Dedication
I would like to give my eternal gratitude to that which Is... That, which made, and connects us all...
Too, to all the true teachers, and true Gurus of all natures and forms.
Too, to those that shared their wisdom about The Nameless with the many worlds, especially ours, inspiring the search for the Truth as well as the necessary conviction to reach it, in every life form, that sooner or later, yearns for it...
I would also love to thank my family, and all my close ones, for all their love and all that I learn from them...
Additionally, I would like to give special gratitude to Vladimir Vojen Kocurek, a personal Guru and fellow Truth seeker, who inspired and supported me on my path, and continues to do so... It is his words of wisdom, and methods of practice, that are often found in my works...
At last, I would like to thank Louise Broen Larsen for all her support, belief, suggestions, and for taking part in helping me with the corrections of the grammar of this piece (of which countless were refused by the author, against her good will).
Epigraph
"Always without desire we must be found,
If its deep mystery we would sound;
But if desire always within us be,
Its outer fringe is all that we shall see."
Tao Te Ching
Preface
"There slumber in every human being faculties by means of which he can acquire for himself a knowledge of higher worlds. Mystics, Gnostics, Buddhists, Theosophists, Christians, Taoists, and countless others, all speak of a world of soul and spirit which for them is just as real as the world we see with our physical eyes and touch with our physical hands."
Rudolf Steiner
"If we do not believe within ourselves this deeply rooted feeling that there is something higher than ourselves, we shall never find the strength to evolve into something higher."
Rudolf Steiner
The world of the book you're about to enter, sprang out of the intense search for 'the things Above' and 'the truth Within'. Written as my first published book, the search is clouded in confusion, but one that searches, finds... Hope the entertaiment it provides, together with the disguised messages it conveys, further fuel the spark that resides within us all. That, is All I hope for...
Message to the readers:
Read slowly, attentively, and fully...
Try to Relate, and relate fully, and completely...
Read this piece as if You wrote it for Yourselves...
As if you're trying to teach Yourselves something useful...
And, of course, Enjoy...
You are not Here by coincidence... There is none...
Table of contents
Dedication 1
Epigraph 2
Preface 3
Prologue 5
Act #1 - Prophecy 7
Act #2 - Home Sweet Home 11
Act #3 – Kindling 29
Act #4 – Turning wave 54
Act #5 - New ends 65
Act #6 - Awakening 75
Act #7 - The flow 79
The End 84
Afterword 85
Upcoming books 86
Prologue
Imagine a world where ghosts roam around,
searching for something that cannot be found.
Thirst gives a power to their tired feet,
mind forms the mist in which they stray creep.
Endless sunk hunger the creatures are taught,
forever keep looking for the feed that they brought.
An empty clear purpose they eager pursue,
keeps them in roaming wherever there's a cue.
The Mind sees its colors as long as it hopes!
Courageous free puppets do follow its slopes.
Closing your eyes, the hunger is felt!
Revealing the lands, the steps will be held.
The Being that reads these, desire brought in!
Grasping his mind, forever seeks sin.
Found as the One, here born from sheer rage!
Revealing my hunger, you shall open your cage...
Act #1 - Prophecy
Drakko:
'The lifeless have been crushed,
the darkness passage shows!
Gifted wounds spill blood,
a candle near felt
Knows.
Tunnel built for rats!
Inside, I come slow.
Mystery remains,
how the wise one does not know…?
Presence bound by reins,
deep in candlelight.
Perhaps he does true know!?
Toying
his fresh mite...
Mindly cries I dampen,
yet silence keeps me blind!
Warm wave of the candle strengthens!
Closing is my bind...
An unknown feel sliths in!
Burying deep in skin.
Never have I dived,
into Abyss of this kind!
The Light embraced my kin!
An aging sight still thin…
A room deprived of things,
mere candle calls me in…
The Wise one masked there is!
Shadows guard his bliss…
Tight embrace, closed eyes,
body
chained by mind…
The back of wise straight shows,
as statues which are shrined…
The Wise one only Is!
Eternals give soul kiss.
How long the Dark one sits?!
And where his spirit is?!
Crawl inside I shall,
as a cat with no moral…
The thoughts I keep on hold!
As wise hear one grow old.
Shadows presence mine formed!
Yet He,
is merely cold…
Eclipsing him I near!
Circling meat I close…
His body does not hail!
Since the spirit
was not told…
Blade left its sweet warm home,
finding meat brings cold.
Opened eyes, last ohm,
his breath is kept on hold…
The eyes of Ones do meet,
as death comes in so sweet…
The Wise one does not hate!
Instead,
He offers fate…
Before the eyes form gloam,
an utmost doom is told…'
Dark one:
"When the fate of yours is found,
the Mask will keep you bound!
Every Thing you see or feel to your True Self IT ALL WILL KNEEL!"
Drakko:
'Again, the spirit left,
as body was mere theft…
Fall the meat I cause!
That deadly were my jaws…
From dream as I awake,
when candlelight brings shake…
Hate, revenge should sift!
Yet he only gave me gift…
The Mask I pick from dust.
The spirit left its crust…
His dead all turned to rust.
That bloody was my lust…
'Time for home!' I think,
as Dark was only blink…
At Mask I thirsty stare,
call my fate
I dare…
Though the Wise One's words I trust!
Find MySelf,
I must!'
Act #2 - Home Sweet Home
Lavanya:
"Drakko, my love! Are you whole? Alive?!
What happened in there?! In that devil's hive…
Miss you I did! Scared so for your life!
Please tell me you came, back all, to your wife!"
Drakko:
Asked my worried, beautiful, sweetest, loving Lavanya as soon as I crossed the door to our farmhouse nearby Klan, the accommodating and lovely village in which I was born.
"I'm well… I think…
I killed him! I managed!
The deed is done,
without myself ravaged…,"
emerged from my mouth, with a mixture of doubt and fear, pondering upon whether I actually managed anything in there while still swimming deeply in the meaning of the unique encounter... Yet, my wife does not wait around…
'She takes me in,
tight warm embrace,
as her love does fill,
all of my space…
The love that we feel,
keeps us surreal,
she's the one that I love,
the one whom I kneel.
Grown out of love,
a child us awaits,
more closely could not
be bound our true fates.'
"Just a bad dream…
The last one! As promised!
