The Wondering and Warnings of Hrothbert and Winifred
The Original Text of the Story of Hrothbert and Winifred.
Chapters 1-13
The Wondering and Warnings of Hrothbert and Winifred
Chapter 1: A Very Important Wizard
Wizards do important work. Work that changes the world and improves Allenia. Hrothbert would be remembered as the greatest Wizard to have ever lived. He just didn't know how he would do it.
How to change the world? …How to change the world? …the world can be changed…but how? No inspiration came. No ideas. Just like the last 246 days since he graduated first of his class, no ideas came.
“You will do great things” the Arch Mages would say in the Tower. “You could have a statue someday.” “A statue!” Hrothbert would reply, "That's ridiculous. You must be looking at the wrong wizard!” because that is what you say when someone tells you that you can do something great, even though Hrothbert knew that there would be more than a mere statue to commemorate his accomplishments.
He gazed out the window and thought of a life without accomplishment. What was he to do? Why am I here if not to change the world? He sat down, worked on his favorite puzzle for the day then took a long walk around the city until dark before heading home.
One of the first things you noticed when you entered Hrothbert's house was that it had an educated smell. What is an educated smell you ask? It is that smell that you know when a scholar or wizard has been living there and they had the slightest dustiness in the air, like books never quite being put away on time. The walls were lined with shelves filled with books that Hrothbert was either writing himself or rare texts that he had collected.
On one shelf he kept his special books. These were the works of great wizards that had come before him. These wizards had led their lives to make great changes in the world and Hrothbert wanted to be like them.
Hrothbert was absorbed in his reading and thinking when his front door opened and a man walked in. Not even this shook Hrothbert from the spiraling thoughts that he was facing.
“Hello there Bertie!” the man called out and when his greeting went unanswered the man walked into the study and dropped a pile of books on the desk. “Hello there Bertie” the man repeated
This shook Hrothbert from his thoughts and he greeted his assistant, Bartus Willow, “Oh Yeah, Hello Bartus.” Hrothbert didn’t even look up and he didn’t even bother telling his assistant that they weren’t boys anymore and the name Bertie should be long forgotten.
“I found those books that you asked me to pick up. Maybe something in one of those stories will help you to come up with an idea.” Bartus said.
“They’re not stories, they are the journals of different adventuring groups. I am not reading them for entertainment, I’m searching for the right problem to solve.” Hrothbert said with a huff.
“Sure, that makes total sense. Just let me know when you’re done with them and I’ll go find you more after all I’m pretty good at finding information about these obscure things” Bartus laughed.
Hrothbert thought, slept, ate, pondered, and every moment that passed was consumed by the simple desire to be the greatest of all. Bartus would offer suggestions but everything he mentioned was mundane after all he was more of a tinkerer. He didn't understand what it was like to be a Wizard.
This idea couldn't simply be amazing or inspired, it had to be new, something that no one else could even fathom accomplishing. This idea must be the greatest idea of all time. How could a simpleton mage like Bartus help? He has always been the closest thing to a friend, but Hrothbert needed help, help as he had never known, help that understood his vision. He needed an equal and regardless of the heart and loyalty Bartus offered, he was certainly not an equal.
There was only one wizard that was up to his standard. One unique, intelligent, and beautiful mage might be able to help. Just like that, his thoughts wandered to Winifred, his equal. She was a beautiful woman with a sharp mind and a way of talking that made everyone’s head spin. He had only spoken to her once since the last graduation, but he remembered her fondly. She was the only one who could understand what he wanted to accomplish, and with her help, they just might be able to do it. She kept her head down and didn't like to be noticed.
During their time together in classes, the Archmages would praise Hrothbert and completely overlook Winifred. The teachers saw an ordinary girl, but Hrothbert saw right through that facade. She intentionally answered questions incorrectly and acted as though she had no ambition or drive. She was an incredibly talented Magician, but she didn't want anyone to know that. The skill that it took to look normal was something that only Winifred was capable of. He remembered confronting her about it once and she simply replied,
“Why should I show people what I can do? If they don't know, then I'm safe from any disappointment. If they do know, then people will treat me differently and I don't want that. Being the best is its reward.”
He remembered her beautiful ringlets that bounced slightly as she walked, her expressive eyes, and how she giggled whenever he fumbled his words. He shook it off, he didn’t have time to fantasize about her.
“Together we will change the world,” he thought. In a fit of determination, he decided to travel to her tower and ask for her help, but not yet. First, he would need a plan, and an idea to present.
Bartus offered him one more idea “How about you make a flying boat? You will be famous if you can do that! No wizard has ever created them in Allenia. It would give the magic community something they have never seen.”
“Bartie, you know you don’t need to come every day; I have to study and you have your cleric duties.”
Crestfallen Bartus replied, "I know, it's just that sometimes changing a simple mundane thing has consequences that are far-reaching and impressive."
When Hrothbert waved him off without saying another word, Bartus took the hint, left a pile of new articles for him to look at, and left.
Hrothbert was once again left to his thoughts.
Hrothbert thought, and worked, and worked and thought, but could not come up with an idea. Without any ideas of his own, he looked at the pile of articles and ideas from Bartus, the clever tinkerer. One of them was about a man who traveled the world. The man faced many obstacles and overcame them all. He knew that if he could simplify the process of traveling it would change the world.
He jumped from his desk and ran to his library. Grabbed a few books and began to study the general mechanics of teleportation. After calculating angles, speeds, power output, magi-physics, and other complicated words that Wizards love to use he finally had an idea.
Chapter 2: Winifred
Hrothbert called for Bartus and together they traveled to the Divination Tower to approach Winifred. His plan was so radical she would have to help him. As they walked Hrothbert practiced what he wanted to say to Winifred
"Winifred, I know we haven't seen each other in a while, but I have an idea. It is something that could revolutionize the way we travel. And I can't do it alone... No, I can't say that!"
"Winifred, I have an idea, and I need your help. Together we can create something truly amazing... Okay, That was less creepy in my head"
"Bertie, just tell her that you respect her and ask her to help. It doesn't need to be so complicated." Bartus said.
"Right... Winifred, I respect your abilities and I think that your expertise could help me to create self-sustaining teleport circles that would disrupt the current transportation system and allow a commoner without magic the ability to travel anywhere they want in a blink of an eye. Will you help me? ... She would never agree to something that straightforward... Bartus, I think you don't understand how intelligent people think."
"You're right, I don't understand. But I do know Winifred. She is a smart and kind person. Just tell her your plan!" Bartus said.
When he finally reached the tower he was more nervous than ever. Bartie sensed it and offered him a few words of encouragement before they entered the room.
This infuriated Hrothbert, how could a simpleton like Bartus know what to say to a Wizard like her. He needed something perfect, beautiful, and magical.
Hrothbert strode into the room with confidence. He was ready to ask for her help in his greatest undertaking yet. Before he could compose himself Winifred said, “I already know what you are thinking."
"What? You know what I'm thinking?"
"Yes, I know you want to make transportation circles."
"How did you..."
"I am a wizard, Hrothbert. It's my business to know things," she said with a smile. "Also, you are carrying three books about transportation circles. Additionally, I have spells that let me hear and see things within the tower. I listened to everything you and Bartus said on the way up here. Did you forget that this is the DIVINATION tower?"
For the first time in his life, Hrothbert was speechless, but only for a moment.
"These won't be ordinary transportation circles, I'm going to make fantastic new designs that will change the world."
Winifred stopped him and said, "I know. I want in."
“Perfect!" Hrothbert exclaimed. Then stopped abruptly and said, "Wait, how do you KNOW? This is all still in the theoretical stage."
Winifred laughed and said, "I know because you are doing it. You are the brightest Wizard of our generation. I can see it in your eyes and energy."
First days, then weeks, then Months went on and Hrothbert and Winifred worked closely together creating semi-permanent Teleportation circles that could be placed in the ground and anyone could use them regardless of their skill with magic. As the work proceeded Winifred and Hrothbert grew closer and closer.
They worked side by side, planning and creating. They saw success after success and knew that they were doing great work. As they made breakthroughs and built upon each other's knowledge and skills they knew that the world would never be the same.
"Would you like to have dinner with me?" Hrothbert asked nervously.
Winifred laughed and said "We have dinner almost every night together. We've hardly left this workshop in weeks."
Hrothbert was dejected, she had misunderstood what he meant. "No, I mean going out and having a meal together."
"Oh... like a meal, meal... with the two of us... I... uh... yes, I would like that very much." Winifred blushed as she understood what he was asking.
Chapter 3: Time for Help
As the weeks passed, Hrothbert and Winifred's relationship blossomed. They were working on their teleportation circles with more enthusiasm than ever before.
Even as the two began to build their relationship, their work slowed to a crawl. They didn't understand why their work wasn't going as well. They were still trying to create their masterpiece; using magic circles for faster travel between cities, towns maybe more, but it wasn't working as they wanted.
They kept working; every few weeks, they would have small breakthroughs where their circles would work for a short time before breaking down. No matter how much they studied and experimented they could not get the circles to work as they wanted.
"It's time to ask for help," Winifred said seriously. "We have made breakthroughs on our own, but the amount of raw power needed for this spell is beyond us. We need help."
"This is our project," Hrothbert said without pulling his head out of his book. "We will get past this."
Winifred did not respond. At least she didn't respond with words. She stood there glaring at Hrothbert with his nose in a book. Even though she did not make a sound there was a certain intensity in her silence that could not be ignored.
Hrothbert finally looked up from his book and saw the determination in her eyes He sighed before nodding, knowing she was right. They had found a way to tap into so much power that the circles would never break down, but they had to feed the power in slowly or the raw energy would overwhelm the object that the circles were inscribed on turning the objects themselves into raw mana that then quickly dissipated back into the prime essences from which they were pulled from.
The problem with feeding the power in slowly is that it was too much for the two of them to hold back on their own. As they fed the power into the circles it felt like they had fire and ice in their veins at the same time. The power wanted to move, and trying to hold it back would kill them, their bodies just couldn't hold back that much energy.
Hrothbert looked up at his fiancé with weary eyes but then nodded in agreement. He closed the book that he was reading and said, "Alright, I'll contact the Tower."
Hrothbert did not want to ask for help from the Arch Mages of the Tower He had not asked them for help previously in any lesson at school why would he not be able to figure this out? His pride was such that he resented the idea of asking them, Winifred was the only one to change his mind.
Winifred saw the conflict in his eyes and tried to comfort him. “Why don’t you let me give the presentation? Let me explain our project and I am sure the Arch Mages will be willing to help us.”
Hrothbert looked at her with surprise, he never expected this from her. Winifred had been content to stay in the shadows, but now she was stepping up and offering herself as a speaker. He smiled at her before nodding his head. “Yes, I think that is a good idea.”
The two of them worked hard to prepare the presentation and they soon had it ready.
Chapter 4: The Tower
"Ahhh, come in, come in!" Arch-Mage Gottfried said excitedly as he waved Hrothbert, Winifred, and Bartus into the counsel room called The Triumph Sphere.
The Mages of the Tower all sat around a very large circular table, each one had their area to work on whether it be spell-casting, magical item crafting, or magic theory and history research. The knowledge and wisdom of the ages surrounded them.
"Tell us what brings you back to the tower?" The Mages all knew the pair who were the most powerful of the younger generation in magic.
"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to see us," Winifred said with a bow. Hrothbert reluctantly followed her lead. They needed their respect and he wanted to show it. He followed up by saying "We need your help."
The Mages intrigued leaned forward to hear the presentation.
"We are trying to make a transportation circle that will allow quick access to any city or town one wants to go without the need for a magic practitioner present. I have reason to believe you all know of this plan."
The Mages nodded in agreement even though they were still caught off guard.
"We have come to a point where our progress has stagnated. We need your guidance and knowledge. We are very close to being able to make this transportation circle, but before we go any further, I wanted to see if you could help us." Winifred continued. Bartus nods with a smile.
"What would you have us do?" asked Arch-Mage Gottfried.
Hrothbert looked at Winifred and then stood and spoke, "For the final construction of the circle an enormous amount of power and control is needed and is not matching what we were expecting. Our goal is to make this circle as simple as possible for all to use, not just elite magic users"
"You want us to power your circle?" asked Doyen Gisell. "That's quite a task, one that I don't think many of us would feel comfortable with."
Winifred smiled at the elder mage and said, "We are aware of this. Hrothbert and I can provide the power, what we need is for everyone to help us, for one night only. The power needed can be spread out among the circles and contained."
Winifred laid out papers on the table that contained diagrams, and calculations. She explained how the power would be divided, and the circle constructed. It was a plan that could work.
"It's a lot of power, but with all of us working together I think we could do it," Doyen Robert quipped.
"When we are done, everyone can go home for a well-earned rest," Hrothbert promised expectantly.
The Mages all stared at each other for a moment before Arch-Mage Gottfried stood up and bowed deeply to Hrothbert and Winifred.
Arch-Mage Gottfried looked to all his fellow Mages, "I think we need a vote?" They all looked around each other and nodded in agreement.
"All in favor of helping these two young mages raise the power they need for their transportation circle?" he asked. Every Mage agreed with a grin on their face.
"Good, let us proceed." Arch-Mage Gottfried said with a smile.
Chapter 5: The Ritual
After much preparation, the day had finally arrived. The Wizards had done calculations and prepared to raise the power needed for the ritual. Regular magic used a combination of some of the four Prime powers. By combining the essences in different ways the power became malleable and usable but in that process, much of the raw power was lost. Hrothbert and Winifred found a way to interrupt the combination process allowing access to the full raw power of pure magic, but in all of the experiments done by Hrothbert and Winifred, it was very unstable and required a great degree of concentration to control. This was why help from the mages in the Tower was needed.
Everyone was ready in the basement of the tower. Hrothbert and Winifred ran one final practice session before it all started. Bartus stood in the corner looking on. They had spent hours upon hours with their groups of Mages preparing for this moment, but now everyone would be together for the outcome.
The plan was to do a short distance test from the basement to the roof of the tower using prime magic essence to power a regular transportation circle. Hrothbert and Winifred would send something small up to the roof of the Tower and once it was confirmed that the regular transportation powered by raw magic was successful Hrothbert and Winifred would unlock the new parts of the transportation circle.
"Alright you two, are you ready?" asked Arch-Mage Gottfried.
"Yes," Hrothbert confidently replied.
Winifred stood up, "I am ready too. This is exciting!" she exclaimed.
"Everyone, it's time," Hrothbert ordered formally, although not a doyen or an Arch-Mage he oversaw this project and was given complete authority.
The mages moved forward, channeling power to the circle with each growing increasingly fatigued. It was at this moment, without an order from anyone, Winifred began to use her well-practiced Spatial Translocation spell. She had practiced it thousands of times.
Hrothbert smiled, this is what they had been waiting for. Magic continued to channel into the circle and after a few minutes everything seemed to be working perfectly, but it wasn't time to relax quite yet.
"Ok, everyone! Prepare yourselves for the surge!" Hrothbert shouted.
Raw magic power unlike any of them had ever felt before surged into the circle. After a moment, Hrothbert paused and called for everyone to end their spells.
"Halt" Hrothbert hollered out with excitement in his voice. "close the circle."
Following the request, power began to hum, and in an instant erupted from the circle, energy tunneled through the Doyen Robert, and he was gone in an instant. Around the room, crackling energy spiraled in chaos as the pillars of the marble room began to crumble and fall. Flashes of light and the familiar sounds of spells whispered through the symphony of madness. Dust and smoke clouded his view and immediately Hrothberts thoughts turned to Winifred. In what should have been the moment of triumph things had gone disastrously wrong.
