved teaching Amalliey new magic, new skills. She spoke of her ancestors. How they were related to the Azazel Mages and how powerful they were.
“Of course.” Amalliey smiled and gave a nod.
**
Nearly a week passed from the time that the king requested for his captain to bring him the most powerful mage. Amalliey sat upon her balcony, she stared up at the stars, it was a clear summer night. Soon she heard the clopping of horse hooves upon the ground. She stood and placed her hands upon the balcony. Within the courtyard she saw the captain of the knights riding upon his horse two other knights were on horses just behind him to the left and right. She furrowed her brows as she looked closer, she could see someone walking behind the captain’s horse, a rope tied around their wrists. Or was it a chain? It was hard to make out in the moonlight. She could see a cloth over the person’s head. She’d heard about his request for a mage. Was this the mage? A prisoner?
Amalliey turned just as her door opened. “Princess.” Her servant stood in the doorway, the king requests your presence in the throne room.”
Amalliey gave a nod and before the woman was even finished with the sentence she was in the hallway and headed down the spiraling stairs of the castle. She caught up with her mother. “Why does he want this mage?” She asked Elanor.
The queen looked to her and took in a breath. “I’m not certain, he won’t tell me….I can’t get him to talk to me at all these last few weeks…” A look of worry was spread over her face.
Amalliey walked into the throne room then with her mother. She took her seat next to the two thrones and looked to the doors as they opened and the Captain came into the room with his hand on the shoulder of the hooded prisoner. He shoved the person forward onto their hands and knees before the king. “As requested.” The captain spoke. “This is the most powerful mage in all of Algut, your majesty. It wasn’t easy, but we succeeded.” He took a step back then, a smug look upon his face.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 3, 2017 19:37:01 GMT -5
Thousands of years ago during the Dragon Wars – a great dragon by the name of Steragosa released her chaotic breath against the southern lands. In one long dark line she drew across the land, splitting it into two. Where her fire touched – became a giant deep trench, that burnt away at the rock and dirt, until the two lands sat hundreds of feet apart. Down in the depths was a churning lava, spewing from the earth, filling in the darkness… They called this The Scar.
In the depths - wells of magic formed – and out of curiosity and interest the mages of said time gathered here. They learned much, and soon it became the center point of all mage interests. So…they built the giant tower, the staple of the mages…
***
“Grand Master” A woman stood before a man who wore long red robes. He was standing at the peak of the tower, looking out to the land, his hand stroked his long beard, brushing it with his fingertips.
“What have you found Azariah” He questioned, slowly turning to view her.
A shorter woman stood before him… she had pitch black hair which was tied up into a messy bun ontop of her head. She wore a slim robe which over was a chest piece with 2 large chains which came down from the center of her chest, and to the backside of the armor. On her shoulders were battle-mage pads, which decorated with arcane insignias. Her crimson robes were cut into thinner pieces, which revealed her leggings under them. It would be easy to move in this garb, rather than the Grand Master who would be a stationary study mage… About her waist was a large belt which had a blue pulsing jewel right in the middle. On each arm was a pair of gauntlets, but no gloves, it protected her arms – ready to deflect an attack if necessary…
“I compared the current Well-readings to that of what was recorded 1282 years ago and have found they match…” she spoke softly and then handed him a piece of paper. The Grand Master took the papers and then glanced to them both and then nodded.
“Magic knows when the balance has been skewed far sooner than we would… I fear this could mean terrible things. The last time we saw something like this… was the Divide within the Rift…” he spoke and then nodded. “I want you to gather the council, we must be prepared for whatever is coming..” he spoke and then smiled briefly. “Excellent find Archmage…” he spoke and then stepped away to his desk.
Azariah turned and made her way to the stairs, soon she came upon others…. She spread the word, and within the hour 8 people stood in a circle, the Grand Master at the front. “It seems there is a disturbance – something in the other Phase is speaking to us. We could be facing a disaster, or tragedy… Send words to all acolytes and ready the forces. I want to fill as many Spirit Crystals as we can…. Bolster the defenses and ready the shield, if we need it” he spoke.
“Azariah, return to the Well and draw another reading. Get me a sample, I want to read the make up…” he spoke.
“As you wish Grand Master” Azariah turned and made her way down the tower. She followed the long path through the rocky land and came to a long set of stairs which trailed down into the huge crack in the earth. She glanced down – the Lava was bubbling viciously, more than it had before… she placed her hands on the rails and grit her teeth slightly.
Suddenly something grasped the back of her hair – shoving her forward. She cried out and reached out – gripping the huge hand that held onto her. “Azariah…. You’re coming with us”
Suddenly Azariah tumbled forward, crying out in pain as she was being held by just her hair. She reached her hands up and blasted a wave of power from her fingertips. She began to fall then into the giant crevasse in the land, tumbling down to the boiling lava. She squeezed her fists and a giant burst of light came from her body. Suddenly a pair of purple blowing magic wings erupted from her back. She thrust forward with amazing power. Her wings gave her 5 strong flaps before disappearing. She reached up just in time to grip the edge of the cliff side.
Suddenly a hand grasped her wrist and yanked her up. “Deep breath” he spoke, covering her lips with a cloth. She struggled against him and then slowly passed out….
***
“Wakey wakey” Cold water dumped onto her face.
She coughed and then sat up, 6 men stood around her – clad in thick armor, weapons in their hand. “Now now, don’t go doing any funny magic stuff” he spoke and then laughed. “You really can’t if you wanted” he spoke and then lifted her to her feet. Her hands were cuffed infront of her by a pair of glowing cuffs. “We have some tricks too… though that wing thing was pretty neat, ya know” he shoved her forward.
“Alright now… You wont see much but it’s a pretty easy walk. Just keep up… or you know, we’ll just drag you” he spoke and slid a black cloth bag over her head. The men climbed onto their horses, and then suddenly she was yanked along.
She went to speak – but couldn’t. Something seemed to get caught in her throat. What is going on? This must be… the disturbance? she grit her teeth and tugged onward, following the men…
They seemed to walk forever, no breaks. Hours went on and finally they stopped. “Piss break” they took a minute, and then they were walking again. “Not too long now – should be a few more hours” he called out. She could tell through the bag that the sun was going down, and the wind began to get chillier, though the hot summer air lingered…
As they stepped closer – she could hear the faint sound of people, like a bustling city. Sounds she really hadn’t heard in a long time. A black smith hammer… shouting of children… The sound of gate doors opening… she was at some city of some sort, a big one too…
They walked across cobble… then stone, and soon tile. One more door opened and then she was shoved forward. She landed on her knees and grunted. The cloth was removed from her head and she could finally see. Her eyes squinted as she looked forward – the light was painful almost.
“Excellent… I am King Jonathan of Zowrey… and I request your aid… You see… the Elves are on the brink of war, of which I fear I cannot compete against…” he spoke and then crossed his arms and waited a moment. “Go on – speak”
Azariah looked up and then grit her teeth, she tried to speak..
“Oh, almost forgot” One of the men stepped forward and ripped a small black sticker off her neck and nodded. “She can now.. your majesty… my apologies” he bowed.
Azariah looked back to him and then to the king, she grit her teeth and then shook her head. “You could have just asked… the Circle of the Mages have a pact with Kingdom of Zowrey, should you require us in dire need... with good cause…” she spoke and then slowly stood. “To abduct me against my will is not a kind gesture, not one that the Magi might listen to…” she spoke and scoffed.
