A Trial of Courage: Chapter One

Chapter One

~Tonight I dreamt of a world unseen,
Where rivers gold flowed past pastures green~

         A man stood atop a rocky outcrop high above the land below, gazing down at the rolling green plains and swift flowing rivers of gold far in the distance. This land was in a constant state of twilit beauty, the amber sky casting a radiant glow over all it overlooked. He longed so very much to run across the rolling pastures, to wade in those glimmering waters that seemed so far beyond his grasp. Yet it also seemed an impossible desire, for between him and that land of paradise lie a deep valley filled only with darkness and beyond that a desolate wasteland.

         Sighing deeply, the downcast man turned his gaze away from the paradise that mocked him from afar. Why should he even attempt to cross those treacherous lands, where malevolent evils lurked in every shadow. His place was here, atop the towering mountain where one could see but never experience the thrills of the world. For hours he would stand, staring in wishful rapture at those lands of plenty, yet he always left feeling dejected and weary.

         This time was no exception, and the man slowly shambled back up the path that led away from hope and toward bitter indifference. He never questioned how it was he had even come to this land, he had simply awoken one day to find himself in a hut atop the mountain. There was nothing to eat nor drink atop this stony summit, yet it seemed to matter not to the man who never felt the pangs of hunger or thirst.

         As he climbed the path, the small wooden hut came into his field of vision. It represented comfort, in a way, due to its consistency and lack of change. Yet, it was for this reason that it also tortured the man, the miserable normality of it reminding him of how much more there was in the world. Entering the hut, he noticed that something was different.

         A small robin sat atop his straw filled cot, staring back at him with miniscule black eyes. Never had he seen any other living creature in all the time he had spent atop the mountain, and the bird’s presence enthralled him. Sitting down next to the tiny animal, who continued to stare at the man, he began to muse quietly.

         “How did one such as you come to this desolate peak where a man’s hopes and dreams are continually and endlessly crushed? Ah, to be a bird. Not limited to trudge across the ground and instead able to sore wherever you please. What strange and distant places have you seen o little one? Have you been to the lands of paradise far beyond the valley and wasteland?”

         All the time the man spoke, the robin sat with its head slightly cocked, as if it was listening and understanding all he said. With a small flutter of its wings, the bird landed gently on the man’s shoulder. Then, much too the man’s surprise, the creature spoke.

         “You say that you desire to reach the lands of paradise, yet never once have you attempted to leave this lofty mountain perch. Opportunity will never show itself if you simply sit and wait for it to come to you. If you truly wish to reach the golden rivers, you must first build the courage to set forth and find your destiny. It is better to try and fail than to not try at all.”

         The man mulled these words over before speaking again.

         “You speak much wisdom, yet how am I to even begin my journey if I know nothing of the dangers set before me?”

         The robin let out an exasperated sigh and pecked the man sharply on the ear.

         “Don’t you see! You cannot ever prepare yourself for all the dangers in the world. In order to reach goals, one must first take risks. Part of the journey to reach your goals is dealing with the consequences that lie between. You will never reach the end of your journey if you are too fearful to even begin it.”

         The man once again thought the robin’s words over, thinking deeply as to what he should do next. Finally, he came to a conclusion.

         “I now see the folly in my fear of the unknown. It seems that in my fear of the consequences I may face on my voyage to the lands of paradise, I was actually putting off starting the journey at all. I shall remedy this immediately! On this hour, I shall begin my travels, for better or worse! Anything is better than sitting here hour after hour, tortured by the knowledge of what could be.”

         The robin chirruped happily, dancing about on the man’s shoulder. Fluttering its wings, it glided over to land in the doorway of the hut.

         “I shall accompany you in your travels, should you ever need advise. I know this land well, and many a traveler have I guided through to safety. First however, you will require a few pieces of gear that will aid you in times of darkness and despair. On the cliffs where you used to stand, you will find a wooden chest. I will meet you there.”

