Amborn - First five chapters

8/8/2019 Amborn - First five chapters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/amborn-first-five-chapters 1/74

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By: C. Anthony Goggin



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Prologue

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The wind howled through the halls of the

savior, whipping up dust and sand and spinning it

in intricate patterns. Amborn wrapped his cloak

tighter to shut out the chill, staring at the swirling

dust he got the impression that if only he looked a

bit closer and for a bit longer he might see Ortanu's

plan unfold before him. Glancing about he could

not help but notice a subdued atmosphere about

Pintera. Ever since Zaleth had left, the halls had

lost some of their light. Hearing footsteps he

turned to see Hermes walking towards him.

³You have been summoned to the high chamber

Amborn´ said Hermes in an almost whisper, not

wanting to disturb whatever it was that had held

his attention for so long. Looking at Amborn, he

could not help but wonder why he had been sent to

find him, glancing at him from head to toe; all he

saw was an aging fool, covered in dust with anunkempt beard. ³The lord himself has requested

your presence´.

Standing up Amborn winced slightly; had he

really been sitting down for so long? Hermes

noticing his discomfort offered an arm as they set



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off towards the chamber of gold.

Standing at the entrance to the Golden halls

Amborn felt his Lords presence all around him. It

felt like a spring morning just before a

Thunderstorm. ³Enter´, the word erupted into hismind with such force and power. It hurt, but in a

good way, a heady mixture of pain and

overwhelming pleasure at having his Lord, his God

speaking to him. Stumbling into the Chamber

Amborn was almost blinded with rapture, simply

from being in his presence. Dropping to his knee's

Amborn barely managed to whisper ³what would

you have from me Ortanu?´³I am troubled´ Amborn heard pulsing in his

skull... ³I fear that Zaleth has fallen´.

Hearing this Amborn started to panic. His dear

friend killed? But how, Zaleth was protected by

Ortanu¶s own will, surely no harm could have

come to him. ³Lord but how? Surely you yourself

protected him?´

Amborn then felt sorrow erupting almost from the

walls, and it took all he had not to be

overwhelmed. ³No Amborn, Not slain... fallen. He

has gone the way of the morning star. He has put

me from his heart and now claims dominance over

the lands of Serapnoir. He already holds the Cities

of Lamerith in thrall´. Hearing this news Amborn



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was filled full of questions. How had Zaleth, one

of their brightest fallen? And then there was the

question of Serapnoir? He had heard of no such

thing.

Ortanu, sensing the questions Amborn did notdare ask sighed. ³Serapnoir was to be my new

World separate from Earth, Amborn. I created it in

my image after realizing I had failed man. I had

hoped to do better. I thought a world that did not

know my touch, my voice, and my will might

prosper where a world flooded with false prophets

claiming my voice as their own failed. I sent the

brightest of you Angels down to watch and guidewhere it was needed. To help and to watch...to lead

by example...But I was wrong.´

Amborn could not believe what he had just heard...

Zaleth turned to the dark, a new Earth created?

³But Lord, why tell me this? What can I do?´

³Go Amborn, you are my arch in this, I have

watched you. I have seen your soul. Go to

Serapnoir, heal what can be healed, save what can

be saved and stop Zaleth.´ With that Ortanu waved

a hand and the divine wind rushed through the

Chamber, lifting Amborn and carrying him away...



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Amborn looked around as many different

images flashed before his eyes, it had seemed likea lifetime that he was falling but he fell still.

Thoughts still rushed through his mind about

Ortanu¶s great order. What was he meant to do on

this land that he knew nothing about? What of

Zaleth? His best friend and the head Angel had

fallen. What would this mean to Pintera, land of

the Ortanu¶s? Surely there was something wrong,

some piece of information that he hadmisunderstood, but before he could think of

anything he saw blue skies and clouds below him.

Soon, he could see the land around him. It

reminded him of Earth, its peaceful mountains, and

rivers running through the plains. Right as he was

marveling in the beauty of it, he thudded down on

the ground and he felt his body quiver in pain.

Looking around he saw that he was on a very tall

mountain, in fact, it was the tallest in sight. Before

he got up he took the time to massage his knees

which absorbed much of the impact, and were

quite sore.



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Looking around he saw no path down, and

decided he must climb down. The trees were a

beautiful green that reminded him of his cabin on

Earth. The many different shades of dirt and grass

were amazing in their glimmer, and shine. Hewalked gently for some time before coming to a

large drop off and had to find a decent ladder

formation of rocks to climb down on. But as he

lowered his foot down, the rock underneath it

cracked in two sending him down through the air

toward the bottom nearly two hundred feet below.

He was certain he would land hard and break his

back but just before the moment of impact, hestopped. Floating in the air he wondered what

could have done such a thing. As he thought about

it, he slowly lowered to the ground and was placed

down softly and comfortably.

He stood up to examine himself and the area, but

found no remarkable reason for his miraculous

save. H ow queer , he thought to himself, does this

land of Serapnoir have resistant gravity? Hewalked along a small clearing, edging towards the

small pond below. For nearly seventy years he had

been dead, and had never experienced thirst. Now

that he felt it again, it came strangely but naturally

to drink the water. It was cold, and as it touched



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his lips it brought back many memories of his past

life. He remembered cold milk, and hot eggs fresh

from the stovetop. He remembered going hunting

and looking for squirrels with his son. Amborn had

not thought of these things in a long time. Notsince he was accepted to be an Angel of the Order,

and his son turned down had he thought of his life.

When becoming an Angel, you are transported to

Pintera, land of the Ortanu¶s away from all of the

other spirits. For thirty long years, Amborn had not

seen or heard of his son Adam. He wondered what

it must be like, to be in Heaven along with the

other spirits. Pintera was a wonderful place, and heloved being in the service of Ortanu«but he could

not help but wish to be with his family.

He finally reached the bottom of the great

mountain, nearly three hours after his arrival at

Serapnoir. Past the fields he could see many

different lands and rivers. There was a vast lake,

with a river heading north. Through a mere whim

he decided to follow it, and began his journey towherever he could find people. The river was long,

and narrow, but its water was crystal blue. In it, he

could see an assortment of fish and frogs as they

swam around and flopped above the water. After a

while Amborn was wondering if there was any



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intelligent life on this new planet until finally he

saw something drinking from the river in front of

him. It appeared to be a great horse, larger than

any he had ever seen; at least fifteen feet tall. As

he approached he noticed something very strangeabout this creature, it did not appear as most

normal horses do, its chest bent up into a very

peculiar shape. This horse was not a horse at all, it

had the body of one«but it had the head of an

ape! Amborn stopped dead in his tracks about

thirty feet away in hopes of not being noticed. The

strange creature finally looked up and stared right

at him. Amborn¶s knees shook and he fell to theground as it met him face to face.

³Hello human. I am Derek, who may I ask are

you?´ Did this horse creature just speak to me?

Surely not! But the ape face continued to look at

him with wondering eyes, and Amborn built up the

courage to answer. ³My name«I¶m Amborn.´ The

creature backed up a bit and shook his head,

³Never heard of you. Where are you from,Amborn?´ To this Amborn did not know how to

reply, he could not speak of Heaven, or Ortanu or

surely he would be punished. ³I am from very far

away«.what , if you don¶t mind my asking, are

you?´ This for some reason or another caused the



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creature to laugh. ³That¶s a good one, ³What am

I?´ very funny.´ ³I¶m sorry mister, but I honestly

have not a clue what you are.´ Slowly the creature

stopped laughing and began to stare at Amborn

blankly, ³You don¶t?´ ³Sorry, but no I don¶t.´ Thismade the creature frown a bit, ³Very odd, most

humans know very much about us Gargils.´

³Gargils?´ ³Yes, that is what we are called. We

mostly live in a place called the White Oak

Forrest, but surely you know of the great white

wood?´ Again Amborn was embarrassed to admit

that he knew nothing of these creatures or places.

