Well I basically deleted my origianl post so now, I'm posting the updated one. Wording of some things is slightly differnt, some dialogue is slightly changed as well.
Sauru
Chapter 1: A Hero is Chosen
Once, long ago, there was a mighty and noble swordsman named Sauru. He had saved the vast land of Fargon from many evils. He was cherished by all for his great deeds. But, Sauru had a sinister appearance, so many people feared him at first glance.
He wore a navy blue garment made of armadillo skin which covered his body, except for his arms and legs, and tapered off the back of his head to a long point. On his legs he wore tights. And on his feet, brown boots made of the finest cow hide, which were fastened with a steel bar across the top.
He comes from the Irwant Forest; a secluded place on the outskirts of Fargon; the outlying power nation. The forest is considered it's own territory. Though this was not always the case. It was originally part of Dresklin; another large nation outside Fargon's boundaries. This changed when the gods asked the leader of Dresklin to release it as it's own land so that they may train young men there under one of their sage's watch watch. Burke; the leader at the time; graciously gave it up because it was not being used anyway. Now, the forest is home to only Sauru and four other swordsmen who were picked by the gods to train in that special forest and possibly do great things later on in their life.
As the gods had said, the forest is watched over and guarded by a wise and powerful sage named Nootama. She wears a long green robe that is tied at the waist with a black rope. She has long hair that cascades down her back and trails far past the bottom of her robe. She holds a small staff that was once owned by the goddess of earth; Sedmoten. Nootama has the power to cast magical incantations and spells. Her top priority is to use for them to protect the forest and the swordsmen who live there. She also provides them with food and shelter.
Nootama isn't the only sage who exists though. She is a member of a group of sages formed by the gods, each with their own power over an element. Nootama is the Earth sage, Barooda is the wind sage, Shord is the water sage, and Mushida is the fire sage. Together, their powers make up the Sacred Barrier that keeps the malevolent forces away from Fargon.
Even though all five swordsmen were chosen to do great things, the gods sensed a special power deep within Sauru that made him stand out from the other four. So on Sauru's 18th birthday, August 16th, Nootama summoned him to her sanctuary.
When he arrived at her sanctuary, Nootama appeared and was silent at first.She broke the silence by saying "Sauru, there was a new sage brought forth earlier today. He was supposed to be the lightning sage; his name was Parvok." Sauru just stared.
"What happened to him" he asked.
"He died very quickly, due to the fact that lightning was too powerful for him to control" she answered.
"Then why have you summoned me?"
"I have summoned you to give you a gift for your birthday" Then Nootama took out a sword and announced "This sword is an ancient blade that has been enchanted by the gods. It also has the power of lightning, the same power Parvok was to obtain, fused into it as well." Nootama cast a temporary spell which would safeguard Sauru, just in case the mythic blade did not accept him.
Sauru hesitantly grabbed for it and then stopped because he was worried that he would not be worthy of the blade. She assured him by saying "Remember, the spell that I cast on you will protect you if you are not worthy." These simple words gave him the courage to try again. This time he didn't let his fear hold him back. He stretched out his arm and grasped it. Nootama seemed startled though she felt a feeling of relief as well.
She said to Sauru "You know what this means don't you Sauru?"
"No, what?"
"Well, ancient law created by the gods states: If a weapon of legendary status is handled by anyone, including mortals, they shall become the sworn protector of the land in which the weapon was created."
"Wow, so I'm now the sole guardian of Fargon?"
"Exactly." Sauru stared in awe.
Chapter 2: The Ancient Echo Shield
Sauru then saw that there was no lightning. He asked "Nootama, why doesn't the sword have lightning like you told me it would?"
"Ah, I was waiting for you to ask that. You will see soon enough." Nootama answered. Then the clouds separated and down came a being that was similar to Nootama. He was draped in a long yellow robe, which was, just like Nootama's, tied at the waist with a black rope. any visible parts of his body, which included his face, appeared to be a dense jelly like substance of a pale color. He wore a helmet with an image of a lightning bolt on both sides of it. He landed next to Nootama and greeted her by nodding his head. He then turned his attention towards Sauru and said "Hello Sauru, I am Parvok."
Sauru responded "Hi." and immediately followed with "If you don't mind me asking, are you the same Parvok that had passed on earlier this morning?
"Yes, that is true but what you see before you is only my spirit in a tangible form."
"Oh, then why are you here exactly?"
"It has come to my attention that you want to know why you don't see lightning on the sword. This is part one of y reason for coming here."
Sauru said "Thanks you. Are you going to make the lightning appear on the sword?"
"Now, the reason that there is no visible lightning is it has yet to be released. It is still trapped inside the blade. I must cast a spell on it to unleash the lightning from within." he said.
"Please hand the sword to me" said Nootama. Sauru did as she said. Then Nootama passed the weapon over to Parvok. He threw it in the air and quickly released dim rays of magic unto the sword to suspend it in mid-air. After, he raised his hands in the air and generated a bright yellow disk above him. Then the sword drifted onto the disk as another disk appeared descended on top of the sword. Suddenly, everything; the legendary blade and both disks; disappeared.
Sauru shouted worryingly "What happened? Where is the sword?"
Parvok quickly answered "Be patient." Soon after, the legendary blade appeared in Sauru's left hand. Now its blade was invigorated with lightning that was spiraling around it. Sauru was startled when he saw the violent lightning that embraced his weapon of legend.
"Now, as you can see, the mighty power of lightning that was previously fused solely into the very soul of the blade has now emerged to the surface. That with the power of the gods that it has been blessed with, makes it the the most powerful weapon to this day!"
