1 Chapter 1
Fire runs everywhere. The manor the Sirn family was in for one hundred generations is up in flames. Wren is the tenth son in line and is blamed for everything. Looking on at the burning manor.
"Wren!" Yelled Cret.
"Yes brother, what is it?" asked Wren.
"Do not give me that. We all know that it was you that burned the manor down." Yelled Cret.
" Cret stop, we know he could not help it," said Lauren. Lauren is the oldest daughter of this family.
"Yes, it is not his fault that fire salamanders came to him when he was born. One even attached itself to his left arm," said Jace.
"Enough. The house of Azure will do something about him," said Wick.
"As you wish Father," said Cret.
"Boy step forward," said Wick.
"Yes Father," I said head down in sadness.
"This is the only time that I will talk to you. Mainly because you are a pain in the house's side," said Wick.
"What do you want to talk about?" asked Wren.
"Legend has it that someone is born of blue, but is not.," said Wick.
"I am listening," I said. One look and Wren went silent.
"As I was saying, choose whether to save this world or destroy it," said Wick.
"Do you think that might be me?" asked Wren.
"That I am not sure. There is another," said Wick.
"A Boy with a familiar fire will set out and lead a group to where I do not know," said Wick
"Ok then, I should go then," I said. Wren headed out to where only time will tell. Ten deities oversee this world. Starting we have Warren, God of Harvest, and safe passage. The farmer and merchants follow this god. The merchants also follow one more. That will be explained later. Next, we have Zana. Goddess of Trickery. The Thieves Guild and Assassins Guilds follow her. Then we have twins Aros and Bren. They are the god and goddess of the hunt/taming. Arso is also the messenger god. Next, we have Wrize. God of blacksmiths. Legend has it he forged the big three's weapons out of a red stone known as Sapphire. After him, we have the Goddess of War Grud. Legend has it she is grabbing you. Think we will start Vulas. She started the great war because she was bored. After her, we have the God of music and theater Ser. He is just a carefree god. Just write music and play all day. Next is the big three. Starting with Drycor. God of death and the underworld. The Assassin guild also follows him. Next, we have Sho. Goddess of the Seas and Oceans. The merchant guild also follows her. Finally, the last god is Zep. God of the sky and what goes with it. Like thunder and lightning. Though no gods or goddesses have heard from him in a will. People speculate that is why the sun is always up. So there is a vacuum that needs to be filled. Oh, and one more thing, gods and goddesses are not to have children with humans. Mainly because of the weird side effects one demigod can have on the ecosystem. Even more so if the offspring is a godling. There is also an adventures school and guild. That is where Wren is heading to the Aler Kingdom and their Adventures school.
At the gates to the Adventures school
"I am here to get into this school," I said.
"Get in line and wait your turn," said one of the Guards. Wren goes to the end of the line. How can people get tested if they can use a weapon effectively? What do you do if you are in a forest? What do you do if one of your party members is injured? There is one more, but it is extremely rare. Like 1 in a million have this. Can you summon a familiar? That is also graded. Slimes are 1, the undead is 2-5 depending on what the undead is third are fairies to dryads which are 6-9. Finally, Salamanders 10-100. Fire Salamanders are 10 and dragons are 100.
"Finally, it is my turn," I said.
"If you would come with me," said a voice. Look at the person.
"Lead the way. "I said. Following the woman, Wren wondered if he knew her.
"Here is a sword. I am sure that you know how to use it," said the woman.
'Yes, I know how to," said Wern. picking up the sword
"Before we start the duel, is there anything you want to say?' asked the woman.
"Yes, one question. Is it safe to summon a familiar here?" Wren asked.
"Depending on the type of summon," said the woman.
"Well, my summon is a salamander," I said.
"Then this is not a good place to do that," said the woman.
"Yes, I would have to agree," I said. I was looking around at the woods that engulfed the dual grounds.
"Luckily, we have a duel arena in the mountains north of here," said the woman.
"So a two-day trek from here," I said.
"Yes, we will form a temporary party of four people. We could have five, but since I am the only adventurer's guild member in the group four will do," said the woman.
"When do we head out?" asked Wren. "At daybreak," said the woman.
"Ok. Oh, I did not catch your name," I said.
"I only give my name to guild members," said the woman.
"Ok see you in the morning then," I said. "See you," said the woman.
The next morning
"So you are here," said the woman.
"Yes I am," I said. I am looking at the other two.
"And you are?' asked Wren.
"All you need to know right now is that we are brother and sister," said the two. I was looking at them two.
