The Legend of Keletria Spherus
By Fatala
I am sorry to my readers for the months long delay on all my stories. At the end of last year I lost my grandma, since then I've been struggling to get back my muses. Some of the time I feel half-dead wanting to do nothing but drown in doing nothing. Its hard but I'm slowly coming back to life. Hopefully I can get back to my other muses and update my other fanfics.
Chapter 2: Honno's Life; Part 1
High above the afternoon suns could not be hidden even by the Irozan Mountain's massive peak. Bright, harsh rays beat down on to the Amox Slates. Black, grey and tan slabs of stone soaked up the heat and light making themselves hot to the touch. Yet to the few types of wildlife that roamed the stone plains, the heat was a mere nuisance. Sands that had been scrapped off the massive flat boulders were picked up by the faint wind carrying it away. Tri-clawed paws easily dug deeper into the hard surface, every once and awhile a flat snout would sniff at the hole that was being dug.
This Laglo was not the only one digging and scrapping at the ground; at least seven or eight more were nearby. One of the herd raised it head letting out a snorting bellow before it resumed digging, its long claws scooping out even more stone. None of the herd stopped to see what the bellow was about, but it did draw the attention of someone else nearby.
Not far from the herd underneath a makeshift shelter, which offered only a small bit of shade from the scorching suns, was a lone Dcezilo. His armor was shaded a light tan which almost appeared white when in the sunlight, accented with areas of bright red. At hearing the Laglo's bellow, he got up from his hot yet comfortable position. Grabbing a nearby satchel, he swung it over his shoulder before making his way over to the Laglo.
Honoo wasn't interested in what the Laglo had found, at least not the Zatik root it's triumphant bellow signaled. The Dcezilo instead wanted the ores and other bits of valuables the herd animals had dug up while searching for the roots they so enjoyed. He picked up the larger pieces of metal and minerals, putting them into his bag to sort through them later.
"Good work, Cas." he said patting the larger beast on the side. 'Cas' groaned happily at the praise. Before Honno had time to go back to the shade another Laglo bellowed causing him to head over to that one. For a herder like him, this was just a normal, ordinary day.
Normally the Amox Slates was not where a herder would bring his animals to roam especially during the day. However, Laglo were not like Shipel and Talaf that had to be watched constantly; they were strong, able animals but not very profitable. Unlike the two other primary herding species, they produced no marketable good. But that didn't matter to Honoo; he got by just fine, besides he had more use for the metals that the Laglo turned up instead of just to sell.
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After a long, hot day, the suns began to set bringing the cool shadows of night, which seemed to drain the rocky slates of all the heat they had accumulated during the day. The small herd of Laglo was no longer digging into the dark and tan rocks, slowly their large bodies tramped under the darkening skies. Sharp cliffs of the Irozan Mountain looked down on the small group as they slowly approached. Honoo followed the herd he tended to from a distance making sure that none straggled too far behind. Over his shoulder was swung his satchel and the makeshift shelter he had put up to hide under during the day.
Even though he followed to keep the herd in line his mind wasn't on his task; at least not 100%. His eyes were trained on the Laglo and the mountain that slowly loomed higher and higher in front of them. Amber eyes peered up at the steep mountain up to the moon rising to its apex in the sky.
Unknown to the herd ahead; a predator was lurking, waiting for a 'meal' to pass by. The Laglo passed by without a clue that the dangerous creature lurked just below the rocky surface. Such large creatures were too big to be considered food, but the Dcezilo was just the perfect size. Having sized up the prospect of a meal, the blue-silvery scaled beast slithered beneath the ground easily carving its way through the slates as it followed Honoo.
To the scaly beast, he was a perfect target. Being far enough away from the herd that he could be snatched up and drug below the slates before the herd would be able to react. As it got closer, it moved up just below the surface. Its saw-like scales easily slicing their way without making a sound. Honoo's strides were still even and steady following the herd at an almost leisurely pace.
Suddenly, without any warning the Nyorei burst forth from the slates, its slick serpentine body seemed to fly from the ground. A growling snarl came from it as it spread its quad-split jaws revealing rows of razor edged teeth. It was about to clamp its vice-like maw on to the Dcezilo but Honoo wasn't about to let his armor be bitten into.
