《Death's Immortal》


 Chapter 1

    Act 1-1


    In the middle of a frosted forest, a dark mage stands. Gravestones more ancient than the surrounding trees lay broken and weathered away. Plants have already started to reclaim the tombs and snow has covered all the graves.


    On the island of frost and snow, a ritual was taking place. The sun was at its zenith and the dark mass of ether was flowing out from her hands. Soaking into the ground, the snow started to darken and the body laying atop an alter started to twitch.


    Clouds started to congregate above and rumbles of thunder echo aloud. The sun was blotched out and the surroundings became still. All the animals have hurried away uneasily. Silence prevailed the area.


    Raising her white hand above, a dark fleshy lump was pulsing in her hand. Faces started to appear on the mass and silent whispers were carried into the wind. Each cursing and promising damnation on the mage.


    Shaking she allowed the fleshy pulp to levitate in the air. Emitting dark ripples, distorting the surrounding. Satisfied with how her ritual is coming along she started her chant.


    From the grasp of death, I call upon thee.


    Listen to the voice with in your self and heed my call.


    The one who have slumbered for far too long shall rise again.


    I as the medium shall guide my chosen back. Listen with in yourself and come forth¡­


    A black bolt of lightning flashes towards the corpse. The twitching turned into small spasms. The floating fleshy lump started to dim. The whispering voices started to blend into one. A males voice became more distinguished.


    Another black streak hits the corpse, rendering it immobile. On cue, the fleshy mass turns into dust, carrying it¡¯s way towards the altar.


    Gritting her teeth, she knows this is the most important part. Wishing for her ritual to work with all her heart, she stares in anticipation.


    With a groggy jerk, the male body moves. Opening its eyes, a scream escapes. Intense pain racked the beings body. It prayed to the gods to end its suffering. Rolling and flailing its limbs, the man falls off onto the stone below.


    Frightened the mage runs towards the man. She doesn¡¯t understand what went wrong. He¡¯s alive, but it wasn¡¯t suppose to be like this. The sorrow and pain in its screams unsettled her. Moving her black hair out of her face, she holds the being in her arms. Cradling it like a mother would.


    Embracing the warmth flowing into it, the screams started to peter out. Twitching it¡¯s eyes, he glances at the girl. Her raven hair and golden eyes were entrancing. Her lips and voice of comfort was a sanctuary the man desperately clung to.


    Noticing the man¡¯s intense stare, she smiled. Getting up, she laid him onto the alter once again. Turning around, she felt her hair raising. Looking up another black bolt crashed onto the alter, tearing the man apart.


    ¡°NO!¡±


    Screaming, she rushes back. However, it was to late. The man despaired as it watched his limbs slowly turn into dust.


    The pain he felt was numbed by the terror it felt. Shoving his head into her arms, it began to whimper. The man was scared from how she reacted. Frightened by what was happening to it. He could only lay limp as his body disintegrated.


    The weight in her arms disappeared. Only a pile of ash laid at her feet. The ritual was a failure. Along with her dreams and hopes. Never again would she be the same and will forever be damned for defying nature¡¯s natural order.


    Picking herself up, she notices the sun breaking out from the clouds. The brightness lit up the defiled graveyard, pushing away the darkness which was there. Animals started to come back, still cautious of what has transpired.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Wiping a tear away from her golden eyes, she packed her belongings. Their was no point in being here and everything she attempted was for naught. With this burden on her shoulders, she left the island of ice and snow.


    ***


    Darkness surrounded it. Everything was a blur: the calling from ¡®her¡¯, the awakening to pain and the terror it felt lingered in the void.


    Now it drifted inside the abyss. Lost and confused about its very self. Only the golden eyes of the mage lingered inside his memory. The happiness and the despair she felt was transmitted to his core. Only thing it can do is wait to see where the darkness brings him.


    ***


    Days passed and a tombstone fell forward. The ground around it was distorting. A hand slowly rose up from the mud. Dragging it¡¯s nails across the earth, another hand arose and started to pull its self out from the ground.


    A body covered in dirt emerged and laid flat on the frozen ground. Twitching it¡¯s body, the numbness started to fade away. Grasping for breath, it puked up gravel and decomposed matter.


    Holding itself, it shook from the cold.


    ¡°Ahh¡­ Aughh¡­.¡±


    Attempting to talk, only groans escape his lips. The phantom pain from earlier was still prevalent and his throat was parched.


