The glowing orb of the moon burned bright within the ocean of blackness above, which seemed to stretch on for infinity beyond the dense treeline in the close distance. Flowers and bushes danced alike as a cold breeze brushed past them, ushering through the sounds of the night.
Inspector Alonso stepped through into a large tunnel carved through the mid point of a tall mud hill – pillars of hardened soil helped hold the opening from collapse. His feet sunk deep into the sodden earth below as he ducked down past the clasping branches and vines which reached out towards him. His heavy black stained armour clanked together as he moved.
Reales and Barion – a high ranking Elder Hunter of the academy – walked only a few feet behind the inspector, carefully searching the surrounding woodland for any signs of the large clearing of trees, which would lead them towards the Forested Lake. Even for the Elders, traversing the various levels of the mountain could be exceptionally difficult, especially during the night.
After traversing through the tunnel of dirt, they took a hard left past a line of old abandoned shacks, most of which were half collapsed, with dense piles of shattered cobble in place of where a roof had once sat. A few decades earlier these shacks were utilised as a small market area, where various Elders and Hunters alike could start selling things in order to make some extra coin. But after only a few years the idea was scrapped. Mostly due to the illegal selling of Medical Herbs. Which many young Hunters at the time would smoke at night when they thought the Elder’s were unaware.
Once passing the line of dishevelled shacks, the three Elders followed a long dirt pathway surrounded by overarching trees, which lead them to a small open valley. A large wooden bridge had been built at its furthest point – which reached across the large cliff edge and stretched passed the gaping opening to meet with the second jagged section of the mountain across from them. Barely visible past the dense walls of blackness which surrounded them on all sides.
The bridge wasn’t supported with any wooden frames or scaffolding, and was instead carefully connected to each side of the mountain with large pillars of pure Lapis – another Host Material that can channel the many forms of Kakara.
Then a common enchantment spell named Ghilisk was utilised to keep a steady stream of Kakara being projected down to a corresponding pillar of lapis built miles below the mountain. Linking together, allowing a steady stream of Kakara to interlock with each of the individual pillars, keeping the bridge perfectly locked in place. Though it did get some getting use too. And the thought of one of the Lapis pillars shattering by accident always kept the Inspector on edge. As this would break the enchantment, and the bridge would likely collapse down into the lands below.
“What is it we are looking for?”, The inspector asked once they had collectively crossed the large wooden bridge. His feet finally met with wet earth once more.
“A cave by the Forested Lake”, Reales replied, his body glided about a foot above the ground.
“And we are to look for any signs of the forbidden arts?”, The inspector asked – he liked asking questions.
“Indeed - from what we have heard from our source, the Elder Priests of the Academy believe it to of the utmost importance we investigate this matter. Though, we are more specifically looking for signs of a Blood Ritual”.
Barion whistled. “A Blood Ritual on the mountain?” He rose one eye brow high above the other, making the large scar etched across his left eye and cheek, slither like a snake. “Why would there be such an act in a place like this”.
Reales shrugged, passing a watchful eye to the shadowed treeline that followed them on either side of the path. “That is what we must find out”.
“It is surely an outsider”, the Inspector added, pushing his black rimmed spectacles further up the bridge of his pointed nose. “It cannot be a Hunter of the Academy I assume, due to the lack of information and details on the processes of Blood Kakara within the libraries”.
Barion nodded, keeping a hand on his rapier’s silver guarded handle. “Though I find it hard to believe an outsider would be able to travel onto the mountain without the Academies knowledge. For there are several guardsmen which protect the path to the upper sections of the mountain, at least three posts of guardsmen may I add, at different elevations of the mountain”.
“Could they not traverse the mountains from the back end? Crossing the border of Salice?”, the inspector asked after a moment, his curved moustache twitched as he spoke.
“Not likely, the back end of the mountain is nothing but rugged rock formations and collapsing boulders – not the least bit climbable. Unless of course you are a highly experienced mountaineer”, Reales replied. “If anyone from Salice would want to journey to the top of the Mankrik Mountain Range, they would have to cross the border to Dreashire and pass by the guardsmen at the base of the mountain first”.
The Inspector nodded slowly, regarding the Catomi before him, he hadn’t seen a lot of Reales’s kind throughout his years, but he found their history and culture fascinating. “Would you say it’s an impossibility though? To climb the back end of the mountain”.
Reales shrugged. “Impossible no, but it is rather unlikely”.
“Would you agree to this statement Elder Barion?”
