Chapter 42

  The Ruler of Drakmor

  Storms in the Drakmor Mountains were trials of willpower. The might of the storm, the rain, the wind, the lightning, all blasting against the stoic peaks of the mountain cluster. Summer storms could spell disaster for wayward travelers, rain and wind wreaking havoc on the passes. Slippery roads and seething Zori were perpetual problems for those foolish enough to travel in the storm.

  The wind and rain only grew more intense as Yan and the others ran through the mountains. Sebastian and Wolf had both fallen unconscious, unable to provide help or guidance. Hyato remained as silent as usual, carrying Wolf without complaint. The stormy weather was getting more difficult to bear.

  Above them a crack of violet light snapped in and out of existence. Then a brilliant light shone as Michael dropped back to the group in Light Form. “Got them.” Michael said.

  “How many Zori is that now?” Hyato asked.

  “Twelve.” Michael said. “We still on course?”

  “Yep.” Yan said, pointing ahead. “We continue heading East and we will get there before too long.” The roads cleared some as Michael looked that way, as if guiding their path. Yan knew it was just Michael exerting his control over the wind. The party made their way forth.

  Small channels of water flowed along them as the rain grew heavier. Their path went from a downhill slope to climbing a slippery road. “You’ve gotten really good at controlling the wind.” Yan said to Michael as they walked.

  “Thanks.” Michael said with a smile. “I can’t control this level yet though.” Michael said, indicating the winds around them. Despite Michael dampening them, the wind moved their hair and clothes about and slowed their trek. Visibility was limited.

  “It’s enough.” Yan said. Michael turned to shoot her a smile when they sensed danger. Michael tracked his eyes around in search of the threat.

  “Above us.” Hyato said, pointing out the new Zori. Michael sighed and jumped into battle, once again leaving Hyato and Yan to struggle against the full weight of the storm. “I want to take a break.” Hyato complained.

  “They could be right behind us.” Yan said, “We can’t stop here.”

  “I know.” Hyato sighed.

  Persistence against the swirling winds and biting rain drove Yan, Hyato, and Michael to continue. Brief moments of respite within Michael’s wind barrier were cut short by the arrival of yet more Zori again and again. Yan attempted to replicate the shield, but only succeeded in giving herself a headache. Each minute of trekking made their legs sore and arms weary from the effort.

  With nothing to distract their minds from the task, they continued to push forth. After each of Michael’s battles he seemed to grow more and more drained. His endless stamina was running low. Short conversations to keep one another going turned into clipped words of acknowledgement. Soon they only spoke to confirm that the others were still with them.

  At the top of a steep slope, Michael fell to one knee. “Rest.” He muttered.

  “Can’t.” Hyato groaned. “Pursuers.”

  Yan leaned up against the side of a wall, keeping the bundled Sebastian from being jostled. “Just a minute.” She said.

  Michael closed his eyes to shield them from the rain. His hair was stuck to his face, long since beyond adjusting for comfort.

  “How many...” Hyato said, pausing to breathe, “Zori?”

  “Fifty... something.” Michael said. “Lost count.”

  “That’s alot.” Yan said. The others nodded, too tired for wit or words.

  After what felt like only a second to recover, Hyato started walking again. Michael stood with a grimace and joined, along with Yan. They continued in silence.

  The clouds ahead had broken from a dark sea into blobs of shadow surrounded by deep blue. The limited light from the sky illuminated the peaks ahead as they entered the next valley. Jagged craggy cliffs jutted out along the edge of the mountains here, a chasm that seemed to have been torn apart with sheer force. The full scope of the valley appeared to have been formed from a monumental axe strike.

  The party did not have the breath to comment on the valley, but their eyes were all drawn to the center. Atop a small plateau within the valley was a tall stone tower, built into the caldera of that peak. The air around that tower seemed calm within the storm, a place of respite.

  “Drakle’s Tower.” Yan said, awed.

  “Should we?” Michael wondered.

  “Maybe...?” Yan said, a note of hesitance.

  They had stopped walking as the question loomed on their mind. “Hyato?” Michael asked, a questioning gaze towards the swordsman.

  “You choose.” Hyato said, eyes fixed on the tower as well.

  Michael grunted, frowning in thought. Then he started walking. “Decide, when closer.” He said. Yan and Hyato followed.

  As the party went further in the valley, the less the storm seemed to bother them. Lightning and thunder echoed around in the distance, but the wind and rain felt weaker here. Yan and Hyato watched Michael as he pondered what to do.

