Origin Mage

by John Forrester

  Talis and Mara nodded, and motioned for Rikar to continue. He took a deep breath and began.

  “Every night, I’ve been having nightmares of the Nameless.”

  “Since when?” Talis’ eyes flared in alarm.

  “After I returned to Carvina. It’s like she’s trying to escape… like she’s trying to reach out to me.”

  “But he’s better now,” Devonia said, placing a hand on Rikar’s arm. “Master Goleth found a mentalist to help teach him how to control his mind and block Caisa’s influence.”

  “Why didn’t you tell us before?” Talis asked, his tone rising in fear. “I simply don’t understand it. How does someone not die after being transformed into a stone statue?”

  “It is doubtful the Nameless has a need for a body.” Rikar narrowed his eyes. “She—or he, whatever it is—is beyond that in terms of power. The Nameless has likely transcended even the concept of death and exists purely as an entity or a spirit. You all felt it. How the hell you’re denying it, I have no idea. If we managed to kill the body of the priestess the Nameless occupied, and if there were priests or priestesses who survived the Underworld, then the Nameless could enter any one of them. The Nameless is that powerful.”

  “What does she tell you in your dreams? Are you helping her?”

  “No, I’m not helping her. Can you stop mistrusting me?” Rikar sighed, clenching and unclenching his fists. Finally, after controlling himself, he continued. “She told me she’ll soon return. The way is finally clear.”

  “That insane!” Talis said, fuming. “But how?”

  Rikar waited for a long time, lost in thought as he stared at the ocean. “In my dream last night she said she had escaped and rallied her followers. They are coming up to the surface.”

  “How did that happen?” Talis asked.

  “I saw Jared—the Starwalker—in the Underworld.”

  “Seriously? Jared helped her escape? But he hates her, he probably wants to kill her.”

  Rikar shrugged. “Do you expect me to know everything? I don’t understand what I saw, but it did seem like Jared was under the control of the Nameless. As was Lord Zagros.”

  Talis looked like he was about to explode. Mara held out her arm to stop him from speaking. He needed to calm down. Rikar wasn’t their enemy.

  “But why would the Starwalkers want to go to the Underworld?” she said.

  “Think about it. Of course, for revenge.” Talis looked at her, his eyes filled with disbelief and worry. “And instead they found slavery. I can’t think of a more horrific situation—the Nameless accessing the treasure trove of Starwalker knowledge and fragments? We are so screwed.”

  “Won’t Caisa decide to return to the Origin World and leave us alone?” Mara hoped she would indeed forget about them, but doubted the truth of her words as soon as she’d said them.

  “Never. Not after what we did to her.” Talis looked crestfallen.

  “How will they escape the Underworld?” Princess Devonia studied Rikar.

  “The Nameless could open a portal,” Talis said. “Or they could command Jared to lead them to the Starwalker sanctuary—”

  “Or they could make the journey back up into Darkov.” Rikar interrupted him. “To rally more forces to fight. I imagine this time the Nameless will want to buffer herself against being captured or injured. She’s been imprisoned for over a year in the Underworld. Likely she’s in no mood to have that happen again. If I were to guess, I’d say she’ll proceed with more caution this time and plan her next moves carefully.”

  “Which are many.” Mara frowned, thinking of the possibilities. And none of them were good. But she hoped Caisa chose the one that bought them the most time. And kept her away from Naru.

  “We need to warn Nikulo and the others. They need to prepare.” Talis cast an angry glare at Rikar. “You never said why you didn’t you tell us before we boarded this damned ship?”

  Rikar exhaled sharply through his teeth. “I was afraid you’d think I was a traitor again—or be suspicious of me. You always look at me like I might do something wrong.”

  “You should have told us,” Talis said. “We had a right to know. If we’re in this together, you need to tell us things like this. Otherwise, we can’t help but be suspicious. It’s like you’re covering stuff up, really important stuff that could determine whether we live or die.”

  Rikar looked genuinely apologetic. “I’m sorry. I can go and warn Nikulo—it’s my responsibility. I’m probably the only one who can deal with Caisa. And besides, I’m the one she’s been reaching out to.”