"Thank you so much Parvok! This is magnificent!"
Parvok happily said "You are very much welcome. Consider it a birthday gift from the gods, Nootama, and myself.
"Now for part two of my visit."
"I nearly forgot there was more, what is it?"
"I was sent to introduce you to the second part of your hero's attire."
"What is it?"
"It is the Ancient Echo Shield, the legendary shield of the first Hero of Fargon; Gadevrion.
"I have heard of him. He was supposedly the greatest hero whom Fargon has ever seen.
"That is very true. He defeated the most powerful villain that has ever jeopardized the land of Fargon. His name was Credichan."
"I had heard of Credichan but had never known who he was. Now I do. Thank you." said Sauru.
"Ha ha, you are welcome, but we shouldn't get off topic."
"I am sorry."
"There is no need for apologies." Parvok said. "Now, about the Ancient Echo Shield. It lies in a chest which is to be found in a section of a small grove just on the edge of the forest."
"But beware of the fierce troll that guards the chest, " Nootama added " he is a dangerous and savage beast."
Parvok said "Yes, that is true."
"Do you think I am ready to take him on?" Sauru asked
"Yes, I do expect you to be able to beat him. You have enough experience and the sacred sword to aid you. He does, however, have a large hand axe. You should be wary of this." He handed Sauru a piece of paper and said "Here is a map to help you find your way."
"Thank you Parvok."
"You're welcome. Now go and obtain the Ancient Echo Shield!"
Sauru had been walking for a few minutes and he was about to exit the forest when Parvok appeared before him. "You are following the map incorrectly, Sauru." said Parvok.
"I am?" he asked in confusion.
"Yes, but it is my fault for I have forgotten to give you the compass as well." He handed a small black compass to Sauru.
"Thank you. Now I can find my way. Wow, I didn't know that i was going the other direction."
"Good luck" said Parvok as he disappeared and Sauru turned around and ran towards the opposite end of the forest. When he reached the exit of the forest, he followed a complicated route and he indeed ended up at the grove, just as Parvok said he would.
Sauru immediately noticed a large golden chest with three horizontal black straps towards the middle that wrapped around the entire chest. It also had a large, distinctively odd shaped keyhole.
He quickly ran over to it and searched the surrounding ground for a key. He searched and searched but to no avail. Then Sauru heard a loud noise behind him, so he turned around. He saw the hideous troll that Nootama warned him off emerge from the underbrush. The brute held the hand axe that Parvok had told him about.
Sauru flashed his weapon and rapidly charged head on at his foe. He swung his blade and the troll side stepped out of the way. Then the beast, with a powerful blow, lowered his weapon upon Sauru's right arm. It caused a large gash in Sauru's arm, which started bleeding. But its wasn't Sauru's arm that he used to hold his sword with. Sauru then tripped the troll with a swift kick to the ankles, followed by a slash on the troll's shoulder. Sauru then said "Wow!" when he was startled to discover that when he hit the troll, the lightning from his blade stunned it. Sauru decided to use this to his advantage by making a combination of many slashes all over the troll's body. After a brutal fight, the troll bellowed and burst into black flames, which ignited the underbrush.
When the troll had finally perished, a large red key materialized on the ground where the troll had previously stood. Sauru picked it up and said "This must be the key to the chest." He walked over to the large chest and placed the key in the keyhole. He turned it and heard a clanking sound. Then he opened the chest and yelled out "Yes!"
He reached in and pulled out a diamond shaped shield. In the center of it was a yellow crescent moon. There was a star in the curved part of the moon, as if the moon were protecting the star. It also had three black triangles near the moon; one above the moon, another to the right of it, and a third one below it. It had a golden border around the entire shield. Also, the whole shield seemed slightly reflective.
Sauru put it in the light that shone through the trees, but it wouldn't reflect any light. This puzzled Sauru at first, but then he remembered a crucial point. It was called The Ancient Echo Shield. He held it up and clashed his sword against a nearby tree. The shield caused even the flat, low-pitched, sound from the sword to echo.
Then suddenly a ray of light came out from the clouds and Sauru said "Huh? What's happening?" Then the light lifted him off the ground and he disappeared. A few moments later he reappeared at Nootama's Sanctuary. Nootama and Parvok simultaneously said "Congratulations!"
Nootama cast an incantation which healed Sauru's wounded arm. Sauru said "Thank you Nootama."
Parvok stated "Sauru, the shield that you now hold has the ability to cause even the quietest sound to become a loud and painful ringing that provokes many enemies to cease attacking."
"But i didn't hear a loud ringing, I only heard a quiet echo." stated Sauru.
"That's because it will only sound like a small echo to you but a ringing in your enemies' ears."
"Oh, that would explain it. Thank you."
"You are now the fully suited, full fledged Hero of Fargon! I shall see you another time."
"Bye."
"Farewell Parvok." said Nootama. Then Parvok then faded away into The Temple of the Dead Sages.
Chapter 3: A Journey for Justice
Many years have passed since then. Sauru has mastered the basics of swordsmanship. His fellow swordsman have started looking up to him as a role model. A new sage, who's name is Veltor, has been brought forth and has taken Parvok's role as the sage of lightning. The sages have, just recently, had a meeting to discuss matters at hand when they discover some worrisome news.
It was during a calm morning, while Sauru was practicing advanced fighting moves, that Nootama returned from the meeting and called Sauru to her. Sauru went to her expecting a routine survey of his advancement in his study of swordsmanship that is taken the first of every month, but was delayed this month due to many rituals to officially register Veltor as a sage.
