The Mystical Journey

by KJ Siirila

  “I’m very sorry my friend. I cannot always control how long the cauldron will let me see into it. Luckily it let us look long enough for you to see what you needed to see.” Morvax stepped away from the cauldron and over to a large chest on the floor, he opened it and pulled out an amulet.

  “This will give you protection when you need it Shaman, just wear it around your neck.” Morvax handed the amulet to the Shaman.

  “Thank you friend.” The Shaman smiled. “How dangerous do you think the ghouls actually are?”

  Morvax took a very deep breath. “As you know Shaman, many suns and moons ago they were defeated by the Angelic Spirits, those who sent you here. They are angry. They are also very strong, you would not want the Book of Elandor to fall into their hands, they would use it for the further destruction of this planet.”

  “So what you are telling me Morvax is that we must find the Mystagog before the ghouls?”

  “Yes Shaman. You must find the Mystagog before the ghouls for one reason. If the ghouls find him first they will take his riddle to find the Book of Elandor and also take the Mystagog but one thing you must know about this Mystagog, he doesn’t always tell the truth, he likes to tell riddles which can make absolutely no sense. There is no solving some of the riddles he tells and I feel he will try to trick you and trick the ghouls.”

  “Where can we find him Morvax?” The Shaman questioned.

  “I do not know where he hides Shaman but I do know where he was last found. This is the only piece of information I can offer you at this time.”

  “I appreciate any information you can give us Morvax.” The Shaman said thankfully.

  “You are now at the southern tip of the Forest of Shadows. You must head north. It will take days possibly even a week to find the last location of the Mystagog. You will have to happen come upon him. He is sometimes not visible to the eyes. You will have to use your powers to sense him once at this location. You will have to travel through the swamps of the Forest of Shadows. You will be searching for a large mountain. He lived at the top of this mountain not long ago. I feel he may still be there.” Morvax started to move out of the room. The Shaman followed.

  “How do you know where the Mystagog was last seen Morvax?” The Shaman questioned.

  “He helped me when I needed it most. He directed me to this cave and told me where I would be safe away from all of the dangers of the Forest of Shadows. He did it in riddle but he was truthful. I am grateful to him for this.” Morvax brought the Shaman back to Micael and the Princess Fimella.

  “I can only say thank you Morvax for helping us on our journey.” Shaman stretched his hand out and Morvax reached out and they touched. Morvax smiled.

  “Thank you Shaman I wish you much luck on your journey. I must go now. Your friends will awaken soon and they will remember only entering the cave. Please don’t tell them of me my friend.”

  “I won’t my friend. You’ve been most friendly and helpful.” The Shaman walked over to Micael and the Princess when he turned back Morvax was gone. He shook Micael and he slowly opened his eyes.

  “I must apologize great Shaman I didn’t even know I had fallen asleep.” Micael slowly woke up.

  “You slept for only a moment Micael. We must leave this cave now. Wake the Princess it’s time to continue on.”

  Micael woke the Princess and stood up then began walking out of the cave. As he walked out the Shaman turned. “Thank you Morvax. You will always be a friend to me.”

  Morvax hiding in the shadows smiled and disappeared into the darkness.

  Back in the Midnight Mountains Grimelda sat at her dining table with her sisters. The brothers Crovis and Trovis were called to join them this evening.

  Grimelda spoke to them like a leader this evening. “Sisters and brothers we must put our minds together to find a way to get the Book of Elandor. We went into the Forest of Shadows only to be locked out by the goblins and gremlins, who in the end, will be destroyed for their extreme stupidity. I looked into the crystal ball and discovered that the ghouls have entered the Forest of Shadows in search of the all mighty Mystagog. We too will go back into the Forest of Shadows in search of this Mystagog but not before we enter the castle of the ghouls. You see sisters and brothers we will set a trap for them in their own castle while they roam the Forest of Shadows. We will capture these ghouls and keep them in our dungeon until we can find a use for them.”

