The Stormchaser

[Von H?rskiburg]

[Here begins the story of my character, Thyrion Alzhaman. There is a prologue to this story here: http://www.planeshift3d.com/wbboard/thread.php?threadid=16731&boardid=15&sid=5b0ac32018e0932558b8f77234774a0f, which should be read before this. The story will continue as I have the time to write it further. Any feedback is most welcome.]


   
The Stormchaser
the tales of Thyrion Alzhaman



        ?I am the wind of an endless night
   A bringer of loss, a desperate sigh
 From nowhere I come
 To nowhere I go
 Until comes the day to end my flight

    Where I sought love, I found only fears
 Where I sought joy, I found only tears
  From day to another
 I?ll be chasing the storms
  Until one of them takes me from here

    To eternity
 
    ?Song of the Stormchaser?
   Author unknown
 

Prologue: The Division


That day the Elder gathered us all together at evening to the Ang?thlar field. I, among many others, knew already what was about to happen; for many of us had expected it. Still, I can remember how devastated I felt when I heard the news that changed the lives of us all.
 
?Silence, friends?, the Elder said, but in a voice so loud that could be labelled as shouting by its volume. Still his voice was calm; no signs of anger or hostility could be heard. He was not very old, at least compared to the former Elders, but what he lacked in experience he made up in leadership and speechcraft. But this time all of his confidence and the aura of a leader were missing. His white long hair glittered in the sunset, as he began to speak.

?Some of you may have already guessed why we have gathered here, but I am sure that everyone will not be surprised of what I am about to say?.

The Elder paused for a while and looked towards the sunset. Everyone else was staring at the Elder.

?The sun of the world is setting?, the elder said. ?And so is the sun of the Ghiltegans(*)?.

Deep silence followed.

?I can see by your faces that many of you expected this. It is understandable. We have grown apart from each other and from the ways that held us together. This decision darkens my heart, and I myself haven?t accepted it completely, but this is the way of the nature. The sun sets, a tree withers, a bird dies.?

Deep pain reflected from the Elder?s eyes, which he closed before turning his face from the crowd.

?The Ghiltegans are no more. No oath binds you now. You are free to go where you will and to do what you want. This is where our story ends and new ones begin.?

No one said a word as the Elder walked towards the sunset until somewhere near the edge of the field he disappeared from sight, never to be seen again.


Dictionary
(*)Ghiltegans
A group, or more likely a clan of elves that lived in the great Bloomwood(*2) forest. They consisted of elves, who were a lot like the Dermorian elves. The name of the sub-race is unknown, but they differed from the Dermorians by their slightly darker skin and more robust build. Most of their history the Ghiltegans consisted of 60-80 elves, with their numbers decreasing towards the end. At the time of the disbanding there were only 32 Ghiltegans left.

It is now forgotten who established the Ghiltegans in the beginning, but it is said that the powers of the nature themselves were the ones who gave the spark to them. Their numbers increased quickly, as any elf who was willing was allowed to join. Their children were accepted as Ghiltegans at birth, but as any other, they were allowed to leave the group any time. This rarely happened, though, except for the last ten years of the Ghiltegan history (which is in fact about 1650 years long). Only elves were accepted as Ghiltegans, but there are tales of other races travelling occasionally with them, and some individuals even living with them, even though they were not true Ghiltegans.

The Ghiltegans were a nomadic group, who never stayed long in one place and avoided cities, preferring to live outdoors. They did not have an absolute leader, but the Elder was the one who coordinated the group and made vital decisions. The Elder was chosen by vote, and despite the name, the Elder could be as well a young elf as an old one. The name descends from the first Elder, who was the oldest one of the group.

The Ghiltegans respected nature above all, since it was their home and they were dependent of it. They did not hesitate to cut a tree to make shelters, spears and other vital things, but struck down anyone who was abusing the nature, for example hunting for sport or burning it down for nothing. They were often thought as barbaric, but in fact they were quite civilized. They were hunters and gatherer, and possessed great knowledge of plants and animals that inhabited Bloomwood. Some of them are found all around the world, and it is quite possible that some of the information concerning these plants and animals is originally written by the Ghiltegans. They were often thought as barbaric, but in fact they were quite civilized.

(*2) Bloomwood
A massive forest located in the surface world. No accurate maps have been made, but travelling from a side to another would take approximately six months, if no long stops are made. Very rich in nature resources. Civilized population consisted mostly of elves and humans (sub-race undefined), numbers unknown. There were a few larger cities, but generally Bloomwood was no-man?s land.

