Drabangar kept trying, throwing different magic projectiles at the creature, but it was no use. The demon could not be moved. It was however getting frustrated at the failure of its own attacks. After a while, it stood up, and grabbed Drabangar by his legs.
`Release me, you big ugly... thing!' he screamed, but the demon would not listen. Holding him steady, it slammed him face first into the wall.
`Ouch...' he said. Then the demon struck the wall with him again. And again. And again.
His shield was getting weaker and weaker and it was just a matter of time when it would fail for good.
Then suddenly, he cried out.
`Enough! Enough! I surrender! Enough! Put me down! I give up!'
The demon put him down, but not quite the way he would have liked. It threw him on the ground and stomped on his stomach. Then it stood with its left foot on Drabangar's chest, and repeatedly stomped on his head with its right foot.
`Look... I'm sorry I called you a son of a bitch... I'm sure she was a respectable female...' said the old mage between two stomps. But the demon wouldn't stop. Shortly after, he cried out. `Enough! I surrender!'
I realized that the demon would not stop until he was dead. I tried then to force my will upon it, to make it return to the depths from whence it came. But it would not listen. It repeatedly stomped on Drabangar, and the mage's shield was getting weaker and weaker. I tried and tried and tried...
Then, I heard the demon laughing. It stopped to stomp, and looked down at Drabangar's face. I could see the fear in the old mage's eyes, the fear of the realization that he was about to die. The demon laughed crudely. Then, it began to retreat.
Slowly I began to regain my human form, and I realized that it was not laughing at Drabangar, but at me. It was mocking me. It was giving him to me, as if saying: There, I've done your dirty work, done what you could not do, like the pathetic little worm that you are! See? You are nothing without me!
When I finally changed back, I looked at Drabangar. He looked up at me, almost pleading.
`Will you spare me?'
`If you give me the amulet...'
`I can't just give it to you!' he said,
Then I felt the demon's disapproval from within me. Like it was about to surface again. I grabbed Drabangar by the front of his robe and pulled him up.
`Give me the amulet! Now!' I shouted into his face.
`Alright! Alright!' he said. `Just let me go.'
I released him, and drew my sword.
`There is no need for that.' he said, and he took a necklace off of his neck. He handed it to me.
`There. The Amulet of Darkness.'
I looked at it. It was a round silver amulet, almost the size of a teenager's palm. There was a black gem in its middle. It was shiny, but blacker than any black I had ever seen. It had a strange shape. It was like a perfect cube shaped stone was placed into the amulet such that one of the corners of the cube was pointing forward. Such that inside the silver, the cube was standing on its opposite corner. Only the front half of this cube was visible, I could not tell if the other half of the stone was just as cube shaped as the front. As it was, it was like a three-sided pyramid.
`You have defeated me, and I am powerless against you.' said Drabangar. `Leave now. I will not give chase. I cannot.'
Slowly I turned around with the amulet in my hand, and moved towards the exit. Before I could have left, he called out to me again.
`Warrior! Before you go... What is your name?'
`I am Jason. Jason Vogan.' I told him. He slowly nodded before he replied.
`I understand... Then listen to me, Rider of the Black Horse... That amulet is not what you think it is. You know nothing of its true power or its true purpose. The one who asked you to find it will use it for an unthinkable purpose. That amulet has the power to destroy the entire Multiverse.'
`This little trinket? Destroy all the Planes? That is absurd! Why should I believe you?'
`You've no reason to, but absurd or no, what reason do you have to believe him?'
We both remained silent for a while. Before I could reply, he continued.
`Just remember what I told you. If you take it back to him, it's over. All over. That amulet should remain hidden from the world for all eternity. You have not the power to guard it as I did, even though you had the power to defeat me. He will take it from you whether you give it to him willingly... or not.
Doubt fills you about him, I see it in your eyes. You do well to doubt him. Doubt him further, and you may see his true nature. Then you will understand that he must not have the amulet!'
