The Seven Seals: Dragon Crusade

Kate jolted awake. All her muscles were sore and cramped from lying in such a small space.

Small space.

Kate’s weak eyes fluttered open. All around her were the wooden walls of the crate she had remembered falling asleep in. They were still there. She hadn’t woken up from what she believed to be a dream. It was almost pitch black all around her, but slivers of moonlight filtered through the cracks in the wood. How long had she been asleep like this? An hour maybe? It seemed like they were still heading towards their destination.

Kate pushed herself up with her arms and rubbed her eyes. She felt a sudden twinge of pain in her stomach as it growled. I really hope I get some decent food soon...my insides are killing me, she thought. But it never really occurred to her what these people were going to do with her. She was this thing called a “Seal” but what more? Did she have something they wanted? Whatever this symbol was on her hand, it must’ve contained something very powerful, something this group wanted to obtain. I really hope they don’t end up killing me. Kate sighed and sat up, hugging her knees tightly. I don’t even know where this “Tellaria” is, my family is probably worried sick— could I just get some real answers from someone?

Promptly, the carriage stopped. Horses whinnied and clopped their hooves against stone as they were brought to a halt. Distant calls came from far off drifted into her small box, their words indistinguishable. Had they already arrived? Kate rose onto her feet and peeked through the small barred window to see that they were no longer in forests. From the small view, she could see walls of stone.

The crate door swung open.

Kate spun around. Earidon stood there by the opened door, looking at her with his emerald green eyes. “Out with you, Miss,” he ordered.

Kate complied and weakly jumped down from the inside of the crate, nearly falling to her knees. Earidon immediately grabbed her by the forearm and pulled her along the stone space. Though the night was foreboding, the moonlight from above gave light upon the area. The smell of horse and manure tinged the midnight air. Tall castle spires towered behind the walls of stone. Knights stood guard next to a drop gate, their silver armor glistening in torchlight. It was a whole medieval scene.

“You slept through that whole journey, whatever happened before we found you must’ve really sapped your strength,” Earidon said.

Kate glanced at him bleary-eyed. “How long was I asleep...?”

“At least a day, you slept quite soundlessly,” he replied.

A day? Kate thought. Had it really knocked her out that much?

They approached a wooden door that was illuminated by a torch sitting on the wall next to it. Earidon grabbed the torch before opening the door and leading Kate inside. The door swung closed with a loud creak. Before them lay a long hall with a low ceiling. More torches lined the walls and flickered at the new draft of air.

Kate was lead down the hall quietly. She glanced at Earidon out of the corner of her eye. It may have been just her, but this “elf” was awfully polite to a prisoner. “Um...air...idon—”

“Earidon, miss. Ar-i-don,” he pronounced. “And what is it that ails you?”

“S-sorry—” Kate stuttered. “Well, where is “this” exactly?”

“Always the curious one, aren’t you,” Earidon sighed. “We’re currently in the castle of the kingdom of Baldoria.”

“Right...that place,” Kate replied almost frustratingly.

Earidon squinted down at her. “It is not a surprise you don’t know of these places, Outlander. Tell me what really is on your mind.”

Kate met his gaze, though it was hard not to look at his ears. “You seem pretty polite to me of all people, a prisoner. Shouldn’t you be...well...treating me as such?”

Earidon’s expression softened. Upon reaching the end of the hall, they entered a small spacious room. A middle-aged man sat at a desk, writing with a quill in a large book. Several candles sat around the desk, giving just enough light for this aged Warden to write. He looked up as they approached and set the quill in its ink container. “What do we have here? She doesn’t look like much,” the Warden said.

“She’s an Outlander, you old goat,” Earidon said coldly. “This information stays between us and the King.”

The warden blinked and stroked his bushy gray beard. “Whatever you say, wood-elf,” he mumbled. “No such thing as an Outlander.” He picked up his quill and book. “Name?”

Earidon opened his mouth to say something and looked down at Kate. Kate met his gaze before quickly looking towards the warden. “Kate— Bergman,” she replied.

The warden muttered some things under his breath, things Kate didn’t want to know herself. He set the quill and book back down and pulled a ring of keys from his hip, making a loud jingle. “Alright, let me find ye’ a—”

“I’ll handle it from here,” Earidon cut in, holding out his hand.

