Chapter 1: The Final Chamber
The Final Chamber
The halls were dark and wet as a stench of burnt vines permeated through the foggy air. The strange greenery that sprawled across the old stone walls of the tomb still sizzled with a potent display of pyromancy, courtesy of the spellcaster and his armored accomplice. Their soggy footsteps could be heard echoing in the halls of this place, slowing to a halt in front of the now revealed door. Of the men who graced the tomb, the most inquisitive was Verim, a soothsayer and esoteric scholar from the lands of Gaseric. His travels and studies had taught him various forms of magic, chief among them being geomancy and elemental spells. He had even managed to learn short distance travel magic, something that had been instrumental in the adventures he found himself involved in. The other was a man he had met, through combat and later friendship, on one of his many voyages along the coast of the Grey Sea. His name was Hrodrin, a hardy man of massive proportions, strongly built and of even stronger mind. A devout follower of Frirdis, the northern iteration of Frilidia, the Goddess or God of suffering, war, desperation, or love, depending on where they are worshiped. He carried with him a massive sword forged in the holy flames of his people, and his armor shared the same origin, It's silver hue glowing in the light. Like Verim, he had a spirit for adventure, although all he knew was a life by the sword and his vows against dark forces wherever they may be. Together after their confrontation they became acquainted, and a year later they found themselves searching for long lost secrets together. As it turns out, delving in lost areas is a bountiful profession for those well versed in danger and intrigue. Now they found themselves surveying a catacomb or underground dwelling with confidence. It would be another of the usual they presumed. It would either turn up something marginally interesting, something of value, or just something to take as a souvenir.
They studied their surroundings astutely before one of them removed their bracelet. The man known as Verim signaled to his company to move forward, both doing so amidst an exchange of words.
“That was some fire magic you just used Verim. Had you used that in our duel I’m not sure how it would have gone.”
“What did you expect?” Verim asked the man, an incredulous look upon his face as they struggled to open the door they had just uncovered, grunts coming from Verim as he stubbornly attempted to force open the door with his strength alone. “After all, cooking you alive in that cumbersome armor of yours would have only served to slow me down. I was in your country, while being a magic user. Although I hate to admit it, in some circumstances a sword is the most appropriate problem solver.”
“You miss my point Verim.” The burly ginger bearded man said, before motioning for his friend to move aside, huffing haughtily as he finished prying the door open with his bare hands. “What I mean is, had you burned me I would have been forced to use all of my strength against you.” He said with a smirk, grinning with suppressed laughter as Verim looked on in initial shock of his feat of strength, quickly replaced with a look of annoyance before he was then again stopped by his company.
“By the way, I never asked you if the lands of Gaseric are full of sorcerers like the legends say? How on earth do you people keep order with so many dark arts floating about?” Hrodrin inquired, much to the annoyance of Verim.
“Yes, Hrodrin. And not all magic is dark. In fact, basic magic simply is. Dark magic usually involves borrowing power from something negative, taking power from the living things around you, or blood sacrifice. Light magic is more or less the opposite. You give a part of yourself away to heal or restore other things, like a wounded soldier for instance.” he summarized fully, hoping that would sate the large man’s curiosity.
“I understand a bit better now. Although not as you do. In the North we call our powers blessings, and they can only be used by those who are initiated into the faith and live by its tenants. For instance a blessed item is merely a normal weapon in the hands of an unbeliever. But it is my understanding that a magic weapon can be used by anyone at full strength until that magic runs out. That’s why I had a problem with you initially, you know. Selling enchanted items to those bandits in my homeland is illegal and dangerous.” the man stated coherently, showing that he was not without intelligence afterall to his partner in crime.
“We can debate about the ethics of how I earn my coin and about how badly I would have beaten you if I was serious after we get out of this accursed tomb, Hrodrin. For now, let us illuminate this path before us. The scroll we uncovered from the last one points to this being the epicenter of the burial chambers. It should be at the end of this enclosure.” He spoke with his typical authority, getting a simple nod from his partner.
“Fine, fine, but we’ll have to resume this conversation sometime. And you better not renege on your agreement to take me south someday to see new lands, that was our bargain.” the warrior said, getting Verim to roll his eyes as they trudged forward.
