Smonova and River were lying down on the grass by the Three Streams -river, next to the village of Helbeck. The river flowed calmly and silently today, which was quite unusual, as it tended to make quite a racket, flowing swiftly towards the ocean. There wasn't a single cloud in the sky that day. The trees around the river stayed still as the wind, too, was calmer than ever.
"This is my second favourite river", said Smonova after a while of silence. River giggled at the implication that she was Smonova's favourite river.
Smonova grinned and got up. "Shall we head back home? I think the newspaper's been delivered already".
"Sure", River replied and got up as well. The two started walking back home.
Smonova picked up the newspaper on his doorstep. His smile quickly faded as he saw the headline:
"Gorshah society threatens to take over all land from Clearhorn to the Three Streams"
"What is it?" River asked, seeing the worried look on Smonova's face. Smonova handed the newspaper to River. She let out a gasp.
"Oh this is terrible", River said and started crying. "My family lives in Helbeck... what if the Gorshah take over that city?"
Smonova looked at River. "First old Dailey dies, now this? It feels like the world is falling apart".
River started to collapse, but Smonova caught her in time. She was crying like her eyes were waterfalls. Smonova held River in his arms, not knowing what to do.
Perhaps I should take this time to explain what a Gorshah is. A Gorshah is a tall, fit creature with excellent posture. They look human, but can transform into demon-like creatures at will. The Gorshah society was a society that lived hundreds of years ago, where the evil beings would torture and kill other species, especially Drivvies. Why? Because the Gorshah loved it. Because they thought other species were filthy and needed to be eradicated, while glorifying themselves. The Gorshah would sometimes let people from other species into their circles, though. If they decided they were worthy. If not, they were sent to the dungeons. The Gorshah society died out a few decades ago, but have now resurfaced.
Clearhorn had heard the news first. Everyone around the town was talking about it. Everyone except one old, wise man.
Obsedra Greylight lived peacefully in his big house. He had worked with the Magi Council of Clearhorn for 76 years before retirement, and was very well known and liked there.
He was quite old now. 147 years this Tuesday. His grey hair was long and unwashed, to go with his beard. He had a nice home, a big wine cellar under it and a big bedroom. He had antiques and furniture from all over everywhere in his house to remind him of what a life he had led.
He heard a knock at his door. The old man walked across the birchwood floor of his living room to answer the door. It was the messenger from the Magi council.
"Sterling!" Obsedra said, his grey eyes gleaming with delight. "I haven't seen you in quite some time, how are things?"
The serious look on Sterling's face suggested he hadn't stopped by for pleasantries. "Something horrible has happened. The Magi Council has requested your presence", he said and stepped back, waiting for Obsedra to follow.
Obsedra looked at him. "The Magi Council hasn't tried to contact me in years, what could be the problem?" He wondered to himself and stepped out his door. Sterling led the way through the town's many buildings to the big Magi Council, built out of marble.
They walked up the stairs and onto the platform where many businessmen were talking about their affairs. The large pillars on the platform held up the front of the building, which had a large, golden sign on it that read "The Magi Council of Clearhorn".
The messenger and Obsedra walked through the large double-doors into the big main hall of the building. Various council members were walking back and forth, from door to door, up and down the two sets of stairs on each side of the hall that led to the second floor.
A tall man in a green robe rose up from the fountain in the middle and walked to greet Obsedra and Sterling.
"Obsedra!" He greeted the old man with a firm handshake and a wide smile that flashed his snow-white teeth.
"Grand mage!" Obsedra responded to the mans greeting. "For what reason have you summoned me?"
"Something very serious has happened and we need your help", the grand mage said. "Come with me". He started walking up the marble stairs on the left.
As they walked up the large staircases to the top floor, the grand mage explained the situation to Obsedra. "The infamous Gorshah society has resurfaced", he said grimly. "They have stated that they will take over all the land from Clearhorn to the Three streams. They have already taken over the mountains and woods of Elvidir. If they get past the lake, they could get into our town and take over".
Obsedra's heart sank. He knew of the horrific crimes the Gorshah had committed. He had seen it up close, too. He couldn't bare to see it again.
"What do you need me for?" He asked.
"We need you to help us defeat the Gorshah society".
"And how am I supposed to do that?"
"Do you know the village of Emerron?"
"I do".
"There are plenty of warriors there willing to fight the Gorshah. Go there and find yourself recruits to take with you".
"You expect me to defeat the Gorshah with a few villagers?"
"Oh, we'll help, of course. You will get supplies from us, and a warrior to go with you". The grand mage and Obsedra reached the top floor, where stood a tall, fair elf with a smile spread wide across his face, pale blue eyes and silky blonde hair.
"This is Alberich Ember. He has been trained in Clearhorn academy to become a strong Elven warrior. He will aid you on your quest", said the grand mage.
"It's very nice to meet you, Alberich", Obsedra said.
"You too, sir", Alberich replied in a very clear voice.
"Obsedra, five thousand Magis from my army are ready to fight at your command. We know you aren't much of a leader and don't want to be, but I think you can handle this one task. You two will go to Emerron to find recruits. Once you have got some, come back here. You will get supplies from us", the grand mage said, and added:"You may go now".
Obsedra and Alberich started walking back down the stairs, into the main hall, out the double-doors and set off southeast to Emerron.