³Surely you are not of Lamerith, if you truly

know so little.´ Derek calmly stated with a

chuckle. ³Uh« no I¶m not.´ This finally calmed

the creature and the two began conversing about

their day and before long Amborn asked if he

could tag along with Derek, as he knew the land so

much better. ³Normally, people are not allowed

into our city, but you are not a man of war I can

tell«it will be up to the guards to let you in, but Iwill take you there if you like.´ ³That is fine«may

I come?´ The large ape head shook in agreement

and after enjoying a few more sips, they headed

towards the White Oak Forest.



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They had a long way to walk according to Derek,

in fact, the White Woods lie on the opposite end of

the nation. ³There are many fields throughout

Lamerith as you can see.´ What Derek said was

very true, they had crossed nothing but flat fieldssince they began walking. ³So, what is the White

Oak Forrest? Some sort of city, or a forest?´

Amborn asked in the most politely way he could,

³It is both. It is the greatest forest known to

Serapnoir, its trees are a bright white shade, and

the leaves are of a golden color. It is also where the

Gargils developed their cities long ago, and it is

now our home.´ ³What happened that made thehumans and the Gargils dislike each other?´ Derek

frowned a little, ³Most humans are very resentful

of us because of our appearance. They call us

³Freaks of Nature´´ ³Oh«that¶s terrible, we had

similar problems where I come from.´ Somehow,

Amborn truly did feel for the beast, as he could tell

that, in mind at least, Derek was not so different

from him. ³We are nearing the Black Lake now,

up there.´ Derek was pointing at a very large and

deep lake with many creeks stemming from it in

different directions. ³We are roughly half way

there now«perhaps we should rest here for the

night?´ ³Yes, that is fine with me, besides it¶s

nearly dark.´





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around a gust of wind blew past him and the water

in the lake seemed to recede from the shore

leaving at least forty fish to squirm in the sand.

³How did you do that?´ Amborn asked Derek

honestly. ³I didn¶t do that! Come on now, let¶s getsome of them.´ They happily gathered the fish and

walked to the grassy area where their fire was. The

lake water slowly came back to rest in its natural

position. ³Amazing«truly remarkable!´ Derek

shouted loudly and with great excitement.

³Yes«very strange.´

Amborn ate in an almost zombie like state. His

mind was on other things. Between his great fall,

or lack thereof, and then the lake; he was quite

curious how so much luck could come to him.

³This is some of the best fish I have ever had, how

about you Amborn?´ ³It¶s«very good indeed.´

Derek laughed at him, ³What¶s wrong with you?

You¶ve been acting strange since I met you.´

³Nothing, I¶m just a little preoccupied is all.

Sorry.´ They finished eating and began packingtheir things to be on their way. ³Which way is the

White Forrest Derek?´ Amborn asked in hopes of

sounding normal. ³North West from here, we will

pass by Palamoore on our way.´ ³What is

Palamoore?´ Amborn asked, ³It is the capitol city



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of Lamerith! Goodness, I have never met someone

as dull as you. What are you doing here if you

know so little of the area?´ This is what Amborn

was afraid he would be asked; after all he had no

answer. ³Just traveling, wanted to see some newsights I suppose. Like that mountain that I found

you near.´ Derek shook his head, ³Yes, Mount

Gibs is the tallest in Serapnoir. Beautiful, but she¶s

hell to climb.´ ³Yes, I would imagine so«´

Amborn replied in a soft and avoiding voice.

³We are nearly thirty minutes from Palamoore

now; we should see its great walls soon.´ Derek

called out to Amborn who was walking a bit

behind due to his bad legs. His blue robe was torn

and dirty but he felt clean, and reborn. It was like a

second life was given to him, like he had never

died. ³Here, use this staff.´ Derek said as he

handed him a great stick. ³Thank you, this should

help wonderfully. I fell you see, and my knees are

giving me trouble.´ ³No problem, I like walking

slow; it gives me time to look at the scenery. Look,there are the walls.´ Amborn looked and beheld

walls nearly a hundred feet high and all painted

silver. They went on for miles and miles, but the

size and stature remained true. ³I have never seen

such a thing. They would stop any intruder!´



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Amborn said as he marveled at their size. ³Not

quite, they have been broken through before, but

not by many. We Gargils got in once, during the

battle of the year 998.´ His voice was grave when

he said this, and Amborn knew that there was ahatred for that year in Derek. ³War? The conflict is

truly that bad?´ ³Oh yes«you see, we Gargils are

very intelligent creatures and we do not stand for

being treated any different. They were using us as

slaves and horses of such. So, our great King at the

time retaliated and we took our stance on the

battlefield. It was fifty years ago, but I remember it

so clearly.´ Derek¶s voice trailed off and he beganto walk faster, so Amborn did not ask further

questions despite his intrigue.

They arrived at the gates of Palamoore at

roughly noon. Derek¶s plan was to just pass by

quietly and to not be disturbed. Plans however, are

made to fail. As they crossed the grassy hill

Amborn stared at the tall golden gates and the five

guards around it. Two of them came walkingtowards them with his hand reaching for his sword.

³Sir, what are you doing here in Palamoore?´ he

asked and Derek replied, ³We¶re not in Palamoore,

we are just outside the city, therefore we are

simply in Lamerith.´ Amborn laughed at this, but



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the guard must have found it insulting for he

looked at Amborn and asked, ³Does he belong to

you?´ This idea made him angry, ³ Belong to me?´

³This Gargil, he belongs to you?´ Derek nudged

Amborn in the back and he replied, ³Er«yes, he¶smine.´ ³Where are you taking him?´ Surely the

guard had no right to ask these questions! Amborn

thought. ³We are just walking, I need the exercise,

and I can ride him home if my knees give out.´ He

finally said with a slight grin, proud of his witty

answer. ³Very well then, on your way.´ And the

guard walked away.

³Nice job there human, even I believed you.´

Derek said as they happily walked away. ³How far

are we now?´ ³Maybe an hour or so, if that.´

Amborn nodded and increased his pace, after the

amazing walls of Palamoore; he could not wait to

see the White Woods. ³Derek?´ he asked, ³Do you

think they will let me in? After what the other

humans have done to you?´ he had been worried

about this for a while, and finally it had amountedin his brains enough so that he spoke up.

³Amborn«some of them will welcome you

gladly, but I fear the elders will be much more

hesitant. They remember the old days far too well

to just move on like the rest of us. They were



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literally tortured, hung, and decapitated during the

early wars.´ Amborn was shocked at how the

humans behaved to such remarkable creatures, but

he then remembered how things were not so

different on Earth. ³Where I come from, manyanimals were mistreated as well, just for being

different. It even got so bad; that humans were

treated badly if they looked different then what

was considered normal«´ Amborn felt strange

talking of Earth when Derek knew nothing of it,

and wished he could tell him. Ortanu¶s message

kept popping in his mind in times like these

though, and he quickly shut his mouth. ³Soundslike our lands are not so different then.´ Derek said

softly. ³Were you ever treated this way Amborn?´

³No. Or at least not for the same reasons.´ ³Oh?

What do you mean?´ Amborn did not wish to

speak of this time in his life, and simply kept

walking to which Derek did not seem to mind as

he spoke no more.

The fields had turned to trees now and whenwhite trees with golden leaves began appearing in

scarce amounts, Amborn figured they were nearing

the forest. ³Who is your King, Derek? Is he a nice

fellow?´ ³His name is Alector, but most call him



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Alec. He¶s nice enough; I never saw anything

wrong with him anyway.´

Finally a tree line was in sight and they were no

more than two hundred yards away. ³When we getthere, just follow my lead. I will tell them what I

know about you, and then we shall wait for their

answer.´ ³I should say nothing?´ Amborn asked

angrily, ³Not until they have said yes or no«then

you may blabber as much as you want.´ Derek

smiled, and it gave Amborn hope that the guards

would allow him into the White Oak Forest, which

as he could see now; truly was of the most

amazing things he could ever dream of. The trees

rose up higher than any before, and their white

wood shined in the light of the sun. The golden

leaves shimmied in the wind and covered the gates

completely.

