Chapter One

Alder shoved the curling scroll aside and pinched his brow in frustration. Four years, three months, one week, and fives days of tireless searching and scouting, of using every avenue he could exhaust in the effort, and for what? For a singular piece of a much larger whole that can’t even be translated! It was another dead end. Just like all the others had been. 

So much of his life had been dedicated to this hunt, thankfully it had always been a background endevour, but to fail after so long… Alder ran a hand through his shoulder length black hair and tried, unscuccessfully, to force it into a more neat state. He pulled the thin framed spectacles engraved with squiggling marks from his face and rested them on the mess that was Alders desk and stretched back sighing. Now what? He thought Where do I go from here? 

Sadly, no one answered him with a telepathic response and instant solution to all of his problems. The ceiling of the study simply stared back in silence and observation, and he was left alone to consider his journey up to that question. Looking back it was obvious he wouldn’t have found something that related to his issues, surely had there been more widespread rumour it might have been possible. Instead he’d gone off on hearsey and speculation, chasing wild myths with certainty of his success.

“Stop that, I can see you sinking in on yourself from the doorway.” the Stern elderly voice of Tricia shook him from his thoughts.

Tricia stood roughly four foot and wore the traditional black flowing robes with gold lace trimmings that most Librarians wore. She was late in years for a dwarf, but still kept a strong and stern posture. Often she said she’d learned it from the trees along the deserts edge. Massive pillars of unyielding life, withstanding even the horrors of the tribes and tribulations around them. Alder had always considered it a lovely image, and one he never wished to experience first hand.

“Yes well, you tell me what you would do if your strongest intuition turned out to be the last rites of an early Arcanist whose greatest accomplishment was the development of a cleaning balm.” Alder muttered.

He stood slowly from the desk and stretched again, his shoulders had begun to ache but was numbed by the sheer underwhelming reality of his “Successful recovery of an ancient scroll”. He’d need to send it back to the capital for inspection, recording, and restoration, but all that seemed so… distant at the moment. Instead all he could focus on was the void of direction he was facing, he’d placed so much hope on that one scroll. So much blind devotion and faith, wasted.

“Oh, that is a pity.” The Elder librarian said. She strode calmly over to a pair of high back chairs placed alongside a small table. 

Alder heard the light ting of metal as a serving tray was placed atop the table, moments later the old dwarf took a seat and began to sip from a cup. As he approached he noted the second cup and piling of baked breads steaming in between. 

“Tricia… You really didn’t have to. I appreciate the effort but-”

“Sit you foolish boy,” Tricia barked “You think I did all this for some shut in elf with a penchant for the dramatic?”

Alder took the seat beside her quietly and quickly siped from his own cup. It was bitter and acidic, but something in the bite was soothing. 

“Maybe?”

“No. You’re not the only one looking for answers here. We may be a small library but we are still the only one the villages can get to without going to a city. Many are here doing exactly as you are.”

“And how many will be as disappointed in their plight as I am at my failure?” Alder asked

“I suspect many more than you think, but not all. Yours is a case i’ve not seen before.”

Alder laughed. How many times had he heard that over the years, how many professors and friends had said that to him? He was beginning to lose track after so long. Not that the statement was incorrect, ostensibly Alder was an irregularity. An Elf born with magic but without the ability to actually use it. The case was the subject of much debate in his childhood. His mother had taken him to the Capital just so that the Academies could study him. In exchange they offered him an education and tutelage, but in the end nothing came from it. 

“Yes well, if finding examples of this were common im not sure i’d be in this position.” Alder said

“Or you’d be worse off knowing it to be pointless. You forget how much hope uncertainty can create.” Tricia shot back “You’re always so certain and always so dejected when you’re wrong. What will you do when there is no easy solution?”

“I don’t want an easy solution. I know this is rare, and I know that there isn’t an easy solution. I just want A solution.”

“Many others learn to live with their disabilities. Some of the greatest of our Dwarven Heroes were crippled by magic early and had to learn to survive without it. They rose to challenge even the gods themselves it’s said.”