“I would”, the Hunter replied. His voice was rough and withered. “Though I think it’s important to note the presence of hidden passages within the mountain itself, I don’t think it’s far fetched to assume maybe our culprit didn’t climb the mountain, but instead traversed the innards of the mountain. Though of course, this is just a suggestion, and with no knowledge of the layout of the many caverns and caves within the mountain, reaching its peaks would be unlikely”.
The inspector nodded while continuing forward down the dishevelled path. His black robes danced within the cold breeze – lines of green silk’s and cottons lined its dark fabric. Sized and pieced together by some of the most celebrated tailors in the 5 kingdoms. The black stained armour plates that sat atop this fine fabric, were as dark as the night sky itself, reflecting the glowing stars above.
“I see, I did overlook the factor of caverns”.
The inspector pulled out a small hand drawn layout of the Mankrik Mountain Range, and began to scan through its passages and details. The paper was yellowed and withered after years of use.
After a further half an hour of walking through similar groups of dense trees and rocky formations, the three Elders finally reached a large clearing of trees, which revealed a colossal circumference of boulders and rocks. Which acted as a wall of sorts, surrounding a sharp drop off in the land where a small crystal clear lake lay amongst flourishing foliage and brush. Barely visible past the deep darkness of the night.
“This should be it”, Reales said, stopping before the wall of jagged boulders. Though they couldn’t be sure until they searched further – as the darkness was too complete to see clearly what laid beyond the walls.
“Very well”, Barion said, already dropping down to his knees, and beginning to lower himself down the wall of rocks. Using what ever he could as a foot hold.
“I would recommend being careful while traversing down”, he huffed after a moment. “As most these rocks are covered in moss”.
With that Barion dropped down onto the sodden earth below with a wet thud.
The inspector followed closely behind, nearly slipping on one of the foot holds as he slowly lowered himself down past the jagged rocks – which poked into his skin like tiny razors. Reales In this time had simply levitated down, his body giving off a light blue illumination as it travelled through the darkened air.
Thick patches of dying, yellowed foliage lay scattered about the muddy lands, and the little trees that were within the enclosed area, were dark and skeletal. Like the withering bodies of Reapers.
“Yes this will be it”, Reales huffed, before cupping his hands, and carefully forming a glowing orb of condensed Kakara within his palms. He then sent the small orb of illumination to levitate about a foot ahead of him. Allowing it to fight back against the darkness, though it failed to penetrate the deepest shadows at the walls furthest corners.
“We must look for a cave opening”, he added after a moment, scanning the circumference of shadows around them.
Barion urged forward, stepping over upended trees and large rocks, which jutted out from the moist soil below his feet. Their rough form half buried in quick sand like mud. His hand never left the guarded handle of his silver rapier, ready at any moment to draw the weapon. You could never be too careful on the mountain at night, many creatures of big and small wonder within the shadows the night brought.
“Stay on guard”, he huffed. His black stained armour plates reflected the night’s sky above, which seemed to dance within its shinning surface, like shadows trapped within glass.
Inspector Alonso followed closely behind Reales, seeking the light of his glowing orb, so he could more carefully study the small map within his hands. Which detailed most of the tunnels and caverns of the mountain – though it was nearly impossible to figure out where you were on it, as the many lines and marks on the yellowed script were so densely packed, it was hard to gain any sense from it.
After a few moments of studying the withered map the inspector suddenly froze still in place, watching as Reales slowly grew further and further away, and so with it the glowing orb grew duller and duller, allowing the darkness to take hold once more. There was a buzzing noise not too far away from him, almost like electric passing through metal. The sound was faint but distinctive.
“You hear that?”, he asked the darkness. Waiting for a reply.
“Hear what?” Barion’s voice replied, his body only visible as a faint silhouette surrounded by dense blackness.
“That buzzing sound”.
The inspector clasped his hands together, channelling the little Kakara he could into a small orb of illumination. The light beamed from between his clenched fingers. Then after counting three heart beats, he released the glowing orb from his hand. Blue tinged light illuminated his surroundings. His breath caught in his throat, as four beady black eyes stared back at him from the darkness, reflecting the dim light of his glowing orb. A Hogbat.
The creature was large in comparison to their usual smaller size. Two clenching mandibles twitched below its four beady black eyes, eager for flesh. Rows of tiny razor like teeth were embedded within a long, thin mouth. Antenna’s the size of the inspectors forearms draped from its insectile head. Its naturally shielded body bore 6 long appendages, all covered within a thick layer of burgundy shelling that overlapped each other, leaving little to no weak points. Two giant bat-like wings shot out from its heavily shelled back. Looming within the suffocating darkness. The buzzing noise was still gargling at the back of the creatures throat – that’s if it had a throat, the inspector didn’t know.
