Chapter 4 - Book of Knowledge

Back at the Ivory Tower, Nero was staring with a blank face at Gregor.

"The Yu'vre? Didn't they disappear thousands of years ago?" Nero said.

"Yes…Ultimately they sought immortality and in doing so gained great power. This Tower that we have lived in for fifteen years together, is a testament to the power. It's just a mere fraction of what the ancient Yu'vre possessed." Gregor promptly gestured towards the book and the crystal in the center of the room.

"Immortality?" Nero questioned.

"They understood that knowledge was power my boy. The Yu'vre wanted their knowledge to live forever or so that's what everyone believes." Gregor walked towards the book, almost wanting to touch it but not doing so.

"So where have they gone?" Nero asked with a puzzled look on his face to Gregor.

Gregor gave a solemn look to Nero.

"No one knows my boy. This book is their legacy, this is all what those beings have to show for. Their lives, their knowledge, everything about them…maybe is stored in this book?" Gregor said.

Nero only looked at the Golden book before putting his eyes back at Gregor. The Ancient Yu'vre were knowledge seekers but they all disappeared. No one, not even Gregor knows what happened to them. Gregor had been searching for their legacy and in the end heard rumblings of this book. As one of the Four Wise Men in the Kingdom of Or'vale, he dropped everything to find it.

"So you don't know what that book does father?"

"Nero my boy, All I know is that the Ancient Yu'vre wanted to live forever. Only caring about their precious knowledge. But ultimately everything comes a price. Right now this book and this ivory tower is all that is left of the Yu'vre." Gregor explained.

Nero was soaking in the information given to him. Who were the ancient Yu'vre? What was this book? Who were those men and why would they want it? The book possesses the knowledge of an entire civilization? How? Nero felt he has read books that were much bigger in size and some contained much information that had to be separated in multiple volumes. Nero could not comprehend the answers to these questions as he looked to Gregor's face. Nero decided he wouldn't think about it right now. In the end, all Nero cared about was getting away safely with his father.

The whole time he had been living in the Tower with his father. He often wondered why his father never left the Tower. Nero could only assume that his father only cared about gaining knowledge and working on his craft. He had no idea that his father had stayed to solve the secret of the book.

"Well I'm not quite sure I follow. I can't understand why someone would be after a legacy of a dead race. If all the knowledge of an ancient civilization is just contained in this small book, I'm not sure it's worth it." Nero said as he promptly crossing his arms.

"But if you think we should, let's just take the book and leave."

"Knowledge is power my boy, who knows what the Yu'vre had compared to modern times."

Gregor rubbed his beard and was taken back in thought. He himself had been searching for this book for a very long time. Though he was never able to crack its secrets. What's more is that he feels deathly ill after touching the book. He was beginning to think this book was not worth the trouble but after awhile a look of conviction filled his eyes. He couldn't let the book fall into the wrong hands no matter if he was able to unlock its secrets or not.

"Let me take the book." Gregor said.

Gregor walked towards the Book and grabbed it from its pedestal. A wave of energy shocked him and he felt a surging pain. Gregor grimaced as he looked at the book with malcontent. He absolutely didn't want Nero to touch the book. Gregor had never unlocked its secret but he knew of its curse. It was called a cursed book, a book of the dead.

All texts that Gregor found about the book told of its misfortune. It would sap the magical energy away from any who touched it. This didn't just effect intelligent races but even animals. Memories would seem to go missing, leaving some dead or mindless. Gregor believed this to be the defense mechanism of the book itself.

When Gregor had touched the book many years prior he searched his own mind. He found that some beginner and intermediate spell craft had gone missing from his memories. The faces of friends seem to go hazy and he couldn't quite remember them. Things he knew he should have learned from his days at the Academy, were simply gone. At first he thought he was going senile but now he knows the legends were true.

"It's only a matter of time." Gregor whispered.

Gregor looked at Nero and gave him a faint smile. Nero was startled by his father and wanted to know what happened. Gregor could only power through the pain.

