Chapter 39: The House of the Undying – Part Two – The Grand Warlock
Forward: Editing credit to Rainsfere.
…
Ciri and Jorah neared the entrance to the House of the Undying, the imposing tomb like structure chilling to behold up close. The black stone seemed too smooth and oddly angled to have been constructed by normal means, hinting at some older origins on its construction. It made her wonder what the purpose of this place was to who…or whatever had built it.
"Seems they have no guards out here…good start." Ciri remarked as they moved towards the doors. There was suddenly a deep groan then rumble as the black stone doorway slowly slid open. Both of them drew they're weapons, expecting an attack, only to find darkness pass the threshold.
"Right…though they are also expecting us…" Jorah added, going to his horse's pack to get out torches. Getting them lit, he offered one to Ciri who gave a short nod of thanks before they approached the entranceway.
The light of her torch showed the entrance hall, the floor and walls completely barren. Whatever the stone was it seemed to almost absorb any torch light, limiting how far it reached. However, her attention focused on a glinting in the center of the room, something set on top of a square pedestal in the center. While she got closer to investigate, Jorah followed close behind and circled around the room to find a way forward.
"The Hells…there's nowhere else to go. No hallways or doors." At that moment the doors groaned, making both of them turn to see the stone slabs closing shut with a resounding slam. "Shit…"
It wasn't a good sight for sure, but Ciri remained calm. "Its fine. We'll find a way out or I'll just warp us outside."
"Ah right. Forget you can do that." Jorah moved to the center of the room as both of them looked at the pedestal, which had two crystal bottles filled with inky blue fluid with a piece of parchment set under them. "Shade of The Evening…in liquid form of course."
Ciri moved the bottles aside to get the folded parchment, opening it to reveal the simple message it had. "Drink me." She read, giving a sigh before tossing the message aside. "What next, a talking white rabbit and tea party?"
"Heh…fairy tale of from home?" Jorah jested, trying to find some humor in this dark situation.
"One I dislike." Ciri muttered before picking up one bottle. Even with the bottle sealed the strong smell of the liquid could be detected. "So…I doubt they're just going to poison us, though who knows what this stuff will do."
Jorah picked up the other bottle, examining it closely. "It's said to open the mind to the truths of the world for a time. That or makes one so loose of sense that they believe such things." Pulling the stopper, he grunted as the rotting scent of the drink wafted free. "So…bottoms up?"
Sighing, Ciri opened her bottle before nodding. "To our health." Tipping her drink slightly, she quickly pressed it to her lips and gulped it down. While she had experience with bad drinks be it liquor or potions, the Shade of the Evening was by far one of the most rank. She nearly gagged on the taste as it passed down her throat. Gasping out, by reflex she tossed the crystal bottle into the darkness, shattering it against one wall. Looking to Jorah, he barely held his down before he coughed out.
"Ughh…Seven!" He spit to the floor, saliva faintly tinted blue. "And I though Dothraki milk was putrid."
Ciri couldn't help but smirk at his reaction. "Well…we're not vomiting to death so either we're not poisoned, or it's delayed." Looking about the room, she saw something different about the wall behind her. "Uhh…did we somehow miss the three doors here?"
"Impossible. I felt along the walls and there was nothing." Yet he blinked in surprise, seeing the same three doors. "Either we're both seeing the same illusion, or something is very wrong with this place."
"Now the question is which door? Seems our hosts don't bother to mark their doorways." Pausing in thought, she then approached the right most doorway, grasping the door handle. "This one."
"Why do I have a feeling we're under the illusion of choice." Jorah muttered as she'd open the way.
Ciri squinted slightly as she stepped forward, a soothing shining light showing down the short passage. "See, knew I'd get it-" She started before glancing back only to see solid stone behind her. Eyes wide in shock, her hands touched about the wall trying to figure out what had just happen. "Can't be an illusion. He was literally right behind me!?" She muttered to herself. "JORAH!" She yelled out, voice echoing down the hallway until silence followed. That is until she heard…chattering, male and female voices coming down the hallway where the light came from. She wanted to find Jorah, though knew the only way out was forward. Tightening her grip on her blade, she quickly moved down the hallway, which sloped upward like a ramp as she neared the lit opening. The voices grew louder and clearer, all being a mix of dozen different languages locked in an engaging debate.
"So what does it all mean really, between the arrival of the red comet and the rebirth of these dragons?" A female voice questioned.
A deep male voice chuckled. "It's a renewal of magic my dear! Has the centuries dulled your senses that greatly?"
"It's far more than that! It's a sign of change!" Another man added.
"Yet of what? Progress or regression? Life or death?" A woman slyly cooed. "How many times have we've seen such signs and come up with countless outcomes."
By now Ciri reached the lit chamber, a figure stepped into view blocking her path through the opening. It wasn't hard though to recognize who it was once she neared. "Pyat." She muttered, the bald pointed ears warlock giving a formal smile to her. "Where is Daenerys?" She sternly question, sword pointed at him. Despite her threatening tone and weapon, the warlock remained unfazed.
