by T. A. Uner
After Cornelia had left, both Tullus and Hradack ate their gruel. “I hate to be an ungrateful guest, but ever since I’ve arrived here I've dreamed of steak and venison.”
Celestra growled in agreement.
“I’m sorry Tullus, but I don’t eat meat out of respect to my animal friends.”
Tullus nodded and placed a handful of dried figs in front of Celestra, who stared at them disbelievingly.
“I see your Leopardess does not agree with the menu.”
“We’re both carnivores.”
Hradack grumbled. “Pity.”
“Tell me more about Serpent Eye,” Tullus said. “Is it more powerful than Elemence?”
Hradack swallowed a mouthful of gruel and placed his bowl on the table while Mithras chewed on a large piece of sliced apple.
“No, it is easier to master, but its long-term effects are hazardous to the soul.”
“How so?”
“It robs the soul of positive Vigor, leaving the user drained. Serpent Eye feeds off negative emotions. Since both positive and negative emotions cannot exist simultaneously, the user loses a piece of his or her soul every time a spell is cast.”
“No wonder I felt drained after I used emotion to summon Elemence,” Tullus groused.
“You have a great talent for the magic arts Tullus, I am glad that you came to see me. Together, we can destroy this Door and rid the world of its evil forever.”
The next morning Tullus rose from his slumber. He yawned and stared at the specks of dust floating through the beam of sunlight filtering through the window shutter. He washed his face and put on a fresh tunic. Last night’s discussion with Hradack made him think more about the Door. He wanted it destroyed as much as Hradack did.
He did not see Hradack at the breakfast table and when he asked Cornelia where the Leopard Master was, she told him that Hradack was outside, feeding the animals. Outside the air was brisk. Tullus found Hradack near a pen where he was feeding a small group of pigs. Celestra stared at the animals and licked her lips. Hradack did not look amused.
“You need to change her diet,” The Leopard Master said.
Remembering that Anna had once spoken those same words, Tullus smiled. “A friend of mine said the same thing, once,” Tullus said sadly.
“Your friend was wise.”
“She died shortly after our battle with Camus Scorpio.”
Hradack finished feeding the pigs and placed the bucket of feed on a bench next to the pen.
“I’m sorry Tullus,” he said, “I know what it’s like to lose comrades in battle. Gods know how many I lost over the years while serving in the Air Legions.” Hradack sat down on a bench and stretched his arms.
“Hradack,” Tullus said, “how exactly did the Air Paladins meet their end? I mean, no one ever speaks of their demise nowadays.”
Hradack rubbed his nose. “No, I don’t suppose they do. Every smidgen of magic was banned. And every person suspected of being a magician or sorcerer was executed or expelled by Augustus. Well, to answer your question Tullus, the fall of the Paladins occurred shortly after the defeat of the Eye. The Paladins had successfully eradicated every Cultist and Snake Lord serving The Eye except for one Cleric who managed to evade us. To gain revenge against the Paladins he used his dark skills in Serpent Eye to spread fear and disinformation about the Paladins. Through collusion, he soon became one of Augustus’s closest advisors.”
“How so?” Tullus asked.
“Easily,” Hradack said.“The Serpent Crusades had left much negative feelings amongst the citizens of the Empire. Those individuals exhibiting even the slightest form of magical aptitude were treated like lepers. Despite his wisdom, Augustus fell prey to the tainted words of this Cultist, and had no idea his own advisor was giving him bad advice. He soon began officially persecuting lawful magic users. This caused the Air Paladins to take action. Zedion Firmitas planned a peaceful demonstration to show their indignation of Augustus’s sanctions. Little did he know that his actions it would set in motion the end of the Paladins.
“Then one day, an entire Talon of Air Paladins surrounded the airspace of Augustus’s palace. Air Legatus, Zedion Firmitas, the supreme commander of the Air Paladins, defied the orders of the Elder Council by pressuring Augustus to change his views on magic. Augustus’ forces soon gathered to defend their emperor. Onagers, Catapults and Scorpions were aimed at the Combat Griffins. Then, someone fired a shot. A Combat Griffin was struck, causing the death of its rider. In the confusion, Zedion Firmitas ordered the Talon to defend itself. In one moment of madness, both Roman Legionaries and Air Paladins opened fire on one another, and the killing began. Despite having more powerful resources, the Paladins were greatly outnumbered. They withdrew to the Paladus where they fought their final battle.”
