Riven followed Maurs through the dense maze of the forest, his mind buzzing with anticipation. The towering trees gave way to the rugged terrain of an enclosed mountain alley, where sheer cliffs loomed on both sides, the rock faces jagged and ancient. The echo of their footsteps on the hard ground made the space feel isolated, almost timeless.
They stopped at the narrowest part of the pass. Maurs gazed at the cliffside with quiet determination. With a single motion, he raised his hand, fingers arched slightly, and the earth seemed to tremble in response. Riven's eyes widened as Maurs's silent command sent a crack rippling through the rock face. The cliff responded like clay in the hands of a sculptor, reshaping itself as an opening emerged within the mountain.
"A fitting space for your training," Maurs murmured, his voice reverberating through the air. He gestured for Riven to follow as he stepped inside the cavernous opening he had just created. It was dimly lit, beams of light filtering in through small crevices in the rock, illuminating swirling particles of dust.
Riven, still awestruck by the display of power, struggled to suppress a wave of nervous energy. He wondered if he would ever be able to wield abilities like this—ones that could reshape the very world around him. The notion felt like an impossible dream, something too far from his reach. But this was no ordinary lesson; it was one deeply rooted in his Kaelthar heritage.
"Today, you're going to refine what we started with yesterday," Maurs said, his voice calm but carrying an edge of expectation. "Levitation is not just lifting yourself off the ground. It requires mastery of both mind and body—an understanding of how to control your inner energy and connect with the elemental forces around you."
Riven nodded, squaring his shoulders. He could still feel the thrill of yesterday's success, of that brief moment when he'd managed to lift himself from the earth, if only by a few inches. But today felt different; the stakes were higher. He had to push himself further, to reach beyond those few inches.
He took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he let Maurs's instructions wash over him. He focused on the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, trying to find that elusive thread of energy he had felt yesterday.
"Clear your mind, Riven," Maurs instructed. "Don't chase after it; let it come to you. The Kaelthar bloodline thrived on control and subtlety, on a seamless flow of power. It is not forced—it's found."
Riven inhaled deeply, feeling his heartbeat slow, the thundering of his own thoughts settling into a quiet hum. Slowly, he felt a flicker of energy stir within him, like the faint glow of embers waiting to be kindled. He focused on that feeling, nurturing it until it began to expand, spreading warmth through his limbs.
With a gentle exhale, Riven let himself lean into that energy, feeling his body grow lighter as if gravity were releasing its hold on him. He opened his eyes, glancing down to see his feet hovering just above the ground. His heart raced with excitement, but as his concentration wavered, he abruptly lost his focus, stumbling back to the ground.
Maurs watched him impassively, offering neither praise nor criticism. "You reached it," he observed. "Now, hold it. Control comes not from bursts of strength, but from sustained will."
Riven clenched his fists, frustration creeping in. He could feel the power, but sustaining it seemed impossible. Determined to try again, he closed his eyes, searching for that spark within him once more. After several minutes, he found it again, the warmth spreading through him. Slowly, he felt himself lift off the ground, this time managing to maintain the state for a few seconds longer before gravity reclaimed him.
After several attempts, Riven was sweating, his muscles aching from the repeated strain. Each failure ate away at his confidence, but he forced himself to keep going. He couldn't let Maurs down—couldn't let himself down.
Maurs's voice interrupted his thoughts. "This ability should feel like an extension of yourself. Until it does, you are simply pushing against nature. You must blend with it."
Riven took a steadying breath, trying to let go of his frustration. He centered himself once more, closing his eyes and focusing on the feeling of weightlessness. This time, he allowed himself to sink into the sensation, feeling as if his body were part of the air itself. When he opened his eyes, he realized he was floating a full foot off the ground, completely steady.
"Good," Maurs remarked, a faint smile on his face. "Now, let's increase the challenge."
Riven's stomach twisted with nerves as he noticed Maurs lift a hand, summoning a small, dense swirl of wind around him. Riven watched as the wind grew stronger, swirling around him and creating resistance, making it more difficult to stay steady. He struggled to maintain his levitation, feeling the pull of gravity tugging at him as the wind howled in his ears.
"Focus," Maurs called over the wind. "Fight for control, but do not force it. Become the eye of the storm—calm amidst the chaos."
Riven gritted his teeth, digging deep into his reserves of strength as he fought to maintain his balance. He could feel his energy waning, his muscles trembling as he tried to stay aloft. But Maurs's words echoed in his mind, reminding him to find stillness within. Slowly, he felt the winds die down in his perception, his body adjusting to the rhythm of the air around him.
For a moment, he was weightless, suspended in the air as if gravity held no claim over him. But the moment of triumph was fleeting, and he soon found himself back on the ground, gasping for breath.
Maurs walked over to him, his expression unreadable. "Good work. You're learning, but there is much yet to master. Levitation is merely the beginning."
Riven, still catching his breath, looked up at him, feeling a surge of pride despite his exhaustion. He could feel his potential, the power of his bloodline awakening within him. For the first time since he'd arrived in the Forest of Eyes, he felt a glimmer of hope, a sense of purpose that went beyond mere survival.