Hrothbert heard the words of an incantation coming from a familiar voice. He then was struck from behind with energy; he closed his eyes, and his time was short. This was more Power than anyone could handle. He felt his blood begin to boil and his sight began to fade, he opened his mouth to let out a cry of pain, but in a flash, all of the pain was gone.
Slowly his senses came back and he looked around to find he was lying on the rubble of the tower Bartus met his eyes, “Welcome back my friend”
No one spoke. The silence crowded every inch of the chamber.
"What's happened?" asked Hrothbert to the room as the buzzing in his head began to clear.
Without saying a word the mages moved to reveal a pile of robes and debris on the floor next to where he had been standing during the ritual. Hrothbert recognized them in an instant.
"NO!" screamed out Hrothbert as he ran to the pile and turned them over to see Winifred's robes and the gemstone from her engagement ring.
He fell over the pile weeping, there was nothing left of her body. No trace of her elegance. No lingering scent of her perfume. Not a strand of her dark bobbing curls. Nothing.
Arch-Mage Gottfried stepped beside Hrothbert and put a hand on his shoulder, "Something went wrong. We all closed our circles and the power kept coming. As far as we can tell she jumped in front of the power to protect you and was lost in the eruption. We have tried locating her but there is nothing to locate. I am afraid there is nothing more we can do"
Hrothbert stood up and looked at him. "What? No! That's not right!" he shouted, but Winifred was lost. Surely something could be done. He walked to the center of the room where his circle had been placed and collapsed on the floor.
Chapter 6 - The Answer
As the Days passed Hrothbert's grief only deepened. His grief turned to desperation and the desperation turned to resolve, it was as if something was driving him. It was part of him he had not tapped into previously. He knew even now Winifred was influencing him. Even if it was from beyond or from her previous influence for good in his life. He studied the texts and scrolls in the library, searching for a way to bring Winifred back. But no matter how hard he tried he found nothing that could help him. Everything kept pointing to the same conclusion, Winifred was gone. This meant one thing to the wizard, everything and everyone's arguments were fallacious in their reasoning. It was up to him to find the solution. He vowed to find a way to bring her back even if he had to invent new rituals or spells to achieve it. This is how he would make the world better. By bringing the best of the world back into it, by bringing Winifred back. He poured over the calculations of the ritual, none that Winifred had made had considered the extra power that flooded the circle. If Hrothbert could bring out what caused the surge of energy it may lead to finding out where she went or how to bring her back. Test after test they conducted prior to the ritual had not shown any signs of extra power. So he determined the Mages had done something in the ritual or something with the tower itself had caused it. After all, they despised Hrothbert, they had always tried to tether his ambition, he hadn’t seen it before but it was so clear now. During this time Bartus stood by his friend and tried to support Hrothbert in his grief. Together they began to study every inch of the tower. They studied every inch of stone, every weave in the fabric, and every spell inscribed in its walls. The Arch-Mage and doyens let Hrothbert work undisturbed, knowing that he was on a mission to find out why and how Winifred had been taken away. They felt terrible for him. His once great mind now devoted itself to a lost cause. They mistakenly assumed, after all the avenues were thoroughly investigated Hrothbert would turn his ambition to other pursuits. The days went by and Hrothbert and Bartus Willow studied almost every inch of the tower but still could find nothing that could have caused the surge in energy. "If there was something wrong, I should have seen it. The useless mages in this tower won't do anything to assist us. I will have to find the answer myself." He said in frustration. Bartus stepped up "Sometimes things happen that are just the will of the Gods and we can't control it." Hrothbert looked at him with determination. He had made a promise to bring Winifred back even if it took him the rest of his life and he was going to keep it. "Bartus, don't be an idiot. If the Gods were involved we would have known, that kind of power would have made the raw magical power that we were handling look minuscule" Hrothbert said dismissively. Bartus and Hrothbert dove back further into history than either of them had studied before. Only the most dedicated of scholars even had a hint of the ancient texts and histories discovered in these sessions. It was during one of these sessions that Arch-Mage Gottfried came to visit the pair. “Have you had any luck in finding a solution?” The wisened old Arch-Mage asked. “If I’ve found anything it wouldn’t be by luck,” Hrothbert snapped without looking up from the ancient tomes that he was reading through. “You have a point there my boy. This tower has rarely seen one of your talents spending his efforts in research like this. Do you have any notes that you would like me to look over and help with?” Gottfried offered. “I’ve not taken notes, I have no time to waste documenting these things. They are either helpful or they aren’t. Scribbling down any information is ancillary to my purposes. She is still out there, I can hear her calling to me, and the information on how to do it is here. I can feel it.” Hrothbert dismissed the idea of taking notes without even a second thought. “Bartus, perhaps you can help document and consolidate Hrothbert’s findings for the betterment of the Tower. This would be a great service to the world and to future generations I’m sure.” Arch-Mage Gottfriend asked turning to Bartus “The best thing for the ‘betterment of the Tower’ would be for you fools to stay out of my way! Your incompetence and arrogance caused this mess and now I am left as the only one who can clean this up!” Hrothbert yelled at the Arch-Mage while slamming the tome that he was studying on the table. “If you want this research you can send your Doyens down here to contribute to it, to help me in this pursuit, otherwise you do not deserve any of this knowledge!” Bartus intervened knowing if Hrothbert was to continue speaking he might jeopardize the kindness the Tower had shown in letting them use the library. “We will let you know if any of our findings yield positive results.” “Thank you, Bartus,” Arch-Mage Gottfried said as he left the library. Bartus then turned to Hrothbert "Bertie, why don't you take a break? You have been studying the tower for days and you are going to make yourself sick if you keep it up." he started cleaning up some of the books that were lying about. Hrothbert sighed, he knew that Bartus was right he just didn't want to take a break. "Fine, I will take a break." He said reluctantly. He got up and started to walk out of the library when something caught his eye. Beside one of the books that Bartus had picked up was a sheet of paper. It was an old parchment that had been hastily scribbled on. On closer inspection, Hrothbert noticed that it was some sort of map or diagram of the tower with notes written in an unknown language and strange symbols all over it. Hrothbert's eyes widened. Could this be the answer to his questions? He grabbed the parchment and started to read it, deciphering every word he could make out. This was something that might lead him to a way to bring Winifred back. "Mr. Willow you Flumph! You have had the answer all along." He said excitedly. Bartus looked at him with confusion, "I don't know what you are talking about, I am just as stumped as you." Hrothbert smiled and put his hand on Bartus' shoulder. "No, you may not be aware of it but you may have been the one that has found the answer for me." He said with a hint of respect in his voice. Hrothbert handed the parchment to Bartus, who read it with confusion in his eyes. He had no idea what the symbols meant or why they were there but he knew that this was important to Hrothbert so he said nothing and nodded. "That symbol is an octogram, it is the symbol of divinity, the symbol of the Sovereign Host. I think this document is talking about some sort of ritual that can be done to be able to petition the Nine to return Winifred." Hrothbert said in a hushed voice. "I think this is the key. They manipulate the weave and when we petition them, they may be able to help me get her back. I recognized the patterns after reading “The Network of Manifest Zones.” Bartus looked at the document in awe, he had never seen anything like this before. He knew that whatever this was, it was important and he knew that Hrothbert would not rest until he had seen it through. "I will stay with you until the end, my friend," Bartus said solemnly. "Good, because I will need your help to gather as much information about petitioning the Sovereign Hosts while I work at deciphering the ritual" Hrothbert said with a determined look. "We will find her, no matter what it takes!" Chapter 7 - Petition
Four years had passed since Hrothbert and Bartus had started their quest to petition the Sovereign Host to bring Winifred back. During this time they traveled all over Allenia gathering all the information they could, performing all of the tasks and sacrifices necessary, and finally, after years of hard work, they were ready. They both knew that it was a long shot but they also knew that if there was any chance of succeeding, it was now. They made their way to the Temple of the Sovereign Host and requested a meeting with one of their representatives. After making sure that they were upstanding citizens, the representative welcomed them in. Hrothbert explained what he wanted from the pantheon and why he had come so far for this request. He spoke of Winifred and the love they shared between them. As he spoke, tears began to well up in his eyes. The representative looked at Hrothbert sympathetically and nodded her head slowly. "We understand your plight, brave wizard," she said calmly. "But you must understand that a request such as this is not something we can grant lightly. You must prove your love was true and everlasting before we will even consider such a thing." Hrothbert nodded his head solemnly, he knew this would be the case. He reached into his bag of holding and retrieved nine talismans, one of each of the Gods that comprise the Sovereign Host. A Golden Stalk of Wheat, the symbol of the Goddess Arawai, a Lantern with a Red Dragon carving wrapped around it for Dol Arrah, a Hammer, and Tongs for Onatar, a Shroud of Ollandra, a Kite Shield made of red metal with a sword emblem of Dol Dorn, a pair of Spectacles with a red ribbon for Aureon, a Spear with a Unicorns horn as the tip for Balinor, a cauldron for Boldrei and an Ivory Statue of a White Dragon with blue gem eyes and talons for Kol Korran. All of the Talismans were imbued with the essence of devotion that Hrothbert and Winifred shared. The representative looked at the talismans with surprise and admiration. "These are remarkable," she said in awe. "I crafted each one myself as an offering to the gods," Hrothbert said with pride. "In the hope that they will see my love and grant me this boon." The representative nodded her head again. "We shall consider your request, Hrothbert. We will contact you soon with an answer," she said before dismissing them both. Hrothbert thanked her gratefully as he and Bartus left the temple. They knew it was out of their hands now and all they could do was wait for the answer. As the weeks passed, Hrothbert grew more anxious. He had put his heart and soul into this request and he wanted nothing more than to be reunited with Winifred once again. Finally, after months of waiting, a letter arrived from the temple. Hrothbert opened it nervously, his heart pounding in his chest as he read the contents. When he had finished, the last bit of hope that had been on his face vanished. "What does it say," Bartus asked cautiously. "The Gods have heard our plea, but they will not grant an audience," Hrothbert said sadly. "They have chosen to send an emissary in their stead." "But that is the minimum required of the Sovereign Host when a petitioner comes seeking a boon prepared with the Symbols of Divinity!" Bartus said in disbelief. "We will meet with the emissary and see what they have to say," Hrothbert said quietly. And so, with heavy hearts, they made their way back to the temple and waited for the emissary to arrive. The being that appeared before them was not an angel or a god but instead a human woman of incredible beauty and grace. She introduced herself as Ianthe, the ambassador of the Sovereign Host. Ianthe spoke in a gentle and calming voice as she told Hrothbert that after much deliberation, the Gods had decided that granting his boon was too dangerous. She explained that no matter how much two people loved each other, even the power of the gods could not guarantee a safe return and that the magic would be too unpredictable. The Weave itself could begin to unravel and cause even more destruction. Though Hrothbert was left feeling disappointed, Ianthe offered him a chance to remember Winifred in a way that would not be endangered by the gods' power. She reached out and touched his forehead and suddenly, memories of Winifred flooded into his mind. Moments of laughter, joy, sadness, love, and devotion. This was meant to be a token from the gods, a reminder that even when a person was taken away they were never truly gone if they were remembered. But it caused Hrothbert tremendous pain to remember Winifred, and it fuelled his anger. He could hear the voice of Winifred in the back of his mind, telling him to never give up and to always keep fighting, and that if the Gods weren't with him that they were against him. Hrothbert looked up to Ianthe after taking a few moments to compose himself. Ianthe supposing that the gift of memories would soothe the pained soul that Hrothbert was carrying was surprised to see his eyes full of rage. "I have a message that you can give to your gods," he said in a loud and determined voice. "Tell them that I will never give up, no matter what they throw at me. They are not the only ones with power in this world. No matter how they try to stop me, I will find a way to be reunited with Winifred, she is calling to me and I will not ignore her." That was when Hrothbert raised his hand and began channeling the raw power of the weave, an act of defiance to the gods and a testament of his undying love for Winifred, and used it to destroy Ianthe. Hrothbert would use the same power that took Winifred from him to make the Gods wish that they had heard his plea. He knew that by using the weave, he was harnessing the power that even the gods could not control, and he would use this power to get what he wanted. The eyes of the Gods watched Hrothbert as he left with his newfound power, knowing that they may have created a monster that even they couldn't control. Chapter 8 - A Change in Plans The temple's sanctum lay far behind them, the echoes of Hrothbert's fall from grace still reverberating through the ancient stones. Branded a traitor by the once-revered Sovereign Hosts, Hrothbert found himself unmoored, the Tower no longer a beacon of allegiance. Only Bartus Willow remained, steadfast in loyalty, a rare gem in the shifting sands of Hrothbert's fate. He was truly devoted to Hrothbert and quite frankly was a better friend than Hrothbert deserved. Yet, Bartus was no mere bystander in this tale. Once an unremarkable child, he was smart, and kind, and he was hard-working but he did not stand out from his peers. He ascended from obscurity upon meeting Hrothbert, the extraordinary wizard who struggled with the intricacies of human connection. Bartus could not bear witness to the mistreatment of his newfound companion, and in defiance, he devoted himself to Hrothbert's cause. In those early days, as Hrothbert's brilliance outshone his classmates, Bartus found himself elevated by association. Spending time with Hrothbert he noticed that he no longer felt like a simple nobody. The Tower beckoned him with prime placements, and Bartus reveled in the newfound attention. Even under the weight of Hrothbert's condescending words, Bartus stood unwavering, a shield against the cruelties of the world. Eventhough he was frequently berated by Hrothbert as a simpleton. Despite all this, he stayed. Through the years of their quest for Winifred, Bartus had remained steadfast. The destruction of the Sovereign Hosts' emissary, the acquisition of power—Bartus weathered it all. Now, as Hrothbert wandered through ancient ruins, consumed by grief, Bartus sensed the fraying threads of sanity. Taking a risk, Bartus confronted his friend, questioning the ethereal connection Hrothbert claimed to share with Winifred. As he was watching his friend, concern etched on his face, Bartus inquired, "Bertie, when you said that you can hear Winifred calling to you, what do you mean? Are you certain that she is still alive?" Hrothbert stopped dead in his tracks and turned to face Bartus. With eyes wild and desperate, full of pain and longing he spoke, "She is the one who is teaching me to unleash the raw power of the Weave. I hear her in the wind, I feel her presence in the stars and I can still see her smile when I close my eyes. Her very essence has been merged with the Weave and I know that if I can just find the right combination of power and will, she will live again." The revelation, that Winifred's essence was entwined with the Weave, left Bartus torn between concern and the allure of a quest for the impossible. "Isn't this the same power that took her from you during your fateful experiment with the teleportation circles?" Hrothbert nodded solemnly and said, "If you are afraid you are welcome to leave. I will pursue this alone, but I will find a way to bring her back. I must and with it, magic will be changed forever." Bartus stood there looking at his friend for a long moment before finally nodding in agreement and saying, "Then let's go. We'll explore the world together until we find answers. Maybe then you can have a happily ever after." If there was anyone who could change the very nature of magic and bring back his beloved, it was Hrothbert. Bartus would not miss out on this chance to be at the center of the world's attention, he would not be insignificant, he would be at the vanguard of this change and he would be recognized, even if it was in supporting his friend. "What is it that you need? I know that I am not a powerful mage, but if there is anything at all that I can do, please let me know. I'm here." Bartus said. Hrothbert smiled and nodded before saying, "Power. I need power. Winifred pointed me toward The Sovereign Host because of the power the Gods hold. But they are too simple and too confined to take us the distance we need to go. I know now that Winifred pointed me to them not because they would help me, she knew they wouldn't help me, but because she needed me to be looking in that direction so that I would recognize this other power that we can manipulate the Weave." As Hrothbert finished talking he pulled some rubble away from the ruins that they were exploring to reveal a hexagram engraved on a fallen pillar. "This is what we're here to find. This is the power I need to bring back Winifred.” In front of them, was the Hexagram of the Dark Six carved deep into the rock face. “We must petition them to gain the power I need." Bartus looked at the hexagram, feeling a strange mixture of fear and excitement. The stories of the Dark Six were terrifying, but this could be their chance to make history. "The Dark Six is not a unified pantheon like the Sovereign Hosts, won't this be a problem when we go to petition them?" "Far from it. Their individuality is what makes them so powerful and it is also what will allow me to manipulate them. I have a plan, and if it works the Dark Six will give me enough power to control the Weave without even knowing what they have done. There will be no fear, or worry about repercussions. I will bring Winifred back, and the whole world will know my name." Hrothbert said with conviction. "Using a spell of Planar Binding I will make a pact with them and they will be bound to fulfill it. With their full agreement, I will be able to bind their strength to a grimoire and use the power that I gather to bring her back." "But why would they agree to have their power bound into a book?" Bartus asked incredulously. "Greed." Hrothbert said simply "They will know there is something powerful in it for them, and I will have to use that as leverage to get what I need from them. In their agreement with the Sovereign Host, they are not allowed to enter this plane of existence. By binding their strength to a book they will have a conduit of influence and power on this plane in which they can not physically exist." "But won't that open you up to some terrible dangers?" Bartus asked in worry. "Yes, it will." Hrothbert said solemnly "Or it would if I only possessed one or two of the Grimoires, but combining the power of all six will be enough to protect us. We can do this Bartus, I am sure of it." Bartus, standing at the precipice of something grand, felt the pull of destiny. In agreement with Hrothbert's unwavering determination, he uttered the words that would bind their fates together "Let's do it then." Bartus embraced it all, stepping willingly into the unknown alongside his friend.