“I’ve learned to live with it. The difference is I’ve also learned that I can change it. I know that I don’t have to have this limitation. There are theories of connection that circulate in the groups of scholars and Arcanists alike, speaking of ways to adjust the bodies access to the energy.”

“I am aware. I am also aware of the dangers they face, and how often the Holy Alliance moves in to take them. Or worse yet, you came to face The Inquisition. Neither leads to a particularly extended life.”

Alder sighed and placed his now empty cup back atop the tray and stole another pastry, one filled with a strawberry spread of a kind. Tricia was annoyingly right, again. She often was in these matters, blind obsession to a subject had driven many scholars and arcanists alike into madness. No one wanted someone with the power to level houses having a mental snap, so librarians were often kept on hand to watch out for those signs.

Tricia was no exception. She worked for the Academy, as did he technically, and was beholden to their rules. She kept watch of all the knowledge held in the library, and made sure that everyone within its walls was studying for “noble intentions”. That was a rule Alder had always hated, and one that was often brought before him during council trials and check ups. A way to keep the many from focusing on too personal of endevours with the money the academy grants. 

“By the way,” Tricia reached beneath the metal tray and produced a singular sealed envelope with the markings of a wreathed ruby. “This arrived for you a few hours ago, I figured it was another summons for a council trial, though I’m not sure why Rubedelle would be the location.”

“Agreed.” Alder eyed the envelope warily before accepting it. It wasn’t weighty, and seemed to only contain a few pieces of parchment within. “Did anyone you recognize deliver it?”

“Not that I know, but the courier said shes staying at the inn along the beach. Suppose you could ask her if you have any questions.” 

“Yes. You’re right. Thank you Tricia.” Alder spoke the words but never broke from staring at the parcel. 

Tricia, her work seemingly having been accomplished, rose quietly, retrieved the small tray, now covered in crumbs and two empty cups, and strode from the room. Without another word, she was beyond his sight. Instead Alder rose and made his way to the desk once more, shuffling the many towers of books aside until he found a small dinner knife. With a motion he slit the envelope and pulled out a trifolded parchment, bearing the sigil of Rubedelle, The Emperial Defense which were two crossed swords before a castle wall, and one Alder didn’t recognize. It was of a sturdy castle wreathed and bearing a crossroad. 

Alder glanced down to see who had sent it and laughed, then folded the letter back and stowed it away. If experience was anything to go by, receiving a letter from Jeann of Rubedelle meant one of two things, she wanted to fight him again, or she needed something. He put his coin more on the latter and mentally planned a path to the seaside Inn. 

The Docks of Mehonoris were, to many, the most impressive part of the town. Mehonoris had remained favorite of the Nobility and well off for its scenic location and relative safety, but most only stayed for a short while before departing back to their cities and the capital. To facilitate the constant moving, the town grew around its most notable feature; Its beach. The bulk of people who now of Mehonoris only know so because of the stories of the pristine sands and clear waves. It is and always has been, to Alder, one of the most beautiful aspects of living in the north, and of living in his birth town. 

Alders mother had been a lower noble, and his father had been a soldier in the southern campaign against the desert tribes. After his father had passed his mother had returned from the capital to mehonoris and gave birth to Alder. He’d loved the view from their home and had always enjoyed watching the nobility come and go from their ships. In truth, his mother had also encouraged it and gotten him a job helping keep the records for the harbor before he had left for the Academy. 

Alder had loved those days most of all, being directly involved in the goings of so many people and helping see it all through was something he would always remember. It was fitting to him that his lifes journey had begun at those docks so many years ago, and here he was heading back for a whole new change potentially. A rush of exhilaration hastened his movements as he rounded the dilapidated cobble streets leading to the Sunken Queen, a famous vessel that had sunk and whose mast acted as a support structure for the Inn. 

Inside he found a thriving bar filled with sailor and merchant alike, each sharing stories from travels and hauking wares of questionable authenticity. Standing at his entrance was a woman in partial plate and long dirty blonde hair tied in a ponytail. She swung her arms enthusiastically and beckoned him to her table. Not wishing her to make any more of a scene he quickly made for the chair opposite her. 