  Crovis spoke. “Sister, how do you imagine we should capture three ghosts? That’s what they are. We cannot hold them in shackles and chains. This will be most difficult.”

  The others nodded in agreement.

  “I have made a potion which will turn them into nothing more than a simple dust. All we have to do is gather them up with a broom and put them in a bottle and leave them in the dungeon until we need them, which may be never.” Grimelda laughed.

  Povina who was normally very quiet spoke. “Grimelda, I think only three of us should go into the forest in search of the Mystagog. If something should happen at least we know there would be three remaining to carry out our battle in the end.”

  Grimelda sat back in her chair. “I agree with you and since you thought up this brave idea little sister you shall be one of the three to go, you, Nevula and Trovis.”

  Trovis looked up shockingly. “Me? Why would I want to go into the Forest of Shadows with the sisters? I want to stay close with Crovis.”

  Grimelda rebutted. “You will go with the sisters into the forest in search of the Mystagog Trovis. You will not be in danger. The sisters know many spells which can protect you.”

  Crovis spoke. “Brother, I know you are fearful but you needn’t be. I will make sure nothing will happen to you.”

  Grimelda stood up. “Then it is agreed, Povina, Nevula and Trovis will leave this evening and while you are gone we will search the castle of the ghouls and prepare for their return.”

  They all stood and left the room except Magella who walked over to Grimelda.

  “Dear Sister. What have you done? You know Povina, Nevula and Trovis are not experienced enough to battle the Forest of Shadows. They may never come back.” Magella looked oddly at Grimelda.

  “My sister. You are the only one who has the potential to fight this battle. You are skilled, not as skilled as I but skilled nonetheless. The brothers are and always will be useless to us but if one should die, the other would be more willing to fight the battle with us.” Grimelda smirked.

  Magella smiled. “You are so wise my sister. I’m assuming the other sisters know that Trovis will not be returning to the castle with them?”

  “Of course Magella, they were informed of the events well before they took place. They know exactly what to do with Trovis once in the Forest of Shadows. They will take him deep to the center of the gray area and leave him there. He is not skilled enough to find his way back here. The creatures will destroy him eventually and that will leave Crovis. He will be so distraught over losing his mirror brother that he will want to fight with us. Once we have him on our side the witches and warlock will be indestructible.” The sisters laughed.

  The ghouls continued onward through the Forest of Shadows. They found the old fortress of the goblins and gremlins. They went inside expecting to find something but they found nothing.

  Slothard spoke. “Where have they gone Helmog? I smell those grimy little tree dwellers. Were they here recently?”

  Helmog looked around. “The goblins and gremlins have left here recently. But they are not the only ones. Those haggard creatures were here also.”

  “The witches?” Wagrim spoke up.

  “Yes Wagrim, the witches, the hideous four. I sense things didn’t go as planned for them.” He smiled. “We must go further in search of the Mystagog.”

  They left the fortress and began traveling north not knowing that not far from them were the Shaman, Micael and the Princess Fimella.

  Princess Fimella flew high above the trees again. Micael followed the Shaman. He felt as th
ough he’d been walking for days. His legs were heavy and he was thirsty and hungry. He knew he had to keep moving though. He was part of something greater than he could ever imagine.

  The ground seemed to be getting soggier as they moved along. The Shaman stopped.

  “We’ll rest here Micael. We are getting closer to the swamp. Once we reach the swamp it will be more difficult for us to travel. We must be prepared.”

  Micael was relieved at the thought of stopping. He was also fearful of what laid ahead.

  Once they settled in for their rest Micael began to talk to the Shaman.

  “Shaman, may I ask you a question?”

  The Shaman nodded his head. “Of course you can Micael. That’s why I am here to answer questions.”

  “Thank you. The one question I have for you is this. Where did you come from Shaman? Do you know?” Micael looked at him with much interest.

  The Shaman sat back and looked up at the sky. He then looked down into the fire and began to tell his story.