³Who goes there?´ the guards shouted. ³It is

Derek, son of Gratics and fellow Gargil.´ He

yelled back. ³Who is that with you? Why have you brought a human to the forest?´ with these words

the guard sounded angry and Amborn was feeling

his chances slip away. ³I must speak with King

Alector about him. He is a good man, and he is not

of Lamerith.´ ³How can you be so sure? Can you

prove that he is not one of the Palamoore filth?´



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Amborn was shocked at how much hatred existed

for humans as he noticed the face of the guard

flinch at even mentioning Palamoore. ³I must

speak with the King!´ Derek shouted. This

shouting triggered something as the guards drewtheir bows and took aim for Amborn. Fifty arrows

came soaring through the air at him and he knew

all was lost. Derek ran out of the way as the arrows

got within five feet of them, and Amborn stood

still, still as a board. The arrows stopped, and fell

to the ground peacefully. The guards looked at

Amborn with open mouths, ³You have brought a

mage to the White Forrest? Why didn¶t you sayso? Bring him in!´ Derek also looked astonished at

this, but the gates opened and Amborn felt himself

being pushed by Derek, ³Go on«´ he whispered.

³I will take you to the King, my name is

Terrence.´ said a large Gargil as he came down the

long stairs from the wall. ³Uh«hello Terrence,

I¶m Amborn.´ Slowly Amborn was beginning to

feel awkward, as he thought of the title the guardhad given him, M age? I am no mage«am I?

Terrence was talking but he paid no attention, his

thoughts were too many for such trivial

conversations. These weird happenings were

starting to amount to something, but a mage? Such



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things were what you found in fairy tales during

Amborn¶s former life! But he thought maybe, in

this new world of strange things; magic and

wizards did exist. W hy couldn¶t Ortanu have

explained more? H elped me with my mission?Amborn felt a bit of anger at this but accepted that

there must have been a reason, though he could

think of none. As he finished thinking, he looked

up to see a large hallowed out tree with golden

doors and a large flag next to it. ³This way

Amborn, the King resides in this tree.´ Derek

whispered.

King Alector was the tallest of the Gargils that

Amborn had saw, and wore a crown of silver and

sapphire with a look of dignity and knowledge.

³My men tell me that you are a mage«is this

true?´ he asked in a deep bellowing voice. ³I«I¶m

not sure sir.´ Amborn replied in a soft and

respectful tone. ³That is how the other one

responded as well. Zaleth was his name, do you

know him?´ ³Yes! He was my friend, but I hear heis much different now«is that true?´ This was the

question that ached in Amborn¶s heart the most;

could it be possible that his friend of so many

years truly have become a fallen angel? ³Zaleth is

certainly not the same as he was when he came



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here«he was a very kind and caring being, but no

longer. He has slain many men and even more

Gargils over the course of a few years.´ Amborn

was struck deep in his heart by this news. The man

he thought he knew was always a good friend, andseemed to have the best intentions for humanity. ³I

am sorry to hear that. He was a very good friend at

a time.´ The King frowned, ³I know your pain

well. Come in here, we shall speak more.´

The tree seemed never ending in its size, as they

entered a large room resembling a council office,

with a long table and many chairs. The King took

his seat at the end and Amborn took his place next

to him. ³I am guessing, as Zaleth before you, you

do not know how to use your magic?´ Amborn

was amazed how these creatures spoke of magic as

if it was common. ³No, I do not«it mostly

happens by accident.´ The King shook his head

and smiled, ³We can help with that, if you want.´

Amborn wanted to jump on the opportunity but

calmed himself down. ³That would be great sir, but how?´ ³We cannot show you how to do

everything, each wizard has his own range of

power, but we can show you how to control it and

use it when needed.´ This was all a new world to

Amborn, and he questioned this offer deeply but



25

decided that it would probably be his only chance

and accepted. ³Good, it is late now so we will start

tomorrow. That okay with you?´ Naturally

Amborn agreed, and left with Derek who offered

him a place to sleep in his tree.



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Derek¶s tree was small but well kept. Its rooms

were well laid out and Amborn felt at home while

eating dinner with him in his kitchen which was

painted yellow. ³I hope you don¶t mind squirrel

meat Amborn, I have not been able to hunt for

quite some time now.´ ³Quite all right Derek, I

used to love squirrel, haven¶t had it in a while infact.´ He replied honestly. He used to hunt for

squirrel in his past life every Friday with his son.

This brought back sad memories again for

Amborn, and he tried to change the subject to

avoid looking unsatisfied. ³This is some wonderful

stew, what else is in it?´ Derek smiled, ³It was my

mother¶s recipe, it contains a dash of pepper and

the usual spices«but the main ingredient´ he said

while reaching for a bottle, ³is this. A small bit of

banana juice makes it taste perfect.´ Amborn

scoffed at this, ³But bananas have no juice«do

they?´ he asked remembering that all was not the

same as Earth here. ³Quite right, but my mother

found that smashing bananas in a bowl of honey,



28

created this flavor«good isn¶t it?´ Amborn smiled

and shook his head as he took another bite.

The subject of magic had not been spoken of for

most of the night to Amborn¶s great pleasure but itwas inevitable that that Derek would bring it up

eventually. He asked the obvious questions of why

Amborn had not told him, and why would he not

know his own power. Amborn spent nearly an

hour trying to describe the situation without

speaking of Ortanu, or his great mission. He hated

telling such lies when Derek had so far been a

great help in his journey, but knew that he had no

other choice. Finally they decided that sleep was

what they needed and Amborn headed up the long

winding stairs to the upstairs room which sat just

below the main branch layer and shielded all

sunlight from entering its windows. So much so,

that Amborn would have slept late if not for the

loud horn which blasted through the trees and

awoke him with great surprise.

³What was that?´ he asked as he stumbled down

the stairs to see Derek scrambling his things.

³There have been men spotted approaching our

gates, they think it¶s an attack!´ he yelled softly as

he grabbed his bow. ³An attack? Why would the

humans attack so suddenly?´ Amborn asked in a



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state of panic. ³You.´ Derek replied with speed

and sorrow as he head out the door leaving

Amborn to decide a course of action alone. He

could not attack the men with the Gargils for he

was sent to protect the people, and he could not aidthe men for he had grown close to Derek and

wished them no harm. He thought of staying in the

tree to let it pass without his aid either way, and

even sat down for some time. Before long

however, he knew what he must do. He had just

decided to make a pot of tea when he heard the

pain in his head whisper to him in a voice like a

soft winter wind, ³Stop them all .´ It was a quick and complicated order from Ortanu, and it left

Amborn wondering what he should do in order to

fulfill it. A great length of time was spent thinking

until the matter called immediate attention and so

he left the tree for what laid outside.

The great King of the White Wood was standing

in front of nearly three hundred of the Gargils and

the King of Palamoore, and he was standing infront of at least an equal number of men. Amborn

came down from a ladder and to the front of the

line of Gargils to which the King smiled, ³Come to

aid us in the battle to come?´ Amborn frowned,

³No.´ he then began walking through the field but



30

only made it half way before the angry wave of

Gargils charged as well as the humans. They

charged toward him intent on destroying each

other. They were within ten yards of each other,

with swords raised high before Amborn took action. Feeling a wave of air seemingly go straight

through his body, he stamped his staff into the

ground and yelled in a mighty voice, ³EVERY

ONE STOP!´ and slowly, a yellow wave went

through the crowds of soldiers sending them

hurdling to the ground on each side leaving

Amborn the only man standing while the Kings

looked upon him in wonder.