“Alder!” Jeann called with exuberance, shoving a tankard of a frothing gold liquid towards him. Alder happily accepted and let the warmth of the hearth and ale fill him. Though the library was warmed by the fires and candles, the outside was often a sharp and often colder habitat. 

“Hello Jeann, I wasn’t expecting to see you again.”

“Surely you don’t mean that.” Jeann said, her smile growing “After all the good years together at the Academy? Were practically Battle bonded.”

“You called me out to fight near everyday. I had to keep accepting or I’d have never heard the end of it from Delar.”

“Thats right, you Battle Mages are had some Hard-ass trainer didn’t you?”

“Was yours not as harsh? I know soldiers and commanders don’t have the same skill set as Arcanists and Battle Mages, but surely the weapons training was similar?”

Jeann shook her head and laughed.

“I’m not sure if you paid attention to the other Battle Mages at the time, but most could hardly swing a sword to save their lives, let alone stand against a Soldier or Commander in a duel.”

“Be that as it may,” Alder fought the urge to groan. School grudges and rivalries died hard it seemed, though he doubted Jeann would ever let the embers burn out entirely. 

“Yes, the letter.” Jeann said, picking up on the topic shift. “Have you read it?”

“No. I saw the Rubedelle symbol, read the senders name, and felt a face to face would be much more suited to you.”

“Eh, what do I care. Thanks though, you won me a few silver on a bet. Al wagered you’d read it before accepting. Glad to see I was right.”

“Hold on there Jeann, I haven’t accepted anything. It may be a bygone conclusion to everyone else, but i’d atleast like to know what it is.”

“You could have read the letter.”

Alders silence drew bellowing laughter from the woman. 

“Right, well then. I’ve been hired in Dominia, on the border of the Ugupian Mountains, not the largest city but decent sized. Walls and everything, from the second campaign no less.”

“Okay, its old and in a highly contested area, I don’t see-”

“Shh. The city is run by one of the oldest families, the Domicortea, and the current Count, Philistine. All this politics and history is to say that the city is old, and myths about the magic of the mountains and the horrors of the second campaign spread and fester. Until recently most considered them just that, rumors. That isn’t to say Philistine didn’t put stock in them, he was always wary but he often made precautions.

A few weeks ago his daughter, the young Lady Elizabeth, was kidnapped and stolen after working at a church in the outer slums. The upper nobility of the city and the public were kept unaware because of how the report came in. The Count felt it was all a bit too unreliable, but hired a few people to help investigate and see about getting her back. Around that same time a number of gruesome murders began to surface, similar to ones from old myths and stories.”

“Oh no.”

“Oh yes! Full ancient history horror for you! The creature, whatever the stories claim it is, is known for kidnapping its victims and feasting on them for sometime, slowly consuming only enough to survive to the next year. We tracked it down and even cornered it, Alder you wouldn’t believe it. It was massive and grizzled, gnarling teeth, patchy fur and flesh, exposed bones, horrendous.”

“So you killed it then?”

“Er, not quite. See I “beat” it. That is to say that I stoped the creature, but it turns out the creature was actually the Young Lady Elizabeth. Now the Count is scrambling to find an Arcanist powerful enough to help in discovering and removing the affliction or curse. She hasn’t changed again, but theres something….” Jeann paused and seemed to struggle with the words “I’m not sure how to describe it. In old legends of the Desert Campaign it was told that some of their soldiers could become possessed and change their forms to monstrous sizes and shapes. They could move faster than any enhanced Arcanist, and could preform feats beyond normal imagination.”

“So you see a connection between the two? The young ladies affliction and the warriors from legend?” Alder asked

“I’m honestly not sure, but when I stood over her after the battle something felt off. Like she wasn’t the human before me. Like she was something else entirely. Shes not a changeling either, we’ve done the tests that can be done safely. Short of removing a whole limb theres not much else to be proven. Now we just need to cure her.”

“That sounds like quite the story.” Alder said. He leaned thoughtfully back and mulled over the information. 

Indeed, it was quite the story, funnier yet was that it was one he’d sworn he’d heard before. He just couldn’t place it. The name Philistine also rang a bell but it seemed to taunt him equally. The idea of someone, a human no less, changing into a beast beyond proportion and understanding was uncommon in the best of times. To have it be such a drastic shift in appearance and movement would require obscene amounts of power.

