Chapter 4: The Path Ahead

Chapter 4: The Path Ahead

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer



Built on the north side of the river, the village of Su'til is home to Alfeir. This village wasn't built on the north side of the river by accident, as it has natural defenses, which is of great importance to the people of Cross Kingdom. The village itself looks imposing. With its willow wood rooftops, bamboo walls and bamboo forest, Su'til has a enthralling atmosphere. It has a prospering economy, which is mainly supported by jewel crafting, mining and engineering. But their biggest strengths are advanced medicine and weaponsmithing.

The Alferian troops who came to Ohglis arrived in Su'til after just a day long travel. They used a hidden Alfeirian passage between the mountains to enter the Cross Kingdom. Eligor was with them, strangely the Alfeir wanted him to come with them to Su'til. They were met by Alfeirian soldiers and some Humans, particularly the Ramoan Military. There weren't many of them, it was just 6 soldiers and one captain. Among the Ramoa military forces were Cpt. Durendez, who rode swiftly after receiving King and Peach's report, to attend this small council meeting.

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer

Su'til. It had been a long time since he had been anywhere near this place. He wasn't raised here, but during his early childhood he had been brought here by his parents to get out of the village for a while. Eligor was pleasantly surprised to see humans here alongside the Alfeir. After all, for the most part humans weren't allowed in this place.

He idly wondered how his cousin Uriel was doing, but passed the thought by as he had more important matters to attend to. He wasn't entirely sure what use he would be in the coming events, as he had only survived thanks to a timely intervention, but whoever was in charge hopefully had a good reason for bring him here, although he wasn't too optimistic about his chances.

Chapter 4: The Path Ahead

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer

The guests were told to wait in the meeting chamber. The meeting chamber didn't have walls or a ceiling. The cliff surrounding the structure acted as walls, and the leaves from a the giant Acacia tree acted as their roof. Little rays of light that were able to pass through the tree's leaves gave light to the place. The set up of the room was in a circular pattern. Seats formed a ring around a center pedestal. Eligor was included in the meeting as per the leader of Su'til's request, whoever he/she may be. Captain Durendez has long been an ally and a friend to the Alfeir. He is also one of the few ambassadors with legal authority to engage in affairs with the Alfeir. The Empire was also in attendance, Raoul Jestin also known as the 2nd Lion. He was sitting across Captain Durendez and the captain wasn't too optimistic about it. He didn't like the Empire one bit, especially this particular person.

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer

Everyone was seated in a circle, although not all that were attending were here yet. Eligor wasn't yet sure of his purpose for being here, but his curiosity demanded he stick through this to find out. The way that vampire had talked to him made him think it was personal somehow, but he hadn't actually met a vampire in person before. Not that he recalled at any rate. 

Looking around, he saw the Ramoan Captain along with an Imperial Lion. He had made sure to keep on top of who were classed as the strongest of the current century, made avoiding them easier if he knew who they were, and Raoul Jestin certainly fit the bill, although he didn't know anything about his abilities beyond the usual gossip. He had deigned to keep his mask off for the meeting, having a feeling it would be requested to be removed once it started and not being in the mood for being focused on from the beginning.

His black hair was slightly tousled from being constrained for so long, and his golden eyes were narrowed as what he typically wore to shield them from the sun's rays was not there at the moment. His cloak was splayed out beneath him as he sat in his seat, his left leg crossed over his right with his hands clasped before him.

Chapter 4: The Path Ahead

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer


A few more moments later and the host of this meeting finally arrives. Orawen, a member of the Alfeirian Council and the leader of Su'til. Upon her arrival the members of their meeting stood up fro their seats and bowed to her in respect. She greets them back with a courteous bow. They sat down after gestures them to sit. "Greetings and welcome delegates and guests. I presume you all know why we're here. But before we begin I would like to acknowledge the presence of Eligor Sithaer. He was with us during the fight against the Chaos Legion many years ago. We could rely in his abilities during these dark times, which is why I invited him to join us here today." Orawen and the other Alfeirs gave Eligor a small gentle bow, while everyone else who wasn't an Alfeir just looked at him like they didn't care.