  Their questions were put on hold as more Zori appeared. Michael drew his sword on instinct, opening the fight with Dark Blade to displace the swirling masses of shadowy water. His instant ferocity put even the violent Zori to shame.

  The enemy recovered and swarmed at Yan and Hyato, or perhaps those they held. Heavy purple surge slashes punished them for their attempt at circumventing Michael. The first wave of the enemy had fallen. However, unlike previous fights there were more Zori around this time.

  More Zori charged in the second wave, eight of them rushing forth to make their attacks. Michael struck out with wind and surge slashes, cutting the air and enemies with them. Two slipped past his onslaught, one rushing into him and piercing him with a watery drill hand. The other aimed for Yan.

  Michael turned to try and protect her, but Yan cut loose with three empowered kunai from one hand. She held off the Zori, and Michael was struck in the back while he was distracted. Michael cut down the one attacking him and faced the oncoming Zori. There were still many more, and they were fast approaching.

  “This is getting out of hand!” Michael said.

  Hyato set Wolf down, drawing his sword. “We can manage.” The third wave approached, more than twice what came before. Hyato moved to intercept the Zori with a Flash Blade, followed by heavy energy techniques of some other fashion. Michael picked off the stragglers, and Yan finished off the few that made it through.

  Several minutes of fierce combat ended the third wave, though it seemed to pass in a flash. Michael and Hyato both panted from exertion, watching as an even larger mass of Zori loomed. “Can we do this?”

  “We have to.” Hyato said, though did not seem convinced.

  Michael took up his sword, ready to fight as the oncoming wave of Zori approached. There did not seem an end to this group of Elazori. A tide of twisted water fiends summoned forth by the stormy weather, the enemy approached. Michael and Hyato stood, ready to fight against all odds.

  Scarlet light sundered the air like a bolt of lightning, giving pause to even the monstrous Elazori. Looming above the battlefield, a large crystal appeared. It’s multi faceted form was a kaleidoscope of reds, pinks, and maroon hues. The zori were mesmerized by the gemstone’s arrival, but Yan took a few steps back and picked up Sebastian.

  The crystal exuded a sheer weight of mana, or perhaps it was a source of magical energy on it’s own. Either way, Michael and Hyato grabbed Wolf to move back with the retreating Yan. As if on queue, the crystal dropped from the sky amidst the Zori.

  Dazzling lances of scarlet light shot out from the swarm of water monsters, skewering and slicing them to ribbons as the crystal that begat the spell began spinning. In moments the air was filled with red light and the ash of dying zori. The attack made by the crystal lasted only a few seconds. Where dozens of Zori had been, now there were only a spare few survivors.

  Now embedded in the ground, everyone could see the flat top of the crystal, and the being who rode it. Dressed in a close red robe, a very tall thin man with short dark hair and a trimmed neat beard stood. His collar was tall and tight, equal to his tight sleeves. Orbiting behind him were four more crystals of similar shape but the size of a fist. The crystals behind him were also mixed red hues orbiting in a lemniscate pattern like wings behind him, save for a stationary grey crystal that formed the center of the pattern floating behind his neck.

  As Michael examined his appearance, the Zori saw fit to rush in for revenge. The man was thin, and looked weak, but only physically. He swept one arm forth, sending one of the orbiting crystals at the charging Zori. It expanded to the size of a zweihander as it left the man’s zone, spinning in a cluster of scarlet mana. The weaponized crystal tore through the remaining zori with a lazy efficiency, then returned to orbit around the man. In the meantime, the crystal atop which he rode pulled itself free of the ground and hovered just above it.

  The scarlet aura faded from around him, and the man turned his eyes towards Michael and the others. Vivid blue eyes pierced them as his crystal steed delivered the man before the party. One by one, his gaze passed over Michael, Wolf, Hyato, Yan, and Sebastian. His gaze lingered on each of them for a long moment, then he spoke with a clear studious voice, “And who might you be?”

  The others hesitated, so Michael steadied himself, “I’m Michael.” He said. His voice was hoarse, and his legs started to give way as exhaustion was catching up to him.

  The man nodded, eyes lingering on Michael’s drawn sword. “I am Drackle.” He said. Omitting his titles, Mage and Magistrate of Cryston. Michael gave a nod, and struggled to stand. Yan and Hyato helped stop him from falling. Drackle was silent for a moment, before giving an order. “Come with me.”