Chapter 9 - The Giver and The Enslaved
Chaos reign the Breakers of the Enslaved The pages of an ancient manuscript crackled as Hrothbert turned them, revealing a tale etched in ink and magic. The story spoke of a desperate mother, burdened by the weight of a hundred lives and seeking protection from the capricious winds of fate. In her plea, she had turned to The Traveler, the enigmatic deity known as the Sovereign of Chaos and Change one of the Dark Six. As Hrothbert read, the narrative unfolded like a dance of veils. The mother had approached The Traveler, offering her motherhood as a pact, a covenant that transcended the boundaries of mortal understanding. In exchange for the deity's protection, her children would bear the legacy of veiled identities, gifted with the power of transformation. The Traveler, drawn to the allure of unpredictable change, had agreed to the bargain. Yet, the price was no mere token. The children, born under the watchful eye of the deity, were destined to walk a path shrouded in mystery, following the ever-shifting course laid by The Traveler. As Hrothbert delved deeper into the lore, he uncovered rituals practiced by the Changelings to honor The Traveler. They would embark on pilgrimages, tracing the paths dictated by the ever-shifting winds of chaos in the frozen wasteland at the bottom of the world where skin burns with the cold of the elements. Hrothbert stood with Bartus in the frozen clearing, the moonlight casting a silver glow upon The Veil of Unveiling. His crystalline staff hummed with potential in his hands, and the dusty Tome, bound in worn leather, rested against his chest. A ripple of anticipation coursed through the air as they prepared to invoke the presence of The Traveler. "Oh Sovereign of Chaos and Change, Giver of Gifts," Hrothbert spoke, his voice resonating with a blend of reverence and determination. "I come before you with a plea to empower this book, a vessel for the wisdom of your ever-shifting ways." The air seemed to thicken, and the Veil responded with an enigmatic whisper. "Why do you seek the power I hold, wizard? What compels you to weave my essence into the pages of this tome?" Hrothbert took a steadying breath. "I seek the wisdom of the ages, the art of transformation, and the gift of unpredictability. Grant me the power to inscribe your chaotic essence onto these pages, and in return, I offer a sacrifice of great weight." The Veil stirred, a subtle acknowledgment of Hrothbert's request. "Speak of this sacrifice, mortal. What price are you willing to pay for the boons you seek?" With a solemn expression, Hrothbert recounted the ancient pact the tale of a mother of 100 children who, in desperation, had forged a covenant with The Traveler. "I offer the legacy of progeny, a weaving of blood and destiny. I shall sire children in your name, and they shall carry the burden of a hundred veils—the masks of transformation and the wanderers on the path you tread. They shall be your Progeny of Mirrors." A pause lingered in the air, the Veil contemplating the weight of Hrothbert's pledge. The laughter of The Traveler, a spectral melody, echoed through the grove. "You offer the cycle of life and transformation, a symphony of creation and change," the voice intoned. "But this sacrifice must go beyond mere words. You shall create something of great significance and they will be enslaved by my power and bound to my service and chaos will reign. If any of them break this vow they will be hunted by my faithful. " Bartus, his longtime friend, and fellow mage, intergets with a furrowed brow, his gaze drawn to the face of the Wizard. "Hrothbert, my old friend, what madness have you uncovered in these words?" Hrothbert looked up, his eyes alight with an intensity that betrayed a fusion of determination and obsession. "Bartus, these are the threads that weave destiny itself. I seek the power to unravel them, to free Winifred from the clutches of time and circumstance." Bartus sighed, a mixture of concern and exasperation etched on his face. "Hrothbert, I understand your grief, but the path you tread is perilous. Siring children as bastards, invoking the name of The Traveler, do you not see the ramifications of your actions?" Hrothbert his gaze unwavering. "Winifred's imprisonment in that timeless realm demands a sacrifice beyond the ordinary bounds of morality. The Traveler cares not for societal norms. It craves bold actions, threads of sacrifice to weave a new destiny." Bartus paced the room, his unease palpable. "But Hrothbert, these children—your offspring will bear the burden of veiled destinies, forever wandering in the shadow of your pact. Is freeing one person worth such a price?" Hrothbert's eyes darkened, the weight of his resolve pressing down on him. "Winifred is worth any price, Bartus. Her laughter, her touch, I will not let her be a prisoner to the inexorable march of time. The Traveler demands sacrifice, and I will not falter in my pursuit." Bartus halted, his eyes locking with Hrothbert's. "This is not just about Winifred, is it? There's something darker at play here, something that taints the very essence of your quest." Hrothbert's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Darkness or light, Bartus, matters not in the grand scheme. The Traveler is indifferent to our notions of good and evil. It craves change and upheaval, I am merely an instrument in its grand symphony." Bartus shook his head, torn between loyalty and apprehension. "I fear for you, Hrothbert. The pursuit of power through such unorthodox means—it will cost us more than you realize." Hrothbert rose from his knees, his eyes ablaze with unwavering determination. "Some prices are worth paying, Bartus. Winifred awaits she whispers to me, and I will defy the very fabric of fate to bring her back to my side. The veiled path I tread may be fraught with uncertainty, but Winifred is my anchor in this sea of chaos." Bartus sighed, realizing the futility of dissuading his friend. "May The Traveler be as indifferent to your fate as you believe, Hrothbert. I only hope that the threads you weave do not become a tapestry of sorrow." The Veil surged with energy, and the crystalline staff absorbed the essence released by the broken quill. The dusty book, now glowing with ethereal light, pulsed in harmony with the chaotic currents of the grove. "You have proven your dedication, wizard," the voice echoed, the laughter subsiding. "May your book carry the essence of my ever-changing ways, and may your children embrace the veiled path they inherit." As the Veil of Unveiling settled into tranquility, The pair knew that he had undertaken a journey beyond the ordinary threads of magic. The legacy of his sacrifice, woven into the pages of the empowered book, would be a testament to the chaos and transformation bestowed upon him by The Traveler. With a final glance at the crystalline staff and the now-glowing book of change, he embraced the unpredictability of the path ahead. A journey that echoed the laughter of the enigmatic Sovereign of Chaos and Change. Years passed and through his travels, Hrotbert kept his promise to the Traveler. He visited every brothel and tavern he could find and just as quickly as he arrived he disappeared from each woman's life. Many never knew even his name. The power of The Unholy Tome of Deceit fueling his successes the book changing as much as the whims of its maker. He found no pleasure in the task but along the way finding more information about each of the remaining members of The Dark Six. Hearing whispers and murmurings of the nature of each of The Fallen Gods. All along the way, he would hear Winifred whisper in his mind words of encouragement and forgiveness. Chapter 10 - The Betrayer and The Wheel
Welcomed Ruin to stop the Wheel Hrothbert felt the burgeoning power of The Grimoire of Chaos coursing through him, yet he recognized the insufficiency of his current strength. He knew he could not embrace it power alone. The time had come to court The Mockery, the sinister patron of dishonorable combat and unjust war, the master who bestowed upon seekers the ability to reshape the world through the crucible of war. The Mockery was known to grant those who sought him the power to destroy and reshape the world in their image through warfare. Venturing to the desolate ruins of Garmoria, a once-vibrant city sundered by a cataclysmic war, Hrothbert sought the nexus of The Mockery's might. Amidst the rubble, a testament to lives extinguished, he discovered "The Book of the Purge," the final testament of Garmoria's lone survivor. This tome unveiled the rituals and sacrifices requisite to summon The Betrayer. It was said that this was the place where The Mockery had once shown his might. Following the instructions in the book, Hrothbert set up the necessary components for the ritual. He gathered the ashes of the destroyed buildings, the bones of the fallen, and the blood of those who had perished. He drew symbols on the ground with the materials and lit a fire in the center of the circle. As the flames grew higher, Hrothbert began to chant, calling upon the Mockery to grant him the power to destroy and reshape the world as he saw fit. The wind began to pick up, and the fire roared, consuming everything within the circle. The earth trembled, a seismic announcment of The Betrayer's arrival as though an army of 10,000 warriors marched toward you in battle there stood the visage of a dark figure before Hrothbert. The figure was clad in tattered robes revealing a personage both beautiful and grotesque, a hood hid its face. "You seek my power?" a disquieting calm saturating its voice. Hrothbert nodded, "Yes, I need your power to save the one I love." The figure drew back its hood, revealing a face that was both beautiful and terrible the muscles usually hidden by skin exposed and visable. "I am The Mockery, I can grant your wish, but the price will be great. You must know that there is no turning back once you have embraced my power. I was once known as Dol Azur I betrayed my kin and received the great gift of Domination. The price I paid was being flayed and cast out" Hrothbert hesitated for a moment, "I understand. I am willing to pay any price." “Then speak. Tell me how you will use my power.” The Mockery commanded. Hrothbert explained a plan to use the power to defy the Gods, destroy armies, and cripple nations in the search for his Winifred. Hrothbert held up the book that was found in Garmoria and asked The Sovereign of Betrayl and Bloodshed to imbue it with the power he desired. The Mockery reached out and touched the book. Before Hrothbert’s eyes, the book began to transform into a tome with worn dark leather stained with blood and strange stitching with a thick cord hanging from its pages. “This Unholy Tome of Warfare contains but a small part of the power you seek. To become a true grimoire it comes at a cost. Power can not be given freely.” At this point, Hrothbert knew he was in too deep to turn back, “Name your price Betrayer.” “Harsh words from one such as yourself, yet they are accurate. You see I can not write the words into the Grimoire with my own hands. I will whisper my words into your ear and you will scribe them down with the blood of those you have taken in battle. With each word your knowledge of the Arcane will fuel the transformation, but it will be replaced with power from myself.” A quill made from the bone of one of the fallen and a well of a red inky substance appeared next to him. Hrothbert sat down with the Tome and began to put the pen to the page. With each word, he felt a burning in his brain. It was not his actual memories of the Arcane that the Mockery took, but his memories of learning of the Arcane. The Mockery took his memories of learning in the Tower, of the joy he had in pursuing his academics. The Mockery took his memories of working on his permanent transportation circles. The Mockery wanted all of his memories of joy, to mold him into the perfect agent of chaos, to remove all fondness and nostalgia for his enemies. He found a patch that he could not purge from his strong mind. The Sovereign Host's gift of memories was protected. No matter, they focused on Winifred and would only drive him to sew more chaos and stop The Wheel of governing bodies from creating Order. The raw magic flowed through Hrothbert and with order diminished in the world, The Mockery’s influence would only increase. The Mockery released his grip on Hrothbert and the Grimoire of Ruin was completed. Hrothbert now had the power of Ruin coursing through him, and he felt both stronger and more dangerous than ever before. Things were different, he had patches in his memories, but rather than confuse him they stoked the fires of rage he had towards the Sovereign Host and the Tower. He would destroy them for the sacrifices that he was forced to make. It would have all been so simple if they had not been incompetent. Bartus stood in awe as his friend scribed his memories into the tome. It seemed like hours passed in that single moment. The cursed wizard then looked into the face of his friend and Hrothbert did not recognize even a hair on his head. His eyes seemed lost in thought and burdened with great knowledge. Speaking to Bartus he exclaimed, “What purpose do you serve?” Bartus taken aback by this question replied “I am here to help you friend. I am on this journey with you” “Very well, let’s continue we have an army to gather. You will be a Captain in my Legion. You have a great purpose” Hrothbert touched the forehead of Bartus in that moment Bartus knew the histories of war, combat, and battle. He knew how to create mighty war machines and weapons of war. He could command armies and lead them to victory with his vast knowledge and charisma. He felt more valuable than ever. The Mockery had given him and Horthbert the Path to Ruin and he welcomed it. Hrothbert knew that his path would lead him to challenge the very fabric of existence, but he would do whatever it took to save Winifred, no matter the cost. As he left the ruins of Garmoria, The city crumbled further, swallowed by the earth, an allegory for the irreversible change he had brought upon the world. Yet, driven by an unwavering determination to save Winifred, Hrothbert pressed on, fully cognizant that his path would challenge the very fabric of existence. The world behind him would never be the same, and he, one step closer to salvation, embraced the path of ruin. Chapter 11 - The Guardian and The Void
embraced the Void through Putrefaction The air inside the cavernous chamber felt thick, oppressive, as if the darkness itself clung to the stones that formed the walls. The only source of light came from the dim, flickering flames in the braziers strategically placed around the room. The arcane symbols etched onto the floor pulsed with an otherworldly energy, casting eerie shadows that danced like specters. Hrothbert, the wiry wizard with now a stubbly beard, stood at the edge of a massive cavern, his crystaline staff in hand. Across from him, Bartus Willow, the wiry and nimble assistant, watched from the shadows, his keen eyes absorbing every nuance and action. An ancient tome lay open before Hrothbert, its pages seeming to breathe with a life of their own. The text within, etched in inky black glyphs, spoke of The Keeper, the Guardian of Gates and where the viel between the realm to the Keeper was thinnest. "This is the place, Master Hrothbert," Bartus whispered, his voice barely audible above the wind that whistled through the desolate halls. “It took an army to get here but we made it.” Hrothbert's eyes gleamed with determination, the flickering torchlight casting eerie shadows on his aged face. "Bartus, power is not for the timid. The Keeper has what we seek, and I am willing to do whatever it takes." As the words escaped Hrothbert's lips, he snapped the neck of a rabbit in hand and the chamber trembled, the air grew colder, and the very stones seemed to absorb the warmth, leaving only a chilling void in its wake. Shadows writhed and danced, coalescing into an eerie figure at the edge of cavern that disappears into the darkness. The Keeper, a spectral presence with a silhouette reminiscent of a gaunt humanoid skeletal figure, loomed before them. As they approached the edge of the cliff, the atmosphere thickened with the otherworldly presence. "You dare seek my power," the Keeper's voice echoed, a cacophony of whispers and distant cries. "What offering do you bring, mortal, to sway the scales of Death in your favor?" Hrothbert fixed his gaze on to the Unholy Tome of the Afterlife , his eyes reflecting the singular focus that seemed to pierce through the fabric of reality. "To wield the power of the Keeper, I must embrace The Void through putrefaction. I must dance on the edge of death to command the forces that lie beyond." Bartus swallowed hard, but he nodded in understanding he sought to weld the power of Raw Magic itself once again. The power of The Void and Death itself was one of the four raw powers of magic. The wizard stepped forward toward the manifestation of Sovereign of Death and Decay, and Bartus followed, their footsteps echoing in the emptiness. Clutching the Book of the Dead its pages seemed to writhe with an otherworldly energy, and the words inscribed upon them pulsed like a heartbeat. As Hrothbert lifted the book upward, the air crackled with arcane energy. He closed his eyes, murmuring ancient incantations that resonated with the very essence of The Void. Shadows gathered around him, swirling and coiling like ethereal serpents. Bartus watched in awe as the room became a canvas for the forces that Hrothbert sought to command. The unseen force of raw power of magic seemed to congeal the very darkness itself. A voice echoed in the silence, a whisper that crawled into the recesses of their minds. "Hrothbert, seeker of power, you tread upon the border of death. To wield a gift the Hosts themselves locked way, you must embrace the void and become one with me." Hrothbert's form contorted, his silhouette warping as if being pulled by unseen hands. Bartus gasped, watching as his master underwent a metamorphosis. The very fabric of his being seemed to unravel and then reweave itself, his body becoming a vessel for the essence of death. The Keeper's voice echoed again, a resonance that sent chills through Bartus's bones. "You have embraced the void. Now, take my gift, and let the pages of the tome drink from the well of shadow." Hrothbert, now bearing the weight of the void, approached the black tome. With a wave of his staff, the words on its pages surged with newfound power. The energy flowed through Hrothbert, through the staff, and into the very essence of the book. The air crackled with potential, and the shadows danced to the rhythm of an unseen heartbeat. “Guardian I beseech you," Hrothbert intoned, his voice carrying a resonance that seemed to bridge the mortal and the ethereal. "Grant life to these pages, and let them become the font of creation." The Keeper's power infused the book, and with it, the ancient text began to writhe and twist. The very fabric of reality seemed to ripple as the book absorbed the essence of the Keeper. As the process completed, Hrothbert turned to Bartus with eyes that held the weight of a thousand ages. He appeared to have aged 100 years in but a moment. His body frail and weathered but only in presentaion. The wizard still had his youthful vigor and drive it was only the husk of his visage that showed any illusion of age. "Bartus Willow, witness the birth of a new power—the power to animate and create sentiance from the idle. This is the beginning of a legacy that will shape the destiny of Allenia. The Warforged shall walk among us, born from The Opener of the Gates and tempered by the embrace of death." This guard I gift you to protect us from the oppression of the cynics. Chapter 12 - The Expanse and The Phoenix
