Undying

...

...what...is...this?...

...it...is...so...cold...

...I...am...numb...

...everything...is...black...

...did...I...die?...

Book of the Sword
Chapter One: The Beginning at the End


A lone man floated in the black void. He had no feeling, no movement. All he can do is ponder his fate. Was he going to be trapped in this void forever? Was this the purgatory he would be sent to for his deeds?
But suddenly things seemed to change. The void seemed to change color, going from absolute darkness to a white light surrounding him. This made him stop. He felt at ease suddenly. Relaxed. He simply hung in the void, feeling time pass him by. Suddenly, he heard a strange sound, a chime of some sort, the sound of some kind of fabric in the wind, and then a light thud, like someone landing on their feet. Who was there? But he couldn't turn his head. All he could see was the white light. Suddenly, he felt a rush. His body seemed to float upwards, suddenly he felt his heart start beating again. He felt the blood flow through, returning warmth to him. He opened his mouth and gasped, taking in his first breath of air in what felt like centuries. He then felt ground beneath him, he was laying on the ground, having an indescribable feeling. How many people had ever been conscious when their hearts suddenly went from still to beating? He couldn't move still. The feeling was still slowly returning to his body. But then, he felt a presence. Someone was cradling him. His head was being held to something soft and warm. He then heard a voice. "Raziel, can you hear me?"
The man paused. Raziel... right. That was his name. His senses then came too. Someone had saved him. He was in a land filled entirely with white light, and a woman was holding him to her breast, trying to comfort him. Her voice was soft and lyrical, the most beautiful thing he had ever heard. Raziel then felt his hand twitching, he tried to lift up his arm, but still couldn't. But he could move his fingers and toes. He opened his mouth, but felt strange, like something was different about his body. But he managed to force the words out. "What happened?" He asked.
The woman kissed his head. "You're being given a new life. Raziel, you are worthy to enter the land of Erinn." She said.
Raziel didn't know what that meant. "New... life?" He then remembered. He was a swordsman. He was injured, and did a poor job of treating the wound. It became infected. Did that kill him?
The woman touched his head with one of her hands, the other kept hugging him. "I cannot let you linger here. I'm sorry, but the land of Erinn needs you desperately. You must go there now. I hope you can release the curse on the land." She said. Suddenly, Raziel felt something pull him from her, almost violently. His body was still limp like a ragdoll, he couldn't resist the force calling to him. Before he knew it, he was surrounded by darkness again.