    Grabbing a handful of snow, he shoved it into his mouth. Repeating this a few times, he finally was able to fix his thirst.


    ¡°I, hurts.¡±


    Scrambling to gather his thoughts, all the new senses he felt was overwhelming him. He can only lay still, allowing his brain to catch up.


    Using his full concentration, he began to move his limbs. His arms creaked and his legs cracked from being still for so long. Brushing the dirt off his body, he leans against an ancient tombstone.


    Who was he?


    Recalling, he remembered he was a farmer at some point. Also a knight and a husband. But also a woman and prostitute?


    What was going on with him? Each fragment he was able to piece together, showed a different vision than the last. He was young, old, man and woman. Each was a different person which represented ¡®him¡¯.


    Clutching his throbbing head, a dribble of blood splotches the snow. Pushing out all the wondering thoughts, he came upon a more vivid memory. It was of a mage with golden eyes.


    For some reason, this person stuck out the most. Was she the one who brought him here?


    Wiping the blood off his face, he staggered towards a fragmented alter. Brushing his hand against it, he can feel subtle pain growing from his body. Removing his touch, the pain disappears into thin air.


    Unnerved by the alter, he backs away from it. Looking around, he realizes he was inside a graveyard. Numerous tombstone surrounded him and an eerie feeling started to creep onto him. It was beckoning him, asking if he would like to rest.


    With a few goosebumps, he looked upward. In the sky was smoke floating into the air. In the distance the sun was starting to set, signaling for the monsters to awaken.


    ¡°I have to get out.¡± Glancing around. ¡°I can¡¯t stay here.¡±


    The unnerving pressure he faced was increasing. Something wanted him and was angered from the waiting.


    Backing away from the cemetery, he picked up his pace. Heading towards the smoke in the sky, he figured civilization must be over there. If he didn¡¯t want to face any monsters, he need to get over there quick.


    Dragging his weak body, his head throbbed. Multiple memory fragments were still assaulting him. Picking up his pace, he can only hope to sort through them once he was out of danger.


    Rushing into the icy woods, he can hear beasts stirring awake. Howls and growls started to echo around him. The further he got from the cemetery, the more at ease he felt.


    However, he could feel a few eyes staring at him, being cautious of the unknown being moving through their territory.


    The marching ached his battered body. It was unused to the rapid movements he was performing. Overexerting himself, sweat started to freeze onto his body. Dropping his temperature, making breathing difficult.


    A fever was starting to take control. With blurry vision, he can only stumble forward. Hoping he was going in the right direction.


    A growl sounded next to him. Before he could think, his body reacted by itself. Dropping towards the ground, a gray wolf smacked a tree. Rolling over, he unsteadily went into a protective stance.


    Eyeing each other, he waited until the wolf reared back. Noticing the beast was about to lunge, he pulled his right hand back.


    In a flash, the wolf was already upon him. He had only a split second to thrust his fist forward, before being ripped apart.


    His hand flew in a straight line. Aiming straight into the wolf¡¯s mouth. A small crack echoed out and then a loud explosion followed.


    In front of him was a wolf torn in two. His hand was slightly red, but nothing broke the skin.


    Staring at his arm, he was astounded.


    ¡°What?¡±


    In the memories he was able to see, nothing could tell him what happened. His strength was draining fast and the sudden ambush pushed him past his limits.


    Now all he can do is lean against a tree, fighting off the fatigue and cold sweats.


    His eye¡¯s drooped down and in the distance he could see a lantern making its way towards him. With a slight smile, he knew someone was coming.


    ***

 Chapter 2

    Act 1-2


    His body was hot. It was burning from the fatigue. Yesterday he pushed his body to the limits. Still hurting from the battle, he lays in a bed soaked by sweat. Tossing and turning, nightmares haunt him.


    Help¡­. It hurts¡­.


    Why. Why did you do this?


    Sister where are you! No¡­ It can¡¯t be¡­¡­ No! Get away from us!


    What have they done to you? You demon. No, please no¡­. I didn¡¯t mean it..


    We¡¯ll curse you. Defiler.


    The cries and madness won¡¯t stop. They assault him constantly. Unable to move inside the darkness, red bloody phantoms surround him. Each with distorted faces, they reach towards him. Wanting the spark of life inside him.


    Watching them approach, he struggles to move his arm. The thickness in the atmosphere is sticky like syrup. Twitching his muscles, he manages to push a phantom away.


