The Curse of Credesar, Book 1

The Curse of Credesar, Book 1

by Robert E. Keller

Smart Goblin Publishing 2011

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2011 Robert E. Keller

About the Author:

Robert E. Keller is a fantasy writer who has had more than 30 stories published in magazines, and he is the author of several epic fantasy novels. You can find more information on his projects at www.robertekeller.net

Chapter 1: The Awakening

Was this the morning of his execution?

Kelden Delure leaned against the closed window shutters in his room near the top of Valganleer Tower, pressing his forehead against the smooth boards. Once again, Kelden searched inside himself for some trace of Credesar's existence, but he found nothing. That gave him no relief, however, for it didn't mean the demon wasn't lurking inside him.

Kelden chose not to open the shutters to let in dawn's light. He deserved to stand in darkness. After all, he was shunned now by all of the seers, teachers, and students in the tower--a monster who should remain in the shadows.

Chills crawled over Kelden's flesh, as he contemplated losing himself forever to a fiend of unspeakable evil. Perhaps it was better he simply be put to death.

I've come for you, a deep voice said, as a heavy hand settled on him. It felt like his shoulder had been trapped by warm stone.

With a cry, Kelden whirled around, his blood lore magic flooding through him and toward the target. But that target was only Theodus.

Kelden let the spell falter. Why did you sneak up on me like that?

Theodus was a Dar fiend--a squat, ugly creature that somewhat resembled a gargoyle without wings. Because his flesh was similar to stone, Theodus weighed more than five-hundred pounds, but his gnarled feet bore thick, natural padding on their soles and they made no noise on the floor.

"I did not sneak, Theodus replied disdainfully. Thieves sneak. Mice sneak. I, however, walk with dignified silence."

Kelden shivered, the chill in his heart deepened by sudden dread. Theodus' arms were folded across his chest--a defensive, worried stance. The black and crimson substance that was his flesh shimmered in agitation, looking like lava that was half hardened, and his bat-like head was bowed. His ears were twitching--a sign of deep distress.

What is it, Theodus? said Kelden, though he already knew.

Bad news, Theodus said, his voice heavy with foreboding. The high council wants to see you right away.

Kelden's heart fluttered with panic. He'd known this moment was coming and had tried to prepare himself, but he'd failed miserably. Is it about the...the Credesar thing?

Theodus nodded. As you well know. And I can tell you this--the council didn't look too happy, Vangoss in particular.

If I am Credesar, Kelden said, they'll most likely kill me soon enough. And for the first time in more than two years, he longed to leave behind the material comforts of Valganleer and go anywhere else--even back to the filthy fields of the Horrat lands where he'd spent his youth hunting rats for survival. Being muddy, sick, and hungry was preferable to death--for with life, however dismal, there was hope.

Kelden shook his head. I don't understand this. Fumbling about with uncooperative hands, he got dressed. Why me, Theodus? Why this? They've already ruined my life here. The seers avoid me, the teachers avoid me, and… He couldn't bring himself to speak of the girl who'd broken his heart.

You don't look so good all of a sudden, said Theodus. You need to calm yourself before you appear in front of the high council.

Kelden turned to a full-length mirror. His black robe with red trim lent him a little dignity, but certainly not enough. Even in the dim light, he could see his skin had gone pale. His blond hair was a tangled mess, and two shocked blue eyes stared out from his weary face.

Kelden closed his eyes, and he could feel the crushing weight of Valganleer Tower bearing down on him, a mountainous structure of halls and chambers connected by a single winding stairway, where shadow and stone allied themselves to preserve mysteries Kelden could never hope to understand. It was a lair of sacrifice where the needs of a single human meant nothing, where the future of the human race in its entirety was all that mattered.

I feel something strange, Kelden said, slipping on his boots. It could be some type of dark sorcery. He wondered if Theodus was the cause, or if the seers were up to something. The Dar fiend was Kelden's link, which meant Kelden channeled his sorcery through Theodus to make it stronger. Theodus was an amplifier of sorts that could double any magic Kelden sent through him. But negative residue from that sorcery would often build up in the Dar fiend until it infested him and rendered him ineffective. Only a cleansing--which removed all traces of that magical residue--could restore him to normal.

It isn't me, said Theodus. I had a cleansing not too long ago.

Kelden's gaze passed over the shelves that ran along the oaken walls. He saw potions, scales, books, and scrolls--all fine items, but ones he had no use for right now. They couldn't help him in this situation.

Kelden's back suddenly felt exposed--as if someone were aiming a spear at him from behind. He had the urge to put his back to the wall. Confused, he glanced around like a caged animal looking for a way out. Theodus watched him with a curious expression.