When Sauru arrived at Nootama's sanctuary, he immediately noticed that her head was drooping and she had a worried expression on her face. He ran up to her and asked "What's wrong Nootama?"
"I have rather serious news."
"What is it? Have i done something?"
"No, no. You have not done anything wrong. It is about the sages previous meeting. I am the only sage who showed up." She wiped tears from her eyes and continued. "Only one of the gods, Nairo, had shown up. He began to tell me that every one of the other sages in the council had been drained of their powers and taken to other dimensions."
"Wow! What do you intend to do?"
"There isn't much I can do. The man responsible, a very powerful sorcerer named Shiuma, is apparently strong enough to break through the sacred barrier. That would mean that only all five sages would have a chance against him."
"Isn't there anything that the gods can do?"
"That is the same question I asked Nairo. He told me that a dark, forbidden spell of the ancient evil gods had been used to suppress the power of the gods and that Shiuma had cast another dark spell on the gods that attached to the very source of their power that would disable any attacks towards him and redirect them at each of the imprisoned sages."
"Well, if the gods cannot do anything, then what do you propose we do?"
"I intend to use you."
"Am I allowed to help with such a big problem?"
"Yes, I have gotten permission from all the gods to send you to take care of the problem." "Well, if you cannot do anything against Shiuma and the gods are disabled from attacking him, what would I be able to do?"
"You are not disabled in any way and you are not just a swordsman, Sauru."
"What do you mean?"
"Sauru, have you ever wondered where you come from and who your parents are?" Nootama asked Sauru
"Well, actually, I have thought about what it would be like to have parents, but I've never though about the fact that I might have had some or who they were. I cannot say that the thought of where i came from has ever crossed my mind."
"Well, you came from a city called Neilio, a city that was part of the large land, Murata. Neilio was a major port city as well as a leading war city. You see, Murata was known for its extraordinary military forces and The master generals that led the many campaigns it had. Your father was one of the greatest generals that ever commanded the fierce army. His name was Periduga."
"Isn't that name engraved on the tablet of memory that you added Parvok's name to?!"
"Yes it is."
"Why haven't you ever told me that you knew my father, or at least his name?!"
"Because your mother told me not to tell you any information about your father,herself or where you come from."
Sauru stubbornly says "Well, I still have not asked you, why you have betrayed my mother's request?"
"I felt it was necessary, considering the time of your life and the situation you will be going into."
"I guess that if you feel it is right, then I will not argue your decision."
"Thank you for understanding, but I still have more to tell you. Your mother was the lightning sage long ago. Her name was Andela. She was the only sage to ever be killed by a human.
"But I thought sages could only die from not being able to control the element they were assigned to. How was my mother killed by a human?"
"Yes, it is true that sages can only die from not being able to control their element, but you mother had been in love with your father, who was human. And she had intimate relations with Him, thus mixing your fathers human values to your mother's sage values. This made her vulnerable to humans. Thus also giving your father incredible power that furthered his success as a general."
Sauru curiously asks "What happened to my mother and father?"
"Well, when you were only 4 months old, your father was assigned to a large campaign against the entire army of Smesaro, controlled by a truly despicable man who went by the name of Buren. Your mother decided to wait in your fathers house and tale care of you while your father was at war. Everything was gong well when Buren saw that he was losing, so he asked a dark mage to seek out and capture your mother. Your father discovered this news fairly quickly and decided to go to her on his own, but when he had arrived at his house; both your and your mother had been taken. Your father then asserted himself to Buren's castle. When he got there, he was stormed by hundreds guards. He was able to fight most of them off, but there were too many for him to take them all. He was taken to Buren who gave your father an option. He had to choose to betray his people and forfeit the war thus sending his land under Buren's control, in return for your and your mother's safety or be loyal to his people and his fellow army men by continuing the war but leave you and your mother in Buren's hands."
"Well, I'm still alive, so I assume that he chose to forfeit the war."
"Actually, he didn't."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Then how am I still alive?" Sauru wondered.
"Your father had, through your mother, the ability to speak telepathically. He used this to speak to me and told me everything and asked me to do whatever I could to stall Buren while his men continued fighting. I agreed to help him. I cast a spell that paralyzed his entire body, so he could not make any moves against your or your mother. I would have disabled his speaking, but I feared that his followers would kill you and your mother because they would think Buren would want them to. So, I used a powerful enchantment to bind him to your soul as well as your mother's. I did this to try to prevent Buren's followers from attacking you because Buren would now feel any pain that you and your mother felt. Also, if they decided to take your life, the same would happen to Buren."
"What did my father do to Buren now that he was disabled?"
"Nothing."
"Why not? Buren couldn't fight back."
"If your father had hurt Buren he would hurt you and your mother."
"Oh, the enchantment affects both sides of the people bound."
"Exactly. So, your father asked the King of Neilio to send the Steel Charger, a deadly beast made of pure steel, to the head of the brigade to finish the war quickly. He also requested a powerful mage to try to break my enchantment because I was not able to break all of my own enchantments yet; I was a fairly new sage at this time. Nelio's army quickly overcame Smesaro's. When the mage arrived at Buren's castle, he tried to break the enchantment but even after multiple tries, he was not able to break through the power of it. He eventually took in the enchantment itself to himself when he was trying to break the enchantment. After realizing he couldn't break the bond, the mage used his powers to bring a wise old woman from Neilio to the castle so that she could examine the situation. The old woman concluded that the only thing that could be done to break the enchantment is to weaken it by reducing the number of people bound by it."