The two walked slowly further into the ancient hall. Its architecture was unlike anything the learned soothsayer had seen before in his travels. First, he noticed the material that the surrounding walls and flooring was composed of. A dense stone, maybe even carved from some previously unknown ore of unknown toughness, shone with a slight reflective property in response to the torches they carried. Like metal, any impact reverberated through the rock like a sword falling to the ground, and yet its appearance was that of volcanic rock. Intricate carvings in complex geometric patterns existed on every surface of the passage, only blocked by the invasive roots of the Serpent Trees so many feet above. Of the symbols he noticed, the most curious was one of snakes coiled around what appeared to be a column, surrounded by a pattern of intertwined squares that formed a circular barrier between repeats of the same. Hrodrin was perplexed for his own reasons, of which he would tell Verim shortly. Strangely enough, he recognized some of the carvings throughout the room, although to call them carvings may have been inaccurate. He wasn’t the academic type, a life long adventurer who used his blade more than his mind had seldom the time to study the more intricate topics of their world. However, hailing from the northern islands of the dragon coasts meant he was familiar with the craftsmanship of his kinsman and the mysterious Caluthi Kingdom across the sea. While he wasn’t sure of the relation between his people and their historical enemies, one thing was certain; They both shared the cultural patterns of snakes, winged or otherwise, coiling around trees, pillars, or other similar symbols. They shared the custom of adorning their bodies with tattoos depicting this same symbol as well, the only difference being the artistic style and the methods used. For his own people, dark dyes were taken from particular plants or sea animals and used for the skin markings, while the Caluthi seemed to just prefer branding or scarification instead. He wondered if there was a connection, but knew the implications of such a thing may have been above his understanding.
“Verim. I know you are an expert on these sorts of discoveries. Surely you’ve noticed it haven’t you? These patterns remind me of home. But surely it is a coincidence?”
“You know as well as I that coincidence is as rare in this world as good deeds without the promise of compensation Hrodrin. It doesn’t bode anything positive to say the least. That some lost civilization this far away from the coast and subterranean in nature could share something so integral to your people’s theology. This being shared would undoubtedly shake up the foundations of a few faiths. Not so sure about those Caluthi though. They would sooner kill us than believe anything we have to say about history or otherwise.” Verim responded, getting an understanding nod from Hrodrin.
“Agreed. My people would also be more than hostile to the notion that our legends may be the same or share a common origin. All we were taught is that the Caluthi keep attempting to invade us for gods knows why. Every few generations a King of that foreign land will proclaim some kind of reconquest, and we have yet to understand what they mean when we don’t recall having known of them until after they first attacked. I may not be a scholar, but surely there must be some connection. Perhaps, A connection better left obscure.” He concluded, slightly surprising Verim with his observation.
The two approached a clearing, A large room with a throne in the center that was carved out of the same stone that the ruins were composed of. Verim walked forward first, tracing a light hand along the intricately designed chair. Swiftly he pulled out his glove of divination, reciting a minor history spell to investigate the throne itself. Soon a pattern of liquid, more importantly blood was illuminated, the ancient and dried evidence glowing a bright orange color before their eyes.
“Perhaps you’re right. Not only does it share some disturbing similarities and possible repercussions. It looks like we also have an ancient murder here. Who ever sat here must have died a violent death, and yet there is no evidence of bones or organic matter other than roots and rubbish.” He stated, walking around the room as Hrodrin explored another section of the room, inspecting various vases and ornaments in the room. After several minutes Hrodrin called out, getting the attention of the magic user.
“Look here, I think we spoke too soon.” He said, rubbing his hand over a portion of the wall that appeared to have some form of opening within. “Listen closely. As I knock my hand on this portion of the wall, it sounds hollow. There must be something behind this section. And by the looks of it, more of these hollow spots run parallel on all four corners of the room.” The large man said, as Verim prepared a warding spell, just in case opening this released anything strange. Subsequently he used his bracelet of flame to focus extreme heat on the area, in hopes of melting through, but all he accomplished was heating the stone to a fiery red. He looked to his friend for an idea, who already understood what he needed to do.
Stepping forward, he pulled the large blade from his back and clasped his hands around the hilt with the sword above his head before speaking.