“Hogba…!”
The Inspector couldn’t even finish the last syllable before the thing had launched forward towards him, lifting its dark wings up into the air, catching the wind, and adding to its momentum. Alonso stumbled backwards while trying to unsheathe a dagger strapped to his forearm, but tripped over a large tree stump in the process. Crashing down onto the floor. The Hogbat lashed one of its shelled appendages down towards him, but Alonso narrowly managed to roll out of the way, watching as the pointed limb smashed into the soil only a fingers length away from him – sending mounds of dirt and chucks of rock up into the cool air.
“Stay low”, Barion roared from the darkness, pulling his silver rapier from its sheath. “They can’t look down, the lower you stay, the harder it will be for it to see you”.
The creature continued its frenzied attack upon Alonso, smashing its front limbs violently into the crumbling earth below. Using this time Alonso managed to slip to the creatures left side, while unlatching his dagger. He then used his other hand to channel a small condensed ball of Kakara, flakes of green energy rose from its marble like form.
With a deep breath, Alonso threw the small ball of green energy towards the things head, there was a sudden burst of spiralling colour as the ball exploded. Sending clumps of the things shelling and blackened flesh flying through the air. It wasn’t enough to kill the thing, but it would be more than enough to startle it.
The inspector shot forward, carefully dodging the creatures thrashing appendages, which sliced violently through the air. A deep guttural howl of anger rumbled at the back of the things throat – it’s one remaining eye was sat amongst flayed black flesh, which hung bleeding from its now mangled head.
Alonso paused his attack, waiting for the right moment to strike. He knew he had to aim for the things chest, where it’s shelling didn’t fully meet in the middle, leaving a small gap of exposed flesh which could be penetrated with a strong enough blade. He just didn’t know how to go about it.
“Don’t be a fool”, Barion roared from the darkness, seeing what Alonso was planning. “Your dagger is too small, it won’t reach its heart”.
But the Inspector wasn’t listening, his focus was primarily on his target. Once the thing stopped from is frenzied thrashing, he would be given just enough time to duck down and stab the thing in the chest, before parrying out of the way. He stayed light on his feet, ready to pounce at any moment.
“Alonso!”
He leaped forward, gripping the small dagger with both hands, putting all his weight behind the strike. But as soon as he moved, the Hogbat leaped to the side, its huge black wings thrashed against the wind, sending gusts of dirt up from the ground below. Then with one swift motion, the thing smashed one of its shelled limbs into the side of the inspector, instantly sending him flying backwards through the air, before violently crashing into a small tree stump a few feet away. He let out a pained grunt, as all the air in his lungs was forced out in one go. The creature loomed above him, the buzzing resumed in it’s throat as it approached him, puss and leaking blood fell from its contracting mouth.
Alonso glared about the ground around him, desperately trying to find his dagger, which he had dropped after being hit. But a sudden flash of silver demanded his attention, as Barion launched himself forward from the shadows. His body only visible as a darkened blur as he glided through the air. His steps were precise, and intentional.
Then on his final step, he launched himself forward and jabbed his double edged rapier through the Hogbat’s chest. Blackened blood gushed from the opening, staining Barion’s gauntleted hands. He then thrusted the needle like blade deeper between the creatures thick shelling, only stopping when the handle’s silver guard pressed against the things chest.
He counted 2 heartbeats, before he swiftly tore the rapier back, sending coils of blood dripping from the fine double edged blade. He then wiped it clean – he hated having blood on his sword.
The large Hogbat twitched twice, before dropping down onto the sodden earth below, staining the soiled mud black with dripping gore.
“Leave the fighting to me next time”, he said, nodding towards the Inspector – who was still desperately gasping for air.
“It came out of nowhere”.
Barion shrugged, sheathing his sword. “I warned you not to strike and you still did – could have gotten yourself killed, and believe me, dying by a Hogbat is possibly the most embarrassing way to die in these lands”.
“He speaks truth”, Reales said, the glowing orb before him cast a deep blue light upon his body.
“And where were you when it attacked”, Alonso hissed back, slowly standing to his feet.
Reales let out a chesty laugh, revealing a line of razor like teeth. “I assumed you would be able to kill a Hogbat of all things – and my assistance would have been completely unnecessary, you are standing before one of the most revered and celebrated Hunters within the Legion, I would have simply been in way if I got involved”.
