Kat stood alone with Lucast, who seemed ready, a swirling ball of water surrounding him. The chasm he had filled in places, allowing the molten warriors to cross slowly. He was positioned for a fight, but Kat did not think he would need to be. He had shown her how powerful she could be and that vision, oh that terrible vision, had given her an idea. She could feel a steadiness within her, a calm before the storm but this would be her storm. As she lifted her hand, clouds rumbled and roared above her. She could feel the particles of ice in the sky and the static charge between them. As she moved the clouds, the more they rubbed and the greater her control became. Thunder echoed above her and like a calling, the warriors advanced. Bright flashes suddenly lit up the landscape and Kat felt the hairs on her arms rise. The heavens were charged and with it, her feet lifted off the ground. She rose higher and higher, suspended by her power over the sky. She was lit by the last rays of a red sun as it set below the smoke cloud and then it vanished and all that could be seen were the sparks that shined around Kat’s body. This was the pinnacle of her excellence and as she struck her first enemy, she was the most beautiful thing in the world.
Name: Krun Bitaran Age: N/A Species: Vassal First Appearance: The History of Ilmgral: Book One. The Sundering of the Two Moons
Power: Krun, son of Krim, is the Vassal of the forests and the creatures that live in them. Krun could move forests and called all manner of birds and beasts to him. From his power came the Krun-ilma, who live in the great forests of the world.
Appearance: Like the Krun-ilma, Krun’s skin carries earthy hints. He has no red scales but root like veins protrude from the skin around the arms and under the eyes. Evergreen leaves grew in his brown hair also.
Backstory: Krun was born in the kingdom of Scaraden but was ferreted away after the death of his mother. As he came into his lordship, he took his people into the great wood and formed their, the Krun-Ilma. Until his fathers spirit would call him to war.
Story Excerpt: This great army crossed the sea and like his father, he was nearly unchallenged in the land of Scaraden, and the small host sent against them was swiftly swept aside. Soon the host came to the fortress of Agralita and many of the soldiers became sickened as they drank from the corrupted streams or ate the food of that land. All had fallen under Agral’s sickness and only the power of Mina kept those affected in the lands of the living. Long the siege lasted and during it, Krun brought great trees that sucked the poison from the streams and lands, and the corpses of those trees decayed swiftly and gave fresh soil for the growing of many flowers that Mina cultivated. Soon Agral’s power began to waver and the fear of him lessened and the doors of Agralita were opened. Krun came then to the chamber of a dark tower where his uncle lay in rest and from a scabbard, he drew a knife. Sharply the eyes of Agral opened and he thrust with his power, but it was weak and Krun was young, come now into full manhood and his power surrounded Agral. “Yield.” Krun ordered, “And I may find mercy in my heart for the killing of my mother and father.” Agral laughed, and the sound was sickeningly seductive, “Mercy.” He spat, “You are like your father, weak, destined to stay in the line painted for you by the Gods. The Ilma are to be a higher power, custodians of the universe, under no dominion of the Gods.” Like a cornered animal Agral struck but the blade he had concealed, caught meekly in Krun’s armour of thick bark, “You have no power now that can overcome that of Gadrika’s.” Krun said in a deep and commanding voice, “Now Kneel.” Then Agral knelt and in his bow, he revealed that he was garbed in thick chain mail, even while he slept and at his waist was a sword hilt, but the blade had been broken from it. Krun then drew his own blade and anger overcame his sense, but his hand was stayed by a deep voice.
Before Tom could stop her, she dived into the pool and delicately glided to the far side. Using the water as a base, she leapt out in front of the warriors, the moisture flying off her and hanging as little droplets in the air that she sent flying towards her enemies. The droplets sizzled on impact but were nothing more than a minor hinderance. She landed on the edge of the pool and in a graceful movement, her hands lifted. Muscles strained on her arms as they connected with the pool water. It began to lift and veins in her arms popped at the weight of all that water. Some warriors ran away, others tried to move towards her but they knew their doom was near. The water lifted until the pool was empty and as Sophie’s strength began to ebb, she threw her arms forward. Tom lifted his own hand and added his weight so that the wave crashed past Sophie, turning the first two warriors into statues and then it carried on, moving through the kitchen with frightening speed, destroying every molten warrior it touched. The wave reached towards the kitchen before finally faltering and silence filled the noon day. Sophie stood there, arms hanging limply by her side. As she turned, Tom couldn’t help but laugh. Wet hair clung to a face that was red from the strain. She shivered un-controllably, with the sun barely able to pierce the thick smog from the volcano.
