《The Ancient Gods》


 The beginning

    Deep in the heart of Faeamar, where the Elemental Empire ruled, in the capital city of Starlight, in the dawn light a young Fae male of around fourteen summers was wearing the dirty, ripped and smelly clothes of a street rat as he scampered along the roofs of the vast metropolis. The young male leaped to a building a metre across from him with the help of magic, his followers gaining on him shouting for him to stop. Laughing, the teen dropped down into the streets using a tree to break his fall and launched himself forwards into the masses of Fae, Elves, Dwarves and others he could not identify at a glance. The young males fangs glinted in the suns light, his eyes flashing electric violet through his short spiky obsidian hair as he searched for an escape route. Finding one, he dodged a horse drawn carriage as he raced into a deserted alley the carriage driver yelling. He sprinted down the alley turning a corner colliding into a mountain of a Fae male. The male was huge with thick muscles; it was hard to gauge his age, as fae became immortal once they had reached their twenty-first summers. Some gave up their immortality to be with a mortal like his uncle Bartholomew did.


    ''Got ya now you little runt!'' the male muttered breathlessly, as Lucifer''s followers caught up with him. There were four of them, all males, entering the alley. They were thugs, all part of the city Guards who worked for his grandfather, Emperor Jolkov Starfire descendent of the God Faenn. ''Lucifer Samael ShadowFire, you must return to the palace immediately - it is not safe out here. You know you mustn''t run off. You are Crown Prince heir to the Elemental Empire.'' Captain Korax growled his elven green eyes sparkling, as he frog-marched the Prince back to the palace. ''You will need to burn those clothes and take a long bath, we shall not have you smelling up your Half-brothers birthday. it''s his twelfth summers, a big day for Prince Aedion ShadowFire. The day he has come of age ready for the armies training camps. The only reason you haven''t gone is because your mother forbid it, instead arranging tutors, teachers and trainers to come to the palace to teach you there.''


    On the long journey back to the palace, Lucifer noticed that the dwarven blacksmiths were hard at work. He wondered if his friend Odin Hawthorn, son of Master Blacksmith Theron Hawthorn, the greatest blacksmith in the Empire, was helping out in the forges. He first met Odin when Lucifer''s mother, Aelin Starfire, took him to pick out his weapons for coming of age. He''d chosen twin hunting knives, bow and arrows, plus some throwing knives. His father, the Ancient Nyx lord of the night, gifted him with a Magical Sword that only he could wield; it could disappear and appear at his command and was able to cut through anything. Able to harness the elements and kill immortals and Gods, so his father claimed. He named the blade Light-Weaver. He was also gifted Indestructible Greaves that could shield him from corporeal and non-corporeal attacks. They were also able to produce blades from the end of his wrist for stealthy kills. Lucifer smiled at the memories; he had not seen or heard from his father in some time. His mother had married High King Abrax ShadowFire when he was two. Abrax was a dark High Elf, a cruel High King not to mention vicious, merciless and vile, just like his half-brother. Lucifer''s Grandfather, the Emperor, was ill; he was ageing too quickly and the doctors were perplexed as to what it was. His mother had called in dwarves, elves, warlocks and sorcerers to help, but to no avail. Lucifer hoped he''d be worthy of the throne once he reached maturity. Lucifer''s mother named him Lucifer meaning Light-bringer, Samael meaning name of God because she saw a vision of the future.


    Lucifer and his guard walked through the gates of the palace, where he found his mother, arms crossed and a scowl on her face. ''Take him to his room and have a bath and a new set of royal robes ready for him,'' she growled at an Elven servant. ''You missed your magic studies lesson with me this morning,'' Aelin chastened him. His mother was the greatest sorceress in the realms; when she was twenty she went on a vision quest which took her all over the realms, ending up in Nyx where she met his father, who taught her his magics. About the Ancients and how to commune with them.


    After his bath, Lucifer changed into his royal robes, attaching his weapons to his person. He left in search of his Elven friend, the Captain of the guards squire, Leif Oakland, trainee captain. Leif was tall, athletic, hazel-eyed and two years older than him, with dark brown coloured hair, like the bark of a tree. Leif wore typical uniform for a squire; brown pants, green armour with two katanas, long and short, at his side, as is tradition for a elven warrior. Leif was in the courtyard practising lunges, blocks and cuts with a wooden sword and shield with other trainees, while Captain Korax barked orders at a gruelling pace. Lucifer had been taught to fight since a very young age, training with warriors, soldiers, assassins and whoever else his mother thought was worth paying to teach him. He also had to learn herbs, plants, alchemy and other things his mother wanted him to know. Now, Lucifer was fairly sure he could kill a grown male with his pinky if he were so inclined. Lucifer headed down into the courtyard and began practising various fighting styles and martial arts; Kung fu, karate, jujitsu, ninjutsu, Ti Chi, judo, krav maga and many others, as well as using parkour against the wooden assailants. Lucifer practised for an hour, then moved onto swords, spears and knives, finishing with archery and meditation for half an hour, before being interrupted by Leif.


    ''Well, it''s good to see that you still put us to shame,'' Leif said, shaking his head in mock horror and annoyance. ''I once offered to train you in some of my more interesting fighting styles, but you said you would only make a fool of yourself.'' Lucifer chuckled, as Odin wandered into the yard. ''Hey Leif, Lucifer, how is everything? Still showing off!'' Odin said laughing. Odin was half an elves height, tall for a dwarf with thick, bushy, coarse hair, a beard forming on his face and covered in muscles from working with his father in the forges and practising with weapons. He wore leather jerkins, pants and had a sword and war hammer at his hip. Lucifer linked arms with his friends and headed to the throne room where his half-brother was to have his party. ''So what''s Aedion getting for his coming of age gift?'' Lucifer asked Odin. ''You know he can''t say Lucifer, it''s against dwarven gifting rules to tell before hand,'' Leif said amused as they entered the corridor headed for the throne room. Turning down hallways and corridors, they entered the throne room that was packed with royalty, nobles, diplomats and servants. Nearly everyone but Lucifer ''s step-father and half-brother bowed with respect. There seemed to be a lot more guards and soldiers than there had been at other parties, Lucifer went to sit beside his mother, who seemed cold and distant. He wondered what had happened. High King Abrax rose from his chair. ''His Royal Highness, the Emperor, has gone to Demean Ogg Taran, the after world where the gods Plagith and Zerksyies will look after the lost,'' Abrax declared with the flair of a actor.


    ''We are here to welcome my son Prince Aedion ShadowFire into adulthood. But, before the celebrations begin, it has come to my attention that the Crown Prince cannot rule in the Emperors stead, for he is a gods-less murderer. He killed his Grandfather. I am placing him under arrest for treason. To which the penalty is death,'' Abrax growled as the throne room was thrown into chaos and upheaval. Guards surged forwards to capture Lucifer as he stared in astonishment.


    His mother grabbed him by the arm and began muttering the ancient words that Lucifer managed to decipher as ancient Gaelic, tongue of the Druids. Before the guards could grab him, Lucifer and his mother were thrown through space, like teleporting, until they were the other side of the throne room. Lucifer grabbed Leif and Odin, as his mother dragged him out of there.


