The Protector and the Vengeful Instruments

The Roots of the Protector and the Tribulations of the Past

                     “Ecko, before my mother died, she said he was not my real mother. And now that we are on our way to Nethilore, I am so nervous. I don’t know what awaits me there”… said Zack while looking at the Amulet. Ecko in a form of a griffin, answered back “Whatever is in there, you have me and the remaining elves. We will fight alongside with you and defeat Ascarus.

The group is getting nearer and nearer to the kingdom of Nethilore. While in the air, Zack is starting to get a view of the majestic and massive Nethilore castle.

Ten narrow, round towers surround the castle. Each reach twice the height of the walls and are connected by huge, solid walls made of silver stones. Tall wide windows are scattered thinly around the walls in seemingly perfect symmetry, along with asymmetric crenellations for archers and artillery. A huge gate with huge silver door carved in the emblem of Nethilore, showing the amulet in the altar of Ogun. A shiny long bridge and large crenellation guards is the only entrance to the castle built at the edges of a shoreline. But it’s not the only way in which fortunately only very few know.

Well-kept gardens with fragrant flowers, gorgeous trees and many bushes decorate the outside of the castle.

“Is that the castle of Nethilore?” asked Zack.

“Yes” answered Ecko. It has been years since I last visited the kingdom of Nethilore.

“Years? Aren’t you guys not fond of parties? “

“We do, but you cannot just show up in the gates of Nethilore without any invitation from the King” answered Ecko.

“Ohh. Now I get it.

Zack and the group finally landed in front of the tall gates of the castle. Using its large wings, Ecko made a slide so Zack and the elves can get off him. He then turned back into an elf form.

“Now how could we let the folks know we are here outside? Do they have a doorbell or something?”

“Nope we just have to wait until someone would notice us” replied Ecko.

“What???...”

Hold your tongue… they are here… said Ecko.

Two tall guards in white armor appeared with their spears pointed next to Ecko and Zack’s head.

“Hey you guys C’mon let us chill out around here.” Zack said moving his face away from the sharp blade of the spear.

“What are you doing here Elves! And how dare you brought a mortal in the gates of the kingdom of Nethilore! Said the other guard, “speak or die!”

  “Wait up, we are here to see Conandus, the king of Nethilore. Right before you is the protector!” explained Ecko.

“The protector?” the other guard asked. Then the two burst in laughter.

“These two are not trying to insult me aren’t they?”

“No Zack they are only making fun of you” answered Ecko while rolling his eyes.

“I am the protector” said Zack. He closed his eyes, the amulet lit up and when the strong light faded the Grimoire armor covered his entire body.

The two guards were amazed that they dropped their spears…

*** Kingdom of Avrok

                   Crimson flames are all over the throne of Ascarus. He sits on a massive rock-made chair with ruby crystals on the back. On his right is the soul staff. Polished braziers attached to one side of each of the twelve onyx columns light up the tower levels of the throne hall and shroud it in a dark red radiance. The thousands of gems on the layered ceiling dance in the flickering light while sculptures look down upon the black marble floor of his sublime hall.

                    A sanguine rug runs from the throne to the doors and is matched by the smaller ones on either side of the hall while embattled banners with golden sides dangle gently from the walls. Between each banner sits a smaller alter of candles, a few of them have lit and in turn illuminate the sculptures of the past kings of the kingdom of Avrok.  Slim, washed glass windows are contoured by drapes colored the same sanguine as the banners. The curtains have been adorned with embellished borders and onyx leaves.

                    The throne is covered in hundreds of elaborate images and fixed on each of the stubby legs is a sapphire divine symbol. The thick pillows are a light sanguine and these too have been adorned with golden borders. Those expecting an audience with their royal highness can do so on the many modest, yet comfortable oak benches, all of which are diagonally facing the throne. Those of higher standing can instead take seat in the more ornate balustrades overlooking the entire hall.