"Now we address the biggest issue first. It's been confirmed by our friends in the Ramoan Army. The Dragon that appeared in Redhold was no other than the Guardian Spirit Bahamut. His return could only mean that our planet is under attack. We need to know if the Old Gods are in check." Orawen said. Everyone seemed nervous after Orawen mentioned the Old Gods, everyone except Jestin, who appear to show no emotion.

Captain Durendez stood up and voiced out his concern, "You're not seriously insisting that we send people into those cells after what happened last time!?" the Ramoan Captain seemed stressed and had a personal issue with sending people to check on the Old Gods.

"I understand your concern Captain, but this is something we must do. If the seals have been broken even the slightest... The outcome could be catastrophic. The King would agree with me on this." Orawen replied.

"No offense to you but what has your King done lately? Oh that's right! Nothing, he's been sitting in his throne for thousands of years, while people like us die. Doesn't this alliance mean anything to him? He knew better than all of us what happens when you go near those Gods! Still he sanctioned that mission eight years ago!" the Ramoan Captain seemed stressed and had a personal issue with sending people to check on the Old Gods.

Orawen looked like she knew what Durendez was talking about and so did everyone but no one bothered to comment on that. Jestin didn't stand up form his seat and just said, "What about the girl? The one who killed Corneus. If the reports are true then she could be immune to the Whispers."

"Such power cannot be controlled. For all we know she might not even be in control of her own body." Orawen replied.

"Either that or we risk recreating the incident eight years ago..." Jestin said.

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer

The debate grew heated rather quickly, and he had no inclination to get between the arguers. There seemed to be more hostility between the races as the Captain went on about the Alfeirian King sending people anywhere near the Old Gods, and though he could agree, there was a time and place to bring up such things. 

Eligor then heard them talking about Agnes and figured he should say something. "That girl is powerful when the jewel takes over, but how long she can resist its darkness is in the air."

True he hadn't interacted with her much, but even the one time he felt her using the demon's power in Hellsgard told him volumes. Such power was likely a double-edged sword, for as great a rush as it could inspire, the source probably wanted to turn the holder into its new host and so tried to mold them into something they could accept. Demons don't like to share, after all, even if it was someone else's body.

Chapter 4: The Path Ahead

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer

"The reports did say that the girl had been travelling with a companion after leaving Hellsgard. So it was you then. I presume you two split ways soon after. She was last spotted in Riverun, in a fight with the Twins. The reports say she lost and was taken by the two. If that's true then she's probably on her way to Arcwind by now. They would've taken the long route, to avoid travelling over out territory." Orawen said.

"The Emperor has need of her. But I will inform him of our plans." Jestin added.

It seems that the others in the room was in agreement except for Durendez. "Have you all gone mad? You want to send a kid with a demon to check on a the seals? For all we know she might be working for the Old Gods! This is insane there is absolutely no way we or anyone in this room, can control a demon! There has to be another way!"

"We know for a fact that even Dragons are not immune to the Whispers, only a few creatures are and Demons are one of them. We have records that show that Demons can be subdued and controlled by Grand Sorcerers. It just so happens that we might have one here." Orawen said looking towards Eligor.

Chapter 4: The Path Ahead

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer

"It shouldn't be a problem with you. After all, being a Grand Sorcerer is in your blood. Your Great Grandfather was one wasn't he? He served King Anjiero well, I remember him leading the a group of sorcerers in closing the rift during the Chaos Legion attack." Orawen said to Eligor.

"It's a shame Corneus is dead. He would've been a good mentor to you." Jestin commented. Corneus, was the youngest Grand Sorcerer in history. Still considered to be the most talented Mage in history. It was extremely rare for humans to achieve this level because their lifespan is not nearly long enough to learn all the spells and knowledge required to become a Grand Sorcerer. In his youth, he was ranked as the 1st Lion, and was considered to be one of the top 5 strongest fighters in the entire Planet. But as he grew older, his powers began to decline. If Agnes had faced a much younger Corneus Corvall, the outcome undoubtedly would be in favor of Corneus. Sure he was a lecherous old man, but Corneus was respected by many. People looked up to him and was greatly angered by the way he was murdered. Meaning, not everyone in this room had good intentions towards Agnes.