“Do they not train you in hand to hand combat back in Salice?” Barion asked the Inspector.
“I am no warrior Barion, I simply investigate matters relating to the Empire, and on certain occasions such as this, the Legion of Hunters also, that is all. I need not be trained in swordplay”.
“Though the lands you travel are very much dangerous”, Reales said, turning away from the two men. “But I fear we are forgetting why we are here, while Barion was busy saving you inspector, I believe I have found the opening”.
The glowing orb before him flickered lightly in the darkness, flakes of energy fell from its misty surface, and dissipated into the surrounding shadows.
“It is just beyond the small lake”, he said, stepping over the deceased Hogbat. “Wedged between two large boulders within the walling, I believe this to be the cave we are looking for”.
***
Inspector Alonso carefully stepped forward past the moss smothered opening, ducking his head below the top boulder, which jotted out with a pointed edge. He grimaced as a few loose rocks scrapped across his armour, scratching its almost perfectly preserved surface. He then reached into a leather pouch strapped to his chest and pulled out a small bronze pendant, which had an oval shaped emerald embedded into its centre.
This pendant was named an ‘Emerald Eye’ by the Dreskof Empire – which are enchanted objects specifically designed to obstruct the natural stream of Kakara. Many non Kakara sensitive knights and hunters have these pendants connected to their armour and weapons in order to prevent Wizards and Mages from channelling their energy. But Alonso had brought these pendants specifically for the cave – so he could leave one at each individual passage and tunnel. Allowing the enchanted pendant to dissipate the natural stream or Kakara before it had a chance to rearrange the caves layout, and leave them trapped within the dark, damp chambers.
He dropped the small pendant down at the entrance – as soon as it’s bronze back collided with the hard rocks below, two spider like legs made out of pure silver popped out from its side, locking the pendant in place.
“Emerald eyes”, Reales smiled, looking back from further within the first chamber of the cave. His orb of illumination was doing a lap of the cavern, revealing rugged boulders covered with dense piles of vines and moss. “Smart thinking”.
“I had a close friend who got trapped in a living cave – he was never seen again. Ever since then I always bring a pouch full just to be safe”.
Alonso walked further into the darkness, keeping an eye on the gaping chasms which infested the cave’s damp floor – old water warped planks of rotting wood were placed across their width. Acting as a path of sorts.
“We’ve got a second opening here, leads off to the left and right”, Barion called over from the left side of the chamber. He was crouched down inspecting the large opening in the cave’s walling. Fresh beads of water dropped down the jagged stones and splattered onto his armour plates. “I can’t see where it leads though”.
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“To more darkness I would assume”, Reales replied as he levitated over to where Barion was crouched. His glowing orb followed closely behind him. The opening itself was less of an opening, and more so a large crack in the earth. Allowing just enough leeway for an average sized man to fit through.
“Should we go left or right?”
Reales peaked his head through the gap, glaring down both sides of the opening, the darkness beyond was so complete, his eyes might as well have been closed.
“I’m not sure”, he answered, pulling his head back out from the cracked earth. “We shall decide once we inspect the paths”.
Alonso wondered over to them from the entrance, his dark metal armour reflected Reales’s glowing orb, making it look as if the shadows themselves, were dancing within its metallic surface. He then stopped only a metre before the large crack, before dropping another Emerald Eye down onto the rocky floor below, which thudded lightly as its silver legs locked it still in place.
“We will likely have to inspect both paths for the investigation”, he said. “Therefore I don’t believe it will matter what way we go first”.
Reales nodded slowly. “We shall take the right path first”, he said. “If we do not find what we are looking for there, we shall turn back and inspect the left path”.
“Very well”, Barion muttered. Before slowly squeezing himself forward through the crack, first his head and right shoulder slipped through – the sound of metal on stone echoed throughout the chamber. Then his leg and torso followed suite. Before long, all of Barion’s body had disappeared beyond the darkened opening.
“Fucking dark in here without that glowing orb”. His voice was followed by the clanking of moving armour. “I ain’t much of a supporter of the use of Kakara, but I do wish I could use it for its more mundane usages”.
Alonso crawled through next, grimacing as his armour scrapped against the sharp stones which stuck out from the cracked boulders at odd intervals.
“Not a lot of room”, he said, finally reaching the chamber that stood beyond, which offered little to no room for movement. He could feel the caves walls on either side of his shoulders each time he breathed out. “Feels like I’m buried in a tomb”.
“Gods above, don’t say that”, Barion urged. “The gods might take It upon themselves to make that sentiment a truth”.