  “Many many years ago I was part of a great Indian tribe. My father and brothers were warriors. We were powerful people. I had a grandmother who told me when I was young that when I grew older I would possess the powers I carry with me to this day. When the evil people came and destroyed our villages and killed our people my powers grew stronger. I have seen much death and destruction young one. I never expected to be brought back to this land again. The Gods have called upon me for a reason and I shall help in any way I can. We must rest now. We have a long journey ahead of us.”

  Micael smiled and laid his head down on the ground. The Princess Fimella flew above them. She would be the watchful eye while they slept.

  At the castle of the witches and warlocks Povina, Nevula, and Trovis prepared for their movement into the Forest of Shadows. Grimelda readied Magella and Crovis for their sneaky trip into the ghoul’s castle this night. She stood over her large cauldron chanting a spell that would turn the ghouls to dust and enable her to carry out her plans.

  “In this night and in this hour, I call upon the dark powers. Take this liquid and make it so, the ghouls will have no place to go. Once spread upon them dust they’ll be and forever more this shall be.” Grimelda took three small bottles and filled them out of the cauldron pulled them out, corked them and put them in her pocket. “It will not be soon enough before I put those ghouls back where they belong.” She laughed loudly.

  In the main hall Povina, Nevula and Trovis said their farewells to their sister and brother. Magella hugged Povina and whispered in her ear. “I will see you and Nevula upon your return dear sister.”

  Povina nodded and gathered the other two and left the main door. Crovis seemed a bit curious and stopped Magella before she headed back down the main hall.

  “What are you up to dear sister?” He asked.

  “Why whatever do you mean dear brother?” She stood emotionless.

  “I just find it very strange that the two idiot sisters were sent into the Forest of Shadows with Trovis don’t you?” He questioned.

  “Dear brother it was Povina who arrived at the idea of going to the Forest of Shadows. Grimelda just thought it best that three stay here and three go.” She was very nonchalant and started to walk away.

  “I’m not sure I agree with the decision to send Trovis though. I would have been the better choice of us two. I am stronger and better to handle situations that may arise.” He called after her.

  Magella continued to walk down the hall with a smirk on her face. She didn’t bother to answer Crovis.

  Outside of the castle Povina, Nevula and Trovis began their flight to the Forest of Shadows. Povina and Nevula held close to each other and let Trovis languish behind them. They flew for quite some time and were almost to the center of the Forest of Shadows when Povina began her descent to the ground. The others soon followed. She would wait to rid herself of Trovis for at least one day she thought. She didn’t want it to become to obvious. Once Povina and Nevula were convinced Trovis was asleep they would take his flying object and leave him to fend for himself. Povina wanted to make sure he wouldn’t wake up so she had Grimelda make her a deep sleep potion before she left the castle. She would sprinkle it over him before they left. He would sleep for at least three days and not even realize what had become of his sisters then they would continue on to try and find the Mystagog.

  “We should rest here I believe,” Povina croaked.

  Trovis walked towards her. “My dear sister Povina, rest is for the weak. We should move forward with this task to find the Mystagog. What do you think Nevula?”

  Nevula sat. “I think Povina is right. We should rest here and continue on later. It will be easier to think with a well rested mind brother.” She smiled slyly at Povina.

  Povina and Nevula laid down on the ground next to each other. Trovis wandered close to a large tree and then sat and closed his eyes. Povina and Nevula never fell asleep they waited for hours until they heard Trovis snoring. At that moment Povina moved closer to her brother and slowly pulled the potion out of her pocket and sprinkled it over his head.

  “Goodnight and goodbye brother.” Povina smiled back at Nevula. “Grab his flying object and let’s go, when he awakens he won’t even know what’s happened.” The sisters laughed as they left their brother to die in the Forest of Shadows.

  Three days had passed before Trovis would wake up, he opened his eyes and tried to stand but he felt too groggy. “Sisters?” He called but no answer. “Povina? Nevula? Where are you?” There was still no answer. Trovis finally managed to brace himself on a tree. It was then he realized what the sisters had done. He became very angry and started to hit the tree with his fist. He stopped when his hand became bloody.