`And then what?' I asked slowly.
`Bring it back to me. I will continue to guard it. He cannot take it from me. That's why he sent you. Because he cannot even enter this place. The wards prevent it. He needed someone like you. If you bring it back here, he will not have it, and the Multiverse will be safe. You may then stay here if you wish, in the safe confines of this place. Or you may leave as you wish. I will not hold you back.
Now go... I will be here, waiting.'
Then I left his lair, and headed back to Doorn's retreat. Despite all that Drabangar had told me, I had no intention of giving the amulet back. I was perhaps not on the best of terms with my mentor, but I still trusted him. And I did not believe what Drabangar said about the Amulet.
So, I took it back to him. To Doorn. I had contemplated taking it to Aurach first, but in the end I chose not to. Perhaps I should have. But even then, could I have prevented what eventually came to pass?
I think not...
*
Doorn was by the lake, waiting patiently for my return. I approached him, bowing my head.
`Master...'
`Do you have it?' he asked, getting straight to the point.
`Yes.'
`Give it to me!' he said, strictly, demandingly. I did not like his demeanor. But I gave him the amulet.
As he took it in his hand, I saw a gleam in his eye.
`Finally... I hold it in my hand...' he said, and then he just stood there, staring at it, and saying nothing, for several minutes. I dared not interrupt him. Then, he finally broke the silence.
`Do you know what this amulet is capable of?'
I shook my head.
`Do you know what the Shadowland is?'
I knew it was one of the Spiritual Planes, but I knew nothing more.
`It is one of the Spiritual Planes, isn't it?'
`Yes. It is the plane which powers black magic. Much like the four Elemental Planes are the source of the arcane magical power that you know, the Shadowland is the source of the power of black magic. Without it, there'd be no black magic. Much as there'd be no arcane magic without the Elemental Plane of Earth, or Fire, or Water, or Air...'
`I didn't know this.'
`It is common knowledge among mages, but it is only taught to experienced pupils. You are too young to have learned of it.'
`Is the amulet a tool of black magic then?'
`Not exactly. Do you see the cube shaped stone in the middle?'
`Yes.'
`Pitch black. It is the source of the amulet's power. It is more-less a power stone, a stone which was designed to store concentrated magical energy. Except that this does not contain arcane magical energy. Not even black magic energy, as you may think. No, this holds something else. It holds a portion of the very essence of the Shadowland! A part of that world itself is encased within this stone.'
`How can that be?'
`The tale of the stone's creation is one I'd rather not bore you with. I'd rather tell you of what this essence can be used for.'
`What do you mean? What can the amulet do?'
`Many things. Many great things. What is most interesting for me right now is that it can release a small fraction of the essence contained within. A spark of Shadowland essence, ready to be absorbed.'
`Absorbed?'
`Yes. We can absorb such a spark into our bodies, accept it into ourselves, and gain the powe
r that such a spark can bestow upon a mortal body. You can do this if you want to. If you want the power that it will grant you.'
`What will happen to me if I accept that... thing... into myself?'
`Nothing harmful. You will not change in any way. But you will gain a power like no other. You will be able to become one with your own shadow, and move in your own shadow. Being one with your shadow means that no-one will see you. Your shadow will still be visible, and that can give you away, especially as you move. Most will not notice however, especially if it's dark. So, you can sneak up on anyone while they think you are invisible. A very useful trick, if you want to surprise your opponent, stab them in the back.'
`I'd rather fight honorably.'
`Then you may use this power to flee from dangerous encounters, if necessary.'
Still I hesitated.
`I'm not sure I want it. There's something about that amulet that bothers me.'
`Does it scare you? Have you not conquered your fears?'
He placed the amulet around his neck.
`Seems like you've still more to learn then.'
`It is not fear, Master. This is different. An unease...'