  “But how are you going to find us?” Mara asked.

  “I can meet you in Onair.” Rikar glanced at Devonia. “I’ll fly there after I talk to Nikulo. It won’t take me long. It’s the least I can do to help.”

  “No. This changes everything. We’re getting off this ship.” Talis glanced around like he was debating flying in dragon form or opening a portal right here on deck.

  Mara didn’t think sending Rikar to warn Nikulo was such a good idea. Was he telling the truth? Or possibly not telling them everything. Though she wanted to trust him, an ever-present voice told her to be wary of him. Besides, Talis clearly was only thinking of going to Naru.

  “Why doesn’t Talis open a portal to Naru and we can warn them together?” Mara studied Rikar’s reaction and spotted a flicker of irritation, sending a chill of concern through her.

  “It’s ok. I’ll handle it—”

  “I don’t think we’re asking,” Talis said, his expression hard. “We insist.”

  Rikar coughed and bobbed his head, clearly upset at the proclamation. “If you want to be like that, then fine. Whatever, I was only trying to help.”

  “It’s not like we don’t appreciate it.” Mara frowned. “At the same time, you can’t blame us, can you?”

  “Besides, there are things I have to do in Naru to prepare for their defense. Things no one else can do but me,” Talis said.

  Rikar shrugged. “Then I guess it is all decided. We might as well all go there. Drop the idea of a journey to Tarasen, right? Might as well turn the ship around and forget the whole adventure.”

  “Calm down, Rikar.” Princess Devonia placed a hand on his arm. “What’s got you so upset?”

  “Because they don’t trust me! It’s so obvious. I offered to help warn Nikulo, and Talis and Mara look at me like I’m an eel. Habits are ever so hard to break. They’ll never fully trust me.”

  “Listen, I set up the magical defenses around Naru. It’s not a matter a trust. I simply need to be there.”

  “You can’t do anything against the Nameless, don’t you know that? Or are you an idiot who blindly believes you can do something?” Rikar threw up his hands and scoffed. “You’ll be murdered along with everyone else in Naru. My warning to Nikulo? Get the hell out of Naru with your wife and child while you still can. If there are any intelligent people left, they’ll do the same.”

  “Is there something you’re not telling us?” Mara thrust her hands on her hips.

  Rikar clutched his head, a look of anguish suddenly gripping his face. “You’re all, you’re all just… gods, make it stop!” He fell to his knees and howled in pain, crumpling into a ball. Devonia went to help, but Rikar only curled up tighter. He sobbed and screamed, his body convulsing.

  A silver glow began to appear around his figure.

  4. Madness Returns

  Rikar gasped, feeling the cold surge into his body. His eyes widened in pain. Some kind of an acidic, sticky substance was eating away at his bones. He tried to scream, but found himself unable to utter a sound.

  This had to be some kind of a nightmare. He pushed himself to his feet and glanced around. A maze of dark corridors formed of tangling vines surrounded him, like the ones at the Temple of Nyx. Crows cawed overhead in a soupy sky of gray. He shivered as he stumbled through the maze, trying to find a way out.

  What was he doing here? The last thing he remembered he was on a ship wi
th his friends, bound for the Isles of Tarasen. But there had been a fight of some kind. Was Talis upset with him? He couldn’t remember the details, but he still felt the angry memory burn inside.

  From within the dim light, a ghostly shape appeared and strode toward him. Rikar recognized the gait and his heart went cold. Caisa sauntered over, her arms swinging.

  She grinned at him. “The boy reborn of Starwalker blood and bone. I wish I could say I felt pleased to see you. Are you honored to once again be in my presence?”

  “Humility grips me, though in a sore and painful place.” Rikar went to his knees and kissed her feet.

  “Ever the dangerous wit. One day that good humor of yours will get you silenced.”

  He waited until she commanded him to rise. “Was the Underworld not the destination you were hoping for?”