“What’s up?” Sam asked looking back at him. “I don’t know.” Price muttered, searching the trees for something, “I just don’t feel right.” Sam looked around, “Stop messing okay.” Some birds flew up from a tree and Price relaxed, wondering if that was what he had sensed, “I’m probably just being paranoid.” He was about to take a step again when his eyes widened. He pushed Sam into the undergrowth as a shot echoed in the alley way and sparks shot across the pavement. Price shoved Sam to the floor and he connected to the trees. They seemed to rustle and there was a moan as a branch broke and a figure fell to the floor, landing with a dull thud. With a turn it stood nimbly and even though they were concealed in the undergrowth, it was looking right at them. A gun clattered to the floor between them and Price looked from the grey skinned, long armed creature, to the weapon that was like none he had ever seen. Price charged for the gun and his finger slipped to the panic button. Sam was behind him, but the creature was quicker. It dived on Price and swept him away with a powerful swing of his arm. Sam was braver than he had expected, and he grasped the creature’s arm just as it wrapped around the gun. The creature gave a primeval yell before jumping back. It stared down at the silhouette of Sam’s hand; his arm burnt by the freeze. Sam kicked the large gun away but squealed as the creature pulled from its belt, a long-curved blade. Price was on his feet again and he charged, pulling for a root. Before one could break the surface, a boot caught him painfully in the stomach and the Murka slashed with its good arm to keep Sam away. It turned again on Price, and Sam tried to kick out but the figure turned, caught his boot and span him to the floor. The knife was coming down for him before Sam could stop it, but a root snatched at the creature’s wrist. Price was pulling with all his might but the muscular arm of the Murka was slowly getting closer to Sam’s chest. Its numb, frozen arm grabbed at Sam’s neck and he tried desperately to breathe. In a last desperate measure, his hand went to the Murka’s face. Ice glistened on his fingers and the Murka screamed. The knife fell, grazing Sam’s cheek and the distraction allowed Price to pull the Murka away from him. Regaining itself, it span, grabbed the gun and smiled at them. More roots were bursting from the ground and Sam’s hands were sparkling with the ice that covered them. With startling speed, two knives flew at Price and Sam and they ducked to avoid them. When they looked up, the Murka was charging away with a frightening turn of pace. They chased it as far as they could until it disappeared into a spinney at the end of a long field.
Name: Krim Gadrika Age: N/A Species: Vassal First Appearance: The History of Ilmgral: Book One. The Sundering of the Two Moons
Power: In life, Krim was born to heal the pains of world but only by giving strength for things to heal themselves. He was supposed to give strength to all things and give none for himself. In death he became guardian of souls who do good and helped Gadrika nurture souls in the halls of Agraldin,
Appearance: Krim is strong and bold, the tallest of the Ilma. He has blonde hair and flawless skin. In death he bore the torn cloak of Gadrika and at his side was a broken sword in a sheaf.
Backstory: Krim and his brother were born in the lands of Kuratex. Both their powers showed early but after an attack by his brother, that saw Krim nearly killed, he was spirited away and he and his brother were sundered by distance and hate.
Story Excerpt: Only around Krim, who lay in stupor upon his bed, was the pestilence of Agral kept at bay and through his power, the sickness relented. Rising from his bed, Krim saw the devastation of his brother and revealed his power. No want of glory was in his mind, and he saw the goodness in all things and all people. He sang and the oil vanished from the water and the fish were cleared of their taint. The trees bloomed again, and the flowers lost their pestilence but to Agral he did nothing, seeing then the opposites of their power. Krim could heal some wounds but only in giving strength for things to heal themselves and he could cure a small grove of disease, but Agral could heal all if he wished and could remove pestilence rather than create it, if guided properly.
Name: Crio Orna Age: N/A Species: Vassal First Appearance: The History of Ilmgral: Book One. The Sundering of the Two Moons
Power: Crio was touched in the hall of Agraldin by Orna and was given his power over earth and metal. He is a great forger and builder.
