The Ages of Volerum

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Mon, 12 Sep 2011 22:26:49 -0400

The Ages of Volerum

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Mysterious events surrounding artifacts from an ancient war have begun taking place in the Kingdom of Volerum. The King and Queen have vanished, and their Royal Mage has been killed. Now the heir to the throne prepares for her coronation while suspicions turn to a member of the kingdom’s magical order, and a dark force rises over the Kingdom of Volerum…

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Chapter 16~ Memories from Eluthane

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 22:35:00 -0400

It had been a day since Laya had fallen to the demons. Jedin and Jerith had been walking on an old road that followed the east shore of Lake Laya as they traveled north. In the distance, they could see the ruins of Eluthane, a city which had fallen in the time of the old war. It had been home to Dezin, the last wizard king to have held the Ice Wand. Jedin had known that Aljen had been an apprentice to Dezin before the ancient war, but not much more was known of the old king.

The once-majestic shattered towers of the old city loomed before them as they traveled toward it. The sun was low in the sky, and it would be dark by the time they got to there, so they decided to stay the night in the ruined city.

“I think we will stay in the castle tonight,” stated Jedin cheerily.

Jerith looked at Jedin as if trying to figure out what he was so happy about. “Thanks for informing me, I suppose,” he said flatly.

“Well if we have to stay the night here we might as well spend time exploring something interesting,” Jedin said, feeling more excited to go exploring.

Jerith rolled his eyes; Jedin bit back a laugh. He really did wonder about the man’s personality. Jedin didn’t know if he even had a sense of humor, and that did make him chuckle. When he thought about it, he didn’t think that he had ever heard him laugh. Oh well, Jedin thought.

They eventually reached Eluthane, and though the city was cast in twilight, Jedin looked around in awe. The walls were overgrown in vines, and many of the buildings were fractured. The place looked ghastly, yet wondrous. They walked through the winding broken roads as they made their way to the abandoned castle. Much of their path was covered in grass, and moss covered the lower reaches of the buildings. Soon they stood before the castle. Jedin studied it with a look of fascination on his face. Much of the structure looked solid, but parts of the walls had gaping holes in them. I wonder how much of that is from age and decay, and what is from the battles that ruined the city, thought Jedin with an intrigued grin.

The ruins were on the banks of the of the North River that ran into Lake Laya; that would have to be crossed tomorrow, but Jedin thought little of that now.

They pushed aside what was left of the rusted old iron doors to the keep’s entrance, and immediately the smell of damp mold filled their nostrils.

Jedin produced an orb of magic light as they entered the dark chamber. “Well, it could use a small touchup, but aside from the cobwebs, it looks like it’s in real good shape,” said Jedin as he walked toward the other end of the room. Jerith shook his head, and Jedin did a double take when Jerith snorted a quick laugh.

The inside of the keep’s walls looked like it was made of dark granite that shimmered oddly in the magic light. At the opposite wall from the entrance, there was a large archway, and before the arch there were several white marble pillars that supported a balcony. I wonder how you get up there, thought Jedin as he made a mental note to investigate.

Jedin wandered through the archway to the next chamber that seemed to be the throne room. Jerith remained in the archway as Jedin walked over to examine the throne.

The seat was rotted away, but the carved stonework of the throne was left largely intact. In the base, there seemed to be a metal hatch that crumbled when Jedin tried to pry it open. Jedin reached into the base of the old throne and withdrew its contents: a book that was surprisingly whole. That’s odd, Thought Jedin, I wonder what magic someone would put on a book to make it do that. Jedin began to flip its pages. It seemed to be the journal of Dezin.

Paneiros has opened three gates that lead to other worlds in the forest of Eli En. He has moved the army of that cult following him into the worlds

-Dezin

Paneiros’ forces are holding the territories surrounding the woods. We are not yet sure, but I believe this odd power that Paneiros channels is the energy of our own darker natures.

The other wizard kings have come at my request to counsel on the matter. Aljen was glad to see his sister when she came with Palmer.

-Dezin

As Jedin read, he went to cast a spell that would have made the pages shine for reading, but when he touched the book with his spell, it reacted with the book, and an apparition of a man wearing odd robes stood above him in the air.

“Jedin, I am the memory of Dezin, a wizard king of an age long past,” said the apparition as Jedin stood in shock. “That Paneiros that you read about in my book was a mage that had been under my tutelage. However, he gave into the power of a profound darkness, an evil influence bound to this world. He sought to control this power, but it controlled him as much as he controlled it. Once Paneiros had completely given over to the dark influence, they merged and blended together and became the terrible Dark Force. The merge lent the dark energy a will, and as the Dark Force, Paneiros’ already great magical power was augmented. His twisted demon armies attacked this world and the wizard kings fell.

“After my death, my apprentice, Aljen, and his Sister, Laya, lead the battle against the Dark Force. Aljen vanquished the Dark Force in part, and sealed the gates between the worlds.

“I have watched the events of this part of the world for the past thousand years. Moira’s work to restore the Dark Force is near complete, and he will regain all of the power that he once had.

“You, Jedin, are a true descendent of Aljen, and have great magical potential, but that will not be enough to stop the Dark Force in this age.”

“Then what can be done to stop him?” asked Jedin.

“You have and must gain allies that will give you strength that you need to fulfill this task. Only then can you stop the return of the Dark Force…” With that, the apparition of Dezin vanished.

“But…” said Jedin; he had so much he wanted to ask.

“Well Jedin,” said Jerith who had walked up behind him, and put a hand on his shoulder, “It looks like Volerum rests on you. Just know you can count on me to be one of those allies.”

“Thank you Jerith. I knew I could, but it still remains to be asked: what are we to do now?” said Jedin.

“I don’t know Jedin. I don’t know,” was the reply.

Chapter 15~ News from Thainos

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 20:09:00 -0400

Taren had been in Dezol for three days now, and had been hearing reports from the leaders of Merifin and Delary, the other human cities. Things in this world seemed rather quiet and peaceful.

Taren looked down at his desk where his maps were laid out. He ran his finger over the mark that said Thainos; no word had been received from there since his return from Kassadea.

As Taren pondered on it, Syrin came in looking very worried. “Taren, Dear,” she started, “a party of men just came through the mountain pass from Thainos. They brought a letter that bears Renin’s seal. The men were all badly injured, they said that they had been attacked and are now being seen to by the nurses,” finished Syrin in a rather frantic way.

Taren opened and read the letter.

Governor Taren,

The Demons are fighting among themselves. Part of them have attacked the castle and may try to hold the mountain pass.

We can hold the castle here, but will need reinforcements to put down the demons and keep them contained.

Renin, Head Guard at Thainos.

“Oh, my Dear,” said Taren to his wife. “I have to leave to Thainos immediately.”

“But you’ve only recently come home. What did the letter say?”

“Demons have attacked Thainos and may have taken the mountain pass. I have to go with reinforcements.”

Syrin looked disappointed, and still worried. “Oh ,Taren. I know you have to go; our people and Volerum depend on you. But I wish I could be with you,” said Syrin as she kissed Taren.

“I’m glad you understand. I must go and muster the troops so we can leave as soon as we can get a start.”

Taren kissed his wife again and headed to the door. But as he went, Syrin caught hold of him and held him in her arms.

“I will be all right, my love. I will come to you again,” whispered Taren as he ran his hand through his wife’s hair.

Syrin let go and brushed her dark hair from her face and a tear from her eye. “I know,” she said softly.

Taren stepped outside his office and spoke to the guards at the entrance, “Men,” he said, “I need you to muster the troops. We will be marching out within the hour.” The guards bowed in acknowledgement as Taren walked down the left corridor. At the end of this hall was the hospital wing, and Taren went in.

“I need to see one of the men that just came from Thainos,” commanded Taren.

“But they’re…” started one of the nurses, but Taren cut her off.

“I need to speak to one of them immediately!”

“Yes sir,” nodded the nurse.

The nurse lead Taren through the partitions that had been made by hanging curtains from the ceiling to where a man lay on a bed, bandaged and asleep. She bent over to wake the man and spoke to him softly. “This is Taren; he needs to talk to you a bit,” she said.

The man looked very tired and sore but shook his head in response.

“Sir, what is your name?” asked Taren.

The man was slow to respond as if it took a great deal of effort to understand what he was being asked. “I’m Warren, from Laya,” said the man.

“Warren, I want you to tell me what happened when you left Thainos.”

“After demons attacked the castle, Renin sent ten of us out with the letter to request reinforcements. When we came through the mountains we were attacked by an army of demons. Only three of us escaped to deliver the letter,” said Warren.

Taren gave a worried look. “How many demons were in the pass?”

“Maybe a thousand or so…”

“Thank you,” said Taren as he put his hand on the man’s shoulder, “you can rest now.” After Taren said this he got up, gave the nurse a nod, and walked out of the hospital wing.

Taren came out and one of the guards met him in the corridor. “Sir Taren,” the guard addressed him, “we have about three thousand troops assembled and ready to march.”

“Good! I expect a battle as we go through the mountain pass,” said Taren.

As they walked out of the castle Taren put his hand to his belt and patted the Ice Wand; he wanted it ready to use at any time.

Outside, the troops had been assembled, and near the door was a horse that Taren mounted. Taren rode to the head of the troops and looked up to where Volerum’s banner flew above them as he led them out.

They went south toward the mountains. As they went, it seemed unusually bright. Taren looked up; the sky was clear, and though he could see the sun, it had somehow become even colder than it had been before.

The troops were moving quickly and had come into the mountain pass; soon they could hear the movement of demon troops marching through the pass. Taren had hoped that they could be upon the demons before they realized that his men were approaching, but shortly after the demons came into earshot, the sound of horns came from the demon troops around the bend.

“Draw arms!” called Taren, though most of his men had already bared their swords, and the archers had raised their bows. Taren’s grip on the Ice Wand tightened as he drew his sword with his other hand.

The human troops moved around the bend and the two armies met with a loud crash. As the battle raged, Taren carved towers of frozen demos through the opposing ranks. Then, from near the front of the battle, Taren heard a chilling scream.

“Syrin!” yelled Taren, as he saw his wife dressed in a thick coat of armor, being attacked by a demon. Taren fired the Ice Wand frantically and gored or dismembered any demon that came within reach of his sword.

Taren finely reached where his wife was and beat her attacker with his sword. The demon parried his blow, but Taren took the moment when their swords were locked to fire the Ice Wand, freezing the demon where he stood.

“Syrin what the …” said Taren, but there was no time to talk in battle.

Taren continued to launch bolts of ice on the demon horde as he advanced his troops. Slowly, they pushed their way through the pass. By the time they came to the end of the pass, the demons were fleeing before the Ice Wand, and they scattered in all directions.

After the demons had fled, Taren turned to his wife, “Syrin, what…? Why?” was all that would come out of his mouth.

“My dear, I couldn’t let you go without me. This time, I needed to see these things, and be with you,” said Syrin simply.

“This is much more than just strolling over to Merifin.” The journey to Merifin was dangerous enough, thought Taren. “This is war.”

“If you did not notice, I did well enough with my sword.”

She had done better than Taren had expected, but instead he said, “And if I had been unable to come, that demon would have given you a lot more than that gash down your arm.”

Syrin put her hand to her arm, blushed slightly, and said, “That will heal, and I saw some of your men with much worse. I’ll be fine, just let me come with you.”

“Well I don’t seem to have a choice about it, though we are safe now and I will be glad for your company.” Taren gave his wife a smile.

As they approached the Castle of Thainos, they were hailed by one of the guards. “Sir Taren, it is very good that you are here; Renin will need to meet with you,” said the guard. Taren didn’t know the man; it was one of the Royal Guard that Kassadea had sent.

The guards of the castle opened the gates and let Taren and his men in. By the time that all the troops had been brought into the castle walls, Renin had come down to greet them.

“Sir Taren, and—oh my—Syrin! Well, I’m glad that you have come,” said Renin warmly.

“Yes, yes,” said Taren. “Have Syrin shown to our room,” he said as he turned to his wife. “I’ll be to you soon Syrin, but rest now,” and he kissed her.