³Uh«´ he mumbled as he struggled a way to

explain himself. ³Look, I don¶t know why you

think I am so important,´ he said looking at the

human King. ³And I don¶t want you dying over

me.´ He said looking at the Gargil leader. ³What I

do want is to talk to everyone about an important

aspect of this feud. You fight each other and hate

each other«yet there is a power in the East thathates and kills both of you. I wish for a

meeting«a conference of sorts to speak with all of

you in a civilized matter.´ Amborn was nervous

and it showed greatly for his great intelligence

seemed to not want to help him come up with his



31

speech. ³King Alec, and King Laos, I wish to

speak with you if that is alright with the both of

you.´ he said again as the Kings looked on in

astonishment. The human King could not get his

mind of what arrogance this strange wizard had. ³Iwill speak with you whenever you require´ the

Gargil King said kindly but King Laos did not act

in such a kindly way. He stood up and walked

strait to Amborn¶s face and mumbled curse words

under his breath. ³Very well, but no guards!´ he

spat, ³Good, there should be no need of them

anyway.´ Amborn smiled and walked away

towards the gate.

The armies were left to think about this while

Amborn walked through the trees thinking to

himself about what he could say at the meeting.

Instead of going to the Kings tree however, he

headed for Derek¶s. He felt he needed time to think

so that he could have all the words in order and not

make a fool of himself. He walked in the door and

sat on the nearest chair which was hard and madeof some sort of stone that had been sanded and

smoothed over. E ven if they decide to not continue

battle, what on E arth could I say? He thought to

himself. The use of the word Earth made him



32

chuckle, realizing the others wouldn¶t know what

he was talking about if he used it again.

Derek soon came walking through the door.

³What are you doing sitting there? The Kings arewaiting for you!´ Amborn smiled and stood up,

³They can wait a bit longer I think«wish me

luck?´ ³Of course, this is very stupid you

know«but if you do this right it could stop a long

lasting rivalry. So, yes I wish you luck.´ Derek

replied with a smile and Amborn left the comfort

of the tree to head for the angry leaders who

awaited his arrival in the tallest, whitest tree. H ere

we go, he thought to himself as Derek waved

goodbye.

The path to the council room was long and full

of doubt. Amborn was questioning his mission

more than ever and wanted to kneel down and beg

Ortanu for answers. The door was intimidating and

he found it hard to reach for the handle. Amborn

had never known such stress but handled itdecently as far as his outer appearance; any

passing person would never guess the trouble

going through his mind. He walked into the

council to see many people sitting in the chairs all

staring at him. Some of them were men who

looked very dignified and others were Gargils who



33

looked old and wise. Amborn was standing there

in his blue robe and with his red beard messy from

the wind and felt slightly embarrassed by this.

³Good evening, I see you have decided to take up

my offer?´

Many of the men scowled and the Gargils did not

look all too happy either but Amborn walked to the

only empty chair and sat down with hope and

optimism. A long silence fell over the crowd and

Amborn finally began to feel uneasy again. He

thought quietly while the others stared at him until

he finally broke the tension. ³Zaleth as we all

know has killed many of both our armies. Gargils

and men alike have been slain at his hand and he

continues to seek reign over Lamerith. Yet despite

this common enemy you continue to seek battle

with each other and waste many a good soldier

trying to take the other out. Are you blind? Or are

you truly mad?´ he asked in a sad tone and the

King of Men took the situation to yell, ³What

would you know about it stranger? You come froma far off land and decide you can tell us what we

are doing wrong? You weren¶t here!´ Amborn

smiled a bit and calmly responded. ³You fight

these Gargils simply because of their looks. What

does that say about you? Let us fight the ants for



34

being too small, or perhaps the bears for being too

big? Its madness and it has got to stop.´ The King

was both embarrassed by and angered by this.

³You claim this war is because of the men? Donot forget how many of us have been killed by

them as well!´ Amborn stood up and his face was

grave, ³They have chosen the wrong path as well,

that is not the point tonight. Tonight we make

amends and move on with our lives. There are

worse things in the world than a petty war that has

been going on for far too long. Two wrongs do not

make good. Now is the time to come together and

see the light. Both of you have strayed from the

path, both of you can turn around and come back.´

Finally King Alec spoke, ³Amborn is right. Now is

the time for salvation, the threat in the East is to

grave to carry on fighting against each other. Only

together can we survive.´

The room felt the silent cry of the wind again

and Amborn smiled as he felt victory near. ³Myfriends, I come here as the middle ground. You do

not know who I am or where I come from, but I

come as the peacemaker. Join me, and together

Zaleth will fall. I cannot possibly achieve victory

without the combined armies of both men and

Gargils. Please«´ This decision was not an easy



35

one for both sides, the battle of men and Gargils

had been going on for nearly all of Serapnoir¶s

existence. But as if suddenly seeing the light, King

Laos stood up, ³Let it be known, that the year 1125

was the year that peace was brought to the Gargilsand Men by a mere stranger. I now am going to

retire to bed.´ After that the men all left the tree

leaving King Alec and Amborn alone.

³Do you think he is telling the truth sir?´

Amborn said quietly to avoid being heard. ³I feel

he is, but I fear that the common folk may not take

to this alliance kindly. It will take time before we

come to respect each other but only time will tell I

suppose.´ The giant creature stood up and bid

Amborn farewell as he left the council room. He

made it half way to Derek¶s tree before he realized

the luck he had just had and the mass importance

of what had just occurred. For the first time

Amborn felt confident in himself and his mission.

P erhaps Ortanu had made a good choice after all.



36



37

&KDSWHU7KUHH

The next day the men of Palamoore had left and

King Alec was sitting in Derek¶s living room as

Amborn walked out of his bedroom, still aching in

his knees. ³Hello Amborn, Derek was just telling

me how you were tossing in your sleep last

night«bad dream?´ Amborn was a bit shocked at

the randomness of the Kings question but

answered truthfully. ³Uh«I can¶t remember to be

honest, probably.´ The King shook his head and

waved him to the neighboring chair. Amborn sat

down and looked at the King funnily. ³What are

you doing here sir?´ he asked politely. ³I thought

you wanted some help with your magic?´ ³Oh. Of

course, I forgot.´ Amborn replied and half smiled

trying to not let the King think he was lying, which

he was. ³Well then, come to my tree at noon and

we shall get started. Okay?´ and he stood up

walking to the door. Amborn agreed quickly as

Alec was halfway out the door.

Derek finally came in from the kitchen with

some funny looking bread that he offered to

Amborn as breakfast. ³What was that all about



38

Amborn? He looked very strange when he came

in.´ ³Just wanted to tell me that he¶s ready to start

my lessons in magic«´ Amborn paused and

laughed at how funny this all seemed, he was

getting lessons in magic from a horse with agorillas head. He thought back to his life on Earth

and began laughing again. ³What¶s so funny?´

Derek asked who had been looking at him

strangely. ³Oh, it¶s just how different Lamerith is

than my old home«´ To this Derek looked at him

with a questioning look, ³Funny, I didn¶t know

there were places that much different than

Lamerith«where are you from Amborn? I have been asking and asking, and yet you hold out. Tell

me!´ he asked laughing. ³Derek, I really can¶t. I

am sorry but it¶s just not allowed right now.´

Amborn was scared that he would begin to upset

Derek, and it was of conflicting wants. He wanted

to tell Derek, but he wanted to keep his promise to

Ortanu and the promise to him had a much higher

importance. Derek took it well however and shook

it off. ³Want some tea?´ he asked as he went back

into the kitchen.

³I will return soon Derek.´ Amborn said as he

walked out of the tree to look back down the path

to the High Tree. This time, it didn¶t look quite as



39

intimidating, but Amborn was just as nervous. The

morning cold was slowly becoming the warmth of

noon as the sun peaked high above the ground.

There were no shadows and Amborn found peace

in this. The walk was never the less uncomfortableand Amborn struggled to hum in spite of it.

