Part Two of a three-part epic fantasy
DISCLAIMER: If you haven't read Part One, click here to dive into the story.
“Who among you cowards has brought me the one
Ruining the ruins and setting the sun?”
Throughout the land, King’s Army is recalled
Towing half wreckage, half treasure is hauled
To all, t’was a shock to hear of the loss
So o’er passed wreckage, now back across
“Hundred thousands of soldiers – get everyone
We need everyone back in this garrison”
Thund’ring, pounding steps almost crawled
A complete retreat – some were somewhat appalled
Wondering how the Elite failed the boss
All told to hunt demons to burn at the cross
Commotion from crafting the Dyer nursery
Caught ear of another ancient society
The motion of mounts moving could be seen
In plain sight, though ‘cross the sound, serene
The notion of such strength made Elders think
When warriors witnessed it, they went to drink
Weaklings worried about less liberty
Elders and Mystics consulted the Living Tree
Speaking of, it’s not just where they convene
Main art pow’r source – the Elves keep it pristine
“Seeking peace, let’s reach out, partner, and link
Elven may benefit… or be brought to the brink”
Back at training, I’m explaining intention
“Most start with one art: your calling dimension
Lacking Fire or Ice, it’s like no protection
Fire needs Wind for Aura connection
Attack tandem, Fire, Wind Mage: work as one
Combining your art’s how the battle is won
Same: Ice needs Water, then Wind for extension
You’ll learn both soon if not past comprehension
Claim your path sooner – achieve perfection
Don’t try to go in this, that direction
Flame Mages always feel the warmth of the sun
Ice Mages learn loving cold in comparison”
“One day, you’ll meet someone who pairs with your art
We’re talking battle, not a matter of heart
Done enough times, though; it’s true: look at me
I call 5D with Wind and Fire, easy
Running this training, here: I’m still learning too
I’ve asked to attend a Water review
So many fighters are past my counterpart
But even practicing, I rip sky apart
Bro, keep on training; no complaining, agree?
Keep going; you’ll see results, I guarantee
Know: when I was your age, I had no clue
Train, and you’ll do what you want to do”
“Let’s go somewhat deeper, little recap
Let’s put Silt and Wind down on the map
Vets know, e’en if you don’t, who you are
Silt feels the pull; Wind feels called from afar
It’s though Silt is the armor, for us Mages
Silt can shelter from Wind, lock foes in cages
Partner of Water: Silt, to cross physical gap…
Fire and Wind are ethereal arts – they sap
Art where Wind’s catalyst; Fire’s hungry as star
Fiery art, dimensions ripped and ajar
Start where you feel’s right; we teach in stages
Water, Wind, Flame, Silt, Blood – we know all pages”
“We wanted to greet you: welcome to the sound”
Elven emissaries emerged from somewhere around
Be advised: they’re our size; not as told in lore
Not sure if you’ve heard Elven tales before
Seem like sturdy guys, though peaceful and polite
The Elven emissaries arrived just after twilight
“T’was amazing art achieved; all it astounds
Moving that mountain like motes in small mounds
Was it art from before the age of the first war?
The art reminded us of ours – only more”
“Position it ancient plus technique and might”
“Arts we’d love to learn; perhaps we could unite?”
“Great, let’s go ask; our leaders are this way”
We meet up with Ben, Lev, Mav, and Kay
Straight up the steep cliff, around the new cave
Convened leaving training, now to our enclave
Gate open, they’re welcomed; talk training and trade
Met open-armed; somehow familiar, this brigade
While we wait, we debate what leaders say
The ancients assure safety now during day
Smiling, reminisce of the Elves who fought brave
Arcane knowledge and mastery of the stave
I’ll say, the few I’ve known always made
Oldest creatures with arts truly afraid
Chatter dying down; after, most depart
I respond to Kay and join as counterpart
Shattering sparring: ne’er fought nor should
Returning reps tonight, she did what she could
“Matter to you; I’ve always been Elf too?”
I reply, “No it’s just that I never knew”
“I’m starting to think the only difference is our art
You can’t really tell our species apart”
“Mine feasts on energy, starlight, and blood”
“You say; and mine feasts on nature: what’s good
Fine things like the Living Tree, always true”
“You tell me the time: learn from me, learn from you”
O’er branch’d mountain range, out to the North West
Beyond peaks the likes of legend or quest
More treacherous pass is hard to find
Circumventing the range, travelers don’t mind
Sure to follow the river, then around the lake
Past edge of waterfall: the castle, to overtake
“Days ‘til return?” The King sits in unrest
He’s hardly spoken to the Royal Guest
“Hays’ Army, a week; others farther behind”
“Your Majesty, guests are seated to be dined”
“Raise a glass, toast: all enjoy this fine steak”
“Apologies, friends, guests: this stomach ache”
“Wake up, get bathin’; it’s time for more trainin’
Tonight, the Elves join us – so no abstaining”
“Making His introduction, may I present
His Royal Highness, the Magnificent
Hakun Yggdrasil and Preeminent Guard
Chimera Trainers and Masters of Shard…”
With this long ceremony, I’ll do the explaining
The Elders spoke of arts they’ve been attaining
Mythic photosynthetic nourishment
Leaders outline its healing or punishment
Fifty men versus one, even treated as sparred
A learned nature master beats with disregard
Power, directly from Light energy stored
Elven Elders learn’t Light’s stronger than sword
Showers, Silt, animals, all nature, are one
Elders said their Living Tree is powered by the sun
Scour the land, won’t find purer pow’r source
Elven imparted t’was strongest life force
They then showed binding crystals brings reward
Weapons forged render a beggar a lord
Say Adepts, giants wielding electricity; and stun
With art-infused weapons, ev’ry battle’s won
“Pray thee ne’er battle an armed Adept, of course”
Trading for crystals and arts, Elves chose discourse
Now the cute Chimeras were highlight by far
A new type of species – don’t know what they are
How nimble and agile, obedient and bold
These cuddly Chimeras did everything told
Wowed the crowd, who “ooh’d” and “aah’d” and applaud’d
Fun little guys played with all in our squad
You wouldn’t believe how they fight, near bizarre
Two trainers paired off, each with Chimeras, to spar
Two seconds in, twenty art forms unfold
Trainers’ embedded staves, a sight to behold
Due to glyphs and gems, they look like my rod
These Chimera Trainers, explaining the odd
Where do they come from? What are they called?
Naturally, we spoke while the animals brawled
They’re from Light dimension, half-breed actually
Negotiated Sprites – truly paid-off, finally
“Their name’s unofficial – want to help name them?”
I said, “I’m not sure – that might be a problem”
The furry guys roared, clawed, attacked, and mauled
Afterward, laid on backs, played; and they sprawled
The blurry streaking stunned in the finale
Toward the encore, they were really unruly
The worry of outsiders, we now condemn
In the end, understood art of Chimera and gem
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