Wielder's Awakening

by T. B. Christensen

  Wielder’s Awakening

  Book 1 of the Wielder Trilogy

  By T.B. Christensen

  Cover art by Elise Christensen

  Copyright © 2011 T.B. Christensen

  All rights reserved.

  Books by T.B. Christensen

  Wielder Trilogy:

  Wielder’s Awakening

  Wielder’s Rising

  Wielder’s Fate

  Prologue

  The swirling shadows inside the basin of water slowly dissipated as the flat surface once again mirrored only the reflection of the man who stood gazing into it. The smooth water shone with the image of a strong man in his prime with golden hair falling to his shoulders. His bright blue eyes were clouded with uncertainty. Somewhat troubled, he finally broke his gaze free from the pewter dish that balanced on top of a large stalagmite and raised his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his brow. He let out a great sigh as he slumped onto the only piece of furniture in the cave, a small wooden stool. The only things in the small cavern besides the screeing dish and the stool were several candles. They sat atop ledges along the walls of the cavern to provide light. The light, however, was not welcomed by Kadrak. He had a severe headache and the flickering candles did not help to soothe it. With one last show of power, Kadrak extinguished all of the candles with a single thought.

  While it was easy to perform great feats for a short period of time, holding the ambience within oneself for a prolonged period of time often had a devastating effect. The constant use of the ambience power took a great toll both mentally and physically. He smiled to himself as he thought of how no one else had ever been able to manipulate the ambience power with the strength that he could. The great wielders of the legends could not even compare to him. Anyone else who would have tried to hold the ambience for over an hour would have burnt themselves out and died. Kadrak was only left weakened with a headache.

  His smile was quickly replaced by a grimace as he remembered how fruitless his screeing had been once again. Hours of searching had still turned up nothing new. He had finally begun to close in on something when he was suddenly stopped. For over an hour, he had been trying to locate anyone in Kalia who had the gift. Several days ago he had discovered that there were three wielders in Selba and one other in Balthus, yet they did not worry him. All four combined could not even muster up a third of his strength, even if they each were at their full potential. He had found none in Cydus with the gift and had begun to search Kalia. As he tried, though, something had prevented him from seeing into Kalia. He had been too tired to continue, so he had postponed the search until tonight.

  He had once again called up the image of Kalia, but this time with more strength. It was still difficult yet he was able to penetrate through the haze of northern and western Kalia. He found nothing of importance but still had not been able to penetrate southeast Kalia. He had slowly pushed the haze back until only the land south and east of Kavar was still hidden. He then suddenly couldn’t push back the haze any further. He kept trying, but the only thing he had gained was a headache. He had finally given up and released his hold on the ambience. It troubled him that something could restrict his power. Kadrak decided that he would try again in a few weeks and get to the bottom of it.

  He couldn’t figure out what had prevented him from searching. Another wielder could stop him if he was strong enough, but even then the wielder would have to know that Kadrak was seeking him and use the ambience to cast a defense. Kadrak was almost certain that this wasn’t the case. Nobody who had the gift would even suspect that another wielder was searching for him. Those few who had the gift probably didn’t even realize it, and if they did, they would be occupied trying to learn how to use it, not worried that someone would be searching for them.

  Kadrak concluded that it was most likely some relic left behind by the great wielders. It may even be one of the stones he had been looking for. He had read of certain stones that had been manipulated many years ago by several of the greatest wielders. These stones were imbued with a trapped portion of the ambience to serve a specific purpose. He had found two of these stones that he called the seekers. The stones changed from black to red when in the presence of someone with the gift. He hadn’t been able to find any of the other special stones. Kadrak understood that only a few had been created because the price to make one was one’s own essence. He had often wondered who would give up his life for eternal solitude trapped within a stone. He pitied the poor fools who had given up everything in order to do something no others could. The fame had not lasted long, though, as not even the oldest records remembered the names of those few who had imbued the stones. Kadrak would not waste his gift on something as idiotic as giving up his life in a stone; he had something grander in mind.

  Although he assumed that he had nothing to fear from Kalia, it would not hurt to be careful. He slowly rose from the stool and with great effort put on a mask of strength belying his exhaustion. As he calmly strode from the screeing cavern, two elite galdaks quickly fell into step behind him. He knew that he had no need for bodyguards, yet it kept the galdaks satisfied that they were doing something useful for their master. Kadrak also did not mind being able to relax his guard and focus on walking without stumbling. The galdaks were stupid, but they were also loyal and deadly. While they resembled their human brothers, their dark red, thick skin created a natural layer of thin armor, and they were stronger than humans could ever hope to be. With their glowing yellow eyes, they were able to pierce the darkness of shadows. The six foot tall galdaks were stronger then several human warriors combined. It was comforting to know that a swift death awaited any who pestered him.