"Looks like one of you is a thief, and the other is unsure," I said.
"Yes, how did you know that?" asked the sister.
"Your clothes give that away," I said.
"Enough small talk. Let us go," said the woman. So we set off to the mountains where the test will continue.
"Do we have a map to see where we need to go?" Wren asked.
"Yes, we do," said the woman. "Can I see?" asked Wren.
"No, you may not," said the woman.
"There is a faster way to get there," said the sister.
"Cipher, we are not taking shortcuts," said her brother. Crash Cipher goes down. Landing in a casim.
"Ow, that hurts," said Cipher.
"Are you ok down there?" asked Wren.
"No, I can not get up," said Cipher.
"Luckily, I packed a rope," said the woman. Throwing one end down to Cipher.
"Hold on to the rope," said the woman. Cipher grabbed onto the rope and pulled herself up and out.
"I have a medkit," I said. He is starting to grab it.
"No, there is no need," said Cipher. Standing up, and falling right back down.
"Good thing I did not listen to that. "I said. Looking over the left leg.
"Yep, it is sprained. I am going to put a turn-a-kit where the sprain is," I said.
"Do you want me to hold her leg as you do that?" asked the woman. "Sure, that would be great," I said. As the woman held the leg in place, Wren wrapped the leg up.
"There we go," I said. Looking around and up.
"It is probably time to set up camp," I said.
"Then let us find some shade to set up the camp," said the woman.
"I have a question?" asked Wren.
"Yes. What is this question?" said Cipher.
"Are there any objects or structures that are weird?" asked Wren.
"Objects or structures that are weird. Let me think yes there is. Ten Structures that the door to them looks like a vault," said the brother.
"Does the vault have this insignia on it?" asked Wren. The other three look at the ring on Wren's hand.
"Yes, all of them do," said Cipher.
"Ok, that is good to hear," I said.
"Why do you want to know?" asked the woman.
"I am unsure, but I might help with what is going on," I said.
"Enough talk. Time for sleep soon," said the woman. The group got some sleep.
"Hey Wren," said the woman. "Hmm. What is it?" asked Wren.
"Before the other two wake up I want to walk and talk with you," said the woman.
"Ok, what did you want to talk to me about?" asked Wren.
"Not here. Follow me," said the woman.
"Ok. Still feels weird that you will not tell me why, but ok," I said. Wren follows the woman. Still with his guard up, since she would not tell him her name. "You know it is probably not a good idea to be out here," I said.
"Why do you think we will be attacked?" asked the woman.
"You can't be too concerned," I said. (Laughing)
"That is true. From what I understand, for a while till you can go to the adventures school you were cautious," said the woman.
"Yes, that is true," I said.
"The question that I have is why is that?" asked that woman.
"Before I answer your question. Is it possible that if I answer the question, you will ask a question?" I said.
"Yes, that is correct," said the woman.
"Ok. where to begin," I said. Wren tells the woman what happened to his family's manor, and how his family blamed him for the burning down of the manor.
Looking at Wren." I see. So they forced you out. If my memory serves me correctly, the Sirn families are primary Earth and water Spirit users," said the woman.
"Yes, they are primarily those two types, but there is a catch that has been lost in time," I said.
Looking at Wren. "What is that one thing? "asked the woman.
"When the world as we know it is endangered, someone with a unique ability gets born," I said.
"What kind of abilities?" asked the woman.
"Abilities that can shape this world," I said.
"Ok, that is all that I need to know. As for my name, it is Scáthach," said the woman.
Looking at her. "Are you sure that is your name?" asked Wren.
"Yes, I think I know my name," said Scáthach.
"So that is where you two went. I was worried that we lost you," said Cipher.
"No, you did not lose us now. Why are you here?" asked Scáthach.
"Well, let us go back and have breakfast. I am starving," said Cipher.
"She is always starving," said Scáthach. Shaking her head.
"I see. Good to know," I said.
"Hey, Wren do you remember what kingdom and content we are in?" asked Cipher.
"The Aler Kingdom on the northern continent of Wizer," I said.
"Wow, you know your stuff," said Scáthach.
"Enough chit chat and look what is ahead of us," said Cipher.
"Are those houses!!!" Explained Wren.
"Yes they are, and Wren you do not need to yell," said Cipher
"Oh, sorry about that. I will quiet down," I said. As the group looked around. (Bang) "Everyone get down," said Scáthach.
"What was that?" asked Wren.