“Of course – last time I requested aid – I was ignored. I cannot allow failure…” he stepped from the throne and approached her, a book in hand. It was an ancient Tome, which was practically falling apart… he handed the book to her and nodded.
“It is Legend that upon the destruction of the kingdom – one could depend on this book to reveal the answer…though… I also cannot open it…” he spoke and stepped back.
Azariah looked to the book and then her eyes widened slightly. “This is the book that once belonged to the Blood – Mage Zyndor…” she shook her head. “I will not open this book, for it has spells I wouldn’t ever dare to attempt… some that could…” she set the book down on the ground.
The King’s eyes grew red and he walked back over and shoved the book into her chest. “You will read this book… you will find the answer I require… or I’ll send your head back to the Tower” he shouted and then stepped back. “There is a suitable answer in this book… you will find it…You will cast this spell and then be on your way….” he spoke.
Azariah looked to the book and managed it open it, while her hands were still bound. The book opened and a gust of wind shot from the center of the page. The flames, which lit the room, suddenly blew out… then after a second they returned – blue rather than red, flickering with intensity… then slowly shifting back to red..
“You are making a grave mistake…” she spoke and then slowly stood, book in hand.
“Read the damn book….”
Azariah opened the book to the first page and then shook her head. “Summoning Tichrond, the Demon of the First Gate to hell… the key-master and controller….” She shook her head. “You want to create an army and try to master them?” she shook her head. “Are you certain this is the path you want to follow?”
“You get 1 day to read as much as you can… tomorrow you will begin whatever preparations required to perform the spell…” he spoke and then nodded. “Switch her to the Magic-Resistant Bracelets… You 2 – you are assigned to her, you will not leave her sight, not even for her to use the bathroom…” he spoke and then stood. “Dismissed.”
Two men stepped infront of her and removed the cuffs - and replaced them with glowing bracelets. She couldn’t cast any magic… She glanced to the book again and then shook her head. “Wait…” she looked up to the King, who glanced to her. “there are… ancient words here I don’t know… I need access to your ancient records. This is a mixture of 6 different languages all together, 2 of which are ancient and unused. Surely you have scrolls of ancient past… I will need them to decipher this code…” she spoke as she had the book open to a random page. She closed it and then held the book to her chest… her eyes staring the king with coldness…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 3, 2017 21:17:50 GMT -5
Amalliey watched quietly as the scene played out. She’d never seen her father act in such an aggressive manner. Was there something she didn’t know? She knew that the elves could be dangerous, but they asked for a peace treaty. What was her father doing? She glanced to her mother when she heard this mage mention a demon. Her mother’s eyes were full of shock, or fear…she’d never seen fear from her mother. She glanced back to the mage as the throne room fell silent. She looked to Azariah as she hugged the book to her chest, the bracelets around her wrists pulsated. Amalliey had never seen her father use such devices, her mother didn’t like it. It wasn’t right to control a mage like this. At least, she’d heard her mother say that to her father before. Though, the king wasn’t a mage, he couldn’t ever perform magic. Amalliey wondered why it had to be this mage? Why couldn’t her mother help him with opening this book.
“Old scripture.” The king spoke then, his eyes trained on Azariah. “Of course.” He then looked to Amalliey, “My daughter will escort you to our records room.”
Amalliey’s eyes grew slightly. Elanor stood up. “She absolutely will not have anything to do with this.” She drew her brows together. “Did you not listen to the mage, Jonathan?” She crossed her arms. “Do you not know what that book is? Where did you even find that?”
The king turned slowly, his jaw tight he looked to his wife, his brows pulled tightly together. “She will do as I say. We need this. Without this our kingdom will fall.”
“We are at peace…” Elanor spoke she searched his eyes. “You’re controlling her…I…” She looked to the bands around Azariah’s wrists.
“Mother, it’s okay.” Amalliey spoke softly and placed her hand on her mother’s forearm. “Don’t worry.” She gave a nod.
Elanor looked to her daughter for a moment before she too nodded. The king smiled as he looked to his daughter. “Thank you, Amalliey.” He spoke then looked to his wife. “We have business to attend to, Elanor.” He then walked from the throne room.
Amalliey took in a shaken breath as she watched her mother hesitate before she left the room. She stepped down from the thrones to Azariah’s level. She looked to the two knights that remained, the two that were to guard her and watch her every move. “Um…” She looked away thinking. “The scripture room is this direction.” She spoke as she walked off. She was dressed in a beautiful blue dress with silver accents. She pushed the doors to the throne room open and walked down the hallway. Knights that stood in the hallway straightened and stood at attention as she passed. Greeting her as she walked passed. Amalliey would give a smile and greet the knights back. She was kind. She didn’t act like most of the other royals, even for Askabar.
Amalliey walked quietly she glanced to the knights a few times, she hated being followed around with their clinking armor. She stopped at a door that was guarded by a knight. “We are to go down into the scripture vault by order of my father.” Amalliey spoke as she looked to the old knight. He was weathered, yet strong. He’d defended the castle for years.
The knight looked to Azariah for a long moment. “And what are you in search of?” He asked.
“My father is trying to find a safe guard for Askabar. He says we are in danger and this mage is the only one who can help.” Amalliey spoke.
The knight glanced to the others. “Only mages are allowed in the vault.” He spoke.
“The king ordered us to not leave this mage’s side. She is a danger to the princess!” One of the knights exclaimed.
The old knight gave a slight chuckle. “Beyond these doors?” He asked. “There isn’t a window or a crack big enough for even a mouse to escape. I will answer to the king, but it is law that only mages are allowed in the vault.” He stood his ground. “Princess.” He bowed his head.
“Thank you Jack.” Amalliey spoke and bowed her head back to him before she slipped into the staircase the descended down into the ground. It twirled down for a long while. The air began to cool as they continued to descend. Amalliey came to a closed wooden door. She held her hand up to the handle and curled her fingers around it. She took in a breath and a glow came from the pendant around her neck and a click came from the door. Amalliey pushed the door open and wind blew from the room. It had been sealed for many years. She remembered her mother taking her into the vault years ago when she was a young child. She stepped into the room, it was lined with old bookcases. A desk sat in the middle of the room. A flame lit on the desk as they entered and the lanterns along the walls lit up as well. Amalliey looked to Azariah and took in a breath. “Well…” She spoke softly. “This is it…” She looked uncomfortably to the book that Azariah held in her hands.
Amalliey bit her lip slightly as she moved over to the wooden desk and sat in one of the two chairs. She looked around the room, thinking of her mother and the time they spent down here. Her mother told her when she was young that this room was only used when something terrible happened, to fix the lands…
Amalliey brushed a bit of dust off of the book that sat before her on the table. It was a book that Lendon had been writing in before his death. She flipped through the pages of the old leather bound book, reading his scribblings, looking to his sketches. “So…” She looked to Azariah and took in a breath. “Who are you? You mentioned the Circle of Magi? Mother has spoken to me of them…you’re a good Mage…” She furrowed her brows slightly. “Why did my father capture you and…those bonds…” Amalliey furrowed her brows. She stood and stepped to the door which she pushed closed the lock clicked into place, even if the knights came down the stairway after them they wouldn’t be able to get into the room.