"She is safe Lady Vaera…or would you prefer Cirillia?" The man politely replied, that grin growing when he saw the hint of surprise on her face. "Or perhaps Ciri? Don't be too shocked my dear, we've known your real name ever since you've come to this world."
Despite this reveal, Ciri didn't hesitate as she moved in, cold gnomish steel tucked under the man's throat. It'd be easy to just cut the man's head off before he utter another world. "Doesn't change anything. I want Dany and Jorah back…"
"And you will have them returned in due time. Right now, you're a guest to us and all of us wish to welcome you." Pyat sighed, still unworried about himself. "I can understand that you are angry with us. Xaro and the Twins no doubt…stressed you. I do apologize on their actions."
For a moment Ciri didn't say anything, part of her wanting to go in fighting…yet also curious about what the Warlocks were planning. "Considering the Twins nearly got me killed, it's hard to believe you don't have dark intentions for me?"
"Because if we did we'd done so sooner." He calmly explained. "We're not like your past…foes, Ciri. Our intention is to help you in fact." Letting the words sink in, he gestured to the hall behind him. "Your friends and answers await you further ahead. The Grand Warlock longs to meet you…" Boldly, he turned away from her and walked into the hall, exposed for her to strike if she wished.
She hesitated in attacking though, having an allured curiosity over his words. Remaining on guard, she followed him into the next chamber which was unlike the more barren entrance and hallways. The room was cylinder shaped, reminding her of Oxenfort's older lecture halls or Nilfgaard's regal theaters. All along the looming walls were countless booths carved into the stone where a gathering exotic mystics lodged about. All across the black stone were an intricate mix of runic markings, fantastical beasts and other detailed artwork. It seemed even Qarth's love for the arts extended into even the House of the Undying. At the center floor of the hall was circling series of steps that made up a raised stone platform, a place where one could speak and look freely along the occupied booths. It now made sense why she had heard debating, for this was where the Warlocks came to discuss their countless theories and mysteries in an educating manner.
As for the mystics themselves, their foreign nature outmatched even the people living in Qarth. She was certain each individual was from a different culture or ethnicity, everyone being so diverse be it their choice of clothing or physical appearance. There was one unwavering detail they all shared though, having inky blue eyes and tinted lips which she knew was a sign of their consumption of the Shade.
Pyat stood in the room's center, bowing low to the gathered. "To my honored masters…the Undying, may I introduce to you Lady Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon…Queen of Cintra, Princess of Brugge and Duchess of Sodden…" The man went on with her many other claims that her father had shared many months before, a show of the great right of rule she had in her world. "…and future Empress of the Empire of Nilfgaard." Again he bowed low, one arm gestured for her to walk onto the elevated spot.
She played along as she moved forward, Pyat moving down the steps to give her space. Once in place, she slowly turned about to look at all the booths, listening to the countless whispers of wonderment the Undying showed. It was obvious they had some reverence to her as some seemed to stare at her in complete awe…even having soft tears trail down their faces.
"Honored Cirilla..." The smooth voice spoke out from behind her, bringing an odd sense of peace about her. She turned her head to glance over her shoulder, realizing an opening leading into a dark passage had appeared. From the darkness she could hear the clink and ring of metal, the pattern being that of a staff being moved about. "…I've waited a long time for one bearing your gift. A blood line of the ancients…"
At last the figure revealed himself, a slim toned muscled man dressed in lavish deep purple robes with silver gold trim, marking out symmetrical arcane patterns across the garment. The robes went low to just brush across the ground, making each step make him appear as if he drifted forward. She also could hear the pat of bare feet across stone, showing he wore no footwear as well. In his right hand he carried a black wood staff with an ornate silver headpiece in the shape of a star, having openings where different metal rings had been looped through. She wasn't sure if the staff had a religion, arcane or cultural meaning to its design…though it could easily be all three.
What was most striking about his physical build was that he was at least seven feet tall, looming a good head and a half over her. Then there was his skin which was unlike the pale complexion the Qarthians had or the darker hues of the Dothraki. Instead his seemed to be a faint green tint to his pigment, the color like that of lush sea water. Unlike the other Undying, his eyes weren't the same inky blue color but a striking golden one. With him nearing, she swore the irises seemed shaped like an animals, though she wasn't sure if that was a trick of the surrounding lights or not. As for his face and head it seemed almost unnaturally smooth, lacking any hair on his head or face. In turn it also made it hard to judge what his age was, at least physically, appearing to be somewhere in his mid to late thirties from Ciri's estimates. Despite the youthfulness, he gave off a kindly mature aura about him, grandfatherly from the way those eyes looked towards her.
Pyat stepped forward, bowing towards the Grand Warlock. "I present to you Lady Ciri, our founder and master. Disciple of R'hillor. Shapechanger of Mossovy. Son of the Serpent Leng. Prince of the Thousand Isles. He who has-"
At that point the Grand Warlock raised his left hand slightly, making Pyat become silent in an instant. "I feel Ciri has heard enough titles for one day." He chuckled, the casual humor making even Ciri smirk at least for a moment. "I can sense the mistrust you have after your encounter with Xaro and the Twins. I can only apologize for their selfish actions." Quite humbly he bowed low, all the other warlocks doing so as well.