  Wood from the mighty Eterna Trees was sought after round the world. The trees only grew in the Eterna Forest of Myrrh, and attempting to log them was met with a violent fury of the forest. Only a select few lumber yards had acquired the ability to do so, and did not share their secrets. As such, the wood of the Eterna Tree was valued high for it's scarcity, and it’s properties.

  Mage Drackle led the weary party of five that had trespassed in his lands through the gate of his tower and along a wooden corridor. He had transported them atop his crystal, eliminating the trek up the steep plateau steps. Drackle led them through a wooden arch and up a wooden staircase.

  Before long, they were shown to a room with several beds. “Sleep. Rest your laurels, and recover. There is food in the cabinet, and a washroom on the left. We will discuss payment on the morrow.” Drackle closed them in the room without another word.

  As Hyato set Wolf and Michael into beds of their own, on opposite ends of the room for some reason, he noted that the wood flooring was similar to the corridor and staircase. It looked like Eterna Wood.

  "Hyato, do you think it's safe here?" Yan said, placing Sebastian in a bed.

  "I don't know. I haven't been here before." He said.

  "Well, obviously." Yan said.

  "We won't be staying for long. So it's probably safe enough." Hyato said. He opened the cabinet to search for food.

  Yan shrugged. "If you say so. I'm going to wash up." She left to the washroom as Hyato snacked to sate his hunger.

  After finishing his snack Hyato took one of the open beds, "I wonder if I'll be here tomorrow."

  Sleep took hold for ages. Sheer exhaustion was washed away with the long night's rest. When Sebastian awoke, it was to an unfamiliar ceiling. "Where have I gone?" He said to himself.

  Sebastian sat up and took in his surroundings. A wooden building, but the craftsmanship was too good. The others were all here, fast asleep. Where was here?

  A brief exploration of the area provided Sebastian with answers, and problems. There was food, a place to wash, and all their belongings were safe. However, the only door left was sealed, as if changed into a wall. There was no way out of this place.

  Hyato uncurled from a ball and rolled out of bed. With practiced routine, he moved to an open area of the large room and began doing his sword drills. Sebastian walked over to as near as was safe, "Hyato. Can you fill me in?"

  "We're at Drackle's tower." Hyato said, continuing his workout.

  "What!?" Sebastian looked around, "Why? What happened?"

  "Rockslide split us up. Michael and Wolf fought Rex and fled, we all met up. Michael distracted Rex while we ran, and then we kept going." Hyato paused, eyes closed in concentration.

  Sebastian looked at the others, "What else?"

  "It stormed. Michael fought Zori while Yan and I carried Wolf and you. You two were unconscious. We got to Drackle's valley and more Zori appeared. We tried to fight, but there were too many. Then Drackle appeared on a gem and wiped them out."

  As Hyato finished the recount he turned to Sebastian. "And now we're here." Hyato finished.

  "I feel like you left out some stuff." Sebastian said, "How are we all fine after the rockslide? Why was Wolf unconscious? What about Storm Zori, did they show up?"

  Hyato shrugged.

  "Well great, what do we do now?" Sebastian asked.

  "Eat." Wolf grumbled, sliding out of bed onto the ground.

  "Yeah, sounds..." Yan yawned mid sentence as she rose, "ahh~, like a good idea."

  Sebastian frowned as the others moved about with carefree manners. "So we aren't going to do anything?"

  "What can we do? We're already here." Yan said.

  "If this Mage guy meant us harm, why did he provide paninis?" Wolf asked, as he dug into the cabinet.

  “How are you all so calm? Drackle is one of the strongest users of magic around. There’s nothing we could do in a fight against him!” Sebastian said.

  “Why would we fight him?” Yan asked. “Sebastian, are you okay?”

  “I don’t know...” Sebastian said, “I’m fine. I just... need to process this.”

  “Take a shower.” Hyato said, “It will calm you down.”

  Sebastian nodded, once then twice. “Yes. Yes, I’ll do that.” He stood still for another few moments, then went to the washroom. Yan and Wolf figured out breakfast while Hyato finished up his morning training. Michael continued to sleep.

  Over the next hour, the four who were awake fed and cleaned themselves of the previous day's events. All the while, Michael continued to sleep in.

  "Should we wake him?" Wolf said.

  "It's not like we were being quiet." Yan said.

  "I'll wake him." Wolf said.