Suddenly Amborn was jerked back to reality from

his memories when the smell of blood touched his

nose. W hat is that? He thought as he reached the

gate to King Alec¶s yard. Amborn¶s worries

returned at last.

He was reluctant to open the gate but slowly

pushed it open to reveal the source of the stench.

To his left, there were two dead Gargils and three

more to his right. Finally Amborn glanced to the

center of the yard. There stood a cloaked figure

that appeared to be slowly ripping Alec apart.

Amborn gasped and the creature jerked up and

looked straight at him. The creature stared blankly

as though he could not see around him. Amborn

looked at Zaleth in horror for he saw the changethat had come over him since they last met. His

eyes were uncaring and a pale red, his beard had

faded to a grey and black color that looked sinister

and cruel. He had lost the glow that was

characteristic of angels and he seemed a dark



40

caricature of his former self. Zaleth had truly fallen

and there was no doubt. Amborn fell to the ground

and knew no more.

When Amborn awoke at last, night had befallen. No one had seemed to have been to or from the

yard since he had passed out and all was the same

as before. Slowly Amborn climbed to his feet and

he left through the large stone gate. He quickly

became sick and vomited which finally alerted the

natives of queer happenings. ³You there, what¶s

wrong?´ a Gargil said as he walked up to the gate

pausing in horror as he beheld the death inside.

The poor creature looked at Amborn in anger and

began questioning him what he had done. Thus

begins Amborn¶s biggest problem yet: proving his

own innocence.

Heads naturally turned to Amborn for questions

for he was the only one to attend the meeting who

came out alive. ³I have done nothing!´ he yelled as

the passing Gargils yelled and screamed with thequickly spreading news. Amborn sped off to

Derek¶s tree to avoid further cursing, in retrospect

he decided that it was not the best idea to run, for it

made him appear guilty. The lights of Derek¶s tree

shone in the distance and Amborn increased his

speed in hopes of reaching it before any more



41

Gargils showed up. As he reached the door, an

alarm sounded throughout the village and Amborn

knew that what awaited him was hatred.

Derek turned to face Amborn and gladly sang,³What¶s going on out there?´ but Amborn could

only look down at his feet which were trembling

from the stress on his knee. ³Never mind. How

was your training?´ Derek was still smiling and

has seemingly forgotten the alarms that were

constantly blaring through the windows. Amborn

stumbled over to the nearest chair and sat down

with a slight thud. He looked ill and very grim.

Finally Derek became weary of him. ³What has

happened Amborn?´ he spoke gravely as he stared

onward. ³Derek«I am afraid something terrible

has happened.´

He then recounted everything from the moment

he left the tree to the time of his return in grim

detail. He spoke of Zaleth and his loss of breath

when he collapsed to the ground. He told Derek of the people accusing him of the crime and begged

for his trust. Derek looked onward in disbelief and

sorrow. ³I don¶t know what to say Amborn«but I

do swear my trust in you. I will defend you at all

costs in this matter, but the Gargils will not be so

easy to sway. They distrust you; they always have



42

and always will I¶m afraid. What must we do?´

Amborn sighed in relief, if only Derek believed

him, he would be happy. But the threat of death

was upon him, for the entire township would soon

be screaming at their door step and they could nothide behind it forever. ³I do not know Derek. I

simply do not know.´

Amborn had terrible trouble with his sleep

throughout the night. He awoke many times and

often pondered not laying back down. Finally he

seemed to find peace and he fell into sleep softly

and easily. However, it was not of a normal sleep,

he seemed to be flying through a purple sky made

of clouds and fire until he was thrown into a

golden door. He was not in his body; rather he was

watching it from a short distance away. He walked

to a high and mighty chair where far above Ortanu

was sitting humming to himself. ³Amborn, you

have come at last.´ The voice rang loud and clear

but powerful and grave. ³I am sorry my lord«I

did not know I was meant to come.´ He spoke infear. ³No need to be sorry, you had no choice in

the matter. I have called you to Olympus for a

reason. It now serves as our meeting place.´

Amborn looked around and saw rivers of the bluest

water, and far off he saw trees of the brightest



43

green. Ortanu was sitting not on a throne, but the

top of the largest tree in the great place. It was

large enough to be more than a million years old

and its branches formed a great chair like shape.

³What do you need Lord? Have I done somethingwrong?´ Amborn spoke quietly and trembling. ³Of

course not Amborn, I called you here for my help,

not for yours. I have seen the horror of recent

events and know that you seek guidance. I will

give it to you; speak of what you wish to know.´

Amborn thought for a long while and broke silence

in fear of boring the Lord. ³Do not speak if you are

not decided. Time does not pass here.´ Ortanu

interrupted and Amborn smiled in return. He

gathered his thoughts and decided to ask for three

things. ³If I may, I have three questions to ask. Is

that okay?´ ³Of course, speak them.´ Amborn

stood up and held out his staff. ³What am I on this

Serapnoir?´ Ortanu laughed and waved his hand as

images of heroes came to Amborn in vivid detail.

Quickly the images sank to the table anddisappeared completely. ³Does this answer your

question my son?´ Amborn trembled from head to

foot in the great burden he suddenly felt and the

realization of his place on Serapnoir. ³Why choose

me as the messiah of the people Father? I am only



44

a man of Earth; I do not deserve such importance

in your plan.´ Ortanu stood up and spoke loudly,

³Do not question my plan Amborn; you know not

of what is to be in the coming times. Things have

changed. A great tide of evil is rising in the eastern banks of Lamerith, but a greater darkness lies

beyond that land. I will not reveal it to you now,

but beware«Zaleth is not the only fret in the

universe.´ ³I am«I¶m sorry.´ Ortanu sat back

down and frowned woefully, this image seemed to

burn Amborn¶s eyes. ³I am sorry Amborn. This

should not have befallen you, but I trust in my

choice still, and I have faith in men yet. Beyondthe lands of the White Forrest there lies a village

that holds the key to your journey. That must also

be revealed later however. What is your second

question?´ Amborn tried to comprehend the

sudden blast of knowledge that Ortanu had

entrusted to him and spoke with a sudden

confidence. ³How do I prove my innocence?´ ³Ah

yes. This will never be fully proved. However, you

may use this.´ Ortanu picked up the table which

seemed small in his grasp; suddenly it shrunk

down further and was placed in Amborn¶s pocket.

³It will work the same way as I have used it here,

call upon your memory of things, and it shall be

revealed. Your third request?´ To this Ambon was



45

weary of asking for it. ³What shall be my next

move?´ Ortanu again frowned and Amborn felt a

warm breeze blow by with a slow sorrow in the air

he spoke his final words. ³Go to Narsik, land of

the warriors and seek refuge with their King. Fromthere you must find your own way. I will not see

you for some time Amborn. Please take all

precautions for you come closer to Zaleth¶s

fortress here and it is impossible to tell what he

knows at this time. Good luck.´ The wind picked

up and again Amborn saw the purple clouds until

he seemed to be flung into his own body and he

jerked awake. It was daylight.

Amborn¶s chest pounded and his shoulders felt a

great strain as he sat in his bed thinking about the

previous night¶s dream. What had Ortanu meant

when he said ³a greater darkness´? Did Ortanu

intend for Amborn to stop both of the rising evils

in this land, or just Zaleth? What was the second

evil? It was all driving Amborn mad and he

wondered why he couldn¶t just have all of theanswers at once instead of being left to wonder and

to figure it out on his own. To this though he

remembered the Lords other words, ³Do not

question my plan!´ and the voice seemed to echo

in his mind with great resonance. He stood up and



46

felt his legs had seemed to finally heal and no

longer pained him as they had for so long since his

great fall. Derek was in the kitchen cooking a

strange smelling breakfast.

³Good morning Derek.´ Amborn said falsely for

he knew the morning was anything but ³good´.

³Amborn«hello. Do you want some turtle shell?´

and he held up some of the odd looking substance.

