/Erick
I forgot how cold it could be in the mornings. The chill was biting into my flesh even through the layer of my clothing. Waiting for that 'someone' sent by Verin is quite a feat. Even though it's quarter to six in the morning, I don't like to be late.
Due to waking up early, I managed to get a coffee from the cafe. It's a fine type that makes you feel some warmth circulating through the body. The steam was rising from the cup. How nostalgic.
Whole scene reminded me that in this town there are some new technological shenanigans that were installed. One of such was the weather control within the premises of the town.
So even though right now it is summer for the rest of the world, today someone from high up decided to have a winter wonderland theme.
So, frost on windows, snow on streets, all being warmly dressed as they rush towards their jobs and endeavours.
Some long ago I was a part of this world, with friends that were there, family, job… I actually started off from here. When it was after that catastrophe in far land. I can't remember much of it. Just that it was all ablaze and there were no survivors. But that was also what a man had told me, one who found me. Not that I had so many memories then. But after - living in Gregor, having a…
It must have been over a century or few ago… But there was a wife, there were kids… And all was lost when I was pulled out once more. Upon return - there was nothing to find.
The time was six on the dot. I see a man in monk robes. White kind, long and with hood over the head, laced up furr shoes. He did not even make eye contact - he just gave a slight bow towards me, his hand with a small gesture that meant "follow me".
We went through the passage in between houses, then another one, then an alley, then roads that were small and compressed. I followed barely five steps behind him, so I'd not get lost in this maze of a town. Seemed like we were on our way towards the ancient part of town, one that was built first, from where the whole maze had been born.
As we walked small passages, with brick walls on both sides, the thought caught me - there were less people, so much so, that it seemed like we were alone.
At the end of the passage I finally see the Great Chapel of Gregor, built by the Wise Sage Gregor a long-long time ago.
Few steps closer to the chapel, I noticed that there was a defect. From where we walked - it was snow, where we went - there were blooming flowers and great stone paths, wooden benches, all this sunny beauty.
I turned around to look back as we crossed the wall of snowfall, leaving cold streets of town houses covered in snow blankets, with snowflakes still falling down upon that world. But here, as if just behind the curtain, I was back in the summer.
Quite a delightful sight. I was caught up by it for a moment, but heard the monk give a cough, to get my attention.
I turn back and hurry my pace behind him. He led into the Great Chapel of Gregor.
We walked behind to the shed of prayers. A built extension from the chapel, that allowed even ones who were deemed unholy to give prayers to sage. That's also known to be the place where Gregor himself prayed.
We walked further, where the garden of prayers began, there were small booths, sized about two by two metres, that had doors to close behind them, for all to have a private chat with a saint.
To my surprise the monk opened one of those booths and walked in, I followed. It was quite cramped, but he managed to open a hatch in the floor, the small stairs leading down. Monk gestures for me to go down, I give a nod and do as told. He follows behind.
Ground feels cold and wet. Shoes sticking to it.
Monk takes out a lighter and lights up the torch. Down here is actually spacious. Who knew.
He kept on going further down the tunnel. Dark, damp. We still shared silence, as I've still no clue what this Verin had in mind or how come the monks got in some mess.
The patter of water hitting the rocks was like a thump of drum smashing at the ears. With such silence around - these small things were exaggerated out of proportion to my ears.
Then I began seeing the swarms of something glimmering up ahead, then all around us.
Are those elemental spirits?! I've heard of them eons ago, but seeing them with my own eyes…
Those little lights were running about the walls of this tunnel, playing around. They even dashed under the feet, crawled up on rocks, some flew about nearby. It was like a magical cave. It pained to know that they were in fact ones to save many lives long ago.
These elemental spirits were usually sighted in the place surrounding mountain Sekka, as these creatures were utterly rare and would keep on existing in only peaceful and mostly untouched lands. As they had love for peace. They also would instil this love for peace in travellers who'd spend a lot of time with them, but too much time would make them docile. As these elementals passively draw life energy out of you. Cute, handy, but also with the evil side effect.
Soon I started seeing light at the end of the tunnel - the exit. The pathway was carved out on the mountain side, that's where we are - the other side of Saint Sage Mountain.
I saw a river below us, opposite us was mountain Sekka within reachable distance. So the river must be the river Emmea.
