Kai

By the time Ban had responded, Rhona and Kai called an official break.

Honor took some water and hay, and Kai stretched out his legs, staying close to his Earth Core’s champion in case he needed some assistance.

They’d been traveling at a good pace, but Kai had nearly lost his seat as the huge houndzard stumbled.

Now, Ban simply wouldn’t respond. His champion just stood there, its huge lungs pulling in air. But the creature’s eyes were glossy and unfocused, and none of Kai’s questions had been answered.

Rhona approached after staking Honor to graze in a patch of grass. “What happened exactly? We were moving at a good pace, then all I heard was your blasphemous curse.”

“I don’t know. I think he was distracted, thinking of Imogen or maybe talking with her. Then all of a sudden, his legs stumbled and I almost got a taste of swamp mud,” Kai explained. “I think he is fine, but we’ve only just saved one Earth Core. The fact that we are now leaving it to be destroyed must be hard on him. Can we rest for a while ? We should have a little time, considering Imogen’s… battle plan.”

“I think we are good here until the sun rises. Then we should make our way to the border. We are but a few miles off. Still, I’d rather cross under the light of day,” Rhona finished, her eyes searching to the east.

Kai nodded then offered to take first watch. They ate a light meal first, and without the benefit of a fire, but the food helped settle them down.

Nothing quite like waking in the middle of the night and running away for your life to stir up the spirits, Kai thought. Then he chuckled, realizing the sentiment would have normally come from Ban. His brief time with the Earth Core had done much to color and shape his sense of humor.

Without anything else pressing, Kai figured he’d stick close to his friend in case he emerged from his fugue.

Kai leaned against the beast’s thick foreleg to rest. We are here for you, Ban. Whenever you’re ready to wake back up.

Kai tried to relax. His heart was hammering, though, and his mind raced. What are we going to do once we get to Hintar? Will we be able to find any friends there? Or are we just running out the oven door and into the coals?

Of course, none of his questions could be answered.

Such outcomes were as frustrating as they were predictable.

Kai scrambled up and retrieved one of their latest treasures. When Imogen had awarded them for their service to her, she’d included not only a handful of spell scales, but also a stack of skill books and old texts.

Rhona and Kai had already gone through the skill books. Most didn’t seem very useful (all were related to trade and craft rather than combat) but would be saved to consider again at a later date.

The books, however, had already been helpful. One in particular, labeled Gaolor’s Grotto: A Brief History of Hintar’s Sunken Keep.

Kai flipped it open and read, lighting a small wad of the flammable putty Rhona used to boil tea. She’d given him a nice tutorial on their one peaceful night in Imogen’s dungeon.

He did as she’d instructed. Balling up a wad the size of a pea, Kai smashed it onto the center of his breastplate. Then he struck a flint stick over it.

It lit up like a tiny candle on his chest. The flame was just bright enough to cover the page in golden light.

Kai had already read the introduction of the book. It discussed the local terrain and why the Sunken Keep had been a necessary project for the Hintari. The castle in the heart of Hintar was well-secured, but one noble house had found a more specific need.

The Surtir family was the richest and most powerful in the land. Yet they had been forced to share their power, to allow the other noble families as much sway over Hintar and the capital as they had. So, a few hundred years ago, the Surtir patriarch set out in search for a secret base of power.

By the time construction had started, the secret was out.

Considering the layout of the keep, however, it hardly mattered.

In the southeastern portion of the Zargan Mountains, the high passes converged around a particularly steep-faced canyon. Within, three streams met, forming a substantial river.

The Surtir family used the force of the streams themselves to delve deeper into the soft soil of the canyon.

Few details were included, but the dragons most closely allied with the Surtir had lent their strength. With a combination of ingenuity and magic, the Sunken Keep had been constructed.

* * *

“In ten short years, the incredible construction project came to a close. Yet no fanfare was raised. The competing families were offended at the lack of an invite. Any such improvement on a family’s holdings traditionally called for a celebration.

When no such celebration was held, the most ambitious of the Hintari nobles sent out spies to discover the secrets that were locked away in the depths of the Sunken Keep.

The few who returned mentioned only that the three streams now fell down a deep, cylindrical chasm so perfectly formed only magic could explain it. The keep itself was a humble tower no taller than fifty feet.

It was made of stone and mortar, like any other structure, but it sat at the bottom of the deep pit. The only entrance was fiercely guarded by a score of dragons and the Surtir forces.”

* * *

Kai closed his eyes and imagined what such a structure might look like. How the falling water wouldn’t erode the keep’s foundation boggled him.

Perhaps they’ve made underground chambers. Perhaps… That’s it! I am willing to bet anything that they built the keep with the help of an Earth Core. Such a feat of construction would be simple for Ban given enough time.

Feeling quite pleased with himself, Kai continued to read.

* * *

“For hundreds of years, the Surtir held their position of superiority. The Sunken Keep likewise remained impregnable. Yet when the war against the dragon kingdom began, old alliances crumbled and new ones were formed.