“Lord of strength and power, war and desperation, I asked of thee, grant me Your blessing upon this blade forged in your honor.” He chanted as the great sword he held shined with a luminous dark red energy before we struck the weakened molten rock with the end of the blade. The rock crumbled, revealing the contents of the small chamber inside.
“Excellent work, now let’s see just what is... ″ Verim trailed off, shocked at what it revealed. A skull of ghastly proportions, shaped in the likeness of something with three eyes and fangs. Its high cheekbones and powerful jaw spoke of ferocity. He was bewildered to say the least. On the skull was a pronounced ridge from the base of the neck to the beginning of the forehead while small sets of horns or bony protrusions adorned either side of the brow. Its eye sockets were deep and painted a picture of a creature with what may have been human like eyesight. The size of the cranium also suggested intelligence to some degree, despite its savage appearance.
“Mother Frirdis! What is this manner of beast or man Verim!”
“For once, I am just as confused as you are. I’ve never heard of such a creature. Let alone one of this size and likeness. It could belong to the race that built this tomb.”
“Maybe, but look at its size. Its head is easily the size of three men. The throne in the center of the room is built for the size of a man, albeit slightly oversized. I doubt whatever this is could have sat in it, and I severely doubt they would design it for men to rule from. And why would they hide these remains in the walls? Maybe this place was built by the victors of some conflict, and Man came out on top. Trophies for safe keeping perhaps?” Hrodrin summarized.
“Possibly, but we won’t know with certainty until we study it and look for more clues in this place. Ready your blade again, we’ll unlock the secrets of the other chambers and see if we can piece something together.” Verim said with an affirming nod from the burly man beside him.
“Just remember Verim, nothing in life is certain. Don’t throw away what you do understand chasing the things that are more complex. Frirdis teaches us that humility is better than wisdom, as..”
“Yes, yes, yes Hrodrin, I understand your teachings far better than the average man after spending a year with you. Now is hardly the time for a sermon, can’t we agree?” Verim interrupted, causing his comrade to scoff before something astonishing happened. Suddenly, The eyes of the skull glowed with a sickening and bright green light as foul energies of unknown origins swirled around the old remains, alerting both of the delvers to its foul magic. They both stood back and readied themselves for defense before once again being taken by surprise as a voice bellowed to them in some unknown language.
"Bak non ur. Hernos on Juntao bir un...” The voice said in a deep, almost demonic tone.
The two men stared at each other briefly, both not understanding a word that was spoken, that is, until it spoke once more.
“Little mice. You can not understand the speech of your betters can you? You have unlocked my prison, and now stand unaware of your doom.” It said in a foreboding warning. Verim was first to speak while Hrodrin was taken aback.
“Did that thing just talk to us?” He said out loud with a scowl. Something told him nothing good would come of their dive into this place. Verim on the other hand was just as frightful, but even more curious. His lust for information superseded his want for self perseverance. He had no doubt this being was most likely beyond his power alone, but perhaps if he could manage to bargain, something could be gained from the dangerous situation they’ve found themselves in. He knew of Goetia, demonic or dark magic, the power of spirits, and other otherworldly beings can have. However untrustworthy they may or may not be, he decided he had to try.
“What manner of creature are you? Where do you come from, and what time?” Verim asked, perplexed as to how this creature changed his tongue so easily to converse with them.
“Squalor is all your kind will know in the coming days. Just as those before you, Gaserician. What you ask are things I do not owe you, for I have what I have wanted for many many years.” The being spoke, its ominous eyes demanding attention despite their lack of pupils.
“Verim, there’s no point in speaking to this vile thing. It smells of dark magic. I should destroy it now before it awakens fully!” Hrodrin spoke, holding his enchanted blade steadily as he glared toward the unknown spirit of the skull.
Verim shook his head as if to say no, holding up his hand as he spoke again.
“But we have freed you! Surely you can repay this action with knowledge! Who built this place, and how do you know what lands I hail from?” He pleaded, desperate for answers after coming this far, much to the disagreement of his partner.
“Ahhh a negotiator. Miserable humans and their fickle memories. Your greatest champions have since died protecting their weak progeny, and you remember nothing of their meaningless sacrifice. I will humor you mortal, but first, let’s end that brute’s incantation on his sword. It’s insulting that you would raise your blade against your betters.” The cursed bones spoke, as suddenly a green glow grew more intense and approached the towering man from the north. Angered, Hrodrin shouted out before readying to swing at the green mist as he complained.