This monk gave me a soft pat on the shoulder and pointed downwards. There was a small bay, carved out most likely by the traders of darkness, with a ship waiting.
"Go there, I must return to cover the tracks we've made. He's waiting for you." - Monk said in a hushed voice, bowed again and left back inside the tunnel.
I knit my brows for a moment - does he not get the energy drawn out by those elemental spirits? How's he so alright? Or is he partially dead?
Then again, I turned to see the ship awaiting me. Legs taking me down to this more and more damp place.
The ship itself looked fancy. One that would be pronounced as the "entertainment ship", large space for rest that's covered up with walls and not so much deck space. The ornaments that adorned it and the carvings were overly fancy.
Are they really monks or some black magic traders?
Getting on a plank to get on the deck, it was wobbly. And for a moment there I had my heart jump. It felt like it'd fall.
I was greeted with another white robed person with a bow. No words spoken. The hand gestured to get into the salon. So I did. The small note on the table read : Destination Krea.
So that's where they're taking me. Alright.
This silence and a steady trip to Krea. Have not seen it in a while. We've been going on for a while. It was already darker outside.
I thanked the monks, as one would bring some food for me, now and again, as well as leaving me a large jug of water to drink and a bowl of fruit to have.
I'm still not sure how to treat this situation. Good? Bad? Who is this Verin?
Sceneries of mountains continuously stretching on both sides - one being the Three Saint Sages, another mountain Sekka. The fields and people working on them, the busy people with fishnets, small boats and small docks, sheep on the grass further down, cows, fields, forests…
The sound got my attention - a beautiful melody that came from the edge of the river, I came closer to the window to see.
Blue-green scales on her tail, glimmering in the light, she brushed her hair and sang – water nymph. It's been so long since I've seen one.
They were the kind of beauties that would mesmerise and charm, yet as deadly as the poison itself they were. Only a few mages, witches and warlocks were able to communicate and work with them. Their customs and language were really ancient.
It was getting ever darker. The setting sun colouring the sky in orange.
Finally we're reaching the first destination - village Nia.
Monk walked into the salon, gesturing that we go out. I follow as told.
We walk from the ship onto land, then a bit further to the carriage. There stands another monk.
This time he looks way more different than previous cases. Embroidered robes, small crown of green ivy and branches, long white hair and golden eyes. Few strands across the face, a bit of a messy look, yet a warm feeling was beaming from him, yet somehow this smile of his felt like a mask.
"My pleasure meeting you, Erick. Niko had told me about you." - His golden eyes set on me, as he spoke.
I kept my mouth shut, eyeing him.
"Apologies, my name is Verin. I am the oracle of the Emperor Elleney Drieth." - Verin gave me a look over. - "Although that might not say much to you right now. Let's continue our chat on the way." - Verin gestured into the carriage.
I boarded inside, then him. It felt like he's patronising my moves somehow. And that is not making me feel at ease. Even though it's warm, there's no ease to this tension.
No idea what Niko had told him or what her relationship with this guy is, but I definitely feel the judgement upon myself here from this thin built priest-monk being. I'm sure he ain't human, even if he looks like that.
"As you know - here is a bit different to your world, or how it was since your last visit here." - Verin removed the stray hair strand from his face, - "the Emperor and the King, the two rulers of two sides to the mountain of Three Saint Sages planned out to overtake the free lands towards the mountain Sekka. And from there - all the way to the Land of Spirits and river Lea and Nila. They each have their own view of what they want from this venture" - The way he calmly spoke was giving me chills. I absolutely felt the authority in this calmness.
"As far as my birds fly and sing, I got to know that the Emperor seeks the chalice from the Goddess of Rivers." - Verin calmly continues.
But as he speaks the only question now is - how old is he? His hair is absolutely grey, glistening with hints of silver as the last light is caught by us. Though by the looks he does not exceed around thirty. This is either a demon or someone with a blessing.
"The Emperor refuses to believe that chalice ceased to exist. The very thought of him owning that item and ruling over all the seas, rivers and waters infected him like a plague. Poisoning his mind." - Verin gave a soft smile, one that ran chills down my spine, as now my full attention was on him. - "There's also the search for knowledge from the spirits of town Sier. Knowledge that gives the power to be the wisest. That all inflates the greed in that poisoned man."