He had known he was being followed even before the Nyorei decided to strike. When the beast was about to tear into him he pulled out a long pole from the shelter equipment on his back. Though he had stopped it's attack, the only thing between him and the beast was the single metal pole. Honoo took several steps back as the weight of the Nyorei pushed him back.
The attack did not go unnoticed by the herd. With angry bellows they raced back to help their shepard. The tan and red Dcezilo struggled as the serpentine beast thrashed and writhed. Its tail whipped at him trying to knock him down or at least get his hands to release the pole. Should the Nyorei be able to do that it could easily get the upper hand on Honoo.
Unable to keep his current footing Honoo took another step back, only to slip backwards. Seizing the opportunity the Nyorei released its jaws, ready to lunge at him. 'Dumb beast' thought Honoo as the Nyorei realized its mistake. With the slip, his body turned swiftly bringing up his other leg to kick away the serpent. Crashing to the ground a couple feet away it reared it head, giving a furious hissing growl ready to attack again. However, the herd was not going to allow another attack.
Before it could attempt another strike, the leader of the herd angrily trampled the Nyorei under its clawed feet. The snake like creature didn't stand a chance as it was harshly trodden by the much bigger creature. Once sure that it was dead, the Laglo ceased its trampling. Honoo who was back up on his feet walked over to the Laglo and now deceased Nyorei.
"Relax, that's more than enough." he said patting the still agitated Laglo's snout. Instead of just leaving the dead Nyorei, he lifted it up on to its back. "Easy Kuro." Honno said to the still uneasy Laglo. He left Kuro alone for a moment to get the supplies he dropped during the attack. With that, he came back over. "Ok, let's get going." he said coaxing him to move and take his place at the front of the herd. Unlike before, he stayed at the front of the herd leading them the rest of the way back.
It was night before they arrived at a small hut; next to the hut was a larger corral area. Honoo took down the Nyorei before letting the herd into the corral. Shutting and locking the gate, he grabbed the serpent, dragging it towards the back of the hut.
Despite it being late, Honno was not quite done yet. Taking the creature's corpse, he tossed it on to a small table near some knives and other tools. Without wasting time, he began to skin the reptilian monster, making sure not to damage the scales. Though the Nyorei scales were normally hard enough to dig through the slates they were not as strong once the creature was dead.
Once he had the whole hide removed, he was ready to finish removing anything else useful when his attention was drawn away by a familiar voice.
"Still working at this unhaleo solu. It's surprising how devoted you are for a slacker." Honno looked up to see the silhouette of another Dcezilo leaning against the corral fence. A sharp snort was the only reply the visitor got as Honno turned his attention back to the scaly pelt on the table.
At the tan and red Dcezilo's 'response' he gave a shrug before moving closer. "I guess I shouldn't expect a 'good to see you' or a friendly 'hi'." The visitor's blue and black armor became visible as he moved closer into the small amount of light that allowed Honno to see what he was working on. Grey orbs looked from him down to the Nyorei pelt on the table. "At least I got a better reception than he got."
"Don't be to sure. I could let Kuro chase you outta here. Very doubtable that you'd end up any better." He said holding the knife looking tool towards his visitor with a glare.
"Whoa, easy. Sheesh are all the residents of the slates as irritable as you." the other Dcezilo said taking a step back away from the shape instrument.
"I wouldn't know Gylo. Never meet anyone else stupid enough to live out here." he said putting down the tool to pick up another. This one looked like a flat board, as he ran it over the scale it began to polish and clean them.
"Eh, true enough. Heck, I won't even come out here until the suns go down. I don't know how you do it." Honno glance over to Gylo who was looking at the various weapons and tool hanging near the workbench.
"Remember I'm an irritable, stupid, slacker." was the grumbled reply.
"You forgot anti-social."
"Heh. No that is just for you."
"Ouch, that hurt." Gylo said mimicking a pained look before it feel flat. "I don't see why you are so stubborn, if you sold all the tools you've made over the yomu you wouldn't need to be a herder." It was true what the trader Dcezilo said. All the time Honno had spent out with his herd and collecting the scraps of metal and stone were for the tools and weapons he constructed from them. It was not a job, merely a hobby; one that he was very good at yet he refused to sell any of the pieces. He wouldn't consider himself sentimental but each one was a unique work of art.
'Something you would know nothing of.' he thought glancing irritably at Gylo who was about to touch a long dagger. However, before his fingers could touch the perfectly polished surface they were smacked away by Honno.
