by Luke DeSalvo
Somehow, I’m always stuck with elves, Codiac thought to himself, trying to ignore the Faelynx character from the back of his mind.
Codiac thought about paying them all an immediate visit, however more pressing matters were at hand so instead he made way to the general's seating, his favorite benches.
There sat the mighty warrior Toston “Two Hands”, the giant nord from the frozen tundra lands of Haiton, as well as the chief engineer Gonzo “The Magnificence”, known for short, ironically a dwarf minority. The two sat among themselves and in deep conversation most likely over the ever-changing political changes as they often inquired to Codiac's dislike.
Toston took notice to the young knight's approach.
“Captain of the lowly Golden Hearts!” The big man boomed raising his liquor high above his head.
“Cheers!” He then began chugging a copious amount of the fresh beverage when the dwarf followed with his own repeat and join him.
“Oh, it's good to be back!” Codiac exclaimed sitting next to Gonzo, smacking him slightly on the back. He then searched around for the nearest bartender or waiting crew for his own refreshment.
“Hey!” Toston called, distracting the young knight captain, “I like your armor kiddo,” He winked, always giving Codiac a hard time over his gear, even if they shared half the cobalt ornaments. The young man could not help but to a smirk.
“Always the stylish one, yeah?” He retorted, then returned his search over the busy crowded dining area for a server.
The music was in an uproar where people laughed and bellowed at every smart comment. Codiac could not help but to take the whole sight in with a bit of glee, even with the missing drink nowhere in sight.
“So, I hear you have completed your mission,” Toston now said seriously, slowly lifting the dark spirits to his lip once more. Codiac gulped at his own growing thirst.
It was not unlike Toston to know about these transactions, no one paid as closely attention on Guild affairs than the giant of a man. Being in second in command, and content with it, he always kept a fair look out on job logs, inventory, finances and member status, plus recruitment. When he had time with his busy schedule, he also made a spectacular auctioneer, that provided a charisma with goods, making him highly esteemed by all around.
“Yes, general,” Codiac said gently, fingers clasped together before leaning into the conversation for attention.
“I might have struck gold.”
Gonzo roared in laughter from sheer enthusiasm at the guild motto and expression. The loud deep vocal act echoing against the very walls of the entire hall. No one seemed to mind however, conversation continued as if nothing ever happened. Unlike other guilds of disciple, Golden Hearts was prime at letting your true nature shine and no opinion went disregarded. All were free to speak their mind, bringing a warm satisfaction at denying Faelynx’s offer.
A hand touched Codiac's back, more than surprised and trying to keep his thoughts to himself, the young man sharply turned to face the newcomer and met eyes with a beautiful girl. His eyes widened at the sight of his childhood friend, Brittaney Lockett, the assassin acting as waitress tonight it appeared.
She beamed and handed a tall glass of golden ale to the young knight, home brewed here and a fast favorite of his.
“Glad you made it back, Cap'n,” She added with a winking gesture, carefully realigning her tray.
Brittaney Lockett truly was a gorgeous and exceptional sight and always had been for Codiac, even when they were children. Long wavy brunette locks, tips dyed black in new fashion, a seductive mocking pucker of lips perfected her face, and eyes, black as midnight, sensual, regarded him. Her looks were famous all around the globe as she often featured in magazines of “guild hotties” featured throughout Systralas.
With drinks reestablished, Gonzo, Codiac and Toston raised their glasses and spontaneously, as if out of habit, shouted in the loud hall:
“To the Golden!” drinking large gulps thereafter.
Satisfied with the three, Brittaney began to make way to another table when Gonzo reached out to grab her available wrist.
“You know, lass,” he started, the clasp of a general gained direct attention. “It's not every day a hero makes it back home from the War of the South.”
“Here, here!” Toston boomed back, “A song's in order!”
Brittaney's cool dark gaze scanned them all shortly stopping at the knight captain.
“Would you like this?” She asked him in an adoring manner.
“I would,” Codiac replied, smiling sheepishly.
She paused for a moment to regard the words.
“Okay, only for you though, Codi,” she winked and took off her waitress apron revealing a tight-fitting woolly leather attire. Noticing the men’s jaws drop, she smiled, blew a kiss and then made her way hastily to the stage with only one short wave back to the young knight captain.
The companions could not help but notice the tempting sway of Brittaney's hips as she walk-ran up the steps to the theater. Toston even whistled.
When she reached the platform, she spoke to the band quickly where the tunes stopped, and attention was gained as silence filled the air.
Brittaney grabbed the tall standing microphone to announce the entirety of people resting before her.
“Hello everyone!” She called out, no nervousness appeared, as if she had down this routine a hundred times.
“Today is a special day,” She continued, “For our long-lost champion has finally come home!”
Cheers, claps and applause commenced, all turning to regard their captain. Codiac simply raised a glass in silent memento.
The enchanting music started then, the stringed instrument of guitar and viola playing in unison.
“Hope's Return,” She announced coolly in the mic. As always, the applause started and quieted all the same, sweet melody stopping them as the tune danced among the walls.