  “You damned witches! When I find you I shall destroy you!” He stormed off and down the only path he could see.

  Not far from where Trovis laid for three days Micael, the Shaman and the Princess Fimella continued through the swamps of the Forest of Shadows.

  “How close are we Shaman?” Micael asked.

  “We have a long way to go yet young Micael. You must be patient. I am seeing through the third eye and trying to find the home of the great Mystagog. The Forest of Shadows is very large and once in the swamps, even larger and harder to find things. We must continue on and not wonder but find what we are looking for.” The Shaman continued to walk.

  The Princess Fimella flew down and landed on Micael shoulder.

  “What is it Princess do you see something?” Micael wondered.

  The Shaman stopped as did Micael.

  “I do see somebody not far from where we are at Shaman and Micael. I’m not sure if it’s a creature or a myrmidon yet. Should I try to fly closer to get a better view while you two hide?” She fluttered about now.

  The Shaman spoke. “Yes, I believe that’s the best idea right now. Don’t get too close though Princess we cannot chance something happening to you.”

  As the Princess flew off, Micael and the Shaman found a large tree and huddled behind it. She was not gone long before she came down and fluttered before Micael and the Shaman. She looked terrified.

  “What is it Princess?” The Shaman asked.

  “You will never believe this but it is one of the warlocks from the Midnight Mountains Shaman. He is wandering through the swamp alone.” She looked shocked.

  The Shaman sat back. “What would one of the warlocks be doing all alone in the Forest of Shadows? Let me sit and meditate a moment my friends. I may discover why this is.” The Shaman slipped into a trance.

  Micael and the Princess Fimella were very close but very quiet. Micael was a bit worried never having dealt with anyone from the Midnight Mountains. The Princess seemed quite scared also. At least an hour had gone by before the Shaman came out of his trance with an answer.

  “My friends, it seems the witches have pulled quite an evil trick on their brother. They brought him to the Forest of Shadows with dreams of finding the Book of Elandor but left him to fen
d for himself and eventually, they hoped he would die.”

  Micael and the Princess gasped in horror.

  “Why would your own family do something such as this Shaman?” Michael didn’t understand.

  “The witches are evil women. They do not care about their brothers, either of them. They know that if they destroy one of the brothers the other will be more apt to fight with them in any battles that should arise.” The Shaman stood now.

  “If we run into the warlock what should we do?” Micael stood also.

  “Unless we choose to run into him we won’t. The warlock is confused. He’s not quite sure what part of the Forest of Shadows he’s even in. He is being overtaken by rage right now but not towards us or anyone else just his sisters.”

  On the other side of the Forest of Shadows swamps the ghouls were still moving along swiftly. Helmog was definitely the leader of the three. He was also the leader of the three many years ago when they were companions as young children. As the Angelic Spirits were of human form many years ago so were the ghouls. They were of course not known as Helmog, Slothard, and Wagrim then but Herman, Stanley and Walter.

  Herman was always a difficult child as were the other two. Herman was always getting into trouble but the trouble that would send these three to the fires below was nothing by comparison. They spent their days together usually playing outdoor games or spending time in their special hiding places in the woods. Stanley and Walter were always followers that’s why they looked up to Herman the way they did. One day while in the woods they met a young man. His name was Christopher. Christopher was a quiet kid and just wanted to make friends. He was much smaller than the other three boys. Herman told Christopher that he could be their friend but he would have to perform some tasks before they let him into the club. The first tasks were simple. The next task would be much more difficult. Herman told Christopher that he would have to climb the great cliff by their homes and jump to the waters below. Stanley and Walter knew this was dangerous but they went along with it anyway. The four boys headed up the great cliff and to the edge. Christopher looked over the edge and decided that he couldn’t do it. The other boys taunted him. Christopher began to cry. Herman, Stanley, and Walter moved closer to Christopher pointing and laughing at him. Christopher moved back slowly from the boys until he had moved one step too far and fell over the edge of the cliff.