Now I can care
of you and loved Klovis…
No more of this!
Our boy's soon to come…
Peace will obey!
Blade won't touch my thumb."
Yes... It is hard to make promises of bright, peaceful and love-filled futures, especially in world such as ours. Kissing her ear and giving her an offering of no worries are the only remedies that can be trusted these days.
I know; it is not the first time she's experiencing the horrors of my likely death. And as gods always playfully will it - for purposes hidden to us - surely it will not be the last either... All we can do is try.
I have been lucky so far, I must admit… Yet, my luck cannot be tested for eternity… Sooner or later, the blessings of my river will run old and dry.
Hearing steps aiming for our door, Garvan comes in like a thin bore.
Garvan:
"Welcome back to the land of the living brother!"
Drakko:
He says with an arising and yet welcoming tone, arms widespread, walking towards me with an expression that cannot be misread.
Appearing from the small hut next to our farmhouse where he lives alone yet alongside loads of dirt and dust, he probably heard my wife as she welcomed me home.
Garvan:
"I knew you'll return,
my brother!
Once more!
Your wits never fail!
Your blade forges gore!"
Drakko:
He comfortably spills out loud with a wide smile, for which I know him so well...
Landing as a feather on a chair, as one with not a single care in the world, he continues:
Garvan:
"What treasures you did,
bring us this time?
Have magic you seen?!
Is dead that old slime?!"
Drakko:
Giving a kiss to my wife, both as slight pardon for interruption by my crazy brother, as well as a sign that my body is fine, I receive a smile coming from her magical eyes to be interpreted as a sign of understanding.
As she slowly starts walking towards the kitchen to nourish my body after a long journey, I throw the wooden Mask on the table…
'Mask crushes the surface,
and slides, spins around!
They both take light pause,
while Wonders are found…
Feeling the new,
the Void fills the air!
For a short time we awe..
Feeling the despair…
What was brought in?!
Emerged from nightmare…
My brother has sinned,
Mask still was mid-air…'
While my sweet Lavanya chooses rather not to ask questions or engage her mind further in this land of unknown, thus continuing with her tribute, Garvan does not hide his full attraction.
Garvan:
"What is that new feel,
which enters my mind?!
To its shapes I kneel!
Remain I still blind…
Is magic there hidden?!
In That wooden crust?!
Call on it, I didn't!
Yet try it
I must!"
Drakko:
My brother dribbles demonically, combining it with laughter derived from imagining the deeds he could perform with unfathomable power… I, rather do not...
"Tried it I haven't,
mere wood I do dread…
As I felt Its presence,
saw souls that were shed!"
I said quietly, as not to alarm my wife in the kitchen…
Said, all while facing Garvan's thirst, from ever so close, challenging him, and feeding his hunger further with his favorite twisted smile, and a look diving deep into his power-craving eyes…
As he gives in and reaches his hand towards it, I slam the Mask with my hand! As though to sink it deeper to the table's wooden surface.
"Warn you I shall!
My brother sweet, dear…
The Dark left our world,
beneath this old gear..."
I reveal, starting to feed on the delicious soup my love just brought in. Seeing quick doubts appearing on Garvan's lusting face, I continue:
"I mean, he Reeaally left!
Sooo before the soul meat shed…
Empty the casket
was that remained,
its fire has gone,
for long he was dead…"
Garvan:
"Mystery you cast!
What is it that you mean?!
Don't tell me what I can't!
This Mask keeps me keen…"
Drakko:
Garvan impatiently asked, while Lava planted a soft kiss on my wrinkled forehead, imagining the horrors I had to go through…
"I mean
Sitting him!
I found!
Mask tight upon his head…
In darkness he was drowned!
Bare candle only fed…
I feel he long has sit...
Looong before my wit…
Forever, could be crowned.
To us,
it is unsound…"
Garvan:
"Sitting?!"
Drakko:
Asked Garvan with deep distaste…
Garvan:
"Well let me see!
What the Old found so Awe...
What kept him like tree...
What made him an outlaw!"
Drakko:
He snorted out as he did not believe the story in full…
Examining his face, I saw that it simply didn't make sense to him…
Such a powerful man... A wizard! As many say... And remained merely seated?! For a long long time!? And for what!? When he could be out there, conquering the world! Ridiculous…
Thus, he once more reached for the Mask and put it on in an instant, taking a deep, powerful breath along with it.
Garvan:
"Nothing there is!
That I see or feel…
In Zoderot's name!
What did Old one keep seeing!?"
Drakko:
He sputtered, filled with disappointment and anger… Slowly standing up, he threw the mask back onto the ratty table wood and continued his downfall…
Garvan:
"Brought you somethin'?!
That has Value within!?
Mask no use has found…
As that Old wooden hound!
Sitting well deserved death!
He got what goes around…
So have magic there been?!
Or have I all thus seen?!"
Drakko:
He poured out snootily, spilling his self-serving intent, anger, and poison around. From that, I too guessed that he was implying how the wizard was not even worthy of an iron mask - or any better one - only of an old, withered, wooden one.
I was sensing my wife's impatience and nerves increasing by the minute, like we always do when we have to tolerate my brother's often spoiled and childish behavior for too long…
This time, I assume the impatience came from listening to his annoying voice complaining about the job he did not even lift a finger in…!
Thus… I try to close this - now - unpleasant talk.
"Beings, have I seen,
with their movement So pristine!
Rotten meat, dead flesh,
yet they all seemed so so fresh…
Their purpose clear has been!
The danger
make foreseen…
That is all I fought and saw...
Real it was! As we are raw…
Yet!
When I slew them,
in wind they then formed!
Forever were gone...
Testament withdrawn."
I pointed out, causing Garvan's face to turn away from expectation and back to disappointment.
"Nothing more was found,
except what Dark one wore.
I was too astound,
he never needed more…"
Witnessing the further disappointment on my brother's face, this time joined by a more hidden and subtle one cast out by my loving wife, filling her with worries of our future, I continued...
"Reward still will be gained!
With a farm, we'll be sustained…
The future will be bright!
If all shall work day, night…
But now,
brother,
good night!
As loong has been this blight..."