“All right, my love,” Syrin said softly.

“Now Renin, let’s go to the throne room so I can hear your report.”

Syrin left with a guard to show her to her room as Taren and Renin entered the main tower. They started up stairs that lead to the top of the tower where the throne room was.

“Oh my, why did Thainos have to put the throne room on the top floor!” said Taren wearily.

Renin looked over at Taren, not sure what to say to that, but soon enough they made it to the top. Taren felt like just plopping in the padded throne. It was late now, and the room was lit with torches. After Taren sat himself down in the throne, Renin seated himself at a table that had been hauled up for meetings.

“So how’s the other world?” asked Renin.

“Hot, and green,” said Taren. “For that matter, it’s warmed up a little here.”

“I guess it has gotten a little warmer; perhaps the ice and snow that the demons left on this world is coming to an end.”

“We can only hope,” said Taren. “Now what is this that you wrote about demonic infighting?”

“Yes, the demons seem to be fighting amongst themselves and some of them seem intent on retaking Thainos’ castle.”

“Well we should have sufficient power against the demons now. It’s late now, and I am in need of sleep.”

“Yes, Sir Taren,” said Renin.

Taren got up, dismissed himself, and went down to bed.

Chapter 14~ The Siege of Laya

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 19:18:15 -0400

It had been two days since Jedin had come to Laya. Things had been quiet with little or no report of demon movement. Jedin spent most of his time practicing spells. Today he was practicing with Jerith, who would attempt to deflect the spell back at Jedin.

“Sae Leerin!” yelled Jedin.

Jerith swung up with his sword to deflect the magic, and a ball of water splashed right next to Jedin.

“Well good thing I didn’t use a fire ball that time or I’d be singed really good!” said Jedin with a laugh.

Jerith shook his head and rolled his eyes.

“Sir Jerith, Sir Mage Jedin” called a man, who was running fast through the palace yard as trumpets began to sound. “The signal was just received that a demon army is approaching the city,” shouted the man.

“Moira!” said Jedin under his breath as he followed Jerith, who was already running to the city wall. The troops were racing with them through the city as the townspeople retreated into their homes. Soon Jedin and Jerith came to the city wall and climbed the tower to where Volerum’s army had assembled.

Jedin stood with the archers and looked out over the field. The demons had come with an innumerable force that had the appearance of a marching black sea dotted with siege towers. The archers prepared to fire on the approaching demon army as the demons continued to advance, and soon the order came from Jerith, “Fire!” and a volley of flaming arrows shot out towards the demons.

The line of demons staggered under the assault, but then they returned fire. Cracks of thunder sounded as their arrows flew through the air. They hit several of the men, and lighting pulsed through their armor as the solders collapsed. Many other arrows struck the wall, leaving scorch marks and knocking men to the ground where they hit.

Jedin fired spells into the demon hordes in an attempt to open holes in their lines, only to have those holes filled in by the ever continuing flood of demon troops.

Jerith was able to deflect some of the thunder arrows back toward the demons as both sides continued to exchange volleys, but the human troops were falling quickly as the demons approached the city wall.

“Ebalon!” yelled Jedin as he sent a jet of fire at the demons, but to no avail. The demons soon reached the wall with their towers, and their troops were pushing their way onto the wall. Volerum’s men pushed back, but as their swords caught the demon’s thunder-studded pikes, the force of the lightning pushed them to the ground. The demons covered the wall like a mass of cockroaches. The remaining men of Volerum’s army continued to fight, but were rapidly failing as the demons began to move into the city.

Jerith continued to deflect the demon’s magic weapons until Jedin grabbed his arm. “Jerith we can’t stay here; the demons have taken the city. Hold on! Fellay N’ori!” and Jedin thrust them from the city wall.

They landed just outside the city and began to run. Many of the demons on the ground started pursuing them. Jerith turned to deflect their attack, and then Jedin remembered a spell for a tempest that he had read from his father’s book. He raised the Wand of Inheritance. The spell was complicated, but he continued to draw in magic until he held more power than he thought he could handle; the sensation burned, but it felt amazing.

“Clow ove Luccea leerin si Say Nori ove Templowis!” The magic went out like a rushing deluge from a breaking dam as soon as the spell was cast. A great whirlwind descended out of the sky upon the demons. A terrible wind and rain caught them as Jedin yelled, “Jerith, run!”

Jedin and Jerith ran while the demons were caught in the confusion of the storm. They were on an old road on the east side of Laya, and they continued north for some time until they finally came out of the storm.

Jedin looked back at Laya as the storm raged on. The city of Laya was lost; the demons had come with far more force than Jedin had thought.

They would have to get back to Kassadea, but that would take two or three days on foot, and they would have to cross the North River that fed into Lake Laya.

Chapter 13~ The Queen of Porlomase

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 18:40:38 -0400

It had still been dark when Jedin had gotten up to leave. Jerith had agreed to join him at Laya, and Taren was headed back to the Ice World to lead and defend his people and was traveling with them.

The sun was high overhead as they traveled along the lake, and soon they came to the fork where the road to the forest divided from the road to Laya.

“Well, this is it. I’ll be back once I get my troops organized and things settled in the Ice World,” said Taren as the party paused at the fork.

“This war’s not over; we’ll see you yet,” said Jerith.

Taren turned and went, and as he was on his way, he turned on his horse and yelled, “For Volerum!”

“For Volerum!” yelled Jedin and Jerith in reply. Then Taren rode off into the wood.

***

Moira walked through the halls of her newly-acquired palace. It was an elegant place, made with white polished stone, and halls lined with tall colonnades. Large peaked windows filled the outside walls—where they didn’t give way to the various porches—giving the palace a rather bright and airy feel.

Porlomase itself was a beautiful green world, and the demons here had developed a richly-cultured civilization and built elegant artistic cities, making a show of their wealth.

When Moira had come, there had been no humans here, and she had found that the demon king Rysei’s curiosity in her had made it easier for her to use her influence on him. Using her manipulative power, she had been able to compel Rysei to appoint her to be second in the kingdom and his successor. After her appointment had been made public, she manipulated some of the king’s servants into killing him, but not before allowing them to talk about their plans to do so with others. When the king’s body was found, those who had heard the servants’ plans quickly came forward to accuse them. When the servants were found, they were dazed from their compulsion. After confessing, however, they were executed, and the following day, Moira stood before the people and was proclaimed Queen of Porlomase as the Thunder Wand was placed in her hands.

After walking up a few floors, Moira came to a place where the pillars opened up to the high porch that looked over the city of Rellin. When she came out, there was a light breeze that blew her hair and caught her dress of indigo silk that flowed down to her feet. The sleeves were long and came tight at the wrists, but were open, exposing her arms from just below the shoulder. The Thunder Wand was tucked in a silk sash at her waist. The wand itself was a glass rod that pulsed with energy as she used it.

Moira came to the edge of the porch and looked out at the plaza below her. Her demon army had marched through the plaza, and most of the people had assembled to hear her address her troops.

Before starting, she subtly channeled her influence over the demons below to help her speech have the desired effect. “Demons of Rellin, Volerum has ignored our ultimatum, but they shall feel the power of our armies aided by my enhanced weapons. Soon, our great King Dark Force will stand among us, and any traitors of the other worlds will be crushed by His power. Now we must go, to conquer and take what is ours!” The crowd of demons cheered as Moira set off a shot of thunder into the sky.

The speech had been short, but it would do for her purposes; it was easier to influence these demons and convince them of what she wanted.

Chapter 12 ~ From Moira with Love

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:54:00 -0400

It was early morning now. The people of the Ice World had celebrated for most of the night, and news of the victory had spread to the other human cities of Merifin and Delary, receiving the same reaction as it did in Dezol.

Jedin, Taren, and Jerith went out while it was still dark, and Jedin lit a few magic lights as they rode out of the town toward the gate. The gate was only about half an hour to the north of Dezol, and there was a bit of a muddy trail developing between the gate and the city. As they approached, they could see the pale green light it gave was reflected oddly in the snow.

Jerith went first, and the gate rippled as he passed through. Jedin went next and was immediately blinded by the midmorning light that shone through the trees. Taren came through the gate last and gave a gasp of surprise to see himself in a forest. “Ah it’s so hot here, and the trees… they’re so big!” said the astonished Taren as a cool breeze rustled the leaves.

Before anyone could reply to Taren, there was a sound from behind one of the trees, and a demon sped out and ran through the gate to the Ice World, but not without dropping an envelope.

“Demons!” spat Jedin as he picked up the envelope and pulled out its contents. He held a letter in his hand and began to read aloud.

Dearest Brother,

I have come in control of the Thunder Wand. Now as the Queen of this world, I give you this ultimatum: give me the Wand of Inheritance, and the Ice Wand. If you do not comply with this ultimatum, all of the lands of Volerum will tremble before the power of the Thunder Wand.

Jedin, I will not let you stop me this time!

Moira,

Queen of the world called Porlomase.

“Well Kassadea will love this one!” said Jedin as he shook his head over the letter.

“Which gate leads to Porlomase?” asked Taren, “No telling by the gate the Demon went through.”

“Well we have no time to speculate now, and it’s a good long journey to Kassadea from here,” said Jerith.

Jedin nodded, and the three of them rode through the wood. A small path had been cleared through the underbrush, making the journey much easier than when they had come through the first time. As they went through the forest, Taren looked around with an expression of awe on his face, and had long since removed his coat, though Jedin found the morning air to be rather chilly still.

When they left the wood, Taren stopped in amazement. He had seen trees before, but never a blue sky, nor a lake, nor green wavy fields of grass.

To the northwest was the City of Laya, and Lake Laya lying in the expanse beyond it. Directly north was the road that led to Kassadea, and the snowcapped mountains that towered around the new capital.

“So this is the Volerum of Legends; it’s so beautiful! I never imagined…” said Taren to himself as he caught up with Jedin and Jerith.

Jedin tried to imagine what it must be like for him, but this landscape was familiar, and when he had entered the Ice World, snow had been no shock to him. But as they continued, he let himself enjoy the novelties of this world, amazed at how different this place really was from the Ice World.

The road to Kassadea was oddly quiet. It usually had several farmers and traveling merchants on it, but now it seemed completely dead and empty. No doubt talk of war had spread, especially with the movement of the Royal Guard through the area. Even most of the farms and homes they passed as they came around the lake seemed abandoned. The scene continued much like this as they traveled, and by the time they had made it to Kassadea, the sun was low near the horizon of the western plane.

There had been a sharp increase of guards around the palace since the coronation. The guards hailed Jerith as they came past the sentries. “Back from the Ice World? How fares it there?” said the guard that had addressed them.

“We’ve had a victory against the demons, and we are off to report to Queen Kassadea,” said Jerith.

“Ah, well yes, the Queen has been curious,” said the guard as he waved them on.

The road led them though the palace yard, past Jedin’s mage quarters, then finally up to the beautiful palace. When they entered, Maylin greeted them in the entrance hall.

“Oh Jedin, Jerith, and…um…” started Maylin.

“I am Taren of the Ice World.”

“Taren, yes, the governor. Well Kassadea was hoping she would hear from you soon. Right now she is hearing reports from the Guard Captains from around the Kingdom, but I’m sure Kassadea won’t mind your interruption. I’ll show you to the throne room,” said Maylin.

Maylin ushered them through the palace to Kassadea’s throne room, opened the door, and poked her head in. “Kassadea. Jedin, Jerith and Taren have come to report from the Ice World” said Maylin in a dignified voice.

“Oh, yes, bring them in; I’d like to hear the affairs of the Ice World,” said Kassadea, sounding tired, yet still happy to see them.

They all came in and were seated at a table that had been brought in for meeting. After being seated, Jedin looked at the Royal Guard Captains that were seated with them. There was Frinez of Eta Mor, which had been the ancient capital of the kingdom that had held the Fire Wand; it was on a peninsula to the far southeast of Volerum. There was also Verémen from Paylom Island, which was on Lake Paylom to the southeast; it had been the seat of power for the old Paylom Empire, which held the Thunder Wand before the War Between to the Worlds of old. The third Captain was Illemen from the Island of Andechas, which was the head of an archipelago off the west coast of Volerum.

