The Xalinor Chronicles

Vaari’s favourite

Anxious and uncertain, Jake looked around himself. As soon as he saw the huge bonfire next to him, he stood up with a start. Traumatic memories flashed across his mind. He was reminded of the burning stake to which he had been tied. Running away from the flames appeared to be the only logical choice in that situation. He was about to step out of the Sacred Circle when the old gnome called him from behind.

“What do you think you’re doing? You need to rest!”

Surprised by the sound of the stranger’s voice, Jake turned around nervously. The old gnome seemed to be rather agitated which was reflected in the irritated expression on his wrinkled face. “Are you also a gnome? Where am I? Do you know Zill?” Jake inquired.

The gnome was visibly annoyed by his questions and he sharply replied, “You are where you should be. Zill brought you here. Now just sit down and rest.”

Hearing this gave Jake a temporary sense of relief. He remembered that they were supposed to go to Zill’s warren. Yes, this place must be his home. But he still didn’t understand why he was lying so close to a bonfire and covered in strange-smelling herbs and ashes. As he scanned the cave searchingly, he discovered several large mounds of clay with circular openings near the top. The cylindrical mounds of clay also had tiny wooden doors through which the gnomes flitted in and out like squirrels.

Satisfied, that he was in no mortal danger at the moment, Jake turned towards the old gnome and asked, “May I please see Zill?”

The gnome tapped his wooden walking stick on the ground and sighed, “Alright. Just wait inside this circle. I will go look for him.”

Jake nodded in agreement and sat down on the ground, making sure to keep his distance from the flames. Several thoughts crowded his brain; he wasn’t sure how the other gnomes would treat him. Perhaps, he would be viewed as an intruder. He was merely an outsider who they were forced to look after because of Zill. Still, he felt grateful to the gnomes for saving his life.

Eager shouts of joy announced the arrival of his faithful friend. Zill couldn’t contain himself when he saw Jake sitting up. It had been a painfully long wait. 9 long days had passed since he had been brought to the warren. The old gnome tried to hold Zill back but he ran gleefully towards Jake and hugged him tightly.

“I am so happy that you are awake now, Jake Riley. I missed you so much!” Zill tried to hide his embarrassment as Jake noticed that there were large teardrops in his eyes.

Jake embraced his little friend and replied, “You saved my life once again. I can’t thank you enough.” After the delightful reunion was complete Jake asked in a curious tone, “How did you manage to cure my wounds? Did you also use a magic potion like the elf?”

The old gnome stepped inside the Sacred Circle and cleared his throat in a manner which attracted their attention. “It was actually I who healed your wounds. Zill is still very young and doesn’t know anything about healing rituals.” He pointed towards the yelen leaves lying on the ground and explained, “Your limbs were so badly wounded that we had to keep them wrapped in soft leaves and apply honeyworm saliva 3 times a day. Healing potions can’t be used to treat mortal wounds like the ones you had received. You must thank our ancestral spirits for granting you their strength.”

Zill smiled lovingly and added, “He is Yolen, the elder healer of our warren.”

Jake thanked Yolen profusely for saving his life and promised to repay the debt some day.

Yolen placed his hand on Jake’s head and replied, “You are not like the other humans. Zill was right about you, despite his tender age. Now I know why the Goddess chose you to be her herald.”

Zill had described the events of that dreadful night in great detail and by now the whole warren knew about their repeated encounters with death. Yolen’s words were spoken with a firm conviction. It seemed he knew a lot more about the Goddess than the others. Jake was now eager to learn more about Goddess Vaari. He was dying to find out what special powers had she granted him.

With an eager look in his eyes, Jake asked the old gnome what sort of powers he had been blessed with.

Yolen took out an old book with crumpled yellow leaves and turned to a page which had the Goddess’ name inked on it with large letters. “Legend says that Goddess Vaari often forms blood pacts with those whom she deems worthy.” He quickly turned to the next page and showed it to Jake. “She often blesses her herald with incredible powers such as superhuman strength, beast like agility, flight and teleportation. On rare occasions she is also known to bless her favored mortal with the powers of Zevelon, her more destructive form. The herald-”

“Who is Zevelon?” interrupted Jake.

Yolen licked his lips and put the book back into his satchel. “Zevelon and Vaari are one and the same. As Vaari, she is the Goddess of the night but when she unleashes her true chaotic form, she becomes Zevelon, the Goddess of Death! Even the 3 Supreme Gods are no match for Zevelon.”

Yolen’s words sparked a flame inside Jake’s heart. The more he learned about Vaari, the more fascinated he became. He just couldn’t wait to discover what kind of legendary power the Goddess had infused into him. Previously, all he could think of was returning to his own world. But now he had forgotten all about his job and his old life. Only one thing came to his mind now, revenge! He would make the elves and the warlocks pay for their crimes! Rage engulfed his heart as he clenched his fists tightly and swore to bring the tyrants to their knees.