Chapter I
The Visitor in The Woods
The wonderful and magical world of Minecraft was fast asleep as the moon hung bravely in the sky. The bright white moon light pierced into the surrounding landscape and the stars loyally stood by the moon flickering. All throughout the land people were resting without a care in the world, for there was nothing to fear for. All evil which had even come close to threatening the land no longer existed in the world of Minecraft. So with security in mind the people of the world slept peacefully, dreaming of enormous mountains and deep diving seas.
BANG-BANG-BANG! Three bangs came from the door of Reginald P. Wilbersmith, who sat near a roaring fire sipping on a bowl of soup. Reginald turned, eyeing the door a bit suspicious before making a move to it. It was nearly midnight, who could possibly be bothering him at this hour? Reginald lived within The Realm of Telmorn, in a small and quite mining town called Figton. No one was ever out and about at this time in Figton, everyone was usually sleeping. But Reginald was no ordinary miner of Figton either, for he was a wizard, a well known wizard at that. His job was too help look over the people of Figton, as usual wizards of Minecraft did. Reginald was, as a matter of fact, part of a Minecraft wide council known as The Council of Mages. They were the ultimate rulers of the land, the council that was. They decided what was right, what was just, and what was acceptable amongst all the lands.
"Alright, alright!" Shouted Reginald as he stood taking a hold of his staff, Reginald was very old. Hobbling his way towards the door he was surprised when seeing a fellow council member come in. "By god Limoux, what are you doing here at this hour?" He shouted.
"Forgive me!" Said Limoux as he moved out of the way exposing a large shadowy figure from behind. The shadowy figure was hooded from head to toe with only red beaming eyes showing through the darkness.
"What... Limoux what is this!?" Replied Reginald as he backed away seeing the fear across Limoux face.
"You know right well what this is Reginald." Said the figure in a deep moan-full voice. "Sixteen years has it been, Sixteen years since I have been able to walk!... SIXTEEN YEARS SINCE I HAVE EVEN BEEN ABLE TO MOVE!" Shouted the figure as he stormed through the door way. The lit torches began to fade making the room much darker, Limoux coward away shielding himself in the corner of the room.
"You dare help this monster return to his former power Limoux? The Council, we all trusted you!"
"He followed his one true master, and so will the rest of my old followers once they learn of my return." Said the dark figure. Reginald turned snapping at the man. Eyeing down his opponent Reginald snapped.
"It was foolish of you to come to me on the night of your return... Even at the height of your power last time you were no match against me." Reginald withdrew a wand, but the hooded figure was much faster. A streak lighting lit up the room with a faint cry then as soon as the commotion had begun everything was once again silent. Reginald P. Wilbersmith was no more, his body was peacefully laid out amongst the floor, life no longer within him. The shadowy figure simply turned, facing Limoux. "Go forth and gather the others. Let them know that Lord Baalrock has returned."
Elijah Viticury jumped awake, sweat pouring down his back, and his hand felt as if they had just been dunked into a bath of water. The morning sun was just starting to curl over the far off mountains which casted gold streaks throughout the land. Elijah had just had a horrible dream, but he couldn't help but feel as if his dream was actually real. Standing up he rubbed his wearisome face looking out through a nearby window. Endless fields of crops were below, and when standing to look outside Elijah could see people already working in the fields.
"What did I just dream about." Asked Elijah as he snapped back at himself while looking into the mirror. His brown curly hair was ridden with bed head and his narrow blue eyes seemed a bit glazed with exhaustion. All throughout the night he had been tossing and turning, and then when he had finally gotten some rest he was jolted awake with this strange dream. Elijah was narrow in build, he had a farmers build. His face was young and so was his age, only seventeen. After dressing and fixing up his hair he went downstairs
His uncle happily greeted as he came walking down, "Mornin' Elijah, sleep well ya'?
"Yeah pretty good." Replied Elijah not trying to worry his uncle with his strange dream. His uncle had taken him in long ago, Elijah never knew how his parents really died. But he had heard stories about zombies and skeletons as well as stories of his parents going off to explore then never coming back.
He never knew his uncles first name, although everyone just called him Farmer Maggot, but feeling it strange to call his own uncle "Farmer Maggot," Elijah just called him "Uncle."