All of the Captains wore the traditional uniform with a red, white trimmed coat, each of them bearing a saber with the Three Rose Crest at the top of the hilt.

“Well I’m very glad to see the three of you here, and safe,” said Kassadea who sounded even more tired then Jedin had thought before, “Tell me, how are things in the Ice World since I left?”

Taren replied, “Queen Kassadea, Volerum was victorious in the battle at Thainos, and we now hold the castle there. Thainos is dead, and I now hold the Ice Wand,” reported Taren.

“My Queen, the forces sent with Eljen arrived without problem and are working to defend the humans there from the remaining demons,” added Jerith.

“Good. This is all very well. As you can see, I’ve summoned the Royal Guard from throughout the kingdom to aid in the defense against the Demons. We have already received reports of demon scouts moving through the kingdom,” said Kassadea.

“Kassadea,” said Jedin, “I have some to report on Moira.” The Guard Captains became very still and quiet. Magic was becoming a rarer thing, and word of Moira’s dark actions frightened many people. “When we entered Thainos’s throne room, we found Moira there controlling him and using him to control the Ice Wand, but after we had defeated Thainos, she vanished.

“As we left the Ice World, however, a demon dashed through the gate and dropped a note near us.” Jedin produced Moira’s letter and passed it to Kassadea as he continued, explaining the letter’s content to the rest of the room. “It says that she has the Thunder Wand and is now Queen of that land, and that if we don’t turn over our wands, Volerum will feel the power of the Thunder Wand. She won’t hesitate to attack us, but giving her the wands is no guarantee that she won’t. Not with her talk of The Dark Force,” finished Jedin.

“How long do you think we have? Troops from Eta Mor are still a week or so away, and there’s no telling what kind of horde Moira has at her command,” said Frinez.

“I don’t know how long Moira will hold out an attack, but she alone with the Thunder Wand is still a sizable threat,” said Jedin in air of urgency.

“It seems to be clear that Moira is our chief threat. As soon as your men enter the district, have them defend Laya and the road to the palace,” said Kassadea.

The captains nodded.

“Well, you’re excused then. But Jedin if you could stay…”

All arose and moved out except Jedin. Kassadea spoke once everyone had gone. “Jedin, I’m sure that this has been a trying week for the both of us. The reports of demon scouts has alarmed the entire district and beyond. The Captains of the Royal Guard arrived here just this morning, and I’ve been in meeting all day. As you heard, the most recent reports show that reinforcements are some days away; the closest from Parlom aren’t quite to Aljen’s Bridge and Frinez’s men are back at Chora. I would tell you I’m tired, but you’re the one who has had to fight demons and chase your sister.”

“No matter; we’re all exhausted. And besides, a long meeting will take more out of you than a battle,” said Jedin with a grin.

Kassadea gave a grin as well and said, “You always say something to make me smile, Jedin.”

“Well at least I’m good for something.”

Kassadea sniffed a laugh before she spoke again. “What are you going to do now?”

“Moira has probably observed our troop movements, and will attack before reinforcements can arrive. She’ll attack where she thinks it will hurt us the most, and that would be Laya. I think I will go there.”

Kassadea nodded. “Take Jerith with you. Taren may want to travel with you too, but it’s late now, and I am quite tired; you have leave to go,” said Kassadea.

Jedin got up to leave and gave a bow to Kassadea.

“Oh, and Jedin,” said Kassadea as Jedin turned to leave, “I know you still care for your sister, and I don’t blame you for that, but saving her from The Dark Force may not be possible; don’t let your feelings interfere with your responsibility.”

“Yes, Kassadea,” said Jedin as he bowed again and turned to leave the throne room. After the door closed behind him, he paused for a moment and rubbed his hands over his eyes. It was true, thought Jedin as he began to walk again. He did want to see Moira turn away from the Dark Force—he wanted to save her if he could—but Kassadea was right: the possibility of that was all but none now. Still he hoped, however, that Moira could be brought back, and that he could help her—help her be again what she was before.

Jedin continued, deep in thought, and hardly realized that he had made it to his mage quarters in the palace yard. He quickly changed out of his old mage uniform. It felt so good to be out of his old clothes. He wanted nothing more than to take a bath, but that would have to wait until morning. He put on a night cloak and got into his bed and quickly fell asleep.

Chapter 11~ To Dezol

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 23:27:00 -0400

Jedin went outside and walked through the castle yard. The day had started rather slowly. Taren had been meeting with his men so that he could leave to report to Kassadea the outcome of the battle at Thainos. Taren had considered sending a messenger to report, but he had not been able to pass up the opportunity to see as he said “this New World” Jedin had found Taren’s remark funny, as Jedin had thought of the Ice World as a new world.

After crossing the castle yard, Jedin went to the forward tower of the outer wall and went in through a side door that led to a stairway that wound to the top of the tower. Jedin had decided to walk today as his ‘flight’ yesterday had caused quite a bit of excitement in Taren’s men, and while Jedin had found it rather amusing, he also didn’t want to disturb them too much. As he walked up the tower, he passed several battlements, some with archers stationed at them. Finally, however, he came out into the cool air at the top of the tower.

As he looked out over the tundra, he could see where Volerum’s banner fluttered in the breeze from its mount on the tower. He had come up here to mull over spells he had studied earlier. He wanted to be ready for any attack he might face, and prepare for dealing with the other Wands of Power, The Thunder Wand, and the Wand of Fire.

However, his concentration was shattered as shouts from the men on the walls called him from his thoughts. He looked to where the men were pointing, and could see the familiar look of the Royal Guard marching through the mountain pass, with Volerum’s Anthem echoing faintly on his ears.

As the Royal Guard marched its way toward the castle, Jedin jumped off the tower. “Fellay N’ori!” yelled Jedin as he fell through the air and pulled himself out of the dive, landing softly on his feet. After landing, Jedin dashed off for the main tower and went in and up the outer stairwell that led to the throne room. As he made his way up the stairs, he bumped into someone when he passed.

“Where are you going in such a hurry?” It was Jerith; Jedin hadn’t noticed him in his haste.

“Oh, Jerith, good… um… the Royal Guard is coming; I was going to inform Taren,” said Jedin, a bit winded.

“Good, they’re here already. I’ll go with you to tell Taren, then we can all go down to greet them together,” said Jerith.

When they had made their way to the throne room, Taren, Renin and some of their men had just come out of a meeting. “Jedin, Jerith, I was just coming to find you. I finally got things set up so we can leave,” said Taren.

“Oh good,” said Jedin as he cut in, “The Royal Guard is approaching the castle.”

“Well we will have to go out and meet them, then,” responded Taren.

The four of them proceeded down the stairs, and as they went they could hear Volerum’s Anthem playing loudly outside the castle, and soon they came out of the central tower. Taren ordered the gates to be opened to allow the oncoming troops to enter. After the gates were opened, Taren led them out to greet the army.

When the troops arrived, the lead knight halted the troops and hailed the party before them.

“Jerith, the Queen Kassadea sent a large delegation of the Royal Guard as soon as she had returned to the capital,” said the knight.

“Ah, Eljen, I’m glad to see the Queen has sent such fine troops to help in the defense of this world,” said Jerith.

“Thank you. Queen Kassadea did send many great knights. Now will you be taking command of the Guard?” asked Eljen

“No, no,” said Jerith, “We will be going to Kassadea shortly to report the outcome of the battle here. This is Sir Taren, governor of this world. You will report to his men,” finished Jerith gesturing towards Taren.

Eljen gave a bow from his saddle, “It is an honor, Sir Taren.”

Taren stepped forward, “Eljen this is my second, Renin. He will be taking care of the affairs of the castle in my leave. You will command the army here and report to Renin,” said Taren.

Eljen gave a small bow to Renin.

“Well, with things taken care of, we should be off. Bring the troops into the castle and have them stabled,” added Taren.

With that, Taren led Jedin and Jerith to where their horses were waiting. They mounted, and with a “Yah!” they set off from the castle.

As they rode off, Jedin looked up at the sky, as he often did, and noticed that the once-thick cloud cover was thinning out, and small spots of blue could be now seen in the gray swirl. Perhaps, thought Jedin, this frozen world will thaw soon. He smiled as he looked about, but soon had to hurry to keep up with the others.

They were keeping a fast pace so that they could make it to Dezol before nightfall; that meant the journey through the mountain pass would have to be made quickly, however it should be easier to travel now than it had been with the army.

Riding through the mountains was a bit slower than Taren had hoped, and Jedin wanted to make it out before it got too late. Many demons had been seen fleeing this way, and he didn’t want to have demons fall on them as they slept.

As they trekked on, it started to become dark, and by the time they had reached Dezol, there was only the faintest bit of twilight left. The small castle-like fortification was before them at the south end of Dezol.

The whole town seemed abuzz with excitement and full of enthusiastic hope over the movement of the Royal Guard through the Ice World. Many homes had Volerum’s banner flying over them with the red, white, and yellow rose fluttering in the air. The whole thing looked rather cheery and festive, even with a part of the Royal Guard left defending the town. Jedin smiled as he stretched out his hand to produce several lights of bright colors to join in the excitement.

The three of them went to the small castle where they were met by guard composed of both of Royal Guard members and Ice Worlders. There was also a tall, dark-haired woman who had just come out of the castle.

“Taren! You’re back,” said the woman excitedly.

“Ah Syrin, it’s good to see you,” said Taren as he got off his horse and kissed the woman called Syrin. “Jedin, Jerith, I don’t think you have met my wife, Syrin,” Jedin and Jerith gave a bow since they had also dismounted. “I have an announcement to make, but here, you can see first,” said Taren as he took the Ice Wand and placed it in Syrin’s hands. “The Ice Wand, taken from Thainos’ frozen grip.”

“Then the Demon king is dead?” said Syrin, with disbelief.

“And we hold his castle. But now we must have the people gathered so that they can hear the announcement of our victory. Guards! Summon the people and have them gather at the castle so that I can speak to them,” said Taren with a sound of triumph and satisfaction.

“Then you will be staying?” asked Syrin.

“Soon, I hope, but I have to go to Kassadea, the Volerum capital, and report to the Queen about the outcome of the battle at Thainos.”

“Take me with you,” said Syrin.

“Perhaps next time; I want to go and see that all is well before I take you there,” said Taren.

“But it’s the legendary land of Volerum.”

“Please be patient, my love. Your safety is more important to me than even the battle at Thainos.”

“Fine, but I will await your return and the day that I may travel with you,” said Syrin finely.

Soon, the people had gathered before them, and Taren stepped forward to speak to them.

“People of Dezol.” A hush fell immediately over the crowd as Taren began to speak. “We have been victorious at Thainos; the demon king is dead, and I Taren hold the Ice Wand,” he said triumphantly as he held up the Ice Wand and shot of a beam of ice into the air.

The people yelled cheers of excitement at the announcement of victory, and electricity flowed through the crowed as Taren spoke again.

“The combined armies of Volerum guard us against further demon attack, and we are free. We do have reason to celebrate,” finished Taren, and the people cheered all the louder now.

Chapter 10 ~ Conflicted

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:47:18 -0400

Jedin pried the Ice Wand form Thainos’ frozen grip. The wand was a straight rod that had the appearance of crystalline metal, and Jedin could feel the power of the wand as soon as he touched it. This wand was different from any that he had ever held; it didn’t simply magnify magic power, but instead it had magic within itself. To Jedin, it seemed that anyone who held this wand could use it to cast powerful spells.

He walked over to a window that had been thawed and looked over the tundra fields surrounding the castle and tried casting a spell using only the power of the wand and none of his own.

“Ebalon.” A huge ball of ice shot from the end of the wand in place of the ball of fire which crashed in the field.

“Well, it is called ‘the Ice Wand,’” said Jedin as he gave the wand to Taren.

“Thank you, Jedin,” said Taren as he took the wand from him and went to the window.

“Ebolon,” said Taren, mispronouncing the spell, and a burst of snow shot from the wand and fell over the castle yard.