`You feel unease because the essence of the Shadowland is dark in its nature, being tied to black magic as it is. But that should not keep you back from taking advantage of its power. It will help you keep the demon at bay.'
`How could it help me?'
`Let me show you. I will absorb a spark of the essence into myself. Then I will demonstrate the power for you, and you will see if you want it.'
I nodded.
`Good. Now watch!'
He reached for the amulet in his neck, but before he could touch it, I felt a sharp pain in my heart and fell on my knees...
*
Doorn fought the demon fiercely, wielding my old katana. But he could not prevail. I hate to remember that fight to this day. The demon was almost just playing with him all along. Doorn cut into the demon's flesh with every last one of his attacks. But all his flawless strikes, all his successful cuts were just a nuisance for the demon. It laughed, and completely ignoring all pain it pounded him repeatedly, until eventually it managed to corner him. Then, it spitted a ball of fire at him.
Twice before I had seen the creature spit a ball of fire at a powerful mage. Twice before I had seen a powerful mage use their strong magics to avoid being scorched to death by the demon. But Doorn was no powerful mage. Admittedly, he had some passing magic skills, but he had no magical shield that could protect him against the demon's fireball.
So, Doorn's body was set ablaze. He screamed. I will never forget that wail of agony. The demon just watched as he writhed on the floor, burning. And it laughed. And laughed, and laughed...
I thought it would rip out Doorn's heart to finish the job, but instead, it retreated into the depths from whence it came, while Doorn's body was still burning on the ground. It retreated, just like that.
When the demon finally retreated and allowed me to assume my human form, I surveyed Doorn's fallen body. His body was in one piece, but he didn't move. His face was all burnt, and covered with scars made by the demon. As I slowly approached, he turned his head towards me. He still lived. And I will never forget that look in his eyes...
Reunions
Gatestown, Ess'yer, present day (2 years, 3 months, and 4 days before Twilightfall)
`Here we are, boy!' Aaron exclaims as he stops the wagon in front of the only tavern of Gatestown. `We made it safe and sound. A job well done, at least compared to the circumstances.'
`Whatever.'
I jump off the wagon and look around. It's been so long since I've been here. Not much has changed. I see the main road leading from the tavern to the Gateway to Re'Cas. I see the guards by the Gateway, and the four watchtowers. Yes, it's pretty much the same as before. I would have thought they'd increase security in these troubled times. No matter. We're not going through the Gateway. Soon, it will begin. Right here. I should get ready.
Somewhere in the distance, I hear the howling of wolves, and faint sounds of something that could possibly be combat. Like a fight between travelers and a pack of wolves.
`Wolves? Around Gatestown? That's strange...' says Aaron, but then he just shrugs. `Eh, who cares? If they came too close to the town I'm sure the guards would deal with them. Come along, boy! Let's have a drink. I'll invite you!'
He walks straight into the tavern, and I follow.
Not much has changed in the tavern either. Everything is just as plain as it once was. There are surprisingly few guests in this evening hour. In fact, there is no-one there but the two of us and a blond haired man sitting at a table in the far end of the tavern. And the bartender. He looks nervous.
Aaron orders us drinks while I look around. I see no traps, sense no illusionary magics, nothing. Still, the lack of customers is unusual. Then I notice how the bartender keeps glancing at the blond man. Perhaps he is the reason why the tavern is empty?
The blond haired man wears a shining plate armor, which seems to be enchanted. On the chest, I see a strange carving. It shows two crossing bolts of lightning, and a small fireball just above the point of their crossing. It has the impression of the crest of a family of mages, yet the blond man seems more like a fighter. Strange indeed...
Aaron casually looks around and his eyes stop at the table where the blond haired man is sitting. Sitting beside an emptied plate, he is examining the pages of a book.
`Well, I'll be damned, look who's there! Hey, Daniel!'
The blond haired man looks up from the book, and upon seeing Aaron he smiles widely.
`Aaron Chraem! Old friend, I haven't seen you in ages!'