The apology caught her off guard by the strong show of sincerity the Grand Warlock showed. In fact everything he and the Undying showed bordered on worship towards her. Despite this, she didn't forget the plight of her companions. "If you have only good intentions, then I want you to return Jorah to me and bring me to Dany."
"Ser Jorah is safe if you are concerned for him. You must understand there are…rules to the House that visitors must obey." The ancient mystic politely explained. "You will reunite with him in the Khaleesi's chambers where she cares for her dragons." He then gestured to the corridor he had entered from. "I will lead you to them and answer your many questions."
"You plan to escort me alone?" She questioned, not expecting the Grand Warlock to leave himself without guards. Yet none of the other mystics showed any concern at his invitation.
"Consider it a show of trust towards you. I only wish to help you fulfill your destiny, so us fighting would be considered…wasteful." Already he moved for the dark corridor, set on leading the way deeper into the ancient structure. "Let's not delay. There is much to see…"
At this point Ciri knew her choices were limited, since the strange nature of the House would hinder and confuse her. Considering her history of others trying to aid her, she had obvious doubts to the Grand Warlock's interests. For now she'd play along, waiting for the right chance to escape or fight if the need arrived. Remaining silent, she moved to follow the Grand Warlock, soon walking close behind him. "So…do you have a name beyond a title?" She asked after a few moments of walking, the only sound being the soft chiming of the mystic's ringed staff.
A short-amused chuckle escaped from the man. "It's rare for anyone to ask that of me, even among my colleagues." He replied. "I've had many names over the centuries then eras I've lived through." As he spoke he gestured his right hand about and slowly the smooth stone walls seemed to change to becoming more cobbled styled. "It is better I show you. The House after all can shape the past, present and future into a viewable reality."
"Show?" Suddenly the corridor opened up and the two walked out of an enclosed alleyway and into a dusty ruined city. The sky was gloomy as swirling dust filled the air, giving it a copper color as the sun shined warmly above. Despite the desolate state the surrounding buildings had, there were people clamoring about what seemed to be a market square. Much like the Undying, the people here were from countless differing cultures unlike those in Qarth.
One group that stood out were shorter individuals with narrowed shaped eyes and a warm skin tone. The leader of the group was an aged magistrate in lavish deep blue and black robes with the front having some dialect symbol across it. On his head he wore an official cap of some kind, one that folded and curled in a stylish manner. As he stroked his long beard, his long-filed fingernails were showed, almost claw like in shape. Following behind him was a younger man dressed in a similar manner as him, though his outfit was gray. He carried a large ledger and inkpen, no doubt being a book keeper serving his elder. Lastly was two intimidating men wearing red ceramic plated armor bound in corded iron, their cowled helmets facing the faces of a roar fanged demon. Both carried metal pole arms crowned with blades similar to a glaive only it was single edged with a sword like shape.
"An official from Yi Ti, the latest oppressor to this city." The Grand Warlock explained. "The Golden Empire had boldly outstretched to this place. A husk of one of countless kingdoms that make up the Bone Mountains."
It wasn't long before Ciri noticed the cloth wrapped men that lurked around the market's edge, their covered faces staring coldly at the Yi Ti men. "Mongrel Men. Then this is the nameless city, the same place The Prince of Beasts thugs came from."
The warlock nodded. "My adopted brothers and sisters, though you will rarely find the latter west of the Bone Mountains." They strolled through the market, no one even given them a glance as they walked by. "Like countless others I was born here. An orphaned child of a unique heritage." He then gestured to one alley, showing a small group of kids in ratty clothes huddling among crates and barrels. Among them was a taller child with pale green skin just like the Grand Warlock. "And there I am. I can say it's been a long time since I've shown this memory to even my closest companions" He and the children whispered to each other, obviously scheming with the way they grinned and nodded.
As the magistrate's group walked by the smaller kids rushed out, laughing and yammering in their own language while they slipped by the Yi Ti men. The magistrate yelled and cursed at the brats, distracted as the young Grand Master snuck up close. Delft hands moved as he swiped the regal charm around the man's neck and the coin purse at his belt. The act made it almost seem like the valuables simply disappeared since the magistrate patted across his body and glanced about until he saw the tall youth slip away down an alley.
"Seems you were quite the thief…" Ciri remarked as the Warlock moved towards the gap his younger self had slipped through, the opening seemingly parting into a narrow street.
"Me and my adopted siblings were…" Suddenly the young version of the warlock sprint by, a few other street orphans following quickly behind him. Behind them was trio of black robed men wearing masks that resembled a skull…or perhaps it was one repurposed in such a way. They were dead silent in their chase, until one of the orphans tripped up on the rough street. The young warlock did stop to turn about, moving at first to help but the cultists had already reached the other boy. Two grabbed the yelling child who struggled, dragging back down the way they had came from. The third lingered to give a sly smirk at the tall boy, a mocking gesture before he'd turn to follow his companions. "In the Nameless City, it was all about survival for us. Despite looking out for each other, we'd lose someone eventually."