The Surtir were betrayed along with the dragons. Every prince, lady, and child of the Surtir were put to the sword or driven out of the land.

Predictably, lacking the protection that held its treasures locked away so many years, the Sunken Keep was raided. A trove of gold, jewels, and magical items was taken away to line the purses of the new lords of Hintar.”

* * *

The book closed with a muffled thump. Kai’s bit of flame was beginning to gutter out, and rather than renew it, he snuffed it.

Seems like a sad end to a miraculous story, Kai considered. Still, that’s the way of history.

He stored the book away, then thought of their other great treasure, the one he’d been too hesitant to use yet. Within the small chest, Kai found the faintly glowing spell scales.

Glancing over, Kai saw Rhona had at last finished with a series of stretches she’d been performing, and was curled up on her bedroll.

Kai shrugged and made his way back over to Ban’s champion.

The huge houndzard still stood rigid, its body almost seeming lifeless if not for the rhythmic intake of breath. He ran his hand across the scaled hide of the creature, sending a few supportive thoughts to his friend.

Then he sat back down, crossed his legs, and focused.

Closing his eyes, he pictured his core churning around within him. The brilliant gold of his condensed ether burned as bright as ever. He felt warmed by its presence, as if the fire in his belly were warming his entire body. I suppose it is though. That must be what it’s for. Like my own personal furnace.

Letting his observation pass, Kai brought up his Etheric Interface and selected the Spells tab.

A list of his current spells populated, and he skimmed them over quickly.

* * *

Flame Dart- A spell of Yugos’ Fire, the Flame Dart condenses ether into a fiery projectile that causes minor damage. Spell damage may be increased by channeling more ether. Cost: 5 AE. Casting Time: Instant. Charged Spell Cost: Up to a maximum of 20 AE. Charging spell takes 2 seconds for each additional AE.

* * *

Shadow Shroud - A spell of Angut’s Abyss, the Shadow Shroud summons a veil of concealing abyss ether. Visibility of all party-members within the shroud is greatly decreased. Sounds produced within the shroud are moderately dampened. Visual concealment is reduced when spell is used in broad daylight or without the addition of cover. Cost: 10 AE. Casting Time: Instant. Duration: 10 minutes.

* * *

Restoring Tide - A spell of Briga’s Water, the Restoring Tide calls upon the healing nature of the ocean’s endless tides. Spell causes minor healing of injuries and a modest restoration of stamina and mental clarity. Spell also stops minor bleeding and may stifle the onset of infection as well. More severe ailments like poison, fever, and serious infection are unaffected. Cost: 20 AE. Casting Time: 30 seconds.

* * *

Confounded Core - A spell of Niama’s Soul, the Confounded Core manipulates the ethereal flow within a target enemy’s core. When the spell takes hold, one or more effects may result: Confusion, a mental state which causes an enemy to attack one of their own; Confounded, an inhibition of ether that prevents the casting of spells or activation of skills. Cost: 20 AE. Casting Time: 15 seconds. Duration: 5 minutes.

* * *

Kai still couldn’t believe his luck. Ban had handed him some incredibly useful spells, and he’d only just begun to learn how to maximize their potential.

Flame Dart was a spell Kai relied upon heavily, but all of them were equal in his eyes. If he had to choose a single one to keep, he’d go with Restoring Tide. Being able to heal an ally in need was a frightfully enticing boon. His Accolade Briga’s Ally made the spell even more appealing as it cut the one minute casting time in half.

He opened his palm and examined the five spell scales Imogen had granted him.

* * *

Flame Spear - A spell of Yugos’ Fire, the Flame Spear acts as a modified and improved version of Flame Dart. The spell condenses ether into a fiery projectile that causes moderate damage. Spell damage may be increased by channeling more ether. Cost: 10 AE. Casting Time: Instant. Charged Spell Cost: Up to a maximum of 50 AE. Charging spell takes 3 seconds for each additional AE.

* * *

Before Kai explored his other options, he came to a decision on this one. Neither Ban nor Imogen had known what would happen should Kai choose to upgrade his Flame Dart.

Without much guidance, but needing to improve himself for the days ahead, Kai took a risk. He mentally prompted Activate Spell Scale.

His spell sites lit up in his mind’s eye, and he found the one occupied by Flame Dart. Kai selected Flame Spear, and the place on his forearm burned like it had the first time.

A few moments later, Kai examined his new marking. It resembled the first but for a long streak of crimson down the center of the scale. If only I had a bit of space to practice this one. It would be lovely.

Kai glanced at his hand filled with scales. Then his eyes bulged. Briga’s sweet breath! I still have five!

Searching through them, he found the scale for Flame Dart.

He wanted to shout in triumph, but settled for a grin. His original spell hadn’t been wasted at all. It had been replaced.

Then his eye caught on a minor detail he hadn’t noticed before. The scale had a thin crack down its center, and its fiery surface appeared somewhat dim. If he was forced to make an assumption, it would be that the spell scales could be traded out with one another, but that each use strained the scale.