    ''I can''t believe his nerve to suggest you had something to do with your grandfather, my father''s, death. You must leave the city at once. Go past the elven lands in the east to the Demon lands, where your half-sister Hella resides inside the remains of the fallen city of Askinar. Leif knows the way to the elven lands,Hella will teach you to transverse the realms. Go to Nyx, find your father. He will assist you in searching for the Book of Ages. It will help you in the coming fight against Abrax. Reach your father and sister they may help you learn to read it,'' Aelin said hastily. As she waved her hands, three bags appeared, as they continued to speed walk out of the palace. ''These bags have been enchanted, everything you will need is in there, money, food, tools, weapons, books of magic and alchemy and other subjects that may save your life. Lucifer, my son, you take after your father in more than looks and personality, but you have his power. You must learn how to wield them. Now, remember what I said. The Book of Ages is a powerful artefact created by Nyx and the other ancients. Go, I will find you if I can. I love you, now hurry.''


    Lucifer, Leif and Odin sprinted out of the Palace gates. Seven or eight guards, including Captain Korax, stood in their path, into the city. ''Stand down, you traitorous scum!'' the Captain yelled, spitting a glob of spit onto the ground, as he and his men drew their swords, and in one case, a battle axe. Lucifer shook his head, and reached for Light-Weaver. ''Do not make me do this Captain. I may be fourteen summers old, but I am experienced in combat. I do not want to wet my blade with your blood.'' Lucifer declared, drawing Light-Weaver. The blade sang as it was released from it''s scabbard. The captain and his men stepped forward, as Leif drew his bow and notched an arrow, and Odin his war-hammer.


    ''So be it,'' Lucifer growled, his fangs glinting as he raced forwards with immortal grace and speed. He killed three guards before reaching the Captain. Leif killed two, putting arrows in their chests. Odin killed one, and mortally wounded another, breaking their legs, ribs and skulls.


    Lucifer and the captain fought head to head, Captain with experience and brute strength and Lucifer with speed, skill and determination. Lucifer managed to nick several of the Captain''s arteries, downing the large fae. ''Onto thy next great journey, most noble warrior may the Ancients grant you paradise,'' Lucifer said in the language of the ancient fae, to the dying guard as he plunged Light-Weaver through the Captain''s heart. They hurried on into the city, carrying their surprisingly light mystical bags. They headed into the rougher side of the City of Starlight, past the dwarven quarter, and through the gnome, troll neighbourhoods and territories. They found an abandoned warehouse to rest, in the outskirts of the city. They huddled into the warm warehouse. ''So, what do we do now?'' Odin asked grimly.


    ''We head to Gaea Jungle, I have family there. They may help in finding your sister Hella, Lucifer,'' Leif told them, hopefully. Lucifer tore off some planks of wood from a wooden crate, putting them in a pile for a fire. He waved his hand, and the wood started to smoke and catch fire. Soon, they had a fire going. ''The Gaea Jungle is some months ride from here, without horses or a boar it could be a year or more,'' Odin grumbled tiredly. ''Get some sleep, we have an exhausting few weeks ahead of us,'' Lucifer said laying down near the fire, with his bag behind his head.


    He soon fell asleep, even with Odin breathing heavily while asleep, like a giant mountain lion. He dreamt of the realms, of a half-sister he''s never met, visions of the harrowing journey yet to come. This may lead him into becoming vilified for all eternity. He foresaw a throne of bones, blood and hoards of demons and the vile dead. The coming morning they left the City of Starlight in the distance, heading east with due haste, making sure they weren''t followed. Lucifer lead the trio, with Leif a close second giving directions, Odin at the rear, glumly following in the morning heat of the sun. Dwarves are very susceptible to heat stroke and sun burn, so they stayed in the shade of trees and buildings whenever possible. The road out away from Starlight was a long and harrowing journey, through grassy fields, planes and hot humid forests. Although, they happened upon the occasional village, town and fellow travellers, the trio kept to themselves whenever possible.


    Lucifer and his troop reached the village on the boarder of the dessert of silent tears after a week of travelling the road. Crossing the dessert on foot could take weeks or months at worst. Lucifer could try shifting into something, but it was a struggle to hold a form for as long as he was still learning. Not to mention, he would have had to have left Leif and Odin behind and that was not going to happen. Searching his bag, he found several thousands of Imperial gold, worth a fortune in small towns. ''I have an idea gents! We''ll buy some sturdy horses at the stables!'' Lucifer nearly shouted to them, with barely leashed excitement as he ran down the road to the bustling market street, filled with all manner of creatures and people.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    They started looking through stalls and shops, along the way to the stables. On one of the stalls, a goblin stood behind. The goblin was taller than Odin, lithe and athletic looking with greenish grey skin and black eyes with an iris of white. On display were an assortment of eggs of varying sizes and mystical items. In the centre of the stall sat a gold and black gem encrusted egg, the size of an orcs head. Something about it drew Lucifer in, as if it were calling to him. He felt compelled to hold it, reaching forward to do just that, but the goblin smacked his hand away.


    ''That there costs eight hundred imperial gold, too much for the likes of you!'' the goblin snarled, scratching his arse as he spoke. Lucifer reached into his bag to pay the amount, as Leif grabbed his arm. ''You are not going to buy that blasted egg,'' he said sharply as Lucifer shook him off. ''I must. I don''t know why, but I know that egg belongs to me,'' Lucifer replied, giving the greedy goblin the extravagant amount. Lucifer palmed the egg feeling a flicker of warmth and hope from with in it. ''Get lost all of you, you''re crowding my stall!'' the goblin hissed shooing them away, as Lucifer stared at the egg entranced. He put it in his bag for safety.


    ''Come on we have horses to buy,'' Odin grumbled, stomping down the street, impatient to get some rest. Reaching the stables they bought two fast, large horses and a pony for Odin because of his height. Thanking the stable master, as he accepted their money, he replied as they were leaving the stables, ''it is very welcome to see them go on an adventure, they are good horses and fine horses need naming.'' Lucifer named his horse Midnight because of it''s colouring, Leif named his Swift-winds and Odin called his Falsetto, due to the ponies habit of passing wind when walking for long periods. The desert was unholy in it''s constant unending dry heat. They travelled in the evenings and through the night, and tried to find shelter or shade during the day. It was on the sixth night of traversing the dessert that a pack of coyotes attacked them. They were riding along on the shifting sand in the slight night breeze, as small shapes started descending the rocky mountains.


    One of the shapes began to clear, as Lucifer turned on his night vision. Upon seeing the swarming coyotes, he shifted into a large black wolf, and bit and tore out the coyotes throats, clawing at their underbellies. As the shrieking of the coyotes was silenced by them dying at his, or at one of his men''s hands, or as the remaining coyotes ran off into the night, hiding amongst the rocks and boulders, they lost the pony in the fight as it had sneaked away. Odin was forced to sit beside Leif. They ate coyote for the next three nights toasting it over a small fire. On the last night they found an abandoned cave, so they started a fire, cooked and ate the last of the coyote. As the flames began to die down Lucifer reached into his bag and grasped the large warm egg. He''d been thinking of it since he first saw it, unsure, why on impulse; he placed the egg in the heat of the fire''s embers, where it gradually began to glow.


    Odin sat beside Lucifer as Leif slept. ''That is a big shining egg. What''s inside it, do you know?'' Odin enquired, looking at the egg, then to Lucifer. Lucifer shook his head in reply, as the egg wobbled and cracked. A golden clawed black paw with scales like a reptile broke through the surface. ''Beautiful!'' Lucifer and Odin whispered at the same time, as the head of the big lizard escaped it''s shell. As the lizard began to crawl it''s way out of the eggs remains, Lucifer realised it resembled a salamander, albeit, one with the wings of a bat.


