The Mystical Journey

by KJ Siirila

“May I ask who you are?” The Shaman stepped forward.

  “I am the Prophet.” She nodded at them.

  The Shaman, Micael, and Ovit sat in front of her fire. They were amazed by her calmness.

  “What do you see Prophet?” The Shaman asked.

  She slipped into a trance. She sat for a long time before opening her eyes which had turned as white as snow. The Prophet began speaking in a deep voice very unlike her own.

  “I see danger. I see destruction. There will be a great battle soon. I cannot tell you if good or evil will prevail for it would change the face of this war. I will tell you this though there will be many deaths in the final battle. The world will change once more.” She stopped speaking and closed her eyes. She opened them again slowly and looked at all of them.

  “You will continue on this journey and never speak of me again is this understood?”

  They all nodded their heads. They were very scared at what she had just told them. They heard a noise behind them and jumped up and turned around to find a rabbit had jumped out of the brush, when they turned back around the Prophet had disappeared.

  “Those things she said Shaman, is she correct?” Micael was shaking.

  “The Prophet doesn’t lie Micael. She saw a fierce battle on the horizon. We must take her words and continue on. We can’t stop the future from happening but we can do something to protect ourselves from the destruction she spoke of.” The Shaman picked up his belongings as did Micael and Ovit and they started walking.

  “She scared me Micael.” Ovit said nervously.

  “She scared me to Ovit. We will be fine my friend, I promise you.” Micael put his arm around Ovit and they followed the Shaman into the dark mountains.

  The light of the Valley of Illumination was a welcome sight to the Angelic Spirits. It seemed like their moods became lighter as they entered their homeland. The Princess Fimella flew overhead watching closely.

  “I’m not sure what we should do next.” Mitral spoke with a bit of confusion to Ademus and Aerifus.

  “We will go back to the castle and wait. We have to prepare for anything at this point. We don’t know what evils have entered our land so we have to protect ourselves and the myrmidons from any danger.” Aerifus walked along.

  “We have to protect the Princess Fimella and the fairies from any danger. If anything were to happen to the Queen Armad she would have to rule the fairies.” Ademus spoke softly.

  “I feel as though something quite awful has already happened my friends.” Mitral was quiet now. “I sensed it when we were in the Forest of Shadows. Something has happened and I’m not sure what.”

  “We will go to the castle and wait, it’s the only thing we can do right now.” Aerifus said calmly.

  The Princess Fimella flew overhead and didn’t hear anything the Angelic Spirits were talking about. She was worried about her friends in the Midnight Mountains. She was worried for her mother’s safety. She had no idea that she would soon be Queen Fimella.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Grimelda, Magella, Crovis and Trovis knocked on the door of the ghoul’s castle. The door opened on its’ own and they entered. They walked towards the only room they saw with a burning fire to find the two ghouls seated at a table before them.

  They walked towards them slowly. Grimelda stepped out in front of the other three.

  “We’ve come to make plans to find the Book of Elandor ghouls.”

  “Have a seat witch.” Slothard waved his hand and the chairs moved away from the table.

  “I’ve placed your friend on our shelf at home. I never thought a bottle of dust would look so good.” Grimelda smiled at them.

  “We appreciate what your brothers have done for us witch. We have wanted to rid ourselves of Helmog for some time now. We must get down to business though. We must join forces to find the Book of Elandor before anyone else does.” He smirked.

  “We are in agreement then. The Mystagog obviously lied to all of us. He sent us on foolish journeys. I think the first thing we should do is send someone to the Forest of Shadows to destroy the old creature once and for all don’t you?” Grimelda smirked.

  “I agree we will send someone to destroy him but we must stick together.” Slothard stood up. “It’s a job even a simple myrmidon could do don’t you agree?”

  “We found a young fairy Princess while in the Valley of Illumination. Princess Fimella was her name I believe. Should we concern ourselves with her?” Grimelda spoke lightly.