Although he spoke about the Emperor, it felt more like the idea of knowledge was more about him, about Verin. Sinister feelings about this priest. He gives me the feeling like he'd kill me in a heartbeat, without thinking about it.
How the hell does he know Niko and is actually helping? Who is…?
" The King… He Craves to take over the Land of Spirits. All due to that one time, when his ancestors lost in a battle against those lands. He too, found legend about the divine weapons that fought those beasts and creatures of Land of Spirits once. Making them the small land they are now, although, at some point in history, they had owned the whole world. These weapons are said to be in the Castle Mavur, in the town with the same name. Told to be blessed by some of the most powerful beings of historian myths." - Verin sneered at his thought, that crossed his mind, but I damn sure saw that scary dark glint in his eyes.
"Those beings are the Goddess of Rivers, Spirit of Mother Tree, Queen of Madelaines Blood Land and Witch of Roseam. The mythical quartet of chaos. I wouldn't be surprised if you knew them." - Verin eyed me, giving me shivers from his look. Just what is he? Why does it sound like…
"What the King needs is the Emperor's forces. So that during the storming of land and castle, there's enough to die through all the mazes, magical barriers and protections, as well as just enough to find and fetch what they crave to find. Both of them see each other as disposable tools to reach their own goals. Although, it feels like they are but mere puppets, with puppeteer being in shadows, pulling strings. I am not certain who'd behold such power. Yet. Though I presume you might have a clue to the identity of that being." - Verins way of speaking and pressuring me makes me feel smaller. Like a prey in a cage, with an elaborate predator playing with me, before his meal.
"I have an idea. But before that is revealed to anyone, I need to share it with Niko. If what I assume is right - she'll most likely share it with you." - I let out.
Verin gave a small nod. In a few minutes after, a silence instilled in a carriage, there was a stop.
Carriage came to a halt. Verin opened the door and got out.
"I shall go. From here, you'll be on your own." - He pulled out a sky-blue rosary from his pocket and handed it to me. - "This might be of help, rather, come in handy."
He went to the side of the road, where a hippogryph stood, got on him and flew off.
The carriage resumed its pace towards the town.
Forest where we were passing through - it began feeling familiar to me. The different beings selling items stacked on their carts, right on the side of the road. Seems that now it's way less populated than before, but the remnants of the similarity and nostalgic wave got me.
Ah, in these forests are very elaborate spirits. No one knows their real name, so they're called "harvesters" by the locals. These spirits, if encountered, can tell you all about anything. Truthfully, in all great details. Though the price for such information - are your rare emotions. And although it might sound harmless at first, but not being able to feel joy, love, empathy - that's when it goes bad.
Some used such barters for greater gains, advancing them, though, others couldn't bear the lack of taken emotions. Eventually leading them to death.
Hmm… Maybe, just maybe, but had Niko used the "harvesters"?
I felt through each bead, as I thought, watching the road change, the town border appear and the fine laid stone slabs of roads and pavements begin.
The new, different faces began to appear. More dwarves, elves, and other creatures. Some working, some relaxing, some reminding tourists on vacation. Well, Krea was known for its diversity and inclusivity without any judgement. Such was the policy.
The pavement had magical stones embedded within them, so that at night the pavement would glow softly, so locals could find their ways. But during the sunset, such as now, these stones made the pavement resemble the lava floor, sparkling, glistening orange red, daring to the eyes, reflecting the last rays of sun.
The houses remained the same - marble, stone and bricks with concrete, all with sand red hues, like it was a made-up desert in the land of forests.
Pubs were buzzing with life, fire was lit in some corners to celebrate some new event. The whole thing pulled something in me. Something old and forgotten.
"It changed a lot, since… I last lived here." - I let out, surprising myself with my words. But the feeling is there - I lived here. Son, wife… There was something of that sort some very long time ago. Maybe.
The carriage was going towards the one destination. I felt that it would be that place where I met some very elaborate old hag, that shapeshifts.
/David
Orin stared at me with utmost confusion.
I felt tired. I had no time to sort out sassy ladies. It was already too packed with things that had to be sorted and done in the squished time frame provided.