“Well that was interesting,” said Jedin. “I’ll have to remember that one.”

Taren gave a chuckle and tried again. This time he produced the beam of ice and drew a line of ice outside the castle wall. Taren gave a nod and a grunt, as if to say that will do, and sheathed the Ice Wand next to his sword.

Taren’s men had taken the entire castle now, and had cleared out or taken prisoner the rest of the rest of the demons. As Jedin looked out the window of the throne room, he could see the soldiers working on cleaning and preparing the castle for human occupation. Jedin wondered how long it would be before the other demons found out that Thainos had fallen, and also where and how Moira had gone.

“Well, I should be off seeing to the affairs of the castle. I will have a room prepared for you,” said Taren.

Jedin and Jerith nodded, then Taren turned and left; Jerith also followed after him. Jedin stayed and went over to where Moira had been. Jedin could feel Moira’s magic and reached out and found what he had already sensed there: the repulsion of a magic barrier had been placed where Moira had been. That will have to be taken care of later, thought Jedin.

He considered the throne room a moment longer before he turned to leave. He walked down the spiraling staircase that wound around the outer wall of the tower, with doors that led to different corridors and rooms. As he passed the occasional arrow slits, he could see that the men of Taren’s army had put the captured demons to repairing the castle walls and gate.

Jedin continued down to the main entrance of the tower. The area was busy with working men moving back and forth with their various tasks, and he continued out the main door.

Outside the tower, the human troops had put to use the smith shops that were in the castle yard, and many of the horses had been put into the stables. Jedin walked around the main tower to find a quiet place to think. However, workers were bustling about all over the castle yard.

He looked up to the top of the tower and raised his hands into the air. “Fellay N’ori!” said Jedin as he rushed up into the air.

The feeling was exhilarating, though he wasn’t actually flying; the spell was for no more than levitation, which it had taken Jedin months to learn to apply to himself. He longed to fly all through the world, but the spell didn’t give him that much control. But it still was a marvelous feeling to rush through the air.

He landed himself on the slightly-domed top of the tower and sat down to look out over the expanse that was called the Ice World. Even with the mild wind up here, it seemed quiet and peaceful. Jedin could see the mountains that they had come through from Dezol. When he turned and looked to the south, he could see some settlements along the coast. Taren’s map had labeled them as ‘Demon Lands,’ but the map had only marked a small area near the gate as ‘Human Coalition Lands.’ He found himself wondering what would become of the demons now that they had lost their demon king. The demons that Jedin had seen seemed to submit to their human captors quite easily, but that was to their own self-interest for the time being.

Jedin was more concerned with Moira. She had seemed to get complete power here all too easily, and exercised an odd power over the demons. He wondered if it had come by The Dark Force. His head was full of questions concerning The Dark Force and Moira’s connection to him. Legends and facts were too hard to separate from the stories that survived since the ancient wars. The Dark Force was said to have ruled physically over the demons, and Moira’s repeated references to him bothered Jedin. After all these years of quiet, could The Dark Force return to a physical form? He asked himself. Moira, of course, is helping him in some way, but what does she know? What could The Dark Force have told her? All these questions seemed to rush through Jedin’s mind, and it made him sad to think that Moira was held by such a power.

Jedin shook his head in despair. I should be happy that we took Thainos’ Castle, he thought, but all he could think of was Moira. She was out there somewhere, the sister that he had once played games with as a child. The gentle Moira he once knew was now led by the dark and had become arrogant.

The sun was beginning to set now, and Jedin reached and took some of the jerky and crackers that he had packed in a pouch at his belt. He would be glad to have real food, but what he had packed with him would have to do for now.

Jedin looked out and considered the castle and saw where Volerum’s banner had been posted atop the entrance tower to the courtyard. Jedin stood up and jumped as he called out “Fellay N’ori,” and landed himself on the snowy ground below. He then turned and entered the castle tower.

“Sir Mage! Sir Mage!” called a man waving an arm above his head as he made his way through the crowd. Jedin turned to meet him as the man came. “Sir Mage,” repeated the man, “Governor Taren has asked me to show you to your room; he’s been looking for you,” said the man, sounding slightly winded.

“Oh, thank you. Show me the way,” said Jedin.

The man nodded and showed Jedin up the main stairway, and after continuing for some time they turned down a corridor. The halls were dark, and Jedin produced a magic light to illuminate their path. The man that had been guiding Jedin gave a quick jump of surprise then considered the light with amazement and went on. Finally they came to a room that had been marked ‘Mage Quarters.’

“Thank you, again,” said Jedin before turning to enter his room. Once inside, he looked about his room. Jedin’s things had been brought up and sat on a roughly-made table that had one chair beside it. The room had been lit by candles that Jedin put out as he made a magic light that he placed on the table. “No use burning those,” he muttered to himself. He sat on the bed. At least that is soft enough, thought Jedin. He felt tired, having used quite a bit of magic today—more than he ever had—and it had exhausted him.

As he sat relaxing from the day, a knock came at the door. “Enter,” said Jedin, trying to sound awake.

Taren came in. “You disappeared on us for a while. Some of the men say that you flew to the top of the tower,” said Taren in a wondering tone.

Jedin gave a smile. “Well, flew after a fashion,”

“Hmm,” Taren said as he nodded. “I heard you call Moira your sister, and I’ve come to realize that there is much that I do not understand,”

“Moira…” Jedin said as he contemplated everything his sister’s name had come to mean. “I can tell you what I know Taren, but I don’t understand much myself. You see, I am the mage to the Royal Family, and one of Queen Kassadea’s most trusted advisers. I was appointed to this office by my father, the Mage Stoutius, who held the office before me, and I will appoint my successor. Moira and I studied magic together, and were taught by our father, knowing that one of us would follow our father to be the Mage to the Royal Family. Now you must understand that Moira had always been kind and gentle—a warm-hearted sister—but something happened after I was appointed to be the next Mage to the Royal Family. Moira disappeared for several months at that time. Some say that it was over her disappointment at losing the office I had been given, but to me there must be more than that. At any rate, it seems that somehow that is when she allied with The Dark Force. She was only seen again by me just as I found my father dead in his room, and she vanished as I entered. Her magic was present other times both when Queen Kassadea’s parents disappeared, and when the seals on the gates went missing.”

“So that’s when Moira opened the gates and came into this world?” asked Taren.

“Well, some time later. You see, the wand that I carry, the Wand of Inheritance, was linked to the gates somehow, but knowledge of how it worked was lost throughout the centuries. But it seems that Moira relearned it from The Dark Force, and managed to steal the wand from Kassadea at her coronation. Fortunately, after Moira opened the gates, we seized the Wand of Inheritance from her and Kassadea put it in my charge. It seems odd to me, and I don’t comprehend Moira’s motives, or what could entice her to follow The Dark Force. And now all I wonder is, where Moira is and how can she be stopped,” said Jedin mournfully.

“Well her actions indirectly freed my people, but I fear that she may give us a grater war than Thainos ever did,” said Taren with a troubled look on his face. “But thank you, Jedin. I think I understand a bit more than I did before, and if there is anything that can be done for you, let me know.”

“Thank you,” replied Jedin wearily as Taren left the room. Jedin lay back down on the bed thinking, but then drifted into sleep filled with dreams of Moira and a dark presence that was like the one in the wood or his father’s room.

Chapter 9~ Battle for the Ice World

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 01:06:00 -0400

Moira was suddenly awakened by the sound of trumpets alerting the castle that it was under attack. In the halls, she could hear demons racing through the castle to clamor to their battlements. She made a magic light, and dressed quickly into a dark dress and a black hooded cloak.

Leaving her room, she went out into the corridor, and all but ran to the stairs that led up round the tower to the throne room where she had left Thainos, the demon king. As she went, she could see part of the battle out of a mall window. The pathetic Ice Worlder people had actually attacked her castle, thought Moira. She would have to make Thainos use the Ice Wand.

When she had first arrived, she had been granted an audience with Thainos, but when she had spoken of serving The Dark Force—and herself—he had become rather obstinate. She, however, drew on the power that Dark Force had given her. His influence was powerful and allowed her to bend Thainos’ mind, leaving him no more than a puppet that she used to control the demons in this world and the Ice Wand. It was regretful that it had to be this way; one of the problems of leaving him in his mindless state was that he couldn’t do anything of his own will, but it had been the only way for Moira to gain power over this world, and that was more important than any demon king.

Moira finally made it to the throne room at the top of the tower. “Get up, Thainos! We’re under attack,” said Moira.

Thainos got up from the throne and went to the window where Moira had gone, and from there they could see the battle raging below them.

“The Ice Worlders are doing better than I thought,” said Moira to herself, “but they will suffer by the Ice Wand. Fire, Thainos!”

Moira directed Thainos as he used the Ice wand, and a beam that seemed to frost the very air shot out of the Wand and struck a group of the Ice Worlder troops, freezing them into jagged towers of ice.

Thainos set the wand on the humans again, but this time Moira could feel another surge of magic power, and a magic barrier materialized where the beam of ice hit, making a frozen dome over a portion of the human soldiers.

“Jedin!” said Moira as she recognized the feel of her brother’s magic in the barrier, “You have only prolonged their lives for a short time.”

Then Moira thought that he might try the trick again, and directed Thainos to fire on the spot where the magic serge had originated. Thainos fired again but this time the beam of ice reeled back and struck the tower freezing over the windows. Moira jumped back in surprise. “Blast Jerith and that infernal sword!” she yelled.

***

Jedin looked up as the top of the tower froze over, “So Moira is controlling the Ice Wand; well it’s taken care of for now” said Jedin half out loud and half to himself.

The battle was raging on all around, and the demons themselves were bizarre in appearance. Dark was not the right word to describe them, their bodies appeared to be black voids somehow made solid, and their eyes seemed to be composed of fiery glass. Their armor was equally terrible, made from thick plates with sharp jagged ends that would jut out in odd places.

Jedin wielded the Wand of Inheritance, and was starting to understand a little of how it worked. It felt incredible how much magic he could draw in and command into spells, yet he still required more concentration to give the spell direction.

“Ebalon!” yelled Jedin as he sent an exploding fireball at some demons on the castle wall. It missed, however, and struck the wall just under them. The ball exploded and shook the castle, throwing the demons to the ground.

“That will do,” said Jedin as he watched the demons fall. He drew in magic and focused for his next spell, this time directing it towards the castle’s portcullis.

“Ebalon!” and an explosion blew away the castle gate.

Taren gave the signal, and troops began flooding into the castle’s courtyard, lead by the dragoons from Laya. The battle heated up as the demons made their last stand for control of the courtyard.

“Into the main tower!” commanded Taren at the head of his armies.

Jedin blasted open the main entrance with a boom that sent a shockwave from the end of his wand.

Taren’s men quickly took control of the entrance hall, and Renin led the human forces further into the castle. Taren called for Jedin and Jerith to dismount their horses and enter the tower with him. Once inside, Taren led them up the stairway toward the top of the tower.

***

Moira could hear screams of demons and the shouts of humans along with the clang of metal and loud booms sounding through the castle.

“Well, we will see what happens when they reach up here and face the Ice Wand.” She placed herself on the throne, and though she was confident, she placed a magic barrier to protect herself during the oncoming battle.

The sounds of battle were coming closer; then she heard shouts just outside the entrance of the throne room.

“Ebalon!” came the shout, and an explosion blasted the doors away. There stood Jedin and Jerith, along with one of the Ice Worlders.

“Moira, stop this. You have caused enough turmoil—more than I would ever believe from my sister. Stand down, and I’ll persuade the Queen to be merciful,” said Jedin in a loud firm tone.

“Merciful,” Moira said the word as if it had the taste of acid. “Jedin, you see I have a bit of power now, and Thainos as my pet; you cannot stop me, nor the Great Dark Force,” she said in an oddly calm way. “Thainos, destroy them!”

Moira sat in the demon’s throne as Thainos turned from the window where he had been standing to attack with the Ice Wand. As Moira saw the battle unfold, she felt only a bit of sorrow that Thainos would have to kill Jedin, but she thought, perhaps, that she could capture him instead, and turn him to follow The Dark Force.