"To…who exactly?" Ciri muttered as they watched the child Warlock turn to walk away, fists clenched so tightly she could see blood gripping from them. "Why did those thugs kidnap that child?"
"The mixed bloodlines supposedly gifted some of us with a natural affinity to magic, a trait desirable to the many mystics and…'faiths'." A rare hint of bitterness showing in his calm voice. "They'd 'recruit' us into their ranks or use us as offerings in their superstitious ways. To these groups we were just a resource, nameless young lives that none would even notice missing."
While she knew the world had plenty of horrible people, the idea that so many children were helpless made even her heart sink. In a way it reminded her of what the Crones did, gathering up the young for their horrid appetites or black rituals. "So…how did you escape all of this?"
"By gaining a name, not a 'title' as the cults or Yi Ti gave me. The Jade Serpent. Bastard of Snakes. Green Devil." The reminder of such names drew a low mirthful chuckle from him. "When I reached my fourteenth year, I encountered a traveled drifter who I helped. In return he shared knowledge of my heritage, of lands were magic could be learned. He gave me the inspiration to see it all…to learn for myself."
The mention of a this stranger made a chilling realization come to her. For a moment the Grand Warlock glanced at her, a questioning hint in his eye as if trying to determine her thoughts. However, Ciri was quick to focus on the matter. "So what name did he give you?"
"Kai. It means 'ocean' in my father's tongue and it felt fitting towards my mother's culture." He calmly answered before continuing their walk forward.
As they left the alley, they suddenly were in a different city surrounded by lush plant life. Ciri looked around as countless noises filled the air from the chirping of dozens of birds along with the hoots and yells of apes. The overgrown stone buildings nearby depicted images of imposing animals and creatures, almost god like beings. "Just how do you do this? You seemingly can change locations while making it all seem so real. I know this is all an illusion, yet I can't think of anyone from my world matching this."
"True I am skilled, though it is the House that allows this. Consider it a…canvas that I can project my mind across. A strong imagination and eye for detail is needed to create such landscapes." Moving along they reached a part of the overgrown city that had people…and creatures roaming about. The humans here were similar in appearance of the Yi Ti but instead of being short in stature they were tall like Kai. Men and women here were elegant in dress and appearance, though unlike Kai the men often sported long thin beards and mustaches.
What was more shocking where the creatures that roamed or sat around the tall humans. Great apes of massive sizes, some the rival that of a young chort even. She had heard of such creatures from books on the jungles of the south eastern reaches of the Continent, though no descriptions rivaled such sizes. Their broad shaped faces and large eyes showed a humanlike intelligence as the tall humans spoke to them in their strange tongue. The apes who being conversed with would nod, grunt, gesture or even draw words in the earth which their human companions understood with ease.
"Just…what is this place?" Ciri muttered as they strolled through plaza.
"This is Island of Leng, the place my father came from. It lies in the southern sea farther east of Qarth." The Grand Warlock explained. "Some claim the origins of magic came from this place, where a hundred gods shared their knowledge before sleeping in the great tombs below the earth. Yi Ti had long desired control of this place, greedy for its natural wealth and mystical powers, their invasion two thousand years ago displacing my father to the mainland up north."
"There is…something strange about this place." Even if these ruins or people weren't real, there was something indeed magical about the Leng. At the center of the plaza she could see a teenaged Kai who bowed low to an elder of the Leng. From the way the tall mystic smiled then shook hands with him, he was gladly welcomed among them.
"I learned much about my gifts there, being accepted without question. The underground temples below hold much knowledge, learn secrets to expand the mind or to lose it to madness." He sighed as he remembered his training here. "This place felt like a proper home for me. I long to return to it…one day soon."
She had been distracted looking about the ruins before noticing Kai had moved off to an overgrown trail. Using her sword to nudge the plant life aside as she followed, the jungle thinned out until they walked out into a tropical beach. The ocean here was different, the water a clear jade green and teeming ocean life. All across the horizon were countless small islands and sandbars, along with stone formation that seemed too smooth or shaped to have been created naturally.
At the shore of the beach as a gathering of people, pale green skinned and seemingly devoid of any hair across their bodies. They wore a simple tribal like garb colored in bright blues, cool green and golden yellow with the shoulders and back often decorated with vibrant bird feathers. Some also had piercings along their ears, necks or even lips made up of ivory or gold crafted to look like sea life. Up close Ciri noticed that everyone had their teeth filed into sharp points, making them quite fearsome whenever they were bared.
"The Thousand Islanders. My mother's people." Kai explained. "The survivors of a sunken kingdom, their great traditions lost to their fear of the outside world and bygone traditions."
Among the gathered islanders, one young woman stepped through the crowd who seemed to plead or curse at her. On her back she had a pack of wrapped leather, supplies for travel. Despite being bald and having the same filed teeth, there was a sense of power to the woman, regality that the rest of the people lacked. "What kind of traditions?" Ciri questioned out of curiosity.
"For one, a fear of the sea. They consider the water to be the pool of the gods and thus not meant for mortals to touch, much less swim into."
