Darkin A Journey East - By Joseph A. Turkot Page 0,23
appearance.
“Yes, I was born long ago. And my age still collects into greater numbers yet—how many more I cannot clearly foresee. I do think, however, that my years are finally catching up with me. I feel in my remaining time that I should help at least in what ways I can; I may be of some use to cleanse the demons once more from this land.” Krem sighed deeply, seeming to burden himself momentarily with the thought of his mortality.
“Perhaps you can tell us more about yourself, Krem—of your past?” asked Erguile.
“Now is not the time, and I don’t think we’d have enough time if it was appropriate anyway. I shall use my past and its lessons in our task, however, whenever they can be used to aid our journey; I assure you of that, at least.”
“So the quest I am undertaking with Erguile—we can count you as our third?” asked Adacon, fearing for a moment that Krem would let them loose toward the east unaided.
“I guess it comes to that, doesn’t it lads? I can’t sit around and let you have all the fun, now can I? Darkin, you see, has not always been this evil place that it is now. It was once wonderful and marvelous by most accounts; I plan to look upon that world once more before I die.”
“Excellent! I am heartened already at this news. I have one last question to burden your mind with… What lies east? Be it we’re going that way for our quest. . . I have always heard that there are natives, living under no man’s law save their own; I thought if it was true we could bring them to our cause,” asked Adacon.
“I have a great wisdom of this world, I can say without feeling boastful, and I have traveled all the way across the great Kalm Ocean. There are natives to the east, as your lore has told you. These natives, however, are not all friendly, and there are other, worse things, in the east—some I daresay more evil than Grelion himself, in their own way, be that possible even; for the east countries are home to the majority of the evil wizards left in Darkin, and there are dark castles where dark wizards sit upon dark thrones, governing their own countries. The East, same as the rest of the world, also houses demons of many different forms. There are trolls and golems, goblins, and demonic wolves and dwarves. There are many wretched things in all the land that do not like humans.”
“Why is it that the other creatures hate us so?” asked Erguile.
“Remember: it has not always been this way, and at one time every creature lived in harmony with Gaigas. We are all formed of the same root, the same love. This age of darkness can be blamed on several; but it is mostly Grelion’s fault, his lust for power. He is human himself, and despises all creatures who are not—he has defiled the valor of men. Grelion is responsible for the burning of the non-humans in this country, and for the intolerance of Vapoury, Gaigas, freedom, and any open knowledge of these things. However—we can take comfort in knowing he has not entirely destroyed these things, though he has dulled Gaigas’s presence in almost all hearts,” Krem spoke.
“How is it that you have lived safely for so long in this desert stronghold? Surely you must be the kind of man he hates most,” asked Adacon.
“Yes—I am of the mold that Grelion hates; he hates anything loving. But recall I am a Vapour, and in that right I still have the power to ask Gaigas to conceal me from all things with evil eyes. That is why I was overjoyed at your arrival, Adacon, for it had been nigh a century since anyone could see my home’s door and windows. Should you have had any evil in your spirit, even a mere drop, the whole place would have looked to you no different than any other sand dune.” Adacon sat absorbing all Krem had said, as did Erguile. There was more silence as the three puffed on their pipes.
“Alas it is time for a change in plans: I oppose the idea you suggested, dear Adacon. A journey east is not suitable for our company of three, such as it is. I know much of this fair country, especially the area surrounding the Solun Desert, and I hear many things. It is no coincidence that a