I finish, recalling the strange feeling I had in the presence of The Dark One, not to mention the prophecy he revealed…
As we were all disengaging from the topic, my brother's mind wandered back to me and my ordeal…
Garvan:
"Happy! Glad! I stand…
As Drakko's in command!
Sleep tight, my Blood and Sweet!
Tomorrow,
we shall meet…"
Drakko:
He said, bowing to my cute Lav, before he departed back to his wooden hut, next to our corn fields.
As annoying as he often can be, he is always nice and respectful to her... I think he sees her as the perfect mix of his mother and an older sister...
I put the Mask in a small treasure chamber above the dining table. The secret chamber rests hidden behind a painting of a man with a snake arising from his chest, facing him. My father made that painting ages ago…
By storing the Dark's wooden face, the horrors within it will hopefully stay contained...
Surely, one day, I'll find a merchant who will appreciate it more than my witty brother.
Walking up the stairs to our bedroom, I lie on the bed next to my sweet…
Cuddling, and softly kissing for short while, and I feel once more her closeness and warmth of her love. Once we're both re-filled, I turn towards the wooden ceiling and illuminating darkness within it.
Listening to my weary thoughts like my father taught me in his good years long gone, I slowly drift away…
'From pain, I came, not more…
Yells, screams were my front door…
Venom in form of words...
Hate did follow in herds…
Must I kept eyes my clear…
Ears sharp kept me well near…
Horrors opened my mind…
While rest was kept being blind...
Nightmares kept me be good…
Mere love give then I could…
Sheep did not grasp the truth!
How much suffer they should…
For pain opened my mind!
Hell shows to you - be kind!
Enough pain have I seen…
Dreams come!
I have now Been…'
'Ravaged no gates,
universe found!
Stroking my face
is Feeling profound.
Inside they me chase!
"Abandon Drakko!"
No form, no real space…
Myself I have drowned!
Sights nothing alike!
Labyrinth lifelike…
Vast, gold endless halls…
My spirit still stalls…
Mere one step I make…
All worlds start to shake!
When I feel I wake,
more dreams come me take!
Mountain tall till clouds!
No end of it sounds…
With stairs at its side,
escape I'm denied…
Trying to go up!
The death is implied...
How many worlds can
'No Mind' truly wake!?
As many! It can!
As universe's wide…
Tested I am!
In this strange new world…
Where rules on you slam…
Principles spun…
Well known old new game…
All of us whine!
Run helps you the same,
all slaughter their swine!
So, take off your Mask!
The one so 'divine'…
Truth spirals its name!
Escape there is none!'
Act #3 – Kindling
Drakko:
Many months have passed, and now, winter had almost entered our lands. Even though I thought — being almost sure — that we would have enough to survive, the crops were weak this year, and my brother hungrier than ever…
Normally, that would not matter as much. But the merchants I was counting on the most did not buy all of my treasures… The Mask — the one I feared and fought the hardest for — did not leave my possession...
No one wanted to pay what I considered to be an adequate prize for all those troubles, especially for killing the Wise man not many understood. And so, the wood stayed wood and did not attract any coins…
Not even that strangest dream I had – dream that let me feel some passage to another 'sphere', the dream that showed me the golden labyrinth and endless stairs upon the mountain's side – now all scarcely remembered, is going to feed the stomach of mine, nor that of my lovely wife, soon eating only for one.
So, here I am … Working on my land, gathering the last remains of feed for us and for the few remaining animals I kept for the winter...
Remains that will surely not keep us through what appears to be a strong winter ahead… Judgment based upon the power of autumn current and it's never-before felt coldness.
My brother… The one and only... The one that worked the 'whooooole endless morning'! Lightly, almost invisibly helping me in the fields, has now gone to the village.
Surely, he is now loyally warming his, above all else, deeply loved chair in the local pub, with men him alike...
Thus, I am accompanied by nothing but memories of my loving mother, thoughts of my Lav and our precious soon to be.
The thoughts too take occasional shape of the well-learned lectures from my father, those acquired in his good as well as bad days.
All this is what drives me to continue the hard work in these forsaken frozen lands…
'When eyes mine were clear,
without tears, without time…
In those days of great cheer,
Love
was all we found…
Kiss onto the cheek...
Nose, head, all so they rhyme…
Mothers always do peek...
Worshiped are those found prime!
With eyes full of love,
they take a closer step…
Entire heart on plate!
What more can be said…
A father I once had…
Strong, wise and kind…
Showed me the good from bad,
'fore Hate got him blind…
Rage took all of his sight!
Heart filled only sheer spite…
The one he called delight,
knew then only dark night…
Blackness became her sun...
Eyes forgot how was to smile…
When mind gave it all up…
Flesh too passed not the trial…
In that moment we all lost,
dad's soul then was too tossed…
Loneliness was fated cost…
All I knew then was long lost…
But, now with my new life!
With Lavanya, my sweet wife!
She's the light that one does need!
Purpose now have all my deeds!"
I do not like to recall such times, both 'cause of all that happened, and also due to the forgiveness that tries to call upon me. It begs me, and tells me it was no one's fault... Perhaps partly Koran's, the man that lighted the fire of hate, when he betrayed my father's trust. Perhaps my mother when she… No! What happened, happened…
Yet… There is no excuse when it comes to my father - once prided by the strength of his mind and will...
While he taught me many things from fighting to working with the mind and emotions… Well… I guess at some point, when the burden gets large enough, when the world you know and rely on in the deepest corners of your being collapses on your back… All of us break...
But we should not! We should be bigger than that! Stronger than that! Better and kinder than that. And as The Dark One surely knew, the universe has a special game for everyone to play, where we either break along the path, or endure the weight we're destined to carry… If not for us, then at least for others.
A few more weeks have passed. No right merchant showed up… Running low on our supplies with winter at our very doorstep, the decision was made that I would be visiting mayor Malkarth's right hand again.
Savith often found the right job to meet my uniquely tailored skills. He was also the one that paid for The Dark One's end…
I wish I could continue living my peaceful life, enjoying nights warmed by my loving wife... But for now, not many choices are left. Coin is in dire need - the faster, the better...
Above all, I cannot risk not being able to pay Vilfgurd, the village's doctor. Soon, the time arrives to deliver my sweet boy and, Zoderot forbid, if something happens… I just need to be sure...
Stepping through the thick fog surrounding the village's meek valley the next morning, I pass two guards standing at the main wooden gate - the entrance to the village...