"Hurry and gather your things. We'll leave this place quickly." Gregor said.

"Right! I'll gather my things and grab our emergency supplies." Nero said. "I still keep it packed and fresh for anytime we might leave just as you said."

"Right my b-….argh" Gregor almost toppled over as he dropped the book.

The lustrous golden glow disappeared, the golden book transformed, becoming a dull black book. The aura surrounding it was all gone and what was left, looked like trash ready to be thrown away. Nero rushed to Gregor's side and held him up. Nero grabbed the black book and almost instantly its golden aura returned. Nothing affected Nero as he held up Gregor with the book in his grasp. Gregor looked at Nero with shocked eyes as he saw him hold the book.

"What's the matter?" Nero said.

"Do you feel anything!?" Gregor replied.

Nero looked at him puzzled.

"No…"

"Nothing?"

"No, should I?"

Gregor studied Nero's face with his hands and then scanned his body. Gregor's face would form a smile with a sudden realization.

"Hahahahahahahahahah…." Gregor laughed out loud.

Searching for this book only for it to lead to a dead end! My thoughts, my knowledge, my memories, my life…this book took it all! But Nero! He can overcome it! Gregor thought.

Gregor often wondered why he found a baby boy outside the tower fifteen years ago. Was it Nero's fate that led him to the Tower? Gregor had grown attached to the boy and raised him as his son. Gregor knew Nero was special but he didn't think he was this special.

"Father are you alright?" Nero said.

"I'm alright son, let us leave!" Gregor said. "Get some bindings for this book, hold it close to you and let no one touch it!" Gregor said. "This is now your legacy."

Gregor hugged Nero as if he was a father seeing his son for the first time. Nero's eyes opened and he was taken aback.

"Don't worry, I'll always be with you my boy."

"What are you talking about? Aren't you coming with me?"

"Yes, let's go"

"Where would we go?" Nero asked.

Gregor stopped and pondered for awhile. He stroked his beard contemplating.

"To the Kingdom of Or'Vale." Gregor said. "First we should head north to Southscale, there's someone I'd like to thank before I forget."

"So I'll finally get to see the outside world with my own eyes." Nero was beaming with excitement.

"Get some rest my boy." Gregor could only laugh and wave his hand. "I shall get some too, it's still dark out and it's better to leave in daylight."

Gregor nodded his head as he descended down the stairs leaving Nero behind. Nero's eyes wandered at the book for a second and then to the Gregor's back. It was the first time Gregor ever gave him a warm embrace but something welled up inside Nero. Joy was replaced by a melancholy feeling of dread and sadness. Nero had always thought about leaving before but now it felt different.

Nero held up the book to examine it, its golden luster was gone and replaced with a common aura. Was this book really worth it? he thought. His hands moved to open the book and suddenly his senses were attacked. Images and symbols filled his mind as a faint golden glow enveloped his hands.

In his mind, he saw towers, hordes of people worshipping, a race of people enslaved, a woman in a white dress and then Gregor. With a thud, the book closed in his hands and the glow disappeared. Everything that appeared in Nero's mind disappeared instantly. Light became bright as the sun for Nero's eyes and a headache raged inside his head. He toppled over and covered his face with his hands, What was that? he thought as he couldn't comprehend it all.

Nero descended the stairs when his vision came back to him. His eyes scanned each floor he stepped on and a wave of nostalgia hit him. This Tower was what he known all his life, would it really disappear from his life? Yes, he dreamed of leaving the Tower but with the caveat that his father would be here waiting for him. Now they both were going to leave it behind.

Nero went to his bed to lay down but he was still restless after he woken up. It became daybreak and Nero didn't delay after his talk with Gregor. He gathered his personal belongings and anything he would need essential to his survival. He was finally to leave the Tower but everything he knew as well. Nero grabbed his short sword, his knapsack, some minor items for his journey.

