Path of The Seekers - The Seeker - Songs - Imminent Disaster Lost Treasures - Seeking A Name - Singularity Axe

Of Beginnings

I sit in the shadow of the great keep. The light of the setting sun shines a fiery purple on the clouds racing slowly by overhead. The great torches in the highest of the keep's towers cast a faint glow upon the land. A few stars twinkle in the coming darkness. In deep contrast to the fading light upon the horizon, a distant tree stands tall, its leaves vanishing into its dark shape. Below in the quiet town, the lights in the merchants' windows shine yellow and merry. The shop of the archmage is lit by the occasional sparkle of magical energy. Those young in the ways of magic and a few more skilled study their profession in an intermittently noisy display of motion and colored light. A lone traveler approaches from the west, a bright spot of color in the fading light. Slowly, from shop to shop he moves, stopping at each for a few moments. Another lost soul flung through the portals into this strange land. After a time here, one learns the ways of the new and the old. The new stop and view every sight, visit every shop, and ask for directions and aid from all. The old race into town headed for one place. They conduct their business quickly, and many then call upon the winds of magic to whisk them back to whence they came. Though a few of each, the new and the old, stop awhile in small groups to share the news and exchange a few items. In the shadow of the great keep, I sit, deep in contemplation of what it is to be The Seeker. I have contemplated this very thought many times through the years. The path of a seeker is not clear or easy. It does not fit in a little box. It barely fits into words. For some time now, with some success, I have attempted to share with the seekers the meaning and essence of this state of being that is a seeker. I see you watching there. You hover just beyond my sight. You watch and wait, listening for... for something. You too wish to know what it is to be a seeker? Perhaps I shall tell you of the path I have taken and maybe you can tell me what it is to be The Seeker. Where shall I begin? Oh, yes... don't tell me, at the beginning. There is but one problem with the beginning. There isn't one really. We have wandered in the spaces between places for some time. Our trail of footprints extends far into the past, through the present and into future, and crosses its own path many a time. So I know not where it really began. Though perhaps it began in the land of my youth. If not, no matter, I shall say it begins there anyway. Though we traveled between places on the winds of magic, my skills did not lie in the ways of magic. From the time that I was a young girl, chopping wood in the forests, I knew the ways of the axe. I grew more skilled with daily practice. I even created one designed for battle so that I would be able to protect myself should the need arise. The young boys learned quickly that Arianda, with hair the color of a dark burning sky, was not one to be courted lightly. After a time they tired of playing that game with me. My father frowned and my mother sighed, for they thought I should marry and start a family. They said nothing though and let me continue in my wild ways, for they knew that I was driven by something they did not comprehend and my efforts did bring home sufficient firewood for the cold winters and even some extra to sell. The winters were the worst time though, for roaming the hills and forests was more difficult. However, as soon as I was able, even in the dead of winter, I left the warmth of the fire seeking something in the forests. My parents still said nothing. Then, one summer, they consulted with the Council of Elders for guidance as to what should become of me. I was called into the Council Hall and asked to explain my ways. I told them of the joy I found wandering the forests. I told them of the times I looked upon a flower or heard the call of a bird and felt as if I understood the universe. I told them of how I always wanted to see what lay beyond the next hill and how I dreamed of places I had never seen that were more real than all that I had seen. The Elders nodded and sent me to join my parents and await their decision. We waited in silence in the shadow of the Council Hall. After a time, the announcer stepped out again and asked my parents to enter. He motioned that I should wait. They talked for what seemed like forever before the door opened once more. My parents came out, and though I searched their faces I could not see any indication as to what had been decided. The announcer motioned for me to enter. I entered, cautiously, fearful that they might tell me that I must not return to the forests. The Elders sat in a semicircle facing me, the Chief