The Sorcerer

In the blood

He stirred the pot, and a green mist rose from the equally green liquid within. Various bones could be seen floating in the sticky mixture, quickly coalescing into a thick slime. Then, the colors darkened, and an image began to appear in the liquid. It cleared up, and soon showed a horrific scene. Thousands upon thousands of dark-skinned warriors wearing black armors faced off against a host of other warriors in shining armors. Fires erupted. Explosions. Lightning flashed. There was blood, gore, and death everywhere. The dark host seemed to be winning. It was total c*****e. What was initially a clear blue sky was soon red as blood. 

Salvu studied the image with focus. His black eyes glistened with the sight. He was an Arai. A black-skinned variant of a classic, otherwise green-skinned Orc, but evolved to the point of moving past barbarism. His silver hair fell below his waste line, and was braided into many well-kept braids. His long black robe was adorned with various small bones and sculls, exquisitely carved with various runes, and inlaid with red thread into intricate designs. He was less muscled than other members of his kind, and much less than even an initiate warrior. But what he lacked in brawn, he more than made up in brains. 

Salvu vas an Arai Shaman. A magic-user with a penchant for occultism, necromancy, and dark magic. 

As a door opened behind him with a creak, his focus shifted to the person entering. 

Master Pyre - he rasped with a slow, dry voice. I sensed your presence. Fear not. The invasion moves forward as planned. These new lands you've found for us are plentiful, and their current owners are no match for our warriors. The landing was a success and Kahar has already established a beachhead. 

Behind him stood a large muscled Arai. He was a good 9 feet tall, with intricately carved tusks protruding upward several inches from his lower jaw, and a hairless head. His skin was the color of charcoal, with ice-white eyebrows and an ice-white beard several inches long, braided into a single thick braid, held together by an intricate iron band. His eyes however, were like pools of lava. Red, without pupils, and glowing with a malevolent glow that would make the strongest of hearts shy away in fear.

Good - Pyre answered. This is very good. What sort of resistance did we face? Did they have many Shamans of their own?

No. Their main force had only a few spellcasters. And their magics were pitiful. Dependent on beings greater than themselves. They call to them, and beg them for aid. They cried and called for their wet nurses as they died. We slaughtered them easily. Our forces move inland as we speak. 

Good. This is good - answered Pyre in a low growl. Send scouts further inland. Make them find defensible spots. We are new to that world. We need to get the lay of the lands. 

Yes Master. It shall be done. 

Pyre moved over to a window nearby, and removed the thick black curtain covering it. A soft reddish light filled the room, bathing it in a dim light. He looked out the window to the scene below. His gaze fell to the large city made primarily of black stone and iron. Thousands od houses squeezed into limited space, all ringed by a thick outer wall of jagged rocks, surrounded by a lava-moat. His eyes moved to the black, dry, broken lands beyond as far as the eye could see, and sharp, jagged peaks in the distance. The sky above was distinctly red, with no celestial bodies of any kind. Just a red mist with purplish clouds here and there. 

One would think this was hell. It wasn't. This was the realm of Char. 

And what of the Ashen? How many are we expecting today?

Salvu answered - not many. We cleared a nest some time ago. We lost 37 warriors, and have destroyed 18 of the foul beasts. 

37?! Pyre's eyes flared to a fury, and a reddish mist began to rise from them. For just 18 of them? 

A fear crept into Salvu's voice - y...yes... Master. 37. They rush-bombed our western patrol. Their tactics are improving. There is little we can do when they rush us and suicide like that. 

Pyre grabbed Salvu by the neck, lifting him up off his feet and bore in close to his face - Then find them BEFORE they rush you! 

Ghhhh..ye...ghhh...yes Master! Salvu responded, whimpering and struggling to breathe. 

Pyre placed him back on the stone floor, and whispered into his ear - Do not test my patience worm. I am not a patient one. 

Salvu merely nodded in response. 