         Without another word, the robin spread its wings and flew out into the sky. Gazing after it for a moment, the man stood and began traversing the path back to the cliffs that now stood for hope instead of regret. He would reach the lands of paradise, no matter what dreadful evils presented themselves!

         Each step now filled the man with a sense of euphoria, for with each fall of his foot he came a little closer to the final goal. In what seemed like no time at all, he reached the cliff that overlooked the land and saw a medium sized wooden chest. As he approached the chest, the robin dove from the sky and landed on top of it with admirable grace.

         “Open it. I shall explain to you the uses of each of the devices, though most of them should be self evident.”

         The robin leaped nimbly from the chest as the man strode forward and opened its lid. Within were a number of interesting artifacts, tools, and equipment. First, the man procured a leather belt that held many pouches for the storage of supplies.

         “This, as I’m sure you know, is a belt for the use of storage. It is completely weather proof and has been treated with a special wax to keep it from taking in water should you need to swim.”

         Next the man pulled forth a sword from the confines of the chest, sheathed in a scabbard of wrought iron. Drawing the weapon from its sheath revealed it to be of masterwork craftsmanship, perfectly balanced in weight and length.

         “An ancient blade, this one is. It grants strength and mastery to the wielder, allowing them to use the sword with the ease of an expert swordsman.”

         Reaching deeper into the chest, the man found himself holding a small, luminescent crystal connected to a silver chain.

         “When darkness surrounds you and you feel as if its very presence will swallow you alive, this crystal will light your way.”

         Next to come from the chest was a light grey cloak, woven from expertly sewn silk threads.

         “This cloak will protect you from the harmful effects of your surroundings, such as intense heat from the geysers of the wasteland and noxious gases of the valley. It won’t, however, defend you from the weapons of the evil creatures that inhabit those areas.”

         Two more items remained in the chest, a small set of gold rimmed spectacles and a book that seemed small enough to fit in one of the larger belt pouches. The man reached in and picked up the spectacles first. They had jet black lenses, seemingly which would constrict the wearer’s vision.

         “Do not be fooled by mere appearances alone, these glasses are much more than they appear to be. They allow the wearer to detect things that remain hidden to the eye when they ought not to be.”

         Finally, the man grabbed the book and pulled it out of the chest. The book’s cover was made of a green cloth, without any form of marking or writing.

         “This book may be one of the most valuable items you will bring with you. It grants information on most of the things found in the dark recesses of the valley and wasteland, including the land itself and the creatures within it. Simply open the book and it should show you that which you wish to know.”

         The man stared at the pile of gear he had accumulated for a moment, and then set about organizing it into a manner that would allow for easiest travel. First, he hung the sword in its sheath by the belt, following this by stashing the spectacles and book in pouches. Next, he looped the crystal’s silver chain around his neck and wore it like a pendant. Finally, he placed the belt about his waist and draped the cloak over his shoulders. The hood of the cloak came almost to his eyes, but the length of it stopped around his knees.

         He gazed out across the lands below, cloak flapping in a breeze that seemed to have sprung from nowhere. Confidence, courage, and determination were written plainly on his face. Turning his eyes to face the heavens, he gave a mighty shout that echoed across the vast expanses of the world below.

         “Let it be known, that on this day, I have set forth to find my destiny! I am master of my life! I shall reach the lands of plenty, even if all of hell should stand in my way!”

         In his eagerness, the man nearly stumbled over the cliff’s edge, causing tiny pieces of rock to cascade down its face. Steadying himself, the man turned to the robin.

         “Shall we set forth immediately? I wish not to waste a moment’s time here on this thrice-accursed mountain.”

         The robin twittered slightly and hopped over to stand by the man’s feet.

         “Now is as good a time to set out as any. I suggest we begin our descent on the eastern face of the mountain, where it is far less steep.”

         The man nodded in consent to this wise suggestion. Waving its wing in an obvious motion off “follow me,” the robin started to hop across the mountain towards the eastern slope, the man following close behind. As they walked, a question suddenly appeared in the man’s mind.

         “Do you have a name, robin?”

         The robin nodded slightly in acknowledgement.