Chapter 4: The Path Ahead

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer

Durendez didn't appear to be agreeing with the others on the matter at hand. To him, using the demon girl to check a potentially non-endangered seal is a stupid idea. They had no proof that the seals are broken, furthermore the Old Gods weren't the ones who appeared it was the Guardians. There was something really fishy going on and Durendez thinks the Empire might be behind all this.

"So it has been decided. We shall help Eligor learn the knowledge of Grand Sorcerer and we shall also capture the young girl who possesses the Devil Jewel. From my own personal experience I can say that she is very talented, very powerful and very witty. So don't underestimate her despite her appearance. She's been a captive here before but she escaped with the help of another prisoner. If she can still be bargained with, we shall offer her full pardon for her crimes in exchange for her services. We must all agree to this because the girl has committed crimes against the Alfier, the people of Wrozan, and the Empire." Orawen said, looking at both Captain Durendez and Jestin.

"I'm sure the Emperor will be merciful if she agrees to help us. After all... We're all allies here." Jestin replied to Orawen.

Durendez was a bit hesitant to answer but after contemplating it very carefully he finally says, "If she screws up or double crosses us, I'll put her head on a spike myself."

"Then it is decided. Eligor you shall travel to Vestiglla there you will meet with the Grand Sorcerer Ahmira to begin your training."

"Now we move to the next issue... This..." An Alfierian soldier brought something and placed it on the pedestal. It was part of the airplane from Earth that crashed landed in the sea near M'hirr. "This metal is part of a ship that is not from this world. We believe that other worldly beings may be among us. It won't be the first time we've had guests from another world. We must find out what they're doing here. Perhaps all this disturbance is their doing, if so then we must put an end to them as soon as possible. The Empire has agreed to help us tract down these beings. We believe they may be human in form. Reports of several strangely dressed humans washing on the shores of M'hirr suggests that they might be the one's we're looking for. Currently we have no lead as to where they might be, but they were last seen in the Fighting Pits in Drakestone City." Orawen discussed.

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer

Eligor said nothing as the arrangements for his training were made, merely nodding along in agreement at its conclusion. When the subject changed to that of the downed plane, he perked up. He had, after all, seen it go down and the impromptu slave auction that followed the ones inside being dragged out. "There were several humans taken from that metal contraption, whatever they call it notwithstanding. With the destruction of Drakestone it will be hard to track them, as all but one of them were purchased in a slave auction after being fished from the water."

He left it at that, not having any other information regarding them. Their potential fighting skills weren't relevant as he had no idea what they'd done in the time since he last saw them.

Chapter 4: The Path Ahead

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer

"Luckily the Empire has a device that will enable them to track down the outsiders easily. With their help this matter should be resolved quickly." Orawen said giving emphasis to the Empirial forces and Jestin. However, Captain Durendez of the Ramoan Army was unconvinced. He was very curious as to how the Empire had a readily available device to find these so called outsiders.

The meeting was drawing to it's conclusion. The Ramoan Forces would work hand in hand with the Alfierians and the Imprials to track down the girl with the Devil's Jewel. They aim to use her to inspect the Seals placed upon the prison which held one of the Old Gods. Also they have agreed to pardon her for her crimes should she agree to help them. As for Eligor, he will train as a Grand Sorcerer and learn powerful binding spells to help ensure that the demon girl does not go off target with the quest. He was selected to be the most suitable person for this task because of his lineage. The council has also agreed to help the Empire search for the outsiders, humans from another world, and learn their motives, agendas, and if they had anything to do with the resurfacing of the Guardians.

Orawen concludes the meeting, the members exit the meeting room in an orderly fashion. Captain Durendez was one of the last people to leave the room. He didn't like how the meeting went and now he grows more suspicious of the Empire and it's true goal. Orawen approaches Eligor before he leaves. She tells him that there is a rest house available for him should he choose to rest before his journey. But she insists that Eligor leave as soon as possible for his training may last a very long time, depending upon his abilities. She also tells Eligor to go visit the shops in town to replenish his supply before leaving.

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer

All things considered, he thought that went well, and while he was slightly suspicious of the Imperial for already being able to track down the otherworlders, it wasn't his concern at the present, as they had never seen him let alone interacted. Listening to Orawen, he thanked her for the suggestions and agreed to make all the necessary preparations for his journey.