Nero gathered his things and promptly searched for Gregor. He wore his cloak that trailed him like a red shadow. Before looking for Gregor he also heeded his words and bound the book in a leather straps. Nero would find his father on the third floor, working in laboratory as if it was just another day.

Gregor was creating potions for Nero in the journey ahead. The Sea of Trees was a dangerous place, much different from the confines of the Ivory Tower. Gregor had to make sure they were prepared. Even if they left in a hurry to avoid their pursuers, it would make them handicapped against the dangers in the Sea of Trees.

Gregor as if knowing a trap might be laid for them, started preparing other magical trinkets as well. He concocted glue trap potions, mana stones, smoke bombs, and various other things to escape quickly or fight. Gregor wasn't sure fighting with Nero who hadn't had real combat experience be ideal. Nero had told him of his clash with the knights but that was with the element of surprise.

Nero could only watch on as his father worked with the materials. Gregor created and concocted as if it were second nature like taking a breath of air. Nero understood what Gregor was doing but didn't really have an idea for the variety of magical items.

"Smoke bombs?"

"So we can quickly escape."

Gregor held up one hand to Nero's face.

"Blind the senses, and we can run."

Gregor produced a satchel and placed some items in it.

"Mana stones?"

"For when we fight."

Gregor looked at Nero and held up a mana stone that was infused with wind magic.

"My boy, this has compressed wind magic engraved on it. Mages chant magic and this will stop them from doing so." Gregor explained as he continued his work.

"Chanting? Aren't single words used to invoke magic?" Nero said.

"No, not everyone can do the things you can my boy. The technique you know is very advanced." Gregor replied.

Nero ruffled his hair as he tried to understand Gregor's explanation. He knew that words were power and used to invoke magic. Chanting, magic circles and rune engraving all helped the ease of using magic. What he didn't know was only a select few could use shortcuts in speaking when utilizing magic. They were called "Wordmancers" and Nero was one of them. Gregor too belonged in this elite category. Instead of a chant, he could use magic spells with a single word.

Nero stood by silently as Gregor continued his work. While many things could be brewed almost immediately some alchemic formulas took hours to finish. Father and son could only burn valuable time Gregor finished his preparations and handed a satchel to Nero. Gregor carried his own knapsack on his shoulder and bag on his back.

"Do we really need all this?" Nero said.

"Better to be prepared my boy," Gregor replied.

Gregor didn't know who was after them but he did know they were after the book. If they had found the Tower empty, they would still chase after them. He didn't have the strength to go on a full fight with these mysterious pursuers. At the very least Gregor had to make sure that Nero was able to escape with the book and get away safely.

As they were about to leave the Tower, Gregor looked at Nero's eyes and saw a hint of worry. Nero's mind was clouded with many doubts. Gregor felt the need to offer words of encouragement to his son. What kind of father would I be if I don't ease his conviction? he thought. Gregor patted Nero on the shoulder.

"My boy, I lived a long life. I am now but an old man, you are the future and with you will carry my stead. Not only are you my son, but you are my protégé. I have taught you a great deal of what I know." Gregor gave his son a brilliant smile.

"I won't let you down father." Nero said returning his own smile to Gregor.

"Everything I instilled in you was not to my benefit. I can only hope that you spread the wealth of knowledge you have learned in your own lifetime. That is all I could hope for with the remainder of my life." Gregor said.

"I will" Nero said.

Father and son looked at each other with conviction. There were not much words needed to say about how they cared for each other. Still Gregor went on to offer more words as if he planned for this day.

"When you go out into the world, meet and make friends with as many people as you can. These last fifteen years have only been me and you." Gregor said. "My peers would always call me aloof and scattered brain. I was socially inept as they would say. She would always tell me how I should be more welcoming and meet other people."

A bittersweet smile came to Gregor's face as he thought about it.

"Who?" Nero asked.

Then like woken from a dream, Gregor looked back at Nero and replied "A friend."