Amalliey stepped to Azariah, she thought for a moment as she stared to the old weathered binding, it was falling apart. She then reached her hand forward and touched the bracelet. A burst of energy came from the bracelets it blew Amalliey back she slammed into a bookcase and several books came from it. Her pendant around her neck pulsated. She took in a few quick breaths, her hand that she’d touched the bracelet with felt as though it was on fire, her heart wanted to escape her chest. She’d never felt pain like that. She grit her teeth and opened her eyes, the bracelets remained on her wrists. “What are those…” She muttered. “You…he shouldn’t be doing this to you, making you a prisoner…” Amalliey crossed her arms. She shook her head then slightly, “I…” She looked to Azariah then for a moment. “What is your name?” Amalliey questioned. “I am Amalliey…” She looked away slightly, she was clearly uncomfortable. “I apologize for the actions of my father, I am certain that mother will have those bracelets removed…” She sighed slightly, all of this was unlike her father. Every step of the way.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 3, 2017 21:49:32 GMT -5
Azariah looked to the Queen as she stood – interrupting. Her eyebrows pulled together as she watched… the King and Queen were not agreeing on this… her eyes fell to the Princess who stood, silencing the king with her words. Azariah followed the Princess as they walked through the castle, she was silent as she followed.
Her eyes fell to the older knight, and then to the door as they entered the scripture room. She was surprised to find the seal so tight. So much knowledge in this room, stored away… this was something that would have been picked apart by the other Mages, and even herself….
Azariah entered and set the book down on the table, her eyes looked up and down as she viewed the room. It was stuffy and dry, slightly dark too… She glanced to the Princess as they were alone in the room, she could sense the curiosity flowing from her presence. “I am Archmage Azariah, the second to Grand Master…” she spoke and then stepped over to the book sitting on the desk. “This is Magi Lendon’s writing, I recognize it…” she spoke and then flipped a page.
“I still do not know the entire explanation as to my capture… However just moments before our Wells of Magic were pulsating, the phase of which Magic rests is disturbed, often this happens before a tragic event. In a way the magic knows the future, and is reacting now, we can read it like a warning. I have… a feeling whatever the King is going to make me do.. is likely the cause of this disruption…” she spoke and glanced up.
She gasped when suddenly Amailley shot backwards. Azariah dashed forward and helped her up. She reached down and picked up the several scrolls that had fallen to the ground… she placed them back on the shelf and sighed softly. “These contain and respond to any use of magic… it was developed by the Elves initially, it seems the King came across a pair…” she sighed. “I am sure once the time comes… they will take these off and I will cast the spell… who knows his true intention after…” she spoke and then walked to the desk.
She sat down and opened the book the King handed to her. “The last time Tichrond was summoned…. Well…” she shook her head “Do you know of the Ruins to the far West? Now it is all overrun by nature, the history buried in thick layers of earth… but you can see just the tips of the ancient buildings erupting the surface of the earth? Tichrond leveled an entire city…” she shook her head and sighed as her eyes looked over the requirements of the spell.
“I lied when I said that I needed to be in this room…” she whispered and then leaned back. “I knew you had a room with ancient scrolls, this Kingdom has been the only one which the Circle could not retrieve old scrolls to study. I wanted in here to try and find a way to fake this, or… something… anything” she shook her head.
She looked to the first page and sighed. “This… is Blood Magic” she whispered and looked to the Princess. “For me to bond the Demon to the King – he must sacrifice someone he cares about..” she crossed her arms. “Who does he care about, then?” she looked to the Princess for a long moment and then back to the book.
“Blood Magic is extremely forbidden, if I go through with this – I will likely be sentenced to death by my own people, or I could die from your fathers hand…” she closed the book and shook her head. “And if I don’t go through with this.. he will get the next Mage, and then the next, eventually someone will go through with it, surely. Though I would die before casting this spell…” she shook her head as she pondered the thoughts.
“What… do we do?” she spoke and looked to her. “It is clear your mother does not agree with him, I had not heard of any unexpected threats from the Elves… “ she sighed softly and propped her head up with her hand, her thoughts were moving swiftly.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 3, 2017 22:22:28 GMT -5
Amalliey sat down across from Azariah as she looked at the book and as she spoke. “An Archmage…” She spoke, her eyes not leaving Azariah. She’d never met someone from the Circle of Magi before. Her mother spoke of it, though she wasn’t allowed to go. Her father wouldn’t allow it. Amalliey “The ruins…” She spoke softly and thought of it, she shook her head. “I…” She looked down slightly. “I’ve never been outside of the walls of Askabar…” She looked to the old book before her, she didn’t recognize the strange languages that it was written in. “My father won’t allow it, he says he is just protecting me…” Amalliey’s eyes widened slightly when Azariah spoke of the spell, how she lied about needing something from the scroll vault. “B-blood magic?” Amalliey stared at her, her jaw loose. She listened as the Archmage spoke that her people would sentence her to death for even performing it. “My father…he only cares about my mother and myself…I…” She bit her lip slightly. “I’m…uh…” She fell silent. “It…would be me, he would never sacrifice mother. I am his joy, he parades me around like a trophy…”
Amalliey had fear in her eyes as she stared to the book. “What is he doing…” She muttered softly. “He isn’t like this…he usually prefers to keep the peace, to tend to the city and make sure that Askabar flourishes. That is how our city has grown so much….” She paused for a moment. “Does he know he must sacrifice a loved one?” She asked softly. “Would he know? If…if he knew he wouldn’t do this…” She shook her head.
She stood and paced slightly. “Our kingdom was at war with the elves, they demanded the scrolls within this room. They killed a platoon of knights as well as several of our best traders 5 years ago….then all of a sudden the Elven King sent a soldier…he brought a peace offering to my father…” She held the pendant around her neck, the jewel pulsated slightly with her energy the color was a soft blue. “Father…after the peace treaty…he has seemed obsessed with revenge, he wants to make the elves pay for what they’ve done…he doesn’t seem to trust anyone…at the dinner table it is all he speaks of…” She hushed then and looked over her shoulder.
“Princess?” A knock came from the door. “Princess open the door.” It was one of the two knights that were to guard Azariah. “Princess, this is an order from the king.”
Amalliey looked to Azariah for a moment before she turned and went to the door. She touched it and a small burst of her powers clicked the lock out of place. The door pushed forward and the knight stood before her. “You cannot be alone with that mage.” He spoke, his face stern. “Come, your father has requested that you are taken to your quarters.” He grasped her arm.
Amalliey pulled her arm from him. “Unhand me.” She ordered, her voice held a royal tone. She watched as the other mage stepped into the vault and leaned against the wall, staring at Azariah. “This room is meant for mages only.” She spoke.
“Your father has lifted the law.” The knight stated gruffly. “Just this once, so that our eyes are not off of this mage.”
Amalliey glanced to Azariah she then looked back to the knight before her as he tried to grab her again. “Unhand me!” She spoke louder this time. “I will obey the order of my father, you will not lay a hand on me, I am the princess, I could have you killed for even touching me!” She snapped at him before she turned and rushed up the stairs.
The knight seemed to fume for a moment, he looked to the other knight. “Watch her, I will be back once I know the princess is in her room.” He then walked off.