"I know that there is a war going on between the Aler Kingdom and the Rectreum conglomerate of nations to the east," said Scáthach.
" What are those nations called?" asked Wren.
"Before I answer that. Why do you know so little of the world?" asked Cipher.
"Being that black sheep of the family. That means I was not thinking of that much in the world," I said.
"That is just sad," said Scáthach.
"Well, about twenty years ago the Aler Kingdom and the Rectreum conglomerate of nations were at peace. Then the Rectreum conglomerate of nations wanted to take over the world. The Rectreum conglomerate of nations comprises twenty different nations. They are the Iron siph theocracy. Made of dwarves. The Reacher Kingdom. Made up of humans. '' said Cipher.
"What about the other eighteen nations?" asked Wren.
" That is the thing all we know right now is through two," said Cipher.
"Oh, ok so what you are saying is that we need to do some reconnaissance," I said.
"Oh, you are catching on pretty quickly," said Scáthach.
"So now we know where the first Vault is. Now what?" Aske Cipher.
"That is a brilliant question. One that we need to find the answer to," I said. As he looked around the area that the group was in.
"Ok. You figure that out and we will set up the camp," said Cipher's brother.
"Is that not dangerous, though?" We do not know what is out there in the woods," I said.
"It is just wolves and bears," said Cipher.
"How are you so sure about that?" asked Wren. With a worried look on his face.
"Because I hunt in these woods. That is why she knows," said Cipher's brother.
"Wait, where did Wren go?" asked Cipher.
"I do not know where he went," said Grey.
"Do we go with him? Just go with him then?" asked Cipher.
"I do not think that will be necessary. I saw Scáthach go with him a little ago," said Grey. As he looked at his sister.
"Have you told Wren your name yet?" asked Cipher.
"No, not yet. You and Scáthach might trust him, but I still do not," said Grey.
"Boys and their stubbornness. That said, I wonder what they are talking about?" asked Cipher.
"Should we see for ourselves?" said Grey as he got up from the campsite.
"So I have to ask. Why are you following me?" asked Wren.
"Two people are better than one is," said Scáthach.
"I cannot deny that," I said.
"So what do you want to do?" asked Scáthach.
"That is a brilliant question." Hmm, what should we do?" asked Wren. As he looked around the wood.
The trees around blown in the wind.
"I wonder what the others are up to now," said Scáthach.
"Do you want to go to find them?" asked Wren.
"Yes, that would be a good idea. Then we can see what our plan of attack is," said Scáthach. As she walked back to the campsite.
"That makes sense. Then I will follow you then," I said.
"Where were you to eat?" asked Cipher
"What! We did not take too long did we?" asked Wren. As he looked around the campsite.
"You and Scáthach, what were you talking about?" asked Cipher.
"We were talking about the vault. That said, we did not want to figure it out with you two," I said.
"Oh, I guess that makes sense to me," said Grey. As he looked at the group.
"Well, then what do you have in mind for the vault itself then?" asked Cipher. As she looked around at the group.
"What did I say something weird?" asked Cipher.
"No, not that. It is just what you said caught me off guard that is all," I said. Looking at Cipher with an intense glare.
"I see that makes sense. That said, can you stop glaring at me please," said Cipher.
'Oh, sorry about that. So what is the plan? What do we do?" asked Wren. As he looked at the group.
"Let us see what is around this first vault. Mainly to see what is guarding this vault," said Grey. As he whistled, a red-tailed hawk flew down and landed on his right shoulder.
"Is this bird going to help us?" asked Wren. As he looked at Grey.
"Yes, this bird will help us figure out what we should do," said Gery. As he lifted his arm into the sky. When he did that, the hawk flew up into the sky.
"And now we wait to see what we are up against. Well, at this vault," said Grey.
"There is more than one vault?" asked Wren, as he looked at the group.
"Yes, there is more than one vault. If my memory serves me correctly, there are twelve vaults. Two for each continent, "said Scáthach. Looking at the group as she said that.
"Ok, which one are we the closest country to?" asked Wren.
"That would be the Aler Kingdom. Just dew south of that," said Cipher.
"Ok, that makes sense. At least I think it does," I said.
"Ok good. Then let us see what the hawk is seeing right now," said Grey. As he closed his eyes to connect to the bird.
"We need to watch when he does this since he falls," said Cipher. As she said that; Thud Grey fell to the ground hard.
"See I told you so. Jeez, we need to guard his body as he does this," said Cipher. As the rest of the group circled, Grey. Wren looked towards the vault.