Swallowed by the Expanse to block the path of the Phoenix Hrothbert diligently gathered stones and seaweed from the ruins, utilizing his blood and mud as mortar and grout. With painstaking care, he fashioned an altar dedicated to the Devourer. Days turned to nights as he made offerings, performed intricate rituals, studied pilfered scrolls, and uttered potent incantations, all in an attempt to beckon the attention of the Devourer. It had taken him months to find this place. Finally, a profound darkness swallowed Hrothbert and the altar as a resonant voice spoke, "What do you seek?" In glee, Hrothbert responded, "Power. I need the power to bring back my beloved." Holding up a book brimming with blank pages. The Devourer's deep laughter reverberated through the ruins., "You are too bold to ask for such a thing mortal. Your endeavors have not gone unnoticed, but to prove your worthiness, a vow is required. I can give you the power and bind myself to The Book of the Tide, but in return, you must make a vow to me." "What is it?" Hrothbert asked cautiously. The Devourer's deep laughter echoed through the ruins, "You must vow to block the path of the Phoenix, for it is from its power that life will be granted. You must find a way to keep this force at bay and prevent it from further intervening in your plan. Only then will I grant you the power that you seek." Hrothbert felt a chill run through him. He knew of the origins of the Phoenix. He knew this was going to be more difficult than he thought, but he also knew he must do whatever it took to save Winifred. He stood up straight, and said, "I will block the path of the Phoenix, but only if you will bind yourself to this Unholy Tome of the Depths and grant me the power I need." Another bout of laughter echoed, sealing their pact, "I will bind myself to the grimoire, and you block the path of the Phoenix. This is acceptable. Now, let us make the pact!" The simple blank book changed. The pages became rough and made of pressed seaweed. The binding is sewn together with thick vines and thin sharp fish bones. And so it was, a pact that was made with the Devourer, binding his strength to a powerful Grimoire of Expanse and gaining access to incredible power. With this power, he knew he was stronger and closer to bringing Winifred back from death. Hrothbert felt a sudden surge run through him, and he knew he had made the right decision. In a breath the cavern filled with water. The weight of the waves crashed into Hrothbert and knocked him into a panic. He struggled and heaved as his body twitched and hemorrhaged with pain. Water filled his lungs and he looked at his companion Bartus suspended in the water. His eyes were full of trust and resolve calmly waiting for Hrothbert to rescue them. His mind went to Winifred. Her voice whispered to him. “Life is the source. It is together we can create a soul. Together we can create life.” His eyes welled with tears and he knew what he must do. His mind left him and in letting go of the pain his hope and the possibility of bringing a life with his Love. He had sired many children during his lifetime but giving up that sacred union with his Winifred was almost too much for him to consider. Trembling with a knife in hand removed the part of him that would create life with his love. The water took him, this was the moment he was going to die. Was it all for nothing? Had he gone too far? Bartus then hovered over him and said “What have you done? Why?” as blood ran down his legs and he lay in pain. He had not remembered the water draining from the cavern. Hrothbert then replied “ I had to block the point of creation it is the only place that contains infinite possibilities. The life of an unborn child. There lies infinite power.” Bartus scowled but then smiled with a nod. The Expanse had swallowed Hrothbert. He felt the Weave flow through him, and he could understand the life of all things around him. He felt the power of the Phoenix, and it sickened him. A cave-dwelling creature was unlucky enough to crawl past him as he reached out, suddenly he could hear the creature's presence in his mind and pulled its power from it. He jumped to the wall and began to crawl up the walls just as it did. The creature then tried to force itself in front of his mind and gain control. He quickly pushed it back with his will. It would now always be a part of him but he had a stronger will. Clutching The Grimoire of the Expanse, he found he had an unnatural power to control the water around him. Necromancy came more easily to him. Unmatched and with dominion over life itself, he comprehended that to save Winifred, he had transcend the laws of nature. The sacrifice of his ability to have children with Winifried weighed on him, he had many children and with each passing day, his confidence in the success of his plan swelled, fueled by his growing power. Chapter 13: The Maker and The Sunderer
Cradled Corruption to release the Sunderer The Shadow, a deity as enigmatic as the darkness itself, was said to hold sway over the realms beyond mortal comprehension. Legends spoke of The Shadow's ability to manipulate time and destiny, making it a formidable ally in their endeavor. As Hrothbert ventured towards the manifest zone where the barrier to The Shadow was thinnest, the air grew heavy with anticipation and a sense of foreboding. The path they tread was shrouded in shadow, the very fabric of reality seeming to bend and twist around them. Bartus silently murmured a prayer, seeking guidance and protection in the face of the unknown. Hrothbert, seeker of the forbidden, you stand at the precipice of power," the Shadow intoned, its words dripping with a malevolent allure. "What is it that you seek, and what price are you willing to pay?" Hrothbert, undeterred, spoke with a voice filled with conviction, "Great Shadow, I seek the power to shape reality itself, to bend the very fabric of existence to my will. Grant me this power, and I shall be your devoted servant." "The Sunderer, a being of chaos, holds the key. You must Cradle Corruption, for it is the path to the Shadow's dominion," the Shadow whispered, its form dissipating momentarily before reforming with an ethereal grace. Hrothbert hesitated, his mind a storm of conflicting thoughts. One stood out more in his mind as he questioned The Shadow "I have heard this term before in some research done during my time in the tower. What of the legend of Mordenkainen and the Circle of Eight? How does it weave into this tapestry of power?" The Shadow seemed to grin, though its form remained inscrutable. "Ah, the Circle of Eight, keepers of the balance. One among them, the unnamed ninth, walked paths beyond mortal comprehension. It is said that the Circle's dissolution was born of ideological strife and grudges, a cradled corruption from within, but the truth is veiled in the shadows of time." As Hrothbert absorbed the revelation, the Shadow continued, "You, Hrothbert, shall become the harbinger of shadows across time. The key lies in the manipulation of the arcane currents. The power you seek is in the past, and the release of the Sunderer Aku from the shackles of temporal bonds." As Hrothbert clutched the empowered tome, a sudden vision flashed before his eyes. He stood in a distant past, witnessing a gathering of powerful wizards – Mordenkainen and the Circle of Eight. A forgotten face, obscured by shadows, lingered on the periphery of their arcane circle. The vision dissipated, leaving Hrothbert with a profound realization. The unnamed ninth member of the Circle was none other than himself. A forgotten past, a hidden truth, and a task that beckoned him across the fabric of time. The Shadow's voice resonated once more, cryptic and laden with purpose. "The Task of Cradled Corruption awaits you, Hrothbert. Corrupt the Circle of Eight from within and Seek the Sunderer, release the chaos within, and let the shadows guide your destiny." Hrothbert questioned. "Time travel? Astral projection?" The Shadow nodded, its darkness pulsating with an unseen energy. "Harness the power within you, the very essence of the Shadow, to create a Shadow of yourself in the past. Release the Sunderer, and let chaos reign across the ages. In doing so, you shall forge a destiny that echoes through time, and the Demon shall be your ally." As the arcane energies enveloped him, Hrothbert's consciousness was torn from the present, hurtling through the currents of time like a leaf carried in a tempest. Visions of ancient battles and long-lost civilizations flashed before his eyes, a kaleidoscope of moments that shaped the tapestry of existence. In the blink of an eye, Hrothbert found himself standing on the precipice of a momentous event—a gathering of powerful wizards known as the Circle of Eight. The air hummed with magical potency, and the grandeur of Aislinn Tower loomed in the background. Hrothbert watched in silence as the historical drama unfolded before him. Mordenkainen, the archmage, presided over the council of eight powerful wizards: Bigby, Bucknard, Drawmij, Leomund, Nystul, Otto, Rary, and Tenser. The unnamed ninth member's absence left an unspoken void in the assembly. In this pivotal moment, Hrothbert recognized the opportunity to alter the course of history. His presence as the unnamed ninth member, could reshape the destiny of Aku. Hrothbert knew he had to act with subtlety and finesse, manipulating the events to his advantage. As the wizards debated the delicate balance between Life, Death, Order, and Chaos, Hrothbert subtly introduced himself into the conversation. His voice, like a phantom whisper, echoed through the chambers of Aislinn Tower. "I am Hrothbert, the one who moves in the shadows, unseen and unheard. I bring with me the wisdom of eons, a perspective that transcends the bounds of time," he declared, his presence cloaked in an aura of mystery. The wizards exchanged glances, uncertain of the intruder's origins. Hrothbert, masked in the veils of astral projection, continued to weave his narrative, subtly guiding their discussions towards the legend of Aku and the long-forgotten. "The legends speak of a power sealed away, a force that could tip the scales of reality. Aku, imprisoned in the jagged black tree, seeks release. This quest holds the key, a path that only the Circle of Eight can tread," Hrothbert proclaimed, his words resonating with an ancient truth. In this bygone era, the Circle of Eight, with their enigmatic leader Mordenkainen, convened to discuss matters of balance and cosmic significance. They could not be swayed there minds were too stubborn. As the Circle discussed the intricate weave of destiny, Hrothbert's astral projection approached a young boy playing in the woods nearby, he was dressed in white robes and howling like a wolf. The shadows clung to the spectral form, concealing its true nature. It was nearing the Solar Eclipse when the seal that locked away the power would be its weakest. Hrothberts astral projection hissed to the boy, "The Sunderer awaits release. Seek the forgotten lore of Mordenkainen, the legends that bind the fabric of time. Release the power to reshape destiny shall be yours." The young boy, under the influence of his shadowy guide was given the hidden knowledge that would lead to the unlocking of the Demons prison. As Hrothberts astral projection guided the past towards the culmination of the group disbanding, the threads of time quivered with the impending release of the Sunderer. The Circle of Eight continued their discussions. The Ninth member of the Circle of Eight was but an insignificant boy being influenced by the whispers of an image from the future. It is unknown if this mere deception was enough to break up the group or the blow to their ego and shame that a simple boy out whitted the greatest wizards of that age. This information is lost in time. In the present, the empowered tome in Hrothbert's hands resonated with the events unfolding in the past. The air crackled with a malevolent energy as the Task neared completion, and the astral projection whispered the final incantations to release the Sunderer. The shadows thickened, and the Tower seemed to echo with the distant cries of chaos. As the astral projection completed its task, the threads of time shivered, and a dark laughter echoed through the ages. Hrothbert, back in the present, felt the weight of destiny shift. The release of Aku, the Sunderer, now lurked on the horizon, and the consequences of his actions would reverberate through the ages. The power of the Shadow, once a mere whisper, had reshaped the very fabric of time, and an Obsidian Tower stood as a silent witness to the wizard's manipulation of destiny. Bartus stood as his friend that once seems lifeless surged back to life after but a few moments. "Hrothbert, what have you done?" Bartus demanded, his voice a low growl. Hrothbert looked up from the book, his eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and trepidation. "Bartus, my old friend, I have unlocked a power beyond imagining. The Sunderer, a forgotten demon of immense power, is now bound to this tome. With its aid, we can reshape the fate of the world, use its power." Bartus, a grizzled cleric by now with weathered features, eyed the ominous tome with a mix of curiosity and caution. "Hrothbert, are you sure about this? Bringing back a demon, even one sealed away, doesn't sound like the wisest course of action." Hrothbert, his eyes ablaze with the power of the Shadow and the whispers of Winifred echoing through his mind, leaned forward, his fingers tracing the intricate patterns on the book's cover. "Bartus, we've been given a gift, a power that could tip the scales in our favor. Not even the Tower can stand against us. The demon within this book, once sealed away, can now be harnessed to aid us in freeing Winifred. We only know its secrets. The book can only be read in the darkness if any light shines on it pages it appears to be blank. It was written by the hand of The Shadow we know the one who can make the words appear. These fail safes make it improbable that anyone could discover its secrets." Bartus grunted, skeptical but intrigued. "A demon as an ally? I never thought I'd see the day. What kind of power are we talking about here?" Hrothbert's gaze held a mixture of reverence and excitement. "This demon is no ordinary entity. It was sealed away for a reason – a forgotten force that could reshape reality itself. With its power, we could stand against the greatest threats that loom over us." Bartus crossed his arms, his weathered face furrowing in thought. "But there's always a catch, isn't there? What's the price we'll have to pay for wielding such forbidden power?" Hrothbert sighed, acknowledging the gravity of their situation. "The only one who can stop this unleashed demon is lost in the past. He's the boy who opened the prison, allowing the Sunderer to be released into this world. This White Wolf is lost in time and long forgotten." Bartus leaned back, his eyes narrowing. "So, we're dealing with a paradox. The very person who can save someone from the demon's wrath is the one who set it free in the first place." Hrothbert nodded, his expression serious. "Exactly.” Bartus scratched his beard, contemplative. "Time travel and demon allies. We're treading on dangerous ground, Hrothbert. But if this is our only chance, we must proceed carefully. You never cease to amaze me. What's our next move?" Hrothbert leaned back, his eyes fixed on the empowered book. “We save Winifred”
Wizards do important work. Work that changes the world and improves Allenia. Hrothbert would be remembered as the greatest Wizard to have ever lived. He just didn't know how he would do it.
