When We Spirits Awaken

Chapter 1: Portal

I had put this off too long, and now I could not waste a moment more. As grief stricken as I was, my time had nearly run out, and if it did, so would my freedom.

There is no one left to protect you. You will come to me or I will bring you myself.

You have three days.

Jadus

I cursed as I remembered the name on the letter that had been placed under my door almost three days ago. A note written in my mother's blood and signed by the sorcerer who killed her.

I should have known that my mother had set off on her last attempt to protect me. What mother would not have given everything she could to save her daughter from danger?

Jadus, however, was a danger far beyond anyone's recognition. A dark sorcerer was not to be toyed with under any circumstances, a young dark sorcerer lusting after power was much worse.

Facing Jadus was more frightening than staring down a dragon's open mouth as it prepares to envelop it's victim in spewing fire and smoke, and deadlier than the dragon's glare and claw. When facing a dragon, there is a small chance you can escape, dealing with Jadus made facing a creature with such power look like child's play.

I shook my head. Knowing the sorcerer's strength only reminded me how urgent leaving was. The moment the sun held its place in the sky, Jadus would be here to take me; I would not allow my mother's death to be in vain.

I ran through the house and grabbed everything I could carry in one bag, choosing wisely as I knew this would have to last me a very long time.

Living near the Medila Mountains in Vanoria had its benefits while my mother was training me, but to get to the nearest town was a journey of many days, even on horse back.

I looked out the window, to my horror, the edge of the Medila Mountains were beginning to catch the sun's rays, I had not quite an hour.

I ran into my room and grabbed the large, leather bound book that I had hidden under my bed. It was all my mother had left for me. Inside I knew it held everything I needed to continue my training and what ever else she thought I would need if she did not return. I had not yet brought myself to open the book, not when the thoughts of my mother alive and well were still so fresh in my memory.

I do not know if it was because I was moving too quickly or that I could not see clearly with the fresh tears waiting to spill from my eyes. Perhaps it was a combination of the two, but either way, I tripped and fell to the floor, my mother's book falling open.

A single piece of paper fell onto the floor beside the book, a page had fallen out? I flipped it over and examined the paper; it was not a missing page, it was a letter.

It was addressed to me, written in my mother's hand.

Dearest Lillyana,

I love you, and if you are reading this, it is because I will no longer have the opportunity of telling you that myself. Jadus is strong, and though wanting your power at his side angered me, his longing for you is something I could not bare. You must understand, my dear, I will not let you be caged by a monster.

Jadus will come for you, surely you know that, but you're powers are not yet strong enough to defeat him. You must run, leave everything behind but this book and the others you will find sitting on my writing desk, you will need nothing else.

Dear Lillyana, I've long prepared for this time, only if you do as I say will you be able to escape him.

Remember my teachings of the New World beyond Vanoria; they are more important now then ever.