Pyre turned on his heel, and went back towards the door. he stood in the doorway, and without turning, flatly stated - I expect a report on the scouting effort as soon as possible - Then left the room.

Shaken as he was, Salvu said nothing.

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Far away, in the realm of Sundrya, Va'Renn stirred in his sleep. He kept dreaming of the world he left behind. It has been almost a week since he was brought here against his will, but as he was slowly discovering, much to his liking. He dreamt of his, now former boss, his clients, coworkers,  afraid he was gonna get fired and be forced to move out of his tiny rented apartment. Then, his dreams took on a darker tone. He beheld the stone of souls. He saw it split in twain. He saw the blueish mist rising from the c***k, and heard voices beckoning him to come closer. He feared those voices. They were unnatural, yet, he was compelled to approach. Then he felt a power bubbling up inside him, and he fell into the c***k.

He woke.

The rays of the morning sun struggled to get past the thick white curtain covering the man-sized window of his chamber. He looked around the room. For a moment, he felt as if he was not alone, but then, as quickly as it came, the feeling passed. He rose, and got out of bed. Extending his right hand, he motioned toward the black hooded robe folded on a chair nearby. The robe rose up into the air and unfolded, as if invisible hands were handling it, then, it wrapped itself around him in a smooth motion, firmly fastening all the buttons and cuff links.

I love magic - he thought to himself.

This was a simple telekinetic spell he had learned only a few days ago. It allowed him to move light objects by focusing and projecting his will through his pointed arm. Far too weak to cause any significant damage or lift anything heavy. But quite suitable to move basic objects or b***h-slap somebody annoying across a room.

Before that, he had also learned how to produce an orb of light the equivalent of a torch, and also how to throw a bolt of fire at a target. That last one was actually quite dangerous, capable of causing severe burns and igniting combustibles, all at a significant range.

These basic spells were called cantrips he was told. The ones he had learned were just a few of many. And he was sure he would learn many, many more.

But for now, these would do. 

As he got dressed, he drew back the heavy curtain and looked out the window. Looking from a height, below him sprawled a large modern medieval city. The houses were made primarily of stone, several stories tall, and with tiled roofs of various colors. The streets were broad, often full of merchant stalls, and busy with people from all walks of life. Many horses, donkeys but also all manner of fantastical beings were used as mounts and beasts of burden. The air was thick with the smell of flowers, roasting meat and spices. It was a loud, lively place. He looked at the scene, taking it in, and wondering how it was possible that such a place even existed, being so similar to the various movies, videogames, fantasy novels, and board games he had grown up with. Someone must have crossed the boundaries between the planes, and shared the reality of this place. He thought of Narnia, of the Forgotten Realms, of Middle Earth. He could have easily been standing in either one of those. And then he noticed a smile had found it's way to his lips. He felt like he belonged. 

His musings were interrupted by a knock on the door. Master Va'Renn? Are you awake?

Again he used the telekinesis spell to manipulate the door handle from a distance, and open it just a c***k. Outside in the hallway stood a petite girl that could have not been older than 20. She wore a maid's outfit, typically a white knee-long skirt, white shirt, black overcoat, and a black scarf, with open-toed sandals. Her hair was brown, short, and neatly kept. She held herself in a shy, unassuming manner, as servants usually did. Please enter Eeary - he said calmly. And please, I've told you before. I'm not your master. I'm nobody's master. So don't call me that.

Yes Mas- she halted, and then quickly corrected herself. Yes milord. 

Va'Renn will do Eeary - he said with a smile as he turned to face her. 

Yes Va'Renn - she smiled back. I've come to tidy your room, and ask what it is you'll be wanting for breakfast. 

What ever's available - he answered. Being unaccustomed to having servants wait on him, he felt uncomfortable in demanding anything specific. After all, just because he had magic in his blood, didn't mean he deserved any more respect than any other common man. Such things had to be earned, not given, he believed. 

Errr... alright then. Some bread, ham and cheese for you! Milk?... ok.. Milk also - she bubbled. 

That sounds lovely said Va'Renn. 