                 The protector is getting stronger every time a fragment is collected. We have to kill him before he lay his hands in all the fragments. Now, if no one of you can do that simple task. I’m afraid I have to do it myself! says Ascarus. His eyebrows meet and in his eyes is a strong burning flame of eagerness to kill the protector.

***Kingdom of Nethilore

               “My King, forgive my insolence but with me is the protector and the remaining elves from the Anhlon city…” said the other guard on his knees. King Conandus is with lead chancellor Vathru, and Caspir (the spirit advisor). They all looked back to face the guards…”What did you say?” King Conandus asked. “Which of them is the protector?” he asked.

“It is this kid, and the guard gave way for Zack to move forward”.

“Uhm, wait I’m not used to this forgive me, should I curtsy? Bow?” Zack asked looking at Ecko asking for his advice. The king moved towards him and observed him “There is no need for formalities young man, If you are indeed the protector, I should be the one to bow before you as you hold the key to the power of the great Grimoire. He held Zack’s hand and helped him stand straight. “So protector, can you tell me how you became the bearer?” the king walked towards his throne and he sat on it.

                 “I never wanted to become the protector, everything is new to me. My mother was killed by a female freak, then my friends from the Anhlon city and elder Elf Onvai, they are all dead. I can remember this thing shinning from the sky falling towards me. Then I feel asleep. The next thing I know, it’s already in my hand. I know nothing about being a protector. So I came here to ask for your help. I need to collect all the remaining fragments so I can make myself strong and avenge my mother and the rest who have been killed in the hands of Ascarus.” Explained Zack making a fist out of his hands. His eyes shaking eager to make himself strong enough to become worthy to be called the bearer of the Amulet of Grimoire.

               “We share the same goal protector.” You may stay here for a while and lets start your training before we set you off looking for the remaining fragments.” Said King Conandus. “Show them their rooms. You all have been thought a lot for the past few days. Empty your mind for now and be prepared, before the sunrise we will start your training.

                  They all followed the servants and the guards, but Ecko looked back. He knows there is more to Zack’s story that the King would need to hear.

                 “Zack, I’ll stay for a bit and would need to talk to the king for a while concerning the remaining elves”. Ecko said. “Uhm, alright see you around then.” Answered Zack.

                  Ecko stayed and asked for the king to give him some time to talk him. “My King.” He said. “There is more to Zack’s story. I’m afraid you have to also hear this.”

                 Go ahead, elf, I mean what was your name again?” The king asked.

                  Ecko my liege. Answered Ecko. Zack, I mean the protector, he came from the mortal realm. But was not mortal by birth. He was raised by a Lightwalker someone you know very well…

                   “What? Who? And how did he get there?” the king asked, very eager to hear the rest of what the elf has to say. 

                 “It’s Dahlia, the lady-in-waiting of Princess Idionne.  I’m afraid, he is the long lost prince of Nethilore. Prince Almeric. The Amulet of Grimoire would not choose him as the protector for no reason. And it is because in his blood runs the power of them most powerful creature in the light realm! A Lightwalker! A Royal one!

                 “Ecko, this is so much for me to handle. See if he is indeed my grandson. I would be able to tell right away. I can see no power in him. He is purely mortal. Besides all royal family of Nethilore has a birthmark on their neck or shoulders, the emblem of the kingdom should be embedded in his body. Did you see it for yourself?” asked the King Conandus.

               “Forgive me my liege. But I haven’t seen one.”

                 “Ecko, the protector lost his mother and friends in less than a week. Although Dahlia as his mother in the mortal realm can be a key to finding my grandson, we will talk about this sometime. He couldn’t bear to hear news like this. We will keep this a secret until we are sure about his real identity aright?”

                “Yes my liege.” I understand thank you for welcoming us. I shall go to our rooms.”

                 Ecko head back leaving the king with so many questions in his mind. I looked at the portrait of him the deceased Queen of Nethilore and Princess Idionne from his stained glass windows. He knows he badly wanted to know the truth. But all he can do is wait until everything unveils.