Tullus grimaced. “The Last Stand.”
Hradack nodded. “Yes.”
“But who fired the first shot?”
“No one knows,” Hradack replied, “but I have a strong suspicion it was this Cultist who was the perpetrator. Still Zedion Firmitas, our last Air Legatus, nearly lead a successful defense against Augustus’ forces before he mysteriously abandoned the Paladus, for no particular reason, boarding his Griffin, and disappearing from the battle. Soon afterwards, the Paladus fell to the Roman Legionaries.”
“I visited the Paladus last year.”
“Good of you to do so, lad.”
Celestra growled and Tullus scratched her neck, causing her to purr affectionately. “I met a man there. He wore a threadbare tunic with the emblem of a Combat Griffin on it. I almost had to twist his arm for him to take some denarii as a donation.”
Hradack smiled. “Ha ha…yes, that would be Arsis Proudfeather. His pride is legendary.”
“Who is he?”
“Proudfeather? He was once the Griffin trainer. And the longest-tenured.”
“Proudfeather spoke of The Presage. He said one day a Reputer would resurrect the Air Paladins, and that they would return to bring light back into the world.”
Hradack yawned. It was getting late. He slowly stood up from the log. “Ahh yes, the Presage, foretold by Jobius Truthfellow, the leader of the council of Elders before the fall of the Paladins. His premonitions were quite accurate. One can hope that his words will come true. But with presages never know. They have a habit of occurring when you least expect it.”
{III}
Norbanus watched Afaa play his flute. The King cobra inside the basket moved left and right, keeping in sync to the rhythm of the music. The tune had a calming effect on Norbanus, and he was glad to have made a ally in Afaa.
The flute stopped; the snake stood still.
Afaa smiled at Norbanus. “Most people think that it issss the music that makessss the serpent move. But, it issss my movementssss it is mimicking. In the days of The Five, Serpentssss were our valued allies, they helped ussss fight against the oppression of the Air Paladinssss.”
“How so?”
“They were endowed with the power of Reptokk.”
Norbanus didn’t understand. “Who is Reptokk?”
Afaa shot him a mortified look, as if he had committed sacrilege.
“Reptokk, my student, was a most omnipotent deity and the creator of Serpent Eye. He gave The Five direction and endowed our serpentssss with power. Look into the eyessss of this cobra.” Afaa mumbled some words and the cobra turned to face Norbanus. He looked at it defensively and bristled when it slithered out of its basket before pulling up in front of him.
Afaa noticed his discomfiture and smiled. “Do not be alarmed.”
The cobra’s hood opened and it hissed at Norbanus, who, instinctively grasped the hilt of his sword. “He doesn’t look too friendly.”
“Nonsense, I have assigned him to serve you.” Afaa walked over to a desk where a pile of scrolls sat. He handed one to Norbanus.
“What is this?” Norbanus asked.
“Open it.”
Norbanus unrolled the scroll. The parch
ment looked worn, yet the paper felt firm, leathery, like serpent’s skin.
“That scroll was written by a member of The Five. It is a Penumbra spell. There are five levels of Penumbra spells which gives a Snake Lord his power.”
“What is a Snake Lord?”
“A servant of the Eye; one who trainssss under the tutelage of a Cultist. They are cunning, possessss Gift, much like you.”
Norbanus looked at the words. It was written in Latin. The instructions were for a spell called Mentis. It indicated the user could read thoughts of friend and foe alike and use telepathy to communicate.
“Try the spell…Norbanussss.”
“How?”
Afaa scratched his hooked nose while the cobra continued to wait in front of Norbanus.
“Through emotion of course. Find a time when you were upset or angry. Anger and sorrow work well with Serpent Eye.”
He closed his eyes and tried to remember a time when he was sad. There were too many memories. The strongest was his mother’s death. Then he remembered the humiliation he suffered at the hands of The Leopard King. His fists clenched, his blood sizzled within his veins.