  “A fairy princess? Indeed not. They are no threat to any of us trust me.” Slothard and Wagrim laughed.

  “Then we should begin our task now.” Grimelda stood up and the rest of them followed. “We should leave the castles and begin searching the Midnight Mountains. It is the only way.”

  They all nodded in agreement and left the table and went out the front door of the castle into the night.

  Grimelda and Magella lead the others through the darkened paths of the Midnight Mountains. The ghouls and the warlocks walked behind them closely. Crovis and Trovis could hardly wait to find the Book of Elandor and finally rid themselves of their evil sisters. The ghouls smirked back and forth at each other. They were happy that the warlocks had captured Helmog.

  “Where should we go first witches?” Slothard asked.

  “We’ll go into the mountains and split up once we arrive. It would be too difficult and a waste of time to travel together.” Grimelda smiled at Magella.

  “I don’t think so witch. We’ll split up into two groups. The first group will be you, one of your brothers and me, the second your sister, your other brother and Wagrim.” Slothard insisted.

  “What’s the matter ghoul don’t you trust us?” Grimelda cackled.

  “Not really. I never trust witches.” Slothard looked at Wagrim and winked at him.

  Crovis and Trovis walked along listening to them chatter back and forth knowing the whole time their only intention was to get their hands on the Book of Elandor and destroy the sisters and the ghouls and take over the world on their own.

  They walked for almost an hour before reaching the baseline of the Midnight Mountains and split into two groups.

  “We will meet back here in one day. If you haven’t found anything by then we’ll go back to the Forest of Shadows and begin searching. If we don’t find anything there we’ll go to the Valley of Illumination no matter how dangerous it might be to all of us.” Grimelda was bossy but she knew what she was talking about. Her, Slothard and Crovis left the other three behind and began their adventure into the mountains.

  Magella, Wagrim and Trovis went the other direction into the mountains being extremely careful. They had no idea there were already three others in the mountains searching for the Book of Elandor but it was unlikely that their paths would cross.

  About a day ahead of them the Shaman, Micael and Ovit forged onward in their journey. They didn’t stop to rest much only when they needed to eat. They were all still in shock over losing the Queen Armad but they knew they had to complete this task for the safety of the whole world.

  Micael walked closely to the Shaman discussing his dream.

  “I’m not sure why I would dream of my mother Shaman. I don’t remember her at all. Why would she come to me?”

  “It may not have been her Micael. It could have been your guardian angel letting you know that you’re being protected.” The Shaman smiled at him.

  “I’m not sure Shaman, she just felt very comfortable to me, like I had known her my whole life.” Micael was sad.

  “Don’t be distressed Micael, everything has a way of working itself out. Trust me, many moons have passed over this land and changed everything but it still had a way of working itself out.” He put his hand on Micael’s shoulder.

  “I suppose you’re right Shaman, but the unknown is just so scary sometimes.”

  “I know young Micael, I know.” The Shaman and Micael walked on with Ovit not far behind.

  The Angelic Spirits were sitting at
the table in their castle with the Princess Fimella joining them.

  “I’m hoping some word will come soon from the Midnight Mountains my friends.” Mitral spoke softly.

  “Don’t worry my mother will find her way back here to let us know what is happening.” Princess Fimella smiled.

  “It’s just so dangerous in that land of evil. The witches and warlocks, the ghouls, if they were to get caught they would truly perish at their hands.” Ademus stood from the table now and walked to the window.

  “I think we have to stop worrying about what could happen to them and start hoping that they find the Book of Elandor before the evil creatures have a chance to get their grimy hands on it.” Princess Fimella flew up from the table and began fluttering around.

  “You are right Princess, we must stop focusing on the what ifs.” Mitral stood and joined Ademus at the window.

  Aerifus stood up too but walked towards the door. “I am going to go meditate and try to find them in the Midnight Mountains. I will be back shortly and hopefully I’ll have good news for all three of you.”