Alonso attempted to turn to address Barion, but didn’t have enough room. “I suppose it would make sense for them to answer my calls when I least want them too”.
“They indeed work in mysterious ways”, Reales huffed as he passed through the jagged opening. His glowing orb levitated only a metre in front of him, providing light into the chamber for the first time – Revealing its damp, moss smothered innards.
The furthest wall of the chamber was withered and worn after years of rot and decay - a steady stream of water fell from an opening in the cave’s ceiling, travelling down its rough surface, slowly cutting deep chasms into the earth over thousands of years.
Glaring off to the right, Alonso could see that the path before him was a steep decline, travelling deeper and deeper down into the depths of Dreashire. Long twisting vines clung from the damp ceiling above, dripping with moisture.
“We shall follow the decline”, Reales said after a moment, willing his orb of illumination to levitate further down the path.
“They say only demons live below the surface of Albirth”, Barion said from behind Alonso, his voice was rough, like that of an ageing smoker.
“Then that only makes me more confident in the decision”, Reales replied. “Blood Kakara is an art of the underworld after all”.
Without another word, the Catomi slowly began to shuffle down the long path, descending past flourishing foliage and collected water, which reflected the eager glow of his orb. The Inspector and Hunter followed closely behind him. Not bothering with arguing against the suggestion.
After 10 minuets of traversing the sloping path, they entered into a much larger cavern, which held a natural pool of water within its centre. Stacks of colossal boulders were lined along its back end, reflecting within the crystal clear water.
Alonso squinted his eyes, trying to get a better look, but the orb of illumination did little to fight against the suffocating darkness which seemed to claw out towards them.
“That doesn’t look very natural”, he observed, nodding towards the pool at the back of the cavern. “The boulders have been stacked on top of each other, as if to act as a wall”.
“I thought these caves were uninhabited”, Barion added, gripping the handle of his silver rapier.
“It seems they have been to some degree at least”, Reales replied, narrowing his eyes. “Though why would there be a wall constructed there for no reason?”, he paused, passing a clawed hand through his thick grey mane. “It must be there for some reason”.
“Some young hunters maybe”, Alonso suggested, walking towards the mossy wall of boulders. At one point his ankle was almost snapped in half when his foot fell into a small chasm on the cave’s floor. But luckily it wasn’t very deep and his foot met with solid ground below.
“Do you and the Elders have any guardsmen who keep on lookout for these caves?”
Reales shook his head. “No not in the uninhabited caves. Most guardsmen only protect the tunnels and chamber’s that have been built into parts of the academy”.
Alonso nodded slowly. “And you say the mountain is impossible to traverse from its back end – you must enter from the post at the bottom of Mount Elisir?”
“Indeed”.
“Then do you think it was a Hunter within the Legion who built this?”
Reales glared at the wall of boulders before them, studying how the jagged rocks had been carefully stacked atop each other, starting with larger boulders at its base, then the rocks slowly got smaller and smaller towards the top.
“It could have been Inspector – though to me it seems obvious this wall has been crafted with the help of Kakara, and I don’t know of any young hunters who possess the kind of power needed to move boulders and stack them on top of each other like that”. He pointed towards the wall. “Even I would struggle with such a feat”.
“I have seen familiar walls within the 5 kingdoms”, Barion said from the darkness. Then with a flash of orange firelight, the Elder Hunter lit a large pipe which hung from his stubbled face. “Almost all of them were either traps, or hidden passages”.
Alonso nodded, placing a hand on the boulders, checking if any were noticeably loose.
“I wouldn’t do that though Inspector – like I said, they were usually either traps or secret passages”, he moved closer to the man. “And if it’s a trap, moving one of those rocks could be the difference between life or death”.
Reales considered this, while glaring about the large cavern they found themselves stood within. Most of which was empty and baron of any signs of life. Though his eyes paused once crossing paths with the large pool of water stood before him, which gave off a light mist like illumination. He bent down and dipped one of his hands into the water, which was warm to the touch. When he pulled his hand back out from the sparkling surface, he found his hand completely dry. As he expected.
“This is no water”, he said out loud, though it was more so a thought for himself.
“What?” Alonso asked, turning to face the Catomi, but Reales didn’t reply.
Crouching back down he began to inspect the crystal clear surface with new found interest. The water was a condensed form of Kakara which had a tendency to affect objects and visuals within its general facility – carrying the surrounding Kakara within its own natural stream it produced. Warping anything it came in contact with. It was the same type of condensed Kakara the Legion utilised in their travelling waterfalls.