    Their shouts quiet down. Only staring in fright at him. Backing away they sink into the darkness. Fading away from his sight, he starts to suffocate in the blackness.


    Awakening in drenched blankets, he flops onto the floor.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Clenching his chest, light enters his eyes. Looking out in a blurry daze, he notices a young boy standing over him.


    With a towel in hand, the white haired teenager brought him back into the bed. Wiping the sweat of his forehead, the kid mumbles.


    ¡°Stay still. You¡¯ve been out for over a day.¡±


    Still disoriented, the black haired man stares blankly. He wasn¡¯t inside the nightmare now. Instead a wooden roof and a fire place surrounded him. Breathing in a sigh of relief, he attempts to reply.


    Noticing the mans struggle, the boy runs out. Shortly after, a girl around the kids age enters, carrying a glass of boiled water.


    Shouting for her brother, the teenager returns.


    Supporting his head, the kid forces his mouth open. Allowing the girl to poor the drink straight into his mouth.


    Gulping down the warm water, his voice comes back. Grunting to clear out his throat, he attempts to speak again.


    ¡°Th.thank you.¡±


    ¡°No problem. You should thank my brother for finding you.¡±


    Pushing her brother forward, he leans over timidly. Looking at the duo, the man realizes they¡¯re twins. The brother was acting shy while the sister was slightly glaring at him.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Sitting up. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s Will.¡± Pointing at him. ¡°And I¡¯m Liz. Don¡¯t worry about my younger brother. He¡¯s rather timid around strangers. Once you get to know him, he¡¯ll open up.¡±


    Staring at them, the man chuckles.


    ¡°I see.¡± Pulling the blanket off. ¡°I won¡¯t take it to heart.¡±


    Glancing around the room, the man made sure there wasn¡¯t any red spirits about. He was still freaked out from the dream he had.


    ¡°Little brother, why don¡¯t you ask him for his name.¡±


    ¡°Mister.¡± Twitching. ¡°What, what is your name?¡±


    ¡°My name?¡±


    What was his name?


    Thinking hard, a small head ache forms. From within the fragmented memories drifting inside, a particular one comes to light. Like a shining beckon a scene plays out inside his mind.


    Chad¡­. Stop it! You¡¯re acting like an idiot.


    A girl dressed in a black dress was berating a brown haired man. Both of them were attending a ceremony inside a mansion. The crowd around them were chuckling at their antics. Further reddening her face.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Eventually the scene disappears. The name of the young man started to stick to him. Answering Will, he spoke up.


    ¡°I guess, you could call me Chad.¡±


    ¡°Chad?¡±


    Interrupting her brother.


    ¡°Where are you from? We usually don¡¯t have visitors outside the village. Let alone to the island.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I woke up in the forest and don¡¯t remember much.¡±


    ¡°Memory lost?¡±


    Glancing at her brother, Liz draws closer to Chad. Holding his chin, she begins to check his face. Noticing no dilation in his eyes and only a slight fever, she shrugs.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see any concussion. He might be delirious from being sick.¡±


    Deciding to not speak about his dreams to the kids, Chad can only nod at Liz¡¯s response. From what he was able to recall from his memory, what is happening to him wasn¡¯t natural.


    He might be possessed by an evil spirit. If it was found out, then he would be sent to the church or worse burned at the stake.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Pushing Chad down. ¡°You need to rest for a while more. My brother will make something for you later.¡±


    ¡°I... I¡¯ll lay down and rest then.¡±


    Nodding her head, the white haired girl drags Will out of the room. Now by himself inside the bed, Chad enters a deep sleep.


    ***


    Nothing happened to him this time. Awakening, the only thing he recalls is a few images. Rubbing his head, the last vestiges of his dream disappears.


    Yawning to himself, he is greeted by Will again. Recently, it has been only this young white haired man taking care of him. His sister, Liz has been outside bringing in wood for the stove and buying things from the village.


    ¡°How are you feeling Chad?¡±


    ¡°Much better Will. I think I can get out of bed now.¡±


    Wrapping his arm around Will, Chad was lifted out of bed. His current figure was skeletal. His muscles have already started to dystrophy. Bones were visible at his waist, and his face was sunken in. Chad looked exactly like a skeleton with only a skin coating.


    ¡°Careful now. I¡¯ll make you a heavy dinner. My sister should be back here soon, so sit down for a while.¡±


    Sitting at the dinner table, Chad looks around the place. Outside was a small village covered in snow. A small breeze drifted snow across the roads. Inside was warm and a candle was bright enough for him to watch Will work.