  As Wolf crossed the room towards Michael, the door to the room opened. Everyone stopped as Drackle walked into the room, wearing a similar red robe as the previous day. He was not accompanied by crystals this time. He looked at everyone one at a time, then spoke. "I trust you slept well."

  Silence hung in the air for a moment. When no one responded, Drackle spoke again. "As for the curious arrival of curious individuals in the midst of an artificial storm, I have questions. I expect answers, in return for the sanctuary from the elements. When you are ready, please come downstairs." Drackle waited for a few moments after speaking before turning and leaving the room. The door was left hanging open.

  The others exchanged glances, apprehension and curiosity in their expressions. "I'm waking Michael." Wolf said with more determination than before.

  Mystic script glowed to life within the etchings of a wooden archway as the party crossed beneath it. The central room at the base of the tower was more elaborate and intentional than the rooms they had been in before. Tables held orbs and crystals of varying size around the edge of the room. Above them were shelves that seemed grown from the wall, bearing heavy tomes and magical foci. The way the wood was shaped looked organic, yet there were manufactured edges.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  "How is this stuff made?" Yan asked, running her fingers along the smooth surface of a table. The wood had it's bark shell with runes inscribed, but a smooth finish.

  "It's an Izmodian technique." Sebastian said.

  "Very perceptive." Drackle's voice resonated as he appeared in the center of the room. Sebastian flinched, Yan straightened up, and the others looked over. Michael yawned, eyes still half closed.

  “Without a doubt, the most fascinating and mysterious guests I have ever brought into this tower.” Drackle said, “I would like to know what brings you.”

  “Our business is our own.” Sebastian said. Yan and Wolf glanced at Sebastian, but didn’t speak.

  Drackle lifted his head and hummed, “Is it now? Your business in this, the land of Cryston, before me, Magistrate of the southern provinces; is your own? And why is that?” Drackle’s level gaze held firm on Sebastian.

  “We are adventurers, of course.” Sebastian said, “Roaming free, free to roam. Travelers bound to no provincial loyalties, or protections.”

  “Well said. No doubt the law of adventurer’s offers much protection in such a manner,” Drackle said, “Very well. I do not demand answers as Magistrate, I ask them as a host who has given you shelter and food during a dire storm.”

  “Still, knowing our business would not benefit you, but could bring harm to us.” Sebastian said.

  “All knowledge is beneficial.” Drackle said, “And what of the rest of you? Do you agree with your Evari friend’s insistence on silence?”

  Sebastian looked at the others with a pleading look. Yan and Wolf seemed uncertain, while Hyato looked neutral as usual. Michael frowned. “I don’t agree.” Michael said, “He saved us from dozens of Zori and helped us when I asked for help.”

  "We can't just trust everyone." Sebastian said.

  "We can't avoid trusting some people." Michael countered.

  Michael and Sebastian locked gazes, neither wanting to let up. Drackle spoke up, "A compromise then, I shall offer information in turn." Sebastian looked over, eyes glinting. His wariness wavered at the thought of gaining knowledge.

  "Then I'll tell you." Michael said. "We are crossing the mountains in pursuit of the Revenant, a dangerous spirit that we have encountered multiple times."

  "Oh, how intriguing. And what is dangerous about this Revenant?" Drackle asked.

  Michael opened his mouth, but Sebastian held out a hand. "First, you answer one of our questions." Sebastian said.

  Drackle paused, then inclined his head. "I suppose that was an answer. Very well." Drackle cast a spell and a table slid over, along with chairs. "Have a seat." He said, sitting down.

  The party sat at the table, and Sebastian asked the first question, "How do we get to the Shards of the Sky?"

  The red robed mage's posture changed, Drackle sat alert. He assessed the party again, eyes narrowed. "That you even know of that place is very... Interesting. Indeed. As for an answer," Drackle closed his eyes for a moment, "To reach the Shards of the Sky, seek permission from the King." He looked at the party, "you'd need direct permission from the King of Cryston."

  A wave of silence passes over the party. Sebastian rubs his chin, frowning. Drackle examined them each again, eyes lingering on Michael and Hyato.

  "Your next question." Michael said, breaking the silence.

  "Indeed." Drackle took a moment to think. "What dangers does this Revenant pose?"

  "I've seen in visions, destruction of towns. Fields of fire, carnage." Michael said, eyes closing.

  "Additionally." Sebastian said, "the Revenant has managed to possess people and take control of them. The possessed people have all shown violent tendencies, and none survived the possession."