He glared about the dancing reflection of the wall, which bobbed lightly up and down within the churning waters. The walls image had been morphed into the shape of an upside down triangle, its point angled towards the wall behind him. Flakes of white energy danced within the reflection, like bees swarming blossomed flowers. He glared back behind him, following the reflection’s path, which seemed to be pointing at one of the large boulders at the walls base. His eyes narrowed. Something was distracting the Kakara’s path, something which was in some way connected to the ordinary looking boulder before him.
“Try moving that one”, he said, pointing towards the hulking rock. Cracks snaked across its jagged surface, like the Grand River of Eyes, which edged the border of Salice.
“Why this one?”, Alonso asked, one eye brow rose high above the other.
“Just do it, don’t try to take it out from the wall, just move it about a little – I think I’m onto something”.
After a few moments, Alonso did as he was told. Crouching down, he began to slowly move the boulder from left to right, which jabbed against the other rocks which were tightly packed around it.
Watching the pool once more, Reales saw the walls reflection flicker and change into different shadow like shapes each time the rock was moved. Releasing more sparks of white energy, which swirled and vibrated within the artificial water. Then, once Alonso had stopped moving the colossal rock. The reflection fell to take the shape of an upside down triangle once more, pointing towards the same boulder in the wall.
“I see”, he said after a moment, standing from the pool. “I believe we must move the boulder in order to continue forth”.
Barion shook his head. “Don’t be a fool Reales, I have worked amongst traps enough to know one when I see one”.
Reales waved a dismissive hand. “I don’t doubt that Barion, but this is no trap. Nor is it a matter that I expect you or Alonso to understand”, he pointed at the wall of boulders. “This is a carefully constructed enchantment, which is utilising this pool of condensed Kakara to retain its illusion. Which is why the walls reflection within the waters surface is warped – Because its energy is being drawn towards the pools own natural stream”.
“I see that”, Barion said, glaring down towards the reflection. “But just because Kakara is involved, doesn’t mean it’s not a trap. We can’t afford to be careless with our actions”.
“No i suppose it doesn’t”, Reales agreed. “But trap’s do not utilise this amount of Kakara Barion – like I said, only enchantments would need this kind of Kakara fed into it. Traps on the other hand, would only need one small jolt of Kakara channelled into them before they would be able to operate fine on their own. It is only specific enchantments that need this kind of energy to remain whole”. He pointed at the wall. “And that is one of those enchantments”.
Barion glared down at the large cracked boulder wedged within the wall, looking for any signs of ruby, which is a crystal mostly used to channel explosive Kakara, and is regularly utilised in many different traps and weapons.
“I won’t be pleased if it blows us up, or shoots us full of arrows hidden within the cave walls”.
“Nor will I”, Alonso mirrored, crossing his arms against his armoured chest.
“Rest assured you will both be fine”, Reales smiled. “Now let us speed this up, it is nearing my hour of sleep”.
With that the Catomi wondered past Alonso and stopped before the colossal wall of boulders. Crouching down, he placed a hand on the large rock at the walls base, and began to cycle his Kakara throughout his core. Channelling it into malleable energy. Tendrils of burning blue Kakara began to swirl and spiral around his fingers, emitting a deep mist which glowed within the dark cavern. Reales counted five heartbeats, in that time the energy emitting from his hands radiated so violently, waves of Kakara began to sizzle and burst within the pool of energy behind him. Then, once he counted the final heartbeat, Reales released the condensed ball of energy from his hand, and into the boulder.
Glowing blue cracks began to form around its jagged surface, Releasing clumps of condensed energy into the air. Before with a sudden burst of roaring colour, the boulder exploded into tiny fragments of expanding energy. Waves of purple, blue and red Kakara radiated throughout their surroundings, striking like electric against their skin – as the rest of the wall collapsed down into itself, dissipating into a fine crimson mist as it collided with the rocky floor below.
Reales shielded his face with upheld arms. Chunks of rock and stone lashed against the thick cloth of his robes, disbursing into a fine mist once making impact.
“Well, we’re not dead yet”, he huffed, squinting past the debris filled air. Barion and Alonso stood only a few feet away, surrounded by snake like clumps of deep burgundy mist.
“Gods above”, Alonso heaved, before falling into a vicious fit of coughing. His once beautifully preserved armour plates, now wore many new spiderweb like cracks and scratches.
“So it was an illusion after all”, Barion said once the mist had settled. “Why would such an enchantment be placed here of all places”.