Elder in the middle. The others nodded to me in recognition of my presence and turned to the Chief Elder. She looked into my eyes for a long time. I sat before them, watching her, waiting. As the moments passed, I grew more fearful that I would not see the flowers again, that I would not sit upon the highest hill and watch the sunrise. Just before my fears got the best of me, the Chief Elder spoke in a soft voice that filled the room. "We honor the spirit that brought life and is in all things. We see that you have gifted this child with the heart of a seeker." She smiled gently at me and continued. "We shall do our best to let her follow her path as a seeker. We shall support her parents and help them to gently break the ties that bind her. We pray that you might grant this child a guide, for the path of a seeker is not easy and the road never clear." I gazed at the Elders, not understanding. My mind raced. She must have been speaking of me as the child, for there were no other children in the room. What was this heart of a seeker she referred to? I thought I understood the word seeker: one who seeks, but seeks what? I looked frantically at each Elder, hoping for some clue, some inspiration as to what this meant. They looked back at me, their eyes filled with concern and compassion and... and something I could not name. My gaze returned to the Chief Elder. She looked directly at me and in a strong, clear voice said, "My child, we do not have the skills to guide you along this path that has been given to you. We see that the heart of a seeker beats strong within you. It is a gift that you should cherish and perhaps some day you will understand it. We are saddened that the most we can give you is the traditional blessing of a seeker." The Elders nodded and in unison said, "Arianda, child of The Great Seeker, may you seek forever more." With their words my skin tingled. Set free of its worldly bonds my mind wandered and it seemed that from many places and many times voices echoed the blessing. The Elders smiled and the announcer took my hand and guided me from the Council Hall. I walked on unfelt legs. I saw little of the world around me in the bright sunshine of that summer day. It was as if I was in another place. My parents guided me home, though I don't remember the path. For several days I stayed near the house, unsure, unknowing. I walked in paths so distant I would have forgotten to eat except that my mother would from time to time put a piece of bread or fruit in my hand. I remember little of this time, only that I was in spirit far from the land of my youth. One morning, with the first hints of sunrise, I awoke as if from a dream. The world had returned to its normal place. My head was clear again. I quietly dressed and stepped outside. The sun slowly peaked over the hills. The birds sang and the air smelled fresh from the night's rain. My mother came quietly behind me and put her hand on my shoulder. I looked at her. With her eyes she asked if I had returned to the waking world. I nodded and smiled. She smiled back and we stood side by side watching the sunrise. My days fell back into their normal routine. I traveled the forests and brought home wood for the fire. The local woodsmen taught me the arts of the forests and the ways of the wild things. I learned to dodge and evade the horns, teeth and claws of my prey. I even began to join the tournaments held at festival time. I learned the use of armor and tested my skills against the others that practiced such arts and in time I began to win in the tournaments. On the whole, my life was good. However, with each passing day I yearned for something new and I began to understand the heart of a seeker. One day in the forest, as I was practicing the arts of battle against a small pile of firewood, a sphere of swirling white light appeared before me. It gleamed in the sunlight that bounced off the trees' leaves. As I watched in fascination tinged with fear, two shapes made of glowing purple lights emerged. I raised my axe and waited, intrigued but ready to run. After a moment, they solidified into the forms of two men. The first was dressed in a robe of deep purple, his gray hair spilling in complete disarray over his collar. His face had many wrinkles and sparkles danced in his deep, black eyes. The second looked much younger and his black hair was neatly combed. He was dressed in a similar but simpler robe of bright orange. Neither carried any packs or other items and if they wore boots, the folds of their robes hid them. The men looked around quickly and spotted me. I watched them warily. The first took a step towards me, his hands raised before him. In one hand he held a blue wand with a yellow ball of light at its tip. He wore several rings and a bracelet on each arm. An unusual amulet of