Chapter 1

Chapter 1

It was a cloudless summer day. They hung the maypole in the town square and decorated the village with colorful ribbons. Everyone was excited about the event. Young men and young girls joined hands, hoping to find true love as they danced under the maypole. The aroma of fancy foods filled the air. The music was glorious, and flowers adorned their hair. They wore beautiful hand-spun gowns they had spent months sewing. They hoped to catch the attention of young men.

They covered long tables with tablecloths and lined rows with barrels of hearty wines and beers. Sound men pulled them off wagons. This day was sure to be memorable. However, the gods above nor its town’s people had no clue what was about to happen that would ruin such a fine day, a day of promise, a day of one finding one’s true love. Change was in the air and came with a vengeance as a mighty Dark Army came riding in, bringing dark clouds of thundering horses and murder in their eyes. Tables overturned and ribbons slashed and muddied in the street as a Dark Man rode a black horse, shouting to bring every boy and man into the square and tie them up and line them right under the maypole. Morgan sat tall upon his dark steed and gazed down at the men and boys as if they were nothing but inferior worms to crush under his feet. 

He knew, and they knew he was more than capable of wiping out their entire village. After all, they had seen it happen in the other villages and hoped and prayed that he wouldn’t come here. It was a fool’s hope, but the stories and the elders had warned them, and many had already fled or were preparing to flee the day after the maypole celebration into the high mountains, before the snows came. It seems as if they are too late.

Whispers spread among the villagers, wondering who had betrayed them. Had someone within their own community revealed their plans to Morgan? Or was it simply the hand of fate, playing a cruel trick on their once peaceful existence? Regardless, time seemed to be running out for the remaining villagers who had not managed to escape.

As the Dark Army descended upon the town, the villagers could feel a chilling fear gripping their hearts. The once vibrant and joyous atmosphere of the maypole celebration turned into a scene of chaos and despair. 

Women and children scattered, seeking refuge wherever they could find it. The captors took control of the men and boys, binding them and rendering them helpless. They lined them up under the maypole, with faces etched with a mixture of defiance and resignation.

Morgan, the leader of the Dark Army, exuded an aura of power and malevolence. His eyes gleamed with a cruel satisfaction as he surveyed his captives. As the ominous dark clouds loomed overhead, casting a shadow over the town, a sense of impending doom hung heavy in the air. 

The eerie silence of impending tragedy replaced the once lively music and laughter. The maypole, once a symbol of hope and love, now stood as a grim reminder of their impending fate. The villagers held onto a flicker of hope, praying that somehow, against all odds, they would find a way to escape the clutches of the Dark Army. But deep down, they knew that their lives would never be the same again. The day that was meant to bring them joy and love had turned into a nightmare that would forever haunt their memories.

The soldiers who stood behind the dark soldier nodded in agreement, their armor gleaming in the dim light, reflecting the ominous aura that surrounded them. Each soldier carried a distinct emblem on their breastplate, symbolizing their allegiance to the self-appointed false King. 

The villagers, huddled together in the square, exchanged fearful glances, their eyes filled with trepidation as they realized the severity of the situation. This cruel man, not chosen or born of noble blood, had forcefully taken the throne, defying the rightful lineage of the traditional King. Lord Morgan, a trusted advisor turned puppet of the false King, stood at the center of the square, his commanding voice echoing through the air.

The scroll in his hand, adorned with intricate calligraphy and sealed with a royal emblem, seemed to hold the fate of the people as he continued to read the proclamations, each word striking fear deeper into the hearts of the villagers. Their lives would never be the same under the rule of this pretender to the throne.

The crowd grew quiet as they listened, knowing that resistance would bring dire consequences. The false king’s greed was evident in his demands for all their gold, silver, and a staggering seventy % of their grain, harvested fruit, and cattle. It was a heavy burden to bear, and the villagers knew that their livelihoods would be greatly impacted. But the most chilling part of the proclamation was the call for every able-bodied man above the age of fifteen to serve in the king’s army, wielding a sword.

The promise of fair payment and provisions did little to ease their fears, as they made the consequences of refusing clear. Those who dared to defy this false king’s orders would face death, and not only their lives but also the lives of their families would be forfeited. The choice was grim - obey and suffer or resist and face a cruel fate. 

The dark soldier’s presence loomed over the village, a symbol of their impending submission to the tyrannical rule of Lord Morgan. Who wished to be King, No a God. The people knew that doom awaited them. Hess and Morgan, driven by their thirst for ultimate power and immortality, embarked on a relentless quest to secure their reign for all eternity. They meticulously followed a carefully crafted timeline, eliminating anyone who posed a threat to their plans along the way.