“I fear what that answer may be”, Reales replied, looking over towards the misty corner of the cavern where the wall once stood. The shadows were now painted crimson with disbursed Kakara. On the rocky floor below laid a sculpture of a Demons Skull, carefully carved out of obsidian and gold. Reales crouched down and inspected the object, finding in this time it was connected to the jagged ground.
“Need we inspect more?”, Alonso asked, waving a hand about to disintegrate the mist around him. “I believe we have seen more than enough to know of something strange happening here”.
“We need solid proof Alonso, this is a serious matter. And considering you are one of the Empires most trusted Inspectors, I expect for you to want more definitive proof also”.
He placed a clawed finger in both eye socket’s of the skull, and pulled it up from the ground – a click emitted from the sculpture as it lifted up from its place below.
A series of rumbling thumps and clicks echoed throughout the chamber, as two large cobble pillars began to slowly rise up from the depths of the Kakara pool behind him. Barion took an instinctive step backwards, his hand never leaving his silver rapier. Something felt wrong, but he couldn’t put a finger what that was.
“Prepare yourselves”, he said. “We don’t know where or what this could lead us too”.
Once the colossal pillars had reached the peak of the cavern, the surrounding pool began to hiss out boiling hot steam while collapsing down into the depths, via gaping holes which opened up in the pool’s flooring. Revealing a line of cobble slabs which slipped out from the side wall, forming a large staircase which led down into pitch blackness.
A deep crimson glow emitted from the shadows, like streams of blood dripping down darkened armour plates.
“It seems we have found our path”, Reales said, glaring about the new opening.
“Indeed it does”, Alonso replied, dropping an Emerald Eye down at the top of the wide staircase. “Though I’m afraid it doesn't look very inviting”.
“Inviting or not”, Barion sighed. “I would ask we hurry this up - I was not told by the Elders this inspection would take as long as it has”.
“Nor was I”, Reales added. “But we have been handed a duty by the Legion. I don’t have to tell you how disturbing the prospect of Blood Kakara is, let alone on the Mountain. This is a matter that we must investigate, and find answers for”. He began to walk down the darkened staircase. His orb of illumination quickly shifted its path, descending shortly behind him. It’s light revealing withered cobble walls, and snake like tendrils of moss and vines, draping from the damp ceiling above.
“If you are worried about wasting time Barion, I would suggest you follow down with haste”.
After 10 minuets of descending, the cobble staircase opened up into a large cube shaped chamber carved into the earth. Unlike the caves above, this one had numerous lit lanterns connected to its smooth stone walls. Emitting orange firelight into the shadows. Alonso dropped an Emerald Eye at the chamber’s entrance before entering. He could see at the back end of the room, Barion and Reales was stood before a large shrine that he couldn’t see clearly from where he was. As he drew closer, he made out more details.
There was a small stone podium which poked out from the walling before the men, the face of a demon had been carved into the jagged stone with the precision of a surgeon. A lantern hung above the sinister carving, casting the face with deep shadows, making the sculpture look almost life like. Below the demon’s face was a piece of rotting script, which had been laid atop a stone book rest at the back end of the podium. The diagrams and symbols written upon the yellowed page, was as deep and crimson as blood.
“God’s above”, Reales gasped, glaring down at the rotting script.
“What of this?”, Alonso asked, reaching the large stone podium.
It was only then he saw the blood stained diagram engraved into the podium’s stone surface, a single blood crystal sat within its centre. Scorched dark with flames that no longer roared. Crimson hand prints where left on either side of the diagram, dried and crusted.
“Eyes of The Abyss”, Reales replied. “An ancient scripture taken from the Book of Inferno, the Accounts of Blood”.
“May the gods be kind”, Barion huffed from beside him. His face had whitened.
“What does this scripture detail”, Alonso asked. He had little knowledge of the Forbidden Arts, and the Book of Inferno didn’t seem to ring any bells within his head.
“It details the Eyes of the Abyss, a pathway to the land of reapers. Where only the dead roam”.
Alonso glared down at the rotting scrip. Its edges were withered, as if worms had be left to eat away at it for decades.
“I excepted Blood Kakara, but not at this level”, Barion said after a moment.
“And it seems their ritual was successful”, Reales replied. “They have opened the Eyes of The Abyss, and have undoubtedly communicated with the one they seek”.
He reached down and picked up the scorched blood crystal, small flakes of red Kakara still roamed within its darkened surface.
“Who could have done this?” Alonso asked. His eyes searched the blood smeared diagram etched into the cold stone podium.