Appearance: Crio is short for one of the Ilma and much greater built. His eyes are also grey and ores seemed to run across his skin. he is covered in grey hair with a large beard, rare for one of the Ilma.
Backstory: Crio was born in the lands of the nomadic people on the borders of Scaraden but he was hunted and so in time came to the lands of Drage and fell into the care of the descendants of Drage, fulfilling Livella’s prophecy in the hall of Agraldin.
Story Excerpt: With that, Crio fell under the protection of the house of Drage, and he was called Crio Minton, for his work with iron but Bela died in the summer of the next year and unlike the others of her house, she was buried in the town of Amoradrage. On the coast of the north that town was built, where the mountain had been swallowed by the sea. The youngest son of Drage founded the town and Bela was buried upon the edge of the cliff, so she could look for her love. A year Crio spent with Dusan in the northern town and their friendship blossomed and Crio taught the people there how to mine the black obsidian cliffs. From that rock, he helped build the lighthouse of Amoradrage, and from its top, the peak of the mountain could be seen, crumbled under the waves. Bring, son of Drage, became high lord then. Crio built for him, from the same black rock, the dragon gate and the keep of Dragor. Turning the town that was once Cambane, into a place of strength. For the lord, Crio also forged a sword. The blade was formed from the black stone of the mountain and the handle a sturdy bone, studded with gems. Crio married at this time and his wife bore to him two sons who were also broad in stature, and they played amongst the children of Dusan, and the friendship of their house was great.
The vines on Price’s arms grew and hardened and these he placed through the warrior’s chest, spearing them where they stood. The vines broke off but using his power, they grew again and each time with greater strength. Soon he was by Tom’s side and together, warriors fell in a ring around their feet. They were a team as they had been for years and almost when Tom was beaten, Price sang in the language of the trees and a root burst from the ground, trapping the warrior before it had a chance to strike. Unheard, Sophie had run behind them and the water in the root burst open, and Tom lost the warrior in a plume of steam that broke its inner fire. The ground under Tom’s feet shifted and he saw a warrior, in the midst of its strike on Sophie, fall to the floor before it was skewered by Price. In the corner of his eye, he saw Nicole, her arms moving wildly to the shift the ground in their favour. As Tom sliced his way through another warrior, that crumpled in a very human way, he felt his strength wavering. His body realised how hungry he was, and the constant use of his power, was beginning to tell on his limbs.
Name: Drage Livella Age: N/A Species: Vassal First Appearance: The History of Ilmgral: Book One. The Sundering of the Two Moons
Power: Drage is the child of Livella, touched by her in the halls of Agraldin. He has part of her power and can control the fires of the world.
Appearance: Drage has perfect white scales with bright red hair that falls down to his back. When he appears to the Ilma his hair is usually aflame and he wears still the red armour that he went into battle with.
Backstory: Drage became the first Vassal of Livella. he was born and orphaned, given to the church of Gadrika who raised him. Soon he was forced to flee where he came to the land of Cambane, where his fate would be decided.
Story Excerpt: Drage came down to the river’s edge and at his feet the ground warmed and the ice melted. Gasps rang out amongst the onlookers as he plunged himself into the river and where he stood, the ice was thawed, and the flowing river lapped at his waist. The lord of Cambane stared at him in wonder, “You are the one that I have heard rumours of good child.” The lord smiled, “Thanks be to Livella that she has sent you amongst us and I vow that no harm should come to you while you remain within my realm.” Drage bowed to the edge of the water, “I thank you lord and I wish that I could walk across all the river, even to the mouth of the sea. That way I could guide your father to the endless shore, but I fear that beyond my warmth, the ice lies thick for many miles, and it will not lessen till spring comes again.” “It is not your fault, son of Livella.” The lord began, “You cannot bring the stars themselves down to warm the waters.” The bowed head of the woman at his side, lifted her eyes and they met with Drage’s, and such love fell upon him for the sadness of them, that his heart was moved, “Not the stars but maybe I can do something.” He said and turning to a member of the church, he asked for a lamp. A lamp of metal was brought for him and inside Drage made a fire that burnt so brightly that none but him could bare the sight of it, but they could feel its warmth. This lamp, Drage mounted to the front of the boat and the waters around it were warmed from the light and then, like a call had come from Thera, the river current was roused. The boat lurched into the centre of the river and with Drage’s lamp at its head, the ice melted before it. Long did that lamp last and many who lived by riverside saw it as it moved towards the sea and all bowed their heads in reverence for Livella.