yellow gold with a green gem hung around his neck. He looked at his wand, as if just noticing that it was there, and with a brief self-mocking smile quickly tucked it into his robe. He raised his hands again, showing me his empty palms. In a quiet, calm voice he said, "Please, do not be afraid. We will not harm you. We are travelers on a long journey. We seek only a place to rest, eat and restock our supplies." His companion nodded, putting away his wand that was a simple black stick with a round purple ball on one end. He then clasped his hands before him and stood still, as if waiting patiently for his master to finish. The first smiled warmly and asked, "Do you know of a place that we might rest and seek fresh supplies? And could you please tell us where exactly we are?" I lowered my axe a little and nodded. "You are deep in the northern forests. There is a small town some distance away." I looked briefly at the sky, noting that the sun was approaching the horizon. "Though I fear you will not reach town by sunset," I added. The men looked at the sun and nodded. The first spoke again, "Yes. I see that. Do you know of some shelter that we might be able to reach before darkness?" I looked at them carefully. My home was not too far away and could be reached by then, but could I trust them? The first man shook himself and sighed deeply. "Oh my! Where are my manners today? I completely forgot to introduce myself. My name is Tivastian. I seek the ways of magic." Indicating his companion, he said, "and this is Avazel, my apprentice. We come from a place far away. We are simple scholars who travel the winds of magic seeking knowledge. Please forgive us for startling you with our unconventional arrival." He smiled and glanced at the sphere of white light, which slowly faded and vanished. Avazel smiled and with a little bow said, "A pleasure to meet you my lady." I looked at them and asked, "You say you seek fresh supplies, yet I see that you have no packs. Where do you plan to store supplies?" Tivastian smiled and his eyes lit brightly. He rummaged around in his robe and pulled out, seemingly from no where, a large loaf of bread. "There are many places to store things when one knows a bit of magic," he said with a smile. He tore off a piece of bread and handed it to Avazel. Then he held it out to me, bowed and asked, "Young lady, might we learn your name? And would you care for some bread?" Avazel smiled and took a bite of bread saying, "The finest of Lady Savara's bread." Warming to these strange two, I nodded and accepted the bread. I tore off a small piece and handed the loaf back to Tivastian, who pulled off a large piece and stuffed the rest back into some fold of his robe. "My name is Arianda," I said. "My parents and I live in a small house between here and town. Perhaps you might stay with us this night and continue to town in the morning." I tried the bread, which was indeed most delicious though unlike anything I'd ever tasted, and nodded my approval of it. Around taking a big bite, Tivastian smiled. "That is most generous of you!" "Arianda," said Avazel. "What a lovely name! It suits you beautifully my lady." At that I could not help but smile at Avazel. "Come gentlemen," I said. "The day grows short and we have a ways to go before sunset. I'll tie up this wood and show you the way." We walked in silence for a time. Tivastian and Avazel gazed about them, taking in the views. I think that perhaps they saw more in the forests than many do. As we walked, I began to tell them of the forest and the lands around. They asked many questions, as if they had never been here before. They asked of everything - the land, the plants, the animals, the people, the festivals, the Council of Elders, everything. Before long we arrived at my parents' home. My parents nodded and greeted them politely. My mother invited them to join us for the evening meal. They were excellent guests. Tivastian told many tales of places that they had traveled to and Avazel spoke highly of the meal and my mother's cooking. My parents quickly warmed to them and we talked late into the evening. I especially enjoyed the evening, as the stories of their travels were most fascinating. Now that I recall, one moment during the evening was a bit disturbing. In the middle of one of his stories, Tivastian paused and gazed into my eyes for a few moments. My skin tingled for in that moment his eyes were those of the Chief Elder and he looked at me as she had that day so long ago. He nodded and smiled tightly. "Ah," he said. "A seeker." Then he continued his story as if nothing had happened. Though I tried not to let it show, I jumped a bit in shock. How did he know? An unspoken thought passed between my parents, too quickly for me to tell what it was. I shrugged off the moment and was drawn