“The Elders and I have an idea, though it has no solid ground as of yet”.
“Who would that be?” Barion asked, looking up to meet the glowing emerald eyes of the Catomi.
“The Denita’s”.
An uneasy silence settled amongst the men.
“How would they get here with no one sighting them?” Alonso said after a moment, his eyes wide.
“There has been plenty of sightings of Denita’s the past few years”, Reales said. “Though like I said it is only an idea, we have no proof of it being a reality as of yet. Though, I expect it would only be their kind who could successfully open the Eyes of The Abyss. Knowledge of such a ritual had been banished from the kingdoms hundreds of years ago”, he paused, looking at the carved demon head before him, the stone surface glowed lightly, projecting the orange lantern light.
“I don’t see it likely a mage or wizard would do such a thing, as even they know a ritual such as this taints the natural stream of Kakara all practitioners tap into when channelling”.
Alonso nodded. “This is very disturbing indeed”.
Reales dropped the blood crystal into his leather pouch, a crimson mist was left in its wake. “Barion, retrieved the scripture, we must take them back to the Elders for further inspection”.
Barion nodded, picking up the ageing script, expecting at any moment for the paper to dissolve upon contact. The same diagram carved into the stone podium below, was carefully drew onto the bottom of the rotting paper, painted with the blood of a soul long past.
Inspector Alonso studied the symbols and shapes. “Is there any way of getting a copy of this scripture? I would assume the Emperor would like to learn more of this”.
Reales shook his head. “If the Emperor wants copies of this scripture, or any other teachings within The Book of Inferno, I’m sure he has his own contacts who will be able to acquire them for him. He will not get it from my hands. It has been made a sin punishable by death for a reason”.
Alonso went to argue but stopped himself, deciding to nod in reluctant agreement instead.
“Should I request an emergency meeting?”, Barion asked Reales.
“No no, the Elders made it clear that we are to meet for a discussion first thing tomorrow. You know how they are with their rest”.
“Very well”, he replied. Slipping the rotting script within a hidden compartment, lodged between his Namiki Steel mail, and his darkened armour plates.
Reales looked back down at the shrine one more time, locking eyes with the sculpted demons head, before glaring down at the engraved diagram. Crusted blood lay darkened amongst the stone, like spilled ink.
“I don’t know how this has happened”, Reales looked up from the remnants of the ritual. “But we must act swiftly, the very fact a ritual such as the Eyes of The Abyss has successfully been completed, is worrying enough. But the fact it is on our Mountain, not far from where our Students learn and live”.
“But why the mountain?” Alonso butted in. “If we are to believe an outsider, Denita or not, is the culprit for this, why would they go through the hassle of travelling to the Mankrik Mountain Range of all places?” He paused, placing a hand on the blood stained stones below. “Surely there are more historic places in Albirth, where the forbidden arts has a rich history. Would that not be more suited for the ritual”.
“It would”, Barion answered with a nod. “Which is why this is so strange”.
Alonso looked down the bloody hand prints on the stone, placed either side of the diagram. “And what of the hand prints, does this mean there were two here, or are these two prints from the same person?”
“There would need to be at least two very knowledgeable practitioners for the Eyes of The Abyss to be opened, though you typically need three or more for such a ritual. So I would assume there were at least two here at the time”.
Alonso nodded. “I see, what would you like me to say to the Emperor?”
Reales considered this for a moment. “Confirm to him we have found proof of Blood Kakara taking place on the Mountain, but we are yet to find any clues pointing us towards its meaning, or the people behind it”. He turned to face the Inspector.
“Though it is of the upmost importance we keep this quiet. This shall be a situation kept between the Elders of the Legion, and the Emperors Council. No other ears will hear word of it. We can’t have this information leaked”.
“Understood”, Alonso said.
Reales looked over to Barion, who nodded in agreement when he realised he had said this to them both.
“Very well”, Reales smiled, wiping some dust from his draping robes. “Shall we head back to the surface, with some luck we may make it back to the Academy before the night turns old”.
Barion and Alonso eagerly agreed.
“I will ensure you get a bed chamber upon arrival back Alonso, and we will have your steed set out to you in the first wake of sunlight”, he paused, beginning to walk towards the darkened staircase which would lead them back up to the cavern above.
“Tomorrow we must discuss this discovery more thoroughly, but as of now, we keep it silent”.
They all nodded once, before resuming their journey up the staircase. The orb of illumination levitated a few feet ahead of them, lighting the way. Painting the surrounding darkness with a luminescent white mist, which danced within the shadows.