Thainos shot an ice spell at the Ice Worlder, but as the beam of ice flew through the air, Jedin yelled, “Sae Leerin!” and a ball of water appeared between Thainos and the Ice Worlder, freezing as the ice beam struck it, sending it crashing into the throne room wall.

“You’re much quicker with magic than I remember, Jedin,” said Moira.

Thainos then turned on Jedin, and in surprise, Jedin produced a force wave that sent Thainos against the wall. Then Jerith swung hard with his sword making a deep cut into the demon’s arm.

Thainos went after Jerith with the Ice Wand, but Jerith deflected blows with his emerald blade, sending beams of ice throughout the throne room. The demon king swung hard with his fist. Jerith caught the inside of the demon’s forearm, but was knocked to the ground. Thainos then raised the Ice Wand in his good hand, ready to freeze Jerith where he lay.

“Sae Leerin!” yelled Jedin just as Thainos went to cast his spell. The ball of water hit the ice beam just as it had enveloped Thainos; freezing him in place.

Moira looked in shock as she saw that Thainos had fallen. “No!” she cried as Jedin turned to face her. In a second of panic, she grasped her pendant, and with a blink, she appeared in her old home in the wood.

“Well, that didn’t work out as well as I had hoped,” muttered Moira to herself.

She had learned, though. Next time, she thought, next time I’ll rule personally. Next time I will hold the wand myself.

Moira went outside and considered the gates. She could see the one that led to the Ice World; frost had spread over some of the vegetation near that gate. Jedin had that world now, it would seem, thought Moira.

As Moira stood there, she heard a snap and the sound of approaching footsteps through the forest. Moira spun around to see what was coming. Drawing in magic, ready to strike, she saw Volerum’s Royal Guard marching through the woods.

Moira sighed and entered one of the gates.

Chapter 8~ The Mountain Pass

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 17:58:56 -0400

Kassadea had been escorted through the gate shortly after they had announced the joining to the Ice Worlders, and by the late hours of the night, a contingency of the Royal Guard’s dragoons had arrived from Laya. Early the following morning, Taren had mustered the troops of Dezol, and the soldiers from the other human settlements had gathered in preparation for a strike against Thainos’s Castle.

Jedin was riding with Taren and Jerith at the head of the army. As they went, Jedin considered the banner that flew over the troops that he was marching with. It seemed odd to him to see Volerum’s three rose banner in such an alien looking land, and over such a foreign looking army, but this too was Volerum’s people now, and alliance against a common enemy was the principle on which Volerum had been originally founded. It seemed fitting to Jedin that it continued that way, giving strength to both peoples.

The soldiers of Taren’s army wore chain mail over thick coats for warmth, giving them a rather bulky yet intimidating appearance. Jedin himself simply wore a thick coat that had been given to him by Taren’s people.

The army marched south toward a large mountain range. Taren had told the troops that they would make camp in the pass between the mountains, where Taren hoped that they would not be discovered until they went to attack Thainos the next day.

Taren and Jerith were riding together and talked, while Jedin rode back in silence and pondered on the battle ahead as they began to enter the canyon pass. The primary threat, of course, had become the demon forces, yet Jedin wondered if Moira had gotten power over the Ice Wand, or if she was still out there somewhere else. Either way, Moira was still dangerous. He was not certain which of the threats were worse. Moira had said that she served The Dark Force, and that bothered him most of all. What Moira said about The Dark Force made him wonder if she served him of her own choice or if some power was compelling her, and if she could still be brought back to reason; Jedin didn’t know.

There were many beliefs surrounding The Dark Force, most of which were little more than legend, but many suggested that he would lend power to those he manipulated to do his will, and Jedin wondered what Moira had gained from her association with him. Certainly it had provided her with the knowledge to open the gates. But why, thought Jedin, why did she turn to The Dark Force? For power? If the legends offered anything, it was that The Dark Force only manipulated others to maintain his own power. Why? he thought again as he shook his head.

Soon, the army made it to the mountains and started through the pass. The trek was difficult, and there was only the faint appearance that a road had once been there.

As they went, Jedin was puzzled to see that some of the upper portions of the mountains were wooded, but then remembered some of what Taren had explained to him some about the nature of the Ice World. While this world was cold by nature, only the human territories had been permanently frozen by the demon kings. The remainder of the land was ‘less cold’ and supported most of the wood and food that his people gathered.

After some time of riding in the canyon, Taren stopped the troops near a bend in the pass. “We’ll set up camp here just before the bend, and we will move out before dawn,” he ordered.

The men dismounted and staked their horses, and began to prepare snow caves and put up a few tents. Among the tents was one larger command tent that Taren called Jedin and Jerith to. When they came into the tent, they found Taren there with one of his generals, by the name of Renin. The tent had been lit with candles, and had a collapsing desk in the center of it with a map spread across it. They stood around the table to hear Taren explain the map.

“This is where we are,” said Taren, pointing at a small gap in the mountains. “We will take the army through here to Thainos,” said Taren as he moved his finger through the pass to a spot marked Thainos. At this point Taren pulled out a diagram of a castle. “This is the castle,” finished Taren.

The diagram showed a simple castle with three outer walls to make a courtyard, with towers at each of the corners. In the center of the courtyard was a taller main tower for a keep.

“The castle isn’t too heavily defended with troops, but it still houses a sizable force. The castle’s main defense, of course, is the Ice Wand that Thainos uses from the top of the center tower,” explained Renin.

“I can deflect any spells directed near me, but how do you plan to take the castle?” asked Jerith.

“Once that battle begins, our soldiers will assemble our covered batting ram, which we intend to use to break into the court yard. There we will be too entangled with the demon forces for Thainos to use the wand.” answered Renin.

“Then with the soldiers that Kassadea augmented our troops with, we should have the strength to enter the keep.” Taren added.

“For that matter, I know of some spells that could save time battering in the gates,” said Jedin.

“Yes, yes, any magic you have at your disposal will help immensely,” said Taren.

“Well, once inside it’s only a matter of getting to Thainos,” said Renin.

“Oh good, because I thought that it was going to be much harder than that,” said Jedin with a slight sarcastic tone.

“Well then, it’s late now and you’d best be off to prepare your beds before it becomes dark. You’re dismissed,” said Taren.

Jedin and Jerith went out into the canyon, where it had become rather windy, and by this time the sun had gone down past the mountains, and it was starting to become dark.

Jerith and Jedin piled snow up and dug it out to make a snow cave, in which they laid out their bedrolls and went to sleep.

Chapter 7~ Oaths and Aid

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 22:48:00 -0400

Taren led Jedin through the town to the south end where they came to a small fort-like castle, and after entering they went into a room to the right of the main gate. The central fixture of the room was a plain desk with maps spread on it. The desk was facing the door, and in front of the desk were a few seats to accommodate an audience.

As Jedin and Taren entered the office room, Jerith and Kassadea arose from where they had been seated. Taren took the seat behind the desk and gestured for the three of them to be seated.

“First, I am Taren, the leader of the Human Coalition, and this young man tells me that you are from Volerum. If that’s true, how did you come to enter this world?” said Taren, with a skeptical sound to his voice.

Kassadea nodded and said “I am Queen Kassadea of Volerum, we came to this world by way of the gates between the worlds that were reopened by an errant mage named Moira.”

“Moira came through town just before you came and she burned two homes down,” said Taren.

“Yes, we came to stop Moira. Before she opened the gates, she claimed that she was going to take power over these worlds and that she served The Dark Force,” said Jedin.

Taren paused and considered what Jedin had said.

“Our people have been under the tyranny of the Demon Kings for generations, but I would not be certain if Thainos the Demon King is still loyal to The Dark Force. No, the demons only serve their own pleasures now.

“Thainos sits in his castle and blankets our cities in ice and snow to punish us for the human rebellion against his rule.”

“How long has this revolt been going?” asked Jedin.

“Well, really in a less organized way, it started two hundred years after the gates had been closed and the humans revolted serving the demons, but the Human Coalition organized itself only fifty years ago. We have been able to hold our position in three cities, but the demons still cover us with ice and snow from the Ice Wand,” said Taren.

“My Queen,” started Jerith after clearing this thought, “It seems that Thainos and the other demon kings may be a greater threat than Moira. Regardless of Thainos working with Moira, she will likely alert the demons here to the presence of the gate, which is something we must be prepared to deal with,” said Jerith.

Taren nodded.

Kassadea stood up and looked at Taren with a gaze that reminded Jedin of her ability to command power, “Sir Taren, your enemy is Volerum’s enemy, and we are prepared to send you aid. If you and your people join with the Kingdom of Volerum, together we can put an end to Thainos and stop Moira. You and your people will be free, and we will support you, Taren, as governor of this world.”

Taren looked at the three of them, not sure what to say, as he stopped to ponder today’s events: the appearance of Moira, and then Jedin leaping from the fire. The story that Kassadea and Jedin had given him was fantastic, yet rang true. “Volerum” he muttered to himself; he could remember the legends well. Then his thoughts turned to his people and to their plight, and decided that he could not reject the aid that Queen Kassadea offered.

Taren removed himself from his seat and knelt before Kassadea. “Queen Kassadea, I thank you for your aid, and I, Taren, Leader of the Human Coalition, do submit myself to you, and stand ready to serve you as your vassal.”

Jedin’s eyes widened; the feudal agreement was not what he had expected, but perhaps that is what Taren thought Kassadea expected of him. Kassadea herself appeared unfazed and reached forward with her hand and took Taren’s ear. “Sir Taren, I accept your oath of fealty, and am prepared to uphold my promises to you and your people. Now arise, for we have a great work to accomplish.”

Taren stood. “Yes, yes, a great work, and I am pleased to join with Volerum. I know where Thainos’ castle is and how it’s guarded, and I can show it to you,” said Taren as he pointed to the map on the desk.

“Good! Jedin, Jerith go with Taren to Thainos and do what you must to remove him, and place Taren as Governor of this land. I’ll go back to the palace and send troops to reinforce that of Taren’s,” stated Kassadea.

“Kassadea, let me send a patrol with you to escort you to your lands,” offered Taren.

Kassadea nodded and said, “Thank you, Taren.”

“We had better announce the new alliance and organize the troops,” said Taren.

They all went outside the small castle and Taren sent guards to have the people gathered to hear the announcement.

Soon, most of the people gathered to the castle and Taren stepped forward to address the people.

“People of Dezol, I come to you as your leader to announce the joining of our people and of the legendary Kingdom of Volerum. Volerum is sending forces through the gate to help us overcome the demons,” said Taren.

The people cheered, and some cried with hope from the memory of the legends of Volerum, a kingdom that stood against even The Dark Force.

Kassadea then stepped forward and spoke in a calm yet commanding voice, “I am Kassadea, Queen of Volerum, and now of your people, and as Queen I will work for your freedom. We have placed Taren as governor of this world and we will soon have forces come to reinforce those of this world.”

All the people clapped and cheered, “All hail Queen Kassadea of Volerum and Governor Taren of the Ice World!”

Jedin had to suppress a chuckle at the thought that the people here never came up with a better name for this world than Ice World.

Chapter 6~ Fire

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 02:32:00 -0400

Jedin, Kassadea, and Jerith followed Moira through the gate, and found themselves in a wasteland of ice and snow, with Moira nowhere in sight.

“I wonder if this may be the world that the Wand of Ice was lost in.” pondered Jedin aloud.

“How do we find Moira here? This icy snow is too hard to leave footprints,” said Kassadea.

“There’s a town ahead” said Jerith gesturing to some dark shapes and smoke in the distance that looked indicative of a settlement.

“Do you think we should go there?” asked Jedin.

“My Queen these worlds are said to be filled with demons, and I don’t think it would be wise to just walk into an unknown town,” stated Jerith.

“I have an idea,” started Jedin, “I have a spell that can make one person invisible for about half an hour if you want someone to go and investigate the town.”