back into the story. I awoke the next morning before dawn and heard my parents talking about our guests. "Perhaps this stranger, Tivastian, is the guide that the Elders prayed would be sent for her," my mother said. "You may be right," my father said. "He is certainly a wise man who has seen much and could teach her many things. "Yes," my mother replied. "And Avazel seems a fine young man. She would at least be in good company." "Though I fear that they will take her from us forever," he said. "We know she must leave us sometime," she replied. "You too have seen it in her. She wanders. She seems happy, but there is a restless streak in her. Her spirit is not at peace here. She is like a wild creature trapped in a cage, pacing its length. The cage is very large for we have let her roam freely, but it still is a cage." "Aye," my father sighed. "I know. We must do as the Elders have suggested. If she chooses to follow them we will let her go." "Let us send her to guide them to town," she said. "That will give her some time to learn more about them and decide if they can guide her on her path." My father must have nodded, for they said no more. I rose quietly and walked to the nearest hill. I sat upon the big rock at the top of the hill and thought of my parents' words. My mother was right. This world was like a cage to me, for I roamed other lands in my dreams. With the light of the new dawn, I decided that I would do as my mother had suggested. I would guide Tivastian and Avazel to town and learn more of them. Perhaps Tivastian was my guide, sent to answer the Elders' prayer. I returned to the house to find my mother in the kitchen. She smiled as I came in and said, "Ah, there you are, Arianda. Come. Help me wrap up these things and set the table. We would not want our guests to travel to town with nothing to eat." She pointed at some bread and fruit on the table and turned to stir the morning porridge. I nodded and wrapped the food in some soft travel cloth. As we worked, the only sounds were the crackling of the fire and the breeze blowing through the trees outside the window. My father and Tivastian entered a few minutes later, stamping their feet at the door to knock the dirt and morning dew from their boots. They almost looked silly side by side. The deep purple of Tivastian's robe seemed almost regal, though his untamed gray hair ruined the look. The dark brown of my father's clothes was most plain in comparison. The morning sun shown through the open door and window, lighting up their clothes and hair. A moment later, Avazel entered, his bright orange robe completing the spectacle. I put my hand over my mouth and turned away from them to hide my laughter. "Something smells absolutely delicious!" Avazel said, glancing at the table. My mother smiled and waved them all to the table. "Come, eat while it's hot," she said, spooning the porridge into the bowls I had placed on the table. We ate in silence for a few minutes. The sounds of the fire and wind mixed with the sounds of spoons hitting the bowls. "Most delicious," Avazel said, in a moment between bites. "Indeed," said Tivastian. "We thank you very much for your kindness." My mother smiled happily and said, "It's nice to have guests who appreciate good food and can tell a good story. You are welcome here any time." Tivastian nodded, "Thank you. Though I fear we never manage to stay in one place long." "From your stories, it's clear you travel often," my father said. "But from what you've said, you are not familiar with this area." Tivastian nodded. "True, we are new to this land. Such is the joy of traveling. We're never quite sure where we'll find ourselves next." "Usually we're not even sure where we are now," Avazel muttered. Tivastian glanced sharply at Avazel. Avazel looked back at him, as if daring him to disagree. After a second, Tivastian nodded and turned back to my father. "Well, the least we can offer you is a guide to show you around," my father said. "Arianda is the best guide in the area. She could probably show you a dozen places no one else has ever seen." He smiled at me. "That would be wonderful," Avazel said, his eyes bright. "I'd like, just once, to not stumble around in the woods hoping to get somewhere interesting." "Now Avazel! You enjoy stumbling across interesting places as much as I do," Tivastian said, in mock outrage. "Of course, master," Avazel replied. "But perhaps, this once, we might try it a new way. You've always said we should seek new methods as much as we seek new places." He smiled a not-quite contrite, daring smile. "Humph!" said Tivastian, glaring at Avazel. "So much for the wisdom of my teachings." Avazel laughed and bent his head for another bite of porridge. I hid my laughter in my glass of juice. My mother smiled, shaking her head a little. My