The end of the soaked passage together with the whole village in fact, is separated from the surrounding ground by a small trench that encircles this community.
This not so deep of a trench is effectively safeguarding the small town from all manner of omens of the quite shallow valley. It also serves as a drainage system, collecting rainfall from surrounding small hills...
Hills, upon which the village fields are situated, and just a bit further, my field and my lovely home...
In case you'd attempt to enter the village outside of the comfort of the main two gates, the palisades, erected in an almost perfect circle around the village, protect it well from unwelcomed guests.
The feel of safety is enhanced by not too tall wooden towers appearing every now and then, with but a few archers standing atop of each of them under the wooden-thatched roof, warmed up and enlightened by the winter fires, keeping them awake and alert…
Looking up, I see two and another two of those archers at the gate's small towers, one on the left and one on the right. I keep seeing only their shadows drawn upon the thick fog, formed by the flame that sustains them.
Continuing to walk for a while, I pass the shop and the blacksmith. Shortly after I arrive to the village's round square with the well in its core.
Here the village's largest and most expensive two storied house can be seen at the north's centre of the square's edge.
The mayor's mansion is situated among the other commercial buildings placed around this circular village's heart made of stone.
Closing to the two guards at the main entrance door, I say:
"Good morning dear lads!
How this day of your fares?!
Visit to Malkar I pay!
Inside let me,
you may?"
My kind words were repaid by a bitter look from one of the guards. The other kept his eyes on the surroundings, yet I felt he sees me far too well…
Without even looking at me, he hammers on the door with his metal covered fist. Hearing steps approaching, the door opens.
Another guard… How many are there?
Never have I seen that many guards before in this village… With the previous mayor Rakti, money was not spent in such a vile way! Anyways... The village never truly faced any intruders, except wild animals and a few lost creatures...
I haven't had the luck to meet the new mayor Malkarth in person, but as far as I heard, people consider him a savior... One to promise safe and prosperous times ahead... After he emerged as the one to discover the questionable practices of the old mayor Rakti, it was Him that was consequently put in power, crowned as the village's brave hero... But this!?... All these guards and soldiers everywhere?... Strange...
The guard led me into one of the living rooms placed upon the ground floor. Here Savith appears to be deepened in the papers and coins, overseeing Klan's finances.
Seeing me enter the room, he raises his eyes. Looking rather annoyed, perhaps even bored by my presence, he says:
Savith:
"Drako… Good boy…
What is it you seek?
What brought you in here,
in the middle of the week?
Have you come again,
to solve all our pain?!
Sweet Garvan tells all,
success's your domain…"
Drakko:
"As always,
you're right!
As bright is day's light!
Came I for more bite,
as winter is might...
Is my service of need?
Who should I make bleed?!"
Savith smiled slightly under his well-grown moustache...
Nodding his head at the guard and directing his eyes to point upstairs, the guard leaves, obeying Savith's signal.
Heavy, metal covered steps can be heard smashing the expensive wood, making their way to the upper floor...
Savith:
"Go to the next room.
Wait for a short while…
Prepare big, cute smile!
He'll make it worthwhile."
Drakko:
Bowing to Savith, I too follow his commands.
Taking a seat in the room across, a room looking like a study filled with bookshelves along with a small table and two chairs in the middle of it, I sit down, and I wait patiently.
After far more than a short while, which I used to practice the listening of my thoughts, I hear steps on the stairwell... Slow, quite light steps, accompanied by a heightened tone, are coming from what I assume are expensive, high-heeled boots…
The high tone is softened by a long coat that follows their path.
A well-dressed and perfectly adjusted man enters the room. Our new mayor is nothing like the old one, wearing a lavish fur coat, exquisite leather boots, and a dark shirt of which only the collar shows from underneath a sweater. It is looking so soft and tender, it could be made from the very skin of newborn babies.
Standing tall and proud, he looks at me confidently as no one else before, carrying a devious smile that is hard to read... Yet one thing his being reveals is clear… This man is in control… And in power… And he very well knows it… And very much enjoys it…
Raising his opened arms in a welcoming gesture, he starts:
Malkarth:
"True legend I see!
In front my own eyes.
They all do agree,
you're full of surprise…
Glad I am you came!
I'm sure you won't shame...
Whatever's the game,
trust's put in your name…"
Drakko:
He boldly releases from his charming mouth, with present pride being in the manner of how articulate and confident his words are, not in anything regarding my persona…
Shaking his hand, and slightly bowing to his will as he comes closer, I reply:
"Honored I am
of your excellency.
Promise mine you have,
reject shan't be any..."
Accepting my words with the same kind of unshaken, twisted, and utterly confident smile, Malkarth invites me to sit with his ring-covered right hand.
Clearing the coat out of his way, he sits and continues:
Malkarth:
"So lovely to hear,
when one has my full ear!
Rare is your loyal kind…
I wish they all shared
your state of mind…
Now back to the task!
The job…
I'll unmask…
Sweet village of Kolan...
The one loved by all…
Hope ours has fallen!
Danger on us sprawled…
Unseen hordes of thieves!
They steal even the leaves!
This cannot go more on!
It belongs to us all…
Thus, I call Drakko!
Left won't be even shadow…
You my words do seize?
Sure you'll slay them with ease…"
Drakko:
Thieves… Hordes… With 'ease'… Not the words I looked for, nor the words I trust. But what are my options?... Not many...
"What is That which they stole?
Need I hear the story whole…
Find shall I the loophole…
How big is my payroll?"
I asked engagingly yet restrained.
Malkarth:
"Wine, gold and steel!
In night they conceal!
From my own village's vault...
Basement is under assault!
Of coin worry not!
Winters will surely be hot…"
Drakko:
Hordes of thieves that steal the common goods from the basement of the most guarded building in the entire village…?! How would they be able to do That …?
"Have Any of you
something seen, perhaps heard?
How could then them all
those goods be transferred?
Seeing a kind of boredom, distaste, and clear dissatisfaction appear on Malkarth's face, he sputters:
Malkarth:
"Did not I call upon you,
for questions so plain!
Now that we are all through…
Results!
You'll make rain!
Three days you do own!
In which their Heads will be shown!
If those come in waste,
I'll have you erased!"