Oh! Master Kharaban was looking for you earlier! Said to tell you that if I found you!

Well thanks for telling me then! I guess I'll skip breakfast this morning. Where may I find Kharaban?

I saw him last in the Arboretum - Eeary answered. Ok then. Have a good day Eeary  - said Va'Renn, and sped off into the hallway. 

Winding his way through the tower's many levels, he soon found himself several levels below ground, in a large circular stone chamber. It was three hundred feet in diameter, hewn from natural stone, and capped with a dome-like ceiling. The inside was illuminated with a magical yellow glow, mimicking that of the sun, shining down on the many types of plants growing there. This was a place where the mages grew their magical plants, used for all from ritual ingredients, livestock feed, wine production, exotic fruit, and even tea. The plants grew year-round, and would yield fruit whenever needed. 

Among the multitude of plants, next to what looked like a lemon tree, if lemons were purple, stood Kharaban. Va'Renn approached. You were looking for me?

Ah yes! Yes I was! Hope you slept well. I was indeed looking for you! I have some good news! I finally figured out what caused the Stone of souls to respond to you the way it did! I should have anticipated this, you see.. 

Va'Renn raised a curious eyebrow. 

Come, come, let me show you.. He grabbed Va'Renn by the arm and practically dragged him away. Leading him back to that fateful room all the way on the top of the tower, unlocking the magic-sealed door that has not opened since the incident of his "initiation",  and proceeding inside. 

Once there, Kharaban began to explain: You see, the Stone of souls is an ancient magical device created by Su'Nar Varhalla himself. It was a device used for studying and identifying the various energies in one's very soul. It's most common use was for identifying and activating a person's magical potential. That is why I tried to use it on you. But alas, I failed to take into account that you - of course - don't have only one soul. You have nine!

After all, it was nine Mages who transferred their considerable powers into you - so It only stands to reason that the way they did this must have been by splintering their own souls, and infusing them into your own! That is why you were to much for the stone. It was never designed to handle more than one soul at a time! And no other man has more than one soul..so therefore - Boom! Hahaha! Oh how foolish was I!

Va'Renn looked at the broken stone circle. The blue mists were still rising from the wide c***k. What is that? That mist that's still smoking out?

Kharaban flatly stated - Souls.

Wait.. actual.. souls? Like.. human souls? Like yours and mine? Va'Renn asked half-shocked.

Yes. Actual souls. Not only human mind you.. also Elves, Dwarves, Dragons, Elemental-touched.. and many other races too.. all that had willingly given their souls over to the Academy. Or that were forcefully stored within the stone.

Forcefully? You would do that? Isn't that.. I don't know.. Evil? - Va'Renn had to ask.

Normally, yes.. but not as a means of containment. Sometimes, there are people with powers so great, souls so dark, and minds so far gone into madness, that they simply must be contained, lest they harm the greater good. Such souls are extracted and stored within the Stone of souls. Well - not any more clearly.. He glanced at the broken stone. At least until repairs are made. Then, he muttered to himself in a sad tone - if repairs are made.

Va'Renn snapped him out of his own thoughts with another loaded question - So all those souls.. they are seeping out now? Where do they go? Are they dangerous? 

Well.. no.. and yes. Depends really. A great majority simply go to their respective afterlives. You know.. to the place after.. this place? After we die? But some.. well.. some can be troublesome. They can linger. Search for new bodies. Search for living to feed on. Attach themselves to inanimate objects. That is why I had this room sealed. And why repairs must be made as soon as possible, or rather, as soon as we figure out how to carry them out. 

You don't know how to fix the stone? Va'Renn asked in surprise.

Well...errr... no. Not really, no - admitted Kharaban. But I have my top people working on it! Aravel is on a mission right now to uncover what I hope could be a major clue. 

Va'Renn felt ashamed that he had been the cause of what might prove to be a disastrous accident with unforeseen consequences. How can I help? - he felt compelled to ask. 