Dreams were always seized in the night
never lacking faith
the dance of life
of its approach
The bells rang
when I first saw him leave
The music played on as background noise, soothing the audience, as the chatter commenced again, it was always a compliment to talk while a song played, making the performer keep atmosphere natural. Some chatted about the song itself, some on Codiac’s return, and others about greedy quests and spoils of loot. All with glee, to the tale of wonders of the very song and the return of their very own captain.
“You said you struck gold?” Toston asked, staring at Codiac.
Codiac reluctantly turned from the entrancing sight back to the big man.
“Yes,” He replied with a smile. “It’s an ancient scroll, lost before time, a weapon to bring magic to binding at will.”
“Not a soul-binding scroll used on my very own weapon?” Toston mused staring at his ginormous battle ax, the size of a man, beside him.
“No,” the young man stated, “even more powerful,” He then pulled his head closer to the two, commanding attention.
“Alexandra,” He whispered.
“Whoa!” The dwarf chipped in. “That does sound like gold indeed. You should have Kaeltrys examine it immediately. He'll want to see that scroll, mark my words.”
“In fact.” He breathed after a long considering pause. “Why haven't you visited him already?”
“For this,” Codiac replied softly, gazing at the stage once again.
The hall was silence once more awaiting the finale.
Night time awaits
in the bliss of his every word
Hope's return to me
He's in my every dream
Quick claps where given at the attractive high note and posture of the beautiful Brittaney. She looked right at Codiac, eyes meeting.
They have come true
She finished the last note as the stringed instruments continued shortly after, trailing off to cheering fans. The young bar maiden winked
one last time at Codiac before leaving the stage in a hurry with a content smile on her pretty face. The girls of the guild giggled in gossip, even Vyia could not help but join in with a romancing remark.
Codiac stunned, found himself still clapping and longing for further company from his childhood friend and hopefully love of his life one day.
“Great song!” Toston boomed, his hand clap dying to take only a small swig of his alcohol this time.
A gentle nudge, soft and furry rubbed against Codiac's ankle.
“Excuse me, sir.”
Next to the Codiac's leg rested a petite black cat, that was speaking perfect and elegant common tongue.
The house manager, and familiar of Cringe, Diz.
“Yes, Dizzy pretty kitty,” Codiac moaned in distraught, scanning against the hall to find Cringe laughing in his fist. The young captain knew all too well what would happen next.
“Your father awaits your presence,” The black cat said soothingly, feline yellow eyes glancing up to regard him.
“There is business to be settled.”
Chapter 4
“To live by the sword is to die by the sword, but to live for thy brotherhood is the sin greatest accepted to abide by.”
Codiac Dalin
Knight Captain of Golden Hearts
Codiac entered the Guild master's personal study swiftly, admiring the Altianian carpeted floor in their royal blue tones. A glowing white Systralas Globe sat huge in the center of the chamber, with surrounding book shelves containing books ranging about fine literature, poetry, spells, battle tactics, leadership, equipment types, and even world traveling destinations. Hieroglyphics of spell runes guarded the room with warding abilities alongside them were maps of distinguishing areas including the neighboring kingdoms of Layeth, Golmugatha, the wood elf territories of Nosta and Altina to the east.
The room acted as the very headquarters of operations for the commanding members of all Golden Hearts and at the room’s central globe laid beyond the same rich red wooden brown desk that Codiac was so desperately afraid of. At the bureau’s lounge seats, sat Cidher Dalin, his very own father looking very mute, sitting silently with the archmagician, and Codiac’s mentor, Kaeltrys Zalonga who was eyeing the young lad coolly.
Cidher Dalin, was an intimidating figure, big and tall, much unlike Codiac and their differences did not end there. For instance, the guild favored his father, who earned his way to the top, rather than being born into it. However, they both got along with commanding much service with the guild's traditions in a sense of duty. Cidher was never afraid to get his hands dirty himself and led the guild in various missions across Systralas, bringing up much of Golden Hearts wealth. It would seem his father was much larger than Codiac in more arenas than one. Though, Cidher appeared almost identical to Codiac, with brown wavy hair large laugh lines and a hawkish nose. Codiac had to admit that his father had aged well and appeared more of a brother figure than dad at times.
Cidher regarded his son, he appeared to be a tad feint, but still tarried into a standing position to the occasion and welcomed the young man along with the house cat, Diz who quickly prodded behind the young man. Kaeltrys repeated the notion of standing and each member shared a salute of honor upon arrival.
When they separated, Cidher cleared his throat to talk, but his advisor chimed in. “Did you find it?” Kaeltrys asked, dismissing formalities. He was a surprisingly young mage, although no one ever talked about it much, wearing long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to sink into your soul, if you stared long enough. It was no surprise for arch mage was a prodigy among prodigies in Systralas, growing with extreme power that was unmatched to none in most cases an elite. He was even muscular to boot and constantly stating that the body and mind were one and true magic required discipline with physical ability. A deadly foe and a better ally than any.
“I found it,” Codiac gently nodded while digging into his bag. He revealed seconds later an old blood-stained scroll, with foreign writing all over. It spoke of ancient power and dread, a forbidden magic of old and lost times.