    ''It''s an infant baby drakon, the symbol of your father''s power,'' Odin whispered to Lucifer, hoping not to startle the reptile. At the back of Lucifer''s mind, he could hear the drakon''s thoughts and feelings, and knew he could communicate with it. The drakon curled up on the embers of the fire and began to purr. ''We might as well get some sleep. I have a feeling it''s going to be a weird day tomorrow,'' Odin gasped stretching, as he flopped onto his sleeping bag and began snoring heartily. When Lucifer awoke the next evening, he felt a hot heavy weight upon his chest. As he blinked his eyes open, he saw it was the baby drakon. He sat up, and his drakon fell into his lap.


    ''Hello, Lucifer. You have yet to gift me a name,'' a female voice whispered into Lucifer''s head. He glared at the drakon. ''Did you speak?'' he asked, which Odin and Leif exchanged worried looks. ''You wish to have a name?'' he asked the drakon. ''That is so, for Drakons must be gifted a name so that we may harness our magics.'' ''Very well,'' Lucifer pondered, looking into the glittering red and gold eyes of the drakon. ''I gift you the name Lilith, whom gods loves.'' Thunder rumbled across the dry skies as the drakon leaped from his lap, her wings flapping as she glided across and around the cave ceiling.


    ''There are a few thing that you must learn now that you are a Drakon Lord. The first is that we are able to become one, so that we may become stronger, faster and it has the advantage of shielding me from prying eyes. If you were not already capable of night vision, you will now be able to see through my eyes, exchange knowledge, increase health and magic. The rest can be learnt over time. But the essential would be for us to be one.'' Lilith told him. For the rest of the evening, they practised joining and the other skills Lilith told him about, not to mention a few others. As the sun went down, they packed up their bags and began walking across the desert, once Lucifer had joined with Lilith.


    It was another three weeks before they reached the deserts edge. Lucifer and Lilith had bonded closely together. When Lilith spoke to the others, they always seemed spooked to be spoken to mind to mind. High fae sorcerers sometimes speak mind to mind; that was how they passed on their knowledge of magic. Ahead of them, they could see a forest that led to the Singing Mountains, where the high elves were ruled by King Erik, the Majestic.


    ''Finally, elven lands,'' Leif sighed wistfully, heading for the trees. ''We must still be careful, they may take exception to our being here, even if it is to pass through,'' Odin grumbled. It was well known that dark elves were bigots and purists.


    The forest was dense with plants, trees, all manner of animals and creatures. Lilith was eager to go for a hunt, but Lucifer kept her bonded to him. The forest was vast, but they were making good time. They might reach the mountains by afternoon tomorrow. They made camp, as it grew dark, beside a stream, so they might wash and gather water to boil and drink, as they had depleted their reserves crossing the desert. Lucifer stayed up with Lilith to take watch guarding against unwanted visitors while the others slept. Lilith had grown to that of a house cats size, in the weeks following her hatching. Lucifer had let her out to catch fish for them and herself. She spent the night chasing other small animals, whether to eat or just for fun. As the sun rose into the dawn sky, the forest glowed in it''s heat, becoming vibrant. Lucifer gave the snoring Odin a soft kick, startling the dwarf into full alertness.


    ''Wake up Leif, I''ll find Lilith so that we can start walking. I have a feeling we''re being observed,'' Lucifer whispered to Odin, as the dwarf got to his feet brushing the foliage from his matted hair. ''I knew it was bad luck to come here, dwarves aren''t welcome,'' Odin grumbled stomping over to the sleeping Leif. Lucifer left the dwarf in search of Lilith, he contacted her through telepathy. ''Where are you?'' Lucifer felt her presence, but it was hard to gauge her whereabouts from it. Lucifer wandered into the thicker trees, hoping to spot her among the tree branches. When something lunged out of the shadows, clocking him across the face with a branch. He fell to the floor, unconscious from the force of it. He''d left his enchanted greaves in his bag at camp with Odin and Leif.


    As Lucifer lay unconscious he felt a feeling of weightlessness. A powerful and ancient voice from across the realms whispered to him, ''You must awaken! Awaken NOW!''


    Rousing from unconsciousness, he felt that his hands were bound with twine, most likely enchanted. Lucifer opened his eyes. He was being magically dragged by two elves, from the sky he could tell it had been some hours since they had made camp as the sun was just rising. Looking as the stars he could see that he was being taken south west. Looking around he saw four more elves held Odin and Leif in a similar fashion to himself. Both were unconscious as he''d been. The elves were heading for a mountain in the distance. Now that he had gained some semblance of his wits, he realised that they were dark elves that had captured them. By their clothes and tattoos, he''d say they were from the western tribes close to the City of StarFall where his step-father the High King Abrax ruled. Lucifer had long ago learnt the tongues of the dark elves. He managed to pick up from his captors that they had been commissioned by the High King him self, in order to track down and imprison Lucifer. Lucifer struggled against his bonds, unable to break them physically he called upon his magic to help in the endeavour. Muttering Ancient words of magic, the binding glowed but held. Lucifer sought out Lilith he could feel that she was cold, afraid for him and herself. Resined he Prayed to the Ancients. ''Nyx, Father help me.'' immediately he felt a powerful presence. ''You have the power, you only need to call upon it. You are my son you have my gifts.'' as soon as Nyx''s presence appeared he disappeared. Lucifer searched inside himself, the view of the world disappeared and then heightened. He could feel the magic flowing like water and sunlight through the air, the ground and the life surrounding him. He new he could take in the magic from these sauces. Taking life magic seamed a tad more insidious to contain or wield it. Such as other life forms or from death. Lucifer''s mother had warned him that he had always held back, this new state of being was troubling. He felt to powerful like his very blood was alive with magic.


    Lucifer realised he was not focusing on the problem at hand, renewing his focus he absorbed the magic in the twine and opened his eyes. His eyes glowing from the increase in magic he tore his hands free and hurled himself at the dark elves who had been oblivious to what was happening. Lucifer punched the closest taking his tomahawk a small axe like weapon and threw it at the other dark elf, faster than they could passive. ''Release my companions!'' Lucifer''s voice boomed out of him.


    Startling the other dark elves and rousing his companions. Picked up his bag, weapons and began putting them upon his person. Now fully dressed he faced the other elves who had been in shock at having their spells and companions swept aside like insects. Lucifer glared at the dark elves, stepping forward with Light-Weaver in his hand. He shifted to give himself the wings of a drakon as black as midnight. The dark elves shrieked as one thinking they had imprisoned their house God Nyx. They dropped to the ground bowing before Lucifer. Going with it Lucifer bellowed, ''Release my companions and return their belonging to them. Where is Lilith, my drakon?'' He ordered, ''Are you impersonating me now?'' His father whispered with amusement into Lucifer''s mind. ''No, yes a little I''m trying to get my friends back. Besides their the ones thinking it.'' Lucifer tried to explain to his father. ''Tell them who you are, they will act accordingly. This is good bye for now my son, I am needed else were.'' The dark elves had released his friends, they moved to stand by him, he bonded with Lilith as she neared. He could feel her joy as they were joined. His companions fixed there weapons and bags upon their persons he had moments before.


    Lucifer took in a deep breath and began to speak. ''I am not the Ancient, Nyx. I am his son Lucifer Samael ShadowFire, rightful Emperor of the Elemental Empire.'' At this the dark elves slowly stood looking at him with anger and awe. ''We were sent for you by our high King, but this is not what Nyx would want.'' one of the elder dark elves told him kneeling before him. ''We will accompany you through the mountains, so that you reach the other side. I am Azazel son of Chieftain Thoth Nightshade.'' Azazel said as Lucifer nodded. ''You may accompany us through the Singing mountains but no farther.'' Lucifer replied turning away from them sheathing his blade walking back to the east. As Lucifer walked he shifted, so that he could walk normally without wings snagging on branches. ''That was most unpleasant.'' Lilith chimed to him, ''I would have to agree, we should work on our powers in case something else happens. When Lucifer reached camp, the horses Midnight and swift winds were gone. ''Well that''s wonderful.'' Odin declared sarcastically, ''Now we''ll have to walk, again.''