Oh, bless you Sorcerer.. but you are still not trained even in the basic of spells. Your help, however noble of you to ask, would not contribute much I suspect. And your training takes precedence. 

I am a firm believer in learning through practice - Va'Renn stated coldly, becoming annoyed by being treated like a school boy. 

Taking account of Va'Renn's sudden change of tone, Kharaban added - well... maybe you do have a point.. A more practical approach might be the way to go with you.. after all.. teaching you is.. different than the other students.. You seem to only need to understand the basic concept of spells, avoiding the proper gestures, incantations and implement use entirely. The trick with you seems to be focus, not discipline. I find this most curious actually. Entirely different than any other student this school has ever produced. 

And perhaps more than you can handle? - Va'Renn jested, pointing to the broken Stone of souls.

His jest, however, was not so funny to Kharaban. He actually drifted off, and again spoke under his breath - by the Gods, I hope not.

Seeing he took it a bit too far, Va'Renn continued - so, you mentioned a more practical approach?

Kharaban regained his composure - Yes. There is an archaeological dig not far from the city. A friend of mine discovered a previously unknown dwarven ruin. He is planing to lead an expedition there soon. Maybe, you could join that expedition? Go out and see the world for yourself? He is not a mage, but is a very highly learned and experienced scholar. His name is Laran Holm. You may find him in a villa just a hundred paces south of the Red Leaf Inn. I suggest you be careful though. Dwarven ruins can be dangerous places. Especially if you've never seen any undead. Hmm... Maybe I should teach you a few basic spells, just to make sure you're safe.. 

Well, I'm always up for learning new spells - Va'Renn said merrily. 

All right then.. Let's teach you how to protect yourself.. 

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The next morning, Eeary knocked on Va'Renn's door again, but didn't wait long for permission to enter. She opened the door, and pushed in a small wheeled cart, carrying several covered plates, utensils, and a basket filled with fresh fruit. A large pitcher was also present, and what appeared to be fresh towels on a shelf below. She pushed the wooden cart half way across the room, only to look at a snoring Va'Renn sprawled on the bed. Putting her arms to her sides, she whispered to herself - Well then. This won't do, now will it? Walking over to the heavy curtain, she moved it to the side in one swift motion, bathing the entire room in bright light. 

Va'Renn stirred immediately, covering his eyes with his hand.  Hey!? What the f**k? - He shouted in distress.

Don't take that tone with me Va'Renn! Tis' nearly noon! And you're still in bed! And that is not where you should be, is it? 

Noon already? - Va'Renn shot up in bed, like a bee had stung him. I'm late! He quickly got up, and began to put on his black apprentice robes. Not even using magic this time, he worked the buttons as fast as he could, stumbling about, looking for his socks and boots.

Eeary looked at him, struggling not to burst into laughing. I'm taking you won't be having any breakfast - AGAIN? 

Sorry Eearie, I'm running like - super late - answered Va'Renn putting his boots on, and then running for the door... But then he stopped in the archway - Thank you Eerie. And sped off.

Running down what he felt was endless stairs, he finally reached the tower's main door. A few dozen meters outside stood Kharaban, holding the rains of two horses. One was as white as snow, and the other a dark brown, with patches of white. They were saddled, and ready to go. Kharaban looked annoyed. As Va'Renn approached him, panting, he spoke in a stern voice - You're late. 

I know. I'm sorry. I overslept - blurted Va'Renn, struggling to catch his breath. You people don't seem to have alarm clocks in this world. 

Well then. It this, "alarm clock" will make you not waste my valuable time - maybe I should make one!

Va'Renn put an arm on his shoulder - I really am sorry friend. I would not waste your time on purpose. The ways of this world are still very new to me.

Kharaban lessened his stern attitude somewhat, and Va'Renn could not help but wonder how much longer he was going to be able to get away with using that particular excuse. 

Well then.. if you're ready.. let us be on our way. He mounted the snow-white horse, and waited for Va'Renn to do the same. Va'Renn stood as if turned to stone. He realized he had never actually ridden a horse before. Or even mounted one. Or touched one for that matter. He had no idea what to do. 