"Listen, you can question me later. Right now I need to know what happened to Elyon. When did you last see her? What did you speak of? I must know everything. We're short on time." - I let out.
Orin just stared blankly at me. Maybe she was trying to put the puzzle, trying to find out how and what might have happened to Elyon. Yeah, normal thing for most of us, mortals, but we're short on goddamn time.
"Hey! Speak!" – I snapped, raising my voice a notch to get Orin out of her daydreaming.
"Ah! Yeah, um, she went along with a smart looking man. He came in asking for assistance with his work. He even specifically requested Elyon. Our superiors were quite nervous, saying that such a high ranking person would need someone more efficient, but that man insisted on Elyon. Superiors gave in, not even disclosing the details of man - saying he is the priority non-disclosure customer. Nothing else. Elyon just left with that man. It was a few hours ago." - Orin tensed up, yet alas, replied hastily.
"Shit." – I clicked my tongue, - "Alright, then I'll have to take you along. You can't stay here anymore. You'll now go fetch your things, keep it short, don't talk to anyone, don't tell anything. If you won't do as I say - within the next few days you'll end up dead, and it won't be my work, got it?"
Orin glared at me with multiple questions per second rushing through her pretty little head, but I was not really into sorting it out now.
"Got it?!" - I raised my voice again. She jumped up, staring at me, I looked her in the eyes. - "I'll answer all questions later, now go, don't waste the time."
She nodded. Then pressed the button to lift security measures.
"Now go get your stuff, I'll wait here. You need to hurry! Shoo!" - I stood up.
Orin got up dashing out for her belongings. I watched her hurry to get her bag and then be on her way back towards me. Good that she said nothing to no one.
Good that she complies.
We got downstairs at a hurried, yet serious pace, to attract less attention to us. We got in the car. I started the engine and we got out, making our way to the closest motorway.
Right as we were getting into the fast lane, I turned to Orin.
"Give me your phone, any tech along as well."
Orin blinked at me a few times, then fetched out of her bag the tablet and the phone. I took them with one hand, as the window was open, then chucked them out the window.
"Ah! Why?!" - Orin cried out.
"I'll reimburse them, but that was necessary." - I let out.
My phone rang a moment after.
I picked it up.
"He's already looking into it." - started the voice from the phone and then the call was cut off.
"Well well well, guess we're about to be found out." - I let out.
"What does it mean?" - Orin looked confused.
"That call my dear, was from the only person on our side inside the system, and darlin' we ain't about to compromise our good friend Kriss. He has his hands full with our great twat Adrian, aka, your head boss." - I let out, as I put on some calming music for myself.
The radio of the pre-programmed system played in the car.
"So?" - Orin let out. - "Why don't you throw out your phone?"
"I won't do so, as I have special precautions placed there, making my phone and tech non-traceable for anyone that tries any shady things. Guess you don't know half of what the AIO does to the whole lot. Anything from tracking of people, to sorting out preferences, to not only knowing all about all, but even inflicting ideas, changing opinions, changing people altogether, in case they decide to have themselves do a magical marriage with chips inside them. But that's a story for another time." - I smacked my lips, as I checked on Orin. She was quite confused.
"Alright, darlin'. You see, you spent some good quality time with your girlfriend and one more lady during that time of heat, which sort of granted the two of you some distortions. It's not like every person that hangs out with Niko gets issues, but those that get somehow close in sexual sense or the private life sense - get in trouble. The issue that arises is that you and Elyon are both compatible with the system, which gives Adrian the need to test you both to see if that will give results. What is he testing for, you ask? Well, that's the goddamn evil thing that makes you dive in alternate realities and universes to live and explore life in there. Why is that needed? Because he is an obsessive prick with issues. Now we're going to my place, as that's the safe place for now and we've got a whole lot of things to sort out, before we're down the rabbit hole of evil shitstorm that one prick concocted. Seems about all for now."
Orin had her brows knit, making me feel somehow proud of myself. She kept quiet the whole road to my place after.
Parked car, then the elevator to the right floor, the fiddling with the door, the getting in, and finally I can feel like I can relax.
The security system here is beyond anything normal, not to mention it'll take that asshole a while to get to me in ways that can allow him to harm me. For now - that's the thing to be staying away from in this small apartment hut in the most prestigious area. That dude ain't gonna cause a scene in a place packed with famous and influential beings. For now, that is.