How to change the world? …How to change the world? …the world can be changed…but how? No inspiration came. No ideas. Just like the last 246 days since he graduated first of his class, no ideas came.
“You will do great things” the Arch Mages would say in the Tower. “You could have a statue someday.” “A statue!” Hrothbert would reply, "That's ridiculous. You must be looking at the wrong wizard!” because that is what you say when someone tells you that you can do something great, even though Hrothbert knew that there would be more than a mere statue to commemorate his accomplishments.
He gazed out the window and thought of a life without accomplishment. What was he to do? Why am I here if not to change the world? He sat down, worked on his favorite puzzle for the day then took a long walk around the city until dark before heading home.
One of the first things you noticed when you entered Hrothbert's house was that it had an educated smell. What is an educated smell you ask? It is that smell that you know when a scholar or wizard has been living there and they had the slightest dustiness in the air, like books never quite being put away on time. The walls were lined with shelves filled with books that Hrothbert was either writing himself or rare texts that he had collected.
On one shelf he kept his special books. These were the works of great wizards that had come before him. These wizards had led their lives to make great changes in the world and Hrothbert wanted to be like them.
Hrothbert was absorbed in his reading and thinking when his front door opened and a man walked in. Not even this shook Hrothbert from the spiraling thoughts that he was facing.
“Hello there Bertie!” the man called out and when his greeting went unanswered the man walked into the study and dropped a pile of books on the desk. “Hello there Bertie” the man repeated
This shook Hrothbert from his thoughts and he greeted his assistant, Bartus Willow, “Oh Yeah, Hello Bartus.” Hrothbert didn’t even look up and he didn’t even bother telling his assistant that they weren’t boys anymore and the name Bertie should be long forgotten.
“I found those books that you asked me to pick up. Maybe something in one of those stories will help you to come up with an idea.” Bartus said.
“They’re not stories, they are the journals of different adventuring groups. I am not reading them for entertainment, I’m searching for the right problem to solve.” Hrothbert said with a huff.
“Sure, that makes total sense. Just let me know when you’re done with them and I’ll go find you more after all I’m pretty good at finding information about these obscure things” Bartus laughed.
Hrothbert thought, slept, ate, pondered, and every moment that passed was consumed by the simple desire to be the greatest of all. Bartus would offer suggestions but everything he mentioned was mundane after all he was more of a tinkerer. He didn't understand what it was like to be a Wizard.
This idea couldn't simply be amazing or inspired, it had to be new, something that no one else could even fathom accomplishing. This idea must be the greatest idea of all time. How could a simpleton mage like Bartus help? He has always been the closest thing to a friend, but Hrothbert needed help, help as he had never known, help that understood his vision. He needed an equal and regardless of the heart and loyalty Bartus offered, he was certainly not an equal.
There was only one wizard that was up to his standard. One unique, intelligent, and beautiful mage might be able to help. Just like that, his thoughts wandered to Winifred, his equal. She was a beautiful woman with a sharp mind and a way of talking that made everyone’s head spin. He had only spoken to her once since the last graduation, but he remembered her fondly. She was the only one who could understand what he wanted to accomplish, and with her help, they just might be able to do it. She kept her head down and didn't like to be noticed.
During their time together in classes, the Archmages would praise Hrothbert and completely overlook Winifred. The teachers saw an ordinary girl, but Hrothbert saw right through that facade. She intentionally answered questions incorrectly and acted as though she had no ambition or drive. She was an incredibly talented Magician, but she didn't want anyone to know that. The skill that it took to look normal was something that only Winifred was capable of. He remembered confronting her about it once and she simply replied,
“Why should I show people what I can do? If they don't know, then I'm safe from any disappointment. If they do know, then people will treat me differently and I don't want that. Being the best is its reward.”
He remembered her beautiful ringlets that bounced slightly as she walked, her expressive eyes, and how she giggled whenever he fumbled his words. He shook it off, he didn’t have time to fantasize about her.
“Together we will change the world,” he thought. In a fit of determination, he decided to travel to her tower and ask for her help, but not yet. First, he would need a plan, and an idea to present.
Bartus offered him one more idea “How about you make a flying boat? You will be famous if you can do that! No wizard has ever created them in Allenia. It would give the magic community something they have never seen.”
“Bartie, you know you don’t need to come every day; I have to study and you have your cleric duties.”
Crestfallen Bartus replied, "I know, it's just that sometimes changing a simple mundane thing has consequences that are far-reaching and impressive."
When Hrothbert waved him off without saying another word, Bartus took the hint, left a pile of new articles for him to look at, and left.
Hrothbert was once again left to his thoughts.
Hrothbert thought, and worked, and worked and thought, but could not come up with an idea. Without any ideas of his own, he looked at the pile of articles and ideas from Bartus, the clever tinkerer. One of them was about a man who traveled the world. The man faced many obstacles and overcame them all. He knew that if he could simplify the process of traveling it would change the world.
He jumped from his desk and ran to his library. Grabbed a few books and began to study the general mechanics of teleportation. After calculating angles, speeds, power output, magi-physics, and other complicated words that Wizards love to use he finally had an idea.
Chapter 2: Winifred
Hrothbert called for Bartus and together they traveled to the Divination Tower to approach Winifred. His plan was so radical she would have to help him. As they walked Hrothbert practiced what he wanted to say to Winifred
"Winifred, I know we haven't seen each other in a while, but I have an idea. It is something that could revolutionize the way we travel. And I can't do it alone... No, I can't say that!"
"Winifred, I have an idea, and I need your help. Together we can create something truly amazing... Okay, That was less creepy in my head"
"Bertie, just tell her that you respect her and ask her to help. It doesn't need to be so complicated." Bartus said.
"Right... Winifred, I respect your abilities and I think that your expertise could help me to create self-sustaining teleport circles that would disrupt the current transportation system and allow a commoner without magic the ability to travel anywhere they want in a blink of an eye. Will you help me? ... She would never agree to something that straightforward... Bartus, I think you don't understand how intelligent people think."
"You're right, I don't understand. But I do know Winifred. She is a smart and kind person. Just tell her your plan!" Bartus said.
When he finally reached the tower he was more nervous than ever. Bartie sensed it and offered him a few words of encouragement before they entered the room.
This infuriated Hrothbert, how could a simpleton like Bartus know what to say to a Wizard like her. He needed something perfect, beautiful, and magical.
Hrothbert strode into the room with confidence. He was ready to ask for her help in his greatest undertaking yet. Before he could compose himself Winifred said, “I already know what you are thinking."
"What? You know what I'm thinking?"
"Yes, I know you want to make transportation circles."
"How did you..."
"I am a wizard, Hrothbert. It's my business to know things," she said with a smile. "Also, you are carrying three books about transportation circles. Additionally, I have spells that let me hear and see things within the tower. I listened to everything you and Bartus said on the way up here. Did you forget that this is the DIVINATION tower?"
For the first time in his life, Hrothbert was speechless, but only for a moment.
"These won't be ordinary transportation circles, I'm going to make fantastic new designs that will change the world."
Winifred stopped him and said, "I know. I want in."
“Perfect!" Hrothbert exclaimed. Then stopped abruptly and said, "Wait, how do you KNOW? This is all still in the theoretical stage."
Winifred laughed and said, "I know because you are doing it. You are the brightest Wizard of our generation. I can see it in your eyes and energy."
First days, then weeks, then Months went on and Hrothbert and Winifred worked closely together creating semi-permanent Teleportation circles that could be placed in the ground and anyone could use them regardless of their skill with magic. As the work proceeded Winifred and Hrothbert grew closer and closer.
They worked side by side, planning and creating. They saw success after success and knew that they were doing great work. As they made breakthroughs and built upon each other's knowledge and skills they knew that the world would never be the same.
"Would you like to have dinner with me?" Hrothbert asked nervously.
Winifred laughed and said "We have dinner almost every night together. We've hardly left this workshop in weeks."
Hrothbert was dejected, she had misunderstood what he meant. "No, I mean going out and having a meal together."
"Oh... like a meal, meal... with the two of us... I... uh... yes, I would like that very much." Winifred blushed as she understood what he was asking.
Chapter 3: Time for Help
As the weeks passed, Hrothbert and Winifred's relationship blossomed. They were working on their teleportation circles with more enthusiasm than ever before.
Even as the two began to build their relationship, their work slowed to a crawl. They didn't understand why their work wasn't going as well. They were still trying to create their masterpiece; using magic circles for faster travel between cities, towns maybe more, but it wasn't working as they wanted.
They kept working; every few weeks, they would have small breakthroughs where their circles would work for a short time before breaking down. No matter how much they studied and experimented they could not get the circles to work as they wanted.
"It's time to ask for help," Winifred said seriously. "We have made breakthroughs on our own, but the amount of raw power needed for this spell is beyond us. We need help."
"This is our project," Hrothbert said without pulling his head out of his book. "We will get past this."
Winifred did not respond. At least she didn't respond with words. She stood there glaring at Hrothbert with his nose in a book. Even though she did not make a sound there was a certain intensity in her silence that could not be ignored.
Hrothbert finally looked up from his book and saw the determination in her eyes He sighed before nodding, knowing she was right. They had found a way to tap into so much power that the circles would never break down, but they had to feed the power in slowly or the raw energy would overwhelm the object that the circles were inscribed on turning the objects themselves into raw mana that then quickly dissipated back into the prime essences from which they were pulled from.
The problem with feeding the power in slowly is that it was too much for the two of them to hold back on their own. As they fed the power into the circles it felt like they had fire and ice in their veins at the same time. The power wanted to move, and trying to hold it back would kill them, their bodies just couldn't hold back that much energy.
Hrothbert looked up at his fiancé with weary eyes but then nodded in agreement. He closed the book that he was reading and said, "Alright, I'll contact the Tower."
Hrothbert did not want to ask for help from the Arch Mages of the Tower He had not asked them for help previously in any lesson at school why would he not be able to figure this out? His pride was such that he resented the idea of asking them, Winifred was the only one to change his mind.
Winifred saw the conflict in his eyes and tried to comfort him. “Why don’t you let me give the presentation? Let me explain our project and I am sure the Arch Mages will be willing to help us.”
Hrothbert looked at her with surprise, he never expected this from her. Winifred had been content to stay in the shadows, but now she was stepping up and offering herself as a speaker. He smiled at her before nodding his head. “Yes, I think that is a good idea.”
The two of them worked hard to prepare the presentation and they soon had it ready.
Chapter 4: The Tower
"Ahhh, come in, come in!" Arch-Mage Gottfried said excitedly as he waved Hrothbert, Winifred, and Bartus into the counsel room called The Triumph Sphere.
The Mages of the Tower all sat around a very large circular table, each one had their area to work on whether it be spell-casting, magical item crafting, or magic theory and history research. The knowledge and wisdom of the ages surrounded them.
"Tell us what brings you back to the tower?" The Mages all knew the pair who were the most powerful of the younger generation in magic.
"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to see us," Winifred said with a bow. Hrothbert reluctantly followed her lead. They needed their respect and he wanted to show it. He followed up by saying "We need your help."
The Mages intrigued leaned forward to hear the presentation.
"We are trying to make a transportation circle that will allow quick access to any city or town one wants to go without the need for a magic practitioner present. I have reason to believe you all know of this plan."
The Mages nodded in agreement even though they were still caught off guard.
"We have come to a point where our progress has stagnated. We need your guidance and knowledge. We are very close to being able to make this transportation circle, but before we go any further, I wanted to see if you could help us." Winifred continued. Bartus nods with a smile.
"What would you have us do?" asked Arch-Mage Gottfried.
Hrothbert looked at Winifred and then stood and spoke, "For the final construction of the circle an enormous amount of power and control is needed and is not matching what we were expecting. Our goal is to make this circle as simple as possible for all to use, not just elite magic users"
"You want us to power your circle?" asked Doyen Gisell. "That's quite a task, one that I don't think many of us would feel comfortable with."
Winifred smiled at the elder mage and said, "We are aware of this. Hrothbert and I can provide the power, what we need is for everyone to help us, for one night only. The power needed can be spread out among the circles and contained."
Winifred laid out papers on the table that contained diagrams, and calculations. She explained how the power would be divided, and the circle constructed. It was a plan that could work.
"It's a lot of power, but with all of us working together I think we could do it," Doyen Robert quipped.
"When we are done, everyone can go home for a well-earned rest," Hrothbert promised expectantly.
The Mages all stared at each other for a moment before Arch-Mage Gottfried stood up and bowed deeply to Hrothbert and Winifred.
Arch-Mage Gottfried looked to all his fellow Mages, "I think we need a vote?" They all looked around each other and nodded in agreement.
"All in favor of helping these two young mages raise the power they need for their transportation circle?" he asked. Every Mage agreed with a grin on their face.
"Good, let us proceed." Arch-Mage Gottfried said with a smile.
Chapter 5: The Ritual
After much preparation, the day had finally arrived. The Wizards had done calculations and prepared to raise the power needed for the ritual. Regular magic used a combination of some of the four Prime powers. By combining the essences in different ways the power became malleable and usable but in that process, much of the raw power was lost. Hrothbert and Winifred found a way to interrupt the combination process allowing access to the full raw power of pure magic, but in all of the experiments done by Hrothbert and Winifred, it was very unstable and required a great degree of concentration to control. This was why help from the mages in the Tower was needed.
Everyone was ready in the basement of the tower. Hrothbert and Winifred ran one final practice session before it all started. Bartus stood in the corner looking on. They had spent hours upon hours with their groups of Mages preparing for this moment, but now everyone would be together for the outcome.
The plan was to do a short distance test from the basement to the roof of the tower using prime magic essence to power a regular transportation circle. Hrothbert and Winifred would send something small up to the roof of the Tower and once it was confirmed that the regular transportation powered by raw magic was successful Hrothbert and Winifred would unlock the new parts of the transportation circle.
"Alright you two, are you ready?" asked Arch-Mage Gottfried.
"Yes," Hrothbert confidently replied.
Winifred stood up, "I am ready too. This is exciting!" she exclaimed.
"Everyone, it's time," Hrothbert ordered formally, although not a doyen or an Arch-Mage he oversaw this project and was given complete authority.
The mages moved forward, channeling power to the circle with each growing increasingly fatigued. It was at this moment, without an order from anyone, Winifred began to use her well-practiced Spatial Translocation spell. She had practiced it thousands of times.
Hrothbert smiled, this is what they had been waiting for. Magic continued to channel into the circle and after a few minutes everything seemed to be working perfectly, but it wasn't time to relax quite yet.
"Ok, everyone! Prepare yourselves for the surge!" Hrothbert shouted.
Raw magic power unlike any of them had ever felt before surged into the circle. After a moment, Hrothbert paused and called for everyone to end their spells.
"Halt" Hrothbert hollered out with excitement in his voice. "close the circle."
Following the request, power began to hum, and in an instant erupted from the circle, energy tunneled through the Doyen Robert, and he was gone in an instant. Around the room, crackling energy spiraled in chaos as the pillars of the marble room began to crumble and fall. Flashes of light and the familiar sounds of spells whispered through the symphony of madness. Dust and smoke clouded his view and immediately Hrothberts thoughts turned to Winifred. In what should have been the moment of triumph things had gone disastrously wrong.
Hrothbert heard the words of an incantation coming from a familiar voice. He then was struck from behind with energy; he closed his eyes, and his time was short. This was more Power than anyone could handle. He felt his blood begin to boil and his sight began to fade, he opened his mouth to let out a cry of pain, but in a flash, all of the pain was gone.