Kelden shook his head. What am I feeling?

Probably fear and discomfort, Theodus said. Understandable.

Kelden again shook his head. No, it's... Never mind.

I have something for you, Theodus said, a sad, almost guilty expression in his eyes. It was given to me by Vangoss. It will help calm you. The Dar fiend handed Kelden a bracelet made of an element called lakeshine. It glowed varying shades of blue and silver, despite the shadows. Runes covered it in leafy patterns.

Kelden hesitated, staring at the bracelet as if it were worm spawn. Theodus, this is obviously to...to control or hurt me. The chills grew to an almost unbearable pitch or panic--now unmistakable signs of powerful sorcery. It radiated like searing heat from the bracelet.

Theodus nodded sadly. But you have no choice. There is no escape from Valganleer, Kelden.

Theodus' words couldn't be denied, and so, with the will drained from him, Kelden took the bracelet. Strangely, the dark sensations ceased as soon as the item left Theodus' hand. Kelden slid the bracelet onto his wrist. It tightened down--painfully at first, and then it loosened just enough so the pain vanished. The chills had disappeared, but the terror remained.

Kelden gazed at his friend, and the Dar fiend gazed back. Yellow, inhuman eyes reached out with pity to the numb eyes of a man whose humanity and place in the world seemed to be slipping away. Kelden was the true fiend now, not Theodus. He was the shunned one who would face scrutiny and possibly execution.

I've only known you for two years, Theodus said. But I've come to be quite fond of you, Kelden. I'd trade places with you if I could.

Kelden nodded, knowing the Dar fiend was sincere. I wouldn't let you, Theodus. This is my problem and I have to face it. Maybe things will turn out okay. Maybe I'll pass their little test and prove I'm not... He couldn't bring himself to finish.

I don't believe all that nonsense, Theodus said, his eyes flashing with anger. How could you be the vile demon Credesar--a simple rat trapper from the Horrat lands like you? It's impossible! The seers have lost their minds. Why would Credesar enter this world as a mortal? It would be pointless to exist as a weak human. I lack the power of Credesar, but even for a simple Dar fiend like me to become human would be a big step down in power. And I personally know that no fiend would ever choose mortal flesh over the element he was forged from. It's just not in our makeup. We love who we are. And if Credesar were inside of you, why wouldn't you be aware of him? I think Vangoss, or someone else on the high council, has delved too deeply into some foul sorcery and no longer has his wits about him. This is ridiculous!

I hope you're right, obviously, Kelden said. I don't feel any trace of a monster inside me. It felt good to get this in the open and talk it out. He decided he was done keeping it shut away within him. If he was to face trial and death, then he'd do so speaking his mind and demanding justice, for he had nothing to lose. I've never felt an evil presence inside me, he added, or even had a nightmare about Credesar, until the seers told me of their suspicions. Wouldn't there be some kind of sign?

I should think so, Theodus said. But we've no time to talk, and it will do no good regardless. Let's get it over with.

Kelden nodded, feeling stronger and slightly more hopeful. I'm ready.

I'll be by your side, my friend, said Theodus.

But are you sure you want to go to the Sky Chamber with me? said Kelden. You've been my link the whole time I've been at Valganleer. They might decide you're a danger too, for whatever reason. Maybe you should stay away.

It won't make a difference, said Theodus. If I'm to be judged, there is nowhere I can hide. Besides, we shall face this together--and perish together, if we must.

Kelden managed a smile. Then at least I know my time here wasn't wasted, for I've gained the best friend one could possibly have. That has to be worth something.

Theodus patted him on the shoulder. Let's be off, then.

Kelden stared at his wrist. It felt odd, tightly squeezed. Theodus looked at him questioningly.

Is something wrong, Kelden?

My wrist feels strange, Kelden said. What did you do to it?

I...I can't remember, Theodus said. Didn't you have something on it like a bracelet? Or were you carrying something in your hand?

Kelden shook his head, struggling to remember. I thought you gave me something. He studied his wrist in the dim light and then ran his hand over it. He felt cold, smooth skin but nothing else.

We've forgotten, Theodus said, his lip curled into a sneer of disgust. We've been made to forget. Whatever abomination I gave you has passed out of sight and mind for us, a burden you must bear but can never comprehend.

Kelden squeezed his wrist until it ached, hating the seers with all of his heart. Once he'd loved them and would have done anything for them, for they had saved him from a life of pain and sickness in the rat fields. But now they seemed childish and corrupt, indifferent to his troubles. They had rescued him only out of their own needs to recruit students for sorcery training to continue their lineage. They could destroy him without regret if their needs demanded it.