³No«no thanks Derek, I¶m not hungry.´ Amborn

walked to the living room and sat down with a

thud, outside patter of many feet could be heard

and Amborn became nervous. ³Have they come

here yet, searching for me?´ he asked in a bitter

tone and he wished he wouldn¶t have asked. ³No,

but I received a letter saying to trap you and drag

you to their court. I hope you know that I will not

drag you, but we must go today.´ Amborn sighed,

³Yes, we will meet them after breakfast but for the

moment«I would like to try some turtle if you

don¶t mind.´



47



48

&KDSWHU)RXU

Time moved unbearably slowly for Amborn. But

his mind seemed ahead of the times as it raced

around from thought to thought. His pocket

weighed down by the small table that lay softly in

it, he stood up from the kitchen table and

exchanged a glance with Derek. Both creatures had

barely known each other for a few days and yetthey both trusted each other more than anyone they

knew. Amborn felt incredible sorrow over the

death of Alector but he felt worse for the Gargils

who remain alive who are now without a King to

guide them. Slowly he realized that he also felt bad

for himself as King Alector was the only other

Gargil who had been open to Amborn¶s strange

ideas and in a sense was his only hope of

communicating with the rest of the forest.

³Shall we leave now Amborn?´ Derek spoke

quietly but with a power behind the whisper.

Amborn looked up and wished he could continue

eating the turtle shell forever despite its horrid



49

flavor and tough texture. ³I believe if we don¶t

they just may come to get us. We had better be

off.´ They both nodded and walked to the door,

pausing to look out through the small window. The

forest was abuzz with madness, Gargils weepingand screaming, and many of them looking at

Derek¶s tree as if they wished to burn it down by

staring at it. Derek opened the door and they both

slowly walked outside to chants of different insults

from Gargils ranging from young children to old

and decrepit creatures. ³I suppose the reception at

the meeting hall won¶t be much better. What is

your plan Amborn?´ To this he had no goodanswer, ³I don¶t have one Derek.´

The meeting hall, a place Amborn grew less fond

of every time he had entered it. But he felt hope for

this visit for he had the help of Ortanu, which was

something he knew he needed from the beginning.

He had walked many miles on this strange world

and through every step he longed for answers and

though they were brief, he had finally gotten some.Still he wondered whether this would all work out,

and how he could ever defeat an angel like Zaleth.

Zaleth had been one of the strongest and wisest

among the angels and most looked to him when a

problem arose. Now Amborn was alone and could



50

not share his story or even so much as ask for help

from anyone else. He knew that in the end he

would march to Zaleth¶s castle alone, and he

would have to end it all, alone.

The door of the meeting hall was upon them and

Amborn had done good to avoid the evil stares and

dark expressions on his walk there. But now he

was looking, hoping for just one person to smile at

him to break the feeling of dread he had suddenly

contracted. The door opened with a creek and he

walked in with Derek alongside him, the room fell

silent. Gargils of high stature sat and looked at

them with wonder, astonishment, and mostly hate.

Amborn looked at them with a gloomy expression

in return and quietly sat down at the table to hear

what the order was to say. Among the Gargils was

an old and wrinkled man who looked as if he was

nearing the end of his days and they all looked to

him as he walked in and sat down.

³You all know why we are here´ he said in a deep but fragile voice. ³The sudden and violent death of

King Alector has come as a shock to all of us.

With the arrival of a human in our forest, many of

our kind have decided that it must have been at the

hands of Amborn who sits with us today.´ The old

creature looked at Amborn who looked back



51

wondering where he stood in his opinion. Amborn

reached for his pocked wondering if he should take

the table out now.

³However,´ the Gargil said suddenly. ³I do not believe this is so. For I have seen a vision unlike

any before it. It was a vision of peace in young

Amborn¶s heart«and his spirit.´ Amborn sighed

with relief but now had more to think about than

ever. The old man turned to speak to the people

now.

³I have seen Alector¶s death and it was not at the

hands of Amborn the Peaceful.´ He said before agasp among the crowd. ³No, it was indeed Zaleth

the Retched who has killed our young and vibrant

King. Take this as true for it has been seen by me

and I believe it to be so.´ He finished with this and

stood up to leave. Amborn could say nothing but

suddenly everyone in the room no longer looked at

him with disgust. In fact, they barely took notice of

him and Derek leaving the Hall. Derek had urgedAmborn to stand and leave with him for the

meeting was over.

³I do not understand Derek, why is the vision of

an old man enough to keep my freedom as my

own?´ Amborn asked suddenly as they walked



52

home. ³Because Amborn,´ Derek started. ³Hotani

is the oldest among our kind, and he is our spiritual

guide. He is the head of our religion and we all

look to him for answers. He is our God.´ Amborn

paused cause Derek to walk ahead of him beforestopping to look back. ³Your God?´ Amborn

asked. Derek looked at him plainly.

³Yes, our God. You see he founded our society

and was ultimately the reason why we our able to

live here without fear of attack and invasion. He

saved the Gargil community when we dwindled to

but a few creatures left. He brought us together and

showed us the River of Black.´ Derek replied

quickly and knowledgably. But he left more

questions.

³What is the River of Black?´ Amborn asked

and this got a look of disbelief from Derek. ³It is

the River which gives us our ability to think and

talk«it is the reason for our human like brains.

But it must be taken with caution for the river hasdark waters and some creatures find it useful for

other things. I cannot believe you did not know of

this!´ Derek said in shock for it was common

knowledge around the world that the River of

Black had waters of power and magic. ³I¶ve lived



53

more sheltered than I imagined.´ Amborn said

quietly as they continued home.

Amborn had a lot to think about now, and

answers weren¶t coming. He had not used thetable for he didn¶t have too. But he wondered how

this old Gargil had seen the incident when he was

sure he had been the only one at the scene.

Amborn searched his memories through the night

looking for something he might have missed,

something that would prove Hotani might have

been there. But his memories proved nothing.

Derek was in a lighter mood but the overallgloom still rested on the forest and Amborn knew

he must soon be leaving without much of an

explanation. He was told to go to Narsik but he

knew not where Narsik was in this vast land of

strange creatures and magic. For all he knew

Narsik would be on the other side of the world and

Amborn without a way to get there but to walk.

Derek was humming a tune when Amborn came toask some questions.

³Derek, where is Narsik?´ He asked hoping it

would not be far. ³So, you don¶t know anything

about Lamerith but you know of Narsik? How is

this?´ Derek replied laughing. ³Seriously though,



54

it¶s on the other side of Lamerith, not far from

Zaleth¶s Fortress actually. Why would you want to

go there?´ Derek looked grave as he spoke now, as

if Narsik was a horrible place and this worried

Amborn. ³I need to go there as soon as timeallows.´ Amborn said as he sat down to rest. ³Well

I can take you there if you want; I¶m not doing

anything so if you need me«´ Amborn cut him

off, ³I am afraid I must go alone Derek. I will

leave tomorrow.´

³Why tomorrow? Can¶t you wait a while?´

Derek asked as if he was pleading. ³Afraid not

Derek, but I want to thank you for all your help;

you have been a valuable friend and a light in these

dark times.´ Amborn smiled and so did Derek and

they finished a small dinner before going to sleep.

Derek slept peacefully, but Amborn was restless

and the light of morning came before sleep did.

³All I want is to sleep.´ He said.

Daybreak brought new happenings though as theforest did not look at Amborn as if he was the

essence of the Devil. This brought cheer to both

him and Derek for they no longer looked at Derek

as a supporter of criminals. They walked along the

cobble paths with smiles on their faces, though

they tried not to think of parting most of the way



55

and the arrival at the gates proved differently.

Amborn looked out as a storm cloud spread across

the sky as if it was stretching to take him away on

a journey he didn¶t want to go on.

³I would have come with you Amborn.´ Derek

said suddenly breaking the silence. ³I know, and

that¶s why I would never have you do so. For your

own good I feel you should stay here.´ Amborn

confused Derek further with every word he spoke.