The woman approached the edge of the water, her feet just at the edge of where the tide swelled then faded. From the crowd an ornately dressed male islander stepped out, yelling at the woman while pointing a staff just like the Warlock's only it lacked the rings looped through the star head. For a moment the woman seemed hesitant to step closer. In her eyes there seemed to be an ingrained fear of the water, almost as if she would melt if she touched it. Yet she gritted her sharp teeth before closing both eyes before taking a large step. Her leg sunk ankle deep into the water, making the gathered people wail out in horror. Opening her eyes, she blinked before looking down at her feet, toes shifting through the sand under the water. Then she took another step then another until the water was up to her waist. Turning around, the look of fear had turned into pure joy while her people looked on shocked.
"Why is this scene so different from the others?" Ciri questioned. "All the other moments there was a younger you, but you're missing here."
"Observant of you." Kai chuckled before gesturing his staff to the woman. "You see that is my mother, at least my personal image of her. When I was a young adult I traveled to the isles to learn how she left it, since none of the Islanders leave. Even captured they'd rather kill themselves." By now the chieftain stepped forward, waving his staff about as he seemed to threaten the young woman. Her gaze turned into hatred at him, one fist clenched before she'd splash at the water towards him. Despite his fearsome scowl, it turned into cowardly fear as he scampered back to avoid the water, his daughter laughing at the sight. The woman turned away from her people, walking to the distant sandbar through just the shallow water. Never once did she looked back. "She suffered under her shaman father's rule and in her desire to be free broke their traditions by entering the sea. Beyond that…heh…perhaps she swam to the mainland. From what adopted siblings told me, she was part of a troupe of entertainers who could control water and even heal with it."
It sounded very much like a fairy tale from her world from the way he described it. "Considering the staff you now carry, you met your grandfather and learned of this story."
Kai nodded as he held the staff in both hands, one gently stroking along the black wood staff. "It took me a year searching the Thousand Islands for my mother's home, a dangerous journey since all outsiders are killed as offerings to their 'gods'." His tone for that last word had a hint of spite to it. "When my grandfather saw me, he knew who I was…called me a demon before that fear killed him. The staff is simply a birthright, a relic of the past that he was ignorant of." There was a fierceness in his eyes, so different from his usual calm, though it faded quickly. "I feel though we've discussed enough about myself. Showing you all of this is to build trust, since we are very much alike."
In a way he was right since her own parentage and personal struggles were alike. Still, there was a part of her that couldn't shake the unease about Kai. "To fulfill my destiny you mean in defeating the White Frost…or in this world's case the White Walkers."
The Grand Warlock nodded as he gestured back to the jungle, leading the way until their surroundings changes to a more temperate forest, rocky and covered in snow. The warmth of the tropics was replaced by a chill, the change taking much of Ciri's willpower to not truly shiver. "When I traveled to Asshai to learn from the Shadowbinders and the Faith of R'hllor, I bathed in the river Ash in the Valley of Shadows. Its dark waters gifted…or cursed me with a vision."
As pine trees parted to reveal a cliff which overviewed a vast frozen valley. Kai stood back to let Ciri step to its edge…and see the horror before her. She remembered the vague silhouette of an army when she first fought the horned creature, but now she truly saw it all. Thousands…tens of thousands…no…hundreds of thousands. Men, women and even children stood out in the freezing snow, forms hardly moving except from the blowing sway of the winds. Towering among the humans were giants, creatures that Ciri knew from her world were practically extinct. Then there were countless animals ranging from white fur bears, sharp horned elk, massive wolves, massive woolly elephants and even large icy colored spiders. Even the scattered trees had countless black feathers forms perched among wind torn branches. Yet what was most chilling was how the setting sun's shadows made all their eyes glow a cool blue color. Countless eyes that all were looking right at her.
"No…this is just a vision…" Yet when she turned to look for Kai he was seemingly gone. A growing panic filled her as she sensed something in the distance. Looking back to the valley of the dead, there was a glowing light to the north. Though instead warmth there was a suffocating coldness, a consuming force that was beyond human comprehension. She wanted to look away from the light, wanting to just turn and run blindly away…run from it like she has been doing to everything that has haunted her all her life. Her body started to spark with glowing power, ready to unleash it in a desperate move.
"CIRI!"
A firm hand grasped her shoulder, sparking her fight or flight instinct. She twisted about, shoving that hand aside before lunging her sword forward. It took all her self-control to stop the blade tip from piercing into Kai's throat. Her eyes were wide, panting as the fear she felt was starting to fade. They were back in the House in a massive room the size of a warehouse. Now she understood how the illusion worked, its warping of perception simply making those entrapped in it walk around in circles.
"What…what just happened? You disappeared and the vision…" Ciri calmed herself, lowering her blade from the tall mystic's throat.
"It's because you took control of it." The Grand Warlock stated. "The House projects one's mind and memories outward. What I showed triggered a reaction which in turn 'pushed' me out." He sighed as he looked around the empty chamber. "Had I not intervened you could have been lost in that nightmare, your sanity taken by despair and terror."
