The Enchanter's Legacy

Early Spring in the year of our Lord 1091

      The venereal equinox signaled the beginning of the great winds. Warm winds were already filtering through the drafty halls of the tower. Mordi-Ki's thoughts were confirmed. The approaching summer would be sultry. Even with the ventilation built in this towered room, the heat could become unbearable for most men. He could not permit the impending heat to prevent his work. For him, time was a precious thing. Something that could not be wasted on mortal discomfort.
      The small room was cluttered with viles, parchments and stacks of leather bound books. On a mammoth table, maps and charts were strung about. Pushing the charts aside, Mordi-ki' rubbed his burning eyes and massaged his wrinkled forehead. It had been days since he last slept. This journey would require most of his power and all of his knowledge. To keep the schedule he had set, all charts and potions would have to be completed before the Autumnal Equinox. Nothing could be left to chance if he was to succeed.
      The Enchanter's thoughts were interrupted by a light tap on the thick wooden door. Snapping for the intruder to leave, a timid voice begged admittance. A young woman dressed in light gray woolen robes entered carrying a small pewter tray. On the tray was a small goblet of wine and assorted cheese and dried fruit. Peering at the work area, she whispered. "Master, thee must eat. Not even thee canst survive without nourishment. I, as all thy students, worry about thy health. Canst thee not tell us what thee art planing?"
      "When it is time. I shall reveal my greatest accomplishment. At that time I shall select those who art to accompany me."
      Half glancing at the tray, Mordi-ki' reached for a slice of cheese, and bit into it. He watched the young woman for a second then replaced the partially eaten cheese on the tray. The Enchanter smiled. He knew her concern for his health was genuine. Unlike his other students, she had the intelligence to continue not only his bloodline, but pass his ancient, almost forgotten knowledge to her offspring. She could give him comfort in his old age, if he was capable of surviving this task.
     As he motioned for her to leave, he said. "Do not be concerned. Regardless of what happens to me, ye and thy offspring shall be taken care of."
      Before the door closed, the Enchanter returned his attention to the charts he was drawing. Charts that in time would reveal the Ley Lines. With the knowledge of where these lines lie, he would gather and focus the power needed for his journey.

     Mid Autumn year in the year of our Lord 1091

      Unexpected cold northern winds ripped through the sea port of Nancar. Like the passing sultry summer, winter promised to be as unbearable. Mordi-ki' wondered if his ambitions plans caused the elements to protest his actions. Regardless, angered elements or not, the small sea craft had to be completed within one lunar cycle. He had invested too much time, wealth, and energy to abandon the project. The added incentive of gold influenced the ship builders to order their apprentices to work by torchlight.
      At the Enchanter's insistence, only deadfall oak was used in the craft's construction craft. To ensure the construction was to his specifications, Mordi-ki' was present during all phases of the work. The design was such that even the three sails were square. When finished, the craft measured twenty-five cubits by eighteen cubits by nine cubits. Stiffly braided cables of brass and iron attached to the port and bow were the only curves. Displeased, with the fittings Mordi-ki' ordered the craftsmen to refit the cables. They had to stiff but loosely braided. Once attached, to his approval, the workers were forbidden to touch the cables. In the darkness of a full moon, the Enchanter coated the space between the cables with quicksilver. Mordi-ki' placed glass beakers containing quicksilver in the twelve holes in the port that had been drilled and partially filled. Ornate hardware, of bronze and an unknown silver colored metal stronger than iron, provided by Mordi-ki' was fastened to the deck. Once completed, the craft's strange design was different from any the builder's had constructed.
      The craft, now loaded with supplies, remained in dry dock until the eve of winter solstice. Minutes before eve became dawn, Mordi-ki' boarded with three shadowy figures. Standing on the deck, the Enchanter raised his hands to the moonless sky and began chanting. Silently the craft rose from its wooden braces. A slight tug told Mordi-ki' the quicksilver had attracted the Ley Lines. The bow turned north as the journey Mordi-ki' planned began.

     Late winter in the year of our Lord 1092

      In a small moonlit clearing a frail brown robed man emerged from an underground chamber. Mordi-ki' stepping back, waved his hand. An iron door slammed down, encasing in darkness its forbidden contents. Pointing a gnarled finger, a message appeared on the door.
     The Enchanter pointed to the bronze ringed handle. He ordered his three students to form a triangle and face the door. They were not to stand on the door. The man and two women dressed in gray, did without question as their master said. For in accompanying him on this journey, they were promised life for a thousand years.
      Inspecting their positions, Mordi-ki' told them, "Raise thine arms to embrace that which shall be the lunar eclipse."
      His witness stood in the cold evening air, arms extended, hoping the moon's mystic powers would bless them. While his students stood quietly, Mordi-ki' pressed an acorn and a splinter from the craft in the soft dirt behind each of them. He sprinkled the watery mixture he had carefully guarded during their voyage on the acorns and splinters. The Enchanter, seemly unconcerned, allowed some of the liquid to splash on their ankles.
     Mordi-ki's students watched in silence as he made several graceful hand gestures and whisper in an almost forgotten language. When he finished speaking the splinters pierced the ankles of his gullible students. His unfortunate students began screaming in terror and anguish. They were rooted to the soil. A numbing cold began to engulf them. The acorns were sprouting. Thin branches reached for, and entangled his expendable witnesses. The Enchanter watched with interest as the saplings rapidly matured. He gave a slight nod of approval after the oaks, now fully matured, imprisoned his trusting students. Mordi-ki' slowly limped away after the faces of his students were entombed in bark.
      Glancing skyward, he watched the lunar eclipse pass. Mordi-ki' sighed. He knew his time on this world was coming to an end. The old ways were dying. There were rumors of a Holy War- - a Crusade. He heard of a strand new religion's growing popularity. This new religion brought with it hidden bigotries and hatred. He regretted he could not return to his young wife. She was with child when he left. Now, because of this strange new religion, his child would have to taught in secrecy.
     Shaking his head, Mordi-ki' glanced at the oaks once more. Regardless of the changing world, he had sealed, protecting forever, the ancient secrets of his kind in a land without name. Here they would remain hidden, until one of his blood came forth with the knowledge and wisdom to reclaim this ancient birthright.