Prologue

PROLOGUE “Where do you think he is hiding Captain Merick Prymus?” Guardian Donald Sergora asked him while the sharp-heavy wind collides upon his face.

“A place in which we will not find him.” Captain Merick Prymus teased. He was a young man and as fair as any Pallideran can become. His hair, being trampled by the wind is the color of blonde in which caters his muscular face. Everything about Captain Merick Prymus is enchanting; however he possesses a trait in which is a very valuable mutation that only a few has inherited. This gift is powerful and yet very frightening to those who look upon it for the first time. They are his eyes. Captain Merick Prymus posses the red eye. Today these eyes of his are as clear red as blood.

“Quit starring at his eyes lad.” Commander Hector Ozamal urged. “You will offend the Captain.”

“Let him stare all his wants Commander. He has never seen the red eye before and it must create some curiosity.” Captain Merick Prymus turned and displayed Guardian Donald Sergora a grin. “Am I correct Guardian?”

Guardian Donald Sergora is extremely fascinated by the red eye that words could not form in his mouth. He is an interpreter; he can read the soul of any men through the vessel of their eyes. Unfortunately he is unable to decipher the red eyes.

“Did you not hear the Captain? He was talking to you Guardian Donald Sergora. At least acknowledge him.” Commander Hector Ozamal is in his old age. He is of Pallideran race as well with a pale complexion which pampers his brown hair and blue eyes. Captain Merick Prymus specifically chose him to be in this mission due to the basis that he has great knowledge of Jagged Heights. He is also Frail and elderly, but with great experience in battle.

Captain Merick Prymus placed his hand onto the glistening silver shoulder plate of Commander Hector Ozamal. “You should be less strict with the young lad. He recently was just promoted to the rank of Guardian in such a young age.” Captain Merick Prymus turned back towards Guardian Donald Segora. “This is the reason why I brought you along. I heard many great things about you young lad. You should be proud of your accomplishments.”

Guardian Donald Sergora was very pleased in the words of his captain. He has praised Captain Merick Prymus because he is the youngest Knight to reach the rank of Captain in all of Zaleria. He has heard stories of Captain Merick Prymus in his home land of Pious in the

continent of Amriak. “You’re words flatter me captain.” Guardian Donald Sergora had the complexion of wood; which is common with his race of Umbark. The eyes upon his face are of the color brown which matches his hair. The young Guardian is very skilled in the art of swordsmanship. Not once has he been cut by his opponent in battle or injured due to his superior skill with the sword. He has been praised with this great talent of his which lead him to be promoted to Guardian with a short period of time. He is also very well versed with a certain magic.

“Don’t be so humble young lad. Soon you might even reach the rank of Captain within a shorter period of time than I have accomplished.” Captain Merick Prymus returned his attention back towards Commander Hector Ozamal. “Commander, how many battles have you engaged in Jagged Heights?

“Not many as one would think with my knowledge of these mountains.” The commander scanned around our position. “Most would prefer to avoid battle in Jagged Heights.”

A deep chill coursed through Guardian Donald Sergora’s spine. He felt the danger and tragedy within the words of the commander.

“I lost many comrades in battle within these cursed peaks.” The commander squatted towards the ground and grabbed a handful of dirt. “The tragedies in the lost of my comrades were not even caused by the enemy.” He looked up at the young Guardian. “You better have brought your best sword to this day if you hope to see home once more.” The commander’s hard face softened within his next words. “I respect our captain, but I had hoped he would not have brought such young prospects to their impending doom on this day.”

Captain Merick Prymus frowned upon those words. He walked towards the commander. “I will not let any of you die on this day. I mark my words. You may have lost many here, but I will not be the fool to have brought death upon your lives.”

Confusion was placed upon Guardian Donald Sergora’s face. “What was it that took your comrade’s lives Commander?”