Exiting the meeting hall, he headed into town to visit one of the shops, he did still have that cloak to sell, after all. He wandered about for a bit before heading into a nearby shop, and asked the shopkeeper what they would give for the wraith's cloak. The strange cloak was a little unwieldy for him in his present state, so it would only serve to weigh him down during his upcoming training.

Chapter 4: The Path Ahead

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer

The Shop's name was Tiny Leaf. It was being manned by a single shop keeper, a boy, youthful yet experienced. The shop keeper's name was Feno, a young Alfeir. The shop sold many varieties of items ranging from trinkets to Alfeirian weapons. Eligor was selling him a Wraith's Cloth it was in bad condition and so Feno thought he would price the item at 1,400 Gil.

"That their Dark Cloth is worth 1,400 Gil. It's a good price considering it's condition. So are you going to sell it or not?"

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer

Eligor nodded in reply, "Yes, that would be agreeable, thank you." The cloth wasn't in that great a condition he knew, but it was hardly the worst thing anyone had ever tried to pawn off, and it would certainly suit his purposes as that much Gil could go a long way. He idly wondered as he handed the cloth over what the future would hold, as this journey would probably be his most harrowing to date. Not that he was worried overmuch, but there was an air about it that had him wondering if it might be the last thing he ever did. The future was ever in motion after all and for all his magic prowess in the wide world there countless others who surpassed him in skill, and he had the feeling he might cross one soon.

*Sold Item to Shopkeeper*

Chapter 4: The Path Ahead

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer

1400 Gil added, Wraith Black Cloth subtracted from Inventory

*Btw assume all Alfeir to Alfeir conversations are spoken in Alferian language*

Feno took the Cloth and then handed Eligor the 1400 Gil and said, "Thanks! Can I help you with something else?"

Just as Eligor was pocketing his money, the escort assigned to Eligor arrived. He will be accompanied by only two Alferian escorts because the Alferian Kingdom is not at all dangerous to Alfeirs. They will take the river path which is the fastest and most direct route through the Alferian woods and towards their destination. They will have to exit the river path at Cross, the Alfeirian Capital in Wrozan. The escorts marched up behind and one of them said, "Please accept this gift from Lady Orawen. Also, we're ready to go."

EQUIPMENT
Alfeirian Silk Robes Lv: 80 (B)
MOVES	HP	STM	STR	DEX	MAG	DEF	M.DEF
0	2000	0	0	0	0	320	0
Info

A boat awaited Eligor in the River docks. It was a small boat capable of carrying a maximum load of 10 men only. But it was fast, Alfeirian ships are one of the fastest ships, on water, in the entire planet.

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer

Taking the robes with thanks, he changed into them at the first opportunity, when he arrived back at his rooms. While perhaps not quite as great against magic, he felt it would still come in handy in the future. Felt nice on the skin as well. Shame, his old robes were rather comfortable, for all that they were well worn. He wondered what the adventure would hold, but wasn't overly concerned. Death or success awaited him, and while he hoped for the latter, the former was far more likely. An optimist he was not.

\

Chapter 4: The Path Ahead

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer

"Sir we must leave." said one of the escorts. There was another set of the very same armor waiting for Eligor in the ship. It was up to him whether or not he will take it. The sun will be setting in a few hours. It would be preferable if Eligor departed now rather than later, because the river path is not as safe as it is in the day as compared to at night.

There are still guards stationed at the river path but you can't control nature, and the Alfeirian woods are home to some of the largest creatures in whole Wrozan. Aside from the dangers, Eligor was also not in the position to linger around and waste precious time because his master, Grand Sorceress Ahmira was not a young Alfeir.

Cross Kingdom, Su'til Village
Grand Sorcerer

Nodding silently to his escorts, he followed the path down to the ship that would take him across the river and boarded, noting the presence of the second set of robes and picking them up. Who knows, his current one might tear requiring he replace it. Never hurts to have a spare set lying around. He had heard of Grand Sorceress Ahmira, but had never met let alone seen her.

Eligor was slightly anxious about the upcoming training, it would certainly be a challenge that he would endeavor to overcome, but challenges are called such for a reason, not because they required you to sing a song once or breathe in and out 5 times. Then again, some people were so tone-deaf that the first one probably would be a challenge, but he digressed. Enough time had been wasted already, he could leave the wool-gathering for another time.