Drakko:
Without many options left, as the danger of incorrect responses filled the room's air, where even one of the guards peeked into the room to check why his lord sounded displeased, I merely give him a light bow as a positive affirmation.
With a smirk of satisfaction upon his face, he leaves the table, heading back upstairs, stopping by at Saviths' before that to share an unknown whisper.
Gathering my disrupted thoughts and emotions while Malkarth is warming Savith's ear, I do not dare to enrage the mayor further, and thus, as soon as he starts walking upstairs, I approach our accountant.
"Please, may I see
where the rats do their spree?
If in they can come,
how does leave that poor scum?..."
Shaping Savith's moustache into a smile, he leads me to the basement.
Savith:
"Realize you do,
indeed, I do hope!
Failing Malkarth,
will surely mean rope…
So good luck to you boy!
Welcome back in our employ!"
Drakko:
Hissed Savith with deep enjoyment in his voice...
Power, no matter how grand, whether wielded single-handedly or partaken in by service, is intoxicating, and does truly obscure the mind.
But that is the world I live in, and in it, whether I like it or not, you either learn how to swim or are drowned without lasting remorse.
With the sound of the door closing, shutting my eyes for but a short moment to clean the slate of my mind, I shift from an obedient sheep to a hungry wolf in search of its prey.
In front of me - the basement… Spacy as far as the eye can see stands. Filled with valuable goods one surely craves...
From precious weapons that did not sell, to copper bars to be used for minor trading. Casks of expensive alcohol, opulent paintings with golden frames, crates with steel metal bars, a few vaults hiding the most precious of metals, and many other things can be found here. Things that are worth far more than to be put into general storage, which is too guarded very well, yet without being additionally buried underground beneath our lord's very feet.
Taking note of everything there, I make a list of what to focus on when I approach the traders passing by, especially those that pride themselves on not being that of a - let's say - public nature...
Yet, the thought of how one enters this basement and carries the goods out still eludes me…
I examine the corners, examine the walls, the floors, everything imaginable… Searching for an external, more physical way of how one would get in and out, perhaps making the way under the very soil we walk upon…
Nothing…
Trying to capture the picture of this vast room, I leave the premises, heading to hunt those traders whose moral boundaries are pushed to the limits, or completely abandoned.
One that straight comes to my mind is Brian, or at least that is what he called himself last time. By mistake, he introduced himself as Henrik once, so it's hard to say what his real name truly is...
Knowing he stays for an extremely short while at the local pub, exactly before the sun sets, I wait, and later, enter the premises through the old wooden door covered in human filth.
'Shockingly' enough, the first thing I hear is Garvan's voice, showing off loudly in front of his friends, upon whatever the current topic is, since he always knows better than the others anyway.
Garvan:
"All-Mighty Drakko!
One fabled around!
The force moving mountains!
Among the uncrowned..."
Drakko:
With uttering 'uncrowned' he bows ironically, drunk as hell off course, and then continues...
Garvan:
"Revered as his kin!
Garvan is mere DUST!
As heavens would rather
this god entrust!"
Drakko:
Howled my sweet drunken brother some more, aggressively standing up in the very second he saw me walk through the door...
The door that he undoubtedly guarded for new incomers that he could amaze.
Jumping through the table and spilling a few pitchers of his friends' beers in the process, he avidly runs to welcome me to his home.
While the annoyed yet well-accustomed barkey starts to clean the spilled beer, I notice that Brian too was intrigued by my strongly presented presence.
Slightly nodding when our eyes meet, we acknowledge each other.
"The sun did barely set,
yet your belly's fully fed!
How early have you come?!
Your face is so damn numb…"
I say, smelling the loaded breath of my brother, currently kissing my cheek near the ear.
Garvan:
"Agrh! Shut that fancy song!
With beer there's nothing wrong!
Barely have I sit!
Pipe mine's not even lit!"
Drako:
He spews out loudly half burping, along with a ray of smoke mixed with beer vapor, both coming from the deepest depths of his stomach.
Garvan:
"Came to join you did?!
Come brother!
Come sit!"
Drakko:
He said, while swaying back to his table.
Tripping on someone's chair, he waves his hand to signify an arrogant, indifferent pardon.
Shaking my head in disapproval, knowing that by the time he sits down he will have already forgotten about me being there, I aim for the direction of the bar where Brian sits.
Quickly shoving the warm wine down my throat after we share the briefest look, without a word spoken between us, we leave the bar, one shortly after the other.
That is, after all, how it always worked...
After he leaves, I follow him to the outskirts of the village where we share a walk and quietly talk business.
Brian starts wittily as always, without a hint of fear in his voice:
'Brian':
"Evening, precious friend…
What rules today I'll bend?
Service mine I offer...
All you need
is copper…"
Drakko:
"Ooo my sweet old odd Brian…
How I missed your wit undying…
Same as always I do need!
Loot I gathered you'll sure heed…"
Welcoming my unusual 'friend', I catch his attention with my flattering words. Confining his eagerness and greedy excitement, he continues:
'Brian':
"Careful, careful,
resourceful friend...
Hope it does come
with no loose end…
You Know old Brian
and His wary mind…
Cursed will be those,
that are too blind!"
Drakko:
"Fear you do not.
You know what I'm taught…
Details I'll unknot…
I know what I ought…
Now, hear my full lot!
Resist,
you shall not…"
Reassuring my most questionable buyer about the safety of my goods, I continue towards the desired effect, offering him a list of wares at my fictional disposal.
They are the same wares that I saw in the basement, and the easiest to take away in larger numbers.
Examining his reactions, Brian being an old fox, I'm forced to notice even the subtlest details of his expressions and to feel if anything seems off.
As he reads through the list I manage to sense just that. Noticing upon his face that the goods presented are familiar to him, once he recognizes that he reacted readably, too feeling that something is off, he heatedly says:
'Brian':
"Interest mine did fade!
As intentions yours swayed!
What's that which you seek?!
Don't think my mind is weak!"
Drakko:
He saw through my game… He knows I'm not here to sell, but to ask about the wares that he unintentionally admitted to know of…
"Pardon my poor game!
Your wit is to blame…
Sure needed I be,
page we share the same…
Look I for Those men,
who come now and then…
The next time they shall,
you'll show your old pal...