Both the Captain and the Commander had wished they would not answer the young Guardian’s question. However, they must let him have the knowledge of what awaits him in these forsaken peeks of Jagged Heights. “Hydras.” Commander Hector Ozamal whispered quietly.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“Let fear escape your thoughts lad.” The captain urged. “You’re lives will not be forfeit under my command.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">Guardian Donald Sergora was not afraid. He was excited. In his young naïve perspective; he will be combating the atrocious Hydras side by side Captain Merick Prymus.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“You seem to not be responding well with our words.” The captain said.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">A slow smiled crept within Guardian Donald Sergora’s mouth. “I am not afraid Captain. I will not bring shame upon your name on this day.” Guardian Donald Sergora clenched his fists. “They will speak of this mission from this day onward.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The captain smiled. “I am glad I won’t regret my decision of choosing you to accompany us. Our mission is to track down the Hydra Master Torwyn Aelfric. He is a whisperer towards the hydra.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“He is able to communicate and tame the Hydra.” Guardian Donald Sergora acknowledged.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“Indeed Guardian. Hydra Master Torwyn Aelfric is wanted for the murders of many. He is to be captured dead or alive. If captured alive, then the Lords of Amarant will decide his crucial fate.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The Guardian looked out across him. They all have travelled far up the summit of Jagged Heights. No one can understand how glorious the sight is in front of him. He walked towards the edge and is witnessing land stretching across as far as he can see from below the peaks. He is wandering how long it will take for him to hit the ground if somehow unmerciful fate allows him to fall. He did not want to think about silly things like that. However, his legs began to tremble. The beautiful view he once witnessed turned to fear. He slowly tried moving back. The wind started blowing heavier and sharper. He tried to hold his balance but with no success. His eyesight began to blur. Grogginess captured his staggered body. The young Guardian was unsure of his situation. His body withers upon the edge of the peak. Slowly the view he is witnessing begins to move closer towards his face.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">A strong hand grabbed a hold onto the Guardian’s shoulder plate. “Scared of heights?” The captain asked.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The guardian was an Umbark in the continent of Amariak. The lands of his home continent are mostly flat and he has never ventured into Gravel Heights of Amriak. It is no mystery why he felt faint and weak. “My apologies Captain.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“Try not to wander too close to the edges young lad.” Commander Hector Ozamal warned him. “Humans aren’t meant to fly. The shock of the heights can take you by surprised. One moment you are admiring the vista of the land, and the next you are falling to your death.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The Guardian nodded to The Commander’s advice. He was glad The Commander is not as strict as he was earlier on this day. He gave the Commander a smile with only discomfort in return. The Guardian’s cheek caused pain as he smiled. He placed his hand onto his face and felt a very familiar warm moist substance caress between his fingers. He looked at it and was appalled with what he witnessed. The substance was as red as the captain’s eyes. Blood was pouring down his cheek. The commander noticed this as well with frightened eyes as if he knew what it had meant.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The Captain unsheathed his long sword with blinding speed. Guardian Donald Sergora slightly acknowledged a high pitched hum. He noticed that the sound is emitting from the captains long sword. It was a beautiful artifact. The long sword graced the color of gio yst. The guardian was in awe of how his captain’s sword radiated light as if it were alive. It may have looked beautiful, but the Guardian knew it was a sign of danger.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“Get away from the cliff!” Commander Hector Ozamal howled loudly.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The Commander dived towards the side while The Captain latched onto The Guardian and hurdled towards the same direction as The Commander. Guardian Donald Sergora began to breathe heavily while attempting to catch his breath. It was so sudden that bewilderment explored his thoughts. “What is going on?” Where the only words Guardian Donald Sergora was able to dribble out of his mouth with no acknowledgement. He heard the rumble of rocks and turned towards the direction. Fear struck deep within his core. The cliff he was standing upon while admiring the view of the land was no longer there. It was a moment ago but is now replaced by a crater. The captain still held onto him and leaped once more onto a different location. The Guardian was unable to reveal the direction in which they are approaching since his awareness is still staggered.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“Keep it together.” The captain whispered gently and jolted once more into the air.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The Guardian can easily feel sickness creeping up onto him. However he unsuccessfully struggled to withhold his vomit and spewed it all out. This shameful act caused his senses to finally settle properly. He examined their surroundings and gasped in awe when he noticed the many crates encompassed their position.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“Are you able to stand?” The captain asked.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The Guardian nodded, still unable to speak from confusion.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“Good.” The captain pointed at a pile of rocks. “Now quickly hide behind that rubble.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The Guardian still was speechless.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“Now!” The Captain roared.