Chapter 236 - Temple of Moss

Wasn't happy with this chapter yesterday. Rewrote it today and it's now 50% longer. Hope you enjoy!

“Like stars in the sky,” Hump repeated Myra’s words in his head. Her dragon was named Starfall, so he couldn’t help but read into her words. She appeared happy as she stared at Nisha, going down on her knees and holding out a hand as the little dragon approached. Celaine had told them it had been over two years since Starfall had died back when they’d been heading to Fisher’s Lake. It must have been more like three now.

“Hi there, little one,” Myra said, softly. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Nisha sniffed at her curiously, tilting her head around, her tail whipping behind her. Stonefang watched with tired eyes.

“This is Nishari,” Hump said, skirting around any complications.

“Celaine told me,” Myra said.

“Oh, of course she did,” Hump said. “It must be nice for the two of you to catch up after so long.”

Nisha rubbed her face against Myra’s hand and then flopped onto her side in front of her, rolling over for her under-scales to be rubbed.

Myra laughed. “Aren’t you just the cutest.” She looked up at Hump, scratching Nisha under her chin. “It’s been lovely, though I had some difficulty prying information regarding you out of her. You’re a mystery, Wizard Humphrey.”

She looked at Hump, staring straight into his eyes, unblinking. Like Celaine’s, hers were green, though they lacked her sister’s shine, as if fogged by clouds.

“Is that right?” Hump asked, scratching the back of his head. “I’m surprised. I suppose there’s just not that much to tell.”

“That doesn’t seem likely. An outsider bonded to a wolf dragon, and a wizard that has passed Owalyn’s first trial. Best of all, the boy that kept my sister from me for a year. It sounds like there’s much to tell. You must be sure to tell us all about it tonight.”

“Tonight?” Hump asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Has Celaine not spoken to you yet?” Myra asked. “Mum has absolutely insisted you must come over for dinner, so don’t keep him too late, Ado.”

“That sounds brilliant,” Hump said, forcing a smile. “She must have forgotten to mention it this morning, but I’ve been looking forward to meeting everyone. She’s always talking about you all?”

“What does she say?” Myra asked, her voice probing. Hump noticed an almost dullness to her voice, like she wasn’t fully invested in the conversation, and was simply going through the motions.

“That she looks up to you,” Hump said. “And that she’s been looking forward to returning home.”

“Is that so.” She turned back to Nisha. “Well, little Nishari, I don’t think I should keep you two much longer, and I’ve brought some dinner for Stonefang.”

“We’ll be going,” Ado said. “Thanks for visiting him, Myra.”

“Not at all. It’s nice to be with someone that knows my own heart.” She stood, walking over to Stonefang who uncurled a little more.

There was a contentedness between the two of them, but something strange had permeated the entire encounter. The two shared in a great loss, and it invaded their auras in a way that Hump could sense.

“Come on,” Ado said. “This was just the first stop.”

Hump glanced at the man. “Where are we going?”

“The Temple of Moss. Not the safest trek, so keep your staff on you. Good place for us to see what you can do though.”

Ado led Hump along a well beaten track behind Stonefang’s barn. “I take it Celaine’s told you of the situation?”

“With her sister?” Hump nodded. “I’m informed.”

“Terrible what happened to Starfall. Don’t let it happen to you, lad.”

Hump glanced back at Myra and Stonefang just as they went out of sight. “I don’t intend to.”

They reached the threshold of Drakalyn quickly, and Hump gave Ado a quizzical look.

“Is it really okay for us to just go wandering about the Fallen Lands?” Hump asked.

“I used to make the trip alone as a kid,” Ado said. “Times have changed, and the forests are more dangerous now, but it’s not far. Not that I recommend you go walking out here alone.” He looked at Nisha. “You keep her close to. In that pouch of yours.”

“Got it,” Hump said.

The forest was gorgeous in the afternoon light. They were thick in spring now, and lush green leaves filled the trees overhead, rays of sunlight shining through. It was a well beaten trail, and one that would be easy enough to follow even if Hump had been on his own. The birds sung overhead, cooing as they noticed their presence. Or, Hump should say, his presence. Ado was as quiet as a ghost, and invisible to Hump’s magical senses. He wondered if that was a common trait amongst Owalyn’s Chosen, or simply a skill that the hunters of Drakalyn had perfected.

They talked as they walked. Ado’s ease making Hump relax a little, despite where he was walking. Nisha gazed around with curious excitement, watching the birds and squirrels amongst the trees, while Hump monitored the same placed for potential threats. He was ready if an attack came. Over the last few days, he’d recharged both his staff’s Sphere of Protection enchantment and Molten Pit, so if a fight came, he was as well equipped as he could be.

Ado surprised Hump that afternoon. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected, but it certainly wasn’t a stroll through the forest accompanied by a simple chat. Celaine and Vamir had made it sound like Ado was a choice of instructor designed to beat him down and make him want to leave the village. Instead, the man reminded Hump a little of his master. He had that same analytical approach as they discussed Hump’s current skillset, his progress, and where he thought he had the most room to improve. Hump explained the training he’d been doing with Vivienne, which seemed to surprise the shaman.