father nodded gravely, though his eyes sparkled. "Indeed," he said, raising his glass for a drink. After he swallowed, he turned to me. "Arianda, will you guide our guests to town today?" I nodded. "Yes, father." "Good. With that settled," he said, turning back to Tivastian. "Tell me more of your plans for you next journey and the land that you call home." "Well," Tivastian said, finishing the last of his porridge. "I don't really have a land I call home. I never seem to be in one long enough to make a home. Of any place, you might say my home is in the winds of magic, for that is where I spend much time." My father nodded and began to ask about the winds of magic. "Gentlemen, I hate to interrupt," I said. "But if you wish to reach town when the merchants open their doors, we should be going." Tivastian looked up. "Oh, yes, yes. I had almost forgotten. Come Avazel, we must not keep our guide waiting," he said. Avazel rose, smoothing out the folds of his robe. "When you are ready, master." My father stood, saying, "A safe journey to you both." He smiled at me. "Though with Arianda to guide you I doubt you'll have any problems. Do visit us again when you are in the area." "Thank you," Tivastian said. "We might take you up on that offer sooner than you think. If I'm not mistaken, the magic has few holds in this world and the closest place to leave from is near where we came in. But we would like to see some of the world before we leave." "Yes," my father said. "That is a wise idea. And good for Arianda too." He looked at me. "She needs some time to explore, having been caged in this house all winter." "Well, if that is the case," my mother said. "Then do visit us again before you leave." "I would not dream of leaving without tasting your fine cooking once again, my lady," Avazel said, bowing to my mother. She smiled broadly and nodded. We said our farewells and left the house in the direction of a rising sun. We traveled in silence for a time, until Avazel started asking questions. Then the time flew by and we reached town in what seemed like record time to me. Tivastian and Avazel found town fascinating and they bought some items that I would not have thought they would be interested in. Tivastian was particularly intrigued by a small black rock he found at the blacksmith's shop. The blacksmith was most confused by Tivastian's interest in the rock and would have given it for free, but Tivastian thanked him most politely and insisted on giving him a small silver ring in exchange. This added greatly to the blacksmith's confusion, but in the end he accepted the ring. As Tivastian walked away with a happy smile, the blacksmith shook his head and muttered something about crazy old men. Avazel spent a great deal of time at the scribe's shop. He opened every book and scanned them quickly. He felt the weight of every parchment and examined each, commenting on the quality of the materials used. The scribe nodded knowingly. I suspect he was just pleased to finally have a customer that showed such interest in his wares. In the end, Avazel traded a lovely red gem for a simple blank book. The scribe tried to sell him a pen and some ink to go with it, but Avazel just shook his head saying he had no use for such things. Their trades with the other merchants were more reasonable. Tivastian tried most of the pastries at the bakery, so many that Avazel and I just gave in and ate there too. After our meal, we visited the jeweler where Avazel traded a few gems for a silver bracelet. We then examined the available armor and weapons, though I suspect they came along just to humor me, as they showed no real interest in either. Tivastian then asked if anyone sold herbs and such. I told him that none of the merchants did but if he was really interested there was an old lady that lived in one of the ancient temples that might have some available. Avazel nodded his agreement, and so I guided them into the woods again. The ancient temples had been in the woods for as long as anyone could remember. No one was quite sure who made them or when, but they had been made to last. This particular temple still had its roof and actually made a fairly cozy home for the old lady. She met us at the door, but only opened it when I identified myself and promised that Tivastian and Avazel would not hurt her. She had a most extensive collection of herbs and other things that Tivastian and Avazel showed interest in. They talked for some time, and in the end Tivastian traded a bright yellow gem, a silver ring, and two days worth of bread for a small pile of herbs and other things. They all seemed pleased with their trade and the old lady invited us to stay for some tea, which Tivastian readily agreed to. After tea, I suggested that we should return to my parents' house for the night. Tivastian