[Von H?rskiburg]

Chapter I: A Brother In Arms
   

    About 1650 years. That was how long the Ghiltegans existed. Me, I had not lived among them but for some twenty years, and still it seemed to me that the world itself had caved in. I had never been a true Ghiltegan myself, but they were the only people I had known by that age, and even if most of them did not treat me as a friend, but more like a stranger, I had always treated them all like they treat each other. As family members. After all, it?s very hard to hate the people who raised you and saved you from a certain death.
  I was too young to remember anything about how I actually arrived in the great forest of Bloomwood, where the Ghiltegans lived. All I?ve been told that a wandering bard named Elthyn Ravensong had found me and left me to the custody of the Ghiltegans with nothing else but my name, which Elthyn claimed to know by a mind-reading spell he cast on me. I was a klyros, something that none of them had seen before, so they were extremely doubtful about me. But when Elthyn threatened to abandon me, because he couldn?t take care of me, they took me among them and promised to raise me; for the Ghiltegans have sworn to the spirits of nature to aid everyone who seeks help and shelter among them.
  I was never accepted as a true Ghiltegan, because the old scriptures say that only an elf can be a Ghiltegan. Still, I was raised like one, and I remember how I was taught how to hunt, how to shoot a bow, what herbs, plants and mushrooms are edible and other necessary skills for wilderness survival. They also taught me to love nature; how nature protects the ones who protect nature, how in nature death becomes life and how it affects us all in a way or another. I learned to listen to the sound of the world, the constant humming you hear in the silent moments of the night, and I was told that if you listen really well, the humming turns into words. I never were that good listener, but sometimes when an older Ghiltegan was teaching me about the cycle of life or such, it sometimes seemed like the powers of nature spoke through him. Some of my friends said that even if I wasn?t a Ghiltegan, I surely had the heart of one.
  All I knew was what the Ghiltegans had taught me. Everyone I knew was a Ghiltegan. I was almost a Ghiltegan myself. And then, all of a sudden, there was nothing.


Thyrion woke up early next morning. He gathered all the equipment he had; two sabres, a short spear, a long bow, various survival tools, a pipe and a silver flute. Then he walked out of his night shelter, a small leaven hut he had made. Some had woken up earlier: few of the tents and shelters were already disassembled. A few elves had already left the encampment. Thyrion was pondering who were they, but his thoughts were disrupted by a touch to the shoulder. Thyrion turned his head to see the smiling face of one of his few friends: A?Nel, a relatively young female elf.

?You?re up early this morning?, A?Nel said in a sleepy tone. Thyrion nodded slightly and turned towards A?Nel. She was not the most beautiful sight Thyrion had seen; her face was oddly formed and her movements lacked the grace that elves usually have.

?Who?s gone?? Thyrion asked.

?No one you?d miss?, A?Nel answered. Thyrion looked questioningly into A?Nel?s eyes, who replied with a sigh.

?Drinhal, F?Halan and Uriail with their families?.

?I see.? Thyrion replied.

?You are about to leave soon?? A?Nel asked. Thyrion replied with a nod.

They both were silent for a moment. Then Thyrion broke it.

?A?Nel, are you sure you don?t want to come with me and Jeronyn, like you said when we talked last night?? Thyrion asked with sadness in his voice.

?I am. I would be nothing but a burden?, she replied.

?What do you mean, be a burden? You are a good friend of mine and Jeronyn, and a capable fighter as well.? A?Nel sighed and pointed her eyes to the ground.

?To be honest, I think the decision to follow you into adventures would be the death of me?.She lifted her eyes and looked into Thyrion?s, which showed extreme puzzlement.

?Some?people say that I can?? She paused for a while.

??See things other people don?t. I see an aura of death and demise around you, as if you were?

?As if I was what?, asked Thyrion. His voice trembled slightly.

?Cursed?. A tiny tear ran over her cheek.

?I am sorry, Thyrion, but I can?t come with you?. She hugged Thyrion.

?So be it?, said Thyrion. He stepped a bit farther from A?Nel and took the silver flute from his backpack.

?You gave me this; I still remember it, although it was years ago, when I was a child?, he said in a warm tone.

?Maybe from now on it helps me remember you, my dear friend?. Thyrion put the flute back and drew the short spear.

?This spear has saved my life many times. Thyrion handed A?Nel the spear.