"How would they do this if me and my mother were both bound to Buran?"
"Your mother offered to get killed because it would not only kill Buran, but would free you."
"Who was the one to kill her?"
Nootama worryingly asks "Sauru, are you sure you want to know?"
"Yes."
"It...was......"Nootama wipes the sweat from her face."It was.....you."
"What!!!!! Are you serious?!" Sauru shouted.
"Unfortunately yes."
"How? I was only 4 months old!"
"Your father gave the mage permission to transfer all of your father's power to you in order for you to be able to get a deep power unleashed that could pierce your mother's skull by shooting a beam from your own."
Sauru begins to cry uncontrollably. "Why did I have to do it? Why did I have to kill her?"
"Because your father did not want to kill his wife."
"Why couldn't the mage have killed her?"
"He cast the enchantment on himself by accident."
"Oh yeah. But that means he was killed along with Buran and my mother, right?"
"Correct."
"Why couldn't the old woman kill her? She wasn't bound."
She couldn't have had enough power because your mother was still part sage."
"Couldn't my father have given his power to her instead of me?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Her fully human body couldn't have survived with the power of a sage in her."
"Then why could I?"
"You were born half sage already."
"Oh."
"I'm sorry that the story wasn't a happy one, Sauru."
"It's alright. But wait. How did my father die?"
"When he gave you his power, he grew very weak and he died soon after."
"So I basically killed both of my parents?"
"In a way, yes."
"I see" He wipes the tears from his face.
"Also, next time you look at my tablet of memory, take notice of the name next to your father's name, Periduga."
"What is it?"
"Andela; your mother's name."
"I will defiantly notice it next time."
"Wait, I still don't understand how all of this makes me capable of defeating Shiuma."
"Since you are a half sage, your power will continue to increase, just as a sage's power does."
"Will the power of the lightning increase as well?"
"Of course."
"Awesome!"
"So you will stand a chance against him once you get stronger and train more."
"How much longer will I have to train before I can fight Shiuma?"
"It depends on how much and how hard you train, as well as what kind of training."
"What kind of training do you suggest?"
"Actually, I don't suggest regular training. I suggest you go out and practice in the rest of the world, not just a reserved training area here in the forest."
"Are you serious?"
"I am. And this goes along side perfectly the tasks you must finish before you take on Shiuma."
"What tasks?"
"You have to free the other sages from the other dimensions by unlocking the door that held them trapped in whatever dimension they were imprisoned."
"I have to rescue the other sages?"
"Yes"
"I thought I was only defeating Shiuma, then you would do something to free them."
"No, you have to do it all. Do you mind?' "No, of course not. It's just that it came as a major surprise."
"Oh, alright, I thought did not wan to do the work to free them."
"That's not it at all. I will gladly help the sages. They are in a way family to me right?"
"I have never thought about that, but i guess we would be family."
"Cool. Now, where do I find these doors to free the sages?"
"There is one in each of the ancient ruins that are scattered through the outer lands."
"Where are the ruins and what are they ruins of?"
"They are the ruins of cities, long forgotten by most people, that each sage was once honored at. The doors that keep the sages trapped are in the ruins in which that sage's power is."
"So, Shord will be in ruins that are related to water; Barooda at wind; Mushida at fire; Veltor at lightning?"
"Exactly"
"But you didn't tell me where they are though."
"That is because I do not know. A sage only knows where their ruins are."
"Where are yours, Nootama?"
"Mine are right here."
"Oh. Then how did Parvok get here if he is only supposed to know where his ruins are?"
"Because my ruins are different than others. They are used to provide shelter for swordsmen that are picked to go here, such as yourself."
"Why yours?"
"They are hidden in one of the hardest spots to find throughout the entire world, these woods."
"Oh okay."
"And besides, that was only Parvok's spirit, not actually him."
"Oh yeah, he said that when he came here that first time."
"And in case you did not realize, I am the only sage who was not trapped."
"Why is that?"
"I am the guardian of the swordsman who live here, so I was given a special protection against most things because all of the other sages as well as the gods came together and used their powers to cast a spell that protects me for a full one hundred years."
"Why couldn't just one god protect you for an unlimited amount of time?"
"The spell is a very delicate one that involves a certain method of casting and requires an extremely high amount of energy to cast on a very powerful and spiritually well protected being such as a sage."
"That makes sense."
"True, but we should not get off topic. Let us discuss the matter at hand."
"Good idea."
"Now, about the journey you are going to be taking. You are going to need this badge to get into the town that you must first visit called Kazuma." Nootama hands an oddly shaped, maroon badge that had a picture of a castle on it to Sauru.
"Thank you."
"You are welcome. Now, when you leave the forest through the secret exit that I have opened. It leads to a small boat that will guide you out of the forest completely. Then you will be on your own."
"Alright, but what if I need something while I am gone?"
"Thank you for reminding me, here is a pouch, it contains five hundred gold. And here is a sack that you can wear on your back, in case you get anything. Sauru tosses the sack on his back and places the pouch inside of it. "When you get to Kazuma, I want you to find an old man named Manoran. He is a very friendly man and he will gladly aid you on your journey. Also, look for the elderly woman that runs the tonic shop. Tell her that I sent you and she will most likely give you large discounts on her inventory."
"That's great!" Sauru happily exclaimed.
"Yeah it is. Sauru, this journey is not going to be an easy one."
"I understand. Farewell Nootama."