“What is this—”

“The king commands that I take care of this girl from here on out. Now hand over the keys.”

The Warden scowled hard at Earidon. He snorted and shoved the keys into his hand. “Fine.” The warden sat himself back down.

Earidon gripped Kate’s forearm and brought her along down a dark hall. From behind, Kate could faintly hear the warden mumble “tree hugger.” Earidon let out a faint sigh.

Kate gazed towards him as they continued on. He didn’t even answer her question yet. Was it just natural that he treated her with some consideration? Why am I questioning it anyway? At least he isn’t throwing me around.

As they ventured on down, doors on either side of the walls glistened in the torchlight. Pairs of eyes could be seen from behind the small barred windows.

“Please...let me out!” a scratchy feminine voice moaned.

“Don’t listen to her— I have a family to care for!” a man cried.

Kate shuddered at the voices. This seemed way worse than the prisons that were around in the twenty-first century earth. Then again, this was all medieval. Kate found herself keeping close to the tall elf.

They stopped at a seemingly quiet cell door. Earidon turned to Kate. “To answer your question, I only treat you with the least bit of respect because...” Earidon trailed. “It’s good to have a last nice talk with someone before death. Even if it’s small.”

Kate’s eyes widened. “W-wait nobody said anything about death! Could you just— give me some answers?!? What do you want with me?!? W-what’s going to happen to me?!? I don’t—”

Earidon immediately covered her mouth with his free hand. His brow knitted as he spoke in a quieted tone, “Speak louder and both of us will be nothing more than ashes.” He removed his hand as his expression softened. “I cannot answer all your questions. But there is a dark ruler to whom the king of Baldoria has made an oath to. It is not I, but this one who wishes to take your power along with many others. I do not know what he will do after he is finished with you, but pray to The Creator it is death. A man like that with power such as yours existing would be everyone’s doom.” He turned to the door and pulled out the ring of keys. Finding a small key easily, he inserted it into the lock.

Kate stepped towards him. “But what am I?!? What is this Seal?!?” Kate asked desperately in a low tone.

Earidon glanced back at her before getting the door open. “I think you’ll receive all your answers in here.” He grabbed the back of her shirt and shoved her inside.

Kate stumbled into the prison cell. The iron door shut behind her. She spun around and was ready to bang on it with her fist. Kate’s fingers brushed the rusted iron before letting her hand fall to her side. What’s the point of answers if I’m just going to die...? Kate thought. She stepped back from the door as her heart began to sink. None of this really felt like a dream or nightmare. She wanted to believe this was make-believe. But it was real, flesh and blood. How was she not going insane by now? Kate covered her face with her hands. “I don’t want to die... I don’t want to die!” Kate muttered.

“Wh...who’s there...?” a voice called out from behind.

Kate spun around. She searched the dimness and caught sight of something.

Sitting in the back corner was a human form hunched over. Kate hesitantly took a step towards the form. “Who are you?”

The form rose slowly, using the wall as leverage. “I asked first.” The form stepped towards Kate, their features distinguishing. Stepping into the light was a boy about her height and age but merely an inch taller. His ebony dark hair was neatly swept to the side with several strands sticking out in a messy manner. Amongst a strong but soft teen complexion was a pair of cold blue eyes that wandered to Kate’s gaze curiously but cautiously. From the lower left part of his jaw rose a scar that curled over the bridge of his nose.

Kate’s eyes widened. This was the boy from her dream, though he looked different with his shorter hair and new scar. “Kirith Palemoon?!?” she stammered.

Kirith blinked as his brow knitted. “You know who I am?”

She couldn’t believe it. She had dreamt of this boy. And here he was standing before her!

Kirith cocked an eyebrow. “Well?”

“I-I ah- I saw you well— in a dream I had actually...” Kate stuttered.

Kirith squinted. “Dream?”

“I know it sounds weird but I saw you...” Kate continued on explaining that she had the vision of the day of Nomaru’s coronation and that he had been killed that night.

Kirith stared at Kate, a look of disbelief spreading across his face at Kate’s words. He avoided her gaze and shook his head. “Can’t be...unless you were there... Really, who are you and why were you put into my cell?!?” he snapped.