    ''Stop being a drama queen the forest is lovely to walk through.'' Leif told Odin breathing in the smells of the forest. ''I''d have to agree with Leif, it is lovely this morning.'' Azazel said to them both.

 chapter one

    Several months had passed, the dark elves had kept to their word and had accompanied them across the singing mountains, they were nearing the edge of the singing mountains. When Lucifer called to everyone telling them to make camp, Azazel walked up to Lucifer. ''We must make the journey back, but if you should need us or my people. The dark elves will follow you Lucifer.''Azazel told him bowing, before him then calling to the other dark elves and starting their long journey heading west to their home lands.


    ''Well, I shall miss having elven company even if they are dark.'' Leif told them happily stretching out his sleeping bag. ''Think I should like to see their home land one day.'' Lucifer told them as he closed his eyes. The next morning they reached a seaside village, heading for the docks to board a ship and sail to Dormath where the Gaea Jungles reside. The voyage should take a month at most. Lucifer and his companions headed to the local tavern, where they met Captain Drake Southstar, a half- dwarf elf. Taller than a dwarf shorter and stockier than a elf. He was clothed like a pirate, with a sword at his waist.


    ''So you want a lift to Dormath, well alright but you''ll have to pay a price. I''m not going near demon lands for nothing.'' the Captain told them greedily. ''Very well, I shall pay your price if we reach there as swift as the winds can take us.'' Lucifer told the Captain over an ale.


    ''I don''t think this is a wise course of action. Lucifer.'' Lilith told him speaking in his mind. Lilith had grown to a substantial size an was now capable of carrying Lucifer and one other person a fair distance. Lucifer kept Lilith within himself as to make himself and his companions as undetectable as could be. The following morning they headed to the docks where the Captain''s Ship was anchored, it was huge with crimson sails, the deck was made of oak. Lucifer, Leif and Odin shared a room beside the captain''s reserved for passengers. The black ocean was calm, Ocea. The goddess of the seas and oceans has granted them safe passage for the moment. Early the next morning Lucifer was above deck practising his martial arts, when the Captain interrupted. ''You are very talented in the arts of combat. Which is good because we''ve entered mermaid waters.'' Lucifer looked at the Captain quizzically but kept his mouth shut.


    As the morning past Odin remained in the cabin unwilling to come above deck. The first sign of a mermaid came from a haunting, eerie glow coming from the water.


    ''Get below deck and block the doors!'' the Captain yelled at his men but it was to late. A beautiful voice rose from the black ocean, making the sailors dumb, clumsy and careless. One of the sailor was near the starboard of the ship, leaning over the side gazing down into the inky depths. A topless woman with the tail end of a shark for legs grabbed the sailor with her webbed hands and bit out his throat with her sharp teeth dragging him down bellow.


    ''Leif what are you doing!'' Lucifer exclaimed as he saw the elf heading for the port-side of the vessel. Lucifer ran at Leif tackling the elf to the deck of the ship. A mermaid that was on the port-side hissed at him for taking her food and began singing to him. Trying to sway him into coming forwards, Lucifer''s eyes flared a reddish crimson as he summoned Lilith''s drakon fire, hurling it at the demonic creature with a roar. The mermaid was blasted of the ship, the other creatures became a frenzy as they witnessed their kin die.


    ''Leave here at once children of Ocea, I do not wish you harm.'' Lucifer bellowed as the ship rocked. One of the mermaids broke away from the school and held onto the side of the ship. ''Watch your self, child of Nyx you are not a God! Ocea will not stand for you killing one of us.'' hissed and gasped the mermaid.


    Lilith spoke to him hungrily eager for a fight. ''Release me and we''ll have barbecued mermaid for luncheon.''


    ''It is as expected by their kind.'' Lucifer replied curtly as he dragged Leif below deck, returning with Light-Weaver. ''I will not ask you again mermaid, leave at once!'' Lucifer growled pointing his sword at the lead mermaid. The mermaids begrudgingly left diving into the water. Nodding Lucifer checked the fatalities a quarter of the ship''s crew were dead or dying.


    Lucifer wandered over to the Captain, ''You have lost a quarter of your men.'' Lucifer told the Captain who had bound himself to the wheel and was in the process of being untied. ''So it would seem, although I would like to know how it is that you were unaffected by those enchantresses?'' the Captain responded to him, as Leif and a few crew men came out onto the deck. ''Mermaids are vile creatures!'' Leif exclaimed angrily crossing over to Lucifer and the Captain. ''That was worse than a months latrine duties, hmmmp!'' Leif told them.


    ''Are you going to answer my question?'' the Captain demanded ignoring Leif. Lucifer looked at the man. ''I am the son of a high fae sorceress queen and the Ancient, Nyx. I do not know what I am capable of.'' Lucifer told the Captain honestly as he sheathed Light-Weaver. ''Very well, we should be insight of Dormath soon. We will be docking at Ironside docks.'' the captain shouted at the crew and passengers. wandering off barking orders at his men.


    ''You did well Lucifer, I am glad we practised in the mountains.'' Lilith said proudly, as Lucifer headed back to his cabin for much needed rest. They reached ironside a few hours before dawn, the ship docked and the crew unloaded it''s cargo. Lucifer, Lilith , Leif and Odin disembarked heading down Ironside Docks and into the small port town of Triton. The people of Triton were selkies people who could shift into seals, they were the harmless cousins of the merpeople. Although there were a few dwarves, elves, goblins and orcs that Lucifer could see as he walked down the main street into the heart of Triton where the tavern, bank and brothels were located. Lucifer ignored them all walking ahead of his companions. When three Orcs blundered out of the tavern as drunk as a skunk. ''Y''all beh, sorry ya kicked us out! Ya filthy, stinkin seals!'' a large bull Orc shouted at the tavern using racial slurs. The Orc turned to the street and upon seeing a fae male accompanied by a burly dwarf and an elf. They laughed heartily blundering over to Lucifer and his friends who had grabbed an drawn their weapons, while Lucifer had kept his weapons sheathed. Ignoring the brutes they continued past unfortunately the Orcs stepped in their way.


    ''Looky what I got a half-man, an elf and a fae baby.'' the largest of the Orcs chortled, grinning hungrily. ''Tell you what you hand over those nice looking weapons and your money. We''ll let you off with a some bruises and maybe if your real lucky some broken bones.'' Lucifer glared at the Orcs his heart pounding, his blood coursing through his veins filled with adrenalin. ''How about you leave now before you get hurt!'' Lucifer snarled his eyes clouding from violet to a dark crimson.


    ''What the hell!'' exclaimed the youngest Orc, just as Lucifer launched himself at the orcs.


    Time seemed to slow to a crawl as he spun, dodged and cleaved the vile creatures apart. It was beautiful and horrific. He moved through the orcs using nothing accept his hands and feet pulling jaws out, tearing limbs off. All before his companions could assist, Lilith awakened from her slumber within him and lent him strength as he finished off the last orc roaring at the mutilated bodies.