"So uncle what's the work for today?"
"Same as usual I suppose. Gotta milk em' cows, collect eggs. I gotta' do some harvestin an all."
Elijah nodded, but inside he was dying. Every day was the same old thing, farming, animal care, then nothing... He lived in the most boring town in the most BORING realm. He lived in a small town known as The Grove, it was home to all the harvesting in the realm. And the realm he lived in? Well it was called Snuib, and by god was it boring. No big cities, no big towers and no big armies were in Snuib. The natural living Iron Golems made Snuid their home so as for protection the Golems were enough, not many monsters roamed about Snuib. To many people this was a great thing, but to those like Elijah who yearned for adventure, well... It gave nothing to Elijah besides farming, farming and more farming.
The day went by slowly, first Elijah tended to the live stock then around midday he helped his uncle finish harvesting. Lucky for him most of the harvesting had already been done so at about three he was finally finished, for his days work that is. The heat was still at its highest point by the time Elijah had finished but luckily his uncle gracefully dismissed him for the day, instantly Elijah made his way to a nearby watering hole not far from The Grove.
A flicker of red light shot from Tristan Hainery's wand as he aimed it at his friend Ceddrick Remopard. Ceddrick was unable to block it and in result was shot back onto the ground with a loud THUD. "HA! Best wizard in all of Snuib I'd like to say." Boasted Tristan as he began to strut. "Lucky shot is what I say!" Replied Ceddrick as he stood.
"I'd like to see you face the Wizard of Snuib to see who's truly the best." Added Elijah as he arrived at the scene.
"Farmer Elijah all done with today's work yeah?" Laughed Tristan with a smile.
Both Tristan and Ceddrick were wizards who had been lucky enough to obtain the power at birth. Tristan was the first wizard in his families blood line so for him to process magical powers was truly a miracle. As for Ceddrick he came from a long line of wizards and witches, as a matter of fact his father, uncle, and mother were all a part of The Council of Mages. At times Elijah felt left out, not being a wizard and all, but they were good enough friends to make sure that they didn't rub it in.
To be a wizard and to live in Snuib was like being a local celebrity, before Ceddrick and Tristan were born only three other wizards lived in Snuib. Ceddrick's parents Mr. and Mrs. Remopard and lastly the famed and praised Wizard of Snuib, only a few knew his real name. But overall wizards and witches were very scarce in Snuib, as a matter of fact Tristan was the only Snuib born wizard to be recorded in history. The Remopards had moved to Snuib ten years ago from Florentine, and The Wizard of Snuib well... Even though no one knew where he was born all that anyone did know was that it was not here. So to the Realm of Snuib Tristan Hainery was a praised icon, he was dubbed "The Future Wizard of Snuib," and to everyone he was their future leader.
"What spells have you learned from the wizard today?" Asked Elijah as he sat nearby. The watering hole, which was right next to them, gave off a cool feel as they stood around it talking.
"Just the usual sort, defensive charms, offensive curses. The best is this one called The Enchantment of Wind, pronounce Aiero." Said Tristan as he took a seat nearby the water letting his feet hang in.
Everyday both Tristan and Ceddrick, instead of working the farms like Elijah, got to learn magic by The Wizard of Snuib. Since they had future spots amongst The Council of Mages they had no time for the simple things ordinary people did. There were only a few hundred wizards amongst the whole land, so they were greatly important. Since the Wizard of Snuib knew much about magic he had taken both of them in and as they grew so did their ability in magic.
"We have some duels again today, and like always I won!" Boasted Tristan again as he looked at Ceddrick. Ceddrick simply rolled his eyes, "I'm going to get you one day now."
"That day won't be any time soon that is." Tristan laughed as he flicked his wand sending a wall of water crashing upon both Ceddrick and Elijah. Ceddrick blocked it with a air charm but Elijah, who had nothing, was soaked by the wall. The group laughed then together all three of them jumped into the pool, enjoying the nice cool water that brought them comfort from the heat.
"So you're telling me that after all this time you guys still haven't found his real name?" Asked Elijah while wading in the water.
"Honestly yes! I've asked him so many times that I've actually just given up." Replied Ceddrick.