Eventually, they’d most likely be ruined.

Now, if only I could find another half dragon friend to give this to. It would make a fine gift.

The other four scales were just as amazing as Flame Spear.

* * *

Barbed Barkskin - A spell of Andag’s Earth, Barbed Barkskin organizes ether to form crystalline structures over the body of the caster or chosen ally. The ether-forged second skin acts to both protect the user as well as propel their movements. Movement speed slightly increased. All slashing and piercing damage moderately reduced. Enemies who attack and make contact receive minor damage from the barbed effect. Cost: 25 AE. Casting Time: 10 seconds. Duration: 5 minutes.

* * *

Breeze Step - A spell of Shu’s Air, Breeze Step allows a caster to glide upon a current of ethereal air. While not a true teleportation spell, Breeze Step nonetheless acts as a means to navigate a battleground with great speed and efficiency. Spell conveys caster up to 70 feet in any direction. Cost: 10 AE. Casting Time: Instant.

* * *

Soul Projection - A spell of Niama’s Soul, Soul Projection is a unique ability that allows the caster to project their soul outside of their physical body. Traveling in such a way is possible by envisioning the person or place the caster wishes to travel to. No physical or ethereal effects may be used when caster’s soul is projected, but some forms of communication are possible. Cost: 30 AE. Casting Time: Instant. Duration: until ether expires. An ethereal drain of 5 AE for every 10 seconds is applied while spell is active.

* * *

Shimmering Shield Wall - A spell of Anlil’s Light, Shimmering Shield Wall projects a large protective shield of ether. The spell can be guided into nearly any position or shape, but is limited to a single wall with a maximum height of ten feet and maximum width of twenty feet. Cost: 40 AE. Casting Time: 2 minutes. Duration: 10 minutes.

* * *

Kai had already read each a dozen times. He wanted to select them all, yet he was terrified of making some unknown mistake.

Ban couldn’t remember nearly enough information regarding how dragons used spells, and Imogen had been likewise uncertain.

Shrugging his shoulders, Kai selected Soul Projection. It burned into place, making a patch of his golden skin glimmer a faint purple. He rubbed it with his fingers, smiling at his tiny accomplishment.

Nothing weird happened, so why not apply them all?

Diving back into his EI once more, Kai opened the tab for Spells.

The Activate Spell Scale tab had a line through its center. It didn’t seem like a valid selection anymore, and when he tried anyhow, a message popped up in his vision.

* * *

All Available Spell Scales Sites are Allocated. Additional Spells available upon Emerald ascension…

* * *

“Blast it,” Kai hissed under his breath. “There I go, choosing a spell at random, and now I’m stuck with it.”

The thought occurred to him that he could replace this scale with another, but he paused before doing so. Not only did he want to avoid damaging his small store of spell scales, but he also didn’t know if the other choices would be better at this moment.

The barkskin could be useful in a battle. The same could be said about Breeze Step. Yet using Soul Projection might very well save them in the upcoming days should they find the need to spy on their pursuers.

He could always experiment again in the future.

Sighing, Kai nearly brought up his personal information. Too often, he’d been summoning his Character Status, staring at his Progression, thinking about what his mind and body might feel like should he continue to ascend.

What more can I find? What else is waiting for me to explore, to fight, to claim for my own? Knowing his ambitions would keep him occupied until he woke Rhona for her shift, Kai stood up and returned his treasure to Ban’s baggage.

He sat down again and at last felt the surging energy of his mind and core slowing.

Kai needed rest as much as Rhona, but he couldn’t neglect his watch. Clearing his thoughts one at a time, and forcing his breathing into a deeper rhythm, however, gave his body some reprieve.

He recalled the steps of Crystal Mind, and still cognizant of his surrounding, started the mental technique. Kai focused, breathing long and steady as he tried to envision the pattern his core would soon adopt.

Then, shattering the peace he’d worked so hard to cultivate, Ban’s voice shouted wordlessly in his mind.

The champion also stirred, its leg twitching and jolting Kai back into wakefulness.

I know it must be an awful time to say so, and Kai, you really must forgive me. But I’ve simply had the most wonderful experience!

Kai heard Rhona cuss under her breath, sitting up startled.

Honor nickered, sensing the disruption of the once-peaceful camp.

In the most polite voice he could summon, Kai asked, “What is it, Ban? And can it not wait till morning?”

The Earth Core answered at once. Of course it can’t, Kai! Otherwise I would have done so. Anyhow, I’ve just come from within Imogen’s Soul Sphere. It’s an amazing piece of craftsmanship, and I can’t wait to integrate it fully.

“Is that all you’ve got to say, Ban? Cause we’re not exactly sitting around a fire and sharing stories,” Rhona growled.

Ban laughed through their shared mental link, sounding both amused and a little embarrassed. I’m sorry, Rhona. I’ll go to sleep. I just thought you all might want to know that I have learned the design for summoning a proper door knob. And to think, I thought such knowledge lost forever. Isn’t that simply marvelous?