  “Hah! That’s one way of putting it. Though somehow we did meet the Starwalkers. And at last, Lord Zagros and his guardians were kind enough to allow us to depart. I’m sure the old godling was pleased to see us leave. If you don’t recognize the surroundings, we’re in Darkov, now, reflecting on our misadventures.”

  A small smile played on her lips. “I’ve heard from the rulers of this fine city that you’ve often been here, harassing them for information? Is this not the case?”

  “I have traveled to Darkov, though I’d hardly call it harassment.”

  She narrowed her eyes in expectation, so he continued. “I’ve been in search of knowledge and clues about my former master. To improve my position.”

  “You mean the traitor, Lord Aurellia?” She laughed, her face not showing any anger at the dark lord’s failure to provide her help. “I’m sure he’ll be returning soon. You could say he finds himself unable to resist me. Though this time I believe he will come unwillingly and in quite the foul mood. Once you become my servant, one’s freedom of will flies away like a flock of frightened birds. You of all people should know this, young master Rikar.”

  He bowed his head and the dream changed to the foreboding cityscape of Darkov. Caisa stood atop the tallest tower in the city, gazing at the flickering lights below. The fierce gold and black dragon statue stood watch above her, their expressions of dominion mirroring each other’s.

  “Before you come, you must know this.” Caisa studied him with cold, calculating eyes. “I grow tired of this world. After finding freedom from my imprisonment underneath the desert ruins, the taste of liberty was too strong and wonderful to give up. The year I spent in the Underworld was unbearable. After my time there, I vowed to release any notions of revenge and continue on my quest to the Origin World. So you can tell those friends of yours that I will seek no malice against their city. In exchange, they must obey and fulfill the duties of their sworn allegiance to Aurellia, and by proxy, to me. Otherwise… the outcome will be unthinkable to their frail minds.”

  “They will of course agree to your terms, though not without a large degree of suspicion.” Rikar bowed once again.

  “The fools can believe what they want. But tell them they must come and meet me in Darkov before the day has ended. This is my unchangeable condition.” The Nameless turned and shadows enveloped her shapely figure, causing the vision to fade until Rikar squinted and shielded his eyes from the bright sky.

  “What happened to you?” Mara bent down next to him. “You collapsed and went into a kind of epileptic fit.”

  He exhaled forcefully, annoyed. “I decided it would pleasant to take a nap. What the hell do you think? She came again. It appears that the Nameless has returned to Darkov.”

  “Already? How did she escape so quickly?”

  “How the hell do I know?” Rikar shot her a look.

  “Calm down. At least she’s not in Naru with a horde of angry sorcerers.” The relief in Talis’ voice caused Rikar to feel irritated.

  “Sure, far better not to wreck our fair city again. Is that all you think about? Don’t you know there are worse things in the world?”

  “What can be worse than an entire city being turned into zombies?” Mara said, scoffing.

  “I’m talking about us, don’t you get it? Far worse things can happen to us.” Rikar pushed himself up. “Caisa has commanded us to go to Darkov. In exchange, she promised not to harm Naru.”

  “What’s the bad part?” Talis shrugged. “This is better news than I’d expected.”

  “Why does she want us? What, is she going to kill us and take her revenge?” Mara looked indignant and confused. “Why should we go to Darkov only to be slaughtered? Shouldn’t we fight?”

  “It’s not so simple as that. She won’t harm us.” Rikar studied Mara. “The Nameless is also summoning Lord Aurellia. It seems she’s vowed to venture on to the Origin World and leave Naru alone. But only if we return to help her.”

  “Do you seriously expect us to believe that?” Talis shook his head. “After what we did to her? There’s no way she’ll just give up on revenge and leave this world.”

  “I’m only telling you what I heard. She said if we return to her and fulfill the obligations of our sworn duty, she won’t harm Naru. Get it? She’ll leave.”

  “So we have to sacrifice ourselves to save the people of Naru?” Mara’s expression turned doubtful.

  “And the people of Carvina.” Princess Devonia stared back in the direction of the city. “If such a thing is true, I’ll do anything to protect them. Even if it means leaving this world forever. They’ve suffered far too much.”

