Riven stood on the mountain ledge outside the cave, where Maurs had forged a wide plateau for training. The rugged terrain lay bare and exposed under the sun, the jagged peaks surrounding them as silent witnesses to Riven's progress. A cool wind swept over the stone as Maurs studied him with quiet intensity.
"Today, we'll refine what you've learned," Maurs said, his voice steady. "Levitation alone is just the beginning. Mastery is about precision and endurance. You'll need both."
Riven took a deep breath, setting his focus. He summoned his energy, feeling it build and pulse through him as he lifted himself a few inches above the ground. Nearby, he drew three stones into the air, each hovering at a different height. The strain of controlling them all at once weighed on him, yet he kept his gaze steady, blocking out any thought of failure.
Maurs nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, maintain them. Control every movement. Don't allow even one to waver."
The stones quivered as Riven strained to hold them steady. He felt the weight of each one as if it were an extension of his own limbs. One of the stones trembled, then slipped, dropping with a dull thud. Frustration sparked in his chest, but he gritted his teeth and tried again.
Hours passed, each attempt leaving him more exhausted than the last, yet sharper, too. With every failure, his control improved, becoming finer, more precise. Sweat lined his brow, and his arms trembled as he extended his focus, lifting himself and the stones once more. This time, he held them steady, hovering a few inches above the ground, feeling the delicate balance of his strength and control.
When he finally landed, Maurs nodded. "Better," he said. "Every mistake is progress—so long as you learn from it. Today, you've taken your first true step."
Exhausted but resolute, Riven straightened, his mind brimming with the promise of what lay ahead.
"Now, we will push beyond levitation," Maurs said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "The ability to manipulate your surroundings is crucial, but the next step requires a deeper understanding of your will. I want you to lift those stones again, but this time, imagine they are connected to you—not just by energy but by a bond of intent."
Riven narrowed his eyes, concentrating. He extended his arms and envisioned the stones as part of himself, a piece of his own spirit intertwined with their very essence. He felt the shift in his energy, a warmth blossoming at the core of his being as he lifted the stones effortlessly.
"Good! Now, start moving them in a circle," Maurs instructed. "Keep them in motion while maintaining your control."
With a sense of determination, Riven began to guide the stones in a circular pattern. They danced gracefully around him, the weight of their presence feeling lighter than before. His heart raced with exhilaration, but as the stones twirled, he noticed one of them beginning to waver.
"Focus!" Maurs called out sharply, and Riven clenched his jaw, forcing himself to concentrate. He tightened his grip on the energy, willing the stone back into alignment.
It dropped again. This time, the failure felt like a chasm opening beneath him, threatening to swallow his confidence whole.
"Don't let it frustrate you," Maurs said, sensing Riven's dismay. "Each setback is merely a reflection of your current understanding. Embrace it, learn from it, and rise above."
With renewed resolve, Riven inhaled deeply, feeling the rush of air fill his lungs. He let the air ground him, centering his mind. "I can do this," he murmured to himself. He lifted the stones once more, focusing intently, guiding them to circle around him as if they were part of a well-rehearsed dance.
The movement felt natural now, and for the first time, Riven smiled, the thrill of success coursing through him. Maurs watched him with a proud gleam in his eye. "That's it! Maintain the rhythm."
"Like this?" Riven asked, keeping his voice steady despite the excitement bubbling within him.
"Yes! Now, try increasing the speed."
With a surge of determination, Riven quickened the pace of the stones. They flew around him in a blur, and he reveled in the sensation of control—until one stone jolted out of alignment, crashing against the ground with a crack that echoed off the mountains.
Riven's heart sank. "I thought I had it!"
Maurs approached him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You did have it, Riven. But you pushed too far too quickly. Always remember that mastery takes time. You must know your limits before you can transcend them."
Riven nodded, feeling the weight of his mentor's wisdom. "What's next, then?"
Maurs stepped back, surveying the rocky landscape. "Next, we'll work on your endurance. Being able to lift these stones is one thing, but can you sustain that effort? I want you to hold them in the air for as long as possible. There's no rush. Time is your ally."
Riven took a moment to gather himself before attempting again. He spread his arms wide, lifting the stones into the air once more. This time, he concentrated not on the immediate movement but on the sensation of holding them aloft, feeling the energy pulsing from his core.
Maurs watched closely, a keen observer, as the seconds turned into minutes. Riven's arms began to tremble with the weight of his exertion. He could feel the tension building, and a part of him wanted to lower the stones, to ease the strain.
"Stay focused," Maurs encouraged. "You have to trust in your strength. Remember, you are stronger than you think."