and Avazel agreed, but insisted on a tour of the temple before we left. I must admit, the temple was lovely in the late afternoon sun. We returned to my parents' house, just after the sun had set. My mother already had the evening meal prepared and we spent the rest of the evening listening to Tivastian's stories. The next morning Tivastian and Avazel set off to, as Tivastian put it, find the winds of magic. Apparently the winds of magic were quite faint in the area. I followed them around, trying to figure out what exactly they were doing. Both held their wands before them and wandered around, seemingly aimlessly, in the woods. After several hours, Tivastian seemed satisfied and they returned to the house. My father asked Tivastian, "Did you find what you were looking for?" "A little," replied Tivastian. "There is some magic here, not much but enough." "Yes," Avazel nodded. "The magic is scattered here. We will need to focus it if we're to successfully create a gateway." "Indeed," said Tivastian. "An arch of some kind might work." With his hands he indicated two sides joining at the top. "There's not much magic to work with, so we'll need a big arch." I nodded. "There are two big trees not far from here that have fallen together like that," I said, pointing. "You can see them from the barn." "Then let us proceed" Tivastian said with a sweeping gesture toward the barn. Everyone, even my mother, followed me to the trees. I guess all this talk of magic intrigued her too. Tivastian and Avazel looked at the trees from every direction. They pulled out their wands, held them towards the trees, and walked all the way around and between them. Finally, standing in front of the trees, Tivastian put away his wand and said, "This location should be suitable." Avazel nodded. "Are we ready to leave, master?" he asked. "Almost," Tivastian replied. "I would like a drink and we should say goodbye to these good people before we leave." We returned to the house and joined my parents for tea. Then Tivastian and Avazel finished their packing, not that it took long with the items just disappearing into their robes. We walked with them back to the trees. "Farewell," said Tivastian with a nod to my father. "It is unlikely we will come this way again soon as the magic is very weak here. However, we have enjoyed your company and thank you for you kindness." "Indeed, thank you!" said Avazel. He bowed to my mother, "Especially for your fine food. I shall remember it fondly in the days ahead." My mother smiled, quite charmed by Avazel's words. "We wish you a good journey," my father said. "May those winds of magic be kind to you." "Shall we see where the winds will take us this day?" Tivastian asked Avazel. "Yes, master," Avazel replied, taking his wand from beneath his robe. Tivastian pulled out his wand and stood before the arched trees. Tivastian's wand started to glow as he waved it before him. Strange words of magic filled the silence, as the glow from the wands grew brighter. The air between the trees began to move and turn a silver-white. Gradually a sphere of white light, like the one that signaled their arrival, appeared between the trees. Tivastian waved his wand once more and the white light parted to make a spinning disk around the edges and a mirror in the center. Only it wasn't a mirror. Our images were not reflected. In the center of the swirling light I could clearly see a desert. It was night and a violet moon was rising over the horizon. In the distance, bright plumes of fire spewed into the sky. A few stunted, fat tree-like things sat on the hills. It was fascinating, so different from the forest. Tivastian and Avazel put their wands away. "Well," said Avazel with a grimace, "another fascinating desert full of sand." Tivastian nodded to Avazel. "Not exactly where I had in mind, but it was the only place with enough magic to hold the gateway." He turned to my parents and I. "We should be going, before it closes," he said. "I'm not sure we could open it again." We waved as Tivastian and Avazel turned and stepped into the gateway. It appeared as if they had just stepped through a doorway into a distant room. They quickly glanced about taking in their new surroundings. Tivastian turned and motioned toward the gateway. Just as his concentration was focused on the gateway, a dark form rose from the sands sweeping both men off their feet. Instinctively, I grabbed my axe to help defend them against the creature. I stopped just before the boundary between the forest and the sand. To cross that line might mean I would never be able to return. Beyond the line I could explore those places I visited in my dreams and follow my seeking heart. I glanced at my parents. In their eyes I saw their acceptance. My skin tingled as I crossed the boundary... - Arianda The Seeker