Amalliey walked down the hallway quickly, her heels clicked as she walked. Her pulse raced. What would she do? How could she stop this? Did her father realize what he was doing? The power he was dealing with? She was led to her room where another knight was posted at her door. She paced for awhile before she moved to her balcony. She leaned on the railing and sighed heavily. “What do I do?” She whispered softly. Had her father gone mad?
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 3, 2017 23:11:46 GMT -5
“I.. see. That is unfortunate, to be bound to the castle…” she Spoke and then lifted the book.. she flipped through a few pages and then sighed softly. “This spell in its own is sickening…” she whispered and turned the page again. Her eye fell upon a complex ruin that would be drawn onto the floor. She glanced up when Amailley spoke of the jewel. She stood and stepped forward, looking to the jewel.
“You say he has gone mad ever since this peace offering?” she stood and then stepped forwards Amailley, her eyes glancing to the glowing crystal between her fingertips. “Is that….?” She reached forward and touched Amailley’s hand – which was clasped around the jewel. Just as she went to say something more there was a loud pounding on the door. Azariah jumped slightly and then turned… she stepped over to the book and lifted it. “We will figure this out…” she whispered and stared to the knight at the door.
Just as the Princess was whisked away – the King came barging down. He stepped into the room and grasped Azariah by the wrist. “Come now” he yanked and pulled her out of the scroll room. “You are a liar, I should expect nothing less of you. The knights told me everything they over heard… A sacrifice hm? That is no worry…” he tossed her down into the throne room. She stumbled, but caught herself easily…
“You will perform this spell now… no more playing around. You think there is a work around.. but there is not. I will stand here – and you will begin this now.” He spoke and picked up the book. He tried to open it – but it wouldn’t budge, it was sealed shut. He grit his teeth and slammed it down. “Begin now” he spoke and stepped back.
Azariah leaned down and lifted the book… she opened it easily, to the page with the ruin on it. “I need a handful of your fathers ashes… and some water, a paint brush and… obviously a sacrifice of someone you love. I would need them alive… first. I must perform the sacrifice…” she spoke.
“Send someone to the tombs, fetch the ashes… Send for the Princess… gather the supplies” he spoke and the guards dispersed.
“What is it the elves have that you are so scared of?” Azariah spoke, as they waited.
The king laughed and looked to her “Soon… nothing. I will wipe their smug faces from this earth and we will be free of their terror. They stand over us with their thumb pressing against my spine… I will face it no longer.” The King spoke and sat down in his throne… his fingers rolled over the rubies embedded in the arm rest…
“And the book..?” She questioned.. “How did you come about it?”
“Gifted to me by the Gods themselves…” he chuckled and then shook his head. “Kidding… of course. My father went on a crusade to collect all Relics of great power, to store them away. His true reality was to covet them for the time we needed them most…” he laughed then and sipped on a glass of wine, his eyes looking over the mage before him.
“Then how did you know I would be capable?” Azariah questioned, crossing her arms.
“You ask a lot of questions for someone who is on death row…” he spoke and then smacked his lips. “I’ll entertain you… You are Azariah, the fatherless. Bred for one soul purpose – to become a weapon of destruction. I believe fate made this so… You were meant for this, as this book was meant to be in my vault, as we now stand here together…” he grinned. “Lendon… spoke much of you, when you were just a wee one.”
Azariah grit her teeth and then let out a deep long breath. “Lendon became a slave to your rule” she spoke and crossed her arms.
“The Magi owed a debt they could not repay… Lendon was the payment – he came forward on his own, and he was an excellent Mage Counselor…” The King finished his wine and then stood. “Enough chatter…” the guards came back with the requirements.
Azariah sighed softly and picked up the bowl and poured a reasonable amount of ashes into the bowl. She mixed a bit of water in, and then approached the King. “I need a bit of your blood.. a decent amount” she spoke.
The King looked to her and then raised his eyebrows. “This is a trick” he spoke and stepped back.
“No… if you want this Demon to be willed to you… he must recognize your blood. He knows your ancestry, he needs to know your blood, and with the sacrifice of your loved one – he will only respond to you… otherwise this will go… very badly.” She spoke and held the bowl up.
The King pulled out his dagger and sighed – he cut his forearm and let the blood roll off the side of his arm, dripping into the bowl. After a moment Azariah nodded “That is enough…” she spoke and stepped back. She mixed the bowl until the ashes became a puddling like consistency, enough to paint with.
She then knelt down and painted a large circle, and then began to connect lines, in between two circles she painted several figures. She glanced to the books several times in order to complete the exact requirements. She portioned the ashes just perfectly… the last stroke was the last bit. She stepped back, her footsteps avoided the paint. “No one steps on this Rune…” she spoke and then stepped back.
“What is next?” The King Questioned.
“We must perform the spell during sunset. We can begin the moment the sun touches the horizon, and we must end anytime before the sunset is officially over. If we take too long… he will not be summoned” She spoke and then glanced out the glass window. Sunset was about an hour from now…
“You mean if you take too long…” he spoke and then nodded. “Lets prepare then… Bring forth my daughter.”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 3, 2017 23:58:50 GMT -5
Amalliey turned as she heard her door open. “What’s going on?” She asked as three knights came into the room.
“Come princess.” The Captain spoke, “I am sorry, but you must come with us.”
“What’s happening?” She asked, she was trapped, she had no where to run. This was her father’s plan all along, that’s why he had her taken to her quarters.
“Princess.” The Captain took in a breath and shook his head. “Seize her.” He nodded.
Amalliey dodged to the side, she rushed forward only to be grabbed around the waist by the captain. She fought against him, the pendant around her neck pulsated as she screamed. “Let me go!” She slammed her elbow against his chest plate. He easily lifted her from the ground with one arm. She kicked and cried out as he began to carry her toward the door. “Let me go! I order you to let me go Captain!”
The Captain grit his teeth, her screams echoed down the hallway. “Shut her up.” He winced. One of the knights stepped forward and placed the black patch on her neck. The screaming instantly silenced. He turned his head as she swung at him. “That’s quite enough.” He spoke as he pulled a chemically soaked cloth from his pouch. He clasped it over her mouth. “Breathe in deeply, princess.” He let out a chuckle.
Amalliey fought against him until her eyes began to become heavy. Her body was weak and shaky. She watched as a set of the cuffs were clasped over her wrists. The captain set her down and she was pulled along, a knight on either side of her holding tightly onto her arms. She could feel her body bruising from the harsh handling. She tried to speak, but she couldn’t. Tears welled in her eyes as she was brought into the throne room. She saw Azariah drawing the circle on the ground. No…he knew she was lying…
Amalliey was brought forward the king chuckled as he stepped down from the throne. He finished off his glass of wine. “Sweet Amalliey.” He spoke and touched her cheek. “You are going to be a hero.” He looked to the rune. “You are going to be a sacrifice so that we may save our kingdom from damnation. Without this, we will all die. You understand?” He kissed her forehead then. “I do love you, I have no choice in the matter, Amalliey.” He gave a gentle smile.
Amalliey tried to speak. The knights still held her tightly. The bracelets on her wrists flashed and she trembled slightly as she was shocked. She fell forward to her knees, her breathing heavy. The captain stepped forward and ripped the patch from her neck. “Unhand me!” She fought against them. “Father! Stop this! Please!” She pleaded, tears rolled down her cheeks.