Taking a deep breath, Riven focused his mind. "I can do this," he repeated, channeling his thoughts into the stones. They hovered steadily, but the fatigue in his muscles began to intensify. Beads of sweat dripped down his brow, stinging his eyes.
"Think of your training," Maurs prompted. "Think of why you're here. Remember the village, the people counting on you."
Images flooded Riven's mind—his childhood, laughter shared with friends, moments of joy now overshadowed by darkness. It fueled him. He clenched his fists, willing himself to hold on just a little longer.
"Ten more seconds!" Maurs called, his voice slicing through the haze of exhaustion.
Riven gritted his teeth, feeling a surge of energy. He concentrated harder, the stones vibrating in response to his determination. "Nine... eight..."
With each count, the world around him seemed to fade. It was just him, the stones, and the unyielding weight of his ambition. "Seven... six..."
Finally, the five-second mark arrived, and he felt a surge of exhilaration. He could do this! "Four... three..."
But then, just as he felt he could reach a personal best, the trembling in his arms became too much. "Two..." The stones faltered, and he felt them slipping.
"Riven!" Maurs shouted, urgency lacing his voice. "Focus!"
"ONE!" Riven roared, channeling everything he had left into the stones.
He pushed back against the fatigue, but it was no use. The stones plummeted to the ground with a thud, and Riven collapsed beside them, panting heavily.
"Not bad," Maurs said, kneeling next to him. "You held them for almost three minutes. That's progress, and I'm proud of you."
Riven wiped the sweat from his brow, feeling a mix of frustration and pride. "It doesn't feel like enough."
"Progress isn't measured by perfection but by growth. With each effort, you'll build not only strength but endurance," Maurs replied, placing a hand on Riven's shoulder. "Now, let's take a break. You've earned it."
As they sat on the rocky ledge, Riven took a moment to reflect. He gazed out over the valley, a tapestry of green and brown stretching beneath them. The view was breathtaking, yet he couldn't shake the weight of his thoughts.
"What happens if I can't master these abilities?" Riven asked quietly, looking at Maurs. "What if I fail?"
Maurs regarded him thoughtfully. "Failure is part of the journey. Remember, every great master was once a novice. The key is to keep pushing forward. You have a gift, Riven, but it's the heart behind that gift that will make the difference. If you approach each lesson with intention, you'll discover what you're truly capable of."
Riven considered Maurs' words. It felt reassuring to have a mentor who believed in him, especially given the turmoil he faced within himself. The voice that whispered doubt had grown quieter, but it still lingered, a reminder of the darkness he had encountered.
"Why do you know so much about my family?" Riven asked, shifting the conversation. "What's your connection to the Kaelthars?"
Maurs paused, a flicker of recognition crossing his features. "Ah, the Kaelthars. I have studied many bloodlines over the centuries, Riven, but yours holds particular intrigue. The Kaelthars once wielded remarkable power—telekinesis being just one of their abilities."
Riven felt a stir, his curiosity piqued. "Telekinesis? I know you mentioned it before, but… how did they lose it? How could a family just… forget something like that?"
Maurs looked out over the mountains, his gaze distant, as though he were seeing a memory from another time. "Abilities like those possessed by the Kaelthars are not just skills; they're legacies, forged in blood and sacrifice. But as with all things, power comes at a price. Your ancestors wielded abilities so vast that, over time, the very weight of their gifts began to fragment. Generations passed, and many of these powers faded, reduced to whispers and legends."
Riven considered this, his thoughts swirling. "So… the ability to fly—or to levitate—was all that remained?"
Maurs nodded. "Yes, but even that is remarkable. Levitation requires a control and strength of will that few possess. Yet it is only a small piece of what your family once held."
Riven's eyes narrowed, the determination sparking anew. "Then I want to reclaim it, all of it. I don't want just a shadow of what my ancestors could do."
Maurs chuckled, an approving gleam in his eyes. "I expected no less. But ambition alone won't suffice. You'll need discipline and patience. Today, you struggled with levitating stones. Reclaiming the Kaelthar legacy will require much more than lifting pebbles."
Riven clenched his fists, feeling the weight of Maurs' words. "Then teach me. I'm ready for whatever it takes."
"Good," Maurs said, a quiet satisfaction in his voice. "Then let us continue."
They spent the next few hours going through exercises to sharpen Riven's focus and refine his control. He was instructed to balance the stones again, but this time, Maurs introduced obstacles. He conjured gusts of wind that threw Riven's balance off, and at one point, he created faint illusions of other stones around Riven, distracting him from his focus.
"Your mind must be like steel," Maurs said, circling him as Riven labored to maintain his grip on the stones. "You must see through deception, through pain, through exhaustion. The moment you falter, the moment you allow doubt to enter, you've lost."