Kate was taken aback by his sudden burst. “I-I don’t know why I was put in here, I was hoping you would tell me!” she stammered. Kate hung her shoulders. Panicking like this won’t get us anywhere, she thought. “Okay…I’m Kate Bergman, to answer your question from earlier...”

Kirith’s expression softened. He looked her up and down. “You really don’t look like you’re from here at all.”

Kate crossed her arms and huffed. “’Cause apparently I’m not,” she admitted.

“An Outlander…? Then where do you come from?”

“Earth, North America, ever heard of it?”

Kirith blinked. “I don’t know what that is, but it’s obvious you’re an Outlander of sorts.” He straightened up. “But really, do you have any idea why you’ve been put into the same cell as I?”

“I have no idea but...someone wants this— this power that I have. They call it a Seal?”

The boy’s eyes widened. “You’re a Seal too?!”

Kate remembered. Kirith had taken the Seal from his brother and swore an oath to find the rest.

“Where? Where is it?” Kirith persisted.

Kate lifted her right hand. The symbol was glowing a fiery tint. It hadn’t done that since the incident at school, but Kate could feel an unknown force pulling it to Kirith.

Kirith looked down at her hand perplexed. His gaze met Kate’s. “So it is true...” Kirith murmured.

There was an ominously long silence between the two, and Kate forced herself to speak. “So what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be…well—”

“—looking for the other Seals?” Kirith added. “Yeah…but apparently so are the Baldorians. They found me crossing over their borders. They’re doing it for the Demonlord…”

This was sounding utterly confusing already. “The Demonlord…?”

“You know, the lord of darkness?” Kirith pressed. “You know of the prophecy, right?”

Lord of darkness, how subtle, Kate thought. She furrowed her brow and pulled her hand away. “No… I don’t know of any prophecy—I don’t even know half of the things that are going on!” she said. “I was at a circus and then these people came with masks and cloaks and tried to take my Seal. Thankfully, some wolf came and stopped them. I was able to escape but I wound up here. Really, I don’t know anything!”

Kirith frowned a little. “Has no one told you about what you are? Not even your family?” he asked.

Kate chuckled. “In my world, stuff like this and magic is considered complete ludicrous or paganistic.” She scratched the back of her head. “I was...hoping you would tell me what’s going on. I really just want to go home. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen, I want to see my family again.”

Kirith’s expression became sullen. His eyes drifted from hers. “Kate, I don’t think you’ll be able to see your family nor your world for a very long time...”

Kate shook her head slowly. “But they transported me here! They did it when they got me here! A spell or something…? They can do it again!”

“Maybe, I don’t know!” Kirith replied, pacing a little. “But the chances you’ll see your family again are low.”

“Well if I got here, there has to be a-a way to maybe—reverse it!” Kate tightened her fists. “I didn’t ask for any of this to happen. I want it to go back to the way things were!”

“I know! I do too!” Kirith said. “But it’s not like I can do anything about it. I’ve been wandering helplessly and running from those who want my power for months. Months! I haven’t seen my family at all during that time and with no luck of fulfilling Nomaru’s word. And every day that I’ve squandered, the nights worsen with each nightmare…”

Kate looked Kirith as her expression grew saddened. He had been through far worse than she had. Watched his own brother murdered right before his eyes, banished from the place he called home. It really made Kate question how he was still alive now. She opened her mouth to say something but was at a loss of words. “I-I’m sor—”

“Don’t,” Kirith said, meeting her gaze. “We’re stuck with this and this is how it’s going to be.” He went to the wall and sat down up against it, motioning for her to do the same.

Kate sat down across from him, weary and sullen. “So...what do we do now...? We’re going to be sent to our deaths apparently,” she said.

“I don’t think the Creator would allow us to have such a quick fate,” Kirith sighed. “But aside from that, I guess I have some explaining to do. I mentioned a prophecy. Well this prophecy revolves around the Seals. Us. I don’t know the tale exactly. But long ago there was once a powerful sorcerer that had powers equal to a god, a gift from the Creator himself. His name was Shangorn. The people respected him until one day he used his powers for conquer and greed. The Creator punished this sorcerer and took away half of his power and separated it between the six most loyal servants to him. They were called The Seals, because of the seal in them that locked away their power. The six vowed to protect the lands of Teannan and it’s beings.