Their primary objective was to locate and obtain the Five Keys of Destiny, along with the corresponding artifacts associated with each key. According to rumors, these artifacts possessed immense power, with the ability to unlock the enigmatic, hidden chamber doors and grant the wielders the ability to ascend to godhood.

Hess and Morgan discovered that the White Solon and the Dark Prince were legendary beings with immense power. The White Solon could harness the energy of light, heal any ailment, recreate worlds, and defeat armies. This power could control nature itself. Finding these individuals was crucial for their journey and the fate of the realms of magic. They believed that acquiring the sought-after artifacts was the only way to become powerful gods and rule over mankind.

Guided by the Morning Twilight constellation, Hess and Morgan embarked on a quest to decipher celestial messages in the night sky. They studied ancient texts and consulted wise sages for clues that would lead them to the Astral Eclipse and the birth of the prophesied boys. During this celestial event, the boys would be marked with symbols representing the harmony between light and dark, indicating their roles in restoring balance to the realms. As they unraveled the riddle, Hess and Morgan’s determination grew stronger. They traveled too distant lands, encountering mythical creatures and facing treacherous obstacles in their pursuit of the lost catacombs and the map that held the key to their location. Each step brought them closer to their ultimate goal but also brought them face to face with the dangers that awaited them.

Their search became not only a quest for power and immortality, but a test of their own character and resilience. They realized that their journey was not only about unraveling the secrets of the gods but also about discovering their own true potential. With every challenge they overcame, they grew stronger and more attuned to the forces of magic that surrounded them.

Hess and Morgan were driven by their desire to fulfill their destiny. They also hoped to bring destruction to their enemies and unite all worlds and realms under the Shadow. Their goal was to destroy the Gods of Light and their followers, who believed in white magic and manipulated the world to their liking. They understood the importance of their mission and the responsibility it carried. With each passing day, their determination grew stronger, propelling them forward on their epic quest.

Morgan and Hess, two powerful sorcerers, had dedicated their lives to mastering the dark arts and harnessing forbidden magic. Their lust for power had led them down a treacherous path, seeking to disrupt the delicate equilibrium between light and dark forces in the realms of white magic. They believed that by finding the boys born under the Astral Eclipse and deciphering their unique markings, they would gain access to the lost catacombs. Legends whispered that within those catacombs lay a map that held the key to unimaginable power and the ability to tip the scales in their favor. As they delved deeper into the mysteries of the prophecy, their desperation grew, fueling their determination to fulfill their twisted destiny. For centuries, the forces of Light had diligently safeguarded the world, ensuring peace and harmony. 

However, a sinister duo named Morgan and Hess harbored a relentless desire to disrupt this delicate balance and plunge the realms of white magic into chaos. Their malevolent plan not only endangered the fate of these realms but also aimed to elevate themselves to the status of all-powerful gods, reigning overall other deities and their respective populations.

Starlight Riddle

Two boy’s light, two boys dark. One travels through time and yet out of time. One is cared for; the other is not. A mother who loves finds him, and family makes him strong. Glory is found and glory is lost and regained when the two boys meet and stay as one. Yet both remain apart.

A quest is chosen and must be traveled here and far. And if not partaken they will each take upon the shrouds of death for time and all eternity.

There will be no time, no stars, no glory, or salvation render. to those that could have been saved. Only endless death to one and all. Both are and will wait for a new beginning … that will never come. Unless those that come forth who stayed their hand and help those to walk in the Light of these two boys. Will be the ones to replant the seeds of destiny, restoring what has been lost and forgotten. In doing so, the worlds and realms will be reborn, and the fabric of time will forever be as it is meant to be.

End of Riddle

By

Eric J. Shepherd

Morgan felt a sense of urgency as he saw his master, Hess, deteriorating. Once powerful, Hess was now weak and frail due to the burden of time and the accursed scroll. The scroll had drained his strength and vitality. Morgan knew they had to act quickly to save Hess and complete their mission. People pointed towards the forest, mentioning that they could locate the oracle Sandra Brandywine there.

Unbeknownst to Morgan, the person telling him this was actually the disguised oracle. She appeared as an old woman, with haggard features and one blue eye and one green eye that were frosted over, resembling blindness. Her voice was old and rough, as she pointed with a bony, skeletal finger.