Sauru begins to leave as Nootama stops him and says "Be careful, I do not want to have to add you to my tablet of memory, just like your parents."
Sauru
Chapter 1: A Hero is Chosen
Once, long ago, there was a mighty and noble swordsman named Sauru. He had saved the vast land of Fargon from many evils. He was cherished by all for his great deeds. But, Sauru had a sinister appearance, so many people feared him at first glance.
He wore a navy blue garment made of armadillo skin which covered his body, except for his arms and legs, and tapered off the back of his head to a long point. On his legs he wore tights. And on his feet, brown boots made of the finest cow hide, which were fastened with a steel bar across the top.
He comes from the Irwant Forest; a secluded place on the outskirts of Fargon; the outlying power nation. The forest is considered it's own territory. Though this was not always the case. It was originally part of Dresklin; another large nation outside Fargon's boundaries. This changed when the gods asked the leader of Dresklin to release it as it's own land so that they may train young men there under one of their sage's watch watch. Burke; the leader at the time; graciously gave it up because it was not being used anyway. Now, the forest is home to only Sauru and four other swordsmen who were picked by the gods to train in that special forest and possibly do great things later on in their life.
As the gods had said, the forest is watched over and guarded by a wise and powerful sage named Nootama. She wears a long green robe that is tied at the waist with a black rope. She has long hair that cascades down her back and trails far past the bottom of her robe. She holds a small staff that was once owned by the goddess of earth; Sedmoten. Nootama has the power to cast magical incantations and spells. Her top priority is to use for them to protect the forest and the swordsmen who live there. She also provides them with food and shelter.
Nootama isn't the only sage who exists though. She is a member of a group of sages formed by the gods, each with their own power over an element. Nootama is the Earth sage, Barooda is the wind sage, Shord is the water sage, and Mushida is the fire sage. Together, their powers make up the Sacred Barrier that keeps the malevolent forces away from Fargon.
Even though all five swordsmen were chosen to do great things, the gods sensed a special power deep within Sauru that made him stand out from the other four. So on Sauru's 18th birthday, August 16th, Nootama summoned him to her sanctuary.
When he arrived at her sanctuary, Nootama appeared and was silent at first.She broke the silence by saying "Sauru, there was a new sage brought forth earlier today. He was supposed to be the lightning sage; his name was Parvok." Sauru just stared.
"What happened to him" he asked.
"He died very quickly, due to the fact that lightning was too powerful for him to control" she answered.
"Then why have you summoned me?"
"I have summoned you to give you a gift for your birthday" Then Nootama took out a sword and announced "This sword is an ancient blade that has been enchanted by the gods. It also has the power of lightning, the same power Parvok was to obtain, fused into it as well." Nootama cast a temporary spell which would safeguard Sauru, just in case the mythic blade did not accept him.
Sauru hesitantly grabbed for it and then stopped because he was worried that he would not be worthy of the blade. She assured him by saying "Remember, the spell that I cast on you will protect you if you are not worthy." These simple words gave him the courage to try again. This time he didn't let his fear hold him back. He stretched out his arm and grasped it. Nootama seemed startled though she felt a feeling of relief as well.
She said to Sauru "You know what this means don't you Sauru?"
"No, what?"
"Well, ancient law created by the gods states: If a weapon of legendary status is handled by anyone, including mortals, they shall become the sworn protector of the land in which the weapon was created."
"Wow, so I'm now the sole guardian of Fargon?"
"Exactly." Sauru stared in awe.
Chapter 2: The Ancient Echo Shield
Sauru then saw that there was no lightning. He asked "Nootama, why doesn't the sword have lightning like you told me it would?"
"Ah, I was waiting for you to ask that. You will see soon enough." Nootama answered. Then the clouds separated and down came a being that was similar to Nootama. He was draped in a long yellow robe, which was, just like Nootama's, tied at the waist with a black rope. any visible parts of his body, which included his face, appeared to be a dense jelly like substance of a pale color. He wore a helmet with an image of a lightning bolt on both sides of it. He landed next to Nootama and greeted her by nodding his head. He then turned his attention towards Sauru and said "Hello Sauru, I am Parvok."
Sauru responded "Hi." and immediately followed with "If you don't mind me asking, are you the same Parvok that had passed on earlier this morning?
"Yes, that is true but what you see before you is only my spirit in a tangible form."
"Oh, then why are you here exactly?"
"It has come to my attention that you want to know why you don't see lightning on the sword. This is part one of y reason for coming here."
Sauru said "Thanks you. Are you going to make the lightning appear on the sword?"
"Now, the reason that there is no visible lightning is it has yet to be released. It is still trapped inside the blade. I must cast a spell on it to unleash the lightning from within." he said.
"Please hand the sword to me" said Nootama. Sauru did as she said. Then Nootama passed the weapon over to Parvok. He threw it in the air and quickly released dim rays of magic unto the sword to suspend it in mid-air. After, he raised his hands in the air and generated a bright yellow disk above him. Then the sword drifted onto the disk as another disk appeared descended on top of the sword. Suddenly, everything; the legendary blade and both disks; disappeared.
Sauru shouted worryingly "What happened? Where is the sword?"
Parvok quickly answered "Be patient." Soon after, the legendary blade appeared in Sauru's left hand. Now its blade was invigorated with lightning that was spiraling around it. Sauru was startled when he saw the violent lightning that embraced his weapon of legend.
"Now, as you can see, the mighty power of lightning that was previously fused solely into the very soul of the blade has now emerged to the surface. That with the power of the gods that it has been blessed with, makes it the the most powerful weapon to this day!"