"Yeah, he just smiles at us and says, 'Moving on.'" Added Tristan trying to copy The Wizard of Snuib's voice, which was deep, slow, and somewhat boring. "You know, for being such a praised and skilled wizards, he's dreadfully dull."
"I figure they all get boring at a certain age. My uncle told me stories of my grandfather, and how after his three hundred birthday he began to talk so slow that it took five minutes for him to say, 'Hello, how was your day.'" Added Ceddrick with a laugh. Suddenly Elijah remembered something!
"Ceddrick, what's your uncles name again?"
"Limoux."
Elijah's attention rose, "What's he been up to lately, haven't seen him in ages."
"Not too sure to be honest, last I heard he was raiding zombie hideouts in The Realm of Telmourn. Why the sudden interest in my uncle?"
"Eh, just curious is all." Said Elijah trying to hide the fact that his uncle Limoux was in his dream helping someone murder people. But Elijah knew Limoux, he wasn't a bad man at all. He was actually a nice, somewhat pathetic looking fellow, he didn't even look as if he could harm a fly. Over the years of being with Ceddrick, Elijah had heard stories from Mr. and Mrs. Remopard talking about how Limoux had gotten mixed in with a few bad apples back in the day, but had turned himself around. Shaking it off Elijah dove into the water, sinking deep beneath the surface.
"Want to cause some trouble in the woods with us tonight?" Asked Tristan as Elijah rose to the surface of the water.
"What exactly is this trouble?" Questioned Elijah while pulling himself out of the water.
"You know, the usual. Finding the unlucky zombies who roam about stupidly then blow them away like nothing. Just hope we don't run into a creeper like last time." Laughed Ceddrick as he remembered the last time they had gone.
"Yeah, my uncle goes to bed around nine so meet you at the watchtower by nine thirty?" Replied Elijah. Both Tristan and Ceddrick nodded, smiles widening across all their faces.
Elijah couldn't wait to go, it was the one exciting thing he ever did. They'd all three go off into the woods by the watchtower, and look for trouble. Every night at least one zombie was stupid enough to wander out of its cave where either Tristan or Ceddrick took turns practicing spells on it. Elijah had fun watching, but since he didn't have any special ability he rarely got himself involved with the fighting. But he always brought a long a bow, just in case things got heated he would be ready.
Waiting for his uncle to go to bed seemed as if it was taking forever, but finally at precisely nine o clock, Farmer Maggot went to bed. Elijah waited several minuets then jumping out of his bed he opened his window and as quietly as he could he slowly climbed down the side of his house until finally reaching the surface below. The grass was soft under Elijah's feet and with every little step he made sure not to make a sound as he slowly snuck away. Finally after a few yards of shuffling he broke into a sprint and guiding himself with the moonlight he was able to break away through the tall wheat fields. After making his way down a steep hill Elijah had reached a sort of wooded area. There were scattered trees here and there but every so often there were wide cabins with bright lights still blaring within. Sticking low to the shadows he crept by, making sure to stay out of the light.
After several minutes of walking Elijah finally passed the last cabin giving him the opportunity to jog. In the distance on top of a medium sized hill covered in trees was an old and ruined watch towers standing out above the tree tops. Ruin and rubble clearly decorated the structure but in some ways it still looked as if it was a brilliant structure of history and strength.
The watch tower was built back in the second age of the High King Darsus, but after The Great War it was abandoned. As time went on the watchtower was left as a land mark completely untouched, but weather and time wore away on the stone tower.
"Bout time Elijah." Said Tristan as he came out from behind a large oak tree. Within the wooded area the moon light had little presence, the tall trees blocked out much of the white rays so besides for the scattered fragments of light it was a very dark area.
"At least I made it yeah?" Replied Elijah while greeting his friends. Ceddrick had a pipe and was casually puffing on it. He couldn't smoke at all around his parents, being under aged and all, but older friends of theirs always bought them their supply of tobacco which they enjoyed when they were on their own.
"I heard my parents talking about a few zombie packs which have made home of the spot not far from here." Said Ceddrick as he handed his pipe to Elijah. "Shouldn't be too dangerous though, zombies are stupid creatures not much strategy to their assaults."
"Better just keep our lights off then, so if we come across a pack we won't give ourselves away." Tristan bravely led the way and behind him the other two closely followed.
