Episode 16: Preparations

The trial of water was now complete. After resting at the Inn the group planned for their next steps. Marx suggested they split up to cover more ground. Lidya and Peter would go take the trial of wind, while Marx and Lorenzo took the trial of earth.

Marx – “My advice to both of you, wind is swift. It flows around its opponents with ease.”

Peter – “Tapping into the magical tether of the element isn’t easy. I don’t think I have the skill for it, but I don’t doubt Lidya can achieve it.”

Lidya – “I think my weapons also help with that, them being fairly unique, right Marx?”

Marx – “Don’t sell yourself short Lidya. You do have skill to manage the other elements, it just takes you a little less time than other people.”

Lorenzo – “And time is something we do not have to spare.”

Marx – “Indeed. Wind magic is also particular in terms of the weapons aligned to it.”

Lidya – “Weapons? There’s more than one?”

Marx – “Yes, swords are aligned with wind magic, as well as bows. Mastery of marksmanship and wind magic can even help warriors form arrows of lightning.”

Lidya – “Sounds powerful.”

Marx – “It is, but also very rare. Very few can reach such mastery.”

Lidya – “Is that a challenge?”

Peter – “Will you guys be alright taking the trial of earth?”

Marx – “We should be fine. The weapon bound to earth is the hammer. Although heavier than our axes, it should be easy to adapt our combat style.”

Lorenzo – “Practice will serve us well. Especially since it will be a long trek to Scillion.”

Marx – “Yes. I suspect Damien’s forces will move to take more territory around the trial grounds. The trial grounds of earth, a region called Scillion, are probably their main target. If we can intercept some of their troops we can hinder them. The trial of wind should be relatively safe to take on. That should make your own work simpler.”

Peter – “A sound strategy. Will you two be able to handle it?”

Marx – “We’ll be careful. Our main goal is to take the trial and stall Damien’s forces as much as possible. Stay in touch, remember to use the communication spheres.”

Lidya – “Oh, right, I had almost forgotten about those.”

Peter – “Then we should get moving.”

Lidya – “Agreed. See you guys later!”

The trip to the trial grounds of wind would take them a few days to complete. For Marx and Lorenzo it will take even longer to reach the region of Scillion. As the groups travel to their destinations, inside a castle somewhere in Entralia, Damien has called his generals to report in. The top generals, Morg, Thana, Nathaniel, Eliza, Gorm and an enigmatic yet mysterious knight in crimson armor kneeled before him.

Damien – “Rise. Tell me, how goes the war?”

Morg – “My lord, we received a report about a small group that left the Frigis isles not long ago.”

Damien – “That is likely Lidya and her companions. Where are they headed now?”

Morg – “They defeated Valeria, freed the people of Norgar and, according to our scouts they are headed to Utoas.”

Thana – “The flying city remains out of our reach for now. We have also received reports that another group is moving to Scillion.”

Damien – “That wench has been successful in moving through the trials. Although her challenge is a nuisance it will be a stronger message when I finally cut her down.”

Eliza – “My lord, I failed to defeat Lidya at Balancor. I assure you I will not fail again.”

Thana – “I’ll slay you myself if you do.”

Damien – “Silence Thana! She is aware of the punishment should she fail again.”

Gorm – “My brother and I stand ready to face any threats. Our forces have already set out for Scillion.”

Nathaniel – “What of this knight my lord? Do you trust him?”

Damien – “He is my finest creation yet. Trust will not be something to worry about. This Red Knight will lead the next assault on Fernal.”

Red Knight – “By your will.”

Nathaniel – “Then nothing will stand in our way. Both the Mindscape and the Nightmare Warp will fall to my troops soon.”

Damien – “Let your devotion to me guide you. This world will tremble before my might! Go! Spread my influence while I make the final preparations.”

Damien’s generals set out on their respective missions. A multitude of his troops now spread across the continent heralded a conflict that would surely be devastating. It falls to Lidya, her companions and whoever they can find that can provide them support.

The days of travel allowed Lidya time to practice using wind magic. So far she could channel a good amount of wind energy, but still not enough to transform her weapons. While they approached the area where the trial of wind begins they come across a warrior who is hiding nearby. After questioning them about their presence there, he introduced himself as Byron.

Byron – “I’m glad you’re against these soldiers, but things seem bleak. A village west of here was attacked. Most people were taken prisoner. I heard some would be put into forced labor.”

Lidya – “Damn, is there a way we can intercept the soldiers that attacked the village?”

Byron – “Not anymore, this happened a few days ago.”

Peter – “We started traveling from the Frigis Isles around that time. Damien’s forces are moving fast.”

Byron – “There is some hope that we could get reinforcements from Utoas. The sky city has a lot of soldiers stationed there.”

Lidya – “That would be perfect, we take the trial and also gain a way to strike back at Damien.”

Byron – “So far the soldiers haven’t figured how much power is needed to activate the portal here. I’ve spent quite some time honing my wind magic. I think I should be able to calibrate the energy needed to open the portal device.”

Peter – “Hey Lidya, sounds like he could also help you master wind magic.”

Lidya – “I could use some pointers, if you don’t mind.”

Byron – “Sure, we can train once we reach the city. If we go through the trial together we improve our chances of passing it unscathed.”

Lidya – “Alright Byron, we’re trusting you with this.”

Byron – “Don’t worry, those soldiers will pay for what they did. Besides, I have someone I must meet afterwards.”

Peter – “Then let’s make haste.”

The area around the portal was unguarded. Damien’s soldiers had left, they awaited elsewhere for their general to arrive. The trio of warriors snuck into the area effortlessly. Byron took a short time to channel his magic into four orbs. These orbs were placed around a central rune circle that slowly lit up. When the energy was sufficient the magic of the portal transformed all three of them into lightning bolts that shot upward to the sky city Utoas. As soon as they left, the glow subsided leaving no trace of them.