  "Really? That is indeed very concerning. I trust you have proof." Drackle said.

  "I was almost possessed at first." Michael said.

  "In Nita, I escaped possession before it took hold." Hyato said.

  "I see." Drackle said. "Very well. Your turn to ask."

  “How can we see the King of Cryston?” Michael asked.

  “Ah, for that you would need permission. The King does not see just anyone, nor does he go to any major events. Someone of high enough rank within the country, such as the Baron of a district, would need to introduce you to let you see him.” Drackle explained, “How did you learn about the Shards of the Sky?”

  “That’s a long story,” Michael said, “But an enemy we encountered before helped the Revenant escape, and one of them stayed behind long enough to tell us that they would be going there.”

  Drackle paused to wait for more, but Michael did not continue. “I see. How these villains learned of the place is of little matter to me. If they go there, it will almost certainly be against the wishes of my grandfather.”

  “I suppose it is my turn to ask a question.” Drackle said, “You there, I want to examine that sword you carry." Drackle pointed as he leaned forth, "Your name was Michael. Will you allow this?"

  "My sword?" Michael said, "Sure. I guess so." He lifted his sword and it's sheathe from his belt and passed it over the table. With reverent care, Drackle took the sword and placed it before him. He spent a long moment examining the sheathed weapon, then closed his hand around the hilt.

  Drackle hissed, flinching back from the sword not one moment after attempting to draw it. Michael, Yan, and Sebastian all raised their eyebrows. "Apologies. Please unsheathe the sword, if you would." Drackle requested.

  "Uhh, okay." Michael moved around the sword and set it on the table.

  "Ah. The flawless edge, delicate sharpness, smooth flat facets." Drackle said as he examined the blade. "This is unreal."

  "It's just a crystal sword." Wolf said, "They're not that rare, you know. They make a ton of them in Evelent and Liagosio."

  "Ah, but have you ever looked at those compared to this? Most crystal weapons have a natural shape due to their growth. Some have been reforged to be closer to a metal weapon for use of function." Drackle said, "But this..."

  "This weapon has the facets and strength of a natural grown crystal, yet is shaped with such precision that can only be achieved with forging in metal weapons. Black Combat Crystal at that. This is certainly the weapon I have learned of in my focus of research." Drackle looked awed by the sword, his eyes focused upon it.

  "What's the focus of your research?" Yan asked.

  "An excellent question." Drackle said, turning to face Yan. "The Gods. Their silence since the Broken Times. Artifacts that have come into contact with them, and people connected to them. That is the focus of my research."

  "It's certainly an interesting line of study." Sebastian said, "How does this sword relate?"

  "Ah, but it is my turn for a question." Drackle pointed out.

  "It is? But we... Oh." Sebastian said, "Yan asked the question." Yan shrank down in her seat.

  "Do not be ashamed." Drackle said, "Now I would like to know about you, Hyato. Who are you?"

  Hyato turned to look at Drackle, having been gazing at the various instruments on other tables in the room. "Me?"

  "Yes. Please, answer the question." Drackle said.

  "I don't know what answer you are looking for, but I'm Hyato. I'm a swordsman, travelling to hone my skills." Hyato said. Drackle remained silent, appraising Hyato. “I learn whatever techniques I can and train them everyday. And I am going to keep helping Michael with his quest.”

  “Hmm.” Drackle said, frowning as Hyato finished speaking, “That is not what I wanted to learn. But, it is an answer. Very well, your next question.”

  “I have a question.” Sebastian said, “Will you give us an introduction to the King of Cryston, Mystia?”

  Drackle blinked, “Straightforward. Not what I expected of the tactician.” He folded his arms as he thought. “I do have the authority to give you that. But as it is now, I don’t acknowledge your quest as urgent enough. I suppose we shall have to see, won’t we?”

  “Then let us be done with these questions!” Sebastian said, “This game does not get us any closer to our goal.”

  “Oh? I had heard you had an unquenchable pursuit of knowledge. I was expecting to meet you long before now, yet you do not wish to gain any more information from me?” Drackle asked.

  Yan’s eyes glowed with sheer curiosity. “I want to.”

  “Really Yan, now?” Sebastian asked.

  “Well, I mean.” Michael said. “I would like to know more about this sword of mine too.”

  “Maybe he knows how to cure my amnesia.” Wolf suggested.

