Second Skin Omnibus

by M Damon Baker

  “Welcome, Sintári,” his voice called to me calmly. “Be at peace; you have no need for your weapons here.”

  “You do not intend to test us in battle as the dwarven King did?” I asked, puzzled by the unexpected turn of events.

  “No,” the elf laughed. “That was my friend’s way, not mine. Your arrival here is all the proof I need to know that you are worthy of the prize you seek—that you are indeed the one for whom it is intended.”

  “Sit with me, Sintári,” the elf said, gesturing to the lush grass beneath our feet. “I have waited a long time for your arrival and have made many preparations for this moment. Now that you are finally here, the time left to me grows short, and I have much to tell you before it runs out.”

  We sat down upon the cool grass and Bane nestled on my shoulder as the ancient elf King told his tale.

  “The dwarven King and I tried to bring peace to the land in our time, but we failed miserably. Despite our efforts, wars raged across the realms and people slew each other mercilessly over the pettiest of things. When we realized that our cause was hopeless, we set about preparing for the time when another would come. One who could indeed set the world right.”

  “I see the doubt on your face, Sintári. We did not make our preparations out of any false sense of hope. Your coming, along with your companions, was foretold to us. ‘The one who is, but never was,’ the seer told us; only she would have the power to bring peace to our lands, and although we did not understand the seer’s words, we believed in her vision. It has been so long… So many lives have been wasted over the centuries that I have waited, and yet it will all be worthwhile if you can restore order to Arrika.”

  “I do not know how much has been revealed to you Sintári, so I will tell you your duties in full. You must end the petty squabbling among human, dwarf, elf, and halfling. Unite the realms under your own banner and lead them to victory against the hordes of the Dark Lands, driving its evil from the face of Arrika for good.”

  “The tasks I have set before you are daunting, I know. Do not let the enormity of it dissuade you—the dwarven King and I have done much to clear the path for you, and you will have many advantages we lacked in our time. Not the least of all are the advantages of being a Sintári yourself. Never discount that.”

  “I have done all I could to prepare this land for you. To make it your home, your stronghold. Complete the fortifications we began and gather friends and allies to your side—with you leading the way, showing the world that there is a better life for them here, many will flock to your banner. The promise of hope may be your most powerful weapon in the beginning.”

  “When you are ready, you must expand and make allies, offer alliances, and do what it takes to bring the realms under your control. I have no doubt that some will resist you, so you must also prepare to make war as well. Do not hesitate when that time comes—the threat of the Dark Lands will remain beyond your reach until all of Arrika is with you. Make no mistake, Sintári, blood will be spilled in your name.”

  “Only with the full might of all Arrika behind you will you have any hope against the terrors of the Dark Lands. Orcs and goblins are far from the worst things you will encounter when you enter those foul lands. Spare nothing in your battle against them—burn every last inch of those cursed lands if you must. The threat of the Dark Lands must be ended if there is going to be a lasting peace across our realms.”

  “Your task is a mighty one, and we have done our best to help prepare you for it. This valley is but one of our gifts for you. Your dwarven companions were prophesied and have already received their gifts. Inside my sarcophagus are the boons I have prepared for your elven friends.”

  The elf King rose and gracefully strode back to his sarcophagus. With a gesture of his hand, the heavy lid slid off, tumbling down to the soft grass with a dull thud. Reaching inside, the ancient spirit withdrew a mace constructed of pure Khelduin before handing it to me reverently.

  “This is for you to give, Sintári,” he spoke.

  The silvery metal glinted in the sunlight, enhancing the delicate engraving that shone brightly across its surface. Intricate runes were carved across the head of the weapon, and the flanges protruding from the heavy metal were deadly works of art. Examining the mace brought forth its description as I turned to face my companions.

  Sintári Crusher – A heavy mace destined for one of the Sintári’s companions. This weapon inflicts bonus magical damage based on the wielder’s Wisdom. Additional damage is also added against enemies diametrically opposed to the Sintári’s goals. This weapon may only be wielded by one specifically chosen by the Sintári. The recipient will become aware of the weapon’s properties once it has been gifted by the Sintári.

  “Venna, I would be honored if you would accept this gift from me,” I said, presenting the mace to her.

  She took the mace from my hands and her mouth fell open as it revealed itself to her. Tears streamed from her eyes and she shook her head slowly.

  “This is nearly God-forged. I am not worthy of a gift such as this.”

  “It is the weapon that is not worthy of you, Venna,” I replied to her.

  “I will do all I can to prove you right, Sintári,” she said, bowing her head slightly.

  “You already have,” I said, holding her gaze in mine.

  The moment between us was broken as the elf King withdrew another weapon from his sarcophagus. When he handed it to me, I took the hilt of the broadsword and read its description.

  Sintári Slasher – This Broadsword is destined for one of the Sintári’s companions. This weapon inflicts bonus magical damage based on the wielder’s Strength. Additional damage is also added against enemies diametrically opposed to the Sintári’s goals. This weapon may only be wielded by one specifically chosen by the Sintári. The recipient will become aware of the weapon’s properties once it has been gifted by the Sintári.

