Locmire's Quest: Book One A Tales from Calencia Novel

by Brian Hutchinson

  Two Wizards stood next to the Sands of Seeing. A vision had just been revealed to the Looker that required Locmire's immediate attention.

  The feeble old Looker turned to the Wizard and said, “The Lord of the Dead . . . he has reappeared. The Onock has materialized to the west of the Arplasia Mountains, in the former home of the Gargantuans. It seems that he has been back for some time now.”

  “How is it that we are just now learning of his return?” Locmire inquired.

  “I am not sure. I assure you that I have been diligent in my duties. Could he have somehow kept himself hidden from us?” asked the old Looker.

  “Anything is possible with a Wizard such as Hasbarie. His power is undoubtedly returning,” replied Locmire.

  “What shall our course of action be?” inquired the Looker.

  “I had hoped that I would not live to see this day again. I had wished for death before his return. His last reign still haunts my very soul," Locmire paused momentarily. "I suppose I shall gather my things.”

  Locmire slowly turned away and started making his way out of the tower.

  “Where are you going, Locmire?” questioned the Looker with concern in his voice.

  “I am going to fulfill my part of the prophecy. I must go and unite the Saviors and prepare them for the upcoming battle,” Locmire declared.

  “Who shall you take with you on your journey? Should I go and . . . and . . . prepare as well?” asked the reluctant Looker.

  “No. I shall undertake this journey alone.”

  “But Locmire,” the Looker pleaded, “The world outside of these sands is very dangerous. You must not venture eastward alone. You cannot . . . you are the last of your kind . . . you must protect the-,” but Locmire cut him off.

  “I shall travel alone for only a short time. I have seen the visions, as have you. I will be aided in my travels not only by the Saviors, but by a lot equally as important. Though I do not know where I will find the three strangers that the prophecy foretold of, I do know they are there, for it was seen in the Sands.”

  The Looker started once more, “But Locmire, how do you know you will be able to find the Saviors? You know not who they are!”

  “I know more than you can imagine, Looker, for I was the one who first interpreted the prophecy. I have seen many things that neither you, nor others of your kind have. Fate will guide me on my journey. Fate will usher me in the right direction. You need not worry of things over which you have no control. Stay here and be diligent in your tasks.”

  “What shall you have me do, Master?” asked the Looker.

  “Continue to monitor Hasbarie, if possible. I will return to Fogarth when I can. I am sure upon my return you will have much information for me,” said the Master Wizard.

  Locmire, now the last Master Wizard of Fogarth, swung his robe around to catch up with the rest of his body as he quickly turned on his heel and hurried down the long spiral staircase. Locmire, who had once stood atop Mt. Pizenchaffe during the final moments of Hasbarie's reign, departed from the tower and returned to his quarters.

  Locmire wore the traditional dark colored robes of Fogarth, which covered him from head to toe. His cowl covered most of his face, only exposing his nose and mouth. A pair of leather bound goggles covered his eyes. Having aged rather well for a Wizard over 700 years, time had finally started to catch up with him. Wrinkles were slightly beginning to show on his unmarked face.

  He packed a small satchel full of goods, items he deemed necessary for his journey, which was to be a long and unpleasant one. Many leagues and hardships lay before him. He knew this was going to be a journey of unimaginable importance.

  With haste, Locmire left the boundaries of the desert by the dark of the moon. Riding a black horse with only a satchel swinging from the saddle and a long deadwood staff slung across his back, he set out for Galdarath. The prophecy had been set in motion and the future of Calencia weighed heavily upon his shoulders. Ravendale, the capital city of Galdarath, would be his first destination. Here, Locmire hoped to enlist the first of the new Saviors.

  In years past, Wizards were not allowed, or concerned enough, to interfere with the affairs of the outside world, except under special circumstances. There had not been many instances where Wizards had ever intervened with mortal affairs. Locmire could count his journeys outside of Fogarth on two hands, and this journey would lead him farther than he had ever been before.

  Once, he visited the village of Kiliam, a small settlement just outside of Fogarth, to investigate complaints of a strange disturbance. He had no idea why this particular situation required the presence of a Wizard, but upon arriving in Kiliam he quickly understood the severity of the situation. A Lich, a powerful undead creature, had taken over the village. The confrontation led to Locmire fleeing for his life. His next trips outside of Fogarth were to gather information on this particular Lich, hoping to change the outcome of their next encounter. His most recent expedition outside the confines of the desert had taken place 500 years ago when he observed the dramatic conclusion of the Great War.

  This time, however, was unlike any other. This time the Lord of the Dead would be unimaginably powerful. Hasbarie was no longer a mortal Wizard, but rather a reincarnated version of himself with unworldly power at his disposal. If he had any hopes of saving Calencia, Locmire would have to come face to face with Hasbarie and endure many hardships along the way.