         “Indeed I do, though it has been some time since anyone has ever used it. My name is Illiryich. I’m fairly certain I know the answer to this, but do you happen to remember your name?”

         The man shook his head, a slight look of bewilderment showing on his face.

         “I know neither my name nor how I even came to this land. I seem to recall waking at some point to find myself laying on a cot in that wooden hut on the mountain’s summit. I have no recollection of any past events.”

         Illiryich seemed to not find this information strange in the slightest, simply nodding his head as if it was what he had expected to hear all along.

         “As I expected. Well, you need a name regardless. Any name in particular catch your fancy?”

         The man thought this over carefully, straining his mind to remember any names he had heard in the past. Finally, a fleeting memory of an adventure story featuring a valorous knight by the name of Geoffrey surfaced.

         “Hmm . . . I think Geoffrey has a nice ring to it.”

         The robin began to hop across the rocks again, calling back as it moved.

         “Then Geoffrey it is. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

         They continued across the mountain in this manner for about an hour, meeting minimal difficulties along the way. The mountain, it seemed to Geoffrey, was much larger than he had previously thought. The eastern slope loomed just ahead of them, less than twenty paces away. Just as they were about to begin their descent, Illiryich barked a warning for Geoffrey to halt.

         A black mist began to seep over the edge of the slope, condensing in an opaque cloud just in front of the two travelers. The cloud was a black void in the soft twilight, filling all the area around it with smothering darkness. Geoffrey fell back a few steps in fear, but Illiryich actually moved forward slightly.

         Not only did Illiryich move forward, he also began to transform.

         Wings became arms, clawed feet became legs, and soon enough, a figure clad from head to toe in a full suit of shining silver plate armor stood before Geoffrey. In its right hand it held a longsword with a golden hilt and a sapphire pommel stone. In its left, a massive semi-triangular shield depicting a savage bird of prey.

         Stepping forward even more, Illiryich brandished his weapon and bellowed out a command centered at the cloud of shapeless darkness.

         “Serevrok, leave this man alone! As long as I stand by his side, you shall not harm him! Be gone you spawn of hell, and let us pass in peace!”

         Illiryich’s voice no longer held any trace of the amusing twitter that the robin’s had contained. It was deep, commanding, and carried with it a feel of inspiration that bolstered Geoffrey’s courage. Drawing his sword, Geoffrey too strode forward and faced the darkness.

         An idea suddenly entered Geoffrey’s mind, the golden spectacles might allow him to see what lurked in that pitch black mist. Drawing the glasses from the belt pouch that housed them, he placed them over his eyes and instantly saw a difference in the world around him. Everything around him was grey except for Illiryich and the creature that now stood before him.

         Though the black mist still partially obscured the creature from view, Geoffrey could now tell that it was actually humanoid in shape. A black hood hid its face, and the rest of its body was covered in a suit of spike-studded plate armor. A blood red silken sash was wrapped around its waist, housing two wicked looking scimitars. Trailing down its back was a cloak of the same color.

         Serevrok waved his arm, causing the mist to instantly dissipate. Letting out a mirthless laugh that sent shivers down Geoffrey’s spine, he began to speak.

         “So, I see you have found yet another lost spirit, Illiryich. Let me guess, you promised to take him through the valley and across the wasteland. The Grim would not be happy about this, as I’m sure you know. I have simply come to warn you, my Master will no longer tolerate your meddling in his affairs. This man belongs to the Grim, and he always gets what he wants, whether by force or negotiation.”

         Serevrok’s voice was cold, emotionless, and deliberate. No hint of anything he felt was ever shown, always hidden behind a mask of indifference. Illiryich seemed undaunted by any of these threats though, replying back in a forceful manner.

         “My answer is the same as it always has been. Never, as long as I exist, will I grant a soul to the Grim. Go back to your master, dog, and give him my response.”

         Giving an annoyed sigh, Serevrok stepped backward a few paces. Just before he vanished into a swirl of black mist, he issued a warning that, at least to Geoffrey, seemed a cause for concern.