I went to make the coffee, Orin sat down on the couch.
"Want something to drink?" - I ask politely.
She gave a nod.
"Preferences?" - I let out.
She looked up at me.
"Whiskey?" - She said.
I let out a laugh. Quite the interesting lady.
I pulled out the bottle of whiskey in my cupboard, then poured her a glass, putting it on the kitchen island. She came over, sat on a chair and took a gulp. Her face went sour for a moment, then she let out the breath.
"Yeah, that's not a simple thing to do. One other thing. I have a friend, who'll bring you anything you need in the ladies department. Anything from clothes to other things. So, just make a list - I'll get that sorted pronto." - I said.
"How long are we staying here?" - Orin asked.
"Until it's all sorted, so a while, I'd say." - I let out.
"A while…" - Orin sighed, then downed the whiskey glass. I poured her more.
"So, who's Niko? What's up with that Adrian? And who are you?" - Orin squinted at me.
I smiled at her questions.
"Hun, my name is David. I am the friend of few people including Niko, who were guinea pigs for the experiments Adrian did. We all were friends with Adrian, until we fell out of love with him. So to speak. Now that prick got my boyfriend, as well as your girlfriend and is going the nasty in his lab. So our job is to make sure that you get to Elyon and get her to safely return, as we resque that captivated princess, along with my sad, tired and broken boyfriend. Hope he pulls through, after all that happened. But we can't get our hopes down, for now, as we've yet to train you to access the link between you and Elyon, coz honey, time is of the imminent essence here." - I laughily said.
/Merin
The filing of the papers and messages to the board of directors was frustrating. Besides now having to deal with piles of documentation left by Adrian, with his new tech developments and the arised issues, there was more to cover daily. At this moment in time - it seemed that the work was piling up more and more by the minute.
"Bloody asshol!" - I grunted out, throwing the papers across the room. - "You make me do so much work for no actual rewards to see."
He just got another girl in the lab. A new lab rat that I got to check out just now on the project documents, as she's a new test subject to whatever that thing is on about at this time. Does he ever get tired of it, or is the goddamn idea just not contained so much?!
Though, having him be preoccupied with some new plaything is a bit better than dealing with his anger.
Although, I'm glad that there's that rat, as a test subject.
"Sure, darling, have them as a lab pet, than a new crush you might develop with a bit of time. None will dare to move between us. Even that brat."
Sheer reminder of that bitch makes my skin crawl. Just seeing the relationship between them is enough for me to hate them both. But losing that asshole is way more of a dent on my reputation and pride.
May the new thing he came up with be less problematic for me to deal with.
New ping on the computer got me to check it - new messages and requests to deal with. Why does that, brat of a husband, not take care of the goddamn work?
"Ehh…" - I rest my head on the chair, as I look up for a moment. - "Just when should I plan my vacation?"
/Adrian
I still can't get used to this poorly lit container room that he uses. Though it's all for the scientific privilege of confidentiality. So that is enough to put my worries to rest.
"You managed to get him in, but is he doing what he was told? Is his whereabouts known to you?" – I paced around, looking at one of the test subjects.
"I did try to calculate his whereabouts, yet in one town he ditched the hunters. So now I don't know where he is. But you know how he gets when he goes there. He'll go on with his mission. Also, thus far he is not aware that there is anyone else within that realm." -Kriss replied.
"You better be sure he does not twist the plans I prepared for, for months. Or I'll be the one to administer your memory "purification"." – I sensed my anger seeping through.
Sheer thought of Erick fleeing the surveillance of the other side, right after he got there, is concerning. We did manage to negotiate for him to do as I say. He always does as I say, yet every time seeing how he just darts off into some place with no warning and explanation is infuriating.
I just hope that the memories don't surface, or we're to face some throwbacks.
Seeing Erick in a container, right under my thumb is nice. Having him being docile and obedient is always pleasant. Though that childishness he exposes each time he goes in - is frustrating. Real damn frustrating. Hope he doesn't screw things up.
I touch the glass surface of the container. With my fingers running on that chilly top. How nostalgic, having him once again in my possession as a test subject. Sweet poison of mine.
"Keep watch on him. Make sure to report everything back." - I look at Kriss, as he nods.