  Kadrak had discovered the galdaks several years ago while he was searching the Parched Mountains for the ruins of a once great city. The city had supposedly boasted a library greater than any other ever created. While traveling alone through the mountains, he had suddenly been attacked by a galdak. He promptly disposed of it but found more galdaks quickly surrounding him. They had stared at him with murder in their eyes and the taste of blood on the tips of their tongues. He had slowly gathered in so much of the ambience that he was ready to burst. As he prepared to unleash his power on the galdaks, one had slowly stepped forward and bowed before him. The galdak was shorter than the others and adorned with precious stones and the skulls of vicious animals. He was bent with age but his presence hushed the blood thirsty yells of the other galdaks. The others stood in confused silence for several moments before they also knelt at his feet. Kadrak had no idea what was happening but slowly let his hold on the ambience dissipate.

  The elder galdak had then slowly risen and led him to a nearby cave. When Kadrak demanded to know what was going on, the galdak slowly pulled an ancient book from the folds of his dark robe and handed it to Kadrak. Upon reading the book, he discovered that the galdaks had once been a mighty race that lived alongside the humans. They had always kept to themselves except to trade with the humans. During a time of famine they had begun to venture into the human lands in search of food. The humans would not allow the galdaks to diminish their own meager food supply and had gathered an army to defend their lands. The galdaks were dying of hunger and in anger began to slaughter all humans that they ran across. The humans fought back with equal ferocity and eventually by sheer numbers had forced the galdaks through the Parched Mountains and into the Barren Lands. They had not stopped there but had hunted the galdaks until they had killed all that they could find. The only galdaks that survived were those who had managed to hide in the labyrinthian caverns of the Parched Mountains.

  There they had been gaining strength and waiting for the time when they would be able to avenge their ancestors and conquer the humans. They had slowly been gr
owing in number and training in the art of war. All that they were waiting for was the one their prophecies spoke of; the one who would lead them as they enslaved the human race; the one who could wield the ambience as no one ever had; a great warlord. The old galdak, who was their shaman, believed Kadrak to be that person. With Shaman Azulk convinced, all of the other galdaks had pledged their lives to Kadrak even though he was a human. Kadrak had never found any remains of the great library he was searching for, but he had found an army.

  The galdaks alone would never have an army large enough to challenge the entire human race, but this wouldn’t stop Kadrak. He had carefully been devising a plan that would weaken the human lands to the point where they could be easily conquered by the galdaks. He would then have his rightful place as ruler over everyone, humans and galdaks alike. He had slowly begun to build an army of greedy, fame seeking scoundrels in the foothills of the Parched Mountains in northern Balthus. He would soon have enough recruits to lead his human army against the lands and try his hand as a conqueror. When his human army was eventually defeated, the galdaks would be ready to sweep the tattered, unsuspecting victors. Kadrak almost feared that his ascension was going to be too easy.

  As Kadrak swept out under the night sky, he was met by Shaman Azulk. The shaman was his right-hand man among the galdaks. He was as smart and cunning as any human and strong like his race. He always managed to please Kadrak and would let nothing stop him from accompanying Kadrak when they were victorious. Shaman Azulk bowed deeply to him. The skulls and stones dangling from his neck clicked off each other as they nearly touched the ground. He slowly straightened.

  “How great was your success my master?” he asked in a voice like two pieces of bark being rubbed together.

  “Everything is going as I had planned. There is something slightly disturbing in southern Kalia, but it’s none of your concern. It will be resolved quickly.” Kadrak grinned with the thought of finally being able to put his plan into action. He could already taste the glory he would receive as his armies swept across the lands, conquering entire nations. He licked his lips, relishing in his thoughts of the sweetness of victory. His glorious reign would soon cover the land. He turned to Azulk. “I am going down to finish preparations with the humans. We will soon march, and disorder and bloodshed will reign. You know your job. Don’t fail me!”

  * * * * *

  Azulk watched as Kadrak was escorted by his elite bodyguards to the edge of the mountains. He knew what he must do, and he knew he would be successful. When Kadrak returned for his galdak army, Azulk would have them ready to sweep out of the mountains and rid the world of humans. Victory would be sweet. Azulk only hoped that he could quell his desire for revenge until Kadrak had finished what he set out to do. He absently stroked the skulls dangling from his neck. One more skull would make his collection complete, the skull of a great human wielder. With a last glance at Kadrak, Azulk turned and confidently strode into his fortress of caverns to check on his grand army.

  * * * * *

  Kadrak didn’t need to glance back at Azulk to know that the shaman was staring at him with murder in his eyes. Shaman Azulk would serve his purpose of preparing the galdak army. When he was done with his task, Kadrak would quietly dispose of him. Kadrak had no thought of allowing someone as dangerous as Azulk to continue on living. Even though Azulk was much weaker in the ambience than Kadrak, he had suspicions that the old shaman had many tricks. Kadrak did not trust him, but it didn’t matter. He was just another tool in Kadrak’s plot; a tool just like the human army and the galdak army. Tools were made to be used and then discarded.

  White teeth shone in the dark night as Kadrak approached the human camp with his lips curled back in a malevolent sneer. Tonight he would take care of the last little setbacks in his plan. He would send two of his best assassins to end the threat of another wielder trying to stand against him. Soon the only wielders of the ambience left alive would be Azulk and himself. He then would have nothing to stop him but ordinary human armies. There would be no wielders left to rally and lead the people. When the time finally came, Kadrak would be the only wielder of the ambience left alive.