         “Very well, have it your way Illiryich. However, the Grim has vowed to have your head if you defy him again. Do whatever you wish, but don’t say I didn’t warn you when you are captured and brought to the Inverted Spire for . . . judgment.”

         When Serevrok had disappeared, Illiryich turned back to Geoffrey.

         “I’m sorry I never told you. I thought that you would trust me much more freely if I was of a shape that seemed . . . less imposing. I suppose I owe you an explanation.

         First, let me explain where we are. This is a realm where spirits roam free, weaving the very fabric of the land based on varying circumstances. Say, a man spends his whole life meditating in order to reach true enlightenment. In this man’s case, he will find whatever he envisions as enlightenment, waking later in his own world to find that little time had passed.

         Before you even ask, I cannot tell you under which circumstances you came to this spirit realm; that remains for you to discover. Though, based on what I’ve seen, the landmarks represent some sort of trial. Never before have I seen a soul’s path pass directly through the lands of the Grim. I will do everything in my power to get you out of here safe; the Grim shan’t have the satisfaction of claiming another spirit!

         I am a guide of sorts. Long ago, a power much higher than myself placed me here to protect those who would traverse this ever evolving landscape. Countless millennia I have seen pass, ever watching for opportunities to aid those who require assistance.

         Only rarely do spirits ever truly linger in this realm, and those that do remain become as twisted as the land around them. Rather, what I mean to say is, they come to physically reflect what their deepest desire is . . . sometimes even gaining characteristics that would allow them to achieve these goals.

         The Grim is the greatest example of this spiritual corruption. Thousands of years ago, his spirit appeared deep within the valley you see below you. Rather than wandering aimlessly as most spirits would have done due to the temporary amnesia they suffer, he seemed to know exactly what he had come for. He began to shape his surroundings to his liking, creating such structures as the Inverted Spire for his own nefarious purposes.

         Needless to say, when it became apparent that he had no desire to pass on, I deemed it necessary to interfere. However, when I arrived to forcibly remove him from the spirit realm, I also found out that he had been amassing an army of tainted souls. I was overpowered and forced to retreat.

         There are no other wardens in this particular realm, so I haven’t been able to launch a full frontal assault on the Grim’s stronghold, the Inverted Spire. Instead, I have been striving to keep him from gathering any more souls, thus depriving him of at least some of his strength.”

         Illiryich paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and then continued.

         “Let me just get this out of the way now, and you must make the decision. Your quest will be all the more dangerous if I accompany you, due to the fact that the Grim wants me dead. Will you still have me? I understand if you wish to set forth alone.”

         Geoffrey didn’t even take a moment to think this over, simply giving a slight chuckle.

         “Do you know how lost I would be without your guidance? You are the reason I even decided to begin this adventure. You gave me courage, determination . . . a will to believe in myself. Never, in my wildest dreams, would I forsake you now. Don’t talk of such ridiculousness ever again; we shall reach the lands of paradise together!”

         Even though none of Illiryich’s face was visible because of his helm, Geoffrey could tell that he was pleased by his decision. It was good to have a companion on this journey, for he knew that it would be both a frightful and dangerous experience. This Grim fellow seemed to be someone you wouldn’t want to cross, ever.

         Stowing all of his equipment away, Geoffrey turned to face the eastern slope of the great mountain. Thinking to himself for a moment, he decided to give the mountain a name, because, after all, it was the starting point of what was probably the greatest journey he would undertake in his life. Desperation’s Pinnacle, that is what he would call it.

         Suddenly, something landed on Geoffrey’s shoulder, startling him greatly. His heart still pounding, he saw that it was Illiryich, now in the form of a robin again. Geoffrey took a deep breath to calm himself.

         “Well, ready to depart Illiryich? And also, you can stay in your natural form if you wish.”

         The robin chirped slightly and nodded.

         “Indeed, let us set forth at once. I shall change back once we reach the base of the mountain. You can only imagine how annoying it is to climb down a mountain in full plate armor.”