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">With little hesitation, Guardian Donald Sergora followed his instructions and jolted towards the rubble on staggered legs. He was successful in keeping his balance. Once he felt he was away from sight, he peeked at The Captain. His heart felt heavy once he finally noticed the downed Commander. The Captain ran to his aid.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">Guardian Donald Sergora placed his hand on his injured cheek and finally discovered why it suddenly began to bleed. It was from the mysterious attacks. The Commander’s body was filled with the same kind of cuts. Commander Hector Ozamal began to spasm in pain as The Captain examines his injuries.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">A loud vicious screech shrouded over the horizon. The Guardian looked towards its direction to witness a gigantic shadow hovering in the sky; a Hydra. It screeched once more, this time The Guardian noticed a large luminous blast enclosing towards his captains direction.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“Perkoza Gaitis!” The captain yelled. A luminous armor began to engulf the Captains body. The Guardian recognized the chant as a Zephyr spell which fabricates wind armor onto the caster. The Captain hovered on top of the Commander’s body and absorbed the blast from the shadowy figure in the sky. The Guardian assumed that the Hydra utilized a wind offense in which was nullified due to the wind armor The Captain summoned. “Beroshkira” The Captain chanted as his open palm pointed towards The Commander. This chant allowed a luminous entity to hover underneath The Commander and began to levitate him towards the same rubble in which The Guardian is taken shelter from. This was another Zephyr spell.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">Captain Merick Prymus raised his left hand onto the sky. “Arikozaro.” The Captain chanted. The sky quickly darkened to a complete black which caused the clouds to rumble loudly. The Guardin acknowledge this as a very powerful Tempest Spell. Only those with a large amount of Soul Fury can use the spell Arikozaro. Without any warning, a humongous blue flare from the clouds clashed onto the flying Hydra. A dreadful yelp emitted from the monster as it began to crash onto the summit of Jagged Heights.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">A tremor waved the peaks of Jagged Heights once the Hydra finally pummeled the terrain. There was no denying it. The Hydra is a powerful monster, but not even that can withstand a spell such as Arikozaro. The captain knew this as well and walked towards his subordinates. The Guardian was amazed The Captain is still able to walk, much less full of breathe. Commander Hector Ozamal noticed the amazement in the young Guardians expression. “It is the red eyes.” The Commander whispered in pain. Another spasm travelled into his body. “The red eyes can allow a caster to use high level magic.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“Hush Commander.” The Captain urged. “Save your strength. There is still much battle to be done.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The Guardian thought the words spoken from The Captain’s mouth was a lie. “You slain the Hydra Captain!”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">A grin is painted onto The Captain’s face. “That was merely a Hydraling lad, with many more to arrive. Its mother will now be out for vengeance.” The Captain examined his subordinates. “I changed my mind. This is too dangerous for you two. Guardian Donald Sergora, I order you to accompany Commander Hector Ozamal back to Amarant.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“Captain! I am still capable of fighting.” The Commander urged.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“Non-sense. Standing is not even in your capability in this hour.” The Captain turned his attention towards the young Guardian. “Which is why I must have you accompany him back to the city.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">A slight grunt spewed from the mouth of The Commander. He was committed into getting back onto his feet. It was painful to watch, especially with all the blood. “I am yet to be finished. I will die before I leave a mission incomplete.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“I shall accompany you as well Captain.” The young Guardian urged. “I have yet to allow fear to consume my heart.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The Captain is in deep thought, undergoing his decision. His eyes abruptly focused onto his subordinates. “I praise your courage. I know anger will flow through me if I were to have been sent home during a mission. Come along you two.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">Great relief entered the young Guardian. However he is hoping whether or not he will regret this decision. In his heart he doesn’t, but in his thoughts he does. “I will die before I disgrace my honor.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“For my sake, let us hope you shall not perish. I will do everything in my power to bring you both home.” The Captain began to march forward as his subordinates followed along. The wind has picked up once more. The young Guardian gripped onto his sword. “Let go of your sword. That was just the wind.” The Captain teased.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">Embarrassment flushed onto The Guardian’s face. “You never know.” The Guardian explained trying to excuse his amused actions.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“This is Archfiend.” The Captain gestured towards his sword. “It was forged by a mighty Foul Mage a very long time ago. Its blade glows whenever a powerful monster is near.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“Where would one acquire such a treasure?” Guardian Donald Sergora was astonished.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“That is a question in which I cannot answer. This sword has been in my family’s keep for countless generations.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The young Guardian felt it was unfair. However if one would carry such a mighty weapon, than he is glad it found the hands of Captain Merick Prymus.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The sky is still bright. The young Guardian believes it to still be around mid-day. If they were to go into battle, he hopes it would not engage during the hours of night. He would prefer it during this hour, but that is not within his grasp. Nevertheless, we will still fight during the hours of night.