?May it now save your?s, like I would, had you chose to come with us?, Thyrion said and bowed deep. A?Nel held the spear with both hands and smiled widely.

?Thank you?thank you and farewell, friend?. A?Nel bowed.

?And farewell to you, friend?, replied Thyrion, smiling widely, but with sadness in his eyes. Then they both turned around and walked away.

 I knew A?Nel wouldn?t lie to me, but still I don?t know why I did not heed her warning. It took a long time for me to talk about it, and it was after the events that made me realize she couldn?t have been more right, as if those words were not meant to be heard by me. It was almost like I had forgotten them, except every now and then they came to haunt me. But then I just threw the memories away and carried on like nothing ever happened.

Thyrion walked through the encampment towards a long elf wearing similar clothing to his: leather armour and a dark green cloak. His long, brown hair had an odd, almost green tone in it. He greeted Thyrion with a wide and friendly smile.

?Morning, Thyrion?, he said.

?Morning, Jeronyn?, replied Thyrion. Jeronyn lifted his equipment from the ground.

?So, are you ready to leave?? Jeronyn asked.

?Almost?, replied Thyrion. ?I just go and say goodbye to my teachers: everyone else who was dear to me I have already visited?.

?Take your time, Thyrion?, Jeronyn said. ?We have all the time there is?.

    After saying goodbye to the friends and teachers I had to leave behind, I walked back to Jeronyn. Then without saying a word, we walked away from the encampment. When we could no longer see the encampment, Jeronyn asked me:

?Which way shall we take, my brother in arms?? I pointed my finger to a random direction and said:

?That way.?

[Von H?rskiburg]

Chapter II: The Arrival

I am not sure what I felt after we left for our own adventures. Was I afraid of what we might run into? Was I hopeful of everything we might accomplish and acquire? At least I remember being happy that were on our way; there?s nothing that I am more afraid than being stuck in one place, living without purpose. Yes, in those days our purpose was to wander, and we were not heading to any individual destination: we didn?t even have one. We would just wander and wander until one day we would arrive someplace, where our adventures would really begin.

We settled in a small cave for the first night after the leaving. It was raining. I was lighting a fire, when Jeronyn approached me and said:
   
?You are now my brother and only friend, Thyrion. Promise me you will follow me to whatever end, and I shall do the shame to you.

I promised.

For four months we travelled the forest. It was rough life: food and water were sometimes very hard to find, and sometimes it seemed like the idea of a life of adventure wasn?t so good at all. But then I thought about the fortune and glory that I felt waiting for us, and suddenly had more strength to go on.

And then, one day we reached the end of the forest.

Thyrion eyed the map. It was a sunny day of early autumn. The wind blew gently from the southwest.

?Yes?, he said to Jeronyn. ?This certainly is the border of Bloomwood.? Thyrion took another look to the map.

?If the map is accurate, the nearest city is called Xania?, he said.

?I?ve heard of it?, said Jeronyn. ?A relatively large city. Inhabited mostly by humans, but some elves are living there, too. A peaceful community?.

?It?s not far away: the city?s towers should be visible after we cross those hills.? Thyrion pointed forwards to some small hills they were facing.

?So, do we have an accord that this is the place we should start looking for adventures?? Jeronyn asked. Thyrion nodded, his face looking at the skyline and replied:

?The winds have brought us here: this is undoubtedly the place.? Jeronyn nodded in agreement and then said:

?You understand you cannot enter the city, Thyrion?? Thyrion sighed as he looked at his wings and dark blue, reptilian skin. Then he smiled slightly and replied:

?I could, but a return would not be guaranteed with these odd looks of mine.? Thyrion sat down under a tree and took his flute from his backpack.

?You should look for the local authorities?, Thyrion said. ?From what I?ve read about cities, I understand they would have some tasks to do?.

?Aye,? replied Jeronyn. ?That I will do.? Jeronyn turned towards the hills and started walking.

?See you soon, Jeronyn?, Thyrion shouted after him. As Jeronyn walked towards the city, he could hear Thyrion playing a song called ?The Longest River? with his flute. He started whistling the familiar melody while walking. And before he even noticed, he was standing at the grand gates of Xania.

[Von H?rskiburg]

Chapter III: Into the City

?Hey, you there!? shouted one of the city guards standind at the gates. He pointed his finger towards Jeronyn.

?Me?? Jeronyn said and pointed himself.

?Yes, you?, the guard continued with a stark tone. ?Come here.?