Suddenly, Raziel heard voices. He couldn't move still. He listened to them. An old man's voice was speaking up. "It is hard to believe that Nao did such a thing. Lassar, you studied the process of calling these men from the Soul Stream. And normally they land with basic equipment. But Dilys found him naked, half dead in the Forest of Souls."
A new voice spoke up, an intelligent and calm voice. "I'd give a little more credit to Nao than that. The ones we saw entering from the Soul Stream earlier were children, rarely older than 15, and they had no specific strengths or abilities. They were blank slates. But even I of all people can tell he is a warrior." Raziel heard this voice. Somehow it reminded him of the doctors from his land. Her intelligence seemed to know no bounds.
A third voice joined in. This was another girls voice, but it had more emotion in it. "Well, Nao's usual process was to guide worthy souls to the stream, erase their memories of the past lives, give them new bodies and basic equipment, and then send them here. But it looks like he was forced to Erinn. Nao never gave him time to adjust to the mana of the land."
The old man spoke again. "Four years she waits to guide a single soul, and now she does such a risky act? What could possibly be going on that we are not seeing? What moves have the Fomors made that only she can see?"
The first girl sighed. "Well... just a thought, but if Nao can guide worthy souls to Erinn through the Soul Stream, can't the Fomors call a sinners soul using the same method?"
Raziel opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was a pair of brown eyes staring back at him. Deep and lovely. A forth voice, the most beautiful of the three girls, spoke up. "Dilys, he's waking up!" She said. Raziel opened his eyes completely and saw the girl. She was wearing a green apron over a plain blouse, her body was that of a beautiful country girl, her long hair seemed to glitter in the dim light. Who was she?
A second girl walked towards Raziel and looked at him. Raziel looked at her. She was wearing a white dress with green trimmings on the top, and had neatly combed hair to her shoulders. She was slim, and looked wise. She opened her mouth, she must have been the second voice Raziel heard. "Can you hear me? Can you talk?" She asked.
Raziel tried to sit up, but didn't have the strength. He opened his mouth and spoke in a weak voice. "What happened to me?" He asked.
The country girl looked at the woman in white. "Dilys, is he going to be okay?" She asked.
Dilys shrugged. "I sent for a healer from Dunbarton who should be more familiar with such weaknesses. Ranald is escorting him, they should be back tomorrow. As for now, he doesn't seem to be in any strong danger."
A third girl walked up. Her fiery hair and bright brown eyes also seemed to sparkle with wisdom. She wore a two piece black suit, with a short skirt and white long-sleeved top, complete with a collar. She wore long black stockings also. "I've seen guys like that after they exhausted their mana, but only when they were children. Maybe he just needs to rest." She said.
Raziel spoke again. "Who are you people?"
The red-headed girl gave a quick smile. "I'm Lassar, the magic teacher of this town." She then pointed to Dilys. "This is Dilys, the healer." She then pointed to the third girl. "And that is Caitlin. She was the one that helped Dilys take care of you. Much to her regret probably, you were naked when we found you."
Caitlin blushed a little but then shook her head to chase off the images. "How are you feeling?" She asked.
Raziel tried to focus. He was still feeling numb, he couldn't even tell if he was starved, thirsty, or missing limbs. All he could tell is that he was being taken care of. But where? "Where am I?" He asked.
Dilys sat at the foot of the bed. "You're in my place. We found you in the Forest of Souls."
Lassar tapped on Dilys' shoulder. "If he was tossed out of the Soul Stream so quickly, I doubt he knows what town he's in even."
Raziel didn't understand. Soul Stream? Nao? Was Nao the woman who revived him? Caitlin sighed. "Dilys, I'd better get back to work. Nora gave me a huge order to fill. Please tell me when he gets better." She said.
Dilys shrugged. "I thought I was the healer. But, fine. I'll keep you updated." Caitlin nodded and walked off.
A fourth person walked towards the bed, an old man, somewhat regally dressed. He had a warriors physique but was clearly well into his 60s, possibly even 70s. "Do you have a name?" He asked.
Lassar jumped. "Oh, sorry chief. You were so quiet I assumed you had disappeared again." She said.
The chief shook his head. "Just lost in thought. I wonder if the man Dilys calls can help this poor boy."
Dilys closed her eyes and sighed. "Well... Manus may be good at healing on his own, but the wild animals around Dunbarton don't really amount to the Fomor magic you see near Ciar or Alby. Math Dungeon and Rabbie Dungeon were purified right before the warriors from the Soul Stream stopped appearing. Manus may be rusty. And if it is a curse that is ailing him, I may have to send him to Emain Macha somehow."
The chief stood close to the boy. "I'm sure Lassar would have noticed if it was a curse. But, still, I will trust your word. Do you two mind if I have a word with him in private?" He asked.
Dilys sighed. "Go ahead. I hope Nora is almost done with his room, as much as I'd like to take care of him, I can't keep him here for long." Dilys and Lassar then walked off, leaving Raziel and the old chief alone.
"Where am I?" Raziel asked again.
The chief nodded. "You are in Tir Chronaill, my village. You were brought here by Dilys and Caitlin yesterday after they found you in the Forest of Souls. You're not injured, but your body is still very weak."
"Then that woman who sent me here...?" Raziel couldn't finish the sentence, but the chief knew what he was going to say.
"That was Nao. She is the guide of the Soul Stream. She can call the souls of those who have died from other worlds and grant them new lives. For 10 years, that's been the only way to bring new life to this land thanks to the Fomors."
"Fomors?" He remembered that Nao said that he needed to release a curse on the land.
The chief let out a deep sigh. "Fomors are a mysterious race of demons that are plaguing our land. The war with them and humans has been raging for centuries, but twenty years ago, three warriors had taken on Cichol, the leader of the Fomors. What happened to them isn't known, but after that, the tide of the battle was turned. But, ten years ago, their curse suddenly was unleashed again. Wild animals are being possessed by the demons magic, and the men of the land were rendered sterile. The Fomors were trying to make sure that even if they were losing, we would end once this generation did. At that time, Nao began leading new people here from the Soul Stream. People like you, she gave them new bodies and let them become heroes of the land."
Raziel let that sink in. "But... now?" He asked.
"Four years ago, the warriors stopped appearing, and both the Fomors and adventurers began a solid offense. Two of the dungeons that once held the Fomors were cleared out, but few adventurers remain. Right now, most of them are caught up in defending villages. But..." The chief sighed again.
Raziel waited a moment. "But?"
The chief shook his head. "Tir Chronaill came up with the short straw. We only have a few warriors protecting us. And they aren't much compared to some of the monsters that the Fomors may summon. We've been lucky so far since rumors are saying that the Fomors are focused on the town of Bangor, it's only a matter of time before we're attacked."
Raziel let out a light chuckle. "So... that Nao woman must expect me to act as your ace. No way I would be considered a worthy soul by her."
The chief nodded. "You are a strange one. Normally Nao sends the adventurers as young men or even children, whose bodies could be honed to suit a special skill, and are given guidance and equipment. But, you look like much like me when I was your age. You were tossed out of the Soul Stream without even clothes, and before your soul could adjust to the land. We don't know how to treat your weakness I'm afraid."
Raziel tried to nod, but couldn't even move his head slightly. "I get it. For now... just wait."
The chief nodded. "That's right. Try and get some rest, you shouldn't waste what energy you have."