  The darkness of the Midnight Mountains could be disturbing sometimes to those who weren’t used to it. The Shaman wasn’t bothered by the darkness but Micael and Ovit found themselves looking around all the time waiting for someone or something to jump out at them. The shadows seemed to dance sometimes which was distracting to the eye. They decided that they would stop and eat something before moving on.

  Micael pulled some small portions of food out of his bag and handed some to the Shaman and Ovit.

  “It’s not the best food in the world but we’ll have to make due with what we have.” Micael spoke while chewing on some bread.

  “Actually Micael this is some of the best food I’ve ever eaten, remember I live in the Forest of Shadows where bugs are a delicacy.” Ovit laughed.

  The Shaman was listening to them talk but not really paying too much attention to the conversation, he was too busy thinking about what the Mystagog had told them on the mountain peak. It made sense and it didn’t make sense. The Shaman felt that he didn’t lie to them though he knew he told the truth, just a truth that didn’t make much sense.

  As they sat there eating, they didn’t realize there were a bunch of glowing eyes watching them from behind, until a branch broke.

  The three of them stood up and Micael and Ovit drew their weapons.

  “Who’s there?” The Shaman demanded.

  There was no reply. The Shaman walked closer to the trees and started to peer through a bush when the eyes opened once again.

  The Shaman jumped back from the trees and fell to the ground and just as he landed a large furry creature came out. It must have been eight feet tall and had at least six sets of eyes on its head.

  Micael and Ovit raised there weapons higher.

  “What do you want creature?” Micael yelled to it.

  The creature came closer to Micael and Ovit and then stopped in front of them.

  “This is my home and I want you to leave.” The creature was hideous to look at but its voice was not terrifying like you would think a creature this large would be.

  The Shaman came to his feet now and walked towards the creature.

  “We are not here to disturb your home creature we are just travelers stopping to rest before moving on.”

  The creature turned to the Shaman. “Where are you traveling to?”

  “That wouldn’t be any of your business now would it be creature?” Micael said angrily at it.

  “There’s no need to be cruel little myrmidon, I just asked you a simple question.” The creature peered at him.

  “What’s your name creature?” The Shaman asked.

  “I am called Sindor, the creature of the Midnight Mountains. I’m surprised you’ve never heard of me.”

  “We are not from here Sindor. We come from the Valley of Illumination.” The Shaman spoke calmly now. “I am the Shaman, they are Micael and Ovit.”

  The creature held out his large hand to the Shaman and they shook. It took awhile for them all to warm up to each other but eventually they were sharing stories around a fire and eating what food they had left.

  “You are searching for the Book of Elandor in the Midnight Mountains? That doesn’t make sense to me. I have lived in these mountains for a long time and have never heard anyone speak of the Book of Elandor being here.” Sindor spoke knowingly.

  “The Mystagog told us the book was here Sindor. He gave us a riddle that involved a mountain and water.” The Shaman sat back smoking his pipe.

  “I know where there’s a lake in the mountains.”

  The three of them looked at Sindor.

  “Can you take us to this lake?” The Shaman asked.

  “Of course I can. It will take us about a day to reach it but we can go fast. There are no villages here in the mountains.”

  “Thank you Sindor.” The Shaman smiled at him and Sindor smiled back with his large, rotted teeth.

  Micael and Ovit were still afraid of Sindor because of his size but knew that he wouldn’t hurt them. They finished eating and talking and got up. Sindor would lead the way now and the others would follow.

  The Shaman seemed pleased to find someone to help them travel through the mountains. Sindor seemed fiercesome and probably was in abnormal circumstances. He would consider him a friend.

  “So how long have you lived in the mountains Sindor?” Micael asked.

  “I don’t remember too much from my past young myrmidon. I have been here for quite some time though. I have spent all of this time alone, so it’s a very good thing that I found you.” Sindor smiled at him.

  “You must get very lonely without any friends here Sindor.” Ovit knew exactly how Sindor felt, after he was banished from his village he felt the same way.