“Do you have any ideas?”

“Well,” Jeann said sighing “We were hoping you might be interested in joining the team. It’ll take a week by carriage to get there, and i’m needed back soon. We are currently without any idea of what to do and where to go. Our last idea died with the priest that tried to exorcise the poor girl, turns out that churchly possession isn’t the cause.”

“No…” An idea perked into Alders mind. A dangerous and disasterous idea, but one that could give a theory to test.  “Did the young Lady have any Arcane potential before the event?”

“Not that we’re aware of. We already asked and tried tried looking into accidents involving young Arcanists. She didn’t appear to be one or even associate with one. The closest she got was to the local Arcanists that her father employs around the Keep.”

“And afterwards?”

“Well I don’t imagine that she’s changing and moving so quickly and using magic if she didn’t. So, you know. Yes?”

“Is this just about curing her? Curse free and safe?”

Jeann nodded, 

“Yeah, pretty much. I figured i’d ask you because of all the Battle Mages i know, you’re the only one who can handle himself in a fight. Plus you’re crazy enough to run straight in without a second thought. So what do you say? Barreling in? Or are you having a second thought?”

Alder laughed. She had him there. A good mystery was always a key driving force in anything he did, but this was different. There was an element to it that pulled at something in his mind, some inane thought of trying to use the situation. Perhaps, if it were safe, he could capture whatever it was that possessed the young lady. Maybe with some time and study he could even use it on himself to-

“Alder!” Jeann snapped. 

Alder quickly righted himself, without realizing he had accidentally tipped over his own tankard with his movements of speculation. A small pool of the golden liquid trickled from the table onto the ruddy floor, only to soak into the wood and add to the scent of sweet ale wafting throughout. So many thoughts were whizzing throughout his head, new plans and ideas. Theories and experiments. It must have showed because when he faced Jeann next she was rising. 

“Wait, I haven’t-” He started 

“Sure you haven’t, but either way you look interested and I need to hurry back. My carriage leaves in the morning, I need to stop by the Library on the way and speak with the Head Librarian. Something the Count had requested I pick up.”

Alder stood to follow, ignoring the dwindling pool of liquor amongst the rush to leave. 

“We had something he needed here?”

“Of course not, it arrived aboard a delivery ship from the Capital. I was already heading this way and the waters are much faster, so I asked him to send it here. Best casee, he gets his precious book and a Knowledgable Battle Mage, worst he just gets some book. Either way, I get to see the sands again.”

The cool sea air rode atop the waves and crashed against the duo harshly as they exited. The wind wasn’t extreme, but the chill that carried cut through all but the thickest of fabrics. The pair made for the center plaza, following the flickering oil lamps in the night.

“It’s certainly something i’ve not had the chance to experience before, and it might answer a few questions I have.” Alder said wistfully

“So I’ll see you in the morning then? Good, like I said, we leave from the Library at first light, and be a dear and get that book for me would you? Good Night!”

The rush of words and instructions that poured from the woman surprised Alder to sudden speachlesness, instead he was treated to the sight her rushing away towards a larger brick inn along the plaza. 

“So much time and you’ve not changed a bit.” Alder said. Whether he was speaking to the shrinking form of his old rival and friend or himself he couldn’t say. Instead Alder turned to face the road heading towards the small hilltop that housed the libraries structure and tried his best not to shiver in the cold.

To Alders surprise Tricia was still up and active sitting by a sputtering fire in the main hall of the Library. The librarian was alone, enjoying a book with a faded cover and sipping from a chipped cup containing some steaming beverage. He tried his best not to make a sound closing the large wooden doors at the entrance, but sadly such a thing was impossible almost by design. Instead the old dwarf turned to see who had disturbed her and gave a gentle smile. 

“Ah, back so soon young Alder? Should I prepare for another long session? You seem rather excited suddenly.” 

Without realizing, Alder had begun to smile. Not a small cracking smile, but a wide unconsciously joyful smile. His empty direction from just an hour ago had vanished, and in its place was once again hope and drive. 