Name: Gadrika Age: N/A Species: God First Appearance: The History of Ilmgral: Book One. The Sundering of the Two Moons
Power: Gadrika is the bringer of life and guardian of the Flame of existence. He governs the halls of Agraldin where the flame breeds new souls that he nurtures. Through him life is sustained and restored in Besan Gretan.
Appearance: Gadrika usually appears robed in and hooded. His face does not look like any creature that has ever walked or will walk in Besan Gretan but he can make himself into any creature of the universe.
Backstory: Gadrika was born when Agraldin as created and the power of the Gods that came before went into the flame of existence. He resides always in the hall of nurturing and in the halls where the tapestry is woven by those who have died.
Story Excerpt: “Do not despair light maiden.” Said a voice and before her walked the figure from Agraldin but he was no longer cloaked. He was garbed in cloth that changed colour as he moved. At times it was a vibrant green, at others the dark red of dusk and even at times as though he was dressed in the night sky. His face bore no relation to the creatures that would come after or maybe he was all of them, but Livella only saw a mirror of the Gods, vibrant eyes full of knowledge and a face flawless, cast in the same shadow of Agraldin. “Gadrika I am named.” He said at Livella’s shocked glance, “I come from the realm of spirit and in my halls, I nurture and preserve a balance for the universe, to see it steered to proper course. That requires life and life I gift to Besan Gretan with my flame so that all our realms may grow more beautiful, and we can finally achieve what all those who came before us failed at.” His form seemed to shift, and he became then one of the Ilma, tall and magnificent, with golden eyes and no red scales, “In me all life shall live in Besan Gretan, but they shall be free of will, guided by the tapestry of those who came before. Here on this world will come the Ilma and they will be as children of you and in them your image will be seen. They also will have power, power to control their will and though we be Gods, we will be subject to them and to them will the dominion of Besan Gretan be granted. They will see it rise to proper station, protected from the greed and taint of those who are immortal” Gadrika smiled, and he grew shorter, and red scales now covered his cheeks, “With them shall be the Graul, the servant race. Like the vassals shall be to us so shall be the Graul to the Ilma and they will serve them in all their endeavours.”
Name: Thera Age: N/A Species: God First Appearance: The History of Ilmgral: Book One. The Sundering of the Two Moons
Power: Thera has the power to control all the waters of the universe. From the smallest raindrop, the largest ocean. All sea creatures answer to him and he is the most besotted with Besan Gretan.
Appearance: Thera appears human like apart from that his skin glimmers like fish scales. His hair is the colour of seaweed and his eyes are crystal blue.
Backstory: Thera was born from the tear of Livella and the power Orna gave to Ilmgral. He helped provide the base for life to begin. He rarely ever leaves Besan Gretan for either of the other two realms, unless called at great need.
Story Excerpt:
It glowed for a second and then the rivers of molten rock were calmed and from fissures great oceans formed. Clouds lifted above the world and the first raindrops fell in gentle tears onto the mountains. Water flowed into great bowls of the earth that overflowed and ran in many streams and rivers back to the sea. The amazement of Livella and Orna was great, but Livella moved, and her radiance was veiled so that the oceans froze, the rivers became glaciers and the voices of Agraldin lamented. At their call, a fist hammered under the frozen ocean. Livella moved quickly and she pulled towards her a star and Orna placed Ilmgral in orbit around it and set it to turn so that equally the heat of her star could fall upon it. The oceans thawed and rivers flowed again. From the great sea a figure rose in splendour. He was tall and nimble, with a skin partly like scales of fish that mirror him. His eyes were blue with hints of green and he regarded his parents with love, “You have given life to me from your sacrifice’s and from me the beginnings of life shall come. They will need guiding by starlight and moonlight.” Thera, they named him, and he parted the sea at his feet and revealed a mountain like a red sunset and another of silver. These Orna took and he shaped them and placed them as moons over the planet like silent guardians to move the tides and aid with the nurturing of life.
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