Castargan
Castargan
In a time, just on the other side of the black hole, and through the portal, lies the realm of Castargan. The realm existed beyond time itself; some believe it to be myth, but others know better. It’s a civilization filled with enchantment and mystical powers. The guardians of the universe live here. The battle between good and evil is always more than the reign of a realm. It is a spiritual battle that one feels within one’s soul knowing that the loss of righteousness can only bring forth the demise of all that is noble. Without essence there is no life. Without life there is no hope. With no hope there is only darkness. The quartz crystal is the mirror in which one can clearly see the pathway to the portal. If one who serves evil succeeds in finding the crystal and passes through the portal, immeasurable pain and anguish will be dispersed throughout the entire universe. Those that hold the noble cause of protecting the crystal do so for just this purpose. Of course, one understands that where there are those who serve to safeguard the magic crystal; there are also those who serve to steal it. It is precisely for this matter that one of the greatest battles will be fought.
The realm of Castargan is positioned almost perfectly within the four mountains: Asbranasan, Brastabur, Nalairia, and Elispurahn. Each mountain possesses extraordinary powers. To the north, Asbranasan, the mountain of pure amethyst emerges in exalted height . To the south, ascends Nalairia, the mountain of black and white agate. To the east, towers the red tourmaline of Elispurahn. Finally to the west, green calcite gives birth to Brastabur. Lake Sapheria lies tranquilly in the navel of Castargan. Its translucent and deep waters emerge from the Garden of Japerisia and stream outward with the deepest azurite blue to the palest turquoise. The Garden of Japerisia is situated in the heart of Lake Sapheria and releases the sweet aromas from the pageantry of vibrant coloured flowers. In the evening, at the setting of the six suns, Lake Sapheria reflects the mountains and shimmers with phosphorescence. It is from the garden that Lake Sapheria originates. It is whispered that somewhere under the garden the lukewarm water springs from a concealed cavern. The water advances upward through the centre of the garden to the precipice of Luned and cascades its way downwards into a pool. From there it streams outwards to the lake. Lake Sapheria extends her inviting waters outwards to design the two rivers: to the east Aphrisia and to the west Rianha. Surrounding Lake Sapheria are the vast Eydbyrga woodlands where many battles have been fought to thwart the evil forces of Sequeller. The woodlands are an adventure of soaring redwood trees flourishing in a shelter of moist green leaves. To the north west of Castargan is Nastgarteran. Nastgarteran is where Porcella and her hawk Aracalis keep watch over The Drakien Council and Castargan. To the south east of Castargan lay the merciless dessert wastelands of Haygar where the malevolent Sequeller was banished to so long ago.
Historically, supreme reign of the Drakien Council is inherent through the lineage of Tarilaous. It was his father that reigned in that time. His father understood the consequences of allowing the quartz crystal to fall into avaricious hands.
The great wizard Saros endeavoured to teach both Porcella and Sequeller in the supernatural laws. Laws that hold enormous powers that influence the forces of all energies in the entire universe. It was under his instruction that Porcella and Sequeller were to become skilled at directing these powers for the protection of Castargan. Porcella learned her skill with humility and respect while the voraciousness of Sequeller’s dark soul coveted all things. Porcella respects all living creatures and reveres the sun, the moon, and the stars. She uses her source of knowledge, healing, and sustenance to the improvement and joy of life while Sequeller evokes fear, revulsion, and even death. Sequeller surrounds herself with animal bones and sends her imps and sprites to haunt the dark recesses of forests and caves. They are mischievous troublemakers and come out only to steal crops and kidnap children. A great wizard understands that good and evil must always play their course to the end; therefore, he continues to teach the two sisters equally well. Upon completion of his instruction he honoured Porcella with the hawk Aracalis.
Sequeller’s resentment could not be contained within her. She stole the crystal with the knowledge that by holding its power she would control Castargan and all that lived within.
Written by Beverley Woznica