They stepped out into the Rune Hall, which was so named because the stone blocks of the walls and ceilings were covered in sorcery runes--blood lore writings that depicted bits of wisdom. The tunnel was lit by four large torches, but shadows lingered deep here and there. They found it deserted. Only blood lore students dwelt in rooms along this hall, and they were all asleep and would remain so until evening, as they were--along with the astronomers--the night owls of Valganleer.

Theodus plodded ahead on his stubby legs, his gnarled feet deathly silent against the floor. Kelden's footsteps rang out loud and accusing. They entered Stargazer Hall, where a glittering map of the cosmos covered the entire ceiling. The planets, stars, moons, and comets gave the impression that there was in fact no ceiling and the endless heavens were visible. The eight observatory doors were still unlocked, the astronomers pouring over charts or debating theories. It seemed that they never slept--and perhaps some of them never did.

Beyond Stargazer Hall lay a chamber in which one vast stairway wound about a pillar at the center of Valganleer Tower, with bridges reaching out to connect the halls to it. Kelden likened the inside of Valganleer to a giant honeycomb, with the walls riddled with tunnels and the hollow center being occupied by the stairway pillar that bound the whole thing together. The reason for this bizarre design had been lost with the passing of centuries.

Kelden felt queasy as he crossed the bridge, his legs weak, and he tried to stay as far from the edges as possible. The bridges had no rails, and they were so narrow that one misstep could lead to a long and fatal drop into the stone bowels of the tower. It had happened before and would likely happen again. The strangeness of the tower overwhelmed Kelden, as it always did when he was confronted with some seemingly insane structure--and there were many of those throughout Valganleer. The tower inspired a number of sensations--such as fear, wonder, loathing, and outright amazement that such a fortress could ever have been built. For more than two years he'd existed within these walls, but he still often felt like a stranger here--and now more so than ever since he was confined to his room most of the time.

Kelden's imagination was drawn into a maze of dark chambers and tunnels, into a keep so old it was often hard to make sense of its history. He envisioned the ruined continent of Americk Dreeth, dotted with massive Legaran fortresses like Valganleer. It was an ugly vision. Centuries before, when the human race lay on the brink of extinction, the Legarans--the great seers who had established their might above all others--had separated themselves from those less fortunate by building eight enormous towers and shutting themselves away within them. Simple folk were left to populate the continent of Americk Dreeth--farmers, merchants, and trappers, among others. It was the ultimate class division, as those privileged enough to dwell within the towers lived like kings and those unfortunate enough to dwell outside of them lived like peasants.

Seven callings, or sects of sorcery, existed in each tower--the Uldens, the tempests, the Gelshads, blood lore, old lore, alchemy, and the Thelaran keepers. The seers conducted the major experiments of sorcery and alchemy, created the laws of the towers and updated them, and made all the important decisions concerning the surrounding lands. The teachers taught the students and had no real influence beyond their classrooms. The Gelshads were pure warriors who defended the keep and sometimes were sent on missions beyond the stone walls. The class and law systems that existed in Valganleer and the other Legaran fortresses were ancient and highly effective. The towers had withstood vast corruption from within and horrors from without for over two thousand years without a single one falling into ruin.

Knowing these facts, Kelden understood partly why many things which he considered absurd (like bridges without rails) had been left in place, even if their original purposes were forgotten. The seers were reluctant to change anything in a system that had endured so long, and they only did so when absolutely necessary.

As these thoughts passed through Kelden's mind, the full weight of what he stood to lose at last took his will, and for a moment he faltered, pausing halfway across the bridge. If he was Credesar, or harbored the fiend inside him, at worst he'd be killed. At best, he'd be banished from the tower. Either fate seemed equally wretched, for life in the wastelands was pure misery. He had no money and no useful work skills, and so earning a living in one of the few underground cities on Americk Dreeth was unlikely. He would probably end up a beggar.

We must keep going, Theodus whispered.

Kelden nodded, and forced his legs into motion. They reached the stairs and started up. It was a wearying climb, as the stairway wound upward around the central pillar past more bridges and tunnels. They met no one on the way, and Kelden was thankful it was too late, and also too early, for most to be awake. He had no wish to face any sneers of disgust or questioning looks this morning.

At last the stairway ended at a closed trapdoor. Theodus yanked on a rope, and a bell chimed out above. A whisper descended: Who seeks to enter the Sky Chamber?

Theodus. The Dar fiend's words echoed three times--captured and studied with a magical recognition device called a mood compass that would determine if it was actually Theodus and even some of what his intent was.

And Kelden Delure. Kelden's voice sounded dry and feeble. No magical device was needed to comprehend his mood.