Raziel's condition improved slowly as he slept, but after two days it was hard for him to try and sleep. He had enough energy to move his hands and turn his head, but it would be weeks of recovery at the rate he was going. He conversed with Dilys and Caitlin who took care of him, but after two days, the healer they were expecting finally showed up. They had entered the house they were keeping Raziel in, a large black man wearing a robe similar to Dilys, and a man wearing somewhat formal attire, like a teacher. The tall black man approached Raziel. "I'm sorry I took so long, but I am here. My name is Manus, I'm the healer of Dunbarton."
The other man walked to Raziel's bed. "Caitlin told me that you were able to talk now. I am Ranald, who are you?" He asked.
Raziel nodded. "My name is Raziel. But, I thought they said you two would be here by yesterday."
Manus shook his head. "We found someone who was in worse shape than you were on our way back yesterday, we had to take her back to Dunbarton."
Raziel looked at Manus. His look was grave, what did they find? "Who did you find?"
Ranald sighed. "We don't have time to explain. I'll need to escort Manus back as soon as he is done with you."
At that time, Dilys ran in. "It's about time you two got here. Manus, do you need my help?"
Manus pulled the cover off of Raziel and exposed his chest. "It's fine. This will only be a minute." He held his hand over Raziel's heart and focused. For an instant, Raziel thought he saw Manus's hand glow. But, only for a moment. Manus then laughed. "You called me in vain! You could have treated him yourself!"
Dilys sighed. "What's wrong with him then?"
Manus faced Dilys. "His body is new, he just came here, sent by Nao, right?" He asked. Dilys nodded. "When Ewecca rises, take him outside and let him bask in the light. He needs to have the natural flow of the light enter his body to revive him. He wasn't in the Soul Stream long enough to fuel himself before he entered the world. But now, I must depart." Manus quickly headed out the door.
Dilys stopped Ranald. "What the hell took you so long?"
Ranald sighed. "We found a Dunbarton resident near Dugald Aisle half dead. Someone raped and beat her horribly." He then walked off.
Dilys gasped. "How did-- who?!" But Ranald had started to run to catch up to Manus, he didn't answer.
Raziel heard the words and paused. "Are rapes a rare occurrence in this land?" He asked.
Dilys shook her head. "More than that. The men of the land are so impaired by the Fomors curse that they can't even get a rise. But... this..." She let out a sigh. "Not much I can do about it. I just hope whoever did it gets caught soon." She walked out of the house quietly. Raziel sighed himself. If whatever Manus said was right and the treatment would let him move, he would definitely be busy.