"Thank you so much Parvok! This is magnificent!"
Parvok happily said "You are very much welcome. Consider it a birthday gift from the gods, Nootama, and myself.
"Now for part two of my visit."
"I nearly forgot there was more, what is it?"
"I was sent to introduce you to the second part of your hero's attire."
"What is it?"
"It is the Ancient Echo Shield, the legendary shield of the first Hero of Fargon; Gadevrion.
"I have heard of him. He was supposedly the greatest hero whom Fargon has ever seen.
"That is very true. He defeated the most powerful villain that has ever jeopardized the land of Fargon. His name was Credichan."
"I had heard of Credichan but had never known who he was. Now I do. Thank you." said Sauru.
"Ha ha, you are welcome, but we shouldn't get off topic."
"I am sorry."
"There is no need for apologies." Parvok said. "Now, about the Ancient Echo Shield. It lies in a chest which is to be found in a section of a small grove just on the edge of the forest."
"But beware of the fierce troll that guards the chest, " Nootama added " he is a dangerous and savage beast."
Parvok said "Yes, that is true."
"Do you think I am ready to take him on?" Sauru asked
"Yes, I do expect you to be able to beat him. You have enough experience and the sacred sword to aid you. He does, however, have a large hand axe. You should be wary of this." He handed Sauru a piece of paper and said "Here is a map to help you find your way."
"Thank you Parvok."
"You're welcome. Now go and obtain the Ancient Echo Shield!"
Sauru had been walking for a few minutes and he was about to exit the forest when Parvok appeared before him. "You are following the map incorrectly, Sauru." said Parvok.
"I am?" he asked in confusion.
"Yes, but it is my fault for I have forgotten to give you the compass as well." He handed a small black compass to Sauru.
"Thank you. Now I can find my way. Wow, I didn't know that i was going the other direction."
"Good luck" said Parvok as he disappeared and Sauru turned around and ran towards the opposite end of the forest. When he reached the exit of the forest, he followed a complicated route and he indeed ended up at the grove, just as Parvok said he would.
Sauru immediately noticed a large golden chest with three horizontal black straps towards the middle that wrapped around the entire chest. It also had a large, distinctively odd shaped keyhole.
He quickly ran over to it and searched the surrounding ground for a key. He searched and searched but to no avail. Then Sauru heard a loud noise behind him, so he turned around. He saw the hideous troll that Nootama warned him off emerge from the underbrush. The brute held the hand axe that Parvok had told him about.
Sauru flashed his weapon and rapidly charged head on at his foe. He swung his blade and the troll side stepped out of the way. Then the beast, with a powerful blow, lowered his weapon upon Sauru's right arm. It caused a large gash in Sauru's arm, which started bleeding. But its wasn't Sauru's arm that he used to hold his sword with. Sauru then tripped the troll with a swift kick to the ankles, followed by a slash on the troll's shoulder. Sauru then said "Wow!" when he was startled to discover that when he hit the troll, the lightning from his blade stunned it. Sauru decided to use this to his advantage by making a combination of many slashes all over the troll's body. After a brutal fight, the troll bellowed and burst into black flames, which ignited the underbrush.
When the troll had finally perished, a large red key materialized on the ground where the troll had previously stood. Sauru picked it up and said "This must be the key to the chest." He walked over to the large chest and placed the key in the keyhole. He turned it and heard a clanking sound. Then he opened the chest and yelled out "Yes!"
He reached in and pulled out a diamond shaped shield. In the center of it was a yellow crescent moon. There was a star in the curved part of the moon, as if the moon were protecting the star. It also had three black triangles near the moon; one above the moon, another to the right of it, and a third one below it. It had a golden border around the entire shield. Also, the whole shield seemed slightly reflective.
Sauru put it in the light that shone through the trees, but it wouldn't reflect any light. This puzzled Sauru at first, but then he remembered a crucial point. It was called The Ancient Echo Shield. He held it up and clashed his sword against a nearby tree. The shield caused even the flat, low-pitched, sound from the sword to echo.
Then suddenly a ray of light came out from the clouds and Sauru said "Huh? What's happening?" Then the light lifted him off the ground and he disappeared. A few moments later he reappeared at Nootama's Sanctuary. Nootama and Parvok simultaneously said "Congratulations!"
Nootama cast an incantation which healed Sauru's wounded arm. Sauru said "Thank you Nootama."
Parvok stated "Sauru, the shield that you now hold has the ability to cause even the quietest sound to become a loud and painful ringing that provokes many enemies to cease attacking."
"But i didn't hear a loud ringing, I only heard a quiet echo." stated Sauru.
"That's because it will only sound like a small echo to you but a ringing in your enemies' ears."
"Oh, that would explain it. Thank you."
"You are now the fully suited, full fledged Hero of Fargon! I shall see you another time."
"Bye."
"Farewell Parvok." said Nootama. Then Parvok then faded away into The Temple of the Dead Sages.
Chapter 3: A Journey for Justice
Many years have passed since then. Sauru has mastered the basics of swordsmanship. His fellow swordsman have started looking up to him as a role model. A new sage, who's name is Veltor, has been brought forth and has taken Parvok's role as the sage of lightning. The sages have, just recently, had a meeting to discuss matters at hand when they discover some worrisome news.
It was during a calm morning, while Sauru was practicing advanced fighting moves, that Nootama returned from the meeting and called Sauru to her. Sauru went to her expecting a routine survey of his advancement in his study of swordsmanship that is taken the first of every month, but was delayed this month due to many rituals to officially register Veltor as a sage.