After they find peace,
your sack
I will grease…"
To further ease Brian's obvious pain and rage, I enhance my words by slipping him more than a few gold coins…
Yet, he still answers furiously, and now without the slightest attempt to congest his enragement:
'Brian':
"You dirty rot snake!
I hope!
For your sake!
Gold, health if I lose,
born will be abuse!
For your wife is sweet,
I'd hate rid her feet!
Your cute boy to come
miss he would his mum!
So you fucking hope!
Or you'll beg for rope!
In two days they come…
You won't be a hum!"
Drakko:
Grabbing Brian by his neck with my left hand, I almost tear away a chunk of his flesh where his large vein now strongly pulsates with anger. With the right, I press the blade deeply into the soft skinny meat under his left chin, and 'embracing' him from close as the blood starts to slowly drip down my dagger, I whisper into his ear:
"Now take a deep breath.
Or risk sudden death!
Once more you shall speak,
carnage you will wreak!
Those that threaten mine,
slaughter I like swine!
So speak one more word,
and you'll hear the unheard!"
As he lifts his hands in a gesture of submission and our common 'understanding', taking my shaky hand away from his bleeding throat, I aggressively push him away, making our ways part.
My wife warned me to be careful when I told her about needing to do one last job, but this…!? To threaten my family…!? Touching a hair on their head… I'd clean his bloodline and bathe in their blood...
Act #4 – Turning wave
Drakko:
'As vast dawdling shadow
fell upon our lands,
rats were being followed
at reach of Drakko's hands…
Eyes firmly locked!
Upon the guilty ones...
No clues have yet been caught,
from our nocturnal sons…
Howls, hugs and laughs,
shook the calm forest trees…
In an empty distant place,
hear could only breeze…
In this forgotten ground,
an old hut has been found!
The source of all their wealth,
crooks' lair has now been crowned…
As the rusty old full freight,
left their golden site,
stayed there only one man,
to take up his last fight.
When the right time came around,
with no one there but freeze…
Out my dagger popped!
As the moment did I seize…
Saw the emptiness abound,
exposed by the frail moon light...
As the hound stood not his ground,
entrance was polite…
In this empty old house
none did make a sound!
Not even that sole mouse,
that alone was here found…
Only rot old stairs,
where one would walk with 'ease...'
Led they to long lost wares,
which put me on my knees.
Once more no-one was met,
that'd pay my awful debt…
As goods did largely lack,
no heads too I could get…
Where is the lonely son?!
That web surely has spun!
With darkness he has merged!
Trace he did leave me none!
After my search was done,
the wall faired her only son!
The unveiled tunnel has shun,
my crawling now begun…'
As I was trying to squeeze myself further through the tiny tunnel in their small hut's basement, hidden in the forest nearby Klan, the feeling telling me something was wrong was growing stronger...
As I foolishly ascribed it to the simple fear, I merely continued...
Being sure I searched the place thoroughly, this was - one way or another - the only path leading further… And if the man left to guard the hut by himself could manage to crawl through, I could surely achieve the same...
After all, it needs to lead somewhere, somewhere significant, revealing the missing clue…
'As hours turned to days,
as it at least did seem,
walls became my jail!
Of light there was no beam…
In such eternal dark
hope lost its only spark!
Have I fallen from grace?!
Is This my parting ark?!
As life becomes but thought,
true terror I'm now taught!
With nowhere to escape,
noone hears me rot…
When dread took muscle shape,
and the end did meet my prowl…
A new day's only wraith!
Myself
I now forgot…
In this final moment
of letting all known go,
it is her love I felt!
The last thing that I know…
How foolish have I been!
To leave her loving side…
If gods will save my skin,
we never shall divide!
And when my strong, young boy
will enter this new world…
The same love meets his joy!
And He too shall be pearled!
As her face I did deem,
as hope's last bright dusk beam...
The Dark One's words did gleam,
began has now new dream…
Blackness this dream has shown,
new life in me has flown!
Which course the real one is?!
New Cycle now is sown…
From birth until new death!
It only takes one breath!
As One is always last,
they all sure pass so fast…
With a universe so vast,
always the same you are asked…
How much wisdom's amassed?!
Will it make you outlast?!
If brought you answer - No,
continues your sweet flow…
Cycle spirals, no end…
Time comes when you ascend!
As a creature you're godsent!
You much suffer intend?!
If too great is your ache,
it's time you shall awake!
And as awake I did,
my body wasn't rid…
Thus, as the new old tale
slithered I more like snail…
Where one cycle shows end,
the others still suspend…
As your time's only lend,
you sure should try amend…
As time exist did cease,
I finally found my peace…
Mind that saw sweet release,
body was its mere piece…
Spirit saw some attain!
Behind left all the pain…
With the last straws now been drained,
it is time for Last reign!
Thus, as my hands dragged through,
witnessed my eyes new view…
A glare bared path's outer line,
steel ended long roam mine…
As that thick robust door,
unsealed before my eyes,
barely I spilled indoor,
and straight received surprise!
When edgeless heap of clubs,
slowly unbarred my bones…
None were recognized!
Of my enemies' tones…
Thus, as I closed in…
A new dream, one more spin…
Through stems of devils mine,
saw Garvan's boneless spine!
As curved scared wooden doll,
he leaned against the wall…
Peeked close at my torment,
enjoying each moment…
With the glance that last got through,
no more brother I knew…!'
'With a body like on strings,
I open my ached eyes…
Tied close to such strong pier,
crowd hails my fast demise!
As all 'allies' of mine,
for long aloud have sung…
The King hearing his swarm roar,
peace quickly comes restore…
As flesh starved smart slick beast,
he swings before his feast!
Opens his arms as wings,
starts pulling their strings!
And as they're all mere swines,
built they for him his shrines!
Heeding his every word!
Fooled was another herd…'
Malkarth:
"Bring justice now I shall!"
Drakko:
'Never he smelled morale…'
Malkarth:
"Drakko's the one that we sought!"
Drakko:
'Thickened he made up plot…'
Malkarth:
"In jail he'll pay till rot!"
Drakko:
'Well now he found the spot!