³I don¶t know what you¶re doing or where your

path will lead Amborn, but I wish you luck and

hope you fare well.´ And with that they parted,

Amborn left the White Forrest without any plans to

return. He was off to Narsik with only an old map

provided by Derek as his guide. From what he

could tell he had a long journey ahead of him but

he knew not what perils awaited him on that

journey; only that his feet would not be happy

about it fore they already ached.

He started his journey passing the huge gates of Palamoore again though the guards were not so

hostile towards him this time. The gates looked as

if they could hold back the army of Hell and if

Amborn¶s fears were realized, they would be doing

that before long. The sky was dark and rain was

starting to fall when he arrived at the Black Lake



56

to take a rest. He sat and looked out among the

clouds which were looking mean and cruel now.

He hoped it wouldn¶t storm but he knew otherwise

from the thunder he heard from the distant Mount

Gibs. So there he lay for the night, rain pouringdown and all he looked and listened to the land of

Serapnoir. It was a land he didn¶t understand but

he knew he liked it. He felt he could get used to

living here if Ortanu asked it of him. But this

brought back memories of his family, and his

former life on Earth. It all seemed so far away

now. As if from some faraway place he heard a cry

and jumped up. Something was going on in thetrees and Amborn lurched forward to investigate.

The woods were dark and the fog made it hard to

see much of anything. Amborn searched until he

was quite a distance from the lake and he found

nothing but the screams kept getting louder and

closer. He seemed to be right on top of it but still

he saw nothing, the screams echoed in his head

until he fell to the ground from the shrillness of it.He grabbed his face in agony and wished for it to

stop until finally he fell and hit his head on a rock,

knocking him unconscious. Or at least his body

was.



57

Colors rushed by him until he arrived in the

Halls of the Savior. The silver walls were instantly

recognizable but Amborn was confused why he

had been called home. Had he failed already? He

walked until he encountered Ortanu calling himfrom a dark room with no door. He obliged and

entered unknowingly.

³Amborn, I have some questions to ask you

about your talk with Derek and the council.´ He

said in a ringing voice that shook the walls and

rattled Amborn¶s mind. ³Of course, what do you

need to know?´ Ortanu smiled and a light lit up the

room as if daylight had hit suddenly and with great

power. ³I need to know about this creature they

call Hotani. What is he?´ Amborn looked up and

answered, ³Well that«they call him their

God«they worship him like we did you on Earth.´

Amborn knew this was not what Ortanu wanted

to hear but it was very important information. ³I

see. I am slowly realizing something Amborn and Idon¶t know how it will affect our mission. I will

keep you updated.´ Ortanu waved and Amborn fell

through the floor and seemed to land back in his

body. He stood up and walked back to the lake.

After all this, he planned on sleeping for a great

while.



58



59



60

&KDSWHU)LYH

Sleep seemed to despise Amborn for it never came

around him and he chose to continue his journey

after trying for over two hours. Now Amborn was

nearing a great patch of wild forests known

unofficially as the Black Forests because within it

lye the Black River which Derek had described to

Amborn. He walked carefully in an attempt to alertno one of his presence there; but within those trees

there are eyes that see all. Strange creatures not

unlike men can be found there, or so Derek

explained during their last dinner together.

The storm had eased up and the clouds parted

enough to allow a line of sunlight peek through the

green leaves and this allowed Amborn to see a

good path which had been ran into the ground. Hewalked along for a while without any disturbance

other than his own nerves. He thought the trees

were coming to an end many times only to see that

they were only receding for short distances and

returning later. But Amborn grew uneasy for he



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heard noises around him. He wondered if he was

being watched as the hair on his neck stood up.

Tension rose and every cracking twig sounded as

though it were a great oak falling to the ground.

Finally he turned to see behind him and saw whathad indeed been following him.

A small man, and though his stature did not

invoke fear, his appearance did. He had blood red

teeth and green skin. His eyes were black as night

and had no emotion, and he stood there dressed in

bits of cloth with his arms high in the air as if he

was calling something from the skies to fall upon

them. Amborn stepped back to see what was

falling but it was more like diving. Great black

crows were diving at Amborn and began to peck

and bite at his face and neck. Amborn managed to

grab three of them and throw them to the ground,

injuring them beyond flight but more just kept

coming.

Amborn was getting desperate, his face felt as if it had been ripped to shreds and the small man

seemed to have an endless supply of crows ready

and able to dive at his will. The birds finally gave

break for a split second giving Amborn the chance

to lunge at the man and tackle him to the ground.

Amborn stood up and slammed his staff into the



62

ground and the man fell limp. He was dead. The

birds all flew away and went along as if nothing

had ever happened. It was as if they had not been

in control of themselves and had only attacked due

to orders made by the strange fellow who lay deadnow.

Amborn stood slowly and examined his face

with his scarred hands. He had lost some blood,

and his looks were not to be desired but other than

some scars he was okay. A short rest and he was

on his way again though he decided to be more

careful about which paths he chose from here on

out. Things were so different from what Amborn

expected, and even from what he thought he had

learned since arriving on Serapnoir. This world

revealed more to him at every turn and he

wondered how much was left unknown to him.

This thought made him wonder if some things

were still unknown to the people and creatures of

Serapnoir as well and perhaps were only here

because of Zaleth and his terrors.

Amborn was avoiding any woven path in hopes

to avoid being found again. The trees blended

together though, and his direction was lost. The

map was supposed to tell the answers but his

position on the map was an unanswerable question.



63

He wondered now if he would ever truly

understand anything here without some sort of

guide from Ortanu. He only knew so much and in

order to defeat Zaleth he would need to know so

much more. Why wouldn¶t Ortanu answer him?Or, and this thought made Amborn

tremble«maybe Ortanu himself didn¶t know the

answers. This thought brought a severe headache

to Amborn and he figured it was Ortanu punishing

him for thinking such a thing. But Amborn was

beginning to doubt himself and his journey which

could lead back to Ortanu. Perhaps questions must

be answered a different way?

Lost and confused Amborn decided to set up

camp in a small clearing with no trees but plenty of

soft grass and a canopy overhead to block out

unwanted light. It was here Amborn decided to put

his worries away and let himself relax for the first

time since leaving the White Forrest. He sat back

and let his head push the grass down feeling it

bend and squeak as the water dripped to theground. Here Amborn enjoyed himself as though

he was still in Heaven. Thoughts of Serapnoir and

his old life on Earth were no more here. Rest came

easy, and before long so did sleep.



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Amborn awoke to the sound of some green birds

singing a tune like no other had ever heard. His

ears delighted at the sound and he rose without an

ache in his body to be found. He looked around the

trees hoping no one was around and found himself to be quite alone. The trees were still and the forest

was quiet. The river could be heard rushing

downstream nearby and he felt thirsty. However,

he did know if he could drink the water from the

Black River, and so he was forced to continue his

journey without refreshment.

His lips were dry and the aches in his back and

legs returned as he looked out among the many

miles of forest ahead of him. All hope was fading

and the happiness of morning was going away fast.

Suddenly he saw a light between a great bush the

size of a small fort. He pushed through the twigs

and leaves to find he was standing on a large hill

and below him sat a tent next to a young boy or

man who was cooking something on a fire.

Amborn went to go back through the bush whenthe boy turned and waved him downwards. He

figured this young man must be kind for his smile

alerted no ill feelings in Amborn. So he took the

time to nearly fall down the hill and greet him.



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³Good day lad.´ Amborn said softly as he shook

the boy¶s hand. ³Yes it is, the sun seems to be

giving us some light finally.´ The boy said in a

very mature voice compared to his appearance. He

motioned Amborn to sit down and they both didupon logs which were perched next to the fire.

³You look like you have been on a long walk sir,

would you like something to eat or drink perhaps?´

Amborn shook his head and smiled but the boy

handed him a water pouch anyway and Amborn

refused to let a drink get away this time.