Morgan was desperate and embarked on a dangerous journey. They traveled through dangerous landscapes, facing countless dangers and obstacles, to reach the Farzona Forest. They faced tough challenges and encountered mythical creatures. With each step, their determination grew to find the remaining oracles and obtain their sacred scrolls. 

These scrolls would lead them to the Five Keys of destiny and the artifacts that grant immortality and godlike power. The dense foliage and mystical creatures in the enchanted forest made it hard for outsiders to find their way. However, Morgan followed the instructions of an old woman. She gave him a map and whispered legends that confirmed what the old woman said was true. As he ventured deeper into the forest, he felt the magic pulsating through the air, a sign he was nearing the temple of the oracle. 

Legends whispered that the temple hid within a shimmering veil of illusion, only granting access to the worthy. Morgan’s determination and belief in his mission fueled his every step, despite exhaustion and doubts. Time was running out for his cursed master, Hess. The Mother’s tears held the key to breaking the curse and restoring Hess to glory. Morgan’s heart pounded with hope and fear as he approached the temple. The fate of his master and the future of their divine mission rested on the enigmatic oracle, Sandra Brandywine. The oracle was famous for her wisdom and foresight. She had the ability to see into the past, present, and future. This made her crucial in uncovering the secrets of hidden artifacts. 

However, convincing her to give up the sacred scrolls wouldn’t be easy. But Morgan was determined to do whatever it took to save his master. Morgan’s heart raced as he listened to the oracle’s words, feeling a mix of fear and determination coursing through his veins. He had come to the temple seeking answers, seeking power, but now he realized the extent of his folly. The weight of his choices pressed heavily upon him as he gazed into the piercing eyes of the transformed oracle. 

Her voice echoed in the chamber, filled with ancient knowledge and a hint of sadness. She spoke of the White Solon, a legendary person, and the fabled artifact said to hold immense power, power that Morgan had foolishly believed he could possess. The realization of his own arrogance and the deceit of his master, Hess Lotti, hit him like a thunderbolt. It was as if a storm had erupted within his mind, crashing against the walls of his consciousness. 

The weight of his manipulation, the feeling of being led astray in his pursuit of godhood and kingship, bore down on him like an iron anchor. As the truth unfolded, the words of the oracle resonated in his ears, carrying a warning that reverberated through his very being. The air seemed to crackle with the electricity of her prophecy, both a chance for redemption and a dire threat of the consequences that awaited him if he persisted.

Morgan’s mind raced, torn between the desire for power and the overwhelming fear of what awaited him in the shadow realms. The room itself seemed to hold its breath, the silence enveloping him like a suffocating shroud. It was as if time had frozen, the weight of the decision hanging heavily in the air, as Morgan contemplated his next move.

And then, amidst the deafening silence, a realization dawned upon him. Two could play at this game. A surge of determination coursed through his veins as he looked down at the chains and leg irons that bound him. He could feel the magic swirling around him, steady as a heartbeat, pulsing with untapped potential. With a little effort, with the right words and gestures, he could tap into it and break free.

Hess had taught him well, using these very tricks to test him. The oracle, he now understood, possessed no real magic beyond her ability to see the past, present, and future. Everything she had used thus far had been mere illusion, powerful but ultimately hollow. A chuckle escaped Morgan’s lips, a mixture of amusement and disdain. He felt no regret in his decision to eliminate her. In fact, he relished the opportunity. With simple words of magic, he uttered, “Glandnar, destanasta.” And like a fragile sheet of paper, the chains fell away, no longer able to contain him. He kneeled down and traced a magical rune on the leg irons, drawing the trapped magic into himself.

Standing tall, he reached out and snatched the oracle’s staff, snapping it effortlessly over his knee. The green, dull crystal embedded within it found a new home in his pocket. He reached out to touch the oracle, but she laughed in a haunting way. Her laughter echoed through reality, and she vanished in a burst of stardust. All that remained were the shreds of her clothes. The room disappeared, as if it was never real, and the temple dissolved. Now, he stood alone in a dense forest. The spell was broken. Morgan cursed as he realized he was miles away from the safety of the village or his Dark army. He had no horse or any means of transportation except for his own two feet. The weight of his predicament settled upon him, a heavy burden that threatened to crush his spirit. He had no answers, no scrolls to help him and his master, Hess, locate the five Keys of Destiny. He had no clue where to find the Mother’s Tear, also known as the glass, stone heart that could heal and rejuvenate his master and remove the curse placed on him. He felt like a failure, knowing that his master, Hess Lotti, didn’t reward failure. There was only one thing left to do, and the idea somehow warmed him. It was time to become his own master and send that old cankerous man to his doom.

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