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">Strength no longer holds The Commanders legs. “Cursed legs!” The Commander yelled. “Do not fret Captain, I shall be up soon.” The young Guardian rushed to his aid. Blood from The Commander stained The Guardian’s armor.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">Ear piercing shrieks covered the skies. Five gigantic figures race towards the brave Knights. “Stay down.” The Captain ordered Commander Hector Ozamal. “Do not argue this time Commander. You are better off away from combat in this hour.” The Captain now concentrated on his Soul Fury. “Arikozaro!” The clouds angered once more. Thunder began to crash upon the Hydra’s. However there seem to be no effect on them this time. Captain Merick Prymus fell upon his knees. Extremely Exhausted from the lack of Soul Fury. Even the red eye will tire from casting five Arikozaros at once. “Impossible.” The captain blurted out from exhaustion. As he examined closely at the peaks, he caught a glimpse of a figure in a shape of a man. He forced his eyes to focus onto the assailant, ignoring his exhausted state. It was Torwyn Aelfric! The Hydra master was clothed with a dark hood which covered most of his face. Captain Merick Prymus was able to recognize the hooded man because of the bright blonde hair waving underneath the hood. What are the chances of two bright blonde headed men on top of Jagged heights within the same day? The Captain attempted onto his feet once more with no success.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The young Guardian caught him before he fell. “Captain, the man over at that distance casted Girta Gaitis onto the Hydras just as you casted Arikozaro.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“That sly bastard.” The Commander cursed from behind them. “We are doomed.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The young Guardian placed The Captain onto the mucky soil of Jagged Heights. “Do not fret for you lives. I neither have yet to be injured nor am I lost of Soul Fury. Stay here my seniors and I will demonstrate why I have ranked to Guardian in such little time.”The young Guardian ran towards the closest Hydra. Luminous blasts exhaled from the Hydra’s mouth. “Perkoza Gaitis.” The young Guardian chanted. Luminous armor quickly fabricated around Guardian Donald Sergora. The blast from the Hydras instantly evaporated as soon as it caressed Perkoza Gaitis. The young Guardian pointed his left palm onto the ground. “Lirqwako”. A luminous blast ejected from Guardian Donald Sergora’s left palm which allowed the momentum to elevate him into the sky. The young Guardian swiftly landed onto the middle head of the Hydraling. With lightning speed he penetrated the head and began to run towards the Hydraling’s back while his long sword remained into the flesh. The other heads followed The Guardian’s pace when he suddenly pulled the long sword out from the Hydraling’s flesh and relocated the blood from its blade onto his palm. He placed his bloody palm in front of him. “Nerokarazashka.” The Guardian chanted.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The other four Hydraling heads suddenly haulted and began to shriek. “Blood Magic.” Torwyn Alefric mumbled. “You blinded my Hydraling!”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">Guardian Donald Sergora quickly hacked off the head closest to him. Blood sprayed onto his face in which he quickly relocated onto his palm once more. He swiftly hurled as high as he could and directed his palm onto the Hydraling. “Frailikro.” He chanted. The shrieking of the Hydralings ceased when all heads where instantly removed at the same time. The Hydraling fell onto the dirt of Jagged Heights, dead before it even landed. Its death was dishonored by The Guardian landing sword-first onto its carcass. The other Hydraling’s began to surround The Guardian. He took his already impaled sword and slashed it forward. Blood spewed in the air. “Karasis.” The Guardian chanted. The dead Hydraling and the Blood slashed into the air evaporated before it could land onto the ground.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“What did you do to my Hydralings?” Torwyn Alefric demanded. The four Hydralings seem to disregard his whispers.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“I used the blood and death of your Hydraling to cast this powerful spell. I can now control their minds.” The Guardian turned his attention towards the Hydralings. “Land!” Guardian Donald Sergora commanded. The Hydralings followed his instructions. The young Guardian gripped the blade of his long sword and slashed his palm. He directed his bloodied palm towards the four Hydralings. “Teroshkia.” He chanted. The Hydralings quickly began to whimper and panic. The screeching noise and cries is a bit too disturbing for The Guardian to bare. “Forgive me.” He whispered under his breath. “If only he was not a Hydra Whisperer. I’d let you all live.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">Torwyn Aelfric allowed fury to enter his voice. “What are you doing Blood Mage?” He tried to comfort the Hydralings but they are a bit unstable and may accidentally attack him.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“They are suffocating.” The Guardian explained. The four Hydralings finally quieted down and fell into slumber. “I had no choice Torwyn Aelfric.”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“You son of a whore!” Torwyn cried out. “Serpentaurys!”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">Serpentaurys? The ancient Hydra Serpentaurys is under the whisper of Torwyn Aelfric! This is not good he tells himself. Cutting his palm and using Teroshkia made him lose a lot of blood. Unfortunately there is no other source of blood close to him. He will faint if he uses his own blood once more.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The wind instantly became heavier and angry. It was almost a bit too much for The Guardian to withstand. A very loud screech filled the air. The young Guardian had to cover his ears from getting deaf. Abruptly, there it was, Serpentaurys. He is easily five times the size of the Hydralings. It landed next to its master.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“Serpentaurys, my friend. These vile creatures unmercifully slain your kin!” A large vengeful roar echoed from the mouth of Serpentaurys. “Take your revenge and bring honor to your fallen ones!”