When Sauru arrived at Nootama's sanctuary, he immediately noticed that her head was drooping and she had a worried expression on her face. He ran up to her and asked "What's wrong Nootama?"
"I have rather serious news."
"What is it? Have i done something?"
"No, no. You have not done anything wrong. It is about the sages previous meeting. I am the only sage who showed up." She wiped tears from her eyes and continued. "Only one of the gods, Nairo, had shown up. He began to tell me that every one of the other sages in the council had been drained of their powers and taken to other dimensions."
"Wow! What do you intend to do?"
"There isn't much I can do. The man responsible, a very powerful sorcerer named Shiuma, is apparently strong enough to break through the sacred barrier. That would mean that only all five sages would have a chance against him."
"Isn't there anything that the gods can do?"
"That is the same question I asked Nairo. He told me that a dark, forbidden spell of the ancient evil gods had been used to suppress the power of the gods and that Shiuma had cast another dark spell on the gods that attached to the very source of their power that would disable any attacks towards him and redirect them at each of the imprisoned sages."
"Well, if the gods cannot do anything, then what do you propose we do?"
"I intend to use you."
"Am I allowed to help with such a big problem?"
"Yes, I have gotten permission from all the gods to send you to take care of the problem." "Well, if you cannot do anything against Shiuma and the gods are disabled from attacking him, what would I be able to do?"
"You are not disabled in any way and you are not just a swordsman, Sauru."
"What do you mean?"
"Sauru, have you ever wondered where you come from and who your parents are?" Nootama asked Sauru
"Well, actually, I have thought about what it would be like to have parents, but I've never though about the fact that I might have had some or who they were. I cannot say that the thought of where i came from has ever crossed my mind."
"Well, you came from a city called Neilio, a city that was part of the large land, Murata. Neilio was a major port city as well as a leading war city. You see, Murata was known for its extraordinary military forces and The master generals that led the many campaigns it had. Your father was one of the greatest generals that ever commanded the fierce army. His name was Periduga."
"Isn't that name engraved on the tablet of memory that you added Parvok's name to?!"
"Yes it is."
"Why haven't you ever told me that you knew my father, or at least his name?!"
"Because your mother told me not to tell you any information about your father,herself or where you come from."
Sauru stubbornly says "Well, I still have not asked you, why you have betrayed my mother's request?"
"I felt it was necessary, considering the time of your life and the situation you will be going into."
"I guess that if you feel it is right, then I will not argue your decision."
"Thank you for understanding, but I still have more to tell you. Your mother was the lightning sage long ago. Her name was Andela. She was the only sage to ever be killed by a human.
"But I thought sages could only die from not being able to control the element they were assigned to. How was my mother killed by a human?"
"Yes, it is true that sages can only die from not being able to control their element, but you mother had been in love with your father, who was human. And she had intimate relations with Him, thus mixing your fathers human values to your mother's sage values. This made her vulnerable to humans. Thus also giving your father incredible power that furthered his success as a general."
Sauru curiously asks "What happened to my mother and father?"
"Well, when you were only 4 months old, your father was assigned to a large campaign against the entire army of Smesaro, controlled by a truly despicable man who went by the name of Buren. Your mother decided to wait in your fathers house and tale care of you while your father was at war. Everything was gong well when Buren saw that he was losing, so he asked a dark mage to seek out and capture your mother. Your father discovered this news fairly quickly and decided to go to her on his own, but when he had arrived at his house; both your and your mother had been taken. Your father then asserted himself to Buren's castle. When he got there, he was stormed by hundreds guards. He was able to fight most of them off, but there were too many for him to take them all. He was taken to Buren who gave your father an option. He had to choose to betray his people and forfeit the war thus sending his land under Buren's control, in return for your and your mother's safety or be loyal to his people and his fellow army men by continuing the war but leave you and your mother in Buren's hands."
"Well, I'm still alive, so I assume that he chose to forfeit the war."
"Actually, he didn't."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Then how am I still alive?" Sauru wondered.
"Your father had, through your mother, the ability to speak telepathically. He used this to speak to me and told me everything and asked me to do whatever I could to stall Buren while his men continued fighting. I agreed to help him. I cast a spell that paralyzed his entire body, so he could not make any moves against your or your mother. I would have disabled his speaking, but I feared that his followers would kill you and your mother because they would think Buren would want them to. So, I used a powerful enchantment to bind him to your soul as well as your mother's. I did this to try to prevent Buren's followers from attacking you because Buren would now feel any pain that you and your mother felt. Also, if they decided to take your life, the same would happen to Buren."
"What did my father do to Buren now that he was disabled?"
"Nothing."
"Why not? Buren couldn't fight back."
"If your father had hurt Buren he would hurt you and your mother."
"Oh, the enchantment affects both sides of the people bound."
"Exactly. So, your father asked the King of Neilio to send the Steel Charger, a deadly beast made of pure steel, to the head of the brigade to finish the war quickly. He also requested a powerful mage to try to break my enchantment because I was not able to break all of my own enchantments yet; I was a fairly new sage at this time. Nelio's army quickly overcame Smesaro's. When the mage arrived at Buren's castle, he tried to break the enchantment but even after multiple tries, he was not able to break through the power of it. He eventually took in the enchantment itself to himself when he was trying to break the enchantment. After realizing he couldn't break the bond, the mage used his powers to bring a wise old woman from Neilio to the castle so that she could examine the situation. The old woman concluded that the only thing that could be done to break the enchantment is to weaken it by reducing the number of people bound by it."