Slowly his senses came back and he looked around to find he was lying on the rubble of the tower Bartus met his eyes, “Welcome back my friend”
No one spoke. The silence crowded every inch of the chamber.
"What's happened?" asked Hrothbert to the room as the buzzing in his head began to clear.
Without saying a word the mages moved to reveal a pile of robes and debris on the floor next to where he had been standing during the ritual. Hrothbert recognized them in an instant.
"NO!" screamed out Hrothbert as he ran to the pile and turned them over to see Winifred's robes and the gemstone from her engagement ring.
He fell over the pile weeping, there was nothing left of her body. No trace of her elegance. No lingering scent of her perfume. Not a strand of her dark bobbing curls. Nothing.
Arch-Mage Gottfried stepped beside Hrothbert and put a hand on his shoulder, "Something went wrong. We all closed our circles and the power kept coming. As far as we can tell she jumped in front of the power to protect you and was lost in the eruption. We have tried locating her but there is nothing to locate. I am afraid there is nothing more we can do"
Hrothbert stood up and looked at him. "What? No! That's not right!" he shouted, but Winifred was lost. Surely something could be done. He walked to the center of the room where his circle had been placed and collapsed on the floor.
Chapter 6 - The Answer
As the Days passed Hrothbert's grief only deepened. His grief turned to desperation and the desperation turned to resolve, it was as if something was driving him. It was part of him he had not tapped into previously. He knew even now Winifred was influencing him. Even if it was from beyond or from her previous influence for good in his life. He studied the texts and scrolls in the library, searching for a way to bring Winifred back. But no matter how hard he tried he found nothing that could help him. Everything kept pointing to the same conclusion, Winifred was gone. This meant one thing to the wizard, everything and everyone's arguments were fallacious in their reasoning. It was up to him to find the solution. He vowed to find a way to bring her back even if he had to invent new rituals or spells to achieve it. This is how he would make the world better. By bringing the best of the world back into it, by bringing Winifred back. He poured over the calculations of the ritual, none that Winifred had made had considered the extra power that flooded the circle. If Hrothbert could bring out what caused the surge of energy it may lead to finding out where she went or how to bring her back. Test after test they conducted prior to the ritual had not shown any signs of extra power. So he determined the Mages had done something in the ritual or something with the tower itself had caused it. After all, they despised Hrothbert, they had always tried to tether his ambition, he hadn’t seen it before but it was so clear now. During this time Bartus stood by his friend and tried to support Hrothbert in his grief. Together they began to study every inch of the tower. They studied every inch of stone, every weave in the fabric, and every spell inscribed in its walls. The Arch-Mage and doyens let Hrothbert work undisturbed, knowing that he was on a mission to find out why and how Winifred had been taken away. They felt terrible for him. His once great mind now devoted itself to a lost cause. They mistakenly assumed, after all the avenues were thoroughly investigated Hrothbert would turn his ambition to other pursuits. The days went by and Hrothbert and Bartus Willow studied almost every inch of the tower but still could find nothing that could have caused the surge in energy. "If there was something wrong, I should have seen it. The useless mages in this tower won't do anything to assist us. I will have to find the answer myself." He said in frustration. Bartus stepped up "Sometimes things happen that are just the will of the Gods and we can't control it." Hrothbert looked at him with determination. He had made a promise to bring Winifred back even if it took him the rest of his life and he was going to keep it. "Bartus, don't be an idiot. If the Gods were involved we would have known, that kind of power would have made the raw magical power that we were handling look minuscule" Hrothbert said dismissively. Bartus and Hrothbert dove back further into history than either of them had studied before. Only the most dedicated of scholars even had a hint of the ancient texts and histories discovered in these sessions. It was during one of these sessions that Arch-Mage Gottfried came to visit the pair. “Have you had any luck in finding a solution?” The wisened old Arch-Mage asked. “If I’ve found anything it wouldn’t be by luck,” Hrothbert snapped without looking up from the ancient tomes that he was reading through. “You have a point there my boy. This tower has rarely seen one of your talents spending his efforts in research like this. Do you have any notes that you would like me to look over and help with?” Gottfried offered. “I’ve not taken notes, I have no time to waste documenting these things. They are either helpful or they aren’t. Scribbling down any information is ancillary to my purposes. She is still out there, I can hear her calling to me, and the information on how to do it is here. I can feel it.” Hrothbert dismissed the idea of taking notes without even a second thought. “Bartus, perhaps you can help document and consolidate Hrothbert’s findings for the betterment of the Tower. This would be a great service to the world and to future generations I’m sure.” Arch-Mage Gottfriend asked turning to Bartus “The best thing for the ‘betterment of the Tower’ would be for you fools to stay out of my way! Your incompetence and arrogance caused this mess and now I am left as the only one who can clean this up!” Hrothbert yelled at the Arch-Mage while slamming the tome that he was studying on the table. “If you want this research you can send your Doyens down here to contribute to it, to help me in this pursuit, otherwise you do not deserve any of this knowledge!” Bartus intervened knowing if Hrothbert was to continue speaking he might jeopardize the kindness the Tower had shown in letting them use the library. “We will let you know if any of our findings yield positive results.” “Thank you, Bartus,” Arch-Mage Gottfried said as he left the library. Bartus then turned to Hrothbert "Bertie, why don't you take a break? You have been studying the tower for days and you are going to make yourself sick if you keep it up." he started cleaning up some of the books that were lying about. Hrothbert sighed, he knew that Bartus was right he just didn't want to take a break. "Fine, I will take a break." He said reluctantly. He got up and started to walk out of the library when something caught his eye. Beside one of the books that Bartus had picked up was a sheet of paper. It was an old parchment that had been hastily scribbled on. On closer inspection, Hrothbert noticed that it was some sort of map or diagram of the tower with notes written in an unknown language and strange symbols all over it. Hrothbert's eyes widened. Could this be the answer to his questions? He grabbed the parchment and started to read it, deciphering every word he could make out. This was something that might lead him to a way to bring Winifred back. "Mr. Willow you Flumph! You have had the answer all along." He said excitedly. Bartus looked at him with confusion, "I don't know what you are talking about, I am just as stumped as you." Hrothbert smiled and put his hand on Bartus' shoulder. "No, you may not be aware of it but you may have been the one that has found the answer for me." He said with a hint of respect in his voice. Hrothbert handed the parchment to Bartus, who read it with confusion in his eyes. He had no idea what the symbols meant or why they were there but he knew that this was important to Hrothbert so he said nothing and nodded. "That symbol is an octogram, it is the symbol of divinity, the symbol of the Sovereign Host. I think this document is talking about some sort of ritual that can be done to be able to petition the Nine to return Winifred." Hrothbert said in a hushed voice. "I think this is the key. They manipulate the weave and when we petition them, they may be able to help me get her back. I recognized the patterns after reading “The Network of Manifest Zones.” Bartus looked at the document in awe, he had never seen anything like this before. He knew that whatever this was, it was important and he knew that Hrothbert would not rest until he had seen it through. "I will stay with you until the end, my friend," Bartus said solemnly. "Good, because I will need your help to gather as much information about petitioning the Sovereign Hosts while I work at deciphering the ritual" Hrothbert said with a determined look. "We will find her, no matter what it takes!" Chapter 7 - Petition
Four years had passed since Hrothbert and Bartus had started their quest to petition the Sovereign Host to bring Winifred back. During this time they traveled all over Allenia gathering all the information they could, performing all of the tasks and sacrifices necessary, and finally, after years of hard work, they were ready. They both knew that it was a long shot but they also knew that if there was any chance of succeeding, it was now. They made their way to the Temple of the Sovereign Host and requested a meeting with one of their representatives. After making sure that they were upstanding citizens, the representative welcomed them in. Hrothbert explained what he wanted from the pantheon and why he had come so far for this request. He spoke of Winifred and the love they shared between them. As he spoke, tears began to well up in his eyes. The representative looked at Hrothbert sympathetically and nodded her head slowly. "We understand your plight, brave wizard," she said calmly. "But you must understand that a request such as this is not something we can grant lightly. You must prove your love was true and everlasting before we will even consider such a thing." Hrothbert nodded his head solemnly, he knew this would be the case. He reached into his bag of holding and retrieved nine talismans, one of each of the Gods that comprise the Sovereign Host. A Golden Stalk of Wheat, the symbol of the Goddess Arawai, a Lantern with a Red Dragon carving wrapped around it for Dol Arrah, a Hammer, and Tongs for Onatar, a Shroud of Ollandra, a Kite Shield made of red metal with a sword emblem of Dol Dorn, a pair of Spectacles with a red ribbon for Aureon, a Spear with a Unicorns horn as the tip for Balinor, a cauldron for Boldrei and an Ivory Statue of a White Dragon with blue gem eyes and talons for Kol Korran. All of the Talismans were imbued with the essence of devotion that Hrothbert and Winifred shared. The representative looked at the talismans with surprise and admiration. "These are remarkable," she said in awe. "I crafted each one myself as an offering to the gods," Hrothbert said with pride. "In the hope that they will see my love and grant me this boon." The representative nodded her head again. "We shall consider your request, Hrothbert. We will contact you soon with an answer," she said before dismissing them both. Hrothbert thanked her gratefully as he and Bartus left the temple. They knew it was out of their hands now and all they could do was wait for the answer. As the weeks passed, Hrothbert grew more anxious. He had put his heart and soul into this request and he wanted nothing more than to be reunited with Winifred once again. Finally, after months of waiting, a letter arrived from the temple. Hrothbert opened it nervously, his heart pounding in his chest as he read the contents. When he had finished, the last bit of hope that had been on his face vanished. "What does it say," Bartus asked cautiously. "The Gods have heard our plea, but they will not grant an audience," Hrothbert said sadly. "They have chosen to send an emissary in their stead." "But that is the minimum required of the Sovereign Host when a petitioner comes seeking a boon prepared with the Symbols of Divinity!" Bartus said in disbelief. "We will meet with the emissary and see what they have to say," Hrothbert said quietly. And so, with heavy hearts, they made their way back to the temple and waited for the emissary to arrive. The being that appeared before them was not an angel or a god but instead a human woman of incredible beauty and grace. She introduced herself as Ianthe, the ambassador of the Sovereign Host. Ianthe spoke in a gentle and calming voice as she told Hrothbert that after much deliberation, the Gods had decided that granting his boon was too dangerous. She explained that no matter how much two people loved each other, even the power of the gods could not guarantee a safe return and that the magic would be too unpredictable. The Weave itself could begin to unravel and cause even more destruction. Though Hrothbert was left feeling disappointed, Ianthe offered him a chance to remember Winifred in a way that would not be endangered by the gods' power. She reached out and touched his forehead and suddenly, memories of Winifred flooded into his mind. Moments of laughter, joy, sadness, love, and devotion. This was meant to be a token from the gods, a reminder that even when a person was taken away they were never truly gone if they were remembered. But it caused Hrothbert tremendous pain to remember Winifred, and it fuelled his anger. He could hear the voice of Winifred in the back of his mind, telling him to never give up and to always keep fighting, and that if the Gods weren't with him that they were against him. Hrothbert looked up to Ianthe after taking a few moments to compose himself. Ianthe supposing that the gift of memories would soothe the pained soul that Hrothbert was carrying was surprised to see his eyes full of rage. "I have a message that you can give to your gods," he said in a loud and determined voice. "Tell them that I will never give up, no matter what they throw at me. They are not the only ones with power in this world. No matter how they try to stop me, I will find a way to be reunited with Winifred, she is calling to me and I will not ignore her." That was when Hrothbert raised his hand and began channeling the raw power of the weave, an act of defiance to the gods and a testament of his undying love for Winifred, and used it to destroy Ianthe. Hrothbert would use the same power that took Winifred from him to make the Gods wish that they had heard his plea. He knew that by using the weave, he was harnessing the power that even the gods could not control, and he would use this power to get what he wanted. The eyes of the Gods watched Hrothbert as he left with his newfound power, knowing that they may have created a monster that even they couldn't control. Chapter 8 - A Change in Plans The temple's sanctum lay far behind them, the echoes of Hrothbert's fall from grace still reverberating through the ancient stones. Branded a traitor by the once-revered Sovereign Hosts, Hrothbert found himself unmoored, the Tower no longer a beacon of allegiance. Only Bartus Willow remained, steadfast in loyalty, a rare gem in the shifting sands of Hrothbert's fate. He was truly devoted to Hrothbert and quite frankly was a better friend than Hrothbert deserved. Yet, Bartus was no mere bystander in this tale. Once an unremarkable child, he was smart, and kind, and he was hard-working but he did not stand out from his peers. He ascended from obscurity upon meeting Hrothbert, the extraordinary wizard who struggled with the intricacies of human connection. Bartus could not bear witness to the mistreatment of his newfound companion, and in defiance, he devoted himself to Hrothbert's cause. In those early days, as Hrothbert's brilliance outshone his classmates, Bartus found himself elevated by association. Spending time with Hrothbert he noticed that he no longer felt like a simple nobody. The Tower beckoned him with prime placements, and Bartus reveled in the newfound attention. Even under the weight of Hrothbert's condescending words, Bartus stood unwavering, a shield against the cruelties of the world. Eventhough he was frequently berated by Hrothbert as a simpleton. Despite all this, he stayed. Through the years of their quest for Winifred, Bartus had remained steadfast. The destruction of the Sovereign Hosts' emissary, the acquisition of power—Bartus weathered it all. Now, as Hrothbert wandered through ancient ruins, consumed by grief, Bartus sensed the fraying threads of sanity. Taking a risk, Bartus confronted his friend, questioning the ethereal connection Hrothbert claimed to share with Winifred. As he was watching his friend, concern etched on his face, Bartus inquired, "Bertie, when you said that you can hear Winifred calling to you, what do you mean? Are you certain that she is still alive?" Hrothbert stopped dead in his tracks and turned to face Bartus. With eyes wild and desperate, full of pain and longing he spoke, "She is the one who is teaching me to unleash the raw power of the Weave. I hear her in the wind, I feel her presence in the stars and I can still see her smile when I close my eyes. Her very essence has been merged with the Weave and I know that if I can just find the right combination of power and will, she will live again." The revelation, that Winifred's essence was entwined with the Weave, left Bartus torn between concern and the allure of a quest for the impossible. "Isn't this the same power that took her from you during your fateful experiment with the teleportation circles?" Hrothbert nodded solemnly and said, "If you are afraid you are welcome to leave. I will pursue this alone, but I will find a way to bring her back. I must and with it, magic will be changed forever." Bartus stood there looking at his friend for a long moment before finally nodding in agreement and saying, "Then let's go. We'll explore the world together until we find answers. Maybe then you can have a happily ever after." If there was anyone who could change the very nature of magic and bring back his beloved, it was Hrothbert. Bartus would not miss out on this chance to be at the center of the world's attention, he would not be insignificant, he would be at the vanguard of this change and he would be recognized, even if it was in supporting his friend. "What is it that you need? I know that I am not a powerful mage, but if there is anything at all that I can do, please let me know. I'm here." Bartus said. Hrothbert smiled and nodded before saying, "Power. I need power. Winifred pointed me toward The Sovereign Host because of the power the Gods hold. But they are too simple and too confined to take us the distance we need to go. I know now that Winifred pointed me to them not because they would help me, she knew they wouldn't help me, but because she needed me to be looking in that direction so that I would recognize this other power that we can manipulate the Weave." As Hrothbert finished talking he pulled some rubble away from the ruins that they were exploring to reveal a hexagram engraved on a fallen pillar. "This is what we're here to find. This is the power I need to bring back Winifred.” In front of them, was the Hexagram of the Dark Six carved deep into the rock face. “We must petition them to gain the power I need." Bartus looked at the hexagram, feeling a strange mixture of fear and excitement. The stories of the Dark Six were terrifying, but this could be their chance to make history. "The Dark Six is not a unified pantheon like the Sovereign Hosts, won't this be a problem when we go to petition them?" "Far from it. Their individuality is what makes them so powerful and it is also what will allow me to manipulate them. I have a plan, and if it works the Dark Six will give me enough power to control the Weave without even knowing what they have done. There will be no fear, or worry about repercussions. I will bring Winifred back, and the whole world will know my name." Hrothbert said with conviction. "Using a spell of Planar Binding I will make a pact with them and they will be bound to fulfill it. With their full agreement, I will be able to bind their strength to a grimoire and use the power that I gather to bring her back." "But why would they agree to have their power bound into a book?" Bartus asked incredulously. "Greed." Hrothbert said simply "They will know there is something powerful in it for them, and I will have to use that as leverage to get what I need from them. In their agreement with the Sovereign Host, they are not allowed to enter this plane of existence. By binding their strength to a book they will have a conduit of influence and power on this plane in which they can not physically exist." "But won't that open you up to some terrible dangers?" Bartus asked in worry. "Yes, it will." Hrothbert said solemnly "Or it would if I only possessed one or two of the Grimoires, but combining the power of all six will be enough to protect us. We can do this Bartus, I am sure of it." Bartus, standing at the precipice of something grand, felt the pull of destiny. In agreement with Hrothbert's unwavering determination, he uttered the words that would bind their fates together "Let's do it then." Bartus embraced it all, stepping willingly into the unknown alongside his friend.