Kassadea thought on it for a moment then said, “I do think that it is prudent to investigate the situation there. Jedin you will go as this is your idea.” Jedin nodded, and Kassadea added, “We will wait near town for you to return and report.”

The three of them journeyed toward the town. As they rode, Jedin looked up at the gray sky and was in awe of the fact that he was literally in another world, despite the fact that this world was infested with demons. Then Jedin thought that perhaps the Demons would think that they were humans infesting their world. Jedin gave a small chuckle at the thought.

Soon they found themselves by a hill near the town, where they hid on the far side.

“Here I go,” said Jedin as he turned the wand on himself, and said “ou deilo” and Jedin disappeared.

Kassadea and Jerith both gave a quick jump, and heard Jedin say, “Goodbye.”

Jedin turned around and took off toward the town.

Once in the town, he saw that the homes were made of stone and little wood. The place seemed more normal than he had suspected, and was even more surprised as he looked into one of the windows of a home.

“Humans?” said Jedin puzzled when he saw a woman with two young children inside.

He continued to wander about the town, and he began to realize more fully that humans and not demons lived here.

As he went further in he heard loud screams, and ran to see what was going on. Jedin came around a corner to where he saw two houses were burning, and he could still hear the cries of someone still inside one of them.

Jedin wanted to help but couldn’t think of what to do. He watched the people as they pitifully were trying to put out the fire with balls of snow. Then it hit him: the spell that his father had used to drop water on his head as a child. It wasn’t the strongest spell, and the water didn’t last long after it was cast, but perhaps with the Wand of Inheritance it would do.

Jedin pointed the wand at the burning door, and yelled, “Sae Leerin!”

The people that had been trying to put out the fire jumped with excitement when the flames at the doorway were pushed back; they still had no idea that the invisible Jedin was even there.

Jedin himself was surprised at how well the spell had worked, but he didn’t have time to think about it as he ran inside the burning home. The wood beams, and the floor were all burning.

“Sae Leerin! Sae Leerin!” yelled Jedin as he doused the fire in his path. He could still hear screams for help, and went to the room that they were coming from. As he entered the room, the invisibility spell wore off.

Huddled in the corner was a young girl with tears streaming down her face.

“Sae Leerin!” said Jedin as he used the water spell to put out the fires around her.

The girl looked up with wonder and amazement as Jedin cleared the fires between him and her. Jedin ran over to where she was, and picked her up.

The small home was beginning to crumble, and fire was already starting to spread back to the places where his water spell had faded.

“Time to go, little one,” said Jedin as he went out with her in his arms, putting out fires as he went.

Jedin burst out of the doorway and landed on the snow, then set the small girl down in the snow as a crying mother came running to her daughter. The townspeople looked at Jedin in shock while the mother was trying to thank Jedin through her tears.

“You’re welcome,” was all Jedin could say to the crying mother.

As the shock of what had occurred began to fade, a tall and somewhat heavyset man approached Jedin to speak with him.

“Thank you for saving Arice,” said the man, “but you’ll forgive me for asking who you are and where you came from,” he finished.

“My name is Jedin,” He wasn’t sure how to explain where he came from, and hesitated, “I’m a mage from a kingdom called Volerum. I came here to find a dangerous mage named Moira,” said Jedin.

“Volerum…” said the man slowly, as he paused to think for a moment.

“I remember a legend about Volerum, a kingdom formed in a world beyond this world, to stand against The Dark Force. As to Moira, she was here just before you. That fire you came out of was her handiwork,” said the man.

“What?” said Jedin.

“Just before you came, a woman who called herself Moira came looking for the Ice Wand. We told her we didn’t have it, but that the Demon King Thainos had it. Then she became frustrated and magically set fire to these two homes, and then she muttered something and disappeared,” said the man.

At this point in the conversation, another man came up to them from the town to speak to them.

“Sr. Taren, we have apprehended two oddly-dressed people just outside the town, and they requested an audience with you. They have been taken to your office in the castle.”

The man who was apparently Taren nodded his head to the man who had just spoken.

“Do you know these people, Jedin?” asked Taren.

“I think I might,” said Jedin with a nod.

“Well then come with me. I want to figure out what is going on here,” said Taren.

Chapter 5~ To the Woods

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 23:43:28 -0400

When Jedin woke up, it was still dark. He had wanted to have time to review his father’s spell book before they headed out. He dressed quickly and put all his things in order to leave, and then he pulled out the spell book.

He wasn’t really sure what he was looking for, but it just made him feel better and more prepared when he had studied spells that he might use. He practiced a few, but time was too short to study as many as he wanted before the sun started to rise and he had to meet the others.

After repacking his spell book, Jedin went out down through the old palace to the main entrance hall, where he met Kassadea and Jerith. Kassadea looked rather worried, and for that matter, Jedin was too. Jerith showed no emotion, but that seemed to be what he did when something bothered him.

“Well,” said Kassadea as she fidgeted her hands in her skirts, “We ought to be off. No point in wasting time here.”

Jedin and Jerith nodded and followed Kassadea out to the palace yard. They took the stone path that wound around the yard to the stable. At the stable, the groom was there with their horses, and he took their packs from them and put them on the horses.

“Thank you,” said Kassadea, to the groom, having found that found that simple gestures of gratitude kept her and the servants happier. The groom nodded and smiled as the three of them mounted their horses and rode off.

They followed the road west then south again to the forest. The day was hot and Jedin was somewhat glad that they would soon enter the canopy of the forest. Just before they entered the wood, he looked back to see the lake in the distance, and the snowcapped mountains in the distance to the north that surrounded Kassadea’s palace. How different things might be soon, thought Jedin as he sighed and turned forward.

Jedin’s father had told him about where the gates had been, and he had a good idea of where Moira might be, so Jedin led the group as Jerith looked for signs of Moira or any other travel here.

As they journeyed deeper into the wood, a dark feeling came over Jedin, as if all the evil in the world was centered in the wood; it sent a chill through his spine, and he could also sense Moira’s magic here.

“Moira’s near here; I can feel her magic,” said Jedin in a hushed tone. The others nodded and continued through the wood.

Suddenly, Jerith came to a stop. “The brush here has been disturbed within past day or so,” he said gesturing just ahead.

Jedin rode forward, and as he did he felt the impression of Moira’s magic sharpen. “There’s an active spell ahead,” he said softly.

“Do you know what it is?” asked Kassadea.

“I can’t see it; either it’s out of view, or she’s masked the spell…” said Jedin just as his horse reared up. “Whoa… it’s alright girl,” he said as he tried to calm his horse.

“What is it?” called Kassadea.

Jedin dismounted and stretched out his hand to where the horse’s nose had been before it spooked, and felt the expected feel of his hand being repulsed as if he had tried to push two loadstones together the wrong way. “It’s a magic barrier,” he replied.

“Heh! This will be the easy part,” said Jerith as he swung his emerald sword at the barrier. It rippled, and light began to build up where the sword struck, and then it shattered. When the barrier fell, it revealed Moira outside a small house kneeling by a large rock that was surrounded by the three pages.

“Ah, I expected you would come, but you’re too late; I’ve completed the ritual. The seals will break, and I shall claim my victory,” said Moira triumphantly.

After Moira had spoken, she struck the stone with the Wand of Inheritance. Immediately light sprang from the pages and three gates opened around them.

“Moira, NO!” yelled Jedin.

“It’s over now Jedin. I serve the Dark Force,” said Moira in an oddly calm way.

Moira cast a spell with the Wand of Inheritance and directed it at Jedin. He was just able to produce a magic barrier which shattered as Moira’s spell hit it, the remaining force of the spell pushing him to the ground. Moira cast another spell, but this time Jedin reached out magically and grabbed her arm, sending her spell rocketing through the trees. Then Jerith swung with the sword, knocking the Wand of Inheritance from Moira’s hands. She blinked at what had happened, then turned and ran off for one of the gates.

“Quickly, we must stop her!” yelled Jedin. But Moira made it to one of the gates before they could do anything.

Jedin picked up the Wand of Inheritance and said, “Kassadea, I believe this wand belongs to you.”

“Don’t be silly, Jedin, that wand is no good in my hands; only a mage can use it to save us now,” said Kassadea.

“But the art of sealing worlds has been lost for nearly a thousand years. I cannot close the gates…” said Jedin as he looked down at the wand in his hand. Nor do I have the will to seal away my own sister, was the thought he left unsaid.

“Then we must follow Moira into that world and stop her,” said Jerith.

Jedin looked down again at the wand. He considered its power. Moira had been the first to use it in generations, and Jedin wasn’t sure he understood how to handle it, and he had never felt as inadequate in his life as he did then.

Chapter 4~ Laya

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:52:57 -0400

Jedin was returning from packing a few things, to meet Kassadea and Jerith at the palace stable so they could set off to find Moira and the Wand of Inheritance.

He still could not believe what had happened at the coronation, and what Moira had said about releasing the seals to the demon worlds and taking power over them. Why, thought Jedin to himself, would Moira do such things? She had always been kind and gentle before. True, she had been disappointed that she had lost the honor of being Mage to King and Queen, but it still confused him.

Jedin had hoped that perhaps there was some sort of explanation that he could accept for the mysterious circumstances that surrounded his sister, or that he could help her come back and overcome whatever she was facing. But every day, the events connected to her weighed on Jedin’s mind, and he lost hope. Now the threat to reopen the gates to the demon worlds… If what Moira said was true—if she was successful—Jedin feared the possible implications for the kingdom.

As Jedin thought on things, he arrived at the stable on the west side of the palace.

“Jedin it’s not like you to be so late,” said Jerith, who had been waiting there with Kassadea.

“Sorry, I had things to consider while packing,” said Jedin.

“Enough with waiting, the horses have been ready,” said Kassadea as she anxiously ran her hands through the skirt of her riding dress.

Jedin mounted his horse and the three of them left the stable. They went south through the small town of Kassadea that had grown around the new palace, and had become the new capital of Volerum—named for the new queen.

They continued on the road south for some time. They passed farm houses with some of the farmers out working to get the last of the chores done before dark. As they rode, Lake Laya came into view. They were headed for the city at its south end which was also called Laya. They would stay the night in the old palace before heading to the woods further to the south the next morning.

Jerith rode ahead while Jedin and Kassadea rode back to talk to one another.

“Jedin do you really think that Moira could be opening the gates?” asked Kassadea.

“I hardly know what to think anymore. She said that she was going to and that she was going to take power over them,” said Jedin.

“How would she take power over demon worlds?” questioned Kassadea.

“Moira is a powerful mage, and has always been resourceful. She isn’t the same Moira we use to know,” said Jedin.

Jedin and Kassadea rode in silence for some time, and it began to be dark, so Jedin lit some colored lights that danced around the three of them.

The world seemed so peaceful despite the events that were taking place. So few of the people even knew what troubles where brewing and how their pleasant lives might soon be turned upside-down.

As Jedin pondered these matters, he looked up; the City of Laya had appeared around the edge of the lake. In the distance Jedin could also see the dim outline of the forest. The image seemed ominous to Jedin’s mind. That wood was the place where Moira was said to have been seen, and where the gates had been during the Demon War.

Jedin turned his mind from such dark thoughts to when he had been young. He and Moira had been raised in Laya, with Kassadea. He remembered the games they played as children, mostly playing tricks on people with their magic. When they were caught, their father would tell them that “Magic is a tool that is not to be used to play tricks on people.”

He would usually add the, “Well not too often anyhow,” as bubbles of water would appear over them and drop on their heads.

Jedin began to laugh at his memories.

“What are you laughing at?” asked Kassadea in a puzzled tone.

“Oh just times too far away,” said Jedin

Kassadea didn’t know if Jedin had just tried to make a joke or not, and looked confused at Jedin’s remark. Jedin chuckled again and Kassadea gave up trying to understand.

The three of them came across to the bridge that led to the main gate of Laya.

“Who’s that we have there?” said the guard at the gate.

“It is I, Kassadea, Queen of Volerum,” said Kassadea in a commanding voice.

“Oh! ‘Queen’! I guess it is that now then. Go, go on in then,” said the gate guard with a hint of surprise.