“But soon, a stone called Althrist was discovered. It could take this power right out of a Seal. The living creatures and populace lusted this power and sought to take it from the Seals. The Seals had no other choice then to hide amongst the people and intermix to pass the power down to the first-born.

“Legend says that in the Seventh Age, Shangorn’s power would reach its ultimate peak, and his armies would be far greater than any kingdom could ever muster. Now, we are currently in that age. Kate, I believe that if all the Seals could reunite once again, we could combine our powers and defeat Shangorn once and for all!” Kirith looked to Kate determinedly. “And you could have a chance at getting home when this is all over.”

Kate blinked several times. Really, this did sound like something from a fairytale. And somehow it was true. “I...really don’t know what to say, I’m still a bit confused,” she admitted. “But I don’t even know how to use these “powers” that I have. I don’t even know how to fight. And isn’t this Shangorn supposed to be very powerful?”

“Well yes...he’s the strongest magic user there is. We’ll train to fight against him though, understand what we have. It won’t be easy, but Creator willing, it’ll come to us.”

Kate let out a dilapidated sigh. How could he be so confident about this? They were kids, and this Shangorn person is probably several thousand years old. How long would it take to defeat him and the darkness? Years? Decades? War had a knack for taking its time…and Kate just wanted to get home.

Kirith cocked an eyebrow. “This doesn’t sound very promising to you, does it?”

“You seem very sure this is all possible— like success is possible. We’re just kids, you know.”

“Kate, the prophecy says its possible.” Kirith pointed to her Seal. “That says its possible. It’s all I really have left to believe in. Don’t you think so, too?”

Kate threw up her hands. “Maybe, I don’t know, I had a life before I was brought here! But if this all is going to get me home then…I may as well!”

Kirith nodded and smiled. “I see. And I’ll be able to return to Grendalia.”

“Wait...that’s where you come from, right?”

“Yeah, it is.”

“So isn’t it under the threat of having its throne usurped? I forget that guy’s name.”

Kirith’s expression hardened. “General Quan, Aydonin, they’re one in the same…and yes, actually, it just so happens to be under his rule right now…though not exactly. I have reason to believe he’s taken over the mind of my father,” Kirith said and balled his fists. “I’ll kill that demon for what he’s done... I’ll take back my rightful throne.”

Kate raised her brow and nodded slowly. “Y-yeah,” she said. “So do you have a plan to get us out of here?”

Kirith sighed and scratched his head. “No, I don’t,” he admitted. “I was thinkin’ maybe we could escape while they’re taking us out of here. I’ve learned a few things about my Seal power.”

“You don’t sound so sure about this...”

“It’s all we have at this point. I don’t know how to lock pick and it certainly doesn’t look like we have the tools for that. We’ll just have to use hit and run tactics when we make it out.”

“Again, I don’t know how to fight.”

Kirith pointed a thumb to himself. “Leave that to me then. In the meantime, I suggest we get some shut eye.”

“I could try, I just woke up from a twenty-four hour sleep,” she said with a low sigh. “Don’t really understand how I could sleep for that long...”

“Oh, well… I haven’t had much sleep myself since I got here, but whatever you say.” Kirith rose and went back to the corner that he was in previously before, laying himself down on the cold stone.

Kate relaxed her shoulders and leaned back against the wall. This was all so weird, so foreign. She just now met this boy, the boy of her dreams— Okay now that just sounds off, Kate thought. The two were forced to go on this journey together. She may have seen a vision of him, but she didn’t know him. Kate laid her chin on her knees and exhaled deeply. This was a fate she was stuck with. All I want is just to wake up from this… Closing her eyes, Kate slowly drifted off in a half conscious sleep.

A loud screeching creek invaded the endless silence.

Kate quickly opened her eyes and looked to where the sound came from.

There, standing in the doorway was a tall form. It was Earidon. But something was in his hand. “Both of you, up! Now!” he hissed in a quiet tone.

Kate rubbed her eyes and rose. I guess this when we make our run for it, Kate thought. She looked towards Kirith who was getting up himself. He momentarily nodded to her before looking towards Earidon. “So this is when you’re going to take us to that sorcerer?” Kirith asked, walking towards him.

“That’s what they think,” Earidon said. “I’m getting you both out of here, now quickly, come with me!”