Taking a nightly trip to the woods wasn't all too dangerous. But for kids to go out alone, well that wasn't dangerous either, especially for these three. But instead, it was highly restricted. The place was already well protected by the Iron Golems but at night time it was hard to control the monsters from wandering the nearby woods. People were still extremely safe though, but going into the woods looking for trouble was a different thing.
"Don't your parents ask where you go?" Asked Elijah to Ceddrick.
"No, after a long day of work with The Council they usually just settle in their room next to a roaring fire and a nice bottle of sugarcane brandy. They never come out to my room."
"What about you Tristan? Your dads the Earl how can you even get away?"
Tristan Hainery was son of Earl Frank Hainery. In Snuib there was one man, somewhat like a king, who ruled over the realm. Although there was a House of Commons that passed laws and registrations, The Earl was like a political figure that everyone honored and who also had the finally say in everything. Although never had a Earl ever had a wizard for a child. So on top of being the only Snuib born wizard Tristan was also the only Earl born wizard, easy to see how the people of the land loved him. Tristan's mother had passed when he was three, no one ever really spoke about her.
"Ah he's too busy with work really. Leaves me to my own making mostly." Laughed Tristan as he pushed aside a few branches with his wand.
"I heard he's passing a new law with my parents, trying to allow the Council to set up a small embassy here." Added Ceddrick.
"Don't bother keeping up with his work, I'll wait till I'm older to deal with that."
The three ventured on a little further through the woods, Ceddrick and Tristan would sometimes flick their wand shooting off sparks when an area got to dark but other than that the group remained hiding in the shadows. They saw pigs sleeping together under grass mounds, cows and sheep dozing under trees and chickens squawking loudly whenever they got to close to their nest. Finally they found what they were looking for, not too far ahead there was a zombie biting a tree.
"Stupid fellow, probably thinks it's a cow." Whispered Tristan as he hid behind a tree. "Let me try something on him real quick." All of a sudden Tristan jumped, "Ludo" a flicker of yellow light shot out colliding with the zombie. The zombie seemed dazed and confused, moaning softly as it stumbled around. "The Blinding Spell," boasted Tristan as he brandished his wand, "Just learned it last week."
"Aerio," Chanted Ceddrick as a sort of faint grey light dimmed off his wand. The zombie was shot back with a force colliding with the tree behind him. The zombie stood, gnashing in rage as it spotted the three boys. Taking a hold of a broken branch it gathered to its feet. "Exfolio!" A red shimmer sparked from Ceddrick's wand resulting in the branch being blown out of the zombies hand causing the zombie to stumble over onto it's back. "Sort of like a direct disarm, been wanting to use that one for a while to be honest."
Tristan got closer and with a simple flick the zombie was frozen like a statue, a muscle not even being moved. "You find nonverbal spells a challenge at all Ceddrick?" Asked Tristan as he had just performed a nonverbal stun spell.
"Not really, I just have to put a lot of thought behind the spell and where I am aiming it at."
Elijah stood by marveling at them, he found wizards and spells so interesting. Being a farmer he never really got to see or hear about wizards. Whatever he did hear or saw came from hanging out with these two.
"I saw Rubert Corridor do this one spell, blasted a group of zombies about twenty feet in the air." Commented Ceddrick as he gazed at the frozen zombie.
"Rubert Corridor? Who's he?" Elijah was always interested in who and what other wizards did.
"He's a warlock for the Wing of Wizardry Security, one of their best I say."
The Council of Mages was like a big government, it had different departments, wings, subsections, and members who all served a different purpose in establishing order amongst all the wizards. As well as that they also coordinated with all the other realms and governments that were scattered out amongst Minecraft. All in all they kept order and peace between the world acting as an international power. The title warlock was given to those who were under The Wing of Wizarding Security, they went about arresting, fighting, and even killing those who needed to be dealt with, easily some of the most skilled wizards were in this department.
"This one time I saw Alfred Grey, The Wizard of Lumbrington, easily send away a swarm of spiders." Added Tristan while keeping the zombie frozen.