Taking deep breaths Ciri moved to sheath her blade at last before shifting to sit on the floor. For a moment she had nearly lost control which could have destroyed this whole place. "I…I need a moment…to collect my thoughts."
"Of course. I apologize if what I shared was…traumatizing." Kai's words had genuine care as he moved to sit down before Ciri, crossed legged with his ringed staff across his lap. "If anything you have a powerful will after all you've been through. Losing your kingdom…your family…adoptive family…"
The mention of such personal details did make Ciri snap her gaze up to him. "And how do you know of that?"
"Why…your own thoughts and memories." The Grand Warlock explained. "The magic that I created for my order, it is the power of the mind. Emotions, perception and memory. Ever since I felt your presence in this world I have witnessed parts of your past through your stray thoughts."
"You mean reading my mind…without my permission." Ciri muttered bitterly.
Kai bowed his head respectfully. "These are trying times Ciri. Every day puts me and my followers at risk while across the narrow sea the enemy to all life grows stronger. I only apologize for such trespasses."
For a long moment Ciri was silent as she thought over what to say next. There was no denying the Grand Warlock knew much more about the White Frost and magic in this world, both useful knowledge to have. He had gone out of his way to be open about himself all while being completely formal. So…why couldn't she shake the feeling there was more to his plans. "So then…are you willing to answer any question I ask?"
"Of course." Kai answered calmly.
She paused in thought, deciding that it be best to learn more about this place. With her host so willing to share such information, it could help her in escaping these illusionary worlds they continued to visit. "The House…how did you find this place? I doubt even with your knowledge you could build such a place."
"Ah now that is an interesting tale." Gesturing, the barren room changed in a blink of an eye to a familiar setting. They were outside the House of the Undying, the two setting by a small campfire. For a moment Ciri reached her hands to the flames for warmth, only pulling back realizing how quickly her senses betrayed her. The biggest change was that Qarth didn't exist as the city further south was gone and the grand triple walls nothing more then roaming hills. Even the field surrounding the House lacked the pounds filled with the black wood trees. "This is before I helped found Qarth, when I was still traveling the world learning the different sects of magic." His staff pointed off to the side to a large group of people at a larger camp.
Kai was easy to spot among the gathered, his staff having a few rings added to it along with him wearing plain deep blue robes along his lean form. The others gathered seemed like a mix of scholars and treasure hunters, with the leader of the group being a Yi Ti noble who directed everyone. Most of the group eyed the looming House with a mix of wonder and worry, some fiddling with necklaces which she guessed were religious symbols. Kai though stared at the structure with a studious interest, even taking out a book which he seemed to write notes into.
"This looks like an expedition of some kind." Ciri remarked.
Kai nodded. "You'd be correct. I did mention the House is similar to other places across the world, which others have noted. When I heard of a Yi Ti recruiting to explore this place I was quick to offer my expertise, which they accepted." The noble spoke out in his language, leading the group forward to the black gates of the structure. With some effort, the doorway was pried open to reveal the dark entrance. "Many debate on who built these places and their purpose. An ancient civilization…or perhaps beings not wholly human. These places aren't…fit for most humans."
Slowly the party of explorers entered the House, disappearing into the dark doorway. There was silence for a long moment before horrified screams followed, hurried running and other sounds of panic. "They weren't prepared for what this place could do."
"Correct. The expeditions desires and fears took 'form', the men unable to separate illusion to reality. Some died in pure terror, others becoming docile in their own 'paradise' or killing each other in their delusions. It takes a trained mind to be able to resist such things." A lone figure stepped out from the House, Kai leaning on his staff and clenching a wounded side. Limping forward, he looked up at the black structure before going to the empty camp, the lone survivor. "Between nearly falling to its power and my companions, I nearly died here. However it found answers to my questions and knew this place had to be guarded, to become a place of learning."
"A reason why you helped found Qarth." Ciri finished. "I can imagine that was quite the undertaking considering."
"Very. Yet there were many who sought to escape the reach of the Yi Ti Empire. With the coast here making it a prime spot for trading, it wasn't hard to convince my allies to build the city here." Rapidly, time began to move forward. Building quickly built themselves up in the distance and one by one the walls of the city formed around the growing port. "Qarth was meant to be a bright future, a place were wealth and freedom could be sought by all, no matter their culture or standing. Yet…things changed…" He became silent as the illusion around them faded, their surroundings returning to the barren chamber. "That though is for another time, if you will permit me."
Ciri decided it be best to focus on more current matters now, relating to her companions. "So what role does Daenerys have to play in all of this? Between her Valyrian heritage and having three dragons, she's much more than just a lure to draw me here."
"Hm…quite true. For a time I thought she was the one that would fight the enemy of life. Then you arrived…and it changed everything."
"How exactly? True my innate power is great, but in comparison to dragons…well…I can't match such raw power."
"Not yet at least." Kai stated. "When I gaze at Daenerys and her children, they are like a roaring fire. You however…shine like the sun! Unlimited potential that has been held back by what others have told you or your lack of perception."
"You act as if my teachers have been hindering me." She didn't question what he meant by 'perception', at least not just yet.