  Sebastian looked at each of them, then turned to Hyato. The stoic swordsman shrugged. “Do you ever have anything to add?” Sebastian asked.

  “Nothing I say will change what happens.” Hyato said. Sebastian frowned.

  Drackle clapped, a loud sound that brought all eyes to him. “What a very interesting statement, Hyato. Would the rest of you like to know why he just said that?” The party’s attention went from shock to focus. Hyato’s eyes widened. “Yes, Hyato, I already realized.”

  “How?” Hyato said, astonishment crossing his face.

  “Another excellent question. And the answer,” Drackle waved an arm and a sphere on a plinth floated over to the table, “is this.”

  The sphere let off a soft light. Contained within its crystal walls lay a realm of darkness and scarlet clouds. Motes of light swirled about within, six strong colors flickering with life. The strongest color was a scarlet mote, giving off light enough to stir up the clouds of the same color. The other five colors were violet, emerald, amber, cerulean, and white. The violet and white motes had peculiar waves flowing from them. Surrounding the white mote was a narrow wreathe of crimson, then a wider pulse of teal that faded away. The violet mote was mirrored by a shadowy black mote that seemed to spiral in and out in an endless dance.

  “It’s real pretty.” Wolf said. “Where does it say stuff about us?”

  “You need to look into the symbolism.” Sebastian said, “All of us are in this sphere.”

  “Really? Where are we?” Yan asked, leaning in for a closer look. Her face was reflected back in the orb, widened by its shape, “Look, my face is there.”

  “That’s just your reflection.” Sebastian said, looking at his own reflection sitting with stern stoicism, “Everyone has that, I’m talking about the lights inside the orb.”

  “Yeah...” Michael said. He could see the others reflected in the sphere.

  Drackle tapped on the sphere with one long finger. “The motes of light do indeed represent each of us. The swirling clouds represent my tower, as it is a center of my power.”

  “It’s ‘A’ center of your power?” Sebastian asked.

  “Take notice of the White mote, if you would.” Drackle said, “Do you see the other colors that surround Hyato here?”

  Michael leaned in, “So Hyato is the White one? I thought he would be red.” He glanced at Hyato. The red coat he wore bunched up over his shoulders shifted as he shrugged, but he also wore that form fitted set of white clothing as always. A sleeveless shirt and tight pants, with just enough room for a sword on his belt.

  “He did use all that red energy in his attacks back in the battle against the Bandit King.” Yan said, “He wore his coat back then too.” Hyato’s head twitched and he glanced at Yan.

  “Perhaps that strong sense is the crimson that surrounds him here.” Drackle said, “But beyond that, an otherworldly wave of teal energy stretches off of him. A range the rest of us could not hope to achieve. And that is because,” Drackle paused, gathering everyone’s attention to him, “Hyato has been chosen by a God.”

  Everyone looked at Hyato in silence, who sat without showing emotion. Drackle continued to speak, “Hyato. You are the Time Traveler, aren’t you?” Hyato closed his eyes and leaned back in his seat, taking in the silence as the others held their breath.

  The stoic swordsman nodded, “Yes.” He said.

  Yan tilted her head, “Time Traveler? So, you can move through time?” She asked, imagining Hyato moving to an unknowable future.

  “Not exactly.” Hyato said. “I don’t have any control over it. I’ve lived through times you have not yet visited, and I have yet to experience things we have already done together.” He said.

  “Very interesting.” Drackle said, “In the texts of Feros; the High God of water, time, fate, and imagination; it is written that there is a Time Traveler in every age. How they interact with Time is unique for them, and unique compared to the other Travelers.”

  Hyato nodded again, unfolding his arms. “I already knew that we would discuss this today, but I have not yet lived this. But I have already lived through tomorrow.” He explained. “Does that make sense?”

  “Not one bit.” Wolf said, “How can someone just... live their life out of order?”

  “It’s not like I want to.” Hyato said, “But you have already seen it yourself. The times when a me from a distant future with far greater skill appears.”

  “Hyato the Red.” Sebastian said, “When you wore your coat and flew.”

  “I flew?” Hyato said, looking both confused and intrigued.

  Yan tapped on Michael’s shoulder, “What do you think?” She asked.

  “He already told me.” Michael said.

  “A long time ago.” Hyato agreed, looking up and remembering the past.

  “That does explain a few things.” Sebastian said, “How you knew us when you first appeared for instance.”

  “I suppose so.” Hyato said.