    ''Calm yourself my Lucifer, control your anger for it strengthens your gifts and unleashes the Drakon Fury. The Drakon Fury is a rear gift only those of the Ancient heritage of Nyx are capable of it. It gives you unbelievable speed, strength, stamina and agility. But it also comes with a hunger for battle and violence. You must learn to harness this ability, quickly for it may become disastrous but I believe in you my Lucifer. You have the potential to be the greatest Drakon Lord of all time.'' Lilith''s voice whispered to Lucifer''s mind as he tried to calm himself. Once he''d sufficiently calmed down he motioned to his companions and headed off into the forest at the edge of the coastal town ignoring the glances from some of the locals. Not waiting for his companions he stormed right into the dense, dark, dank and gloomy Gaea Jungle.


    ''Hold up,'' Odin grumbled from behind as he jogged to catch up with Lucifer and Leif who had been easily keeping pace. Lucifer obliged breathing a sigh. ''I''m sorry my friend, I''m learning new gifts and with everything else I''m just so angry.''


    ''It is okay my friend, we are here for you. To be honest I don''t know how you''re doing it.'' Leif told Lucifer grasping his forearm as Odin finally caught up.


    Lucifer laughed. ''Here we are in the middle of no where and I''m having a breakdown.'' The forest was slowly getting darker, it was all right for himself and Lilith unfortunately for Leif and Odin they had poor night vision better than a humans though so that''s something. ''We''ll make camp here and wait till down. Lilith will keep watch.'' Lucifer told his companions as he sat down and began unpacking his supplies. He unleashed Lilith to go hunt and set a fire with wood Odin had chopped down with one of his axes.


    Lilith brought back a young stag in her claws, leaving it at Lucifer''s feet. As he pulled out his hunting knives so he could skin and cut up the stag. Lucifer stoked the flames and put the venison atop the rack so it could be cooked. After they had eaten Lucifer cured the remnants of the venison after giving a portion to Lilith. In the dark of the forest a hungry howl pierced the silent night proceeded by multitude of other howls. Lucifer was awoken by Lilith''s paw.


    ''Something of Nyx comes. We must fly before they surround us!'' Lilith cried to Lucifer as he lightly kicked his companions awake. ''Rise and take up your arms!'' Lucifer shouted drawing Light-Weaver as viscous snarls and growls came out from around them. Lucifer with his fae sight saw what they were up against. ''Lycans, be ready.'' Lucifer declared with a growl of his own. Lycans are wolfish creatures, incredibly smart, as big as horses and viscous to boot. They were created by Nyx to guard and patrol Demean Ogg Taran to keep the living and the dead separate. Although it was said Nyx fought beside the Lycan demi-God Cerberus.


    ''Bloody wonderful, Lycans what''s next a griffin!'' Howled Odin as he twirled his battle axes grinning as the first Lycan stalked into the camp firelight followed by a score more of the beasts . Leif had leaped into a tree with his bow drawn and an arrow notched. Ready to fire at the Lycans at the slightest movement. ''Lucifer, Samael, Lord of Chaos and Destruction, Order and Creation. The Morningstar, Light-Bringer, wielder of Light-Weaver. First of the Fallen, You are destined for both great and terrible things. Hades, Osiris and Fenris are but some of the names that you will be known by.'' A lilting feminine voice that came from the first Lycan that stood before them.


    Lucifer snarled at the wolfish creature that had spoken. ''I don''t take much stock in prophesies, prophets or oracles. it''s all seems a bit staged. I am the master of my own fate!''


    There was a flash of light and a beautiful, naked woman stood before him with long flowing raven coloured hair that went down to her waist shielding her assets from view.


    ''I am Priestess Lupa Blood-moon. My lord Cerberus as demanded that we shelter and accompany you until you reach the Demon Lands which is twelve days ride from here.'' The Priestess told Lucifer, to which his response was a growl and a nod. ''You may accompany us.'' Lucifer told them as he beckoned to Leif to jump down from the tree.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    ''We shall make for Lunaopolis, where Blood-King Godric Swift-foot rules.'' the Priestess told Lucifer.


    ''Lilith, let Odin and Leif ride upon your back, if something should go wrong. Fly as fast and as high as your wings can take you.'' Lucifer said speaking telepathically with Lilith through their bond. ''As you wish, Lucifer.'' Lilith replied begrudgingly. ''Odin, Leif ride upon Lilith''s back it shall make the journey easier. No arguments!'' Lucifer ordered his companions. Lucifer watched the Priestess as she shifted back to her Wolven counterpart. ''Why not.'' Lucifer laughed as he shifted into a Wolven form similar to that of a Lycan with the exception that Lucifer''s fur was as black as midnight and his eyes were a bright violet. ''Lilith when I want to speak to Odin or Leif, repeat what I tell you to them. Do so telepathically. '' Lucifer told the Drakon. As he crept up to the Lycan Priestess. ''Lets go.'' Lucifer told her telepathically taking the lead. ''I did not realise that the fae could shift apart from their chosen form.'' The Priestess asked. ''I am the son of Nyx and Queen Aelin Starfire. Their are many things that I can do that others can''t.'' Lucifer replied dashing ahead of the pack diving under and over fallen trees and branches. A few hours later the sun broke through the trees in morning light. Lucifer saw the Lycan citadel which was carved from rock and stone of the mountain it sat before. Surrounded by huts, shacks and caves of Lunaopolis.


    Lucifer could just make out the forms of lunaopolis''s inhabitance, some were in their wolven forms others walking as men and woman naked as the day they were born. Lucifer shifted to his normal fae form stretching out his arms.


    ''I don''t know how you do it, all that fur. It feels great to be in my own form again.'' Lucifer told the Priestess as she too changed shifted. ''That may be so for you, but me and mine are of two worlds. One foot in civilisation the other in the forest.'' The Priestess replied strolling ahead with Lucifer, the pack and Lucifer''s companions behind them.


    They entered the city, the Lycan people stayed at bay although their cubs could b seen peeking out from behind their parents leg. The citadel was a true feet of engineering, the throne room was cavernous, the walls were decorated with silver, platinum and gold detailing the Lycan peoples history. The throne chair was crafted from bone and platinum. The Priestess led Lucifer and his companions to the foot of the Blood-King Godric Swift-foot''s throne. ''What have you brought me daughter?'' The Blood-king demanded of the Priestess. ''This is Prince Lucifer Samael ShadowFire, heir to the Elemental Empire. Son of the Dark Lord.''  The Priestess indicated to Lucifer, ''And Lucifer''s companions Odin and Leif.'' ''What of the Drake?'' The Blood-King asked motioning to the Large creature.


    ''She is mine your Majesty, I have gifted her the name Lilith.'' Lucifer told the king as he absorbed Lilith becoming one as to keep her safe. Lucifer''s eyes flashed with ancient magic before returning to violet. The Blood-King growled at his disrespect. ''Give them a cave beside the barracks. They must be watched by six of the Blood-Clarws, my personal guard. Until they are on their way on the morrow. Now begone!'' The Blood-King growled waving his had for us to go as he sat atop his throne.


    The Priestess led Lucifer, Odin and Leif out of the Throne room accompanied by five gruff, hairy looking men wearing leather jerkins and greaves. They had a sharp, heavy long sword sheathed across their backs, a dagger at their waist and half a dozen hidden knives upon their person. There was also a beautiful woman with golden hair, wearing similar clothes but she wielded two long hunting knifes, a dagger and two dozen throwing knifes. They exited the citadel through a side door that led to a commodious cave scarcely lit with glow worms and burning torches. Lucifer could see rooms and steps calved into the rock. They were given a tore by the Priestess showing them a room with a huge swimming pool sized bath with heated water, a steam room and a corridor that led to the Blood-Clarws barracks where there was an enormous training hall with an assortment of weapons and armour.