An hour later, the chief, whom Raziel knew as Duncan, walked in. "I heard that we may be able to save you tonight." He said.
Raziel nodded. "What is Ewecca though?" Asked Raziel.
Duncan paused to think. "If I remember right, the others Nao called from the Soul Stream said that it was called the moon. It is the source of mana in our land. When it rises, the light from Ewecca fills your soul with mana. It is why many mages and druids are more powerful at night." Duncan then turned to face Raziel. "You said before you were an experienced fighter, right?" He asked.
Raziel nodded. "In my past life they called me Render. I was a mercenary who was paid to dispose of thieves and wild animals. I got my name after I sliced a bear in half."
Duncan nodded. "That is impressive, but how fast are you? Bears are large creatures, easy to hit. But, the Fomors will use more creatures, or even manipulate humans to attack you."
Raziel let his pride show through. "My speed was the trick. I trained my body to be able to use any sword at rapid speeds. I can use anything from daggers to claymores."
Duncan sighed. "Then how did you die? Why did you say you wouldn't be considered a worthy soul?" He asked in a dire tone.
There was a brief pause, Raziel then spoke. "I wasn't a virtuous warrior, I killed anything for a price. But, when I turned 30, I started to regret it all. For a job, I killed the wife of a lord who suspected she was cheating. But, my cut wasn't clean. While she was dying, she asked me why I killed her. It was the first time my opponent didn't die on the spot, so I told her who sent me. She started sobbing, saying that she never once did such a thing. At that time, I realized that I had hurt an innocent, and I wanted to undo that. But, I didn't know how to save lives, so she died. After that I limited my work to fighting bandits, and tried to take more time to try and know people. But, I was still naive. I slept with many women, much of them girls who loved me for my legendary abilities. But, one day I slept with a prostitute who knew that I had much money saved from all of my jobs. She never told me who she was, and seduced me. While I slept, she got the leader of the brothel she was with and it's warriors and they demanded I pay what I owed. I didn't know what they were talking about, and killed them in self defense. But, the woman was in love with one of the body guards I killed. She stabbed me after I let my guard down. I survived for a year though. During that time I hid in a small village. A farmer and his daughters took care of me, and I learned how to read people. But... I never noticed that the knife wound didn't heal. I guess it was a week ago that I tried to fight with a claymore, and the wound opened up again and got infected. That is what killed me."
Duncan sighed. "Are you really so trustworthy then? How do we know that you will still fight for Tir Chronaill and Erinn? Are you still so naive or greedy?"
Raziel paused. "No. I stopped caring about money and my reputation after I was stabbed. If I am going to fight, I'll make sure it is worth fighting for first. And... seeing those two, Caitlin and Dilys, work so hard to take care of me, I think it is."
Duncan gave a smile. "Ah... so, you're in love with one of them?"
Raziel paused. "I guess I'm just inspired after seeing them. Especially Caitlin, she seems to keep herself busy, doesn't she? Helping Dilys, and that store?" There was a pause from Duncan. "What is it?" Raziel asked.
Duncan sighed. "That's not even half of it, but it may be better for you to find out on your own if you are interested in her. For now, rest. When Ewecca rises, we'll take you outside and see if what Manus suggested helps."
Raziel paused. "Hey, do you know what they were talking about? About what happened near Dunbarton?" He asked.
Duncan hung his head low. "We got a message by owl earlier from Ranald. The girl said that it was a human bandit that raped her. The first man who isn't infertile to appear for years is a monster in his own right." Raziel didn't know how to reply. It must have been a crushing blow to those who found out about it. But, how could he help? Duncan sighed. "You shouldn't worry about such matters now. Ewecca will rise in an hour."

Raziel was woken up by Dilys shouting. "Where the hell is Ferghus then? I can't carry Raziel by myself! Ewecca rises soon, we should get him out as early as possible."
Lassar's voice replied. "The windmill stopped working, he's repairing it."
Dilys growled. "Okay, get Caitlin and Trefor. I'll get the sight ready."
Raziel opened his eyes, Lassar had just ran out of the room. Dilys noticed him waking up. "Sorry for the noise, but I found a book that had some details that would speed up your recovery. But, we need to get you out as soon as Ewecca rises, so--" She was interrupted by someone bursting into the room.
A man's voice shouted eagerly. "Lassar told me to hurry here, what's going on?" He asked.
Dilys sighed. "Trefor, calm down. We just need to get Raziel outside soon, and I need your help since Ferghus is busy. Caitlin will be here soon, help carry him to the maple tree stump to the south. I've carved some runes onto the stump that will speed things up for him."
Trefor nodded. Raziel took a look at him. He couldn't see Trefor's eyes, the only part of his face visible through his black helmet was his mouth. And he was wearing black leather armor also. But, he was tall and well built. He must have been a guard.
After a minute, Caitlin burst into the house in a similar fashion. "What's going on?" She asked frantically.
Dilys and Trefor both sighed. Dilys answered. "We just need to get him outside now. We'll wrap the blanket around him and carry him to the sight."
Caitlin let out a sigh of relief. "Okay, I'll get his head." She said, walking around to the other side of the bed. Trefor rolled Raziel onto his side and tucked the cover around his shoulder, quickly wrapping him up in the blanket. He then walked over to Raziel's feet. Caitlin reached under Raziel's shoulders and started to lift him up. "Okay, on three. One, two, three!" Trefor and Caitlin lifted Raziel up carefully and carried him outside. Raziel could see the sun barely shining over a hill to the west. Trefor and Caitlin then carried Raziel to the south, Dilys followed closely behind.