“Damn your curiosity Verim! This being is nothing but vile and yet you want to listen to what it has to say! Well not I! Yell at me later but I will defeat this thing before it becomes a bigger problem!” The man yelled, swinging down towards what was suddenly a green beam of energy, meeting the falling blade halfway with the two forces holding each other in stalemate. Hrodrin struggled against the strength of the energy being shot forth from the empty eye sockets of the skull, slowly but surely losing ground against its strength, his heavy armored boots scraping backward along the stone flooring. A crack grew marginally by the second in the metal of his blade. Verim stood at a crossroads, as a realization set in for both he and his accomplice. Hrodrin looked to his friend as his confidence waned, and an almost expectant look upon his face grew into one of anger and determination.
“Verim! This thing is strong! Stronger than the forge sword of Frirdis alone! Help me friend! Let us leave this place and close it behind us!” He all but pleaded, as Verim stood frozen and indecisive. Had he really come this far to simply learn nothing. There had to be some way this could be avoided. A guttural laughter could be heard from behind the green ray, speaking devilishly.
“Gaserician, aid me and I shall show you the past, its links to the present, and glimpse of a future perhaps. Destroy me and you will have journeyed far and all for nothing. This is one but many tombs where my kin lay locked away. You will not be the first, nor the last to release us. Aid me against this ape, and I shall show you the truth.” The voice said, with Verim listening intently before looking down, clasping his plans together to perform a spell he may soon regret. Hrodrin frowned. He had seen this before. It was transportation magic, which could only mean one thing was bound to happen.
“Verim! You fool, you would stop me from burying this place! You are making a mistake. Do not finish that spell! Aid me with fire so that we may return home and we will put this behind us!” The tall red haired man spoke truthfully, fear suddenly overcoming him as he was pushed back further, the good of his blade decreasing by the moment.
Verim frowned but continued, before a large portal began to open behind the giant of a man as he was slowly pushed closer to it. The being laughed as Hrodrin yelled in fury, furthering the weight of Verim’s choice on his very heart.
“You fool! Verim you swine! I will come back for you and when I do, Frirdis will bless me for striking you down, Oathbreaker!” He screamed, as a final push from the skull suddenly launched him into the spiritual door to some unknown location, his voice quickly fading as his body dissolved into magical energies beyond his understanding.
The light of the struggle quickly dimmed, as Verim looked distraught by his choice and the bones revealed in the sight of this treachery with a deep and falsely appreciative voice.
“You have made the right choice, Verim, the Oathbreaker. Approach me and place your palm on my visage, and all you seek shall be known. Know that true to my word, I shall show you what I know of the past, the meaning of this place and your questions. You have paid a price of betrayal and so our bargain will remain true. You have freed my spirit and I will enlighten your mind ” the voice said as Vending began to approach, stretching out his palm as instructed.
“You had better be worth it creature. I just betrayed the only man that has shown me loyalty as deep as that in this world. I will use what you teach me to protect the world from its threats, including you, should that prove to be the case.” Verim vowed, much to the entity’s amusement.
“I shall deliver on my word and nothing more. Now, delay us no longer. I have little time for trivial regrets.”
“Neither do I, it seems.” the man said as he completed the deal, placing his hand atop the rugged texture of the skull.
Instantly, A green glow encompassed Verim, as his eyes changed from his usual brown to a putrid bile. Within it, his pupils thinned into sideways slits, its inhuman shape currently unknown to the spellcaster as he writhed in intense pain. His mind flooded with languages, images of the past, and the meanings of them all in mere moments. He had seen the truth of which the being spoke, and the answers to questions he had failed to ask. He could see now more than ever, the value of forbidden knowledge. As the pain began to recede his last thought before his eyes involuntarily closed was that of solemnity.
“Hrodrin, please forgive me for this egregious action I have taken. I am sorry, my friend.” He thought, before his vision faded to black. The underground realm his unconscious body inhabited began to rumble and shake. The other chambers housing the skulls of the dead creatures burst open along the walls of the room with an ancient power, smashing the very structures that housed them. Soon, there would be a new force, or an old one, unleashed upon the unsuspecting and the unaware in the lands above.