As tide on rash ocean,
news spilled upon my head,
regained was plain notion,
of what is under threat…
Yell mine held by thick cloth,
soon turned to desperate wail,
when I saw Garvan's cloak,
and recognized face pale…
Mayor's voice did not aid,
since herd cheered "Death!" once more…
Cut short was my crusade,
they on my knees me brought…'
Malkarth, whispering:
"Fear not my sweet old saint,
bravely you took guilt mine…
Your pregnant lovely wife,
will too have built a shrine!
Blood yours will comfort her,
as dire need will be…
And she will Sure concur!...
As her meat He will reave!"
Malkarth to the guards:
"NOW take this rotten scum!
Away from my fine face…
Throw him to the slum!
Continues my fair reign!"
Drakko:
'The wave of Malkarth's hand,
at once could have me hanged!
Instead, he chose long path,
in my pain he takes bath.
Hate, fury filled form,
as dragged was I off stage...
With nothing on my mind,
but wife and son and rage...
The one I once called own,
turned my heart to dead stone.
In blood lake he shall drown!
When back will be my crown!
Pulled as mere slaughtered stock,
was the beaten body mine...
To wagon filled with cries…
To place
where all hope dies…
Not even one mind
showed mercy on my soul…
When moans of Truth reach clouds,
free will shall be their toll!
But fear not my dear sweet sheep,
for pain's price will be steep!
For every drop of smothered love THE whole sea in turn you'll weep!
With the last loud empty scream,
taken was I downstream…
Prison for those who sin,
and for those that deem.
Last glance upon the crowd...
Skimming through faces theirs…
I saw the one who 'won'!
The one
that never cared…
Slight smile upon his cheek,
granted me my last peek…
No trace of slightest guilt…
For self,
new life he's built.
Foundations made of pain,
how could I allow such bane…!?
Turning his back to me,
his soul will be the fee…
Act #5 - New ends
3 years later in the prison barn...
Drakko:
'In an old wooden barn,
where souls gather round,
in form sat or sound,
we both looong have been bound…
Who is it that decides,
where the fate got us now?
Whether it's meat or the hound,
only with time we're endowed…
Thus, now that we both
learned how to fully loath,
only now can we see,
we're both faar from being free…
Wisdom that life has now shown -
the blind feel love for their throne…
And as we're ones with no rights,
they'll earn heaps of our bites!
Forming new rabid pacts,
the dungeon showed its tiny cracks!
As days turned to long years,
cracks helped us rid of our fears!
And as fear turned to hate,
disaccepted we our fate!
Filled with hope for my dears,
and now dried out old tears,
in the one of new nights,
we'll claim back our born rights!'
Many nights later...
Drakko:
'The night has once more fallen,
on me and brothers mine…
For many nights were stolen!
But this one!
Shall be bright!
Some endured here their whole lives…
Pain sharpened their rust knifes!
For I came to their aid,
and turned their hate to faith!
The logs to which we're tied,
in rows, by chains and thoughts,
since fed us they mere bones,
turned we them to keys we sought!
As rocks we did remain.
Till all of us were free.
Since guards in barn still reigned…
And kept us they so weak!
But when we All did barely hear,
that the last of us got free…
The space did fill the Feel!
One we never hoped to steal!
First breath we took as ONE!
For we've already won…!
Whether we die or live,
it shall be sweet relief…
As deer that smells its wolf,
sensed guards their end is near…
Before we even soared,
turned they their heads in fear!
As thunder crawls on flash…
Inevitable clash!
Released were beasts of hate!
Rage finally found its gate!
And so, the blood has flown!
Both ours and our foe's!
Earth turned to rosy lake.
Air with last screams did shake!
Through corpses till the gate,
the price paid was far too great!
For when we breached first hold,
sight we saw the untold…
At the shore of wooden barn...
By the edge to prison yard...
With the few brothers that left,
guards' clumps deny our theft!
Both meat and angry hounds,
keep firmly their new grounds…
With nothing but few swords,
there's no way through these hordes...
Then,
with the last drop of might!
We charged into the night!
For men with nothing left,
will fight!
Till their last breath!
Yet,
seeing my brothers fall,
began I doubt this brawl…
Honor has here no place…
My loved one showed her face.
Thus,
with thoughts fixed on home,
began my run for wall!
Leaving brothers to drown…
I let them all boil down…
With nothing but sheer luck…
No arrow got me struck!
Mere will helped me climb through!
With fall
some blood I spew.
But now I took deep breath!
Of freedom my first sip…
But ended not my theft!
As guards shall chase my slip!
Thus,
with the last power's shred,
steered by long lost moon's light…
Further my hope I fed!
That I'll see my delight…
The will my legs has rushed...
Tore they the air of night!
And as mind mine filled fright,
my thoughts
could not be hushed…
At the end of endless path,
when the body sensed near death!
From the forest I emerged!
And felt forgotten urge…
Home, family of mine!
Taken by that fucking swine!
Mind chatter now did cease...
Wrath brought me some brief peace…
Smashing through our front door,
fell I on kitchen floor…
Empty the room has been...
No trace of my rot kin…
After a short, long while,
laying on dirty floor,
heard I steps from afar,
coming from my old loft…
Step by step down stairs,
I Hope it's one that cares!
But breath leaves body mine,
when all I see is swine!'
"Where is she?!"
I do scream,
"Where is she!?"
assuming I don't deem…
Garvan answers in smile,
enjoys he every while…'
Garvan:
"Sweet brother..."
Drakko:
'leaves his mouth…'
Garvan:
"I missed you..."
Drakko:
'adds to his taunt…'
Garvan:
"Don't worry!"
Drakko:
'Says as last…
Before he opens past…'
Garvan:
"So darn sweet she… Well... Was!
So loong followed my laws…
Even after boy died,
she still played loving bride…
But put your mind at ease!
I taught her to say 'please…'
I mean, it took some time!
The raping…
Was my prime!
Drakko:
'When he crouched near body mine,
he delivered his worst line…'
Garvan:
"You know, after some time…
When lost was all her hope…
Screams turned to silent whine…
Her way out was the rope.
But by that time, I won!
Tired of her body grown!
The corpse I fed to pigs...
Returned to loving drinks.
Oh! And I forgot your son!
Klovis! Her only sun…
You should have seen her face!
When pigs left of him no trace!
Drakko:
"AAAAAAA!"