Maurs extended a hand to help him up. "The Kaelthar lineage once wielded power over the mind and body in ways that others could only dream of. But that power requires discipline, control, and a willingness to confront the darkest parts of yourself."
Riven met Maurs's gaze, feeling the weight of his words. He knew he was just beginning to understand the depths of his heritage, the immense potential and responsibility that came with it. But he was ready to face the challenge, to embrace the legacy of the Kaelthar bloodline and make it his own.
As they made their way back to the clearing, Riven's mind buzzed with thoughts of the future. He was no longer just a boy from a quiet village—he was something more, something powerful. And with Maurs's guidance, he was determined to unlock the full extent of that power.
Riven wiped the sweat from his brow, his gaze drifting back to Maurs, who stood silently at the edge of the clearing, watching him with that familiar, unreadable expression. For a moment, the older man's silhouette seemed less like that of a teacher and more like a distant figure from some half-remembered legend. Riven couldn't ignore the question that had been building in his mind.
"Maurs," he began, his voice hesitant, "how do you know so much about my family? About… all of this?" He gestured around, indicating the hidden cave, the ancient knowledge Maurs had shown him, and the training itself.
Maurs remained quiet for a long moment, his eyes narrowing as he observed Riven. Then he gave a slow, measured nod, as though deciding whether it was finally time to share something long buried.
"I suppose you've earned a glimpse of the truth," Maurs said, his voice low and grave. "You're not the first Kaelthar I've met, Riven. I have seen your ancestors—your lineage—when they were at their peak and, later, at their fall."
Riven's eyes widened. "You mean… you knew them?"
Maurs nodded. "Eight hundred years is a long time to live, Riven. But I have lived it, seen the rise and fall of kingdoms, the ascent and ruin of powerful bloodlines. The Kaelthars were among the most formidable, their powers unmatched by most, and their wisdom…" He paused, almost as if he were remembering something painful. "Their wisdom was once the envy of entire civilizations."
Riven listened, enraptured. The idea of his family having been that powerful seemed impossible, especially now, with their legacy all but forgotten.
"The Kaelthars were respected for their mastery over mind and matter," Maurs continued. "Telekinesis was only one of their abilities. Their reach extended into more intricate realms—delicate manipulations of the mind, heightened senses, even the power to influence objects from a distance. But these abilities required discipline that few could achieve."
"Why… did we lose it all?" Riven asked, his voice barely more than a whisper.
"Pride," Maurs answered simply, his voice laced with bitterness. "In their search for ever-greater power, the Kaelthars began to lose themselves, forgetting the restraint and control that had once defined them. They grew reckless, thinking themselves invincible, until their abilities began to fade. By the time they realized what was happening, it was too late."
Riven felt a pang of sadness as he tried to imagine the greatness his ancestors once possessed, only to squander it all. "Is that why you're helping me?" he asked softly. "To bring that power back?"
Maurs's gaze shifted, his expression unreadable once more. "Perhaps. Or perhaps it's simply my curiosity, my desire to see if the Kaelthar legacy can be revived—if you can reclaim what was lost and prove yourself worthy of it."
Riven met Maurs's gaze, feeling the weight of those words settle over him. The responsibility, the legacy, and the expectations—it was overwhelming. But as he stood there, facing the ancient sorcerer who had seen generations come and go, he felt a spark of determination ignite within him.
"I'll prove it to you," he vowed, his voice strong with conviction. "I'll prove that the Kaelthar name still means something."
Maurs's lips curled into a faint smile, a glimmer of approval flickering in his eyes. "Then let us continue. For the Kaelthar bloodline and, perhaps, for the future of abilities far greater than mere levitation."
As they reached the open clearing in front of the new cave Maurs had created, Riven looked at his mentor with a silent question in his eyes. The first few times he'd levitated had been exhausting, but now he could manage it more steadily, lifting higher, staying aloft longer with each attempt.
Maurs folded his arms, watching Riven as he hovered a few feet above the ground, his posture more controlled and balanced than before. "You're improving," Maurs acknowledged, his tone calm but approving. "But strength alone isn't enough. Levitation is a finesse skill, and it must become as natural to you as walking."
Riven concentrated, sensing how much of his energy was required to remain aloft and noticing how his movements affected his balance. His mind had to remain sharp and calm, free of distractions.
"Now," Maurs continued, "let's add a layer of difficulty." He raised a hand, and a series of rocks began to lift off the ground around Riven, orbiting him like moons around a planet. "Control each movement without losing focus. Let each one obey your will."
Riven's eyes narrowed as he extended his awareness, focusing on the rocks circling him. One by one, he tried to manipulate their paths, forcing himself to maintain his own balance while directing them. A bead of sweat formed on his brow as he pushed himself harder, every fiber of his being focused on not letting his mind slip.
"Good," Maurs said, his voice low, observing Riven's struggle with an uncharacteristic flicker of interest. "You're beginning to understand. The Kaelthars' powers required discipline. No shortcuts."