The king chuckled then and held his wine glass up. A servant topped it off and he drank deeply from it for a moment. “Amalliey.” He glanced to the window. “We don’t have time to discuss this.” He then looked to the mage and smirked. “Well, what do we do now?”
The doors to the throne room opened then and the old knight walked in with the queen. “Unhand my daughter!” Elanor ordered. The knights looked to her but didn’t budge, they looked back to the king. “Jonathan this has gone too far!” She looked to the rune. “How dare you force this Archmage to perform forbidden blood magic! And…and you’re going to kill our daughter? Your only child?!” She stepped to him and swiftly smacked him across his face. The smack reverberated through the room.
The king stumbled back a few steps, wine spilled to the ground as the goblet clattered against the tile. He turned his head back to look to his wife, rage in his eyes, a cut on his cheek from her harsh hit. “How dare you!” He screamed. “Seize her!” He snarled.
The knights rushed forward and suddenly the queen was cuffed and held before the king. He stepped to her, his breaths heavy, his eyes full of anger. “I’ve changed my mind, Azariah. It will be my wife that is sacrificed.” He spoke as he was inches from Elanor’s face.
Elanor stood tall, her eyes looked to him, she did not cry, she didn’t show fear. She narrowed her brows. “So be it. You are making a mistake Jonathan….listen to the archmage please.” She begged.
The king looked to the window then the sunset was upon them. “Azariah, do it now, if you screw this up I’ll make sure you suffer. It will not be a swift death. Do it.” He growled.
Amalliey fought against the knights, straining against their hold. “No! Father! Stop this!” She cried.
“Silence her!” The king snarled. The captain slapped the patch back onto her neck. He then stepped to Azariah. He came forward with a key and released the cuffs from her wrists. “Now then.” The king grabbed a fresh goblet and sat back in his throne. “Azariah, let’s see what you can do. Hm? If you’re successful you will earn your life.” He snickered.
Amalliey thrashed against the knights, tears poured down her cheeks. Elanor looked to her daughter, she was trying to stay strong. “You are so much more than you know, Amalliey.” She whispered. “You will see, one day.” She was pushed toward Azariah then. She looked to the mage. “I understand, Azariah.” She spoke, her voice soft. “This is not you who is doing this.” She spoke and stared into Azariah’s eyes. “Just please….protect my daughter.” The queen searched her eyes. “She is more than anyone knows…”
“Enough!” The king snarled. “Stop talking to my mage.” He sipped from his glass. “Let’s end this.” He smirked from his throne.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 4, 2017 0:27:52 GMT -5
Azariah turned as the princess as dragged in. She stiffened and watch the scene play out. Azariah stared to the Queen who was lowered toward the Rune.. She held her hands up for a moment… she thought in this second… she could teleport out now… she could kill the king in one swift motion…
Azariah squeezed her eyebrows together. Suddenly she felt a sharp point against her spine – a knight held a sword to her back. “Do it now… or die…” he spoke.
Azariah glanced around… men surrounded the room – bows and swords in their hands, all pointed to her. She had no choice. She looked to the Queen and then to the sun which was beginning to lower. “I will…. Make this as painless as I can…” she whispered to the Queen and led her to stand in front of the rune. “I will make this right… your death will not be in vain…” she whispered. “Lay… right here…” she whispered and helped the queen lay on the ground.
Azariah knelt before the Queen and combed her hair from her eyes, for a just a second. Azariah’s eyes had filled with tears. She wanted everything not to do this… this act in general was already too difficult for her… “Elanor…” she whispered. “Forgive me…” she spoke and then glanced to the sun again. Red and pink rays of sunlight flickered across the sky…Sunset had begun.
“I shall begin now…” Azariah looked to the King… who sat on his throne, nodding.
“Your time of worry is over…” she whispered to Elanor and then with one swift motion – she broke Elanor’s neck, ending her life instantly. Azariah took in a deep breath and then looked to the Princess. Tears spilled over and rolled down her cheeks. “Princess…. Don’t look” she spoke.
Azariah then pulled out her dagger and cut through her robe. She made a perfect slice into her warm skin… she pulled back the flesh and then with 3 quick flicking motions – she cut within the body of the Queen. She then set the dagger down and reached her hand into her body. Her fingers wrapped around the Queen’s heart and pulled it out of her chest. Her hands were covered in blood – and in her grasp was her heart.
Azariah slowly stood, drips of blood rolled from her hand and onto the glossy tile floor… She stepped over and set the heart in the center of the Rune. She then glanced to the book and then took in a deep breath. She held both hands into the air… blood now leaked down into her gauntlets.
“Gate Keeper...” The rune began to glow bright red. Suddenly a red portal formed in the room. A hand reached out of the portal and took the heart. Azariah grit her teeth as she continued to cast her power into the Rune. Then there was a booming laughter. A giant behind stepped from the portal. He was all bright red, with hooves and giant shoulders. On his head was 2 huge curving horns, and bright yellow eyes.
“Mortal…. You call upon me…” he raised his hands and then laughed again. “You must really want to kill some people” he grinned. “I sure hope so” he then turned to Azariah. He lifted her by the throat and threw her. Azariah went flying against the wall, slamming into it harshly. She slid down the wall and hit the ground, just a few feet from the Princess.
All of the other guards were lifted into the air by their throats, their legs dangling and thrashing. “Better tell me when… King…” the Demon spoke, laughing again.
Azariah rushed forward and grasped the ring from a guards belt as he was held high. Then with one swift motion she bolted forward.. her wings propelling her. She grasped the Princess and they flung forward. Azariah turned and hit the painted glass with her back, shattering it as they flew forward. Her wings appeared once more and caught their fall. They landed outside of the castle, in the courtyard, in a tumble.
She fumbled with the key and unlocked her bracelets, then easily she ripped the voice patch off and grasped her hand. “We need to leave now” she spoke. She glanced to the building. It began to shake and rumble, the high ceilings began to crumble in. The power from the demon. The King would have to stand and command his respect… direct the fire….
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 4, 2017 1:06:45 GMT -5
Elanor lay on the ground, she took in a slow breath. “I forgive you, Archmage Azariah.” She whispered softly just before her neck was broken.
Amalliey screamed, yet no sound came out. She fell to her knees on the floor she couldn’t look away. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Though as Azariah cut into her mother’s chest. Her vision blurred, she could see a wisp above her mother’s body. She took in shaken breaths as the wisp twirled through the air and came to her. She stared into her mother’s eyes, though it was as tough smoke was before her. “I will always be with you, Amalliey, you will become just as strong as I once was.” She reached forward and her spirit melded into the pendant on Amalley’s chest. The world seemed to move in slow motion as she watched her mother’s heart taken from Azariah’s hands. Then the demon came. She cried out again, though once more no sound came over her lips.
“Yes!” The king chuckled and stood. He snickered as he watched the demon fling Azariah against the wall. “Those lowly knights?” He smirked. “Why not kill them and allow your soldiers to march on the Elven kingdom?”
Amalliey felt Azariah’s arms around her. She stared as she watched all of the knight’s necks snap at once. She watched as the demon turned to look to them as they made their swift escape. She trembled as Azariah removed the bracelets, her whimpers could be heard once the patch was removed. “H-how…could…h-he…he….he do this…?” She cried. She stood shakily and looked back to the castle, “Father…” She whispered.