This had come to a shock to Nero when he heard Gregor talk about someone. It was actually the first time in his life that he heard Gregor had mention anyone else in his life. All the stories Gregor ever told was about himself and his journeys, they never included anyone else. Nero had thought of Gregor as a solitary wanderer and great traveler. Now Nero had realized his father never really talked about the personal details of his life other than being an orphan raised at the Academy. Not even the details of the other Four Wise Men.

Gregor saw the look on Nero's face and let out a cough.

"What do you talk about with friends?" Nero said.

"Things, objects, life, magical items." Gregor said stroking his beard with a cough.

"I see." Nero nodded with confirmation.

"Father, can we talk about books?"

"Well of course…OH but the black book, don't mention it to anyone my boy."

"I shouldn't mention this book to anyone? " Nero asked as held the book up from its strap.

"Just by people knowing it's in your possession would welcome many dangers." Gregor replied.

"Why?" Nero asked.

"Knowledge is power my boy, many would want that knowledge you hold in your hands." Gregor said. "Do not casually mention it to anyone."

"If it's that dangerous why don't we just destroy the book and be done with it?" Nero said.

"It can't be done. Not with any means I know of. It contains too much magical energy and mysterious seals. I have no discovered even a fraction of the things it possesses. The Yu'vre were very advance in the ways of science and magic." Gregor said.

Gregor gave Nero a stern look as his eyes glanced to the book. Gregor realizing something put down his bag and searched his belongings. Gregor's eyes wandered to Nero and he could see some agitation on his face.

"We should hurry." Nero said.

"The Sea of Trees is a very dangerous place and one could lose their life being lost in its endless maze. You haven't traveled far outside the protection of the Tower to see the dangers it possess." Gregor said as he pulled an old compass from his bag.

Gregor handed the compass over to Nero.

"In case we get separated, hold onto this compass, it will help you traverse the Sea of Trees." Gregor said. "It helped me reach this tower and it will help lead you to safety, I trust it very much."

Nero looked at the compass and it was very well kept. A magical energy surrounded the compass and it looked crafted with great care. As he turned over the compass there was minor scratches that could be seen on the bottom. The name "Ashlen" was carved onto the back and was almost worn over. Nero placed the compass his pocket and nodded his head to Gregor.

"So what happens if we get separated?" Nero said.

"If anything you would want to find the rest of the Wise Men in the Kingdom of Ore'vale. Brutus, Ashlen or Moore, will help you. " Gregor said.

Outside the Tower, armed knights had surrounded the Tower in a perimeter. A refined middle-aged man emerged from the Sea of Trees. His long golden hair shone brightly with the sun. Fiery red eyes seem to pierce from his gaze. A faint, small scar was on his cheek. His hands moved to touch his cheek like habit. The outfit he wore made it seem as if he was a nobleman donning exquisite armor. The armor looked pristine with a crest of a wolf on the chest-plate and his blue cape fluttered in the wind like the sky.

Five shadows appeared before him and greeted him. They were the dark mages under his service. He had hand-picked them, mentored over them and gave them the tools necessary to grow. He had finely crafted them into being his weapons and in return they offered subservience. Their garb was dark in attire and they were called "Dark Mages."

"Cyrus, Is everything ready?"

"Yes, my Lord."

One of the Dark Mages came forward and he was the clear leader of the group. He was the first picked and the more powerful of his dark brethren. His face was plain but stern and he had sharp eyes. The hood he wore covered his curly hazel hair.

"Are you sure they didn't leave?"

"I'm sure, my Lord. We placed markers around the forest that would've told us if they left."

"Are you sure? This is Gregor we are talking about."

"Yes, my Lord. Even if they go past the markers, Henry's familiar's would see them."

A giant of a man stepped forward and spoke.

"My Lord, my familiars can search for miles to no end as long as I provide them with my magical sustenance."

Henry points his up to the sky and a circle of black crows could be seen flying above.

"Excellent. Get the book and do not harm Gregor, I want him alive."