“Good!” Cidher remarked greedily before glancing over the house manager cat. “You may leave us, Diz,” he said while gently nudging the cat with his foot in a playful manner.
The cat bowed her head and mewed before exiting, pushing the big door open with her head and making her escape.
There was a long pause when the feline exited, all eyes were on the scroll where Codiac hesitated with a gulp. Catching the awkward act of the young knight captain, the arch mage licked his lips and said:
“A most excellent find, master.”
Cidher clapped his hands together. “First order of business is always the most fun,” Cidher said. The man loved his share of magical artifacts a desire that father and son both shared.
It was that fact of their love of glory that Codiac had to remind himself that this was not a drill. Payday was coming. Like most of the guilds on Systralas with their economical contributions, Golden Hearts specialized in retrieving supernatural rewards through high end stakes that included blooded battles, diving into ancient crypts and monasteries, excavation sites were pillaged all throughout Systralas in enemy territories and kingdoms, castles of old evil, to riveting jungles across the nation. Nothing was out of bounds in their contracts and the loot was in high demand. Extremely dangerous line of work where profit was tremendous and the items containing from the job were of even more value.
In fervor, Codiac gave the scroll to Kaeltrys, losing the powerful essence of magic that came along with it. Aura now gripping the arch magician.
With excitement, Kaeltrys opened the parchment and began to study and stood there as if in a trance for several minutes, ignoring all outside distractions leaving Cidher to pace and Codiac to tremble. They stood waiting and after careful examination, the torn artifact revealed runes that glowed an old dead language, that the young knight noted that the origins were probably the high reptilian folk of lore, Scaythin, the young man was unsure at this guess, but the magic was ancient indeed. Kaeltrys was not too bothered at Codiac’s constant peering so he took his time deciphering the page a dozen times over.
With the silence so loud that Codiac could hardly bare it, he wondered if he truly had found an item worth something. Doubt began creeping deep into his hardened mind.
Not all quests were worth it. You could never be too certain if one would come out empty handed or not, and with the wait growing ever long, Codiac struggled and wondered if his tribulation in ogre infested territory was even a job well done.
The process to receive this treasure was long and tiresome. The young knight captain was forced to slay the ogre high mage and his entourage in the secret camp from the south. This proved difficult for their vast power and sheer numbers, but he attacked them nevertheless and quite often, leaving them in retreat until he would find them wondering the desert, stalking them hence. Finally, as the weeks carried on, Gonk, high ogre mage, was slain. The dumb witted highly powerful sorcerer commanding abstract Mana met death's hand from the captain's deadly rapier.
Finally, after several minutes of delay, with both father and son awaiting with agony, Kaeltrys looked up from the bloodied scroll.
“We must cast this immediately!” he exclaimed in exhilaration.
The two looked up at the arch mage in shock after the immense amount of muteness that took place just before. They reached out for an explanation with mouths agape.
“It's a more than suiting spell weapon for the heir of Golden Hearts. A powerful instrument that will last a lifetime. This sword has very few equals.”
A hopeful prayer was uttered underneath Codiac's breath.
Kaeltrys returned the ancient artifact, still opened and shimmering back to Codiac’s hands, who sighed one last time, for a calming effect, so that he may prepare for the casting.
For the magic of a power scroll to perform its application, the user must have the item in their possession, physical contact was
necessary to perform the enchantment's spell. The next process included, the repeating of the glyph by reading it out loud and carefully or else the spell would be broken. Unlike books of Mana, the scroll would then dissipate from existence after utilization.
“Repeat these words,” Kaeltrys said gazing seriously into Codiac's eyes.
“Suzai bi multo renee, calan blank tou.”
The young man listened and obeyed, he had studied magic theory for years, Codiac knew the basics of Mana, learning from the grand arch mage himself and even incorporating the ability into his own art. Dream magic. The tutelage honed his already impressive abilities making the young Codiac a grand future leader for the guild in many aspects. This knowledge was more than important, even minimal, to be aware of, a simple consciousness to the surroundings of Mana was key to any fight and now Codiac mimicked the words perfectly.
The parchment burned in with orange combustion, swirling blue Mana surged its way into Codiac's body to the heart of his very soul. He screamed from this impact half in delight, and the other half in sheer terror of its power that went to the very bone of his entire being. The heart of the young man leapt from the blast, a glittering glow of green surrounded him, and his spine contracted from the weight of the energy. He continued yelling, almost in enthusiasm this time, as his eyes turned from yellow briefly then back to their original color of deep brown.
The spell was over.
The young man had never felt such excitement in his whole life and shook with pleasure. He felt as thin as air, yet his strength taking on a giant's quality. Codiac gave one last gasp of shrill air as the spell was complete, scroll burning into oblivion in his very fingers, leaving no trace of its existence.
“It's done,” Kaeltrys concluded.
Codiac could not find a response for a moment, his breathing came in long rasps as a new him was born. A deep new ability was unlocked of psychic nature and he desperately attempted to find this new connection from within.