Two days, Jon and his new travel buddy have been heading north. Staying off most of the main roads. According to the Blue Ring Mage School, Jon is dead. They don't need mages looking I to why he is still alive. They will know soon enough the grimoire they sunk into the pond is long gone. That's is what Jon is hoping for at least. That there will be no trail left for them to follow.
'We have reached the base of the MT. Zion.' Jon speaks in his mind. Something he has gotten very use to over the past couple days. The soul of a grimoire now lives within him. As of now there is no way to take him out other than to find a book made for one.
Jon looks up the steep mountainside. Old worn pines bent in the strong winds. The YuTuck Kingdom is known for its crap weather, but it is also known for its strong mages. The harsher the world the stronger the mages. Boulders stick out in between the old pines. A path can barely be seen.
'Take the path.' For the most part, he tends to keep to himself. Ever since Jon took off walking, he's left him alone, to fight with his own thoughts as well. Jon hasn't figure out who this grimoire is but it is clear that he knows Jon and Jon's family.
'Are we really going to climb this thing? It's the tallest mountain in the kingdom.' Jon tries to protest.
'Yup, my book is up there. Also we need to find a creature.' Jon gulps at the word. There are many monsters that live in the wilds of the kingdom. Most people keep to the main roads, the King send out mages and soldiers to check them in check and off the main roads. They have been lucky so far and have only run into deer, which Jon has failed to kill.
'What are we looking for?' Jon knows for some reason, the higher you climb the stronger they become. Not only do they sit on top of the food chain they also sit on top of the world.
'We are looking for an old friend of mine, if she's still alive. She will give you what we need if we can find her.' Jon snickers a little. His old friend is a girl. 'Not like that.'
'How is she still alive? Didn't you say they sealed you in the bottom of that pond a thousand years ago?' Jon starts walking up the, path, crossing his fingers. Wild werehounds roam most woods at night, they travel in packs of five. One needs to be at least a Rank 3. Other hideous creatures lurk through the woods to many to actually name. Jon is just hoping that night will come and quickly once it comes.
'She should be, her kind live for a really long time. I just hope she aspects you and does not try to eat you.' He laughs a little.
Jon's not sure what to think about all of this. He looks at the path for him to follow. Brush on each side, a mix of old leaves and pine needles cover the path. Makes it look as if nothing has touched this world in a long time. The hoot is a Grand Owl can heard in the far distance. The wind bring a cold chill and fresh pine smell. If only there were no monsters here, he would want to live here. 'I bet this is why…'
'What is your name? It has been two days. Your soul in my body and yet, I don't know your name.' Jon can hear him chuckle.
'I am a Sage from long ago, my name has been forgotten by the world. Those who do remember only remember me for the evil they say I have done. I have gone by many name, but you my young friend may call me Zaro.'
'Your right, I have never heard of a mage by the name of Zaro. Where did you hail from?'
'My home?...' A long pause pasted. No thoughts no words. The only Jon could feel from the old soul was sadness. Lost. 'My home has long pasted from the history of this world. My people forgotten and kill. I am the only who remains in this world. Yet, I am nothing more than book.'
Jon can feel his heart sink as he feels the sadness from Zaro. The shame for being the only one of his people left. The regret that he was unable to protect them. Warms tears trickle down Jon's face. A small smile appears on his face. In this moment Jon figured out, Zaro really is not that bad of a person.
'I'm sorry for your lost.' Jon spoke softly.
'Don't be sorry boy. It was a long time ago and nothing you could have done. She's is getting closer. Do not tell her I am with you. Do your best to get her help without me.' As the last of his words faded in Jon's mind, the brush explode. Branch's and leave flying all over the place. Golden eyes gleam from the darkness. Jon jumps back, his feet catching the edge of the cliff.
"Child, why do you smell, like him? Who are you?" Her voice purrs, also with a delightful tone? A red tongue flickers into the light.
"I'm…" The words stuck in Jon's throat. "Jonathan… Hilgrass."
The golden eyes roll. A deep heavy sigh follows them.
"Another Hilgrass. I haven not seen one in a long time, you are the weakest one I have ever seen. Wait, I understand."
The golden eyes slowly come out of the darkness. Her purple scales glisan in the fading sun. Two silver horns arch back with deep curves. Her wings twice the size of her. She stand as tall as a large horse.
"Wow." The only word to leave Jon's mouth as he looks at the beast in front of him. "Your… a Nightclaw?"
"Ha, very good. Not as dumb as I thought. Your powers have been locked within you."
"My powers? I'm a rank 1 student. I just don't have a lot of power so it may look this way." Jon nods his head. This is the only thing it could be.
"Take your shirt off. Hurry." Jon tries to jump again, forgetting the cliff is right there. His foot slips off, the large Nightclaw race forward catching him with her talon… nope it's hand