"My lord, what of the boy? Hehehehe." A Dark Mage with metal claws for hands spoke.

"Boy? I have no need for him."

The man disappeared back into the Sea of Trees while the Dark Mage had a mischievous grin on his face.

Inside the Tower, Gregor and Nero had unsealed the door and were about to leave. Gregor then hesitated before looking at Nero.

Everything was calm in silence from outside of the Tower. There was an overcast that hovered around the Ivory Tower. A platoon of knights laid in wait inside the surrounding trees. All eyes would look at the Tower waiting for any scene of movement or sound. There would be nothing that could get past them as long as they were there. Still the Tower was silent and stood over them in grandeur.

The knights outside the Tower stood motionless. These were not rookies but grizzled veterans and had stood guard before for days on end. Just laying in wait would do nothing to them. The only impatience would come from the man with the faint scar. He grew impatient the longer nothing occurred but he knew not to give up the advantage of hiding in the Sea of Trees.

Suddenly a sound emerged from the Tower and the doors swung open. A cloud of smoke poured out from the Tower and eventually faded away. All eyes couldn't see anything move about the clouds. The Tower doors closed with a heavy thud. Slowly the clouds dispersed and all eyes were still toward the open clearing. But nothing was there which confused everyone hiding in the sea of trees.

"Was it a diversion!?"

"Are they still in the Tower?!"

"Half of you approach the tower, the rest of you wait in the surrounding area. If Gregor escaped by you, don't dare show your face in the Kingdom." The man with the faint scar commanded.

Commotion could be heard in the forest and armed guards hurriedly rushed towards the Tower. With a flash a blinding light streaked out from the Tower and illuminated the sky. The clouds and overcast sky shined like they were the sun themselves. Then a lone figure emerged and could be seen from the Tower. It was a frail old man wrapped in worn blue robes with his arms behind his back, it was Gregor the Great.

The approaching knights stopped and watched him in anticipation. Gregor scanned the knights when the light revealed them and his eyes would rest on them with a mocking grin.

"So you were already here and laid in waiting?" Gregor said as his eyebrows knitted over.

"Unfortunate but I expected as much."

Gregor produced a book from a knapsack around his shoulder. He opened the book with one hand and with his other hand motioned in the air.

"Move the skies, shatter the lands, I call you…….TREMBLE!!"

Gregor's hands glowed yellow and he placed one hand on the ground. A rumble could be felt in the surrounding trees, magic exploded underground like a fissure. Causing the earth to burst apart toward the knights. The ground opened like a mouth trying to consume a meal of trees and men. Everything was swallowed as they disappeared into a chasm below. Screams could be heard as they fell down in the dark abyss.

Removing his palm from the floor, the magic dispersed and the ground closed up quickly as if nothing ever happened.

The other knights who waited behind saw the scene in terror. This was the magic of one of the Four Wise Men and from a man who was even called a genius by his peers. Rattling could be heard from each knight, their bodies shook with fear. They had been in battles before but not to the extent of facing a hero.

Gregor looked to his side at empty space and with his chin pointed toward a direction in the Sea of Trees. Nero was covered in invisibility and was next to Gregor's side. Before leaving, Gregor had a suspicion that a trap might be laid out for them. He wanted Nero to be hidden while he dealt with any enemies. After they were taken care of he would meet Nero in a specified location.

Nero made his way through the clearing and traversed in the trees surrounding the Tower. He headed towards an area Gregor designated beforehand. As long as Gregor would keep them distracted, he could hope to make his way undetected. This was because they had no clue on the might of their foes. In a battle, Nero might hinder Gregor and he didn't want to take that chance.

Carefully Nero went toward the Sea of Trees and tried not to make any noise to arouse suspicion. He was on the outskirts of the Tower's protection and close to the Sea of Trees. When he got to his destination he sat and waited . The potion's effect had disappeared and he covered his head with his hood. Gregor told him not to be seen albeit him still wearing his red cloak.