Each kingdom, or realm, had one wizard which acted as their spokesperson to the Council. This way if a land had a serious issues or problem they only had to approach their wizard who could take their concerns into the Council. It was a more sufficient way of passing and organizing information, that department was called The Branch of International Unity, the members in that branch were some of the most respected wizards and witches amongst the land.
They toyed a bit with the zombie. Ceddrick casted a curse that made the zombie think it was a chicken, Tristan used an old spell he had learned to make the zombie spin in circles at a rapid pace. What really got the group laughing was a charm casted that caused the zombie to dance like a ballerina, every time it fell it would get up and try again. Tristan stepped forth again but right before he was about to cast a shadowy blur caught his gaze.
"What's that?" He said when turning to face the figure. Behind a few tall trees was a dark image, it seemed as if it was alarmed because when spotted it jumped behind a tree.
"Hope it's not an Iron Golem, it'll tell on us for being out here."
"No, it's too small to be that... You there, we see you!" The figure slowly crept out, Elijah was beginning to feel a bit uneasy at the random run they had just had.
"If you plan on trying to tell on us then I assure you, we have permission to be out here at this hour." Said Ceddrick trying to sound official. They had already been caught many times sneaking about in the woods past dark, but most of the time they were able to talk their way out of it saying that they were on "Official Council Business." The figure crept closer, it seemed as if it was trying to get a better view of the group.
"Well, we will just be going then." Tristan turned giving his friends the, "Let's leave before we get in trouble," look.
Suddenly a red bolt of light shot from the stranger striking dead center into Ceddrick's back as he turned away. Although Elijah hadn't received the initial impact of the blast he still felt it's force. One second he was on his feet and the next, he was lying face down in a pile of dirt while Ceddrick crashed into a tree leaving him unconscious. Following the red light there was a boom of sound waves that caused the nearby trees to rustle and rattle with force. A cluster of dirt covered Elijah's back as he desperately tried to regain his breathe which had been stolen from him upon impact with the ground. Finally, after a few quick moments of gaining his composer Elijah stood, turning to face the scene.
Tristan had stood his ground and was engaged in a magical duel with the stranger who was obviously a wizard. A shimmering yellow spark shot from Tristan's wand sending a rush of wind at the figure who seemingly blocked it, but the rush of force had blown off the persons hood exposing that the unknown person was actually a man. His face was rugged with a rough dark grey beard chin strapped to his face. He had a crooked nose, possibly a result from a previous break, and narrow grey eyes that were barely visible under his long messy hair.
A few flickers of light whizzed back and forth, Elijah could barely keep eye on the spells that shot back and forth only leaving streaks of light behind. But still Tristan skillfully defending himself while Elijah sat dumbfounded not really knowing what to do. He had no wand, no magical abilities, but suddenly it hit him, he had a bow! Gathering himself to his feet he ducked behind a tree lifting his bow while desperately placing an arrow into it. Jumping out he placed aim over the man.
"Repulso!"
Before Elijah could blink he was thrown back a few yards crashing into a dirt mound, once again the air from within him was taken away leaving him gasping for life. His left eye cut and his body covered in bruises Elijah rolled trying to get to his feet, but he felt as if all the energy within him had been drained away. Trying to stand seemed impossible, he felt pathetic and useless as he struggled to even use his arm. He could hear the duel rage on from behind but no matter how hard he tried to stand, he just simply couldn't. Suddenly there was a blinding white light, followed by a high pitch tone which left Elijah blind and deaf rolling in confusion and distortion.
"See if he's alright!" Said a voice, "Check the other boy too!"
Elijah was lifted, but it was not by someone he knew, instead it was by a middle aged wizard who had dark blue ropes, a worn yet studious face, a barstool mustache, and a pair of old tiresome brown eyes. "You alright now lad?" Said the wizard who held Elijah, "Stricken by a Repulso curse he is, hold on a second." The wizard waved his wand and suddenly Elijah felt as if he could walk again. All the energy which had been drained from him dramatically returned back into his body.
"What were you three thinking of coming out here!" Cried Mr. Remopard who was also at the scene. The large eyes of Mr. Remopard were now narrow and dim as he furiously eyed the three, particularly Ceddrick. Ceddrick's forehead was gashed and being temporarily unconscious left him dazed struggling to stand as his father rushed to help him.