  “I do Ovit. I try not to think about it though. It can be difficult finding things to do alone and with nobody to talk to.”

  “Consider yourself part of our group then Sindor.” The Shaman grinned at him.

  “Thank you friends.” Sindor continued walking forward with the three behind him.

  The Forest of Shadows had grown even quieter since Olagh and Izasa had left on their journey but they were home in their fortress now. They both sat on their thrones.

  “We’ve had quite an adventure Olagh.” Izasa laughed.

  “Yes, we have and it’s only going to get more interesting now.” Olagh chuckled.

  A knock came at the door as they sat there.

  “Enter.” Olagh yelled.

  A member of Olagh’s battalia came into the room and walked up to the throne and knelt down before them.

  “What is it?” Izasa asked.

  “Sirs. The leader of the trolls is missing along with his army we just got word of it.”

  Olagh and Izasa stood up.

  “Missing? What could have happened to him?” Olagh looked at Izasa.

  “I don’t know but it sounds like great news to us.” Izasa waved the battalia soldier off.

  Olagh turned to Izasa. “This is great news my friend. This means we control the Forest of Shadows now that the hideous troll has vanished.”

  “You’re right Olagh. We must find his village and gather up the remainder of his trolls and tell them to join us in the search for the book.”

  “We’re wasting time already Izasa, let’s gather up some of our own and head into the forest to look for Toumani’s village.”

  They both walked down the steps and out the door of their throne room.

  In the Midnight Mountains Grimelda lead Slothard and Crovis deeper into the darkness.

  “Quit lagging behind you two we have a lot of work to do here.” Grimelda scoffed at them.

  Crovis looked at Slothard and held him back a few steps talking quietly to him.

  “Just let the old hag complain ghoul. I’m not worried about her, once we find the Book of Elandor she won’t be here much longer, her or the other sister.” Crovis smirked.

  “
What of Helmog? Can he be raised from the ashes?” Slothard asked.

  “Of course he could, but why would you want to raise him from the ashes? Let him rest peacefully for eterenity inside of that bottle in the castle.” Crovis laughed.

  Grimelda turned around quickly. “What are you two jabbering about back here?” She looked at them angrily. “We don’t have any time for you two to drink tea, hurry up we’re losing valuable time.”

  Crovis and Slothard laughed quietly to themselves and followed Grimelda further into the darkness.

  On the other side of the Midnight Mountains Magella, Wagrim, and Trovis walked on. Wagrim was leading them. Trovis didn’t trust Magella. Everytime she looked away from him he would just stare at her with disgust in his eyes. He couldn’t wait to destroy her. He couldn’t wait to turn the two ghouls into ashes just like their friend.

  “What are you thinking about brother?” Magella questioned.

  “Nothing sister, I’m just keeping my mind focused on the Book of Elandor.” He looked at her and smiled.

  “You’re up to something I know it Trovis, and when I find out Grimelda will be the first to know.” She smirked at him.

  “Why would think that sister? Why would you think we were up to anything at all except helping you find the Book of Elandor? I mean, we’ve already captured a ghoul for you what else could you want?”

  “You may have captured a ghoul Trovis but you wouldn’t have done it unless it would benefit you and Crovis. Don’t think I don’t know this brother. You are too obvious.” She nudged him out of her way and got behind Wagrim and pulled on his cloak. He turned quickly and stopped.

  “What is it witch?” He asked.

  “I want to lead now. I don’t want you to lead me into these mountains. I know these mountains. You and Trovis can follow me now.” She pushed past him and continued up the trail.

  “A breath of fresh air isn’t she ghoul?” Trovis laughed.

  “If we hadn’t planned this warlock, I would have killed her myself by now.” Wagrim spoke quietly so Magella couldn’t hear him

  “Imagine being stuck with them for eternity ghoul.” Trovis walked at a steady pace to keep with Magella now.