“What exercises do you typically practice?” Ado asked, taking a left as the trail forked.

Hump told him of the basic shaping exercises he’d done ever since he was a boy, some of the more advanced practice he’d done wielding spells like Control Lava, along with the soul training Vivienne had worked on with him.

“Most recently, I’ve been taking up enchanting,” Hump said.

“Enchanting? It is something I know little of, other than the requirement for focused intent and soul manipulation. It’s perfect for improving your acute application of will?”

“It is?” Hump asked.

The man nodded. “You will need to show me and perhaps we can find a way to make its use more specific to you. This makes things much easier though. You’re much further along in your training than I expected.”

“What did you expect?” Hump asked.

Ado laughed. “A wizard that had only just learned to summon their spirit. At least in Drakalyn, most Chosen know little of how to train their spirit until then. The fact that you have a head start is good.”

“Summoning one’s spirit… is that your equivalent of Soul Manifestation?” Hump asked.

Ado nodded. “Equivalent, I suppose, but it is more accurate. It is your spirit that is brought to bear, is it not? Your courage, intent, and will are what it truly expresses. Soul Manifestation isn’t quite right—you’re not manifesting your soul. You’re revealing your spirit to the world.”

“You’re speaking with the wrong person if you want to argue the semantics of it,” Hump said. “I think the term likely stems from the Pantheon, and for them everything’s linked back to the soul in some way or another.”

Ado gave a sharp twitch of his nose. “Another crazy matter—why worship gods that do not even walk amongst you? What is even the point?”

“Now there’s a sentiment we can agree on.” Hump was tempted to bring up the matter of the gods being mortal once too, but after Vamir’s confusion, he was not sure if it was something meant to be discussed.

“I’m glad. It’s refreshing to meet an Alveronian that does not simply fall back on the gods to justify their purpose. It’s a disposition that often leads to untold bloodshed and cruelty. A person should not need the gods to tell them how to act.” He thumped his heart. “One’s actions should come from here.”

Hump wondered what he’d make of Bud, or perhaps even more interesting, what Bud would have made of Ado and the rest of Drakalyn. It would have been interesting to see the knight so far out of his comfort zone, surrounded by ‘heretics’ and unfamiliar culture.

“Is Owalyn different?” Hump asked. “I mean no offense, but do you not worship her in the same way?”

Ado shook his head. “Owalyn leads by example. She hunts with us on the solstices. She protects us—we can see the way she fights and staves off monsters from our lands. There is no priest or Chosen telling us how to act, we simply act as she has shown us. Protecting, feeding, and helping each other.”

“Surely there must be crime here too,” Hump said. “People must steal, and for a village as large as this, there must be worse too.”

“Of course. It’s the same as with anywhere. Weeds always find their way into the garden, and when they do, they are cut out or the growth of everything else will be stunted.”

Hump paused at that. Celaine hadn’t spoken of their justice system, but Dragon Keeper Finnian had displayed a ruthlessness in their brief encounter.

“You execute them?” Hump asked.

“Only the very worst,” Ado said, unfazed by the question. “Those that take the lives of others or threaten our home here. For less serious crimes, a person may be exiled from Drakalyn, or made to serve the community in repentance.”

“Right, don’t murder anyone. Noted,” Hump said with a wry grin.

Ado laughed. “Always a good place to start.” He pointed ahead of him. “We’re here.”

Hump stared in the direction, squinting as he tried to spot what Ado was talking about. Only after a few moments did he notice the moss-covered walls, colouring the temple green and making it blend in with the surroundings. They’d walked for perhaps half-an-hour, and by Hump’s estimate, weren’t more than a couple of miles from Drakalyn. The trees were dense, even around the small temple.

Even from a distance, Hump sensed something different about the air here. He breathed easier, and there was a depth to the essence that only grew more pronounced as they made their way up to the temple. The air was damp and smelled as if it had just rained.

“What is this place?” Hump asked.

They entered the area cautiously. Ado explained that monsters were no longer warded from the area, but it was a natural reservoir of essence—whatever that meant.

Soon, the soil of the forest turned to stone, barely visible beneath a carpet of vibrant green moss that formed a small square around the temple. The doors made of wood, and were the only part of the temple unmarred by moss. As they reached it, Hump thought he sensed essence from the door—an enchantment perhaps—but the essence in the air was so thick now it was difficult to tell. Ado pushed the door open without the slightest creak, and they stepped inside.

Green light filled the room, radiating from the moss that covered the floor, walls, and ceiling, so bright that it was as if Hump stood outside. There was a stone basin filled with water at the centre of the room, where a constant stream trickled overs its edges, flowing down its sides and spreading through groves across the floor.

“The water comes from underground,” Ado explained. “It’s rich with natural essence, nourishing the mind, body, and spirit. Drink from it, and then we shall begin.”

“Begin what?” Hump asked.

Ado smiled. “We’ve talked for long enough. I think it’s time for you to demonstrate your spirit.” He nodded toward the basin. “Drink first.”