After a minute of running, they came to a stop near a large stump. There was a large piece of wood on it, taller than Raziel. They placed him on the plank and turned him onto his side again, beginning to unwrap him. Dilys then spoke up. "Caitlin, you don't need to get a second peep show." She said, somewhat teasingly.
Caitlin nodded. "I'll be back in a minute, I have to get something for him." She said, running off. Trefor quickly removed the blanket from Raziel, leaving him nude on the stump.
Dilys took a quick look around. "Okay, no one in range to see his manhood. Lets create some distance, make sure he takes in as much mana as possible." She said. Trefor nodded, and the two of them walked away.
Raziel looked to the east. The sky was beginning to change color. Soon, he saw a faint light peaking over to the east as the sky turned completely orange. Was that Ewecca? He waited patiently, soon the sky was dim, and Ewecca was rising into the air. He felt the air begin to change, a force seemed to fill it. He felt a strange feeling inside of him, not unlike the feeling he felt when Nao first brought him to life. An energy filled his body, slowly at first, but when Ewecca was in the air and the sunlight was completely gone, he felt almost as if he was caught in a tidal wave. An hour passed, suddenly he felt the flow stop. He paused. He could sense that the mana was in the air, but his body stopped absorbing it. He sighed and lifted his hand up to scratch his ear, but then stopped. He could feel an itch? He could move his arm? Raziel then tried to sit up. His body moved without any difficulty. He got off the plank and onto his feet. His legs were a little shaky from the time he spent in bed, but he could move them, stand on them. He then took a step forward, he could walk. He was completely alive now.
Raziel turned around. Now that the feeling in his body had returned, he felt parched. He remembered that Dilys had given him a potion to keep him from starving, but he wanted water. He spotted a stream and walked towards it. But, he stopped when he saw his reflection. He stared closely, a person different from what he remembered stared back. He stared in awe. His body was ten years younger, his scars and tattoos were all gone. And yet, he still had his build. His fingers were still curved slightly, as if he was trying to grip a sword. His black hair fell back to his shoulders, and his green eyes seemed to lack the sharpness they once possessed. He now looked more innocent. He then heard a voice to his left. "Um... Raziel..." Raziel turned his head and spotted Caitlin, who had her head turned. She was holding out a folded set of clothes. "I made these for you to wear. Would you try them on?" She asked.
Raziel smiled a little. "Yeah, thanks." He said. He picked up the pair of pants which was on the top and slipped them on. He then picked up a thin blue long-sleeved shirt and put it on, and then a brown vest. Caitlin back to look at him and gave him a smile. Raziel looked at the reflection in the stream again. It would take some time for him to get used to seeing the sharp change in his appearance, but he would. "Thanks for the clothes Caitlin, they fit nicely." Raziel said again.
Caitlin laughed a little. "It was nothing. I'm just glad to help." She said.
Raziel turned towards her. The moonlight of Erinn was brighter than that of his old home. He could still see Caitlin. She seemed so beautiful to him. Her smile, her kindness. Raziel gave a smile. "You look so nice..." he couldn't help but say.
Caitlin blushed a little. "Thanks. I don't hear that very often."
Raziel reached out towards her, but then heard a sound. Something very large was running towards them. Caitlin heard it too and gasped. Raziel stepped in front of her, between the noise. Then, he saw something emerge from the woods. A grizzly bear with red fur. "Oh shit... " Raziel muttered. The bear stood up on it's hind legs and let out a roar. Raziel grabbed Caitlin, the bear then tried to swipe at him, but he dove out of the way, dragging Caitlin with him. He then leapt to his feet. "I'll distract him, you go get help!" He shouted.
