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Rise of the Witchlord pt. 1

Sand blew across the dunes, just as they had for centuries before, just as they would for centuries to come. An old man sighed from his tower vantage. These were the sands he was born to, and these were the sands his ashes would blow along. So many years spent, it seemed almost wasted to become what he was today just to end up blowing across the dunes... The old man turned to stare at his walls of books. So much left undone, unlearned, untaught. You could race against time but never conquer it he reflected. He rubbed his hands together to ease the pain in his joints.

'Master? Master Ghede?' a small voice chirped behind him. He turned to the voice and a smile crept over his lips at the little girl at her desk staring at him perplexed. Such a treasure this child was. Yes, he thought, if he could teach this young mind all he had to offer before his time was up he would gladly join the sands of his holy kingdom. Her ebony locks fell carelessly along her shoulders and her eyes sparkled with the curious desire for knowledge. Looking at her filled him with a longing ache, remorse that he had never had the time to love and start a family of his own.

'Ah, my apologies, my child. I was lost in thought. Now where were we? Oh yes, the Laws of the Arcane. The Laws of the Arcane are not legislative laws, but, like those of physics or musical harmony, are actually fairly practical observations that have been accumulated over thousands of years. These laws describe the way Arcane energy seems to behave. There are two basic laws that encompass all the others, the Law of Knowledge and the Law of Self-Knowledge.

'The Law of Knowledge is the most basic of laws. Understanding brings control. If you know all there is to know about something then you have complete and total control over it. The key phrase is: knowledge is power. Now the Law of Self-Knowledge is most important kind of knowledge it's knowledge of oneself. All the other laws depend upon these two; it is wise to keep that in mind at all times. I don't think these need any more explanation or defense... We can go on to others.'

'But Master Ghede' she interrupted 'Why is self-knowledge so much more important than actual knowledge?'

'A good question my child. Know thyself they say. You may have all the knowledge this world has to offer yet what will you do with it if you do not know yourself? Will you use your vast intellect for the betterment of mankind, or will you use it to destroy it?'

'Why would I want to destroy anything?' She asks him.

'Why indeed? That is only a question you can answer, and someday must answer. As the heir to the Holy Kingdom of Cenduri it will be on your shoulders to lead our people to either glory or destruction. It is why you must listen to these words I tell you my child and take them to heart. Now, I believe you've spent enough time among these dusty old tomes and this dusty old man... Go along child, our lesson is at an end. Tomorrow we will begin our discussion on the Law of Names.'

'Yes Master Ghede.' She collected her things and waves goodbye on her way out. Ghede found himself staring out from his tower again, at the sand blowing along the dunes. Ashes and Dust... It was all an old man seemed to have left to offer this world.

The Holy Kingdom of Cenduri ran its borders along the great Snake River Assahai. Along its banks were great fields of wheat and villages to tend them. It was said that before the first Cenduri's settled along the river they were a nomadic people and that actually all peoples of the world were of their bloodline. If there were any truth to this the knowledge was lost to the ages of time. The capital of Cenduri stood at the center of the forked tongue of the Snake River Assahai. It was known as the Glass City, the domes of its towers and palaces made of fantastic crystals and stained glass. It is a truly magnificent sight for all those who beheld it. It was easy to see why they called Cenduri the Holy Kingdom, or surely such a creation was inspired by Divine Will.

Ghede grabbed his walking stick and proceeded down the winding steps of his tower. By time the time he reached the bottom his knees were on fire and he was labored for breath. How he hated to age. His mind was sharp, his will strong, yet his body failed him despite his great knowledge and arcane mastery. It seemed like a cruel joke, to have so much power and yet still be a victim of the human condition. The old man made his way along the long halfway to the throne room of his liege lord, being saluted by the Crimson Guard of the Imperial family as he passed them. Chosen from the ranks of the Imperial army for both their fanatical loyalty and skill at arms, it was said during the great uprising of the cult of Congo Savanne the Crimson Guard had single handedly wiped out an entire army of fanatics. Looking at their unyielding discipline and the strength of their bodies Ghede had no doubt that it was true.

The great doors to the throne room were opened before him and his presence was announced by the court herald. Upon their thrones stood his majesties, the Emperor Hasphestus and his queen Lady Jaspree. They were a spectacular sight adorned in their robes of crimson rubies and beads and their crowns of crystal and glass. Slowly he bent his knee to them, bowing his head in servitude.

'My majesty... Your daughter has finished her lesson for the day. She plays now in the courtyard with her friends.'

'Rise Master Ghede. Tell us, how our young Me’gana is doing in her lessons?' the emperor inquired.

'Very well my lord. She is very bright. She grasps even the more complex ideas of the Arcane even faster than my past students. In a few years she will master novice, of that I have no doubt.'

'Very good Master Ghede. You are doing your Emperor and your kingdom a great service. You know her destiny, what you teach her today will help her fulfill what she must do tomorrow. We will all be eternally grateful and the All Father will bless you always.'

'Thank you my liege...'

'Please... Stand beside us Master Ghede. We await an emmissary of the neighboring kingdom of Roan and we would very much like your council on the proceedings.'

'Of course my liege.' Master Ghede replied as he took his station at the left of his Emperor and awaited this retinue from Roan to arrive. Absently he reflected on how he had ended up in this position. He was once a mere novice like the princess Me'gana. His master then was Arch-Magi Osir. He quickly rose above all other students academically, though it was not without sacrifice. While other students eventually married and had families of their own Ghede devoted himself to his studies and mastery of the Arcane. It was the passion that fueled him, his single focus in life. Thinking back on it now it seemed so foolish. While his studies allowed him to take Arch-Magi Osir's position once he departed these lands for the light beyond, what did he have now to show for it? Who would remember him in the years to come after his death? Who would take his name through the centuries? He would pass not even as a footnote in the ages of time.

Ghede was awoken from his musings by the cry of the Herald 'Emmisarry Kali and the Sorceress Geneva of the Kingdom of Roan.'. The man was adorned in a simple traveling robe of burnished yellow and orange, his hair cropped short with a neatly trimmed beard on his face. Otherwise unremarkable. The Sorceress on the other hand was a sight both inspiring and terrible to behold. Beautiful almost to the point it was difficult to pry your eyes from her, her form sleek, her movements fluid and exotic. Her crimson hair cascading down her back, her breasts bouncing with every step. Ghede grew embarrassed as he felt his old body try to stir itself from its long slumber. Her eyes looked upon Ghede with dark curiosity. He could not look away if he tried.

The emissaries prostrated themselves before the Emperor and his Queen. 'My Lord and Lady. We come from the Kingdom of Roan as requested and bring to you a gift of our eternal allegiance to the Holy Kingdom of Cenduri, the Sorceress Geneva. She is very knowledgeable with the ways of the Arcane and will serve you loyally. She has much to teach the young princess.'

The Emperor looked to his Arch-Magi 'Tell me Master Ghede. What impression do you get from this sorceress?'

The old man fought past his embarrassment and managed to keep his voice steady 'She appears to have great strength within her my liege lord... Though I did not know I needed assistance with the young Princess's training.'

'Do not think of this as an insult to your teaching abilities Arch-Magi. We have no shortage of faith in you but we both know you grow aged and we wish to accelerate Me'gana's teachings. We have no idea when she may be called upon.'

Though not meant as an insult, his lord's words stung regardless. 'Of course my Emperor... This Sorceress will be an asset I am sure...'

The sorceress smiled...

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