Chapter 9 - The Giver and The Enslaved
Chaos reign the Breakers of the Enslaved The pages of an ancient manuscript crackled as Hrothbert turned them, revealing a tale etched in ink and magic. The story spoke of a desperate mother, burdened by the weight of a hundred lives and seeking protection from the capricious winds of fate. In her plea, she had turned to The Traveler, the enigmatic deity known as the Sovereign of Chaos and Change one of the Dark Six. As Hrothbert read, the narrative unfolded like a dance of veils. The mother had approached The Traveler, offering her motherhood as a pact, a covenant that transcended the boundaries of mortal understanding. In exchange for the deity's protection, her children would bear the legacy of veiled identities, gifted with the power of transformation. The Traveler, drawn to the allure of unpredictable change, had agreed to the bargain. Yet, the price was no mere token. The children, born under the watchful eye of the deity, were destined to walk a path shrouded in mystery, following the ever-shifting course laid by The Traveler. As Hrothbert delved deeper into the lore, he uncovered rituals practiced by the Changelings to honor The Traveler. They would embark on pilgrimages, tracing the paths dictated by the ever-shifting winds of chaos in the frozen wasteland at the bottom of the world where skin burns with the cold of the elements. Hrothbert stood with Bartus in the frozen clearing, the moonlight casting a silver glow upon The Veil of Unveiling. His crystalline staff hummed with potential in his hands, and the dusty Tome, bound in worn leather, rested against his chest. A ripple of anticipation coursed through the air as they prepared to invoke the presence of The Traveler. "Oh Sovereign of Chaos and Change, Giver of Gifts," Hrothbert spoke, his voice resonating with a blend of reverence and determination. "I come before you with a plea to empower this book, a vessel for the wisdom of your ever-shifting ways." The air seemed to thicken, and the Veil responded with an enigmatic whisper. "Why do you seek the power I hold, wizard? What compels you to weave my essence into the pages of this tome?" Hrothbert took a steadying breath. "I seek the wisdom of the ages, the art of transformation, and the gift of unpredictability. Grant me the power to inscribe your chaotic essence onto these pages, and in return, I offer a sacrifice of great weight." The Veil stirred, a subtle acknowledgment of Hrothbert's request. "Speak of this sacrifice, mortal. What price are you willing to pay for the boons you seek?" With a solemn expression, Hrothbert recounted the ancient pact the tale of a mother of 100 children who, in desperation, had forged a covenant with The Traveler. "I offer the legacy of progeny, a weaving of blood and destiny. I shall sire children in your name, and they shall carry the burden of a hundred veils—the masks of transformation and the wanderers on the path you tread. They shall be your Progeny of Mirrors." A pause lingered in the air, the Veil contemplating the weight of Hrothbert's pledge. The laughter of The Traveler, a spectral melody, echoed through the grove. "You offer the cycle of life and transformation, a symphony of creation and change," the voice intoned. "But this sacrifice must go beyond mere words. You shall create something of great significance and they will be enslaved by my power and bound to my service and chaos will reign. If any of them break this vow they will be hunted by my faithful. " Bartus, his longtime friend, and fellow mage, intergets with a furrowed brow, his gaze drawn to the face of the Wizard. "Hrothbert, my old friend, what madness have you uncovered in these words?" Hrothbert looked up, his eyes alight with an intensity that betrayed a fusion of determination and obsession. "Bartus, these are the threads that weave destiny itself. I seek the power to unravel them, to free Winifred from the clutches of time and circumstance." Bartus sighed, a mixture of concern and exasperation etched on his face. "Hrothbert, I understand your grief, but the path you tread is perilous. Siring children as bastards, invoking the name of The Traveler, do you not see the ramifications of your actions?" Hrothbert his gaze unwavering. "Winifred's imprisonment in that timeless realm demands a sacrifice beyond the ordinary bounds of morality. The Traveler cares not for societal norms. It craves bold actions, threads of sacrifice to weave a new destiny." Bartus paced the room, his unease palpable. "But Hrothbert, these children—your offspring will bear the burden of veiled destinies, forever wandering in the shadow of your pact. Is freeing one person worth such a price?" Hrothbert's eyes darkened, the weight of his resolve pressing down on him. "Winifred is worth any price, Bartus. Her laughter, her touch, I will not let her be a prisoner to the inexorable march of time. The Traveler demands sacrifice, and I will not falter in my pursuit." Bartus halted, his eyes locking with Hrothbert's. "This is not just about Winifred, is it? There's something darker at play here, something that taints the very essence of your quest." Hrothbert's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Darkness or light, Bartus, matters not in the grand scheme. The Traveler is indifferent to our notions of good and evil. It craves change and upheaval, I am merely an instrument in its grand symphony." Bartus shook his head, torn between loyalty and apprehension. "I fear for you, Hrothbert. The pursuit of power through such unorthodox means—it will cost us more than you realize." Hrothbert rose from his knees, his eyes ablaze with unwavering determination. "Some prices are worth paying, Bartus. Winifred awaits she whispers to me, and I will defy the very fabric of fate to bring her back to my side. The veiled path I tread may be fraught with uncertainty, but Winifred is my anchor in this sea of chaos." Bartus sighed, realizing the futility of dissuading his friend. "May The Traveler be as indifferent to your fate as you believe, Hrothbert. I only hope that the threads you weave do not become a tapestry of sorrow." The Veil surged with energy, and the crystalline staff absorbed the essence released by the broken quill. The dusty book, now glowing with ethereal light, pulsed in harmony with the chaotic currents of the grove. "You have proven your dedication, wizard," the voice echoed, the laughter subsiding. "May your book carry the essence of my ever-changing ways, and may your children embrace the veiled path they inherit." As the Veil of Unveiling settled into tranquility, The pair knew that he had undertaken a journey beyond the ordinary threads of magic. The legacy of his sacrifice, woven into the pages of the empowered book, would be a testament to the chaos and transformation bestowed upon him by The Traveler. With a final glance at the crystalline staff and the now-glowing book of change, he embraced the unpredictability of the path ahead. A journey that echoed the laughter of the enigmatic Sovereign of Chaos and Change. Years passed and through his travels, Hrotbert kept his promise to the Traveler. He visited every brothel and tavern he could find and just as quickly as he arrived he disappeared from each woman's life. Many never knew even his name. The power of The Unholy Tome of Deceit fueling his successes the book changing as much as the whims of its maker. He found no pleasure in the task but along the way finding more information about each of the remaining members of The Dark Six. Hearing whispers and murmurings of the nature of each of The Fallen Gods. All along the way, he would hear Winifred whisper in his mind words of encouragement and forgiveness. Chapter 10 - The Betrayer and The Wheel
Welcomed Ruin to stop the Wheel Hrothbert felt the burgeoning power of The Grimoire of Chaos coursing through him, yet he recognized the insufficiency of his current strength. He knew he could not embrace it power alone. The time had come to court The Mockery, the sinister patron of dishonorable combat and unjust war, the master who bestowed upon seekers the ability to reshape the world through the crucible of war. The Mockery was known to grant those who sought him the power to destroy and reshape the world in their image through warfare. Venturing to the desolate ruins of Garmoria, a once-vibrant city sundered by a cataclysmic war, Hrothbert sought the nexus of The Mockery's might. Amidst the rubble, a testament to lives extinguished, he discovered "The Book of the Purge," the final testament of Garmoria's lone survivor. This tome unveiled the rituals and sacrifices requisite to summon The Betrayer. It was said that this was the place where The Mockery had once shown his might. Following the instructions in the book, Hrothbert set up the necessary components for the ritual. He gathered the ashes of the destroyed buildings, the bones of the fallen, and the blood of those who had perished. He drew symbols on the ground with the materials and lit a fire in the center of the circle. As the flames grew higher, Hrothbert began to chant, calling upon the Mockery to grant him the power to destroy and reshape the world as he saw fit. The wind began to pick up, and the fire roared, consuming everything within the circle. The earth trembled, a seismic announcment of The Betrayer's arrival as though an army of 10,000 warriors marched toward you in battle there stood the visage of a dark figure before Hrothbert. The figure was clad in tattered robes revealing a personage both beautiful and grotesque, a hood hid its face. "You seek my power?" a disquieting calm saturating its voice. Hrothbert nodded, "Yes, I need your power to save the one I love." The figure drew back its hood, revealing a face that was both beautiful and terrible the muscles usually hidden by skin exposed and visable. "I am The Mockery, I can grant your wish, but the price will be great. You must know that there is no turning back once you have embraced my power. I was once known as Dol Azur I betrayed my kin and received the great gift of Domination. The price I paid was being flayed and cast out" Hrothbert hesitated for a moment, "I understand. I am willing to pay any price." “Then speak. Tell me how you will use my power.” The Mockery commanded. Hrothbert explained a plan to use the power to defy the Gods, destroy armies, and cripple nations in the search for his Winifred. Hrothbert held up the book that was found in Garmoria and asked The Sovereign of Betrayl and Bloodshed to imbue it with the power he desired. The Mockery reached out and touched the book. Before Hrothbert’s eyes, the book began to transform into a tome with worn dark leather stained with blood and strange stitching with a thick cord hanging from its pages. “This Unholy Tome of Warfare contains but a small part of the power you seek. To become a true grimoire it comes at a cost. Power can not be given freely.” At this point, Hrothbert knew he was in too deep to turn back, “Name your price Betrayer.” “Harsh words from one such as yourself, yet they are accurate. You see I can not write the words into the Grimoire with my own hands. I will whisper my words into your ear and you will scribe them down with the blood of those you have taken in battle. With each word your knowledge of the Arcane will fuel the transformation, but it will be replaced with power from myself.” A quill made from the bone of one of the fallen and a well of a red inky substance appeared next to him. Hrothbert sat down with the Tome and began to put the pen to the page. With each word, he felt a burning in his brain. It was not his actual memories of the Arcane that the Mockery took, but his memories of learning of the Arcane. The Mockery took his memories of learning in the Tower, of the joy he had in pursuing his academics. The Mockery took his memories of working on his permanent transportation circles. The Mockery wanted all of his memories of joy, to mold him into the perfect agent of chaos, to remove all fondness and nostalgia for his enemies. He found a patch that he could not purge from his strong mind. The Sovereign Host's gift of memories was protected. No matter, they focused on Winifred and would only drive him to sew more chaos and stop The Wheel of governing bodies from creating Order. The raw magic flowed through Hrothbert and with order diminished in the world, The Mockery’s influence would only increase. The Mockery released his grip on Hrothbert and the Grimoire of Ruin was completed. Hrothbert now had the power of Ruin coursing through him, and he felt both stronger and more dangerous than ever before. Things were different, he had patches in his memories, but rather than confuse him they stoked the fires of rage he had towards the Sovereign Host and the Tower. He would destroy them for the sacrifices that he was forced to make. It would have all been so simple if they had not been incompetent. Bartus stood in awe as his friend scribed his memories into the tome. It seemed like hours passed in that single moment. The cursed wizard then looked into the face of his friend and Hrothbert did not recognize even a hair on his head. His eyes seemed lost in thought and burdened with great knowledge. Speaking to Bartus he exclaimed, “What purpose do you serve?” Bartus taken aback by this question replied “I am here to help you friend. I am on this journey with you” “Very well, let’s continue we have an army to gather. You will be a Captain in my Legion. You have a great purpose” Hrothbert touched the forehead of Bartus in that moment Bartus knew the histories of war, combat, and battle. He knew how to create mighty war machines and weapons of war. He could command armies and lead them to victory with his vast knowledge and charisma. He felt more valuable than ever. The Mockery had given him and Horthbert the Path to Ruin and he welcomed it. Hrothbert knew that his path would lead him to challenge the very fabric of existence, but he would do whatever it took to save Winifred, no matter the cost. As he left the ruins of Garmoria, The city crumbled further, swallowed by the earth, an allegory for the irreversible change he had brought upon the world. Yet, driven by an unwavering determination to save Winifred, Hrothbert pressed on, fully cognizant that his path would challenge the very fabric of existence. The world behind him would never be the same, and he, one step closer to salvation, embraced the path of ruin. Chapter 11 - The Guardian and The Void
embraced the Void through Putrefaction The air inside the cavernous chamber felt thick, oppressive, as if the darkness itself clung to the stones that formed the walls. The only source of light came from the dim, flickering flames in the braziers strategically placed around the room. The arcane symbols etched onto the floor pulsed with an otherworldly energy, casting eerie shadows that danced like specters. Hrothbert, the wiry wizard with now a stubbly beard, stood at the edge of a massive cavern, his crystaline staff in hand. Across from him, Bartus Willow, the wiry and nimble assistant, watched from the shadows, his keen eyes absorbing every nuance and action. An ancient tome lay open before Hrothbert, its pages seeming to breathe with a life of their own. The text within, etched in inky black glyphs, spoke of The Keeper, the Guardian of Gates and where the viel between the realm to the Keeper was thinnest. "This is the place, Master Hrothbert," Bartus whispered, his voice barely audible above the wind that whistled through the desolate halls. “It took an army to get here but we made it.” Hrothbert's eyes gleamed with determination, the flickering torchlight casting eerie shadows on his aged face. "Bartus, power is not for the timid. The Keeper has what we seek, and I am willing to do whatever it takes." As the words escaped Hrothbert's lips, he snapped the neck of a rabbit in hand and the chamber trembled, the air grew colder, and the very stones seemed to absorb the warmth, leaving only a chilling void in its wake. Shadows writhed and danced, coalescing into an eerie figure at the edge of cavern that disappears into the darkness. The Keeper, a spectral presence with a silhouette reminiscent of a gaunt humanoid skeletal figure, loomed before them. As they approached the edge of the cliff, the atmosphere thickened with the otherworldly presence. "You dare seek my power," the Keeper's voice echoed, a cacophony of whispers and distant cries. "What offering do you bring, mortal, to sway the scales of Death in your favor?" Hrothbert fixed his gaze on to the Unholy Tome of the Afterlife , his eyes reflecting the singular focus that seemed to pierce through the fabric of reality. "To wield the power of the Keeper, I must embrace The Void through putrefaction. I must dance on the edge of death to command the forces that lie beyond." Bartus swallowed hard, but he nodded in understanding he sought to weld the power of Raw Magic itself once again. The power of The Void and Death itself was one of the four raw powers of magic. The wizard stepped forward toward the manifestation of Sovereign of Death and Decay, and Bartus followed, their footsteps echoing in the emptiness. Clutching the Book of the Dead its pages seemed to writhe with an otherworldly energy, and the words inscribed upon them pulsed like a heartbeat. As Hrothbert lifted the book upward, the air crackled with arcane energy. He closed his eyes, murmuring ancient incantations that resonated with the very essence of The Void. Shadows gathered around him, swirling and coiling like ethereal serpents. Bartus watched in awe as the room became a canvas for the forces that Hrothbert sought to command. The unseen force of raw power of magic seemed to congeal the very darkness itself. A voice echoed in the silence, a whisper that crawled into the recesses of their minds. "Hrothbert, seeker of power, you tread upon the border of death. To wield a gift the Hosts themselves locked way, you must embrace the void and become one with me." Hrothbert's form contorted, his silhouette warping as if being pulled by unseen hands. Bartus gasped, watching as his master underwent a metamorphosis. The very fabric of his being seemed to unravel and then reweave itself, his body becoming a vessel for the essence of death. The Keeper's voice echoed again, a resonance that sent chills through Bartus's bones. "You have embraced the void. Now, take my gift, and let the pages of the tome drink from the well of shadow." Hrothbert, now bearing the weight of the void, approached the black tome. With a wave of his staff, the words on its pages surged with newfound power. The energy flowed through Hrothbert, through the staff, and into the very essence of the book. The air crackled with potential, and the shadows danced to the rhythm of an unseen heartbeat. “Guardian I beseech you," Hrothbert intoned, his voice carrying a resonance that seemed to bridge the mortal and the ethereal. "Grant life to these pages, and let them become the font of creation." The Keeper's power infused the book, and with it, the ancient text began to writhe and twist. The very fabric of reality seemed to ripple as the book absorbed the essence of the Keeper. As the process completed, Hrothbert turned to Bartus with eyes that held the weight of a thousand ages. He appeared to have aged 100 years in but a moment. His body frail and weathered but only in presentaion. The wizard still had his youthful vigor and drive it was only the husk of his visage that showed any illusion of age. "Bartus Willow, witness the birth of a new power—the power to animate and create sentiance from the idle. This is the beginning of a legacy that will shape the destiny of Allenia. The Warforged shall walk among us, born from The Opener of the Gates and tempered by the embrace of death." This guard I gift you to protect us from the oppression of the cynics. Chapter 12 - The Expanse and The Phoenix