'With the last drop of my strength,
I aimed for a quick torment…
Threw myself on his throat,
yet he knew I'd devote…
Pushing me back on ground:'
Garvan:
"For too long you've been downed…"
"You're far from the Man you were!"
Drakko:
'My body did concur…
Thus, on my wooden floor...
With nothing left to tie…
With hate and nothing more...
Was I ready to die…
And in that supreme wrath…
In the moment of my death…
Could I with my last breath,
abandon my old path…
And then,
as nothing more was left…
As was entered endless depth…
All of it did cease!
Blessed I was with release…
Then,
the flash of brightest light,
came from my forgotten hide…
The Mask began new path,
to welcome One of Wrath!
Once brother - struck to ground!
Its magic kept him bound!
Through the wooden gate I sink!
My life is all just blink.'
Dark one:
"When the fate of yours is found,
the Mask will keep you bound!
Every Thing you see or feel to your True Self IT ALL WILL KNEEL!"
Act #6 - Awakening
No-one:
'Name
there once was…
Confusion was its cause.
Form
it once had…
Thus, feels and thoughts were add.
'I'
the being self it called…
And thus, the past it hauled.
'Shall'
the creature planned…
Then dreamt of futures' land.
Taught
the divine was…
The game fooled it with laws.
And when in those it swam,
not feeling water's wham,
it did as ruled the plot,
and realized not its rot…
As thrill the life does have,
if one does not live halved…
Yet, when it sees its Self…!
Day's light in ageless night…
Start to awake it shall!
And night, too, shall glow bright.
Thus, there once just Was!
'Drakko!'
Was its clause.
And when it let self go…
The Truth!
Started to flow.
Deep in…
Exhale…
Passed was another veil…
No light…
No shade…
No place to be astrayed…
No fore…
No by…
'Now' is eternal cry…
No pain…
No hate…
Nothing left to fixate…
No sense…
No thought…
Nothing left to be sought…
So then why,
some might ask,
There Is a devoted task…?
The things are…
We ask Why?
Seeks the slumbering mind's eye…
And thus world…
Shall more spin…
As the Will resides within!
With no rise…
With no end…
With no absolute intend.
There is love…
There is grudge…
Rid 'I' myself of the judge…
And thus 'I'…
Shall too spin…
As one plays the violin…
Since all comes…
And all goes…
And the Why only God 'knows'.'
Act #7 - The flow
Unknown:
With the last of day's light break,
when came eternal night…
Unburdened does awake!
And acts
how's in His right.
As a mountain, rises up!
While rat to hole runs hide…
But as all is One!
Rat falls to floor all tied.
Darkness keeps guilty bound!
While free Ones slide as tide…
The rat begins to squeal!
As he fries from inside.
One would expect some said…
From One that can now speak…
But wasted would be words!
Instead
observes loud shriek.
While rat in own hell swims,
hoping it all soon ends…
Well, it barely began!
As known are lacked amends.
As torn is soul from flesh!
And earned pains' forms it's shown…
Spirit will not move yet!
As pain can learn till bone.
Ere long there's nothing left!
From flesh No-One called own…
But He sees only quest!
To make The Void be known.
Free do not form the thrill!
Neither they dwell on feel!
Now He only Is!
'Worships' only Abyss.
He rolls as a wave ahead!
As smooth as water's flow…
As they're already blessed!
They only need to 'know'.
The one that sinned decides!
From deep ends of one own's heart…
'Deserve I live or die ?!'
Spirit does not know lies.
Thus, in eternal dark,
as a crawling mist he spreads!
Around the guilty ones!
We cut short our own threads.
Village bells have rung!
As they saw the darkness come…
Black clouds and rotten ground!
Night swallowed sinners' mound.
Those that at heart did sin!
And glimpsed no True way out…
Those had their life gone been!
Still, the spirit learned throughout.
As those spirits have moved,
to other chosen lands…
Some felt more here can learn!
And those bodies still stand.
As a herd they gathered round,
on village's paved round square…
While shades now stood their ground!
Waiting
their true heir.
From the mist he did emerge!
As mere mist was all along…
Without saying one word!
They prayed for while prolonged.
Before hearing his roar...
Before terror formed sound…
The earth started to throb!
From depths came voice profound…
No-One:
"Drakko my name once was!
The one you let to rot…
Now time has come for all!
To see what 'I' was taught…"
Unknown:
In words they all felt dread!
But one much more than all…
Malkarth still did draw breath!
His spirit made the call.
And when their eyes have met...
And he pled for a quick death…
The fair One heard his debt!
Drew near to smell his breath.
Gazed he at molten wood…
Through cracks felt Void out poured…
And when the Truth was fed,
through pain at once was pured!
When starved by starved was shred…
To inmost depths then towed…
Forsaken sheep were left!
They knew they'll get what's owed…
No-one:
"For those that still hope hold!
For the day when you awake…
I'll spare your flesh and soul!
Worthy endure shall ache…
In this place you shall pair!
For I shall linger near…
And while in years you'll bear!
One day
I'll reappear…
Till that day surely comes!
And time fools you to ease…
New chosen Thirty Ones…
Will then find sham release!
By living in such dread…
You'll learn the Truth accept!
That Void cannot be fled!
That all life leads to death…"
'And while in scare they'll live,
striving for a state awake...
Adoring all the Be-ing!
The day comes they no more fear!'
Unknown:
Thus,
when these words were sworn,
and those left were reborn…
To the Void back One was torn,
and 'Curse Drakko' was born…
The End
Afterword
If the spark of yours burns, hopefully nourished further by this book, thus ever growing in potency; try this method of practice developed by my 'Guide' – Vladimir Vojen Kocurek. It is the first of 7 exercises, that end with a… Well… You'll see when the time comes…
This is the first one, and should be followed precisely as written:
Exercise n.1
"In night before sleep, when you're lying in the bed before sleeping, listen to your thoughts without influencing them in any way… Without stopping them, changing them or discussing/thinking about them in any way... (Just as if you're watching clouds in the sky)
If you manage perfectly without interruption or any miss-direction for 10 minutes, you will get exercise number 2."
Hope to meet you again in my second book – Spiral Drakko, that shall too bring you the second exercise.
Thank you!
Upcoming books
Visit my webpage to see the plan for upcoming books!
Don't forget to subscribe for a newsletter there, so I can inform you when the next book comes! ;)
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