Riven gritted his teeth, feeling the ache in his muscles as he struggled to keep his levitating stones steady amidst the illusions and gusts of wind. He felt his concentration slipping, a surge of frustration rising within him.
With a grunt, he lost control, and the stones clattered to the ground.
Maurs gave a slight shake of his head, though his expression was not one of disappointment. "You are trying to rely on brute force of will alone, Riven. That will only take you so far. Focus is not about straining every fiber of your being; it's about letting go of distractions, about finding clarity even in chaos."
Riven sat down, wiping sweat from his forehead. "How do I find that clarity? I thought I was focused, but… everything feels like it's slipping the harder I try."
Maurs knelt beside him, the ancient wisdom in his eyes unwavering. "It's not enough to want control, Riven. You must understand the source of your power. Your abilities are connected to your emotions, your mind, and your will, but they're also tied to something deeper—your understanding of yourself. You carry a weight of memories, of fears, of regrets. Until you confront them, they will always pull you back."
Riven looked down, Maurs' words hitting a raw nerve. "You mean… what happened with Gareth," he muttered, feeling a pang of guilt and shame.
Maurs inclined his head. "Not just that. The Kaelthar curse isn't only something passed down in blood—it's a burden that each generation carries. You must face what lies within you, confront the darkness that threatens to consume you. Only then can you truly begin to master your abilities."
Riven took a shuddering breath, the weight of Maurs' words settling over him. "How am I supposed to face it, though? It's like… every time I try, it just gets darker. More painful."
Maurs placed a hand on his shoulder, his gaze piercing but compassionate. "The darkness is a part of you, Riven, but it does not define you. Facing it means acknowledging it exists—not fighting it, not suppressing it, but understanding it. Only then can you begin to transcend it."
Riven stared into the distance, the mountains looming like ancient guardians. He felt something shift within him, a subtle acceptance of the struggle ahead. "Then I'll do it. I'll face it, whatever it takes."
"Good," Maurs said with a slight smile. "Then let us test your resolve."
He raised a hand, and suddenly the shadows around them deepened. The air grew colder, and Riven felt an unsettling stillness settle over the mountain. The familiar landscape faded, replaced by a vast, dark expanse. He felt his heart race, and a low murmur filled his ears—a haunting echo that seemed to come from the very depths of his mind.
"This is an illusion," Maurs explained, his voice steady. "A reflection of your inner self. Here, you will confront the fragments of your past, the shadows of your fears. Hold fast to your will, and remember, I am here with you."
Riven swallowed, feeling his hands tremble. The shadows coalesced around him, shifting into vague shapes, forms that he recognized with a growing sense of dread. He saw glimpses of Gareth, lifeless on the ground, and the villagers' accusing faces, twisted with anger and grief. He saw his family, their expressions blurred with disappointment.
The voice in his head—the one that had whispered doubt and darkness—rose up, stronger than ever. You're a monster, Riven. A murderer. You deserve their hatred.
"No," Riven muttered, clenching his fists. "That's not who I am."
Isn't it? the voice taunted. You killed him, didn't you? You couldn't even control yourself.
The figures closed in, a sea of shadows pressing against him. Riven felt his strength wavering, his determination slipping beneath the weight of guilt and self-doubt.
"Remember your focus," Maurs' voice broke through the darkness, grounding him. "These shadows are only as real as you allow them to be. They have no power over you unless you give it to them."
Riven took a shuddering breath, closing his eyes. He centered himself, reaching for that clarity Maurs had spoken of. He let the images wash over him but refused to let them control him. The shadows grew dimmer, their whispers fading into the background.
Opening his eyes, he looked around. The figures were still there, but their power over him was gone. He saw them for what they were—reflections of his past, remnants of his guilt and fear.
"I know what I did," he said, his voice steady. "But I won't let it control me."
With a surge of will, he focused his energy, pushing against the shadows. They dissipated, fading back into the darkness until he stood alone in the vast emptiness. The chill in the air lifted, replaced by a warmth that filled him with a newfound strength.
Maurs stepped forward, his expression one of pride. "Well done, Riven. You took the first step toward mastering yourself. Remember this moment, this feeling. It will guide you through every trial ahead."
Riven nodded, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. The shadows no longer felt as oppressive, and the doubts that had haunted him seemed distant, as if he'd left part of his burden behind on that mountain.
"Thank you," he said quietly, meeting Maurs' gaze.
Maurs gave him a rare smile. "This is only the beginning. Now, let's return to your training. There's much to be done."