He stands up as we walk to his table. He and Aaron warmly shake hands and pat each other on the shoulder, like old friends.
`How's it going Daniel?'
`Good enough, I guess. What about you?'
`Great! Never been better! I'm about to earn a fortune from the wizards, heh!'
`So, you're coming just when I'm going. I picked up this little tome from the Great Library of Re'Cas, and I'm heading home right away. I just stopped by for dinner.'
`They still let you borrow stuff from there?'
`Of course! I am no outlaw, mind you...' he replies, laughing. `By the way, have you seen Zack lately?'
`Unfortunately... I mean, yes I did.'
The blond haired man laughs.
`You still don't like his sword, do you?'
`Which? The black one, or his tongue?'
The blond haired man laughs, and then turns to me.
`And you are...?' he asks with a strange expression on his face. An expression that leaves me wondering...
`Oh, excuse me, I should have made introductions.' says Aaron. `Well boy, this is a very old friend of mine, Daniel Keehmor. Daniel, this is... errr... errr... you can call him whatever you want, actually...'
`The Nameless One? In person? Pleased to meet you!' he says with a warm tone and an even warmer smile, reaching out his hand. I shake it, and slightly bow my head towards him.
`Truly, it is an honor.' he continues, in a warm tone. `I always wanted to ask, how did you end up not having a name?'
Strange question to ask, and in a strange manner no less. Clearly he is not mocking me. He's dead serious about his question. But if he is Daniel Keehmor, what could I expect from him?
`You may call me by any name you wish.' I tell him. `Names are but labels that mortals choose to put on things to distinguish between them, when it really doesn't matter what we call them. They are what they are, regardless what we call them. A petty label has no relevance whatsoever. It is the person that matters, not the label given to the person.'
`Ah, but if everybody calls you by a different name, how can they know they speak of the same person?'
`Sometimes they do not know even if they all use the same label...'
`Aye, how true. If they do not truly know you, they all see something else behind the label. Where
as those that truly know you, need no label to understand who you really are, now do they?'
`Yes...' I answer after a brief hesitation. I did not expect him to reply that way. `We are what we are, regardless how we are labeled.'
He nods in agreement. Then we sit down by the table and Aaron exchanges lengthy stories of the past with his old friend, while I just watch as the blond haired man's expression and tone shifts time and again. I try to determine if he is indeed insane, or the rumors are exaggerating. After hearing his conversation with Aaron for nearly an hour, I get the feeling that the rumors speak true, although his insanity seems to be quite subtle, at least tonight.
Daniel Keehmor... I've heard stories of him. The greatest wizard of Draconia, or so they say. He was born in Ess'yer, some three hundred years ago. He was born into a family of mages, but he desired to be a warrior instead, and never even tried to study the Arcane Arts. His family cast him out, but he pursued his chosen goal in life regardless. He became a fighter of great skill, and, being a handsome devil in the eyes of women, he also became a great woman-eater who often got himself in trouble by laying with the wrong girl. After many years he found a magic tome that sparked an interest towards the Arcane Arts in him, and over time he became a powerful mage like so many others before him in the family. Then he moved to Draconia, and he lives there to this day. They say he's quite the thorn in the dragons' side.
He never abandoned his martial skills. He kept training himself even after he turned to magic, and he also kept his habit of wearing plate armor. Even now, he sits by the table wearing a shiny set of plate armor. Albeit it is magical. They say he does not use magic for defense in combat, and relies on his armor instead. He uses magic solely for offense. They say he has researched the kind of destructive spells that can cause unparalleled devastation. If only a fraction of this particular rumor is true, then I would not like to see him snap.
Most the rumors surrounding him make him a man to be admired. But one particular rumor drives fear into the hearts of many. They say that some ten years ago, he disappeared for several months, and when he resurfaced, he was completely insane. His mood changes from minute to minute they say. Some believe he's a walking ball of fire, ready to explode at any moment.
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