  The blade was exquisite—the razor-sharp edge nearly glowed with reflected daylight and a pattern of runes and scrollwork flowed across the center of the blade in an intricate design. Twin emeralds were mounted at either end of the crosspiece, and its hilt was covered in a series of beautiful engravings.

  I smiled at Stel as I walked towards him, relishing the elf’s rare moment of discomfort.

  “I have no one else to give this too, Stel. Do you think it might suit you?” I said, teasing as I offered him the hilt.

  His attempt at a smirk faltered as his hand accepted the sword. He nearly dropped the blade to the ground, recovering his fumble only at the last second.

  “I though Khorim had exaggerated the power of the weapons you gave him,” Stel uttered in awe. “I see now that he grossly underestimated their worth.”

  “There is more still to come,” the elf King said, drawing my attention back to the sarcophagus.

  The ancient elf withdrew a small scroll, almost identical to the one the dwarven apparition had provided.

  “Your friends will be leaving you soon, while you remain here,” he explained. “They need to deliver these scrolls to the rulers of Dhel-Ar and Íforn. The messages inside are for their eyes only, for only they will understand what is written in them. The seal on these scrolls will be enough to grant you an audience before each of them.”

  “Why must I remain here? Why can’t we make the journey together?”

  “You will have your own responsibilities to tend to while they are delivering the scrolls, Sintári,” the elf King replied. “While there is still much you will need to do for yourself, you must also learn to rely on the aid of your companions at times.”

  “You will remain here, learning the ways of this place and of yourself,” he continued. “And you must also begin building your defenses as well.”

  With that, he drew forth a small tome from the sarcophagus. Attached to the book was a ribbon, tied around a small polished stone.

  “This is a summoning stone,” he explained. “It will call forth a living creature born from the
very bones of the earth. That creature will serve you as long as you prove yourself worthy, but only for a single day at a time. The stone has but three charges left to it, so use them wisely. Its use is up to you of course, but I advise that you have the creature aid you in completing the barrier at the entrance to the valley.”

  “You will need far more than three days to finish all that needs to be done here. The dwarven King and I made elaborate plans for this place, and they are sketched out on this spell book for you to use as you see fit, but the true value of this tome is in the spell I have written down for you. It is the very spell used to power the summoning stone. Learn it and use it wisely to secure yourself from attack.”

  “And you can be assured that an attack will be coming for you,” he cautioned. “There are many who will welcome your arrival, Sintári, and many more still who will oppose you. They will seek to end you before you can threaten their power, so you must be both cautious and vigilant if you are to survive.”

  Dipping his hand inside the sarcophagus again, the elf pulled out four bundles of cloth.

  “As you well know, the lands between here and Dhel-Ar are treacherous. Wear these cloaks as you travel through them. I have attuned them to the land over these many centuries, and they will hide your presence from the creatures that would otherwise slay you. Do not tarry long, however; their power will fade rapidly once I am gone.”

  “Halfling,” the elf King said addressing Tási. “I have no gifts, no boons to offer you, as your presence here was not foretold by the seer. I do not know the meaning of that oversight, but if the Sintári has chosen you, know that there is a purpose behind that choice.”

  “It is time for me to give you what you seek, Sintári,” the ancient elf sighed. “It is time for me to pass my burden on to you, and time for me to pass from this place as well. I hope you will succeed where we have failed before you.”

  With that, the elf King withdrew a final small box from the sarcophagus, placing it on the edge of the stone before retreating a pace. He gestured for me to open it as he stood there silently observing.

  I pried open the lid of the small container to reveal the glittering form of a bright star carved from a flawless yellow agate. I realized immediately where it would fit into the Amulet, and how it completed the scene that the artifact depicted.

  The yellow sun and white moon would hover over the Earth represented by the Khelduin carving. Forest-green ivy and the blooming flower represented the world’s abundant flora, and the tiny hummingbird reflected the fragile life scattered across its surface. It was a mystical interpretation of the balance of life—all life—and I was suddenly awed by the profound beauty that the completed Amulet would represent.

  “You see it now, don’t you?” the elf King smiled.

  “Beware the power when you combine them,” he cautioned. “It will likely overwhelm you for a time.”

  “Regardless of her condition, you must leave here in the morning to see to your errands,” he admonished my friends. “She will recover, and your halfling friend will remain behind to watch over her.”

  Bane hissed his displeasure at being overlooked.

  Bane protects Sintári, he declared.

  “And you as well, I presume,” the elf King smiled in amusement.

  “Best you sit down for that,” the elf King cautioned when I began to draw out the Amulet.

  My companions gathered around as I sat down on the soft grass, and although I was hesitant after the ancient elf’s warning, I drew the Token from its box and read its prompt quickly before dismissing it.

  Minor Token of Force – This charm increases the wearer’s Strength by one point. This effect is permanent until the token is given away freely or sold willingly.

  It was no surprise—as I suspected, it provided a bonus to my final unmodified Attribute. Bracing myself, I let the Token guide my hand towards its final resting place on the Amulet. The last thing I heard was a soft ‘click’ before a brilliant flash of light blinded me.