“Well, ah, about that. It seems I’ll be off for some time.” Alder made for the living quarters door expecting the conversation to end. He was surprised when the dwarf followed.

“Oh, so that letter was a job? So now you’re Alder the Pere again, not Alder the Librarian?”

Alder laughed and threw together a bundle of his clothes from the small chest at the foot of his cot. The open room was fairly empty, most often the few that were occupied were done so by locals too busy to leave. Alder was the only one who actually lived on the premises. His home seeming too empty to live in alone. 

“You could say that. An old friend from the Academy. But more than that i think i have a solution to my problem.”

Tricia raised an eyebrow and folded her arms.

“You’re not planning anything too dangerous are you? I understand you’re wish to be like the other Arcanists, but many a scholar has lost their life in the pursuit of the impossible.”

“Ah, but it isn’t impossible. We just haven’t found a way yet.”

“Some would say there isn’t one, and for good reason. Who are you to go around changing the natural order of things? Hmm? What if your discovering topples this whole precarious peace the nations have accepted.”

“Surely the influx of one more Arcanist wont tip the scales that heavily, after all they have the Academy for that simple reason.”

“It isn’t about that boy!” Tricias words were harsh and drove a stillness through Alder. “I have watched you since your birth, and i know the struggles you have faced. You have always fought hard for the answers that no one expected or knew, and i have encouraged it as best i can. As your mother would have wanted.”

Alder felt a somber frown fall onto his face, his entire mood seemed to lower at those words. His mother had wanted so much for him, had given so much for him. 

“I know Tricia. But the legends-”

“Are legends boy, you walk in the steps of gods. Not mortals. You wish to change the entirety of reality, so be it, but know that the few that have were often sorely disappointed at the results.”

“What are you saying? That i should give up on trying to gain magical control? That my entire reasons for studying should be put aside because i have another dangerous and unlikely lead?” Alders voice was rising, hot rage was building inside him. Here she was, not two hours later, questioning his motives and their possibility, he knew her reasoning but resented her regardless. 

“No, if this is the only option you have found and it has the chance to help you then you should take it. You are a good man, and I know that you will help as many as you can if you have that power, but I am worried over the steps you must take to get that power. Legends all tell of the sacrifices, are you sure you’re willing to make them?”

Silence filled the room, even the fireplace seemed to pull away. The question hung over Alder like a silent killer above. It was a question he’d often found himself wondering as well, in the cold lonely nights when the most desperate options seemed the only way forward. Was this another desperate option?

He was going for the mystery and to help, should he find some way to alter his own magical control it would be a plus, right? 

“I don’t know that I can…” Alder admitted “I want to. I want to say I can, no matter the cost. This is something i’ve wanted for so long. Power so close to my grasp yet always out of reach, watching thousands learn alongside me and being almost able to join them. Its worse than being born without, what little i can use of the Arcane is always limited to near pointless existence. If this is my only lead currently then I have to follow it.”

“And should this fail? What then? Or worse yet, what if you don’t survive the process? Is your life worth that? Is someone elses?”

“Stop it! You’re making baseless claims to frighten me!” Alder shouted and spun around on the Dwarf. “I know the risks! I know the Dangers!”

Tricia stared deep into his eyes, for so long that the anger in him began to disappear and he was suddenly left feeling empty and disappointed in himself. She was only concerned for him, and doing what she thought was best. It was her job after all. Watch over the scholars and keep them sane and safe. She only wanted what was best for him.

“You do… Don’t you…” Tricia said quietly. “Of all the ones here, you truly do know the dangers you have set your sights on. How likely you are not to survive even if you find it.” Tricia lowered her head and sighed. “You’re less a danger to others than you are to yourself, but you seem to have made peace with it to an extent. Fine, go, do your job and try your experiment. I shall pray for your success and safe return.”

As she turned, she produced a small pad of folded papers and marked something away on it, then shifted position when she turned to see him still staring at her. With a final nod and curt good night, Alder was left alone in the flickering light of the bedding hall. Left with only thoughts, concerns, and mysterious wonder on the journey ahead.