"You know these three Harold?" Asked another wizard who seemed to be leading the group. This wizard was tall, easily over six feet. He had short brown hair, neatly combed, with a clean shaved face not even stubble was visible. The man looked very well groomed with plucked eye brows and trimmed side burns. He looked to be a bit older than the others. To Elijah the man's nose looked more like a carrot than an actual nose, giving that it was a bit long and pointy.
"Sadly this one's mine." Commented Mr. Remopard who seemed more upset than concerned with his injured son. "That there is Tristan Hainery, who I would have expected better of." Mr. Remopard turned his gaze to Tristan, narrowing his eyes.
"Earl Franks son?" Commented the wizard with the barstool mustache.
"For as much as I have heard about you I'd expect you would hold your position with better responsibility." Added the carrot nosed man.
Elijah's gaze was suddenly turned away, he was looking for the man who had attacked them. The area was lit with a magical white light so it was not hard spotting the man. The man looked as if he had just seen a ghost, pale and frozen stiff bound with ropes he laid motionless upon the ground, Mr. Remopard and the other two must have dealt with him when they arrived moments ago.
"He attacked us, we weren't out trying to start trouble." Said Tristan trying to defend themselves. Elijah remained quiet, not really knowing what to say in the presence of adult wizards.
"What were you doing out here anyways? Hunting zombies again I presume?" Asked Mr. Remopard turning his gaze back at Ceddrick.
"Lucky we got here in time, by god you three are lucky. This man would have-"
"Enough Jalop," snapped the carrot nose wizard insisting not to reveal the suspects identity. "Harold I'm sure you can manage taking your boy and his friends back home, we can handle it from here. Others will be arriving shortly anyways."
Mr. Remopard nodded, then taking Ceddrick by his collar he dragged him off, Elijah and Tristan following. "How many times have we told you! DO NOT GO OFF AT NIGHT! Plain and simple! Yet you still don't listen!"
"Who was that man! Why was Seamus so hostile at Jalop for telling us about him." Ceddrick, since he was always going to big Council dinner parties, knew many of the wizards and witches that worked with his parents.
"That's Council business, and that's BESIDES the point! What were you doing out there anyways!"
"We.. We were-"
"Doesn't matter!" Snapped Mr. Remopard, "Tristan you'll father will be hearing about this." Suddenly Mr. Remopard's tone of voice changed as he faced Elijah. "Are you alright son? Nasty curse you got hit with back there, your legs feeling fine?" Mr. Remopard seemed as if he was giving Elijah pity. Ceddrick had a gash over his forehead yet still Mr. Remopard played it as if Elijah was the ultimate victim of the attack. Elijah tried to speak but before he could Mr. Remopard cut him off, "These three drag you out here? The woods at night time is no place for a bunch of kids, especially a non-magical one."
There it was, the word, "non-magical". Mr. Remopard was completely ignoring Elijah of the blame simply because he wasn't a wizard, instead just a poor simple farmer boy. Elijah actually wished he was in trouble, but no! He was being looked at as an innocent baby, like a pathetic tag along who had no importance at all.
"You just get home quietly now alright Elijah? Your uncle doesn't need to hear about this, won't do Farmer Maggot much good. He has to wake up early tomorrow too, best just get home and go straight to bed... As for the two of you, we'll be having a long talk, best bet your father won't like being woken up at this hour because of this."
Upon arriving at Ceddrick's house and after having his cut cleaned Elijah was sent off with no punishment or scorn besides a, "Be more careful next time." He hung low while walking back, he had only escape punishment because he was thought lowly of. Not only was he non-magical, but he was also non-important non-magical person. He was just a farmer boy who was lucky enough to tag along with Tristan and Ceddrick. Elijah didn't care that he had just been blasted by a curse, instead he felt as if he was a useless waste of skin with nothing more in store for him besides a field of crops.
That night Elijah had no scary dreams, as a matter of fact he had forgotten all about his previous dream the night before. All that ran through his mind was that he was "non-magical." Not saying that the wizards of the world looked down or thought lowly of people like him, but they didn't exactly think highly of them either. Worse for Elijah, he was just a farmer, he wasn't really anything special besides a boy who tended fields. Maybe someday he could become great, but most likely not, he wasn't anything special and in his mind... He was never going to be.