  As Kadrak approached his tent, the two shady looking men standing guard pulled back the flaps to let him in. The tent was illuminated instantly as both lamps on either side of his large desk sprang to life. The large tent was just big enough to fit his bed and desk in it. It was not very luxurious, but Kadrak knew that the time for luxuries would soon be at hand. He slowly sat down at his desk and sent for his two best assassins. Minutes later they slipped without a sound into his tent. They were so quiet that even Kadrak almost didn’t notice them entering. He glanced up from the maps on his desk to see them kneeling obediently on the floor.

  “I have very important tasks for both of you. When you succeed, you will be greatly rewarded.”

  Kadrak emptied a small pouch of precious stones onto his desk. The stocky man with short black hair slowly rose to stand before Kadrak. It was no wonder he had taken upon himself the name of Shadow. He had an extremely dark complexion and his eyes were almost black. He was strong and deadly. He preferred to perform his deeds with only the aid of his bare hands. The other man who rose to stand beside him was known as Wraith. If it was possible to be deadlier than Shadow, Wraith was. He was tall and skinny with long black hair. His grey, beady eyes took in everything around him in less than a second as he constantly searched for danger. Unlike Shadow, Wraith enjoyed the use of weapons. He was very fond of bows and daggers. While Shadow let all of his victims see his face the moment before he killed them, Wraith disposed of his victims without them ever knowing he was anywhere nearby.

  These men were undoubtedly the best assassins in Balthus and quite possibly the world. Kadrak had met them several years ago when he needed someone to be quietly disposed of in his own house. Kadrak had kept them in his service ever since. They worked the jobs that he assigned them without ever questioning him. They would do anything if the price was right, and Kadrak always had the right price. The galdaks produced more than just army fodder. They also produced an endless supply of silver and gems from the heart of the mountains they inhabited. Kadrak never worried about spending money generously, and his assassins knew it. Their silent deadliness was feared in Balthus by those who knew of them, and as far as Kadrak knew, they had never failed to the slightest degree at any of their jobs. He could have killed everyone he needed to easily, by himself. However, these assassins amused him with their disregard for life and saved him the time and effort.

  “We are here to serve you master,” stated Shadow.

  Kadrak deftly explained to Shadow his task. Shadow was to take a small group of bandits south to Drathar. Somewhere near the city there was a wielder. He was to find the wielder and kill him. Shadow was then to proceed down into Selba. In some small village near Kalfa he would find two wielders and in another village nearby a third. Each was to be disposed of quickly and quietly. He then wanted the heads of each of the four wielders brought back to him. Shadow would have free rein to have fun with his group of bandits on the way back, but not until the four wielders had been disposed of. When he returned, Shadow would receive a king’s ransom in silver and gems. Kadrak then produced one of the seeker stones from under his desk and handed it to the assassin. After explaining its usefulness, Kadrak dismissed Shadow with a wave of his hand and turned his attention to Wraith.

  “I have saved a special task for you. You will not be sent to kill anyone specifically but to watch, listen, and be a burden on the citizens of Kalia.”

  Wraith was disappointed that he was being used as a spy rather than as a weapon. However, a smile slowly crept onto his face as Kadrak explained what all he had in mind. Wraith was to take a small group of some of the best of Kadrak’s men and go west into Kalia. He was to search with the second seeker stone for the disturbance that Kadrak had encountered in southern Kalia. If he found a wielder, he was to kill him and bring back his head. If he found a stone or o
ther artifact, he was to return quickly with it. If he found neither, he was to remain in Kalia and keep watching for anything that could have caused the disturbance. While he was searching, he could do anything he wanted to with Kadrak’s men. Whether it be highway robbery or pillaging towns, Kadrak did not care, as long as they did not attract too much attention. When Kadrak finished, Wraith took the second seeker stone and bowed before leaving the room.

  Kadrak couldn’t help but let out a sly laugh. Everything was in place. The assassins were already setting out to eliminate the last setbacks in his plan. Now he could focus on preparing and strengthening his army. Thieves and bandits continued to slowly trickle into his camp. Soon he would be ready to set out, destroy, and conquer!

  Part One: Leaving

  1

  Traven continued his slow and careful walk down the avenue of the large city. The swirling mist at his feet gave the beautiful city an eerie feeling in the dark of night. He shivered in the cold as the wind picked up. Glancing back, he saw the thin tower rising in the distance. It rose out of the billowing fog, standing majestically as a black void in the night sky. Traven turned away from the dark tower and continued on. Buildings stood silently on both sides of the avenue until they were stopped abruptly by a grand plaza. He turned down a side street between two large buildings before reaching the plaza. Something was pulling him along. He had to find it. It was important. Emerging from the shadows in between the large buildings, Traven found himself in a small clearing. In front of him rose a steep hill. In its side lay the opening of a cave. The cave pulsed, calling to him. He walked towards it expectantly. Just as he reached the entrance, a sound behind him ended the silence of solitude.