**
The king stepped forward toward the demon. “Very good.” He looked to the bodies that lay within the rooms. “You are just what I’ve been looking for.” He snickered.
The demon grinned down to the king. “Hmmm blood thirsty ruler? I love it.” He stepped over to the body of Elanor. “Your wife even? How cruel.” He chuckled. “I think I’m going to like you.” The demon spoke as he looked back to the king. “So tell me more about these Elves.”
**
Amalliey ran through the city as tears streamed down her cheeks. Her heels clicked as she ran toward an alleyway. She knew of a cavern system, an escape system. Her mother told her of it when she was young. It was designed for the royals to escape when the city was under distress. They were old tunnels that no one knew of now, especially with the lack of war. She pulled Azariah between a set of buildings and then down into a hatch in the ground. She took off into the tunnels. “These lead out of Askabar.” She spoke, her voice still shaking. “My…m-mother told me of them.” She whimpered the last bit. After awhile of running she slowed down. “I…” She looked to Azariah. “I…” She gripped her pendant remembering the spirit. “I saw her spirit…Azariah…I…I saw my mother’s spirit…” Her breathing was quick. She stopped completely, she leaned against the wall. The bricks behind her gave way. She let out a yelp as she fell back into a dusty hallway. A hidden passage. This would surely be safer than the main passageway. She looked around as the flames lit their path.
Amalliey looked around the small room they were in, books lined the shelves. She stood up slowly and pushed a wooden door open. “Oh…” She spoke as she entered the room. “I need to get out of this corset…” She spoke, “I can’t breathe…” She then shut the door.
A few minutes passed and Amalliey emerged, she wore a black tank top beneath a blue sash that wrapped across her chest and flowed around her hips down toward the ground. She had on a pair of leather boots. She pulled her hair up messily, strands of hair fell into her eyes, some of her hair still fell down in the back and sides. The pendant glowed upon her chest. She took in a slow breath. “Azariah.” She spoke, her voice soft. “I…” She fumbled slightly, she’d wiped away a lot of tears while she was in the room. Her eyes were still puffy from crying. “Thank you, for saving me…and…I…forgive you…I…” She looked to the hallway. “Where do we go?” She asked. “I don’t know anything outside of Askabar walls…” She lowered her eyes. She was at a loss for words. “I know you didn’t want to do what you did…” She whispered softly, “Thank you for making it painless….for her…” She could feel her mother’s presence some how. It felt as though she was right there watching her.
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Post by Raven on Dec 5, 2017 16:39:22 GMT -5
Azariah gasped when the bricks gave in, she jumped forward – but not fast enough, before Amalliey tumbled to the ground. The brick dust settled and then Azariah let out a sigh… she stepped into the hole and then turned to the bricks. She held her hand up and the bricks began to lift and seemingly puzzle piece their way back into place. “Lets go” she spoke and they explored.
She stood outside of the room, her arms crossed over her chest as she glanced around. Nothing seemed special about the room they were in, it was old and dusty… She glanced to the door as it opened – and a completely new person emerged. “Wow…” she muttered and then smiled weakly. She looked away slightly as Amalliey spoke about her mother.
“You said you saw her spirit?” She thought for a moment and then let out a soft sigh. “I think there is more to you than we both know… We will head to the Tower. My people are surely searching for me – and perhaps the Grand Master can make something of you. If anything – of the demon.” She lead her through the corridor – which then came to an end, at a door. She unlocked the door and gave it a budge and it opened. They stepped out into a quiet alley way.
Azariah glanced up, her eyes followed an air ship that was floating over the city, lowering down to the port. “Come on…” she spoke and headed in that direction. They walked through the city cobbled streets… it was a quiet day, nothing too exciting was going on. They occasionally had to weave around a few people who passed by.
“So… you’ve never left the walls of the city?” she questioned, glancing back to Amalliey. “I grew up in the tower – never saw much other than it until recent years… Have you been on an Air Ship then?” she questioned. The crowds began to get thicker as they made their way to the port. They went down into a set of stairs which went under a small bridge. They went through a metal gate and stood in front of a booth.
“Where are ya’ headed?” A red headed woman spoke, sitting at the desk.
“Gwen?” Azariah spoke, smiling as she stepped forward. The woman looked to her and then grinned. “Az, headed to the tower?” she questioned.
“Yes ma’am, a ticket for my friend as well.” Azariah spoke and nodded.
“Let me stamp your card” Gwen spoke and held her hand forward.
“Yes – of course” Azariah dug into her pocket and pulled out a small card. Gwen stamped it twice and nodded. “There you go…” she handed 2 tickets down. “Port B, you have about 30 minutes until boarding” she spoke and then smiled. “Always nice to see you”
“Likewise Gwen, stay safe” she nodded her head and looked to Amalliey, nodding her forward. They walked through a smaller gate and then the port opened up. In the center was a inset track that dropped down about 8 feet, allowing the ships to pull in. “Right this way” Azariah smiled and lead her. Along the sides were small vendors – clothes, odds and ends, snacks and travel goods… They walked up the large path to where the letter “B” was hanging.
“Ah, The Crescendo, this is a good one. One of the smoother, newer, ships out there.” She pointed to the words painted on the side of the ship. “This is one of the smaller ones, meant for at max 10 people. It travels quite fast, perfect for small transportation like this.. not many travel to the Tower, so we don’t need a cruiser.” She pointed to Port A, where a huge ship was docked. The giant cruiser was elaborate with 2 side rooms attached, several decks.
Where as the Crescendo had a main hull, with the deck and a captains cube in the back. It had 2 main propellers up top, attached to an open metal cover. “I prefer the smaller ones… less people.. you can see 360 degrees around you without have to run to the other side” she chuckled. “Sorry.. I’m rambling…” she lead her to a bench.
Azariah was silent for a moment and then bit her lip slightly. “I think there is more to this than first observed. I think your father is under some kind of spell…when… when you saw your mother’s spirit… Where did she go? Did she go up?”
“ALL ABOARD!” There was a ringing, the deep call of the captain. “All those heading to the Magi Tower – Board The Crescendo, lift off in 15!” he called out. The deck stairs lowered, allowing entry.
“Hold that thought…” Azariah smiled weakly and nodded. She lead her up to the stairs and stepped onto the deck of the ship. It was approximately 30 feet wide, and 100 or so long. Along the edges was one long bench that followed the perimeter, with bars to hold onto as well. She sat back down, her arm resting on the ledge of the ship, turned slightly to look out. She turned back to look at Amalliey. “Okay… so.. your mother…”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 5, 2017 17:53:16 GMT -5
Amalliey gave a silent nod as she watched Azariah, confirming that she’d seen her mother’s spirit. Or, had she? What if her mind was playing tricks on her? Amalliey listened to Azariah speak of the Magi Tower. “I….I hope the Grand Master can do something…this…” She let out a long breath, fighting back tears as they approached the door. She didn’t know what to say, she shook her head. “My apologies Azariah.” She spoke softly. She then fell silent once more. They entered the alley way and soon walked among the commoners. She glanced back to the castle that sat up on the hill in the distance. These poor people…they didn’t know what lurked within the walls of the castle.