Kirith and Kate gave each other a surprised glance before looking back to Earidon. I knew something was different about him! Kate thought.

“But before we go...” Earidon stepped towards Kirith and handed him what looked to be a sheathed sword with a wolf emblazoned on the hilt. “I believe this is yours, Kirith. Oh and—” He stuck his hand into a small pocket on his belt and pulled out a necklace with a blue glowing crystal dangling from the end. “This too is yours.”

Kirith shook his head in puzzlement and looked up at Earidon. “Why? Why are you helping us?”

“I’m an agent for the Ivsaar queen, I’ve come to aid you Seals. Milady sends her regards,” he said. “Now please, quickly, follow me!”

Kirith and Kate followed Earidon out of the cell and into the dank corridor of prison cells. Earidon grabbed the torch attached to the wall and walked down the opposite way from where they originally came from. “There’s an escape route you can take in the back of the dungeons, though I do warn you, the place is not how it used to be many years ago.”

Kirith caught up with him at his side. “Not how it used to be?”

“Well, back when this castle was in its full glory, these dungeons were perfectly refined, one of the best dungeons on the continent. Until, one day, a powerful sorceress was imprisoned in the far section of this prison where they held those who would be stuck until death took them. She was arrested for using innocent people as sacrifices to whatever abomination she served. The sorceress was infuriated and tied the souls of each of the prisoners there to that very place. So when they died, their souls were left to haunt the halls and feast on anyone who was still alive. Thankfully, the king made the decision to lock off that area for good. Hasn’t been used since.”

Kate crossed her arms and furrowed her brow. “So wait...you’re saying there are ghosts in there?”

“Ghosts, souls, apparitions, phantoms, whatever you prefer to refer them to, dear,” Earidon said. “They’re highly dangerous, staying quiet and moving quickly would be my suggestion for you.”

They turned a corner and approached a rusty door with a small puddle in front of it. Water from the ceiling dripped down in loud droplets. The door itself gave off a menacing feeling of the unknown. Earidon turned to the two and nodded towards the door. “Just beyond this door is your escape, good luck to the both of you,” he said, his expression softening.

Kate frowned slightly and tilted her head. “What will you do?”

“Me?” Earidon began. “I must return towards the inner castle, or hold them off per say. Distracting is all I can do to help you out at this point. So this is where we part ways.”

“But they’ll kill you!” Kirith stammered.

“If this is how my fate will go, then so be it. I’ll die knowing I was able to help the Creator’s servants.” Earidon stood straight. “One last thing, I do know someone who can help you set up for your journey. Kirith, you would know him. Thogmook Palemoon. Once you escape the prison, follow the river until you find a road, go left on it and you should find a village. There’s an old chapel in the town, he’ll be there waiting for you both. But keep close to the shadows, lest the guards should find you.”

Kirith nodded. “I’ve been to this town before, I’ll get us there.”

Kate looked down sullenly. Earidon of all the people treated her with the most respect when she found herself stuck in Tellaria. Not only that, he was risking his life for them. “Earidon...thank you,” Kate said, looking up at the elf.

Earidon smiled weakly down at Kate. “The pleasure is mine, miss,” he replied softly. Earidon placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head. “May every trail you find yourself upon lead you closer to your goal.” And with one last final glance, he turned and headed back the way he came. The torchlight began to fade, and the two were left in darkness.

Suddenly the chamber was lit up in blue. Kirith held the crystal out and looked to Kate. “Could you hold this for a minute?”

Kate complied and took the necklace.

Kirith took the sword he was holding and strapped it to his belt, shifting it in place and making sure the buckles were tight. Kate had to admit, it looked pretty cool and matched his getup.

Kate blinked and cocked an eyebrow. “So do I not get a sword?” she asked.

Kirith looked up towards her, his blue eyes seeming to gleam against the blue light. “Oh—ah—” he stuttered. “Every Seal has their designated tool used to destroy evil. This sword was originally my Seal’s weapon but was passed down.”

Kate nodded. “I see,” she mumbled, handing him the crystal back after he finished fixing his sword.

Kirith looked to Kate. “You ready?”

“Not like there’s anything else to do,” she replied.

Kirith chuckled and grabbed the door handle. With enough strength, he pulled it open and the two Seals entered.