³Thanks«err I didn¶t catch your name.´ The boy

smiled, ³James sir, of Ailforth. I¶m out here on a bit of a hunting trip, how about you?´ Amborn

smiled as he remembered hunting trips of old on

Earth and shook himself to remember where he

was at, ³Amborn is my name kind lad, and I¶m on

my way to Narsik if I can find it.´

³Narsik, that¶s dreadfully close to old Zaleth¶s

fortress. Why would you ever want to go there I

wonder?´ James looked genuinely worried aboutanyone going that close to Zaleth. ³I was told I

could find my way there. Seems I have something

waiting there for me. Where is this Ailforth your

from.´ James smiled, ³Only the quietest, most

boring place you have ever wished to leave



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Amborn sir. It¶s a small farmer town about twenty

miles from Narsik. We get our own bit of injustice

from the hands of Zaleth you see, and Narsik gets

full blast of it. We only get what comes around

them and it isn¶t desirable sir.´ James ended hiswords in a grave voice and seemed like he may

have had some serious encounters with the wrath

of Zaleth himself. ³Sounds like I may have my

work cut out for me then James.´ Amborn said this

mysteriously but James did not push for

information out of respect. Instead they continued

to eat the stew and enjoy the cold water which

James continued to offer as they sat through mostof the day.

³You ought to sleep here tonight sir, it¶s getting

dark as it is and you don¶t want to get caught alone

out here at night.´ James said as the stew was

finished up. ³Well, I really should get some ground

covered but if there is one thing I know its how

things get around this forest at night. I had a run-in

with something last night that I have never seen inmy life.´ He replied as the boy stood up, ³Well

then you can sleep in the tent and I will stay out

here to keep watch for a while.´ But Amborn could

not ask this of the poor lad, ³James I could never

ask that of you. Take your tent.´ James laughed,



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³You may not ask if of me, but I am asking it of

you. Now please, take my tent and sleep well. I

can take comfort from the sleeping sack I have out

here. Good night.´ James closed his eyes and

feigned being asleep so Amborn gave up and wentto lie down indoors for the first time in a while.

The inside of the tent brought memories back to

Amborn as he closed his eyes. He remembered a

time when he and his son had went on a hunting

trip in the woods in Oregon and had slept in a tent

much like the one he lay in now. He smiled and

slipped into sleep without any struggle unlike

recent nights. He dreamed of his journey, as if he

was watching it from just outside himself. He saw

his walk from the mountain he landed on and the

many miles before he reached the Black Lake and

found Derek. He went through every aspect from

the White Forest across the thirty odd miles he had

walked until finding James at the river bed. He

then seemed to see a map with a marker of where

he was sleeping. He had driven off course a bit andwas north of the road to Narsik. He had been

heading toward the border of Lamerith. This dream

continued on like this until he was awoken by the

noise of bacon frying over a new fire.



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James had woken up much earlier than Amborn,

something Amborn was not used to. In yet another

stroke of kindness James decided to go hunting for

breakfast and managed to find a wild boar that was

now going to be the duos meal. Amborn thankedthe boy many times as he marveled at his cooking;

he had not experience bacon like this and he

wondered if it was different from Earths bacon due

to being a different bread of boar. He chuckled at

what would normally be an insane thought if this

journey had not taken place. James stared as

Amborn continued laughing. ³Sorry dear boy, I¶ve

remembered something funny during my travels.´Amborn did not like to lie, but it seemed necessary

and harmless. James nodded and stood up to cut

more bacon. Amborn waved him down, ³Quite

alright James, I do not require more nourishment,´

he laughed again. ³No, you have treated me kindly

enough and I would be perfectly happy if you

could just point me in the right direction.´

³Well I can do more than that sir. If you willallow it I will take you all the way to Ailforth. I am

ready to be heading home and it¶s on your way

anyhow. Would that be okay with you?´ Amborn

smiled and replied, ³Yes, I could use the

conversation anyway. Human interactions have not



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been so kind to me since I arrived in Lamerith and

you have reminded me of better time.´ James

smiled awkwardly and began packing his things.

Amborn began to help and they were off before

noon crept over the mountains in the south.

Thirty miles Amborn had traveled from the

White Forrest and he was now thirty miles away

from Ailforth. With half the journey done he was

glad to be of company with James for he had

missed a good conversation since leaving Derek

behind. James was unbreakably kind and very

smart which Amborn continued to find along the

six miles they got through before nightfall. Their

pace had been slow but still they figured there was

no hurry. Amborn was worry free and he was

enjoying every minute of it.

³Why would you want to go near Zaleth¶s palace

Amborn? It¶s a right foul place you know and no

good will come to you if you go about it the wrong

way. His forces have done horrible things inAilforth and we only hear of worse from Narsik.´

James was continuingly grim looking when he

spoke of Zaleth and it drove Amborn to ask,

³Something had happened to you by the hand of

Zaleth has it not?´ To this the boy did not wish to



70

answer but he figured he owed Amborn the truth if

he was going to trust him.

³My mother was«killed by the hands of a stone

kelt.´ James looked up with a shiny gleam of sadness in his eyes and Amborn looked down.

³Sorry James, but what is a stone kelt?´ This was

the first time in which Amborn had head of such a

thing and he immediately wanted to know more.

³It is a horrible thing, a servant of Zaleth himself.

He sends them out in waves of ten and fifty. They

keep us ³in line´. They are about twenty feet tall

and carry huge weapons, and being as they¶re

literally nothing but stone giants, there has been

nothing we could do to stop them.´ Amborn sighed

as did James, ³What happened with you mother

James?´

³She tried to stop them from taking our vial of

bluecular water.´ Amborn felt bad asking another

question but he needed to know everything,

³James«what is bluecular water?´ James lookedup, ³It¶s the water from the Bluecular Lake at the

bottom of Mount Gibs. It¶s just south of here.

Zaleth uses it to create his armies. I reckon he

could go and get it from himself but the lake only

lets kind hearted people who have sacrificed for

others to go near it. It has some sort of unworldly



71

power because it can make things come alive with

a simple drop. My mom used it for her cabbage

gardens«he uses it for his kelts.´ Amborn thought

about all this for a while, the Bluecular Lake must

have been at the bottom of the mountain he cameoff of at his arrival in Serapnoir but he

remembered no lake. ³The kelts?´ he asked, ³You

mean stone kelts?´ James looked wearily at him,

³Not exactly, he makes many breeds of them.

There are stone kelts and kelts makes of trees that I

know of. But I hear that there have been kelts of

steel and iron attacking Narsik lately so you never

really know I guess.´

Amborn had a lot to thing about on this night and

again he felt the feeling of uncertainty and lack of

guidance. His sleep would not be as easy as the

night before but he took comfort in his learned

companion who had helped him when he dearly

needed it. He knew something of what he was

going against now, though it only made his mind

worry, it was a start. James and Amborn decidedthey need not talk of the matter anymore for

memories and emotions sake and so they both

went to bed eagerly and with haste. Amborn

looked at the stars as the world faded black and



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silence fell around him. Sleep invaded and he

knew no more until mornings illuminating light.

James woke up early, he had wished to prepare a

new meal for Amborn before being on their wayagain. Amborn was enjoying his sleep anyway and

continued to do so for about an hour while James

was gone. Then it happened. Amborn began seeing

images in his dreams as he had before and like a

wave of energy he heard a voice call out, ³You

have found the key to everything Amborn.´ This

was all he heard and he saw but a grey room

shrouded in black curtains. James had just returned

to find Amborn trembling violently in his sleep

and quickly tried to wake him. Amborn jumped

and looked around rattled by the strange dream. It

was not a message from Ortanu this time.

Someone else was trying to tell him something.

³Are you okay sir?´ James asked concerned.

³Yea«it was just a bad dream.´



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Documents

Amborn - First five chapters