"How would they do this if me and my mother were both bound to Buran?"
"Your mother offered to get killed because it would not only kill Buran, but would free you."
"Who was the one to kill her?"
Nootama worryingly asks "Sauru, are you sure you want to know?"
"Yes."
"It...was......"Nootama wipes the sweat from her face."It was.....you."
"What!!!!! Are you serious?!" Sauru shouted.
"Unfortunately yes."
"How? I was only 4 months old!"
"Your father gave the mage permission to transfer all of your father's power to you in order for you to be able to get a deep power unleashed that could pierce your mother's skull by shooting a beam from your own."
Sauru begins to cry uncontrollably. "Why did I have to do it? Why did I have to kill her?"
"Because your father did not want to kill his wife."
"Why couldn't the mage have killed her?"
"He cast the enchantment on himself by accident."
"Oh yeah. But that means he was killed along with Buran and my mother, right?"
"Correct."
"Why couldn't the old woman kill her? She wasn't bound."
She couldn't have had enough power because your mother was still part sage."
"Couldn't my father have given his power to her instead of me?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Her fully human body couldn't have survived with the power of a sage in her."
"Then why could I?"
"You were born half sage already."
"Oh."
"I'm sorry that the story wasn't a happy one, Sauru."
"It's alright. But wait. How did my father die?"
"When he gave you his power, he grew very weak and he died soon after."
"So I basically killed both of my parents?"
"In a way, yes."
"I see" He wipes the tears from his face.
"Also, next time you look at my tablet of memory, take notice of the name next to your father's name, Periduga."
"What is it?"
"Andela; your mother's name."
"I will defiantly notice it next time."
"Wait, I still don't understand how all of this makes me capable of defeating Shiuma."
"Since you are a half sage, your power will continue to increase, just as a sage's power does."
"Will the power of the lightning increase as well?"
"Of course."
"Awesome!"
"So you will stand a chance against him once you get stronger and train more."
"How much longer will I have to train before I can fight Shiuma?"
"It depends on how much and how hard you train, as well as what kind of training."
"What kind of training do you suggest?"
"Actually, I don't suggest regular training. I suggest you go out and practice in the rest of the world, not just a reserved training area here in the forest."
"Are you serious?"
"I am. And this goes along side perfectly the tasks you must finish before you take on Shiuma."
"What tasks?"
"You have to free the other sages from the other dimensions by unlocking the door that held them trapped in whatever dimension they were imprisoned."
"I have to rescue the other sages?"
"Yes"
"I thought I was only defeating Shiuma, then you would do something to free them."
"No, you have to do it all. Do you mind?' "No, of course not. It's just that it came as a major surprise."
"Oh, alright, I thought did not wan to do the work to free them."
"That's not it at all. I will gladly help the sages. They are in a way family to me right?"
"I have never thought about that, but i guess we would be family."
"Cool. Now, where do I find these doors to free the sages?"
"There is one in each of the ancient ruins that are scattered through the outer lands."
"Where are the ruins and what are they ruins of?"
"They are the ruins of cities, long forgotten by most people, that each sage was once honored at. The doors that keep the sages trapped are in the ruins in which that sage's power is."
"So, Shord will be in ruins that are related to water; Barooda at wind; Mushida at fire; Veltor at lightning?"
"Exactly"
"But you didn't tell me where they are though."
"That is because I do not know. A sage only knows where their ruins are."
"Where are yours, Nootama?"
"Mine are right here."
"Oh. Then how did Parvok get here if he is only supposed to know where his ruins are?"
"Because my ruins are different than others. They are used to provide shelter for swordsmen that are picked to go here, such as yourself."
"Why yours?"
"They are hidden in one of the hardest spots to find throughout the entire world, these woods."
"Oh okay."
"And besides, that was only Parvok's spirit, not actually him."
"Oh yeah, he said that when he came here that first time."
"And in case you did not realize, I am the only sage who was not trapped."
"Why is that?"
"I am the guardian of the swordsman who live here, so I was given a special protection against most things because all of the other sages as well as the gods came together and used their powers to cast a spell that protects me for a full one hundred years."
"Why couldn't just one god protect you for an unlimited amount of time?"
"The spell is a very delicate one that involves a certain method of casting and requires an extremely high amount of energy to cast on a very powerful and spiritually well protected being such as a sage."
"That makes sense."
"True, but we should not get off topic. Let us discuss the matter at hand."
"Good idea."
"Now, about the journey you are going to be taking. You are going to need this badge to get into the town that you must first visit called Kazuma." Nootama hands an oddly shaped, maroon badge that had a picture of a castle on it to Sauru.
"Thank you."
"You are welcome. Now, when you leave the forest through the secret exit that I have opened. It leads to a small boat that will guide you out of the forest completely. Then you will be on your own."
"Alright, but what if I need something while I am gone?"
"Thank you for reminding me, here is a pouch, it contains five hundred gold. And here is a sack that you can wear on your back, in case you get anything. Sauru tosses the sack on his back and places the pouch inside of it. "When you get to Kazuma, I want you to find an old man named Manoran. He is a very friendly man and he will gladly aid you on your journey. Also, look for the elderly woman that runs the tonic shop. Tell her that I sent you and she will most likely give you large discounts on her inventory."
"That's great!" Sauru happily exclaimed.
"Yeah it is. Sauru, this journey is not going to be an easy one."
"I understand. Farewell Nootama."
Sauru begins to leave as Nootama stops him and says "Be careful, I do not want to have to add you to my tablet of memory, just like your parents."
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