The Elementalist Book 1 (Void Master Series)

Chapter 7: Run! Trial by Fire Begins

As the days went on, it was about a week then Zeryl realized something was terribly wrong. He had left the oasis to head to the province of fire and yet though the trip should only take a week; he had been traveling for a half a month now and still has not found his destination. When Zeryl checked his compass, he had been traveling east; he had veered off course by 45 degrees. He was not far from the city; however, the lands he was in were unfamiliar at best though one thing is clear, he was not in the province of fire. Unknown to Zeryl he had stumbled into a trial area of the Masnia Desert.

This area is designed to test a creature’s level of courage and skills as well as their ability to control oneself. The beast clan of the desert created it as a means to see who is worthy and to ward off trespassers. Just then, the ground suddenly started rumbling and shaking. Zeryl alarmed by the random change, is cautious of his environment equipping his weapon without hesitation. However, not much of a weapon, he had with him a Morgul-blade; a gift he received from his grandfather years ago after the tragedy.

As like the calm in the midst of a cyclone, it was quiet, only a few minutes pass as Zeryl started to relax when a giant acid worm sprung from the ground in front of him. The creature was massive its height could be estimated at around four maybe five stories with a width of about two stories. The length of this creature was easily two miles long. The skin of the creature looked to be like that of an accordion. From the front all one could see was its large teeth and huge mouth.

Without hesitation, Zeryl mounted the slightly triggered camel; he knew fighting this thing would not bode well for him. Quickly he dashed toward cities direction as fast as the scared camel could go. At the same time, behind him the giant worm continued to pursue him closely and viciously. Suddenly the worm started lunging at Zeryl attacking relentlessly; Zeryl continued to the city dodging both left and right to avoid the worm’s attacks.

The city was still a good mile and a half away. At this time while riding the camel, he hears a voice calling out to him followed by a sinister laugh. “Will thou not face me? Are thou afraid? Thou hast treaded on sacred ground. Wilt thou not atone? Show us thou are worthy of it. Show us that true despair!” Within a few minutes, Zeryl reached the city gates; he could feel the heat and smell the sulfur in the air. Meanwhile upon the top of the city gates, the village guards standing ready to fight and the chief stood watching Zeryl; from the time he was in view off in the distance, till his awaking the worm and being chased. The inhabitants were informed of Zeryl’s arrival by the city’s scouts, and the flame contingent standing by took precautions beforehand.

When Zeryl reached the closed city gate, the chief looked down to Zeryl. Then said, “What whilst thou do in the face of such adversity? Now that thou hast bought a great danger to our city walls; whilst thou stand and fight thy foe, to subdue or kill the creature if thy must? Or, whilst thou run and leave us to our fates; for the worm to nash at our walls with his teeth and devour our young?” Zeryl taking notice of the elderly man and the guards atop the gate replied, “I will neither run from any challenge nor slay the beast that threatens us. For this creature means us no harm. This creature only wishes to protect his territory of which I crossed into.” In addition, Zeryl dismounted the camel and walked a good twenty feet away from the gate of the city towards the worm. Facing the worm head-on, he raises his weapon to the worm, as in response, the worm acknowledges him as it slows to a stop, to which Zeryl puts his arm down in response.

Then out of respect for the worm, Zeryl bowed respectfully to the creature and yelled out as to pour out his heart, “Forgive me for trespassing almighty creature of the sand and molten earth. I do not wish to fight or take what is rightfully yours. For I have lost my way and seeking only to return to my correct path. I thank you for helping me to find my way. I only seek the elemental relic of fire within these walls if it maybe. There is a great evil that seeks to destroy everything; I must confront that evil and restore this planet to its former glory.”

The worm responds, “I see no evil intent within thee yet there lays dormant a void filled with rage and vengeance. However, I find thee to be worthy of my help and strength, for thou hast respected me in my own home. Thou canst wield this yet as you have not earned the fires respect and its insignia. However, I entrust my soul unto thee till that day comes.” Then as if the sun itself was out in the middle of the night, a brilliant flash of warmth and light appeared. To which the worm vanished leaving Zeryl with a red sword with a jet-black hilt and blade that looked as if forged of rubies and sapphires in his hand. The handle looked as if it had two pommels, but they would not separate despite the effort Zeryl put into it. Zeryl knew that the fire relic was two weapons as one unit. Thinking of this he considered what the said and figured the other weapon must be earned too.

Then Zeryl heard the voice of the worm again saying, “Whilst I see no evil in thee there lie within the void of your soul a darkness that will eventually attempt to overtake thee. Be thou careful as thy journey continues and earn the light of fire for darkness and death seeks your soul. Finally, heed my warning, light does not bring forth salvation but corruption; it is the darkness that cleans souls and allows for rebirth. For deceit in justice is the price of victory.”

Zeryl acknowledges the worm’s advice and raises the sword to the sky, “I vow to prove myself worthy of this weapon and use its power for the good of the planet.” As he held the weapon to the heavens, the weapon disappeared. The weapon can now be summoned whenever he needed, but only after he gains the fire element. At this time, the elder of the city lowed the gates, walked up to Zeryl, and said, “Welcome to Xoswea the Burning City!”

He looked at Zeryl and could tell his journey though just beginning had been rough. His clothes were dirty and torn from the many events that transpired. Though only a little has happened it was store than Zeryl had bargained for. Still, Zeryl knew his journey would be difficult. The chief then told Zeryl he may rest within the city for the time being; and that he knew why he was there. The prognosticator of fire had foretold of his arrival and a danger that will follow. However, of what that danger contains not much was given. It was at this time the elder also explained that weapon was incomplete as to why it disappeared.

The second part of the trial must be completed before the weapon could be fully initiated. However, though Zeryl wished to get it over with, the elder told him that conditions for the second trial are not yet upon them and that he must be patient. It will be a week before he can begin it; Zeryl agreed and went to rest within a local inn.