  “But then, how did you meet us? Isn’t that a paradox?” Sebastian asked, “And if you tell us something from your past that is our future, what happens if we take steps to change it?”

  Hyato folded his arms on the table, hanging his head, “I think about that every day.” Sebastian and Drackle both frowned, each wearing a disturbed pensive look on their face. Yan wondered more, leaning back, while Wolf looked lost and just shrugged.

  “It doesn’t really matter, does it?” Michael said. The others all looked at him, “I mean, whether it’s a paradox or not. We’ll just keep going regardless.”

  “I doubt reality will disperse because you know something.” Drackle said, “There are many oracles and seers who predict and change the future after all.”

  “You may be right.” Sebastian said, “If that’s the case, changing the future can’t affect Hyato’s past anyways. Does that mean it will create new Hyato’s and new timelines if we do?”

  “I have a better question.” Michael said, “Does it matter? We can’t check anyways. Unless you have some cool time magic you’ve been hiding.”

  “No, I don’t.” Sebastian said.

  “Time magic is beyond the realm of modern magic. Some say it is impossible,” Drackle said, “but then of course...”

  “Anything is possible.” Drackle, Sebastian, Wolf, and Yan said in unison. Michael blinked, looking around at the others. Hyato shrugged.

  “So, you’ve lived through tomorrow.” Sebastian said, “What happens?”

  “Nothing much. We fight some bounty hunters and learn about each other.” Hyato said.

  “More bounty hunters. Figures.” Yan said.

  “My my, that is interesting.” Drackle said, “Then you already know you will have left my tower today. Unless I decide to change the future and keep you here.”

  “We can’t tarry too much longer!” Sebastian said, “We should already be moving.”

  “But I want to stay and learn more.” Michael said.

  “Hold on! You guys are forgetting something!” Wolf said, thrusting his index finger at the sphere. “If that blue-green stuff means Feros, what about the black stuff around Michael?”

  The sphere showed the violet mote as before, with a black shadowy mote dancing around it. “Violet for his eyes?” Yan asked.

  “His energy is violet too, when he doesn’t use the sword.” Sebastian pointed out.

  "The sword is the source of the black energy." Drackle said, "From what I can tell this is the Oronbyr." Drackle's words were met with a series of blank looks. "In a more familiar tongue, it means Hatred Master."

  "That sounds dark." Wolf said.

  "It certainly doesn't sound good." Sebastian said, looking over at Michael with a worried expression.

  Michael frowned, studying the blade. "Oronbyr." He said, "So it has a name."

  "And a past." Drackle said, "This blade once belonged to a God." Everyone exchanged looks.

  “Which God?” Sebastian asked.

  “It was none other than...” Drackle said, “Morrofyr.” Sebastian leapt back, sending his chair clattering to the ground. Wolf flinched to a combat pose and the others all looked startled.

  “You, okay?” Michael asked, looking at both Sebastian and Wolf.

  “You’ve been carrying around something belonging to Morrofyr!” Sebastian said, “I am not okay.”

  “Why does it matter?” Hyato asked, “Morrofyr is dead.”

  “Morrofyr is an Elder God.” Sebastian said.

  “Was. Was an Elder God.” Hyato corrected, “Morrofyr was slain by Yxinel. It’s common knowledge.”

  “You can’t know for sure.” Sebastian said, “Morrofyr was the only God to break the tenets. There are many theories that he made a way to return from being slain.”

  “Theories.” Hyato said, “But that hardly matters.”

  “So...” Michael said, “I’m a bit lost. I don’t know anything about Morrofyr.”

  “I don’t really know either.” Yan said. “I mean, I know he was around a long time ago, but I thought he was slain before the Broken Times, right?”

  “That is well known.” Drackle agreed, “Morrofyr was slain before the Gods went silent. Still, Sebastian is not wrong. There are strong theories that Morrofyr may have found a way to return from death. While unheard of for mere mortals such as ourselves, who is to say what can be done as a God?”

  “Hey.” Michael said, getting everyone’s attention. “Is Oronbyr an evil sword?”

  “Good and evil are subjective.” Drackle said, “An object should be neutral, but I would like to warn you of what I know.” Drackle stood and walked over to a shelf, picking up a red leather tome. As he returned he flipped it open. “This passage is verbatim, ‘His second sword was Oronbyr, of deepest crystal forged. Formed in darkest stars as twin and balance. To match, a spirit too was gifted; one such icon twisted by endless hatred. Thus it’s master, the strongest of raging emotions is made physical, Hatred Master.’ Which translates to Oronbyr.” Drackle finished.