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">All five heads vengefully glared into the eyes of The Guardian. He believes that this is it. He cannot kill this one. Serpentaurys is too powerful. The Angry Hydra slowly walked towards The Guardian as if it is stalking its prey. One step from the great hydra shakes the peaks of Jagged Heights. It is now face to face with Guardian Donald Sergora. The young Guardian closed his eyes, hoping the great Hydra will gift him with a quick death.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">“Niquaro!” The Captain yelled out. He must have recovered enough Soul Fury to be able to cast such a spell.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The Guardian opened his eyes once more due to the surprise of the Captain’s spell. Serpentaurys is quickly being consumed by the terrain of Jagged Heights. This is a very powerful Gravel spell in which allows the caster to turn any terrain into quicksand.

<p style="text-indent:36.0pt">The Captain released the spell right before the great Hydra is fully consumed by the terrain. It’s five heads where the only thing left visible. “I only mean to imprison Serpentaurys, not kill it. A great ancient monster does not deserve a death from mere humans.” The Captain began to walk towards Torwyn Aelfric. The criminal is glad that Serpentaurys is not been slain. He is thankful for that. “Torwyn Aelfric. You are wanted by the lords of Amarant for your hideous crimes against human lives. May God’s grace shine upon you for the evil you have caused and forgive your soul if put to death. I, Merick Prymus, Captain Knight shall return you to Amarant to inquire the face of Justice.”