“I…haven’t left the city walls, no…my father wouldn’t allow it. My…mother….” A long pause came then before she continued. “They bickered over the matter. My mother actually wanted me to visit the Magi Tower…but father wouldn’t allow it. He was always so afraid of me getting injured…” She looked to the buildings around them. Amalliey gasped as she saw the airships, “Oh wow…” She whispered. “No I haven’t been on one.” She glanced around. It felt odd to be walking around the city without the annoying sound of armor clanking around behind her. She rarely got to venture into the city outside of the castle walls…but if she left the castle grounds she was always accompanied by two knights as her body guards.
A soft smile curved up her lips then as she watched Azariah speak with Gwen. She then looked to the strange book that was stamped. Amalliey followed her down through the gates and looked to the two different sized air ships in awe. She’d never been so close to the port. The knights that guarded her wouldn’t even allow her near this area, it was ‘too dangerous for the princess’. “This is incredible.” She spoke with a small smile on her lips. “Rambling?” Amalliey asked as she sat on the bench and shook her head. Her smile fell away as she listened to Azariah then. She went to speak just as the captain of the ship began to yell. She looked up to the edge of the ship where the man stood, a bell in his hand that he shook back and forth.
She gave a nod to Azariah and followed her aboard the ship. She looked to the others that boarded. Most wore mage robes. She’d never been around so many mages before. Amalliey looked to Azariah as she spoke, she pulled herself from watching the other passengers and then fumbled slightly. “She didn’t go…up…” She spoke. She held her pendant that pulsed slightly, tears formed in her eyes. “She….” She held the jewel a bit tighter for a moment as she composed herself. “She went into my necklace…I…” She shook her head. “Am…I imagining it?” She questioned. “What do you mean when you speak of a spell that my father could be under? How? How is that possible?”
Amalliey watched her curiously. “You…know so much.” She let out a breath. “What do you mean when you say there is more to me? Lendon always claimed that…but he always spoke in riddles when he spoke…” She shook her head. “Is it something with mages from the circle?” She then sighed softly. Her eyes widened slightly as the airship began to take off. She looked to the crowd below and then moved quickly from the edge of the ship. “Azariah.” She spoke, she saw her father’s soldiers in the crowd, searching for her no doubt. She slipped to the floor, her breathing quick, the pendant around her neck pulsed a deep blue. Her eyes were full of fear. “H-how can we do this?” Her heart raced. “He…he’ll send them after us…Askabar has the largest army of knights in Algut….” She breathed, fear in her voice.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 5, 2017 20:02:44 GMT -5
Azariah glanced over to Amalliey as she spoke of her mother. She reached over and touched the pendant. She felt a tremor of power from the amulet, which reverberated through her entire body. “Hm…” she then gripped the bar as the ship began to move. It began to move forward and then it tilted upward – lifting into the air with grace.
Azariah gripped the pole harder and leaned down, she grabbed Amalliey’s hand and pulled her up. “Don’t worry” she spoke. They were already several feet into the air. “You don’t look anything like yourself… they wont notice you.” She placed Amalliey’s hand onto the metal bar. “But you need to hold on” she spoke and glanced out over the city. They had rose above the roofs of the building, the castle was far across the city. It was glowing with lights from fires and candles – as night was casting over them.
The wind pushed at Azariah’s bangs, pushing them back, her cloak flapped against her side, as her body was turned into the wind. The ship continued to go higher and higher, the Kingdom becoming smaller and smaller. The heads of people shrunk – no longer visible, until soon they were so high that even the buildings were meshed together. “Watch” she pointed to the bow of the ship. The metal tip of the ship pierced through the layer of clouds – and swiftly they were on the other side.
The sun was barely visible in the far distance, rounding about the earth. The rays of light shot up in the distance, fading away into the dark blue of night. The moon pointed from the opposite side, beaming brightly down on the white clouds. The two colors meshed in a half way point, the cool milky moon versus the crimson red rays, dancing across the sea of clouds.
“They won’t find us up here…” she spoke and smiled. “Askabar has to deal with that demon… it will divide at least half of the army, those loyal to the king, and those loyal to the people. We will find ourselves being chased but – we will be prepared. The Grand Master will help me develop a plan. We just have to take this in stages…” she glanced to Amalliey. She sat down on the seat, her arm resting on the ledge – looking out to the sky.
“I couldn’t imagine being a Princess.” She chuckled “I never had a mother or father, I grew up at the Tower. I trained from an incredibly young, surrounded by the people I have no surpassed. It was… an interesting experience. I did not have the kind loving care like I wish… but I was never limited…”
“Archmage Azariah?” A man stepped up, he wore a dark blue robe with white accents. Azariah bowed her head and nodded in response. “So you are safe, good… They reported a swell in the Magic Wells, I came immediately… my wife and son…” he glanced to his family. “Do you know anything of the disturbance?” he questioned quizzically.
“I am not at liberty to say. I have a few things but I would prefer to consult the Grand Master before releasing them to the public. It could be nothing… I would not want to strike fear into your minds…” she smiled and then nodded. “Your son is training?” she questioned softly.
“Yes… yes he is. I want to have him run the trails to become an Acolyte” the man waved his son over. A slender boy, roughly 16, approached her, bowing his head.
“Ahh. Is becoming an Acolyte what you wish to do?” She questioned with a soft voice.
“Yes Archmage, It is everything I’ve ever wanted..” he smiled brightly.
“Keep that attitude and you will surely make it. Just know that it is difficult… and the moment you think you can’t make it – it means you’re almost done” she winked and nodded. “What is your name?” she questioned.
“Gandlor” He smiled.
“Gandlor – I will speak to Mage Lord Kyror, perhaps he would give you a quick lesson before the trial…” She stood up straight and then smiled.
“You would do that? That would be amazing… Thank you Archmage ..” he bowed his head.
“Farewell.. good luck, I am sure I will speak to you both again” she turned and stepped back to her seat….
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 5, 2017 20:49:39 GMT -5
Amalliey felt the surge of energy through her body when Azariah touched the pendant. She gripped onto the side of the ship and watched as Askabar disappeared below. Her eyes looked over the buildings and then to the castle and finally, they slipped above the clouds. It was beautiful up here. The sound of the wind, the clouds looked like a sea beneath them. The colors of the moon and sun melding together was like that of a dream.
“I fear for what that demon will do to my kingdom…the people of Askabar…” She whispered softly, she gripped the edge of the ship with both of her hands, glancing to Azariah. She then smiled slightly as Azariah mentioned how she couldn’t imagine being a princess. “I’ve only known what I am…though I’ve dreamt much of what it would be like to be a normal child outside of the castle walls. Outside of having knights follow me around and watch my every move…it is more like being a prisoner than anything else.”
She then turned her attention to the man that approached them. She observed the conversation her eyes looking over the three as they spoke. It was incredible to see how well known Azariah was. Surely this is why her father sought out the Archmage. She pondered for a moment, but they had an agreement with the council. Why couldn’t he have asked for help if what he was doing was truly for the good of Askabar? She took in a slow breath, nothing that had been done was for good…that look in his eyes. He didn’t even flinch as Azariah killed her mother and ripped her heart from her chest. Amalliey winced slightly to the thought of the moment.
Do not fear, Amalliey. Her mother’s voice spoke, it was soft, almost faint.
