Hal, that’s way below my present abilities.
I know, Elder. But those are the only capabilities of this form. Upgrading my form will
also unlock other abilities.
You're like an RPG, Hal. You need to level up.
I don’t get the reference.
Oh, forget it. Let me sleep.
Excellent, Elder. Your body does indicate the need for rest. I will keep watch.
Tyler slept amid disturbing dreams. Brief memories of the battle surfaced. Of another
probable result where Eira, Jotunn and Habrok died. Of another possibility where the
dark being was let loose, devouring Skaney and then the rest of Adar in its primordial
hunger. And all through these images and dreams, Tyler watched, shouted in protest,
and finally raged against the destruction he witnessed.
The scene changed. He was on a battlefield above the clouds, wearing a strange
terrifying armor with an closed visor. A behemoth parody of a black dragon was his
steed.
Beside him, in terrifying warrior forms, clad in distinctive black armor reflecting their
skills, were Jotunn and Habrok. Eira was nowhere to be seen. Around them was a
gigantic armed mass of spirits and magical beings, all in varying sizes and forms. All
clad in black armor.
Facing them was an array of beings, of varying attires, colors, and forms. They looked
like gods of various pantheons. But though vast were their numbers, Tyler’s army was a
mountain to their hill. A dark cloud started forming above and around the enemy. Tyler
felt himself smile, a cruel and wicked one. He could feel his compelling anger rising,
demanding blood and destruction.
He raised his sword. A blade of a jagged indeterminate design. Sigils of power flashed
and throbbed, throwing a flash of black lightning arching through the clouds. He saw
Habrok unfurl and raise a banner. It was a green tree on a black background.
The scene shifted. He was in a strange landscape. Looking up, he saw a world with two
moons. A soft hand touched his shoulders and he felt a kiss on his cheek. Somebody
called him kerasti. He raised his hands. A flawless and familiar arm reached out and
held his left hand. He felt himself release an immense surge of power.
As he watched, the desolate and lifeless landscape in front of him changed. As if a
painter was creating a landscape, the scene transformed into one of life. Trees, lakes,
animals, plants and all the minutiae of a living world came into being.
Suddenly, he was back in the dark room where the solitary light existed. The swirling
dark mass was not present. Only silence greeted him. But the light appeared to be
brighter and larger.
Then he woke up. The rays of the morning sun were already poking its tendrils through the room, warming it and dispersing the small patches of darkness.
Good morning, Elder.
Morning, Hal. Had very strange dreams. They all felt so real.
An after-effect of your experiences, Elder. I have been analyzing the energy patterns
which have passed through your system. It is unfortunate that an energy matrix which
should have been released later in your learning process had been freed. Though the
matrix had been controlled again, its release, without the stability afforded by the other
major matrix, appear to have unfortunate side-effects.
What are these matrices?
Release of data is not allowed as of this time, Elder. I'm sorry.
It’s fine, Hal. Wouldn’t want to receive information I can’t handle anyway. Please go
back to observation mode. I have to have some breakfast. Hopefully, some food is
available.
Yes, Elder. Though I recommend you check your spell list. There appears to be a new
one available for your use.
Thanks, Hal. Will do.
As he entered the main hall of the inn, he saw his two companions already eating. He
joined them. After the morning greetings have been exchanged, Tyler couldn’t resist
commenting.
“I thought it’s back to a two-meal day.”
“Sire, we're still on a war footing so three or more meals a day, when we can get it, is
more than welcome."
That was Habrok.
“How do you find being under my service so far,” asked Tyler.
“Sire. We are still alive. Have met creatures nobody else could say they have. Been
given truly princely magical arms and armor. Seen our enemies crushed and defeated.
What more can we ask for?” said Habrok.
Jorund nodded.
“Permit me, Sire. Serving you had proven to be a legendary path. No warrior could ask
for more.”
“Let’s just make sure we are all alive at the end of the journey,” sighed Tyler.
“I gather we go to seek out the mad hermit?”
“Yes, Jorund. How far is the cave?” Tyler looked at Habrok.
“Around five or six miles from the entry to the Dokkalfr Mountains. Fifteen miles from
Scarburg. But we have to look for his cave.”
Tyler gave the rest of his money to Jorund.
“A small wagon and provisions. And whatever you think we need. Three to four days.
We leave as soon as you’re ready.”
“At once, Sire. Habrok, your turn to be on watch.”
With that, Tyler went back to his room. Going around Scarburg was not a good idea.
People are still recovering from the damage of the jotnar attack and he intended to
grab as much rest as he could in that comfortable bed. Exploring the new knowledge
that Hal mentioned also called for his attention.
Lying down on his bed, he closed his eyes and focused on the expanded comprehension
now available to him. He concentrated on the spells known to him and indeed found a
new one. A means to focus energy to create movements in the earth. A quake spell. I
doubt if Rumpr would be happy when I start quakes all over the place.
He examined the basis and mechanics of the spell. It looked to be a derivative of earth
moving spells with a significant difference. It required, like the lightning spell, a violent release of energy focused on a specific area.
But the effects could not be determined at the time of casting. The quaking and the
cracking of the ground were a given. Only, he couldn’t determine the particular effects
beforehand. In that sense, it was an area of effect spell with a random factor. He
wondered how the specific spell effects could be determined at the time of casting.
But he reasoned that with his rudimentary control over his other