"These…elves, the Aen Elle, the sage who taught you never truly told you what you're capable of. He feared how you'd use such knowledge, perhaps even against his kind who have haunted humanity for so long."
What Kai mentioned made sense. Avallac'h had shown to have a low regard to humans, even her from what she had learned at his hidden lab. Then there was the fact he quietly supported Eredin and the Wild Hunts plans, only changing that when the general secretly murdered the king. "He…has his reasons. Without him I would have been captured by my enemies or destroyed myself even. All that matters is stopping the White Frost."
"Even if it means throwing your life away? I'm certain he expected you to stop the Frost…along with dying in the attempt."
Ciri didn't answer though, her stray glance though hinted her doubts.
"Think of it. You control time and space, a power that I doubt any will harness in countless lifetimes. To create and destroy matter, stall time itself…perhaps even travel through it. All it takes is the right focus and mentality to achieve such possibilities." Giving a sigh, he shifted to stand up before offering a hand to her. "I want to guide you to such greatness not just to defeat the enemy of life…but to further the future of humanity throughout all worlds."
She hesitated before taking the offered hand, letting the tall man pull her up onto her feet. "What future? If…when the White Frost is defeated I plan to return to my world and take my place leading Nilfgaard. It's not a role I want…but it's a way to improve my world."
"But it can be so much more…" Kai stretched his arms and in a blink of an eye the barren room changed. She quickly recognized the black tapestry baring the golden sun across the dark stone walls, the mark of Nilfgaard. When she looked at the Grand Warlock, his robes had also changed to the fitting colors of the empire. Even her own clothes were different, regal clothes that nearly mirrored her own father's style. She could hear cheering and the blaring of trumpets from outside, coming from a balcony off to the side. Walking towards it, she gazed out from the high perch from the Imperial Palace overlooking a huge plaza of Nilfgaard's capital. At the edge of the plaza was a gathering of citizens of varying kingdoms and even nonhumans, elves and dwarves. In center was a portion of the Nilfgaard army standing in formation, units from countless provinces with the wing helmed knightly elite at the front. Yet there were others among the Nilfgaards such as Dothraki, the mounted warriors wearing sturdy dark leather. Besides their arakhs they had long spears and leather shields strapped to one side of their horses, making them a proper light cavalry instead of savage raiders.
On the balcony there were two others watching the gathering below. On the left was Daenerys wearing a regal Nilfgaardian dress and a crown styled like dragon wings with rubies at the tips. She seemed older by a few years, eyes shining with wisdom and experience fitting for a young ruler. To the right was a man dressed in armor different to the Nilfgaard knights, his helm being a closed one that lacked the winged horns. Despite his face hidden, she knew who it was under all that plate just by his stance alone and the dutiful gaze just hinted through the visor. That look which made her blush ever faintly before glancing away.
Suddenly from above there was a powerful roar followed by the flapping of giant wings as three full grown dragons flew above. Black, green and golden scaled...Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion. They carefully landed on the larger buildings along the plaza, the crowd cheering the great beasts. If anything it was awe inspiring for Ciri to behold.
"This is the future you could build with your companions. Two worlds united for a greater cause, to face threats beyond just the Frost." Kai explained, one hand moving to gently rest on her shoulder. "This isn't about control or power like what your father craves, this is to protect and liberate."
"I…its…seems too much for even me." Ciri muttered, uncertain although tempted by this.
"There are others threats like the Frost lurking among the worlds, along with such places suffering. Slavery and tyranny isn't limited to my world or yours."
The Grand Warlock paced along to her side, raising his ringed staff. From the far end of the plaza, stone pieces rose up by levitation, forming into a rune covered archway. She recognized it as an elven portal, only crafted on a larger scale, perfect to allow this army to march to anywhere she desired.
Once more he was right about the fact that other worlds suffered, people unable to fend for themselves or live freely. Despite her longing to help though, there was a whisper in the back of her mind, a reminder that everything had a price. "What would it take for this to happen? To have you help me make this future become real?" She calmly asked, keeping her gaze focused forward.
The Grand Warlock was silent, no doubt sensing her doubts despite everything he had shown. "The truth is Ciri I and my oldest disciplines are fading. We have held off death, yet when Valyria fell magic went with it." He sighed as he paced off to the side, though Ciri didn't look back. "I…became desperate in those times. The Shade of the Evening preserved us, but it proved toxic over the decades, decaying us inside then out. Then to my shame…we resorted to blood magic."
"Draining the lives from the unwanted of Qarth." Ciri stated, the answer making Kai flinch.
"I take no joy in it. We did it to survive." He muttered lowly, hand gripping the black staff tightly. "If I or the others died, our knowledge would be lost. The newer Warlocks lack our ideals and can't be trusted with the greater good involved. The Twins are a show of that."
Ciri was silent in thought, mind at work to realize what his request would be. "It's my Elder Blood. You need it to restore yourselves physically…with blood magic no doubt."
Kai somberly nodded. "It would take time to restore all of the Undying, yet I'd only require a cup for myself." He stated. "The power of your bloodline would make it safe, unlimited potential to rejuvenate."