The gate was unlocked and clanked open, and the three of them entered the city.

Laya was the largest city in Volerum, and was built on the South Eluthae River, that flowed from Lake Laya. To Jedin’s dismay, the city had began to decay and corrupt. His father always said that it was the power of The Dark Force that caused decay, corruption and evil to come into the hearts of men, while others believed that the darker deeds of mankind brought the Dark Force to feed on them. For himself, Jedin didn’t understand what The Dark Force was except what was left in legends. He had thought that The Dark Force was dead, but others seemed to think that his powers lived on somehow. For the most part, Laya wasn’t such a bad place, but it did seem to see more decay and crime as the years went by.

The familiar city was, however, pleasant to Jedin’s eyes. The old palace towered in the center of the city. Its several spiring towers give it almost the appearance of some great mountain. Continuing though the town, they soon came to the market plaza that surrounded the palace walls. They went to a small back gate where they were let into the palace yard. The moon was bright overhead, and lit the meandering stone path that lead to the stables.

“Princess, it is good,” the man who greeted them in the stables paused to correct himself, “Queen as it is now? It is good to have you here tonight.”

“Thank you. We are quite tired and will soon be retiring. If you could please put up our horses,” said Kassadea.

“Yes Prin… My Queen!” said the man.

Jedin had to suppress a laugh at the poor man’s “Prin,” and his over emphasis on “Queen!”

As the man put up their horses, another man came to show them to their rooms. They came out into the cool air of the palace yard and took the windy path that led them to the main entrance of the palace. The inside of the old palace was simpler than Kassadea’s palace, but still elegant. The walls where made of white plaster with dark trim and dark polished wood doors. The magic orbs that lit this palace were a bit more obvious than in Kassadea’s as well.

The man brought them to some rooms and stopped.

“Tell the groom that we will be leaving early tomorrow, and to have our horses ready,” said Kassadea to the servant, who had been guiding them to their rooms.

“Good night,” said Kassadea to Jedin and Jerith, before entering her room.

“Good night, Kassadea,” said Jedin.

“Good night, my Queen! Kassadea,” Jerith had been sure to emphasis Kassadea’s proper title as he glanced sideways at Jedin as he said it. Jerith had never approved of Jedin’s lack of using Kassadea’s proper title.

Jedin chuckled to himself as he went into his own room.

Chapter 3~ Fate

Sun, 23 May 2010 23:43:03 -0400

Moira appeared in her hidden home in the woods. She was glad that she had linked the stone in her pendant to a stone ball in her small home, so that when she grasped her pendant it would take her to the stone that it was linked to. It had been useful several times.

She set the Wand of Inheritance on the table and went to look for where she had left the pages. The pages she looked for were the seals that were created by Aljen to hold the power of the gates to the demon worlds. It had taken two attempts to retrieve them; the first time the King and Queen got in her way and she had to banish them. She didn’t know where they went, nor did she care, all she knew was that they were gone and out of her way. Unbeknownst to her, however, Jerith had been in the room with several knights where the glass vaults that held the pages were held, and in her panic she fled the palace. She had only managed to steal them within the past several days, this time finding only two guards in the room. The Dark Force had said that she would have to kill them, but she found the Vanishing spell to be sufficient.

The Dark Force himself—she thought of him as a he—was a powerful being that Moira didn’t fully understand. After Jedin had been appointed to be the next Mage to the King and Queen by their father the Mage Stoutius she had been disappointed that she had not received the honor; then the Dark Force came to her. He said that he had been once the great king of the demons and had great power and influence, but he needed her help and promised her power over the demon worlds if she would follow him.

Something about the words of the Dark Force entranced her, and the power he offered seemed exciting to Moira, and she followed him. The Dark Force showed her this place in the woods and said that this was the place where the gates had been and also the place of the last great battle of the previous age.

Outside of Moira’s small home was a large rock which she had exposed, The Dark Force told her that it was the part of this world that linked it to the demon worlds and showed her how to use it, with the pages and the Wand of Inheritance, to open the gates to the demon worlds.

Moira found the pages and placed them around the stone in a small magic barrier.

Then Moira flinched as she heard the voice of The Dark Force that seemed to rush like a wind out of nowhere.

“Moira, when you open the gates you must find the Wands of Power. The demon kings in the worlds control them; though the demon kings are no longer loyal to me, you must get the wands. I don’t care how you do it but you must have them to bring back my corporeal form. Then all will bow to our power,” The voice of The Dark Force faded and left the forest.

After the voice was gone, Moira sat down and gazed absently into the linking stone. This was it; soon she would have all the power that the Dark Force had promised her. Have you always been so ready to do all that the Dark Force has asked? said a voice in her head. Yes, she thought to herself, I have done all that the Dark Force has commanded me. I am ready for this power.

She sat there remembering another time the Dark Force had commanded her.

“Moira,” came the rushing voice of the Dark Force, “the time of your power is at hand. Soon your name will be spoken in fear, and demons and humans alike will tremble in your presence, for you will command great armies, and the Wands of Power will bend the worlds to your will. There is one however who may stop our plans; a clog that must be removed. Do your serve me Moira?”

“I serve only the Dark Force. I stand ready to obey my master.” Moira said with a deep incline of her head.

“Good. Now you must go to the house of your father; he has preparations to stop us and must be killed,” ordered the Dark Force.

Moira flinched, “My master?”

“Go Moira, and don’t disappoint me; weakness cannot be tolerated now,” commanded the Dark Force.

“Yes my master,” said Moira as the Dark Force’s Voice left her cold.

The next day Moira had made it to her father’s quarters in Laya. She crept in quietly and found her father in his room sitting at a desk.

“Moira,” said Stoutius surprised, “where have you been? Everyone has been worried since you disappeared.”

Moira had become anxious, and the room became cold with the Dark Force’s presence as her father spoke.

“Father, my master…” started Moira.

“Your master? What are you talking about? You’re home now and safe here with…”

“I’m sorry Father.”

Then it happened; Moira felt it and a wave of black light emanated from around her, striking her father.

“Father!” cried Moira as she leaped to her father’s dead body, “I’m sorry father I had to.”

Moira lay there weeping silently over her father then Jedin entered.

“Moira?” Jedin called sadly.

Frightened, Moira grasped her pendant and appeared in her hidden home.

Then came the voice of the Dark Force. “Moira you have done well, and have passed my test. Truly you belong to me now.”

As this memory came to her she shed a single tear, but she was not going to let this stop her—stop her from getting her power and honor. No! She served The Dark Force now.

Chapter 2~ Coronation

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:53:00 -0400

Kassadea had woken up early this morning, and had been busy preparing for the coronation that was to begin shortly.

Maylin, who had just bustled into Kassadea’s bedchamber, was a short and plump woman with graying hair; she had been Kassadea’s nanny when Kassadea had been young and had continued to serve her. Occasionally however Maylin would remind Kassadea that she had once been the one to bend her over her knee and give her a paddling.

Kassadea turned, and a smile came to her face as she greeted her friend.

“Oh! Maylin I’m so glad you’re here,” said Kassadea rather excitedly.

“Well I can’t be leaving you alone on a day like this,” said Maylin in a cheery tone.

The two women hugged and Kassadea said, “I’m so happy despite everything that has been happening.”

“Oh Kassadea,” Jedin and Maylin—the only two people that are close enough to dare address me without using my proper titles, thought Kassadea as Maylin continued, “this is a great day for you and Volerum. The kingdom needs a strong leader like you to direct them through times of trial,” said Maylin, giving Kassadea her vote of confidence. “And your dress does look lovely,” added Maylin.

Kassadea was wearing an elegant aged-ivory colored dress made of silk. It was simple yet beautiful; it flowed and puffed out at the skirt then ended with a short train.

Kassadea’s long, dark hair was in a tight knot at the crown of her head. Her hair also had small pearl beads threaded into it.

Kassadea looked into her mirror and back at Maylin, who was also dressed up for the occasion, and said, “Well we should to be off to the throne room; the coronation is about to begin,” making an obvious effort not to run her hands across her dress.

The two of them left to go down to where the coronation was to take place. As they went, Kassadea’s mind was full, and she could hardly remember the trials that had taken place in the kingdom.

When they came to the throne room entrance, Maylin went in and sat down in the front row next to her husband, a knight named Eljen, while Kassadea waited just beyond the door.

Soon the doors were opened once more and Kassadea’s presence was announced by the doorman. As she entered, the attendants arose and an orchestra started playing a portion of Volerum’s anthem, which had been written in celebration of the human victory at the end of the Demon War.

Before her was the podium, upon which stood Jedin, bearing the Wand of Inheritance. Beyond Jedin stood the Throne of Volerum with the Rose Crown resting in its seat. To the right of the throne stood Jerith, a well-built gray haired man who was the head knight of Volerum. He carried an emerald sword that had power to deflect magic, and was wearing the formal uniform of the Royal Guard: red pants and a red coat with white trim and silver buttons.

Kassadea moved slowly in a paced procession toward the throne, and soon she was at the step of the podium, where she knelt before Jedin.

“Who is this that kneels before me the Royal Mage?” said Jedin in a commanding tone.

“I, Kassadea, Princess of Volerum, kneel to petition the Royal Mage,” replied Kassadea humbly.

“For what cause do you petition me?” asked Jedin.

“For my right to the Wand of Inheritance,” said Kassadea.

“Kassadea, this wand was the tool that saved our world from the demon hordes long ago. As Queen it will be your responsibility to wield this wand to protect the people of this land. Do you swear to serve the people of Volerum in all your endeavors?”

“I so swear,” said Kassadea.

Jedin placed the Wand of Inheritance in the hands of Kassadea. “Kassadea I hereby proclaim you Queen of Volerum. Now stand and take your place as ruler of this land,” said Jedin with a smile.

Kassadea nodded, and then arose; Jerith then placed the Rose Crown on her head. She then turned to the audience, bowing with the wand resting in her outstretched hands. Then stepping back she sat in the throne, finishing the ceremony.

With the ceremony over, Jedin stepped forward. Kassadea watched him focus as he held out his hand and called out, “Sillno!” and the seats that the audience had been seated in faded and vanished. She had known how tediously Jedin had worked to put the spell in place, and his smile gave away how pleased he was with its effect.

Kassadea then clapped her hands and the orchestra started playing a pleasant and familiar tune that the people danced to.

Jedin turned to Kassadea, “May I have this dance,” he asked with a smile.

Kassadea turned and nodded her consent. She then tucked the wand into a special sash that she wore, and took Jedin’s had to dance.

As they danced, Kassadea noticed an old woman that was wearing a rather unpleasant brown dress. The lady seemed to be following them around the ballroom.

Jedin saw her too and started dancing his way to where Jerith and his wife were dancing. Kassadea didn’t know why the woman made her feel so uncomfortable, but there was something cold about her presence that made her feel nervous, especially with her following so close.

The tune ended, and they went over to where Jerith was, but as Jerith turned to meet them, the woman seized the Wand of Inheritance from Kassadea. As the woman took the wand, her disguise flashed and melted away. Moira stood in her place, holding the Wand of Inheritance.

“Now with the last artifact I can release the seals and take the demon worlds!” said Moira in a triumphant voice.

Jerith had drawn his sword and Jedin had prepared to cast a spell, but before they could strike, Moira put her hand to her pendent and vanished.

“The wand! I must find it,” said Kassadea. Jedin began to protest what she was saying, but she cut him off, “It’s my duty to protect the wand, I must go.”

“Kassadea, Moira is a powerful mage even without the Wand of Inheritance, but with it, I fear that her powers have increased exceedingly. Please at least take me with you. I know her magic and…”

Before Jedin could finish, Kassadea cut in “Yes, yes, Jedin.”

“Queen Kassadea, allow me to come as well; you need my strength and a sword that can deflect her magic,” said Jerith.

Kassadea nodded, and Jerith sheathed his sword.

“Well at least she didn’t torch the palace,” said Jedin.

Kassadea shook her head, but was secretly thankful for Jedin’s dumb remark.