As Riven steadied himself, he sensed a resonance, a connection with each of the rocks orbiting him. It felt as though he could extend his will beyond his body, bending the elements in the same way he'd commanded himself to levitate. For a moment, he let himself enjoy the sensation—until his focus wavered, and one of the rocks shot out of orbit, landing with a sharp thud.
Riven gritted his teeth, feeling a pang of frustration, but Maurs's voice cut in before he could let his temper flare.
"Calm yourself," Maurs instructed. "There will be mistakes, but each one is part of the learning. Breathe, feel the flow of energy again, and resume."
Riven exhaled slowly, regathering his focus, the rocks lifting back into orbit around him with a renewed sense of control. This time, he allowed the power to flow naturally rather than forcing it, adjusting to the slight shifts with greater finesse.
Hours passed, the sun beginning to dip low on the horizon, but Riven continued his practice. By the time Maurs called for a pause, Riven was breathing heavily, his muscles fatigued but a faint sense of triumph lighting up his expression.
As they rested, Riven's mind drifted back to his father, his family, and everything he'd left behind. The pain and betrayal simmered beneath the surface, but he'd begun to realize that the drive for power, for reclaiming his birthright, was becoming his only source of purpose.
Maurs watched him, his piercing gaze thoughtful. "You are ready to go further, Riven, if you are willing. But know that true power carries a cost."
Riven looked up, his jaw set. "I understand," he replied, determination blazing in his eyes.
Maurs nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, as though pleased with Riven's answer. The smile, however, quickly faded, replaced by an intense focus.
"Very well," Maurs said, standing. "This lesson is more than levitation or control. It's about endurance, both of body and spirit. You'll need them both to tap into the Kaelthars' true potential. Once, your bloodline wielded more than just the ability to lift and control objects… They could wield the raw force of their minds, directing it in ways that even I cannot replicate."
Riven's curiosity piqued, and he straightened, eager to learn more. "What else did they have? What… what could they do?"
Maurs looked out toward the horizon, his gaze distant. "They had the power to bend their enemies without touching them, to lift not just stones, but entire buildings if they wished. Their strength was legendary, feared, and respected. But all of that power faded over the generations until only the ability to lift oneself—levitation—remained."
Riven listened, captivated by the stories of his ancestors' prowess. The realization that he was the last in a line of such gifted people stirred something deep within him. For once, he felt a spark of pride in his bloodline, despite the curse that haunted them. A flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, he could reclaim what was lost.
"Can… can I learn all of it?" Riven asked, his voice barely a whisper, as though afraid the answer might be no.
Maurs turned to him, his expression unreadable. "Possibly. But it will demand more from you than anything else you've done. Pain, exhaustion, and loss. You'll have to face them all if you want even a fraction of their strength."
Riven's gaze didn't waver. "I can handle it."
Maurs's expression softened for a moment, almost as if he respected Riven's resolve. "Then we'll begin." He paused, his tone sharpening. "This will be unlike anything you've felt before."
With a wave of his hand, Maurs summoned a whirlwind of dust and stones, encircling Riven in a storm of debris. Riven closed his eyes, feeling the energy swirling around him, forcing himself to keep his balance amid the chaos. The small rocks and pebbles scraped his skin, and his muscles strained against the pressure, but he focused on the power inside him, willing himself to remain steady.
"Channel your strength," Maurs instructed, his voice barely audible over the roar of the storm. "Feel the flow of energy within, let it guide you. You are the eye of the storm, not its prey."
Riven's arms trembled as he felt the flow of energy, pressing against the storm's force, steadying himself in the midst of the whirlwind. Minutes felt like hours, and every inch of him screamed for relief, yet he refused to yield.
Finally, Maurs waved his hand again, dispersing the storm, leaving Riven standing amidst the scattered rocks. His breathing was ragged, his body aching, but he stood tall, a flicker of pride in his eyes.
"Well done," Maurs said, his tone carrying a hint of approval. "You held firm. Now, let's push it further."
The training continued late into the night, each exercise testing Riven's mental and physical limits. Maurs didn't relent, and each time Riven faltered, Maurs urged him to rise again, to push harder. The stars had begun to fade by the time Maurs finally allowed him to rest.
Riven collapsed to the ground, his body heavy and bruised, yet a strange sense of satisfaction filled him. He'd survived, he'd learned, and he'd pushed beyond what he thought he was capable of.
As he lay on the cold ground, staring up at the night sky, he thought of his family once more. He wondered if they'd ever understand why he had to go down this path, if they'd ever know the hardships he faced. But the pain of their rejection had dulled, replaced by a new sense of purpose.
Maurs stood over him, his shadow cast by the rising sun. "This is just the beginning, Riven. Tomorrow, we delve deeper."
Riven closed his eyes, letting his exhaustion take over. For the first time, he felt that he was moving toward something real, something powerful. He was no longer just a cursed boy with a dark fate; he was a Kaelthar, and he would reclaim his bloodline's legacy.