“Good, I perceive great anger in you from this memory,” Afaa said sulkily. “Now…use it!”
“Mentis!” Norbanus said. But he felt no different.
“Link with the Serpent,” Afaa said.
He cleared his thoughts and used his anger. It surged through its veins. His heart rate quickened and clenched. Suddenly, the cobra started hissing. Then, the hissing faded and Norbanus could understand it. The cobra was talking to him: “Norbanus, I am Havoc. A serpent aligned with your thoughts. I am yours to command.”
What do you mean? Norbanus thought.
Use my power to aid you; to add to your Vigor.
Afaa chuckled in the background. “Good! Good! You are a fast learner Norbanussss.”
Show me your power, Havoc!
Norbanus observed Havoc. The cobra began growing larger before his eyes while its own eyes pulsated with an angry red glow.
“Why are Havoc’s eyes red?” Norbanus asked.
“That, my Student is the power of Serpent Eye.”
Havoc slithered closer to Norbanus and crawled up his chest until it coiled around his neck. He felt its leathery skin caress his own before it settled on his shoulder.
I can become stronger at will and crush your enemies for you. The Fortitudo spell gives me this power. I am your ally till death separates us. Your enemies are now, my enemies.
Yes! Norbanus thought of the Leopard King and his Leopardess companion.
Soon, Norbanus heard whispers. Where were they coming from?
Afaa said, “From the other serpents in the room. You are privy to their inner thoughts.”
He stood up. Havoc was still propped on his shoulder as he made his way toward the window of Afaa’s room. Norbanus opened the window. It overlooked a small alley. He watched as snakes emerged from the shadows. They approached him. He could read their thoughts. They asked him who he was, and if he wielded Serpent Eye. Norbanus answered them using Mentis, his anger showed him the way. The snakes wiggled toward him and stopped below the window. A chorus of hissing voices intermingled within his head. They wanted orders; they wanted a master to follow.
I am a snake lord.
“You need a name,” Afaa interjected. “From this day forward you shall be known as Serpentus.”
Serpentus. Norbanus liked it.
Five/Quinque
With renewed Vigor, Tullus fought valiantly against the combined might of StrongRoot and QuickTwig.
Using both LeopardClaw and LeopardTooth, he effectively parried successive attacks from the wood Elementus’s glaives. A well-placed kick in StrongRoot’s face toppled the creature, who landed on his back and grumbled. Next, Tullus used a focused attack on QuickTwig, slashing through the Elementus’s wooden glaives. It smiled at Tullus and seemed genuinely impressed.
“He’s getting better, Leopard Master,” QuickTwig said before Tullus offered a hand to StrongRoot, helping the Elementus get back on his feet.
“Indeed,” StrongRoot agreed.
Hradack nodded but Tullus didn’t think the Leopard Master was fully convinced. “Thank you both for the training exercises,” he told the Elementus before dismissing them. They transformed back into their natural tree states.
“I feel much stronger, more Vigor flows through me.”
“We shall see,” Hradack replied. “Now I have another exercise for you.”
Tullus eyed the forest before him and wondered what it held.
“You wanted to know if Serpent Eye was stronger than Elemence?” Hradack said, he limped toward Tullus before leaning on his staff. “Well, Tullus, here is your chance.”
Celestra growled. Tullus felt her apprehension. “What’s in there?”
“Long ago a battle was fought in this area,” Hradack began. “Men died in that forest. Their bones still lie there, buried under the roots, earth and foliage. Tormented souls that long to rest.” Hradack looked tired, as if he just stepped off a battlefield. “It is the soldiers who suffer for the failure of their governments.”
Tullus scratched the side of his face and contemplated the situation. “So what does that have to do with Serpent Eye?”
Hradack smiled and patted Tullus on the shoulder. “You’re a bright lad, you’ll figure it out.”
Tullus surveyed the forest again, and when he turned around Hradack was gone.
“Hradack?”
No answer. Celestra looked at Tullus, the stars in her eyes sparkling. She growled again.
“Yes, Girl, I agree, he is a strange old man.”