Amalliey glanced around her eyes looking to the other passengers of the ship. She took in a slow breath, was she imagining this? Was her mind playing tricks? She looked to Azariah as she spoke to her, pulling her from her thoughts. “It….it is quite alright.” She nodded. “Flying…” She was still gripping onto the edge of the ship. “It is incredible, I have never experienced anything like it…” She looked in the distance then, her brows rose. “Oh…” She could see the tower off in the distance, it stood tall among the rocky surroundings. “That…that is the tower…” She’d seen it in books, artwork. In the scroll room. There were so many artifacts in that scroll room that her mother showed her and spoke to her about. Lendon spoke of these things. He spoke of the tower quite often. He was sad to not be in the tower. Amalliey never understood what debt the Magi could owe Askabar that they willingly gave a man’s life as payment.
Amalliey had to catch her bearing as the ship tilted forward, she fell forward against Azariah slightly. “I apologize.” She steadied herself and gripped on. “This flying takes some getting used to….” She spoke softly. “Everything…is going to be new to me…” She thought out loud. She then let out a soft laugh. “To think my life has consisted of charades and councils, and schooling. I have yet to experience much of anything.” She sighed softly. “I…I’m not sure what help I can be, Azariah…my mother would have been more help than I…” She looked away then.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 5, 2017 21:33:30 GMT -5
Azariah grasped Amalliey as she fell into her. “It’s quite alright” she spoke and helped her balance herself. “Come over here” she spoke and lead her to the bow of the ship. She sat down on the bench, leaning back easily. “Much easier to sit against the force” she smiled and then looked to the moon that was facing them.
“Magic is… very co-dependent on us. There is no.. how to book or guide on the truth of it. Everyone responds different, controls magic differently, just like we are different from each other. Life is not trying to understand magic, it is to try and understand ourselves… You were never given the opportunity to be yourself, how could you ever understand the true potential of your abilities… Before one begins the journey of becoming a Mage – they go through a Trial. This is the first time the apprentice has been left on their own to fend and fight for themselves. In a way… this is your trial. I can sense you have a greatness lingering in you…” she gripped the bar then as they approached the dock. The ship leveled out and connected to the bay.
“Come on…” she spoke and led her to the exit. They were docked at the tower itself, as they exited they were on the 20th Floor. “This way” she waved her over through a door. They entered a wide hallway which circled the entire floor, on each side was rooms – after room. She lead Amalliey through an arch that entered into a small round room, with a glowing blue circle on the floor.
“Stand here with me” she spoke and pointed to the circle. They both stood together and then Azariah’s hand glowed slightly “44” she spoke. Then suddenly there was a white flash, and then it disappeared – they seemed to stand in the same room. Azariah led them forward, they had teleported floors…
She stepped into one giant room, which the towering peak ceiling was above them, all around was stained glass – looking out. The Grand Master turned and then smiled wide. “Azariah, thank the Gods, you are alive…” he bowed his head and then looked to the woman next to her. “And you have brought a Princess? Interesting…” he stepped forward and looked to the Princess and then bowed his head.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 5, 2017 22:32:22 GMT -5
Amalliey listened to Azariah speak of magic and what it was, as well as what it wasn’t. She’d never been allowed to be herself, to discover her magic. She only gave a nod as the ship docked. She looked around as they moved through the tower. The amount of rooms. She never imagined that the tower was as huge as it was. In her mind she didn’t think of it being very large at all. She stepped onto the circle and began to ask a question just as they teleported floors. “Oh…” She felt an uneasy feeling in her stomach and blinked her eyes a few times before she looked to Azariah.
Amalliey followed the Archmage into the huge room and looked up to the beautiful glass ceiling. She then looked to the mage that approached them. The Grand Master. She took in a breath when he recognized her. He stepped to her and looked her over, “Lendon spoke to me of you, Princess Amalliey.” He turned and stepped to a shelf where he pulled a box. “He mailed this to me, shortly before his passing…he told me that one day you would visit me and that I was to give this to you. I’ve never opened it.” The Grand Master held the box forward.
Amalliey furrowed her brows as she looked to the small box. “Why…would he send this to you?” She asked, confusion covered her expression.
The Grand Master let out a soft chuckle. “Princess, Lendon never trusted the royal family, after what was done to him, he was a prisoner to your father. He sent it here to me to keep it safe, Lendon had his ways, somehow he knew you would end up here.” He looked to Azariah then.
“My father he…” She looked at the box, it had beautiful designs on it of dragons that curved about. She could feel each stroke of the knife that made the box. “He…” She looked to Azariah, her breathing quickened as she thought of the scene again she looked back to the box and clicked it open. As she opened the box a bright flash of light filled the room. Amalliey let out a cry and fell back.
**
Suddenly the smell of fire filled her nostrils. Amalliey heard the clatter of swords beating together. “Azariah?” She sat up and dusted herself off, ash covered her clothing. She looked around, the forest around her was charred. She turned as she heard a tree snapping behind her. Her eyes widened, her heart nearly leaped from her chest. She found herself frozen in place. She was staring up into the eyes of a dragon. His eyes were the color of fiery embers. He had huge black wings. He breathed smoke as he looked to her.
A mage of Azazel. I thought all was lost, yet here you stand. Though you seem to have no bearing of your magic. You must free the rest of our souls from our tomb.
Amalliey stared to him, his voice was deep as he spoke to her. “Who…who are you?” She asked, her breathing shook she could feel the heat of his breath upon her face as she stared into his eyes.
I am Ryuk the dragon of flame. This is the battle field that I was slain upon…watch, young mage of Azazel…
Amalliey placed her arms up as flames surrounded her, she opened her eyes once more and found herself on the dragon’s back. Swords clattered below. She held her own sword. She looked to her clothing, she wore plates of strange armor that had inscriptions on the metal pieces that glowed a warm amber. She looked to see a sea of elves marching toward them, swords raised. Then, over the hill came the demon. The same demon that her father had summoned. In an instant they were surrounded by soldiers that had black pits for faces, empty suits of armor. Amalliey held on as her dragon thrashed about, spewing flames. Then suddenly the demon shot forward and gripped Amalliey by her neck, ripping her from the dragon’s back. He pinned her down and stabbed her in the chest. She lay on her back, her own sword through her body. Her dragon emitted the same wound. The demon stood over her chuckling. “The last dragon warrior.” He snickered. “My king will be proud.” He looked into her eyes. “Good night.” He turned the blade and everything faded to black.
Amalliey gasped and found herself standing before the dragon again. “How…why?” She cried. She looked to him. “You…”
We all died, if our Azazel Mage was killed, the bond between us was destroyed and it killed us in turn, the same happened if the dragon was killed, the mage would die as well. Now, I cannot hold you here any longer young mage of Azazel. Bring us life, I will fight by your side to defend against this demon in his return.
**
After the flash of white the spirit of the dragon would have been seen as a wisp as it curled around the princess, it spun around her several times before it entered her pendant. Amalliey collapsed onto the floor as the dragon sucked her into the spirit world to speak with her. The Grand Master watched in awe. “So it is true.” He let out a chuckle, he grinned. “Azariah, we have our hands full, Lendon was right, years ago he told me that an Azazel Mage was living in Askabar, when he sent me that box addressed to the princess…I thought the old mage had gone mad with his age. It looks like we are going to have our hands full with this one.” He lifted Amalliey into his arms, cradling her. “Come with me.” He carried her out of the room and down the hallway to a resting chamber where he lay the princess on a bed. “Tell me, Azariah. What happened? The disturbances in the waters have grown stronger…what happened?”
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