    ''I''ll be in my room.'' Leif said looking queasy from the lack of fresh air in the cave. Odin on the other hand was in his element as dwarfs were renown for living in caves and underground. Odin blundered off to the training hall. Lucifer was doing fine for he could see as clearly as if the sun was shining inside the cave. Too Lucifer the stones and the rocks themselves gave off their own enthral light, it was mesmerising to behold. ''A gift from Nyx. Seeing the world as he does.'' Lilith told Lucifer, as he looked around. '' It is truly beautiful.'' Lucifer thought back at Lilith. The Priestess nodded to Lucifer and told him. ''I must go to my king now but I shall return when I am able.''


    Lucifer went to the Baths, he proceeded to remove his armour and weapons. Which had grown dirty with blood and grim over the months since he''d left the Empire. He signalled to one of the female servants out in the main hall of the cave. She hurried in with a bow and a blushing face. ''I want my clothes cleaned and some things to clean my weapons and armour.'' Lucifer told the young Lycan. ''Yes Lord right away.'' The girl responded hurrying away to get the items Lucifer desired as Lucifer removed his clothes and dove into the heated waters.


    Lucifer had gained more muscle in the year he''d fled the empire in search for his half-sister and father, so that he now had the body of a God. His obsidian hair had grown, it now sat at his shoulders and he had grown a bit of hair on his face. Lucifer conjured a straight razor from water and proceeded to shave off the few hairs he grown so that he now had a smooth face. The Lycan servant girl came back with his items placed them on a wooden table to the side of the bath and took his clothes. As the girl left with his clothes the female Blood-Clarw guard strode into the bathing room and sat on a chair.


    ''Can I help you? Or you going to join me!'' Lucifer asked with a devious grin as he saw her eyes flare at his words. ''You must be watched.'' the guard said with finality. Lucifer''s eyes flashed with violet fire. ''REMOVE YOUR CLOTHES AND JOIN ME!'' Lucifer commanded his voice reaching into the guards mind ensnaring her will.


    ''YOU WILL STOP RIGHT NOW!'' Lilith demanded inside Lucifer''s mind snapping him out of the thrall of the female guards beauty. Lucifer released the guards mind, launched himself under the water and sat upon the floor of the bath. ''What was that Lilith?'' Lucifer thought at Lilith. ''You used magic to ensnare her mind, it is a gift only the very powerful of sorcerers are capable of using. I believe it was triggered by your desire for the female guard.'' Lilith replied telepathically. When Lucifer breached the surface of the water the guard had no recollection of what had happened. Lucifer grabbed a cotton towel and wrapped it around his waist. Lucifer began meticulously cleaning, polishing his armour and weapons. Once he''d finished, the servant girl returned with his clothes freshly cleaned, dried and ironed.


    Lucifer motioned for the girl and the guard to leave so that he could dress. Clothed he bound his long hair with a leather strap, carried his armour and weapons to his cave room where he promptly dropped them on a chair and staggered to his straw bed where he collapsed asleep. Lucifer awoke early strapped, tugged and pulled on his armour. Then sheathed and hid his various weapons. Once fully prepared Lucifer strode out of his room accompanied by his guards down the tunnels and corridors until reaching the training hall beside the barracks. The Blood-Clarws were awake and already going about their daily routine of military manoeuvrers and exercises as well as combat training of various types.


    Lucifer moved into an empty area and began going through the various hand to hand fighting styles and techniques then moving onto using weapons and back again. Lucifer had drawn quite a crowd from his training regime. It was a hour or so later when Leif and Odin joined him for his training exercises. Finishing Lucifer and his companions washed quickly and headed to a table the Blood-Clarws had set up for them to breakfast. The table had fruits of various succulent selections as well as venison, pork, beef and a variety of fish. After the meal Priestess Blood-moon arrived to guide Lucifer and his comrades on their journey to the Demon Lands, she was wearing similar armour to that of the Blood-Clarws unlike the day before. The Priestess led Lucifer, Odin and Leif followed by their guards out of the caves into the citadel. Then she led them out of the citadel into the afternoon sun as it shone through the trees and plants of the jungle.


    ''We shall guide you to the borders of the Demon Lands.'' The Priestess told Lucifer as she led them out of the city of Lunaopolis. The Lycan people had came out to wave good bye to their warriors. They headed deeper into the jungle away from Lunaopolis, it had grown increasingly hot and damp as they traversed the miserable terrain. As the sun began to fall below the horizon, they made camp in a small area beneath the tree canopy near a stream. ''Leif gather some wood and dry leaves. Odin smash a few of those boulders and make a circle with shards.'' Leif and Odin quickly left the group to do Lucifer''s bidding. ''Priestess command your warriors to keep together. Watch out for predictors.'' Lucifer demanded as he unleashed Lilith. ''Go hunt!'' Lucifer told Lilith through telepathy. Lilith launched into the air breaking through the canopy and soared above their heads hunting for game. Lucifer pulled his bag off his shoulder and rummaged inside it until he pulled out a folded hammock. Lucifer leaped into the trees without making a sound he tied his hammock to two tall oak trees. He made sure it was secure before dropping to the ground beside Leif as he returned with the fuel for the fire. Odin had made a magnificent chair out of the remains of boulders that had not been used for the border of the fire. Once the fire was going, Odin sat in his stone chair and Leif leaped into the trees to set up his own hammock.


    ''You know it''s quite beautiful out here. Even with the mutts.'' Leif called down in his native Elvish to Lucifer. ''Yes it is rather beautiful.'' Lucifer replied in Elvish as Lilith returned with a large young stag in her jaw. She landed behind the Priestess, Lilith dragged the stag to Lucifer dropping it at his feet.


    ''Thank you, Lilith you may hunt for yourself.'' Lucifer told her as he pulled a knife from its sheath and began skinning the young stag. Lilith launched into the air. He placed the pelt beside Leif so that he could turn it into a coat and gave the antlers to Odin to make a knife handle or something of worth. Lucifer cooked the stag over a fire, the meat was tender and succulent. After eating Odin fell asleep upon his chair clutching his battle axe. Leif was sound asleep in the trees upon his hammock swaying in the night breeze. Lucifer stayed awake so that he could absorbed Lilith when she returned.


    Lilith returned sometime in the night haven eaten her fill Lucifer absorbed her and stretched out walked past the sleeping Priestess and her pack. Half her pack had fallen asleep curled up together in their wolven forms. The Lycans who remained awake guarded their sleeping pack mates from danger. Lucifer looked around something felt out of place. He smelt the air smelling something new and cat like watching them hungrily. Lucifer drew one of his hunting knives looking into the foliage of the jungle floor. He could see a large cat with yellow fur covered in black spots. Lucifer stalked towards the cat from the side as he drew close it pounced upon him with a growl.


    Lucifer fought the beast knife to claw they rolled upon the jungle floor, the cat bit into Lucifer''s neck drawing golden incur the blood of immortals. With a roar Lucifer tore into the cats own neck its life blood flowing down his throat. His neck healing as the cat snarled in pain and with a mighty wrench of his hands Lucifer broke the cats neck. Lucifer''s nails hardened and grew becoming like claws as he drove his hand into the beast''s chest. Lucifer gouged out its barely still beating heart. Lucifer opened his mouth ripped a piece of warm, wet, chewy meat and swallowed it. Finishing the cats heart he pulled the beast onto his shoulders and walked into camp dumping it beside his seat. Sitting down Lucifer skinned the cat placing it beside the stags pelt, Lucifer quickly washed the blood from his face, neck and clothes before retiring to his hammock in the trees. Lucifer awoke to the smell of cooking meat, looking down he saw that Odin had set the fire going and they were cooking the large cat. Leif was well on the way with turning the stag pelt into a coat. Lucifer untied his hammock folded it and placed it inside his bag before jumping down. He walked up to Leif with the cats teeth.