    Too tired to move, he sees Liz barging in. Glancing at Will, she decides to sit down next to Chad.


    ¡°Feeling better?¡±


    ¡°Slightly. I¡¯ve lost a lot of weight.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll have Will make you something to fatten you up.¡±


    Nodding his head, he thinks to himself.


    ¡°Liz.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Can you tell me a little bit about this place?¡±


    ¡°The village?¡± Seeing his nod. ¡°Sure I can. This village is located off the coast of the Frigid Tact on an island. The locals call our place the Ice Mound Village. Mainly because it¡¯s on top of a small hill by the sea. Other than that, we have the Icy Woods where Will found you.¡±


    ¡°Was I the only recent foreigner?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. I heard there was a mage who passed by a few weeks ago.¡±


    Staring at her, Chad can feel his pulse rising.


    ¡°What did she look like?¡±


    ¡°Um. I don¡¯t know, but she was wearing a black robe.¡± Tapping the table. ¡°I don¡¯t believe she stopped here. Only got off the boat and rushed straight into the forest.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Visibly deflating, Liz worries for him.


    ¡°I can tell you a little about the Frigid Tact.¡±


    Wearily smiling, Chad nods. He can¡¯t blame the young girl. He recalls mages avoiding the normal populace.


    But now he knew she already left this island. If he wanted to find out what is happening to him, he¡¯ll need to start searching the main continent.


    ¡°Tell me what you know Liz.¡±


    Nodding her head she continues.


    ¡°It¡¯s a very big, cold place. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s true, but my parents told us a few things too.¡± Scratching her cheek. ¡°About how there is little vegetation except inside massive valleys. Those places contain all kinds of beasts. They¡¯re as big as trees and are very hardy. And a few places in those valleys have people.¡±


    Giant creatures and people?


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes! I know it sounds kinda weird... but its what our dead parents told us.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±


    Noticing the dreary atmosphere, Liz changes the subject.


    ¡°Do you have any plans Chad?¡±


    Currently he didn¡¯t have any solid goals. Besides trying to find the mage, he has been wasting a lot of time in bed. The fever has taken a toll on him and the unnatural strength he showed earlier was another mystery to figure out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any yet.¡± Scratching his stubble. ¡°The only thing I need to do is get back in shape. Then have a look around.¡±


    ¡°My brother could take you out tomorrow and see the village. Then maybe you two can go hunting?¡±


    ¡°That would be nice. But I¡¯ll need to rest longer before heading out into the Icy Woods.¡±


    Slightly smiling, Liz is still shocked by Chad¡¯s body. It looked frail and brittle. Even his breaths were shallow and his eyes had trouble keeping open. Looking at him made her more determined to help him.


    ¡°Dinner¡¯s ready guys.¡±


    ¡°What are we having Will?¡±


    ¡°Some boiled roast Liz.¡± Looking at Chad. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind that I cut yours into pieces.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± Taking a bite out of the meal. ¡°Tastes good Will. Thank you both again. I promise before I leave, I¡¯ll lend a hand around the house.¡±


    Looking towards his feet, Will became bashful. Opening his mouth he shoved a piece of meat in before coughing.


    ¡°You okay Will?¡± Liz worried. ¡°Pay attention when you¡¯re eating okay?¡±


    Embarrassed, Will can only close his eyes and hope Chad isn¡¯t judging him.


    ***

 Chapter 3

    Act 1-3


    Inside the woods, two men were following a trail. The shorter one had white hair and was carrying a bow. The other had dark hair and was pacing himself with the hunter.


    Will moved swiftly along hoofed tracks, brushing past low hanging branches. Chad remained silent behind Will, checking the surroundings in case of an ambush.


    The ground was blanketed white, littered with trees encased in ice. Mounds of snow hanged on evergreens and icicles decorated their broken branches.


    No monsters were in sight. The ones from the night he awoken were quiet and the chirping of birds gave off a calm atmosphere.


    However, suspense grew inside his mind, causing him to flinch from every gust of wind.


    With uneasy steps, he can only put his trust into Will. Hoping the kid knew his way through the Icy Woods.


    Slowing their pace, the crunching snow muffled all noise. Signaling for a stop, Will raises his bow, before drawing an arrow.