  “I... have no idea what you just said.” Wolf said.

  “It is a direct account written from a listener of the gods. Much of the knowledge I have gathered was from old texts uncovered in ruins dating back to before the erasure of history, but this one was written shortly after the new era began.” Drackle said.

  “So there is a spirit of hatred inside of it.” Sebastian said. He glanced at the others.

  “So I should stop using it?” Michael wondered. “And get a new sword.”

  “About that.” Drackle said. “Both of Morrofyr’s swords were implanted with Souls. From what I have learned of the first, a sword is not a suitable container for a Soul. The moment you touched the sword the Soul likely tried to enter your body.”

  “What?!” Yan said, looking at Michael with concern.

  Michael frowned in thought. “Yeah. Okay, so that means it’s already inside of me.” He hummed and scratched his chin, “So it’s safe to use my sword.” He picked it up and sheathed it.

  “Wait, what if the soul didn’t enter you?” Sebastian said. “And now it’s trying to take over others. What if the soul inside the sword is the Revenant?”

  “You think so?” Yan said, “Then what is the black light dancing around Michael’s wisp in the sphere?”

  “The revenant is not the spirit of hatred.” Michael said. “That would be Dark Michael.” Sebastian nodded in understanding, and Yan looked solemn.

  Drackle moved the tome to one side and opened a small notebook. “I believe it is time for my question. Who is Dark Michael?”

  “Sometimes I change.” Michael said. “It’s happened a few times now. I get very angry, and start fighting in ways I never thought to. I fight well, but I don’t stop.” Michael looked at his hand as he explained, remembering his battles with Mein and the Bandit King. “I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing.”

  “When he changes, his skin gets darker and his scars glow white.” Sebastian noted. Drackle wrote this down and looked at Michael again.

  “I knew it!” Drackle said, flipping open the tome. “I knew I’d seen those scars before.” Drackle presented a drawing in the ancient book, an exact drawing of symmetrical black scars on the cheeks of a face. The very scars that Michael had.

  “Are these scars significant?” Yan asked, touching a finger to Michael’s cheek.

  “They are.” Drackle said, “And they are definitive proof that you have the Oronbyr. These are the Scars of Hatred. One of the four glyph scars that Morrofyr himself had.”

  “Great, so what does that mean?” Michael asked, frowning.

  “They aren’t cursed nor do they proffer any attributes. As it is, they mark you as connected to Morrofyr.” Drackle said.

  “I don’t think I want to be seen as connected to Morrofyr.” Michael said, “Based on Sebastian’s reaction. I already have enough problems because of my eyes.”

  Drackle nodded, “I see. I don’t have much experience with all of that. I keep to myself and my studies, and was excited to see something that I have researched.”

  A silence fell over the room for a long moment. Michael looked at the sphere of lights that represented each of them, and Drackle seemed at a loss for words. Sebastian rubbed his chin, while Wolf suppressed a yawn.

  “So...” Yan said, “That thing you read said Michael’s sword is the second sword. What’s the first?”

  “Ah yes, the first sword is called Shadowflare. It is altogether more dangerous than the second, said to have contained Morrofyr’s very Soul, if that is to be believed.” Drackle said, “It was recovered from the Black Halo in the aftermath of the Broken Times.”

  “The Black Halo? Is it a long blue sword with an odd curved tip?” Michael asked. “And a dark spiked guard around the handle.”

  Drackle sat up straight, brow scrunching in a bit, “Yes. How do you know that?”

  “That’s the weapon Maximus used.” Michael said, “I saw it in a vision. He had long black hair that gleamed slightly blue. He wore a too long tattered crimson cloak over his armor, and wielded that sword. When he swung it, thousands died.” Michael said, more and more detail returning to his memory, “His eyes though... they struck fear.”

  “You didn’t say that much before...” Sebastian said. He and the others of Michael’s party looked at him with concern in their gazes.

  “I remembered more, talking about it.” Michael said, eyes closed, “I can see it clearly.”

  Drackle stood up. “I do not know what is going on, but this vision you speak of is of great concern. You have described the Shadowflare well, even though you did not know what it is. However, I feel there is a piece of information that we must clear up.”

  “What’s that?” Michael asked.

  “Maximus.” Drackle said, “Did not exist.”