Swallowed by the Expanse to block the path of the Phoenix Hrothbert diligently gathered stones and seaweed from the ruins, utilizing his blood and mud as mortar and grout. With painstaking care, he fashioned an altar dedicated to the Devourer. Days turned to nights as he made offerings, performed intricate rituals, studied pilfered scrolls, and uttered potent incantations, all in an attempt to beckon the attention of the Devourer. It had taken him months to find this place. Finally, a profound darkness swallowed Hrothbert and the altar as a resonant voice spoke, "What do you seek?" In glee, Hrothbert responded, "Power. I need the power to bring back my beloved." Holding up a book brimming with blank pages. The Devourer's deep laughter reverberated through the ruins., "You are too bold to ask for such a thing mortal. Your endeavors have not gone unnoticed, but to prove your worthiness, a vow is required. I can give you the power and bind myself to The Book of the Tide, but in return, you must make a vow to me." "What is it?" Hrothbert asked cautiously. The Devourer's deep laughter echoed through the ruins, "You must vow to block the path of the Phoenix, for it is from its power that life will be granted. You must find a way to keep this force at bay and prevent it from further intervening in your plan. Only then will I grant you the power that you seek." Hrothbert felt a chill run through him. He knew of the origins of the Phoenix. He knew this was going to be more difficult than he thought, but he also knew he must do whatever it took to save Winifred. He stood up straight, and said, "I will block the path of the Phoenix, but only if you will bind yourself to this Unholy Tome of the Depths and grant me the power I need." Another bout of laughter echoed, sealing their pact, "I will bind myself to the grimoire, and you block the path of the Phoenix. This is acceptable. Now, let us make the pact!" The simple blank book changed. The pages became rough and made of pressed seaweed. The binding is sewn together with thick vines and thin sharp fish bones. And so it was, a pact that was made with the Devourer, binding his strength to a powerful Grimoire of Expanse and gaining access to incredible power. With this power, he knew he was stronger and closer to bringing Winifred back from death. Hrothbert felt a sudden surge run through him, and he knew he had made the right decision. In a breath the cavern filled with water. The weight of the waves crashed into Hrothbert and knocked him into a panic. He struggled and heaved as his body twitched and hemorrhaged with pain. Water filled his lungs and he looked at his companion Bartus suspended in the water. His eyes were full of trust and resolve calmly waiting for Hrothbert to rescue them. His mind went to Winifred. Her voice whispered to him. “Life is the source. It is together we can create a soul. Together we can create life.” His eyes welled with tears and he knew what he must do. His mind left him and in letting go of the pain his hope and the possibility of bringing a life with his Love. He had sired many children during his lifetime but giving up that sacred union with his Winifred was almost too much for him to consider. Trembling with a knife in hand removed the part of him that would create life with his love. The water took him, this was the moment he was going to die. Was it all for nothing? Had he gone too far? Bartus then hovered over him and said “What have you done? Why?” as blood ran down his legs and he lay in pain. He had not remembered the water draining from the cavern. Hrothbert then replied “ I had to block the point of creation it is the only place that contains infinite possibilities. The life of an unborn child. There lies infinite power.” Bartus scowled but then smiled with a nod. The Expanse had swallowed Hrothbert. He felt the Weave flow through him, and he could understand the life of all things around him. He felt the power of the Phoenix, and it sickened him. A cave-dwelling creature was unlucky enough to crawl past him as he reached out, suddenly he could hear the creature's presence in his mind and pulled its power from it. He jumped to the wall and began to crawl up the walls just as it did. The creature then tried to force itself in front of his mind and gain control. He quickly pushed it back with his will. It would now always be a part of him but he had a stronger will. Clutching The Grimoire of the Expanse, he found he had an unnatural power to control the water around him. Necromancy came more easily to him. Unmatched and with dominion over life itself, he comprehended that to save Winifred, he had transcend the laws of nature. The sacrifice of his ability to have children with Winifried weighed on him, he had many children and with each passing day, his confidence in the success of his plan swelled, fueled by his growing power. Chapter 13: The Maker and The Sunderer
Cradled Corruption to release the Sunderer The Shadow, a deity as enigmatic as the darkness itself, was said to hold sway over the realms beyond mortal comprehension. Legends spoke of The Shadow's ability to manipulate time and destiny, making it a formidable ally in their endeavor. As Hrothbert ventured towards the manifest zone where the barrier to The Shadow was thinnest, the air grew heavy with anticipation and a sense of foreboding. The path they tread was shrouded in shadow, the very fabric of reality seeming to bend and twist around them. Bartus silently murmured a prayer, seeking guidance and protection in the face of the unknown. Hrothbert, seeker of the forbidden, you stand at the precipice of power," the Shadow intoned, its words dripping with a malevolent allure. "What is it that you seek, and what price are you willing to pay?" Hrothbert, undeterred, spoke with a voice filled with conviction, "Great Shadow, I seek the power to shape reality itself, to bend the very fabric of existence to my will. Grant me this power, and I shall be your devoted servant." "The Sunderer, a being of chaos, holds the key. You must Cradle Corruption, for it is the path to the Shadow's dominion," the Shadow whispered, its form dissipating momentarily before reforming with an ethereal grace. Hrothbert hesitated, his mind a storm of conflicting thoughts. One stood out more in his mind as he questioned The Shadow "I have heard this term before in some research done during my time in the tower. What of the legend of Mordenkainen and the Circle of Eight? How does it weave into this tapestry of power?" The Shadow seemed to grin, though its form remained inscrutable. "Ah, the Circle of Eight, keepers of the balance. One among them, the unnamed ninth, walked paths beyond mortal comprehension. It is said that the Circle's dissolution was born of ideological strife and grudges, a cradled corruption from within, but the truth is veiled in the shadows of time." As Hrothbert absorbed the revelation, the Shadow continued, "You, Hrothbert, shall become the harbinger of shadows across time. The key lies in the manipulation of the arcane currents. The power you seek is in the past, and the release of the Sunderer Aku from the shackles of temporal bonds." As Hrothbert clutched the empowered tome, a sudden vision flashed before his eyes. He stood in a distant past, witnessing a gathering of powerful wizards – Mordenkainen and the Circle of Eight. A forgotten face, obscured by shadows, lingered on the periphery of their arcane circle. The vision dissipated, leaving Hrothbert with a profound realization. The unnamed ninth member of the Circle was none other than himself. A forgotten past, a hidden truth, and a task that beckoned him across the fabric of time. The Shadow's voice resonated once more, cryptic and laden with purpose. "The Task of Cradled Corruption awaits you, Hrothbert. Corrupt the Circle of Eight from within and Seek the Sunderer, release the chaos within, and let the shadows guide your destiny." Hrothbert questioned. "Time travel? Astral projection?" The Shadow nodded, its darkness pulsating with an unseen energy. "Harness the power within you, the very essence of the Shadow, to create a Shadow of yourself in the past. Release the Sunderer, and let chaos reign across the ages. In doing so, you shall forge a destiny that echoes through time, and the Demon shall be your ally." As the arcane energies enveloped him, Hrothbert's consciousness was torn from the present, hurtling through the currents of time like a leaf carried in a tempest. Visions of ancient battles and long-lost civilizations flashed before his eyes, a kaleidoscope of moments that shaped the tapestry of existence. In the blink of an eye, Hrothbert found himself standing on the precipice of a momentous event—a gathering of powerful wizards known as the Circle of Eight. The air hummed with magical potency, and the grandeur of Aislinn Tower loomed in the background. Hrothbert watched in silence as the historical drama unfolded before him. Mordenkainen, the archmage, presided over the council of eight powerful wizards: Bigby, Bucknard, Drawmij, Leomund, Nystul, Otto, Rary, and Tenser. The unnamed ninth member's absence left an unspoken void in the assembly. In this pivotal moment, Hrothbert recognized the opportunity to alter the course of history. His presence as the unnamed ninth member, could reshape the destiny of Aku. Hrothbert knew he had to act with subtlety and finesse, manipulating the events to his advantage. As the wizards debated the delicate balance between Life, Death, Order, and Chaos, Hrothbert subtly introduced himself into the conversation. His voice, like a phantom whisper, echoed through the chambers of Aislinn Tower. "I am Hrothbert, the one who moves in the shadows, unseen and unheard. I bring with me the wisdom of eons, a perspective that transcends the bounds of time," he declared, his presence cloaked in an aura of mystery. The wizards exchanged glances, uncertain of the intruder's origins. Hrothbert, masked in the veils of astral projection, continued to weave his narrative, subtly guiding their discussions towards the legend of Aku and the long-forgotten. "The legends speak of a power sealed away, a force that could tip the scales of reality. Aku, imprisoned in the jagged black tree, seeks release. This quest holds the key, a path that only the Circle of Eight can tread," Hrothbert proclaimed, his words resonating with an ancient truth. In this bygone era, the Circle of Eight, with their enigmatic leader Mordenkainen, convened to discuss matters of balance and cosmic significance. They could not be swayed there minds were too stubborn. As the Circle discussed the intricate weave of destiny, Hrothbert's astral projection approached a young boy playing in the woods nearby, he was dressed in white robes and howling like a wolf. The shadows clung to the spectral form, concealing its true nature. It was nearing the Solar Eclipse when the seal that locked away the power would be its weakest. Hrothberts astral projection hissed to the boy, "The Sunderer awaits release. Seek the forgotten lore of Mordenkainen, the legends that bind the fabric of time. Release the power to reshape destiny shall be yours." The young boy, under the influence of his shadowy guide was given the hidden knowledge that would lead to the unlocking of the Demons prison. As Hrothberts astral projection guided the past towards the culmination of the group disbanding, the threads of time quivered with the impending release of the Sunderer. The Circle of Eight continued their discussions. The Ninth member of the Circle of Eight was but an insignificant boy being influenced by the whispers of an image from the future. It is unknown if this mere deception was enough to break up the group or the blow to their ego and shame that a simple boy out whitted the greatest wizards of that age. This information is lost in time. In the present, the empowered tome in Hrothbert's hands resonated with the events unfolding in the past. The air crackled with a malevolent energy as the Task neared completion, and the astral projection whispered the final incantations to release the Sunderer. The shadows thickened, and the Tower seemed to echo with the distant cries of chaos. As the astral projection completed its task, the threads of time shivered, and a dark laughter echoed through the ages. Hrothbert, back in the present, felt the weight of destiny shift. The release of Aku, the Sunderer, now lurked on the horizon, and the consequences of his actions would reverberate through the ages. The power of the Shadow, once a mere whisper, had reshaped the very fabric of time, and an Obsidian Tower stood as a silent witness to the wizard's manipulation of destiny. Bartus stood as his friend that once seems lifeless surged back to life after but a few moments. "Hrothbert, what have you done?" Bartus demanded, his voice a low growl. Hrothbert looked up from the book, his eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and trepidation. "Bartus, my old friend, I have unlocked a power beyond imagining. The Sunderer, a forgotten demon of immense power, is now bound to this tome. With its aid, we can reshape the fate of the world, use its power." Bartus, a grizzled cleric by now with weathered features, eyed the ominous tome with a mix of curiosity and caution. "Hrothbert, are you sure about this? Bringing back a demon, even one sealed away, doesn't sound like the wisest course of action." Hrothbert, his eyes ablaze with the power of the Shadow and the whispers of Winifred echoing through his mind, leaned forward, his fingers tracing the intricate patterns on the book's cover. "Bartus, we've been given a gift, a power that could tip the scales in our favor. Not even the Tower can stand against us. The demon within this book, once sealed away, can now be harnessed to aid us in freeing Winifred. We only know its secrets. The book can only be read in the darkness if any light shines on it pages it appears to be blank. It was written by the hand of The Shadow we know the one who can make the words appear. These fail safes make it improbable that anyone could discover its secrets." Bartus grunted, skeptical but intrigued. "A demon as an ally? I never thought I'd see the day. What kind of power are we talking about here?" Hrothbert's gaze held a mixture of reverence and excitement. "This demon is no ordinary entity. It was sealed away for a reason – a forgotten force that could reshape reality itself. With its power, we could stand against the greatest threats that loom over us." Bartus crossed his arms, his weathered face furrowing in thought. "But there's always a catch, isn't there? What's the price we'll have to pay for wielding such forbidden power?" Hrothbert sighed, acknowledging the gravity of their situation. "The only one who can stop this unleashed demon is lost in the past. He's the boy who opened the prison, allowing the Sunderer to be released into this world. This White Wolf is lost in time and long forgotten." Bartus leaned back, his eyes narrowing. "So, we're dealing with a paradox. The very person who can save someone from the demon's wrath is the one who set it free in the first place." Hrothbert nodded, his expression serious. "Exactly.” Bartus scratched his beard, contemplative. "Time travel and demon allies. We're treading on dangerous ground, Hrothbert. But if this is our only chance, we must proceed carefully. You never cease to amaze me. What's our next move?" Hrothbert leaned back, his eyes fixed on the empowered book. “We save Winifred”
Comments