"What are you thinking right now?" asked Scáthach. Looking at Wren with a concerned look on her face.
"Oh, not that much, just looking at this vault and how the architecture is on it," I said as he turned towards Sactach.
"Do you like architecture?" asked Cipher.
"Yes, I do like architecture a lot. I wanted to be an architect before they forced me to become an adventurer," I said.
"Ah, I see. I guess that makes sense to me," said Scáthach.
"What are you three talking about?" asked Grey from the ground.
"Oh, well, you are up; What did you see?" asked Cipher. As she picks her brother off the ground.
"I saw orcs and goblins, that is all." Ow, my head hurts, why is that?" asked Grey as he was rubbing his head.
"Ok, then we need to prepare more then. Orcs and goblins are well easy to handle, but there could be more dangerous monsters in the vault itself then," said Scáthach. As she thought up a plan of attack.
"What do you think about Scáthach?" asked Cipher.
"Oh, just a plan that will help us with this vault that is all," said Scáthach.
"Will you not need to do this alone at all?" I said as he thought up a plan of attack.
"Does someone have a world map?" asked Cipher. As she looked around the group.
"Yes, I have a world map, but we do not need it right now, right?" asked Grey.
"I was just asking if we have one. Not that I need it at the moment at all," said Cipher. As she looked around at that group.
"Can we get back on track? Do you think we need over four adventures for this vault?" asked Scáthach. We are looking at the group.
"Yes, that would be a great idea," said Grey.
"Then will we return to the Aler Kingdom?" asked Cipher.
"It took one hour to get back walking. Then what do you want to do?" asked Cipher.
"That is the question of how to get back then," said Grey.
Everyone in the group looked at Grey.
"We walk back to the Aler Kingdom,' said Scatach.
"Oh, ok then," said Grey. As he looked around the camp.
"Ok, now that is out of the way. How about we head back? Since we packed the camp up," said Wren.
"Then what are we waiting on? Let us get a move on.' said Cipher.
The group set out for the capital of the Aler Kingdom.
"Does someone have a map?" asked Grey.
"Yes, I have one. At least I think I packed one up before we left the Adventures School," I said. As he looked through his bag.
"Ah yes here we are," I said as he handed the map to Grey.
"Thanks. Let me see where we are in the Aler Kingdom," said Grey. Opening the map.
The Map had the Aler Kingdom on the left of the map. To the right of the Aler Kingdom is the forest of Evergreen. To the right of the Forest of Evergreen is the Rectreum conglomerate of nations. There are ten nations in the conglomerate. Five of the nations like the Aler Kingdom. The other five dislike the Aler Kingdom. We are starting with the ten that are like the Aler Kingdom. We have the merchant nation of Amber. The next is the Mining nation of Delves. Made up of all Dwarves. After the mining of Delves, we have the Theocracy of Alabaster. They worship Zep. The Kingdom of Almar. The last nation that is friendly to the Aler Kingdom is the Republic of Bret. The following five nations dislike the Aler Kingdom. The first nation is the Dictatorship of Wimes. The next one is the socialist state of Thearp. The third nation is the second Theocracy. Which is the Theocracy of Graze. Which worships Zana goddess of trickery. The fourth nation is the Federation of Tret. The last nation that does not like the Aler Kingdom is the Kingdom of Snara. To the North of the Aler Kingdom, the Forest of Elvergreen, and the Rectreum conglomerate of nations is the Kingdom of Ash. It is a big nation with a volcano at its center. There are seven Vaults. The first vault is in the Aler Kingdom surrounded by a forest. The second vault is in the Forest of Elvergeen. The third vault is in the merchant nation of Amber. They scattered the remaining four vaults around the Kingdom of Ash. In the Aler Kingdom, there is Gest, the capital. Surrounding the capital there are four villages.
"Ok, here is the map," said Grey. Handing back the map.
"Thanks. What did you need the map for in the first place?" asked Wren. A bit confused by what Grey was doing.
"Oh, just looking at the map that is all," said Grey. As he backed away from the group.
"Brother, that is not convincing at all," said Cipher. Staring daggers into her brother.
"Ok. Ok. I was just checking where the other vaults are," said Grey. As he double-checked where the vaults are located.
"So what are we going to do right now?" asked Cipher.
"Cipher, that is a brilliant question. Let me see how about going to the nearby village," said Grey. As he thought about what his sister asked.
"That is a great idea. Let me see what the villages are around the area that we are in," said Wren. Looking at Grey.
"Oh, sorry, I thought I gave you the map already," said Grey.