Chapter 1~A Troubled Report

Wed, 12 May 2010 23:45:43 -0400

Jedin had been appointed to be the next Mage to the King and Queen by his father, the mage Stoutius, just three years ago. He had been surprised by the announcement. His sister had been by far more naturally talented with magic, often mastering spells quickly, while Jedin would often spend days studying the same spells, struggling to keep up. To Jedin, his magic seemed stiff and rigid when compared to Moira’s. Her spells flowed and their effects were flexible, often not even requiring her to cast. In the end however their father had favored the experience of disciplined study, and appointed Jedin.

It wasn’t long after Jedin’s appointment though, that his father had died. He had walked into his father’s room to see Moira standing over his dead body before she vanished from the room. Then, despite his grief over his father’s death, and his sister’s mysterious disappearance, he fulfilled his duty and assumed his role as Mage to the King and Queen, and did his best to advise the royal family; a year later though, the king and queen disappeared and their daughter, Kassadea, was left as the last member of the royal family. Shortly after the disappearance of her parents, she had fled the old palace of Laya in an attempt to escape the sad memories of her old home.

Jedin ran his hand through his untamable auburn hair, and straightened his black mage’s uniform as he stepped up to Kassadea’s newly-completed palace as he was on his way to meet the princess there. The palace was built of polished granite with towers that joined each facet; all of which were topped with long tapering spires.

He entered the palace and walked down the immense halls, which were lined with colossal red marble pillars. The tall wood doors had Volerum’s crest of roses carved into them. The walls were made of bright polished stone, and reflected the light given by magic orbs tucked discreetly behind the pillars.

Jedin continued down the hall until he came to a council chamber; when he entered he found Kassadea seated at a small table.

Kassadea was wearing a simple yet elegant white dress of satin, which added to her own simple beauty. Kassadea’s long dark hair was tied back with a piece of blue ribbon, and by the way that she was fidgeting with her hand on the skirts of her dress Jedin knew she was nervous about something.

“I’m afraid my report won’t make you feel any better,” said Jedin as he bowed and approached the table where Kassadea sat.

Kassadea, who had hardly noticed that Jedin had entered, gave a quick jump.

“So you’ve returned from Laya,” said Kassadea somberly. “Did you find what you feared?”

“Yes,” Jedin started, and then paused before continuing, “The Pages have been removed from their vault, and I could strongly sense the presence of Moira’s magic there.”

“Do you think that was what she had gone to the palace for when my parents disappeared?”

Jedin didn’t speak for a moment; though Moira hadn’t been seen since their father’s death, her magical presence had also been throughout the palace on the day of the king and queen’s disappearance as well. Jedin didn’t want to assume a connection between her presence and the disappearance of the King and Queen, but now he wasn’t sure he could believe she wasn’t involved. “Yes,” he finally said, “It appears so.” He hated admitting it, for it also implied that Moira had been responsible for their father’s death, yet he was not yet willing to believe that his sister was capable of that.

Kassadea’s face gave away the question she had been about to ask about Jedin’s father, but she reconsidered and asked, “Have there been any recent reports concerning your sister’s whereabouts?”

“It seems that she has been seen several times in the woods south of Laya, or at least that is the rumor in Laya—nothing verified though.” He spoke matter-of-factly, though the whole matter still bothered him deeply. His sister’s actions were peculiar, and her motives were hard to fathom.

Kassadea shook her head, “I don’t understand it. Why the Pages? She wouldn’t be trying to unseal the demon worlds?”

Jedin grimaced as he contemplated what Kassadea had said. “Perhaps, but knowledge of how those seals work has been lost for nearly a thousand years, though I know of no other use for them.” They both sat there thinking on the matter, and then Jedin broke the silence. “All this still bothers me; Moira was never like this before, nor was anything like this in her nature. She had always been so kind and gentle before her disappearance, and there seems to me to be more to her actions than simply being upset over losing the appointment of Royal Mage.” That had been the talk that he had overheard about her disappearance—that Moira had run off after losing the appointment. But the explanation felt wrong to Jedin.

The conversation lulled, and Kassadea massaged her eyes, “Is something else the matter?” asked Jedin.

“It’s just that along with being troubled by your sister, my coronation is tomorrow, and I don’t know that I’m ready for it.”

Despite Kassadea’s stress, Jedin was grateful for the change of topic. “Don’t worry, these things are being taken care of; the coronation will go fine,” he said with a confident yet reassuring tone.

“I’m not worried about the coronation so much as I am about running the kingdom once I’m queen,”

“Kassadea! You have been running this kingdom ever since your parents disappeared; queen will be no more than an added title. Besides what’s the worst that could happen? War suddenly breaking out and the kingdom being lost? No, no there has not been war for a thousand years,” stated Jedin with a hint of sarcasm.

Kassadea sniffed a laugh, and a smile came to her face. Kassadea had known Jedin her whole life and had grown accustomed to Jedin’s odd sense of humor, “Thank you, Jedin. Do you have anything else to report?”

“No,” said Jedin. “I’ve told you everything I know right now.”

“Well,” said Kassadea with a tired sigh, “thank you for your report. I hope we can settle this Moira matter soon so things can get back to normal after the coronation. You are dismissed then. Sleep well, we have quite a day tomorrow,” said Kassadea.

“Yes, quite a day” said Jedin as he bowed and saw himself out of the room.

Jedin went through the palace quietly and out into the palace yard, toward his mage quarters at the south end of the palace yard near a small wooded area that had been left when the forest was cleared for the new palace.

As Jedin walked a cool night breeze blew past him and reminded him of the dark cold feeling that was in his father’s room when he found him dead—the thing that had been wrong about the magical presence there. The thought saddened Jedin and he turned his thoughts to the coronation of Kassadea. She could handle the kingdom, and the situation with Moira. Despite Kassadea’s young age and her lack of magical talent, Jedin had found that she had her wits about her and was considered by many to be wise.

Lost in his thoughts Jedin hardly noticed when he made it to his mage quarters. When he entered, he looked up at the colored lights that floated about his ceiling to light his small but comfortable home.

There were three rooms in Jedin’s home: a living area; a library and study room where Jedin keep books on magic, geography, and history that had been his companions during his studies, along with stories that he loved to read; and his bedroom that also had a desk alongside his bed.

Floating in the air above Jedin’s desk in his bedroom was a wand. A wand that was simple in appearance, simply a stick with the bark shaved off of most of it leaving smooth white wood, with a little bark left on one end to make a leathery handle. Jedin was glad that it was in a magical barrier, because this wand was the Wand of Inheritance, and was the most powerful wand that Jedin knew of. It had been the tool that was wielded by Aljen and Laya to drive back the demons, in the war of the last age.

So much knowledge has been lost since the time of the Wizard Kings, thought Jedin as he looked at the wand. Before the war at the end of the last age the land had been ruled by three wizard kings, each of whom had held a wand of power to rule and govern their kingdoms. Demons, however, attacked the land from other worlds and captured the three wands of power.

The kingdoms of the land then came together into a new alliance and formed the Kingdom of Volerum; the Kingdom to fill the land was what the name meant. The Wand of Inheritance was created as a last way to face the demons, and in the end the Great Mage Aljen sealed the gates to the demon worlds.

Jedin had felt the way the wand had magnified his magical power. The Wand of Inheritance would allow him to handle much more magic than he could without it. Normal wands allowed him to double or even triple the amount of magic he could use, but when he held the Wand of Inheritance, he felt that he could probably use even fivefold the power than that of a normal wand.

Jedin didn’t understand how, but the Wand of Inheritance was used to seal the gates between the worlds. Now, though, it was used as the symbol of the ruler of Volerum.

It was Jedin’s role in the coronation to give the Wand of Inheritance to Kassadea making her Queen of Volerum.

He sat and considered the wand for some time, then picked up a book that was on his desk. A collection of useful spells- Stoutius was the hand-written title on the book. It had belonged to his father, and had been a sort of notebook that he had written some of his favorite and most useful spells in. Jedin had found it to be full of great wisdom, and was grateful that he had it and could still glean knowledge from his father.

He had started reading a spell for a tempest as he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Prologue

Sun, 09 May 2010 02:43:57 -0400

The Wands

End of the Second Age

“Enter,” said the young princess Kassadea in reply to a knock that came at the door to her rooms.

The door opened to admit Maylin, Kassadea’s maid. “Stoutius has arrived, and your mother sent me to see you to the Hall of Roses for the announcement,” stated Maylin.

“Thank you Maylin,” said Kassadea with a smile as she stood up to go, “I should not like to keep them waiting. Let us venture to the throne room”.

Kassadea was glad that today had come at last; Stoutius was the Mage to the King and Queen of Volerum or Royal Mage as titles went and he was here to present his children to the king and queen and raise them from apprentices to full mages. He was also here to announce the appointment of his successor to follow him as the next Royal Mage.

She hoped that it would be Moira who was appointed. Kassadea and Moira were good friends and were about the same age. Oh she was friends with Moira’s brother Jedin as well, but there were things that she could talk to Moira about that she just didn’t feel right discussing with her brother. Besides though Jedin was funny and could make Kassadea laugh, Moira had always been the more talented of the siblings.

After walking for some time they made it to a small door that was carved with roses marking it as the back entrance to the Hall of Roses, the throne room of the Palace of Laya.

Kassadea entered the throne room and stepped between her mother and father’s thrones.

“Ah Kassadea, you’re here,” said King Rune as he took his daughter’s head in his hands and kissed her cheek, “Let the ceremony begin, then.”

The main entrance doors were opened, and three black-clad figures entered the throne room and approached the king and queen.

“Who are these that you bring before us, our mage?” said King Rune.

“I bring you my apprentices of the magical arts,” replied Stoutius. Kassadea could have recited the lines herself as she had been required to memorize many of the court’s ceremonies.

“For what cause have you brought them before us?” the king said as his next line.

“To be raised to the Order of the Mage,” was the reply.

“Those who have been found worthy of this honor, step forward,” commanded King Rune.

Jedin and Moira both stepped forward and knelt before the king and queen. The king then withdrew a wand from a sash on his side—the Wand of Inheritance, the symbol of the ruler of Volerum. Rune touched Jedin’s head with the end of the wand and gestured for him to arise.

“Jedin you have been found worthy of the Order of the Mage. I therefore give you the token of your office, the Sacred Flame,” said the king as he pressed a ring that bore the image of a sinuous flame into Jedin’s hand.

Then the king placed the Wand of Inheritance atop Moira’s head and gestured for her to arise.

“Moira you have been found worthy of the Order of the Mage. I therefore give you the token of your office, the Sacred Flame,” repeated the king as he placed a ring of the same image in Moira’s hands.

“Stoutius, for what cause have you come before us,” Kassadea’s father had moved on to the next ceremony.

“To make the appointment of my successor as Mage to the King and Queen, for this cause have I come before you,” said Stoutius in rote.

“Which of all the Mages have you chosen to be your successor?” replied the king.

“Jedin, a mage who stands before you, has proven worthy to serve,” said Stoutius with a smile.

Why does Jedin have to look so smug! Thought Kassadea as a smile came to Jedin’s face and he knelt again before her father.

“Jedin do you swear to serve your king, queen, and kingdom in all your endeavors?” asked the king.

“I so swear,” said Jedin as he gave his word.

Poor Moira, she looks crushed. She would have been a good Royal Mage. The thought came to Kassadea as Moira tried to repress her obvious disappointment.

“Then take this pin as the symbol of your appointment.” King Rune took Jedin’s ear in one hand, and with the other pinned Volerum’s Three Rose Crest on Jedin’s collar—as was the custom—and then commanded him to rise.

Jedin stood and turned to face his father wearing that silly smug grin as it seemed to Kassadea. The ceremony was finished.

Moira wiped a tear from her eye and looked up to the king and queen, “If it pleases your majesties I would like to be excused,” she stated doing her best to hold her composure.

“You’re dismissed fair Moira,” said King Rune with some sympathy.

“Thank you,” said Moira as she bowed and left the throne room.

“Will she be quite alright?” asked Queen Alanna.

“Ah, she’s disappointed she didn’t receive the appointment, but she’ll be fine,” said Stoutius.