  I woke up inside my tent. Warm blankets surrounded me, and the soft thrumming of Bane’s purr hummed against my chest. I opened my eyes slowly and saw Bane sleeping quietly on top of me. Glancing around, I found that I was otherwise alone in the tent.

  I had no idea how long I had been out, but I felt the need to get up. Gingerly, I moved Bane aside as I rose from the blankets and noticed that I was wearing only my nightdress—my gear was in a pile beside me. Dressing myself quickly, I stepped outside to seek out my friends and discover what had happened. Once I emerged from the tent, I only saw Tási with her back to me as she tended a small campfire. I called to her as I approached, and in a flash, she whirled around and rushed to give me a hug.

  “I was so worried about you!” She cried.

  “I’m fine Tási, really,” I assured her. “What happened? Where is everyone?”

  “They weren’t very happy about it, but they did as the elf King instructed,” Tási replied. “They left this morning to deliver the scrolls.”

  “How long was I out?”

  “Just last night,” she said.

  “I tried to get things ready for you while you were sleeping,” Tási continued, as she gestured around at the makeshift camp.

  “Get what things ready?”

  “It’s going to be some time before they return,” she smiled at me. “We have a lot to do until then.”

  Tási took my hand in hers, as we looked over the peaceful glen together. The land seemed to call to me as we stood there; something about the valley beckoned to me, and I felt its pull as Tási spoke to me once more.

  “Welcome to your new home.”

  EPILOGUE

  Nentai paced back and forth in her chambers nervously. It was not a very appropriate display for the Goddess of Vengeance, but she simply could not help her apprehension. She had debated with Set for hours before they finally had to admit that events had spun far beyond their control and reluctantly, the two Goddesses had to concede that a conclave of the Pantheon was required.

  As a courtesy, Set had volunteered to inform Uthalan, their father and head of the Pantheon, of what they had discovered before disclosing the information to the rest of the Deities. It was this meeting with her father that was causing the Goddess so much dread.

  He was not a bad father, but he had always been very distant. A distance they all knew was due to the tragic loss of their mother. The entire Pantheon had been conceived and birthed at once, and their mother had been lost during the arduous process. Uthalan had never spoken of their mother after her death, not even to utter her name. He would only say that the memories of her caused him too much pain, and he was unwilling to relive any of it.

  Nentai also feared her father’s reaction to the strange Deathless, who had also been revealed to them as their world’s first Sintári in many millennia; if that confluence of events weren’t enough to cause him anger, she also had those strange green eyes.

  It was no accident that the feature was unheard of on their world. During the centuries the Pantheon had spent creating the planet, Uthalan had systematically eliminated any possibility of the characteristic occurring, even among the animal species. It had seemed an odd thing at the time, but it wasn’t the only strange circumstance he had insisted on. Now, Nentai feared the Sintári’s unique feature might spell doom for the woman.

  Nentai had grown fond of the Sintári and enjoyed watching the young woman as she uncovered the path to her powers. The Sintári’s quest for the Amulet had only heightened the Goddess’s interest, but too much had come to pass—the role that the magic of the Barrier had played in the Sintári’s creation made keeping her existence secret an untenable act. So, Set had gone to bring Uthalan here to tell him what had befallen and to let him see the strange Sintári with his own eyes.

  As Nentai paced the floor, she heard the door to her chambers open. Steeling herself, she held steady beside her viewing mirror, waiting for Set to arrive, and with her, Uthalan.

  “
What is this important thing you have to show me, daughter?” Uthalan spoke impatiently. “Set refused to tell me anything until I had you both together.”

  Their father was not accustomed to being refused or ushered around without purpose, and Nentai sensed his frustration.

  “We,” Nentai began, tying the two Goddesses’ fates together, “have been observing one of the Deathless below. She has not only completed the quest of the Amulet of Unity but been named Sintári as well.”

  “That is quite extraordinary, but hardly worth all the secrecy,” Uthalan replied testily.

  “There is more father,” Set added.

  Uthalan looked at his daughters, finally intrigued by what they might have to tell him.

  “Go on,” he prompted Nentai when it was clear that Set would not continue.

  “She came here as one of the Deathless, but the person that attempted to travel to our world died during his transition,” Nentai offered tentatively. “Her template had already been formed when he expired, and with nothing left to complete the template, we believe that the Barrier used its own magic to create her.”

  For the first time in their lives, they saw their father rendered speechless. He stared at Nentai for a moment, absorbing what she had told him before finally making his reply.

  “Are you certain of this, daughter?” He asked. “That this Deathless was created from the magic of the Barrier? The magic that contained pieces of each of my children?”

  “I had not thought of it that way father, but yes, we are certain of it,” Nentai replied cautiously.

  “Show her to me,” Uthalan barely whispered as he motioned to Nentai’s mirror. “Show me this Deathless.”

  Her father’s sudden shift in mood unsettled her, but Nentai did as he asked and activated the mirror. The valley below came into focus, and Uthalan took control of the mirror from his daughter. He slowly brought the image in closer until he could see the face of the Deathless clearly. Nentai held her breath as her bright green eyes stared back at them through the looking glass.