There was silence, not just from Ciri but from the whole crowd. The plaza and balcony was now empty, leaving only them on the balcony. "No…I can't do it." She at last answered. "The Elder Blood…I know it can do many things. It could give you a portion of it's potential…drive you insane or simply destroy you from within."
"But it is a risk I am willing to take!" There was a hint of frustration from Kai now. "Don't refuse this Ciri, I am begging you to SAVE US!"
Ciri grit her teeth as the last words echoed in her head, the feeling like the mental attacks the Twins had done. "Stop it." She muttered. "I realize now…this future is what you idealize…but it isn't for me." Deeply she sighed. "Just let this go. Give me back Dany and Jorah…we'll find-"
"THERE IS NO OTHER WAY." The palace trembled, making Ciri stumble as her footing shifted. "DON'T MAKE ME DO THIS CIRI. I WANT US TO BE ALLIES…NOT FOES" The balcony began to crack slightly, the illusion world literally breaking.
Resolve shrug of the Grand Warlock's voice, drawing her blade and letting her power flow through her. "I don't wish to fight…but I will if you force me to!" She sternly promised. Despite her threat, Kai didn't turn to face her.
"FOOLISH. OVERCONFIDENT."
Those biting words made her growl before warping forward, crossing the distance in the blink of an eye. Yet her blade seemingly missed, just an inch off to the right of his chest. Confused at what had happened, she saw Kai shift to reach out to her. When she tried to move, she felt her legs being held in place, making her look down to see dried decayed arms grasping out from the black stone floor. The limb were unnatural in length, as more reached up to grab at her arms as she tried to swing her blade about. The Grand Warlock's hand grasped over her face, limiting her sight between his fingers. Despite the forceful hold, he kept a calm expression as he continued to speak in that commanding voice.
"YOU CAN'T HARM ME CIRI. EVER SINCE YOU'VE CAME HERE YOU'VE BEEN TALKING TO NOTHING BUT AN EMPTY ROOM." Suddenly rapid images flashed through her mind, showing her journey through the House. Ever since she met the Undying it had been nothing but the barren room she had entered, the only real thing being Pyat and the lesser Warlocks. "YOUR EMOTIONS LEAVE YOU BARE. VUNLERNABLE DESPITE KNOWING THIS IS AN ILLSUION. YOU POWER IS GREAT YET IT STILL IS LIMITED BY YOUR PERCEPTION."
Her sword arm trembled, more energy glowing off her skin as she struggled to break free the hands holding her arm back. "I won't give in…no matter what tricks you try..." She growled. "I'll break free!"
"WE WILL SEE." For a shocking moment his face withered into dried husk, a living corpse.
The shocking appearance left her off guard as Kai shoved her back, the hands holding her pulling her downward to the floor. When she hit the ground, it seemingly shattered like glass and she'd continue to fall into a black bottomless void. Ciri screamed fiercely, unwilling to submit as she warped about…only she had no idea of where to go. She warped and faded only to continue falling into the blackness. Curses and screams of frustration followed as her sense of time was gone, unknowing if she was falling for seconds…minutes…years. Then she saw it, the bottom of this pit, cold solid stone which she struck. Then nothing…
…
The ringing of a bell made her eyes snap open, giving a small groan of frustration as she realized the hour. "Ugh…I overslept…" Rubbing her hand along her cheek, she traced over her scar before shifting up to get out of bed. Stretching, she paced to the parted window where she could hear the sounds of swords striking about and the hammering of hammers. Opening the window more, she leaned out slightly to look over Kaer Morhen's courtyard, taking a deep breath of fresh air.
"Ciri!" Geralt's voice spoke out from below, making the grinning woman look down to see her father figure looking up at her. Despite his gruff tone, an amused smirk hinted his face. "For a new master, you're proving to be a bad example for the students."
"After the party you and the others threw, what did you expect of me." She laughed back. "I'll be down soon. Just keep them distracted with a story or two."
The Witcher shook his head slightly before she hurried to get out her clothes, light armor and sword. Once dressed she moved to leave her room yet paused as she nearly forgot something. Glancing to a small box on the dresser, she opened it to take out her wolf medallion…Vesemir's. Her thumb graced along the sharp points, giving a soft smile.
"I'm sure…you'd be proud of me." She whispered before slipping the medallion around her neck, having a long day ahead of her helping around Kaer Morhen. The School of the Wolf had a long way to go to being rebuilt and she planned to give it her all to ensure that.
…
Notice: The decent into madness truly begins! I do hope this chapter wasn't too dense with exposition, but I want to give some clear history about the Grand Warlock along with the mysterious lands of the Far East. There is so little known about that part of the world, which gave me a lot of creative freedom to work with. Perhaps I'll do a side series of his history, since it be fun to explore these unique locations and pieces of lore. Overall I am eager to know what everyone thought of Kai and his role in the world.
Anyway, next chapter will have Ciri dealing with the emotional ties, be it of her desires and guilts. Expect a lot of call backs to the books as old characters before friend and foe return. Share your thoughts through reviews, PMs or on the forum! Expect another chapter hopefully this month! Happy holidays!