    In the distance a rugged beast was digging at a base of a tree. A meter thick boar proceeded to rip apart the tree roots with ease. Clawing at something unseen.


    The creature was a Tuska.


    Whining in excitement it scattered the dirt. Littering the white ground with splotches of black.


    Unaware of its surroundings, Will releases an arrow towards it.


    Swishing threw the air, the delighted squeals were disrupted when a thud echoed out. An arrow splintered into the boars thigh, spraying blood onto the ground.


    Whimpering, the beast stumbles out of the pit. Struggling to its feet, it turns to them.


    ¡°Fire Chad.¡±


    On cue, he releases his own arrow.


    Another arc was created, followed by another thumb echoing out. An arrow was drilled into the Tuska¡¯s stomach. Spilling more blood on to the frozen ground.


    In pain, it yelps from pained agitation. With a lowered head, it begins to sway as it made a dash.


    Being pulled by Will, Chad leaves the frenzied beast¡¯s path.


    Attempting to correct its trajectory, the Tuska grinds to a halt. However, the arrow from Will caused the beast to capsize, rolling across the floor.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    The boar flails its limbs into the sky. Pain was everywhere. It¡¯s stomach was burning. Glancing down, it could see the arrow fired by Chad has vanished. Grunting in agony, the beast can only wait for death.


    ¡°It stopped.¡± Feeling uneasy. ¡°D,do you want to do it?¡±


    Will pushes a dagger towards him. Confused, Chad has another headache. However, he now knows what is about to come. Grasping the weapon from shaking hands, he nods.


    His unhurried steps were firm as he approached the dying animal. The boar was larger than the wolf he fought. Its tusks were an abnormal two feet long. They curled up slightly and would¡¯ve penetrated either of them, if the Tuska landed a hit.


    The beast¡¯s eyes glazed over and the terror it felt was starting to build. An unnatural presence was drawing near. It had to escape.


    However, only bloody foam came from its lips and tears trickling down its face. It couldn¡¯t do anything when a dagger plunged into its chest. Casting its life into the abyss to come.


    Death came silently to the suffering boar. Then a familiar coldness came over Chad. With the same eeriness as the graveyard. However, it quickly vanished as the labored breathing of the animal stopped.


    Snapping out of his trance, he noticed Will tugging on his fur coat.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine Will. Just overexerted myself is all.¡±


    Trying to pry the dagger out of his hands, Will grew nervous.


    ¡°My sister shouldn¡¯t have made you come out here. You¡¯re still recovering...¡±


    Feeling his senses coming back to him, Chad releases his grip.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I was having a small headache.¡±


    Sheathing the dagger, Will nods. Moving over to the boar, he beckons for Chad.


    ¡°Make a cut here and follow along the center.¡±


    ¡°Okay now what?¡±


    ¡°Now remove the organs and set them over there.¡±


    ¡°Why? Won¡¯t that attract the monsters?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Holding the carcass open. ¡°It¡¯ll distract them while we move the body back home.¡±


    Not trying to argue with Will, he followed the directions. Placing all the entrails in a pile, he came back to find Will making a sled from branches. Helping him drag the Tuska onto the sled, they secured it with some twin.


    Holding a pair of ropes, Will handed one over. Following his lead, they began to drag the body, retracing their steps back to the wooden cabin.


    Their journey was short and the entrance of the house came into view. The door opens and Liz came out to greet them.


    ¡°So how was it Chad? I see you hunted one of the pigs.¡±


    ¡°It was chilly, but more relaxing than being inside. Will and I also manage to find some tracks of this boar before killing it.¡±


    Pointing towards the Tuska, Liz stepped towards it. Rubbing the fur, she checks the tusks.


    ¡°We can make you a better jacket with its fur. And for the tusks, we¡¯ll remove them and sell it to the next merchant in town.¡±


    Feeling out of place, Will speaks up.


    ¡°Sister, do you want me to drag it to the shed?¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Nudging Will away. ¡°Chad will keep me company.¡±


    A few deeps breaths later, Will disappears behind the building.


    ¡°So, there¡¯s a merchant?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. He comes by every month by ship.¡± Noticing Chad¡¯s expression. ¡°If you¡¯re planning to leave, he could help you.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Warming his hands. ¡°Is their anything else you need help with?¡±


    ¡°Its your turn to make dinner. I bet you haven¡¯t had Tuska before.¡±


    After a short discussion, Will appears.


    After dinner, Chad decided to leave the island on the next ship.


    ***