Kharaban senced his hesitance. You've never ridden a horse before?

Errr... no. In my old world, we didn't use horses as a primary mode of transportation.

Well then - added Kharaban - I guess you'll have to learn that too. But not now. Now, you can walk. Meet me in the Red Leaf Inn. I suspect I'll be on my second ale by the time you get there! Having said that, he kicked his horse into a gallop, and went speeding down the cobbled street. 

Now, it was Va'Renn who felt frustrated. He looked at the horse for a long minute, then finally thought to himself - well how hard can it be? One leg over, right? He put his foot in the stirrup, and attempted to mount. The horse simply sidestepped, and he promptly fumbled, finding himself on his ass. He dusted himself off, and attempted again. This time, the horse moved even faster, but Va'Renn managed to take his foot out of the stirrup, but not without twisting it painfully. 

He felt an anger rising inside him. He felt it bubbling up to the surface. He felt he was ready to smash something. He closed his eyes, and thought how a long time ago, after his D&D character had died, he imagined he had actual spells and fantasized about venting his anger by throwing cars like toy blocks, or blasting his immediate surroundings in a burst of rage-fire. And then, he remembered, he could probably do all that now. 

He calmed. Took a deep breath, opening his eyes. And he saw the horse hovering nearly a meter above the ground, wiggling it's legs as if trying to swim. 

Va'Renn could not help but burst into laughter. Then he realized something - it was him who was unconsciously keeping the horse aloft.. with that telekinesis spell.. He was using the spell to do something it was never designed to do. It was not designed to lift something as heavy as a horse!

He breached the limitations of a spell for the first time. Made it much more powerful. He wondered what else he could do with it now.. 

He felt empowered. Powerful. Mighty. And no horse would ever make him feel inadequate again. He put the worse down and waited for it to calm. Then, he put his foot in the stirrup again, mentally commanding the horse to accept him as a rider and stand still. The horse did not budge. One leg over, and he was mounted. He held the reins, and kicked the horse slightly to move. It moved forward. Then he pulled the reins and made the horse move in a circle. When he felt comfortable, he kicked the horse into a gallop, and sped off after Kharaban. Small victories he thought to himself. 

Some time later, He arrived downtown, to the Red Leaf Inn. Kharaban's white horse was standing outside. He dismounted his own, and tied it to the same post. He proceeded inside, looking for his mentor. He saw him sitting at a corner table nearest to the fireplace, along with another elderly gentlemen. Obviously a Dwarf, this man was a well-kept individual, dressed in a brown-green outfit worthy of a noble, with an intricately braided beard and dark brown hair that cut into multiple little mohawks. The two of them were drinking from wooden flagons and were deep into a discussion. Va'Renn approached them.

Aaaah! And here comes my worthy apprentice! said Kharaban excitedly.

I apologize for the delay. I rode here as fast as I could - added Va'Renn. 

Rode? Well then.. learning from practice indeed - jested Kharaban. Let me introduce you to Laran Holm. Holm, meet Va'Renn. A very talented mage, and our newest addition to the Academy. 

Holm extended a broad hand with short, stubby fingers. Va'Renn accepted. He then pulled up a chair and sat down.

Holm continued - As I was sayin', it won' be an easy trip. We have to brave the gorge and once inside, only the gods know what we'll find. But we do know that the clanhold was abandoned for 1500 years at least. I hope we get some sort of clan crest so we can identify the ruin. 

That is what I hoped to talk to you about - Kharaban interceded - I was hoping you would take Va'Renn here with you. He is young, and has no experience in the field, but is a very talented mage who learns fast.. apparently faster than I thought. 

A mage would probably be a good idea.. but please tell me he won't bolt at the first skeleton we see?

Believe me - I won't - Va'Renn interrupted.  And if we're expecting skeletons, I suggest you bring blunt weapons - hammers instead of axes perhaps. Skeletons are notoriously susceptible to blunt force trauma. 