Jeronyn walked to the guard who was looking at him suspiciously.

?You are not from the city?, the guard said with a more relaxed tone, and Jeronyn nodded to him. ?What be your business in Xania??

?I?m?uhh?? Jeronyn was not accustomed to dealing with city people. ?I?m here to contact the local authorities.?

?The Peacekeepers? barracks are just down the big street?, said the guard and pointed to a wide, crowded street inside the city. A large, white building stood at the end of it. ?Why, has a crime been committed??

?No?, Jeronyn shook his head. ?We?I mean I am looking for work, and I?ve been told that the authorities are always in need of a helping hand.?The guard nodded slowly.

?Aye, there?s always plenty of work to be done for the good of the city and its people.?  The guard looked towards the building. ?Ask for commander Herreck. He?s the one who takes care of things such as this?.

Jeronyn bowed slightly. ?Thank you, sir?, he said, but was returned with a bored look from the guard. Jeronyn decided to proceed towards the Peacekeepers? barracks immediately. He almost rushed to the building; the city made him feel uneasy. He knocked on the large wooden door.

?Who?s there?? a harsh voice inquired from the other side.

?Jeronyn Alar?is?, Jeronyn replied. ?I wish to speak with commander Herreck.? The door was opened. A gigantic, tough looking guard waved at Jeronyn to come inside. Without saying a word he escorted Jeronyn to a big door and left. Jeronyn pondered the situation for a moment, took a deep breath and knocked. The door was opened by a tall, elderly man bearing many scars; a stereotype of an aged, experienced warrior.

?Hmmm?? he muttered. ?Welcome, elf, to the Peacekeepers? barracks. I am commander Herreck as you propably know.? There was slight arrogance in his voice.

?Pleased to meet you, commander Herreck sir?, Jeronyn said respectfully. ?My name is Jeronyn Alar?is.? Jeronyn bowed.

?Hmm?? Herreck muttered again. ?And what business does an elf named Jeronyn Alar?is have with commander Herreck?? The commander obviously didn?t like elves, for whatever reason.

?I wish to speak with you about employment?, Jeronyn said confidently, perhaps to annoy the commander. ?I?ve been told that you would have some work to do.? The commander?s expression lightened up, showing both surprise and amusement at the same time.

?Ahh, a mercenary, right?? he said mockingly. ?An elven sellsword?. Jeronyn decided to spoil his fun. He lifted his chin and said proudly:

?Aye.?

Herreck was clearly surprised by this elf?s self-confidence. He narrowened his eyes and tried to size him up. He waved Jeronyn to come inside his office and closed the door. Then he sat down in a chair that was behind a large table.

?A bunch of bandits have been troubling us for some time?, he said looking Jeronyn straight to the eyes. ?I need someone to take care of them?.

?One practical question, if I may?? said Jeronyn. ?How much??

?Hmph?, the commander replied with hushed voice. ?Bounty hunters?? Then he stood up and spoke out loudly:

?They have stole much from our farmers and merchants.? Jeronyn nodded to the commander. ?I want you and whatever scoundrels you call your party to get the stolen money back.?

?Tell me more?, said Jeronyn.

?There are six of them?, the commander continued. ?They?ve been spotted yesterday at the borders of the great Bloomwood forest. I believe you know the place??

Jeronyn smiled at the commander. ?I know it better than you would guess.? The commander mumbled something incomprehensible and carried on:

?Good.? He tried to crack a smile. He paused for a while before continuing. ?The leader of the gang is called Jorwin the Jolly, and they?re lightly armed, but still dangerous.?

?I understand?, Jeronyn said. ?Now, about the payment, if you may?? The commander frowned.

?Bring me their loot and the leader?s head?. He pulled a bag of coins from his desk. ?500 pieces and no more?.

?500 pieces and no less?, said Jeronyn slyly. He reached for the bag, but the commander pushed back in the depths of the desk. ?You?ll get the money after the job is gone. And now, dismissed!?

Jeronyn turned slowly and started making his way out of the city.

[Jjairr]

I\'m enthralled! ^^ Post more! Please? Do say you will!

And while your posting more, go read my story. *Nudge* AND REPLY TO IT! Please  ^^

[Von H?rskiburg]

Oh, I will post more, but this is going to be unfinished for a while, because next monday I have to go to the army, and I doubt I\'ll get this done in a few days.

Still, feel free to comment, anyone. Even negative feedback is more useful than no feedback at all.