Hump approached the basin with a respectful slowness, though in truth the moss was simply slippery beneath his feet, and he didn’t want to make a fool of himself. He gazed into the waters, marvelling at the green glimmer within. Cupping his hands together, he scooped up some of the water. It was cold as ice to the touch, but inside his hands, he felt the warmth of essence gently flowing into him. He lifted it and drank. It trickled down his throat with a cold burn.

Then his soul welled within him, suddenly becoming so clear in his mind that it was as if Hump could see it before him, a ball of flickering blue fire. His mind became clear and focused without the slightest bit of effort, any tiredness from the days of travelling gone in that moment. He breathed deeply, the air feeling chilled as it filled his lungs. He could see the essence in it like sparks of green.

Hump turned back to Ado who was watching with a smile.

“Good. Now summon your spirit, lad.”

Hump didn’t rush the process, taking a few seconds to get a feel for his soul in its new state. He cycled his essence, sensing the rivers in his body so clearly, he could almost see the ripples of power within. His Spirit Well burned brightest in his core, the heart of the flame, shining with his life’s essence—his very being.

He called upon it and it expanded, a wash of power that spread out from his chest, exploding through him and into the air around him. The world took on a purple sheen. Hump felt strong, his body brimming with power, and his connection to the world stronger than ever. Essence filled the space around him, creating a purple aura that flicked like ethereal fire, blazing with Hump’s intent, and tinged with the might of a dragon. Where in the past, he’d almost been overwhelmed by the sheer amount of essence around him, now he felt comfortably in control.

“Impressive,” Ado said, stepping completely into the room, the door closing behind him. “Now do what you can to suppress me.”

Hump projected his soul forward, envisioning it surrounding Ado. His method was not like the gorger’s. He’d never been one for subtle manipulation—brute force was what came naturally. Like a giant’s footstep, he crushed.

His attack felt strong. He called upon the essence of the world and drew upon it as fuel, infusing it with his intent and suppressing Ado with all he had, yet he sensed a small flicker resisting within. Ado pressing back.

A sudden pulse surprised Hump, shoving back his will. It continued to grow, expanding like a balloon until Hump couldn’t contain it any longer. He retreated, intending to refocus and concentrate his attack in one place, only for Ado’s soul to sweep forward.

The man’s tunic billowed back, revealing four tattoos on his chest—a razorclaw, some sort of eagle, a large fish creature with teeth, and a deer with giant antlers. They shone brightly, glimmering like green embers.

Hump’s aura was blasted back, sending streaks of purple wisps around him as a storm of essence stirred in the temple. Hump’s control over the world’s essence dwindled and he wasn’t even sure why, which was saying something for Hump. Of all the things he was confident of, it was his intent and grasp on essence. It wasn’t the level disparity between them either. Ado hadn’t used overwhelming force, he didn’t feel outpowered, he felt outmatched. Nevertheless, he didn’t give up. He fought for every shred of control he could, dragging at the storm with his will while doing what he could to keep Ado’s suppressive force back.

It didn’t work. His own essence was siphoned from him, adding to the storm. In a real fight, he’d have struggled to use magic by that point. He fought on, trying to regain some sort of control, but finding himself without a target. How did one control a storm? Where he focused his will, essence answered him, only to be overwhelmed by the power surrounding it, and stirred on into the howling gale.

As the cold of essence use burned through Hump, he sensed Ado’s pressure weakened. Hump breathed quickly, taking advantage of the moment’s rest. His head ached from trying to focus so much.

“We can stop here,” Ado said.

Hump forced himself to relax, withdrawing his soul with a sudden relief. He felt a warm rush as it returned to him, filling his core once more.

“How did you do that?” Hump asked. “I felt like I couldn’t control my own essence.”

“Essence goes where it is most comfortable,” Ado said. “You’re good, but you are fighting essence for control, forcing your will upon it and commanding it to obey.”

“I need to override its intent, no?” Hump asked. “Isn’t that how it works?”

“On a basic level, yes,” Ado said. “But if you encourage it, give it a path it wants to follow, then it comes freely. What is the essence of nature at its core?”

Hump shrugged. “Growth, life, plants.”

“Yes, but there is more to it than that. Decay, death, beasts. These are all a part of it. I did not forcefully contest your will with my own, I promoted the intent that the essence already holds, encouraging it to do as I wished. It requires adaptability, and an understanding of the power your wielding, but it means that you can triumph even when faced with greater strength. You must learn to work with the world, flow with it, and you will summon a storm.”

“But my affinity with nature is poor,” Hump said. “I’ve never been good with magic that wields it. It just doesn’t come to me easily.”

“This is not about your affinity,” Ado said. “It is about expanding your spirit and sensing what’s around you. Summoning your spirit is more than just imparting your will on the world, it is becoming one with it.”

“What do you want me to do?” Hump asked.

“Summon your spirit again,” Ado said. “This time, we will not face each other. Simply feel the world around you.”

Hump took a breath, not quite sure what the shaman meant. At the very least, in an essence rich environment like the temple he’d reap many benefits practicing the River and Waves with his new Spirit Well technique. Especially if he was able to drink a bit more of that water.