    ''I''d like you to make a necklace out of these and a cloak out of its pelt.'' Lucifer asked him handing over the teeth. ''It will be done my Lord.'' Leif replied returning to his busy work. Lucifer went over to Odin and sat beside him. Along the way he grabbed one of the beast¡¯s legs and began to eat with relish. The Lycans were around the fire eating happily. Lucifer ate one of the cat¡¯s legs, a lung, the liver and a kidney. Lucifer was finishing of it kidney when the priestess wondered over.


    ''It is common among my people to eat both the heart and the brain of the Cheetah in order for their spirit and strength to be bound to you.'' The Priestess said bowing to Lucifer as she offered him the cat''s brain. He took and ate it begrudgingly; once they''d finished of the beast they packed up their things and continued on.

 chapter two

    Lucifer, his companions and their guides continued on. As the days passed, either walking, camping or hunting it got rockier and colder. Leif had worked on the stag coat pelt and the cheetah cloak as well as the necklace like a man possessed. Odin had combined the skull of the cheetah, the antlers of the stag with a mix of gold and silver. The resulting crown was breath-taking both barbaric and beautiful. Lucifer had no idea how he''d done it, using some magic only the dwarves knew. The dome of the crown was made from the cheetah, with shards of antler rising past it held together with gold edged with silver with the occasional ruby, gem or diamond. It was on the eleventh day just as the sun rose upon the peaks of the mountains that both Leif and Odin had finished their projects. Lucifer packed his hammock and jumped down from the ice frozen tree, ''Lucifer, Odin and myself have completed our assignment and now we await your decision.'' Leif told Lucifer handing over the pelts and the necklace. Odin handed over the crown he''d made, Lucifer left the group, heading into one of the caves to change. They had been using the cave to sleep in semi warm conditions unlike outside the cave. Lucifer put on his new coat and cloak. Putting on the necklace, he donned his crown. His armour and weapons fit perfectly with his new warm clothes. Lucifer strode back to his group his cheetah cloak rippling in the morning cold air.


    Lucifer thanked his comrades, as the Priestess came forward. ''You look every bit the Emperor you are. Now me and mine must make hast back to Lunaopolis. We leave you on the border to the Demon lands. Head to the Fire Mountains, were you will see smoke rising from the top.'' The Priestess told him as her Blood-Claws headed back the way they had come. the Priestess following shortly after.


    ''Do you think that you are now capable of carrying Leif and Odin and I simultaneously?'' Lucifer thought at Lilith. ''Yes, I should think so.'' Lilith replied telepathically to him. Lucifer unleashed her, ''Thank you.'' Lucifer murmured to her stroking her hide, before helping Leaf up and then Odin with assistance from Leif. The Drakon dove of the edge of the mountain cliff falling Odin and Leif screaming as they fell before ascending, soaring up into the skies. Although it was unbelievably cold, thanks to Lucifer''s pelt skins kept him warm. Lucifer sensed that he could use magic to heat himself up but decided against it as he did not fully understand the spells correct pronunciations. Odin was doing well due to his thick coerce hair and wool coat he''d found in his bag. Leif on the other hand was not so great, elves tend to stay near jungles, forests and warm places. Due to the fact they are susceptible to extreme colds, Leif was wearing a thick bear skin coat and trousers. He''d grown a bit of a beard as well to keep his face warm. Thankfully Lilith''s drakon hide was always warm to near hot.


    ''I see the Fire Mountains. Just over the horizon!'' Lilith exclaimed as she flew as fast as she could go without unseating her passengers. ''See over there, the fire mountains of the Demon Lands.'' Lucifer called through the frosty wind, Odin responded with a grunt while Leif prayed to the elven, fairy and fae God Faenn Lord of the Vanir and the Wilds, Jungles and Forests. Lucifer had always been more inclined to pray to his father Nyx then any God the others but he supposed that if he had to choose another he''d have picked either Faenn or his twin the Goddess Freya lady of the earth, beauty, youth, health, birth, love, animals and the defenceless and daughter of the Ancients Helios and Helena. Lucifer had always felt a connection to Freya.


    Lilith made quick time they soon passed the fire mountains and began to descend near the remains of the fallen city of Askinar. The Demon lands were harsh, cruel and boiling hot place filled with death, fear and pain. They landed near city of Askinar''s remains, Lucifer jumped to the hardened obsidian glass floor with a crunch. He helped Odin down as Leif jumped down on his own, Lucifer absorbed Lilith and drew Light-Weaver.


    ''It smells of death and despair!'' Lilith thought to Lucifer as Lucifer strode determinately to the fallen city. Leif and Odin gasped as they saw the full beauty of the once great city. ''It is a truly sorrowful thing when such architectural beauty is crushed, to of seen this city in all its glory. That would be great indeed.'' Odin declared reverently as they walked under a marble arch and into the heart of the ruins. Lucifer opened his senses, what he found was horrifying, ghouls, wraiths and ghosts glided by as if they were still alive, trapped in the place they died unable to move on. Lucifer watched as children ran and played annoying their parents. Taking a breath he mentally pushed past the dead in search of the living finding flickering light coming from the palace Lucifer headed that way down what would have been a street with Odin and Leif following close from behind. The palace was carved out of marble, decorated with gold, silver and platinum. They walked up the steep steps through the palace gates and into a highly decorated courtyard. They continued on through the palace door down corridors and hallways till they reached the throne room. The throne room was enormous with intricate carvings and portraits depicting the history of Askinar and their royal family the Targaryens.


    Sat upon one of three obsidian glass thrones was a deathly pale woman as they walked closer they saw that half her face was skeletal with flesh barely hanging on, her left eye as grey as a stormy sky. She had white hair hiding her rotten ear. On the other side of her face she was perhaps one of the most beautiful but most sorrowful faces Lucifer had seen with midnight black hair and a green eye.


    ''What are you doing here?'' The woman asked with a voice like warmed honey, Lucifer, Leif and Odin bowed. ''I am Lucifer ShadowFire son of Nyx. My mother Queen Aelin Starfire as asked me to seek out my half-sister Hella, so that she might teach me to travel the realms.'' Lucifer told the woman, as he straitened up. ''I am Hella Targaryens ruler of what remains of this accursed place. What will you give me in exchange for this service?'' Hella replied hungrily leaning forward in her throne. ''What is it you want with in reason and I shall endeavour to retrieve it for you.'' Lucifer replied sheathing his sword, Odin and Leif doing likewise. ''I want the Stygian Dagger, it is said to give the owner command over the dead. It is said to be in the dark side of Demean Ogg Taran owned by the demigod son of Plagith Astaroth.'' Hella told them, Lucifer grimaced. ''So be it! How do we get there?'' Lucifer replied determinedly as Hella smiled. ''You shall drink a potion that will stop your hearts temporarily. It will link you three in spirit as you retrieve the dagger.'' Hella finished with a chuckle and waved her hand. A five pointed star burst into life upon the floor followed by various symbols and siegels that Lucifer could just about decipher.


    Hella began chanting in ancient Greek, Egyptian and Persian then finishing with Enochian as she held out a chalice filled with a dark reddish liquid. ''Enter the pentacle then proceed to drink from the chalice.'' Hella said giving Lucifer the chalice as he entered the pentacle followed by his comrades. Hella renewed her chanting becoming fever pitched as Lucifer, Leif and Odin all drank from the chalice. The effect was instantaneous, their hearts stopped and as they fell they broke through the realms falling until they reached the underworld with a thud.