Nero carried a bag strapped on his back. His short sword hung around his belt by a strap in a scabbard. A knapsack was crossed over his shoulder and secured tightly. The Book of Knowledge was still bound in leather straps and placed inside his knapsack. Nero would watch Gregor with hopeful eyes waiting for his victory.

The remaining knights were shaken and they looked back to the man with the faint scar. He motioned them to move forward. To them it was a death sentence but they had no choice. If they did, they would die, if they didn't, they would still die and be branded traitors. One knight furiously shouted in anger and charged at Gregor. It invoked a battle cry that affected the rest of the knights and they too charged.

Gregor saw the battle charge and readied his grimoire.

"Help them." The man with the faint scar commanded his Dark Mages.

Cyrus looked towards Henry who nodded with enthusiasm. Henry charged after the knights and illuminated magic from his hands. He motioned in the air and commanded his familiars.

"Crows! Stop his casting!"

The crows that soared high above swooped down and attacked Gregor. They pecked and clawed at him not letting him use his grimoire. As Gregor was fighting them off another crow came and stole the book from his hands. The Crow flew away and Gregor was left unarmed. The knights watching this unfolded reacted with a roar.

"He doesn't have his book anymore!"

"He can't cast spells!"

"Attack!"

Gregor took out a manastone of wind from his knapsack and crushed it in his hands. A gust of wind magic emerged from the stone and dispersed the flock of crows. He could see knights and Henry running towards him. Nero stood up not knowing if he should go help his father. Gregor waited with bated breath until he looked up at the sky. The light that once shined the skies had disappeared and the clouded overcast returned. A broad grin appeared on the face of Gregor.

The man with the faint scar looked up at the sky and a shock of realization filled his mind. He yelled at his men.

"STOP!! RUNAWAY!"

Cyrus and the other dark mages didn't understand. Without a grimoire a mage who used earth magic would only be able to invoke the simplest of spells. This was because mages who used earth magic required much more magical power and many words to command the earth. Even without a grimoire, they didn't believe Gregor was capable of taking on the knights and Henry.

"My Lord, he doesn't have his grimoire, even with an affinity for earth magic he won't be able to use spells."

The man with the faint scar looked at them in anger and rebuked.

"You fools! Gregor is a wordmancer! and his affinity is not with the earth but water!"

Gregor reached up his hand in the air like he was trying to hold up the sky. His hands glowed a great blue aura. Then as if he were crushing the sky itself, closed his hand and whispered "pour."

The clouds above trembled and gathered together. Piling on top of one another. Rain drops came down like tiny mists, then a drizzle, then droplets and the intensity increased. Henry stopped and watched as the knights continued on but he felt something amiss. Suddenly the rain increased like a torrential flood and the mere droplets of rain became thundering crashes to the ground.

The water rained down from up above like a meteor storm. Some knights were pelted with a hail of rain which dented their armor, breaking their bones and piercing through their bodies. The luckier knights were dead instantly when the rain impacted through their skulls. Henry tried to run away but the rain pierced his legs, then his arms, and soon his body was full of holes. His crows that circled above also suffered the same fate.

Gregor kept his magic active until he saw a fog of vapor head his way. It rushed towards him and stopped in throwing distance. Gregor motioned his hand and the rain stopped. In the vapor, Gregor saw a man with golden hair and red eyes donned in armor. As the vapor evaporated above, the man was seen encircled in what looked like a raging inferno.

Gregor watched him intently only to relax his gaze and posture.

The man stood tall with a face of superiority as he looked at Gregor. He felt his faint scar on his cheek before walking towards Gregor. With a wave of his hand, the inferno surrounding him disappeared. Nero stared as the man with golden hair and fiery eyes donned in a magnificent armor walked up to Gregor.

"Moore? What are you doing here?" Gregor said.

Nero who watched intently heard Gregor and reacted.

"Moore? Isn't he one of the Four Wise Men?"