They resumed their practice, and though Riven felt the familiar strain of lifting stones and controlling his energy, he also felt a newfound clarity, a strength that ran deeper than before. With every lift, every controlled movement, he was no longer just practicing levitation—he was forging control, over both his power and his mind.
And in the quiet determination that filled him, Riven knew he was closer than ever to unlocking the legacy of the Kaelthars.
The sun was beginning to dip behind the mountains, casting long shadows across the rugged terrain as Riven continued his training, pushing himself to hold his focus on the stones longer, levitate them higher, and control their movement with greater precision. Each task was a strain, but a determined glint burned in his eyes, sharpening his focus with each attempt. His failures from earlier felt distant, replaced by the exhilaration of newfound strength.
Maurs observed in silence, his expression as unreadable as the darkening mountains. As Riven lifted a stone to chest height, it began to tremble, wobbling in mid-air. Riven gritted his teeth, reaching deeper into himself, feeling the energy flow in his veins. Finally, with a gasp, he maintained its balance, steadying it in the air.
Maurs gave a small nod of approval. "You're beginning to understand," he said, his voice calm but carrying a weight of pride.
Riven let the stone drop gently to the ground, breathing heavily, a grin breaking across his face despite his exhaustion. "I think I'm starting to get it," he said, his eyes flashing with newfound confidence.
"Good," Maurs said, stepping closer. "But remember, Riven, power is not always about control. Sometimes, it's about release."
Riven frowned, trying to comprehend Maurs' words. "What do you mean?"
Maurs extended a hand, gesturing toward the stones scattered on the ground. With the slightest flick of his wrist, several of them lifted simultaneously, swirling together in a graceful, effortless dance before settling back to the ground. "Power can be like water. You can guide it, channel it—but forcing it will often make it slip through your fingers. There's a balance between holding on and letting go. You must learn to feel that balance."
Riven nodded, taking in Maurs' advice. He closed his eyes, stretching out his hand toward a stone, envisioning the energy flowing to it, connecting himself to its essence. Instead of trying to force his control over it, he simply focused on the connection, allowing it to follow his will naturally. The stone lifted more smoothly this time, responding almost like an extension of himself.
"Yes," Maurs murmured. "Just like that."
They continued the training as twilight deepened into night. Maurs then guided Riven through several more exercises, each pushing the boundaries of his strength and control. At one point, he had Riven attempt to levitate multiple stones at once, a task that required him to split his focus and maintain steady control over each one individually.
The stones trembled in the air, and beads of sweat rolled down Riven's face, but he persevered. The first stone dropped, then the second. But he managed to keep the third hovering, drawing on the clarity he had found earlier in the day.
Finally, as the stars began to twinkle above them, Maurs called an end to the session. "Enough for tonight," he said, his tone both gentle and firm. "You've pushed yourself well."
Riven lowered the last stone, his entire body exhausted but his spirit alight. He'd accomplished more than he thought possible in one day, and he felt closer to understanding his own potential than he ever had before.
As they made their way back toward the cave, a silence settled between them, filled only by the sound of their footsteps crunching over gravel and the faint wind sweeping down from the peaks. Just as they reached the mouth of the cave, Riven looked over at Maurs, his voice hesitant.
"Maurs… why are you helping me?" he asked, the question one he'd been wondering since their first encounter. "I mean, I know you're interested in the Kaelthar legacy, but… you didn't have to teach me. I'm just some kid with a curse."
Maurs stopped, turning to face him. His expression softened slightly, a rare vulnerability crossing his otherwise steely face. "You're more than just a 'kid with a curse,' Riven. You carry a potential that few can even begin to comprehend. And I—" he paused, his gaze drifting into the distance, "—I've seen enough lifetimes to know that power without purpose is a hollow thing. In you, I see both power and purpose. I can guide you, but only you can determine the path you'll take."
Riven felt a warmth in Maurs' words, a reassurance that settled some of his doubts. He nodded, understanding the weight of what Maurs was offering him.
As they entered the cave, Maurs added, "Get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll continue, but it will be different. Tonight was about control; tomorrow will be about resilience."
Riven raised an eyebrow. "Resilience?"
Maurs' gaze held a glint of challenge. "Power does not come without cost. Tomorrow, we will test not only your strength but also your endurance. Only then will you be ready to delve deeper into the abilities of the Kaelthars."
Riven's eyes widened slightly, but he nodded, excitement bubbling up within him despite his exhaustion. He lay down on the makeshift bedding in the cave, his mind racing with anticipation for the days ahead. As he closed his eyes, the flickering memory of the shadows from earlier in the day surfaced briefly, but this time, they held no power over him. He felt grounded, ready, and stronger than before.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for the first time, Riven felt truly prepared to face them.