Legend of Parocaav: The Quest for Redemption (First Draft)

Chapter LV: Ember, Town of Secrets

Moments after the fight has ended, Roku heals all of her injuries. She stands up and walks over the twin that has slain Kraag. As she picks it up from the ground, she lets out a sigh. Never in her wildest dreams did she think there was any good in him at all. He had always appeared to have been overcome entirely by darkness. Roku sighs once more and starts walking over towards Drayk. He hasn't totally lost consciousness, just severely dazed. She kneels over him and heals his wounds.

"Thank you Roku," Drayk smiles.

She doesn't say a word to him as she gets up and turns to walk away. He watches as she heads to the town. She couldn't even fake a smile for him. Drayk feels sorrow for her. After learning what Kraag was really like before he killed himself could not be easy for her. He couldn't help but wonder what Kraag had meant when he mentioned his sister, Sammi. It wasn't long ago that he found out she was still alive, yet alone being overseen by Kraag. Nevertheless, Drayk decides it would be best to let Roku have her space for awhile.

"Wait up!" Drayk shouts as he stumbles to his feet.

Drayk jogs to catch up to Roku. Once he reaches her side, he matches her pace. The two of them approach the gateway to the town of Ember. It is a simple town with homes carved from giant stones. Typical for a Fire Clan town or village, especially being so close to a vast pool of molten rock. Just as they walk through the town's entrance, the Bringers are greeted by an older woman walking with a staff held tight. Her hair is as white as the clouds and wrinkles cover her face. She has a warm and welcoming smile spread across her face as she approaches them.

"Thank you Bringers of Hope," the old woman spoke softly, "I am Yarr. Welcome to my home."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Lady Yarr," Roku says with a kind smile.

"Yeah yeah yeah!" Yarr cackles till she coughs, then tells her, "I kid of course! Now, come on. Follow me. I'll take you on a tour. We'll talk later this evening."

A few hours later ~

The front room of a tiny stone cottage is lit in a soft and gentle light from three candles. They are evenly spread apart from one another, making a triangle around the old woman and the Bringers of Hope. The room has simple furniture and everything up high is covered in a thin layer of dust. The only picture on any wall is right above the front door. It's a picture of the Forgotten Forest that was given to Synn by Leon many years ago.

"To get to the realm where Parocaav fell will not be easy young ones," Synn spoke softly, "You will have to travel through Ragnarok Pass."

"Ragnarok Pass?" Roku asks with a puzzled look on her face.

"It's said to be a canyon opening between the land of Fire and the land of the Red Mage," Drayk explains.

"That's right dear boy. It's the only way into that land. The entire country is bordered by an impassable mountain range," Yarr adds, "It's a wonder the Red Mages were even killed off."

"So the realm we seek is in the land of the Red Mage?" Roku asks with worry in her tone.

Yarr looks away for a moment before responding, "Yes. Ragnarok."

"It's more than a pass Lady Yarr?" Drayk inquires.

"I guess that is before your time and you won't find it in any history book," Yarr tells them, "Red Mages use what's known as Ragnarok Magic. The term 'red' was given to them when the rest of the world started to fear them. Said that their magic could murder anyone and leave the planet drenched in blood."

"How did that start?" Drayk asks, "The rumor against the people of Ragnarok that is."

"It was true. They truly wanted to eradicate the lesser magic users and rule supreme," Yarr answered with sorrow to her tone, "Leon couldn't stop his people so he left them. He sat back and watched as the planet stood against the Ragnarok Mages, leaving only himself to carry out his people's legacy. I'm sure you meant so much to him young ones."

"We are the only Ragnarok Mages now," Roku says quietly.

"We will live out that legacy for him now," Drayk points out, "Where in Ragnarok is the realm?"

"Just at the end of Ragnarok Pass you'll find what looks like a ripple in space and time. Only your Ultimate Magic will open the realm and allow you access," Yarr continues after a moment's pause, "You will be vulnerable. Lord Xivaac's tower oversees Ragnarok Pass. You will have to be swift and inconspicuous."

"If you serve Lady Parocaav.... why are you aging? Aren't you suppose to look younger?" Roku asks politely, trying not to offend her.

"I started aging at a fast pace since Lady Parocaav fell. I believe that I will age faster than you will be able to redeem our fallen goddess," Yarr smiles, "After so many years of immortality, I welcome my end. So do not concern yourselves with my wellbeing."

"If you wish Lady Yarr," Roku smiles back.

"You two should use this opportunity to rest at our inn. It's quite lovely. I'd offer for you to stay here, but I have no place for you to sleep. I did arrange a free night for you however," Yarr tells them as she stands up and yawns, "I need to rest."

"Thank you for your help Lady Yarr," Drayk mentions just before Yarr disappears down the hall.

"See yourself out whenever you're ready to leave dearies!" Yarr calls out from her room before shutting her door.

Drayk looks down at the floor between his knees. He is letting everything sink in. Leon had made his people sound innocent. Drayk can't blame him though. His people had betrayed themselves, which left Leon to live out with the burden of their mistake on his shoulders.

"We better head out," Drayk finally says.

"I agree. It'll be nice to relax for awhile. Maybe forget about everything for a little bit," Roku agrees.

Without anything else to say, the Bringers walk out of the small house. Roku shuts the door behind them, then they make their way down the street. All of the townsfolk had retired to their homes for the evening. Stars are starting to light up overhead as the sky darkens. They stop for a moment before entering the inn, then Drayk opens the door to allow Roku into the building. She gives him a smile and a kiss on the cheek as she passes. After a few minutes of chitchat with the innkeeper, the two of them make their way up the two flights of stone stairs to their room. They jump straight into bed to get a good night's sleep. It's always feels good for them to get away from it all once in awhile.

"Ragnarok...." Drayk mutters to himself as he dozes off to sleep.