  Rikar held Devonia’s hand and nodded in agreement. The group went silent for a time, lost in thought. Finally, he turned to face Talis and Mara.

  “We can’t stay here a moment longer.”

  “One of us has to tell Nikulo,” Talis said. “We can’t just leave him like that.”

  “More bad news. He has to come as well. Don’t you remember? He swore an allegiance to Aurellia also.” Rikar held his anger inside, knowing it wasn’t fair, with Nikulo having a wife and a new baby. But at least they’d be safe. “And with the dark lord certain to return to the Nameless, we’re all bound to her. At least until Aurellia somehow breaks free.”

  “Like that’s ever going to happen.” Talis looked at Mara, eyes sad. “I’ll go to Naru and tell him.”

  “You won’t go alone. I’ll come with you,” she said. “We’ll meet you in Darkov.”

  “Before the day ends.” Rikar stretched out his hands, and prepared to cast the portal spell.

  He would be returning to Darkov, once again, but there was only dread in the journey.

  5. Shadows over Naru

  As Talis surveyed the jagged shadows falling over the city of Naru, he thought of his promise to keep the city and its inhabitants safe. Now, that promise was leading him off into an uncertain future, away from his home and family, and at the peril to his life, and Mara’s life. But was it truly the only way for him to keep his city safe? Deep down inside he’d always known there would be vengeance coming for what they’d done to the Nameless and the Starwalkers. They’d been preparing for that vengeance for a year now.

  With the summons from Caisa, they were being pulled away from Naru, and with it, the danger was leaving their city. At least in that there was some consolation, despite it all.

  Mara held Talis’ hand as they strolled down the cobblestone street from the Sky Temple to the mansion where Nikulo had taken up residence. The mid-morning sun felt warm and soothing on his back, providing a temporary relief to his sense of anxiety.

  “How will we break the news to him?” Mara asked.

  Talis could tell she was dreading the conversation with Nikulo and his wife. Their adorable baby boy was only a few months old.

  “We’ll simply have to tell him straight out. What else can we do?”

  “Knock him out and kidnap him?” She gave a wry grin. “Of course he’ll come. His duty is to protect his wife and child, and everyone else in the city.”

  “But it won’t be easy for him to leave. The whole situation stinks.”

 
“Aren’t you the least bit excited by what we might find on the Origin World?”

  Talis shook his head. “All I can think about is being tortured and killed. The Nameless was imprisoned by those of the Origin World, right? Why would this time be any different? Has she grown more powerful over the last ten thousand years? We were able to trap Caisa and her elder sorcerers for a year in the Underworld. If we go with her, we might be the next ones to be imprisoned.”

  “If they can catch us.” Mara smirked. “Even the Nameless couldn’t see through the shroud of invisibility from my daggers. We’re not completely helpless. Look at the bright side. It might be a good idea to go there, if Caisa is caught and killed. Then we’ll be free.”

  “That’s not a terrible idea at all, if we can make it happen. Though I worry whether we’ll just end up being trapped there on that world.”

  They reached the entrance to Nikulo’s mansion and knocked on the door. A stiff, sour-faced servant appeared. His expression softened at seeing them. He smiled and motioned for them to enter.

  “Your Highness. And welcome, young Master Talis. It is good to see you have safely returned. Everyone was worried at your sudden and unexpected disappearance. All is well, I presume?”

  “Nay, all is definitely not well. Things are dire, I’m afraid. We come bearing bad tidings.” Mara looked past the servant. “Can you lead us to Master Nikulo? We have urgent matters to discuss.”

  The tall, lanky man’s eyes widened in concern, but he bowed and led them down the marble-floored corridor, until they left the house and entered the lush gardens where Nikulo was playing with his baby. His wife, Callith, scooped up the giggling child and looked at them, her flushed, happy face turned concerned at their arrival.

  “What is it?” she asked, cradling the child.

  Nikulo pushed himself up and grunted in the process. He strode over and grasped arms with Talis, glancing back and forth between the two of them.

  “Is it truly that bad?” He sighed. “It’s been over a year since you both bore that expression. Come on, spit it out.”