"Look but don't touch." he said before he took the finished pelt and rolled it up neatly making sure the scales fell evenly so as not to scratch each other. "Now if we can finish the business you came here for." His orange panes looked back at the trader who was nursing his hand.
"Ah, yes I guess that's why I tracked out here anyways." saying this Gylo lead Honno towards the front of his hut where his cart and Kasugat were waiting. "Now I have the usual supplies you look for and some extras that I think you'll also be interested in." he said unloading some various crates and jars.
Honno knew exactly what was in each one. One of the jars held healing ointment; he could smell it even from paces away; though the smell may be horrible, it was one of the finest healing agents made. A couple others held fresh water; such a valuable item in the slates could never be forgotten. Then there were the crates that held fresh fruit and herbs from Etelath. All together, it would last him a good arit.
"That's all the usual supplies. Now I know what you'll say, but just have a look at what I have before you make up you mind." Gylo had gone back into his normal 'act', as the 'helpful' merchant. Honno just rolled his eyes; he was always trying to push something new on him, even if it was worthless. A recluse he may be but he wasn't stupid. Regardless of what Gylo said, he knew exactly what he wanted; his normal supplies nothing more or less. Yet despite this, he decided to humor the trader, just once and see what he had.
Coming from the other side of the cart Gylo held a sack in his hand, which he held triumphantly. "Now here is something you should like my friend." with that, he poured some of the sack's contents into his hand. His grey orbs watched Honno's reaction seeing if he had peaked the stubborn Dcezilo interest.
Honno came closer his face betraying nothing as he picked up to inspect one of the gems. The bag Gylo had presented was just of gems and crystals of various sizes, shapes, and colors. Unlike the ones the Laglo managed to scrap up these was much higher quality even in their natural, uncut forms.
"After admiring your works I remembered that I had these from my last trip to Voxdol. Each one comes straight from the Kakel Labyrinth, gemmed wonders use surface types rarely see. Now just imagine if you used these on your next project." Despite Honno's impassive face, he knew he had him.
Hearing that Honno straightened up putting down the smoky yellow crystal he had been inspecting. Gylo continued to watch him, a confident smile now on his face. Snorting Honno turned back to the hut, disappearing inside for a minute before returning with a large bag.
"Here's your trade." he said dropping the bag. Opening it, Gylo could see the multitude of pelts from Nyorei, Talfa, and Berija. "These for the normal supplies." he said closing up the bag so the scaled and furred skins were out of view. "I'll add this one in for the crystals." Honno finished holding up the pelt he had just finished polishing. The herder knew that Gylo would not be able to say no. Even though pelts were not a much-demanded item, many wealthy Dcezilo collected them for their rarity and beauty.
"Once more it has been a great pleasure doing business with you Honno we should do it more often." he said giving a bow before handing over the sack.
"Don't even think about it." Honno said as Gylo gathered up his new merchandise. "Seeing you once an arit is more than enough to tax my nerves." he groaned. Thankfully, with Gylo's departure he would have another arit of solitude to himself. At least one good thing came from the annoying Dcezilo's 'visit' he finally had what he needed to finish one of his projects that had been collecting dust for close to seven arits. Now he finally had the last piece needed.
No sleep would come tonight as he took out the smoky yellow gem he had been admiring. He would finish it tonight.
To be continued. . .
As with the last chapter, I'll let you choose who you will meet next. Pick an element, besides Light or Darkness. (Examples: Fire, Water, Lightning, etc…) Whichever is picked will be introduced in the next chapter.
So far, we've done Ice, Gravity, Plasma, and Stone. Who will you choose for the next chapter?
Thanks for the review Dragontiger12. I'm glad you like it so far. As for the names, they usually just come from the top of my head or I look at stuff around me and jumble the letters 'til I get something I like. Heh, it works.
Below is the new information about the characters, terms, and locations mentioned in the chapter.
Character Bios:
Name: Honoo
Gender: Male
Elements: Stone/Plasma
Armor Colors: Light Tan/Red
Eye Color: Orange
Job: Herder, yet is also a skilled craftsman.
Traits: Intuitive, loyal, honest, courageous, self-disciplined/Intransigence, lack of sympathy, hotheaded.
Home: Lives at the foot of Irozan Mountain on the end of the Amox Slates.