Holm laughed. Oh tha's precious! Where'd ye find this one Kharaban?

You wouldn't believe even it I told you my old friend.. But I do promise you he won't let you down. 

Well in tha' case, I guess he can shlep along with us! But be wary boy - Holm held up one stubby finger - This expedition ain't for the faint of heart! Tis a dwarven ruin we're going to, and there ain't no telling what lay inside. The road to it will take us up a mountain, and it will take us 2 days to get there by horse. Once inside, you will do as I say, or you won't go inside anything ever again. Ye'll get yer fair share of anything we find, all loot is divided equally. Got it? Oh, and one more thing.. Just how good of a mage are ye?

I levitated a horse today - said Va'Renn flatly. Kharaban raised a curious eyebrow. I can also produce light and shoot firebolts without implements, and am quite capable of deflecting incoming blows with magic. This is just a taste of what I'm capable off, but I'm still only just testing my powers. I suspect adventuring with you and your party will advance my abilities further. 

Well then, I guess you can handle yourself. Be here tomorrow at dawn, and ready to go. And if you've never been underground before, bring warm clothes. Humans often get uncomfortable in the cold of the deep.

Good. I'll see you here tomorrow then. Anything else I should know.. or bring?

No, tha's pretty much it. Just yerself and your horse. We'll take care of the rest.

Kharaban added - Thank you for this favor Laran. You won't regret it. 

I hope yer' boy here doesn't either, hahahah! Holm lauged - and then promptly downed his ale. 

After the meeting was over, Kharaban's inquisitiveness got the better of him - What did you mean earlier by "you levitated a horse"? 

I levitated a horse - was Va'Renn's reply. I got angry because it wasn't letting me mount it. Then I closed my eyes to cool off. When I opened them, I was levitating the horse. I mounted it just fine after that. 

That is most curious - stated Kharaban. I've never heard of someone of your skill level being able to lift something that heavy. You continue to amaze me Va'Renn. 

I continue to amaze myself. A month ago, I was a just a geek with a bad job. Now.. I'm.. so much more. I'm literally going on an adventure tomorrow! You have no idea how cool that is for someone like me..

Kharaban was confused - I fail to see what adventuring has to do with temperature.. do you mean because you're going underground and were forewarned of the cold?

Va'Renn laughed - hahahahaha, no.. "Cool" si something you would say to describe something positive, something pleasing, satisfying, but also subtle. 

I see - stated Kharaban flatly. Well then. It would be "cool" if you were not late tomorrow as you were today. It sends a bad message. 

Don't worry. I'll be on time. I promise - Va'Renn assured him. And thank you for setting this up. I never though I would ever get the chance to do something like this.. actually explore a site that's been undisturbed for so many years.. It's a dream come true for someone like me. 

You're welcome. I think it will be good for you to test your powers in the field. Even though you are not a graduate yet, but it's good for an apprentice to know all the learning has real-world uses. 

You were surprised I can levitate a horse now, weren't you? - Va'Renn pushed the point. Is that something I'm not supposed to be able to do?

Well - I don't know. It was surprising, sure. None of the other apprentices of your skill level can do anything similar. But you have magic in the blood. Gods only know what you're capable off. And your progression is certainly much faster than any apprentice I've ever trained. I don't mean to make you overconfident, but getting to where you are now, usually takes years. You got there in mere weeks. I'm still undecided as to weather this is good or bad. 

So am I - Va'Renn agreed. I can't help to feel a bit worried over all the power I'm being given in a very short time. I can only help to use it responsibly. Just to think.. only a few weeks ago, I would not even think to attempt to mount a horse. Now - I leap before I look. That is very unusual for me. 

Well, gaining power can make one more confident - Kharaban explained. This is only the beginning, believe me. It is knowing one's limits that defines a great Mage.  You will learn this with experience. 

I'm sure I will. Now, let us go back. I must prepare for tomorrow's journey.