Caitlin nodded and stood up, Raziel put his fists forward. He was fast, but fighting a bear unarmed was practical suicide. But still, he had to protect Caitlin! Caitlin ran towards the bridge which ran over the stream, Raziel darted towards the bear. He threw a punch, much to his amazement it actually sent the bear staggering back. But, the bear then started to run. Raziel gave chase, and noticed it was going after Caitlin. The bear then swiped at her, hitting her full on with it's paw. Caitlin was sent flying, she landed on the other side of the bridge. Raziel kept sprinting, but the bear was faster than he was. Caitlin got back up to try and run again, but the bear then swiped again, it's claws raking her gut. Caitlin let out a scream, though it didn't go deep she was bleeding badly. The bear raised it's paw to try another swipe, but it was then hit by a fireball. The bear stopped and turned towards the direction the fireball came in, Raziel then dove forward, feet first, and drop kicked the bear. His strength was greater than he remembered, the bear was actually knocked over by the force. He then heard a shout, he saw Lassar, she was carrying a sword. "RAZIEL, HERE!" She shouted, tossing it towards him. The sword landed close to Raziel's feet; he picked it up and looked at it. It had a very long blade, nice and sharp. The bear then got up, and stood up on it's hind legs again, roaring at Raziel. He wouldn't let it get a blow in. Raziel took a quick step forward, stopping in front of the bear, his back was arched, the sword was in his right hand which was raised high into the sky, his left shoulder facing the bear. He then brought his arm forward, the sword slicing cleanly through the dirt, and then through the bears hide. Raziel leaped, the sword slicing through the bears abdomen, he then pulled the blade towards him and flipped backwards. The bear let out a weak roar and fell backwards, clutching at it's entrails. Raziel had completely disemboweled the giant grizzly. Lassar stood in amazement, but Raziel turned his attention to Caitlin, dropping his sword. Caitlin was clutching her stomach, she had fallen back after Raziel caught the sword.
Raziel saw the large amount of blood and was startled. "Caitlin, are you okay?" He asked.
Caitlin looked back up at him, forcing through a smile. "It hurts, but I'll be fine." She said.
Raziel knelt down and looked at the wound, he then heard footsteps approaching. He looked up and spotted Dilys, Trefor, and the chief running towards them. Dilys stopped at Caitlin and let out a sigh. "No serious injuries... thank the gods..." She said, slightly out of breath from the sprint.
Trefor look at the bear. "Nope... one serious injury. This is no lucky swipe, Raziel, you must really know your stuff."
Dilys held her hands in front of her in a strange way. Raziel could sense a strong energy coming from her, almost like the mana that filled the air. Several glowing orbs then appeared, surrounding Dilys. She then pointed her hand at Caitlin and the orbs dispersed, the light from them flowing towards her. Caitlin then let go of her stomach and stood up. Raziel noticed the blood stopped flowing. Duncan sighed. "We were fortunate that Raziel was so skilled. To lose anyone in this rough time would be a crippling blow to Tir Chronaill."
Trefor sighed. "Well... we can always use more food. Chief, could you help me clean it up? Ferghus is too soused to pick up a knife."
Duncan nodded. "Fine. Caitlin, Raziel, you two should head towards the village. It must have been startling for the both of you."
Raziel stood up, Caitlin took a deep breath and walked towards the village. Raziel followed her.
After a minute of walking, Caitlin stopped and turned to Raziel. "Raziel, thanks for saving me."
Raziel shook his head. "Lassar was the one that distracted the bear before it killed you. That finishing blow could have been dealt by anyone. I didn't do much to help you."
Caitlin then walked towards him and hugged him. Raziel stood surprised. "You may think that, but i'll still find a good way to repay you. But for now, you'd better get some sleep yourself. With all the meat they'll get from the bear, I'm sure they will celebrate the arrival of a warrior like you."
Raziel wrapped his arms around Caitlin. With her, he felt so strange. But it wasn't an unpleasant feeling. He gave a small smile. "It feels good fighting to protect something for a change."

Sorry that this is later than I said. I'll post the next chapter soon.