Guardians of Magic: The Awakening (SAMPLE)

Prologue -- In the Dead of Night

Screaming and inhuman growling echoed throughout the cavernous canyon. Those who remained on this wasteland of a preserve were contending with his...allies. He watched the flickering flames hungrily leap their way up the walls of the canyon, as if searching for more fuel to feed its fire, an entity that lives to consume.

How fitting. It was the only source of light to break the night's encompassing darkness, yet eagerly aided in the preserve's untimely demise. Even light, if encouraged, can cause great destruction, he thought to himself knowingly.

The smell of death and the acrid scent of smoke singed his nostrils. Billowing clouds of it carried its way to their location where he and his entourage stood observing. He himself was dressed nicely in a dark blue suit with a light pink pocket square in his blazer. His attire was far too fine for the grisly occasion, though the style suited him well. He was never one to get his own hands dirty.

There was only one item that contradicted his appearance: a finely made black intricate mask over his eyes, as if he was ready to attend a masquerade ball.

One might find his appearance odd, but it served a purpose. None would recognize him. His appearance created an air of mystery and power, which is exactly what he was going for. He'd learned that one's appearance often create powerful emotions. And fear was a powerful tool.

A smirk touched his lips as he recalled his famously coined nickname: The Demon Master. His reputation had struck fear into many of his enemies thus far, though unknowingly to them, there was no magic involved...at least, nothing that forced their cooperation.

He grinned at the thought, fondling a thick black and gold ring around his right ring finger. Intricate designs and swirls adorned its surface, the glimmer of magic visible to only those who looked closely, which of course, no one did. He was wearing many rings on his fingers, though this one was special. It'd been a secret he'd neglected to share with anyone, not even his most trusted allies. It had been a great contributing factor to his success, having gone unnoticed by everyone. And it'll be the very weapon to bring the world to its knees.

Though it wasn't the only weapon at his disposal. He was skilled enough at combat, but his mind and words were honed into far better weapons. They had been sharp and clever enough to get him here. Now he oversaw a powerful array of minions, creatures, and soldiers. It wouldn't be much longer until any force would be unable to oppose him.

A cacophony of shrieks and screams pierce the air, forcing his thoughts to return to the matter at hand. He was near enough to see the results of their labor, but too far away to see the details of what he imagined. Shadows cast by the fire played against the cavern's walls, encouraging him to picture the gruesome scenes going on below.

He and his men were standing on the edge of a cliff-face, overlooking a gorge. Beyond were a maze of canyons, the scene obscured behind a particular bend. He preferred it this way. He was near enough to see things go according to plan without getting messy himself, and far enough to keep his identity hidden. Though if anyone were to catch sight of him, it would only spread more rumors of fear, further bolstering his reputation.

There didn't seem to be much of a battle, though the screams carried on well past the sounds of fighting, sounding louder in these canyons than they would normally. It has a haunting effect, adding to the already ominous scene occurring in the distance below. He had instructed them to do a thorough job, which the newly freed demons had accepted with pleasure. Perhaps they were enjoying their freedom a bit too much. After several more minutes, the agonizing human screams cut off abruptly.

Moments later, the ground beneath their feet began to shake as a great earthquake overtook the area. Its rumblings echoed deafeningly among the canyons they were in, as if a deceased giant were trying to break itself free from its grave. Then, sounding as though an explosion went off, a crack far greater than a clap of thunder sounded through the night, bringing with it a surge of energy that caused even him to retreat a few steps at its impact.

Inhuman sounds perforated the night, screaming their victory. Despite himself, he could feel goosebumps pop up over his skin, and a chill snake its way down his spine at the unnerving sounds. He forced himself to remain neutral and unbothered. In spite of his doubt about his new allies, they had served their purpose.

Finally. Years of patience, tireless planning, and rising through the ranks had finally paid off.

The grim atmosphere contrasted the glee he felt inside. He would finally have the first object in his grasp, yet he knew that far more work was yet to be done. It was necessary to continue to strategize in the shadows. Soon they would be ready to take on any human force, but for now, planting seeds of deception would deliver the results he was looking for. In fact, it already has. Despite centuries of planning to get here, his plan was working flawlessly. He was completely trusted by his enemies, for his true mask wasn't the one on his face. They would never see him coming.

He was self-assured in knowing it was only a matter of time before he got what he wanted. Still, he knew better than to let his anticipation get the better of him. Overconfidence has been the downfall of many impassioned conquerors. Remaining vigilant and cautious would be of the utmost importance, especially after word spreads of what happened here.

He'd waited this long. He could wait a little longer.

He was going to tear them down from the inside and when that happened, nothing could stop him. Soon, they would emerge from the shadows.

"Sir." A human man dressed in full combat gear with a receding hairline and a hardened face addressed him, breaking him out of his thoughts. His voice was gruff and direct, hinting at the years of hardship he'd endured, leading missions on his behalf. "The preserve is destroyed. There's no sign of the key."

He felt his glee dissipate.

Then his second-in-command continued: "...but we found this." He watched his companion reach into his inner jacket pocket and remove a carefully folded piece of cloth. The man's hands around the cloth were rough, and calloused, unlike his own. He accepted it, unfolding the material.

An ancient piece of parchment revealed itself, all wrinkled, the words barely visible. "What do you want us to do now?" His comrade asked.

The man considered the piece of parchment, feeling his lips draw into a smug smile. Tonight wasn't a total waste. He had acquired more followers, already proving themselves useful. And now...another piece of the long-awaited puzzle.

He turned his thoughts to his companion. The human man had spent many years at his side in the shadows, and despite his inferior species, had proven his loyalty many times over. He was perhaps one of the few humans he could respect. He believed in the cause and so would be spared from what was to come. Him, he could trust to do his bidding.

"Where are we on the Mysthaven preserve?" He asked instead. It was the next best target until he raised enough resources and grew their ranks to take on the more difficult challenges.

"The magic's barriers are beginning to weaken, yet the caretaker there has proven to be difficult to get past. We need to find a way to get rid of him or distract him for enough of our forces to get through. We also haven't located a key yet, though we think there's another piece of the puzzle on the preserve. It'll take some time to find."

He considered this, thinking quietly to himself. Eliminating the caretaker would make finding the missing puzzle piece harder. No, this would require a more tactful approach. Though a distraction would be an easy problem to create.

He couldn't help the subtle twitch of his lips into the form of a cruel smirk. Everything would soon be falling into place. "Do we know where his closest kin are?"

"Georgia, sir."

"Good. Make it look like an accident. We don't want this tied to us yet. This should distract him for a bit, especially since I believe they're the last family he has. Yes, this will work just fine."

He turned his back to the now quiet night. The creatures had finished their work quickly. They had been ready and prepared. Soon, the other imprisoned creatures would be as well, helping him usher in a new era. The humans would regret imprisoning his kind. Anyone who stood against them would suffer. It was time for a new age. An age where other magical beings would be free to roam the world beyond their prison's barriers. A new world order. And he would lead it.