He slung Leopardhide off his shoulder and drew LeopardClaw. They entered the forest. Stray shafts of light filtered through the thick canopy of tree branches that blanketed Tullus and Celestra. Tullus saw a gray hare; its eyes sparkled. Incantra. It made a low-pitched sound before hopping off. Celestra looked at Tullus. He smiled and they continued their trek. Frozen dew dotted the verdure around them. Tullus focused his thoughts.
“Oculus!” His eyes pulsated and the spell took effect as he surveyed the terrain. Apart from an owl sleeping in a burrow, there was no signs of life.
“I don’t know why Hradack had us come here,” Tullus said while Celestra padded alongside him. Tullus could feel the soil crackle beneath his heels. Soon the two encountered a jagged creek that slashed through the woodlands, its surface glazed with brittle ice.
Then he felt the Periculum spell, warning him. He heard footsteps behind him and spun around.
Nothing. Celestra growled.
Yes, Girl. Someone is here.
Tullus forded the creek as the water reached his knees. Celestra, having no desire to soak herself in the freezing water, leaped across the creek bank, and landed on her haunches.
A cool gust of air descended upon them. Then a raspy spoke, “Pariahs are not welcome here,” it said angrily.
“Identify yourselves,” Tullus said. “My Leopardess and I dislike cruel games.”
“The voices of the once-were,” the raspy voice replied. “Be gone…pariahs, or join us in eternal damnation.”
Tullus felt a mild tremor under his feet. He and Celestra stepped back as a small crevice formed where they once stood. Celestra’s starry eyes pulsated wildly as they watched lines of white mist rise from the crevice. Moments later an armored skeleton crawled out of it.
“Orcus in hell.”
The skeleton lifted itself up onto the ground. Its reddish eyes fixed on Tullus and Celestra. “Pariahs, I warned you to leave our domain. Now, suffer our insurgence.”
Tullus grunted. “I only see one of you.”
A shriek of laughter burst from the skeleton’s bony jaw. Soon other crevices formed, bony arms and legs emerged until he and Celestra were surrounded. The skeletons carried nicked swords, spears, shields and dirks. Plus other weapons Tullus had never seen before.
“Some of my friends!” the lead skeleto
n said. Its bony mouth leered at Tullus.
The skeletons approached Tullus; Celestra activated the Invado spell. Turquoise beams exploded from her eyes and cut down three approaching Skeletons. She cast the Furtim spell and disappeared. One skeletons launched an arrow at Tullus. It exploded against Leopardhide and Tullus staggered backwards. Two more skeletons appeared, thrusting their swords at Tullus. He parried their attacks and assumed a defensive position.
He heard a growl. Celestra appeared behind four skeletons and attacked their rearguard.
They slashed at her rosettes but light green sparks from her energy shield enveloped their weapons. Tullus brought his sword down on one skeleton’s ribcage and the skeleton disintegrated. He followed by cutting down three more and thrust Leopardhide into another skeleton’s skull causing it to explode, but every time a skeleton fell, another rose from a crevice to take its place.
Tullus cursed. Was this the exercise Hradack had planned for him?
“Time to die, pariah,” the lead skeleton said as a sword materialized within its bony hand.
Tullus saw a great violet light flash above his head until it formed into the familiar shape of Hradack. The Leopard Master pointed his wooden staff at the lead skeleton who stared at him discontentedly.
“Hradack! This is our fight…you have no right to interfere!” it said while the other skeletons eyed Hradack with contempt.
The violet light around Hradack grew brighter, Tullus shielded his eyes with his hand and Celestra extended the Moenia spell around Tullus to protect him. “This man is under my tutelage,” Hradack said sternly. “I am here to retrieve him.”
The lead skeleton grumbled and waved its sword threateningly at Hradack. “Your friend has encroached upon our domain, therefore he must pay the price!”
“Tullus walks along a different Soultrail,” Hradack replied.
The lead skeleton grumbled again before lightning shot out of its sword, bouncing off the energy shield surrounding Hradack.“If war is all you understand,” he called out to the skeletons, “so be it.” Hradack pointed his Leopard staff at the skeletons surrounding Tullus and Celestra. Their weapons disintegrated into ashes.