The trapdoor opened, and the two climbed into Valganleer's highest chamber, the trapdoor closing behind them. They stood in a circular room made of marble bricks. The stairway pillar didn't extend up into this chamber, but helped support the floor from beneath. The ceiling--the very peak of Valganleer--was thirty feet above them, with four huge arches meeting at the center of it. A Hetheope guard towered over them--a furry, horned giant--created by the alchemists--that somewhat resembled a Minotaur from ancient legend. It wore thick armor and carried a big iron hammer. Two crimson eyes, beady and sullen, gazed out from its bull-like face.

Six tempest seers--masters of elemental sorcery--stood off to one side in a circle, their faces hidden by low-hanging hoods. Each held an Aldar serpent that hissed and twisted about. The serpents--which were links similar to Dar fiends like Theodus but made from a different element--channeled the seers' power through them. The snakes periodically vomited out a thin, transparent mist that spread throughout the Sky Chamber. Kelden had no idea what they were doing or why.

Another nearby circle consisted of grey-robed Thelaran keepers. They were all women, for no man was allowed to join their calling. Their yellowish faces were tense and emotional in the torchlight, and they held their crystal daggers--their links--near their chests in their traditional stance. They studied Kelden and Theodus with distrust and possibly outright contempt. They sent out Thelaran's gaze, searching the two for signs of hostile intent, and the familiar sick feeling washed over Kelden for a moment. It felt like they were probing his innards with little fingers.

Also nearby was the stone judgment, a rectangular block of white marble. Behind that sat the five high council members, visible from the chest up, their faces grim in the torchlight. On the forehead of each council member (except for Vangoss Fayer, an Ulden seer and the leader of the group) was branded the rune of Green World--a symbol shaped like a leaf. Vangoss, however, had an eye shape branded into his forehead--the ancient symbol of the Ulden teachings--that had been seared into his flesh before the practice of branding other symbols besides the leaf rune had been banished in an attempt to create unity among the seers during a dark period of Valganleer's history.

A black-cloaked, hooded figure stood beside the stone judgment, holding a greenstone book of records that would record any act of sorcery and the statements uttered by those present. This was Salvensteed Laget, the historian and scribe of Valganleer who always kept his face concealed by a dark cloth mask. No one knew exactly how old he was, or even what he was, but he'd been the chief historian as far back as the magically inscribed stable records ran, and he even appeared at various points in the slowly diminishing unstable records (which meant his age and length of service were impossible to make even a good guess at). Though many of them did not age thanks to their vast knowledge of sorcery, the seers always died--if not from an accident or a rare disease than from the fatal bite of a Halstarion worm. Life was too dangerous, even in Valganleer, for one to avoid death indefinitely. Yet somehow Salvensteed Laget had survived much longer than even the greatest seers.

Kelden nearly cringed. Appearing before the high council was something that never occurred lightly and was never desirable for a student. The high council didn't gather to reward or promote--the lesser seers and teachers did that. They either met to discuss important issues, or they met to hand out punishment. By the way the Thelaran keepers were staring at him, Kelden guessed it was the latter, and he began to tremble, his throat drying up. Theodus clutched Kelden's arm to steady him.

Stay calm, the Dar fiend whispered.

"I am calm," Kelden mumbled back.

Salvensteed bowed to the high council. May we begin? he asked. His voice was low and slippery sounding, almost mocking.

We may, each of the council members agreed.

Salvensteed laid the record book upon the stone judgment. This, the forty-two thousandth, nine-hundredth and sixty-fourth meeting of the high council according to the stable records, is hereby entered into the greenstone log. Vangoss Fayer, Ulden seer and lord of the high council, may now present his case.

Vangoss stood up and adjusted his plain, gold-colored robe (which all the council members wore), placing his hands upon the stone judgment. He was over seven feet in height. Formerly a Gelshad fighter long ago in his youth, he'd retained the powerful build that was a signature of Valganleer's elite soldiers, and it lent authority to his presence. The other council members seemed overshadowed by their leader (save for Amsel Heckenbrau, the Arnwolf seer of blood lore, who had shoulders even wider than Vangoss did). Vangoss' eyes were pure white--a condition that couldn't be changed and was leftover from his experimentations with Ulden lore. Like his eyes, his hair and beard were also white, making him look old in spite of his smooth face.

Kelden Delure, I welcome you before the high council, Vangoss began. Before we get to why you've been summoned, tell us a bit about your background. But be warned--you stand within the Sky Chamber. Speak only the truth, young man, for Thelaran's gaze will bear witness to your words.

Kelden cleared his throat. "I was, um, born