Bio: Rough and wild, that both describes the Amox Slates and Honoo who sees them as part of his home. Being a herder out in the Slates can be very dangerous, but Honoo is always up for the challenge. Like any good shepard, he guards his herds with his life and has trained himself in order to defend them.
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Name: Gylo
Gender: Male
Elements: Water
Armor Colors: Blue/Black
Eye Color: Grey
Job: Merchant/Trader
Traits: Sociable, practical, ambitious/Selfish, crafty, self-centered.
Home: Originally from Gavleer but travels everywhere to sell and trade goods.
Bio: Though not the first Dcezilo to trust, he is a good businessman. With a good memory and even better business sense he has learn to make a profit off most anything.
Keletria Spherus Dictionary:
Laglo: Laglo are large herding beast. Massive creature with large flat snouts used to sniff out food. They have large lumbering bodies with no tails; their legs are thick to support their weigh. While their back feet consist of hooves, their front feet have five massive claws designed for digging into hard stone. Though hardy and able to withstand extreme temperatures, they are rarely herded since they produce nothing of value.
Shipel: A small herd animal, which are popular for their ability to give eggs and their use in pollinating flowers and plants. It is easy to spot them with their bright yellow and purple colorings. These creatures are insects that fly using four fluffy wings, which are used to also store and transplant pollen. Kept together in hives they give large quantities of eggs, which are a delicacy.
Talaf: This breed of herd animal is mainly kept for their ability to give milk. A medium size creature with short fur. These six-legged creatures are known for their habit to wonder off. Only dedicated herders with sharp-eyes will be able to control a herd.
Nyorei: Nyorei are large scaled serpents that live under the Amox Slates. To weave through the hard rocks they constantly vibrate their scales, the vibrating made them much stronger then they actually are. Most consider its jaws the most dangerous part of the creature since its jaws can split four ways. Yet their scales are precious especially since it is rare for anyone to get a pelt and survive.
Unhaleo: Translates roughly into ungodly.
Solu: Dcezilo measurement of time equaling one hour.
Yomu: Dcezilo measurement of time meaning years.
Kasugat: A small pony like creature used as a beast of burden because of their strength. Their backs and legs are covered in hard armor while the rest is fur. Though strong, they are very docile creatures.
Arit: Dcezilo measurement of time equaling one month.
Talfa: Another dangerous creature that lives on the Amox Slates is the Talfa. Talfa are large scorpion looking insects, their outer body is composed of massive plates of stone and crystal that they gain by eating the slates. With two massive pinchers and a tangle of snake-like tails, they are most known for their deadly poison. The only weak point is their bellies that are only covered by soft tissues.
Berija: Berija are one of the only furry creatures that can withstand the heat of the Amox Slates. Shaped much like a bear, they have a pair of large horns, which jut from their skulls, and boney spines that poke out from its thick fur. Though not as aggressive as Talfa and Nyorei, they can be dangerous if they believe you are entering their territory.
Important Locations:
Irozan Mountain: The largest mountain on Bota Magna, is also the mountain where Syhiro 'lives'. Irozan is also known for its rich resources of metal and gems. Mines have dug on the northern and eastern slopes; though they dig deep into the mountain the Dcezilo keep them away from the heart of the mountain where Syhiro lies.
Amox Slates: From the base of Mount Irozan down to the Eleiah River runs the Amox Slates. A desert of stone slabs that were created from when Mount Irozan jutted out from the natural earth. Because of this, the Amox Slates share the rich resources that came from the mountain. Though it has a wealth of treasure within not too many Dcezilo live there with the lack of water and harsh sun.
Etelath Village: Above one of the smaller swamps connected to the Qasnu Marsh, amongst the vines and treetops is the jungle village of Etelath. Etelath is best known for its beautiful suspended gardens of flora that draw many stunning insects and birds with the sweet aroma.
Voxdol: In the heart of the honeycombing passageways of the Kakel Labyrinth is the underground city of Voxdol. Voxdol was created on to of a crystal shaft of stone. Once a hidden city, it can now be accessed easily by teleportation pads that allow Dcezilo to enter and leave without traversing the Kakel Labyrinth.
Kakel Labyrinth: Nearly all Dcezilo dread going inside the Kakel Labyrinth for fear of being lost forever in its depths. The honeycombing tunnels that make up the Labyrinth run under the entire planet of Bota Magna. Few passages have been mapped leaving the whole of the Kakel Labyrinth shrouded in mystery.
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