    Lucifer got to his feet and helped both Leif and Odin to theirs, then it hit him a blast of dark power, Lucifer''s eyes turned as pitch black darker then the deepest cave. Except for his irises they burned a raging red like a star being born flaring brightly. Shadows clung to him eager to please him. Lucifer smiled malevolently at the swell of strength, Odin and Leif exchanged a worried glance and took a step away from Lucifer. Lucifer could barley feel Lilith through their bond.


    ''Are you all right?'' Leif said his voice echoing, Odin had a gander around. ''Well it''s certainly creepy.'' Odin declared as his eyes fell upon a gate into Plagith''s castle, making both Lucifer and Leif look over to where Odin was looking. The ground was a greenish jade making up a path that led to a bridge of steel crossing a lake of liquid fire right up to the terrifying gates. The sky was a raging storm with red cloud and flashes of lightning, as far as Lucifer could tell Demean Ogg Taran had no sun to speak off the sky was pitch black all but for the storm. ''Come on then, we got a blade to liberate.'' Lucifer said flashing a brilliant smile as he walked towards the imposing gate his companions close behind as they drew near Lucifer saw a hulking three headed Lycan guarded the gates as spirits drifted through. ''How we gonna get past Cerberus Lord of Lycans?'' Odin Demanded gruffly as he fidgeted with his battle axe. Lucifer thought about Odin''s question carefully until deciding. ''I believe that I will be able to conceal our presence from them but I''ll need your consent.'' Lucifer told them. ''You needn''t of asked we''re your men. We''ll follow you anywhere.'' Leif replied as Odin nodded his consent. Lucifer lifted his hands towards Leif and Odin commanded the shadows to rise and cling to their spiritual bodies hiding them from all.


    Lucifer concentrated on his need to get over the gate, his shadowy spiritual body began to rise from the jade floor. He then focused on lifting both Odin and Leif so that they floated beside Lucifer. ''This feels decidedly weird and strange.'' Odin proclaimed giddily. ''I have to concur, this is the strangest thing that''s happened.'' Leif added grumpily as Lucifer smirked as he, Odin and Leif shot into the raging skies faster than a falling star. Lightning flashed close to Lucifer, he raised his had as a bolt of lightning struck him and he directed the bolt away from him. Lucifer glared down at the castle and the surrounding fields of punishment, he found what he was looking for Lucifer pulled them down towards the courtyard where he saw a door leading into the castle. They landed softly on the hard cold stone floor. ''Leif, Odin watch my back as I check the door.'' Lucifer told the two telepathically. He stepped towards the door and reached forwards, Lucifer barely touched the door when it unlocked and swung inwards. The Door led into a long corridor with hundreds of doors running along it, Lucifer strode forwards with his companions either side of him. Lucifer closed his eyes and sought out the dagger, Lucifer felt a wave of vertigo. Lucifer''s minds psychic eye, third eye opened and he mentally flew down corridors, through doors and up stairs until he reached Astaroth''s bedchambers and moved towards a lead coated chest trying every path until he found one unguarded. Lucifer opened his eyes waved his hand motioning for his comrades to follow him, Lucifer, Odin and Leif moved down the corridor following the path he''d seen with his sight.


    Lucifer and his companions reached Astaroth''s bedchambers without trouble except when Lucifer went towards the box and proceeded to open the lid as it opened he was seen by a strong young human looking male. ''Reveal yourself!'' the young man demanded, Lucifer obliged and banished the shadows. ''Who in Nyx are you and why are you people? Why are you trying to steal my dagger?'' Astaroth cursed drawing a sharp looking sword. ''I challenge you to first blood, winner owns the dagger, By the Laws of Nyx.'' Lucifer declared as thunder rumbled at his words.


    ''Who are you to challenge me, for I am the demigod Astaroth.'' Astaroth said testily stepping towards Lucifer. ''I am the Prince of Darkness, son of Nyx, MY NAME IS LUCIFER SAMAEL SHADOWFIRE!'' Lucifer shouted his voice booming like clap of thunder, his eyes flaring with power. Half a dozen undead guards barged into the bedchamber. ''Clear the Arena, a challenge as been declared.'' Astaroth shouted as he got the box and handed it to the guards. ''Come little Prince.'' Astaroth smirked following the guards to the Arena with Lucifer and his companions following behind.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    The Arena was humongous like the arenas in the elemental empire, Lucifer and his friends entered the sandy blood stained floor of the Arena. A flaming rectangle appeared and a female voice rippled around the arena, ''Make your oath and you will be bound to it.'' said Helena the Goddess of oaths and promises. ''Winner claims the Stygian Dagger.'' Lucifer declared manifesting brilliant, blinding white wings as he stepping into the flaming ring followed by a pale looking Astaroth. They drew their weapons, Lucifer sword Light-Weaver''s blade burst into flames. ''What are you!'' Astaroth cried out at the terrifying sight of Lucifer he tried to run but was unable to exit the barrier of flame. Lucifer glowed brightly like a star, all the while getting brighter and hotter. Lucifer stepped toward Astaroth who yelled and swiped at Lucifer with his sword. When Astaroth''s sword got close it melted under the extreme heat of that of a star. Lucifer swiped at Astaroth''s arm nicking it, thunder rumbled as the battle was over. Lucifer exited the ring his bright light fading slightly, Astaroth sat on the floor catatonic, the spirits of the dead got to their knees muttering, the muttering grew until the spirits were shouting. the Arena thundered with them shouting for Lucifer calling him, ''MORINGSTAR, HAIL LUCIFER THE MORNINGSTAR!'' Lucifer strode to the guard who held the box in shaking hands ignoring the shouting. Lucifer reached out and took the dagger from inside, as soon as he held the blade he felt himself get sucked through the realms. Lucifer lurched awake followed closely by Odin and Leif. They where back in Faeamar in the Demon Lands, Hella got up from her throne were she had been sat.


    Lucifer felt truly exhausted as if the limitless immortal power he''d felt in Demean Ogg Taran had vanished, or more likely was caged deep inside his mortal body. Lucifer could hardly wait till he reached his twenty-first summer and gained his true immortal form. Lilith swelled with love and devotion for her master now that she could feel him again.


    ''So you have the blade, very well I shall teach you. Now hand over the blade.'' Hella demanded her skeletal hand out stretched. Lucifer helped Odin and Leif to their feet, Lucifer faced his half-sister. ''Swear upon Helena Queen of the Ancients that you will up hold your end of our bargain.'' Lucifer demanded his voice gravely and weak. ''I swear upon Helena to teach you to travel the realms.'' Hella said reluctantly as Lucifer handed over the Stygian Dagger. ''There are a few surviving bedrooms in the left wing of the palace tower.'' Hella told Lucifer dismissing him and his companions.


    The left wing of the palace tower was cold, dark and musty. Lucifer remedied the cold and dark by conjuring a ball of fire in the palm of his hand. Lucifer, Leif and Odin shared a room and took turns keeping watch. The room was enormous with a big bedroom, the curtains were musty, damp and moth eaten. Lucifer awoke before dawn and woke his friends. They went down to the throne room, where they fought each other in mock combat training. Hella arrived come late morning, she went straight to her throne.


    ''We will begin, clear your mind. Push your mind from your body and travel east of the tower until you reach the edge of the Demon Lands.'' Hella told Lucifer carefully, Lucifer listened to what she''d said controlling his breathing he thought of his time in the underworld and the sight he''d used to travel with his mind. He thought of how he had managed that, Lucifer soon felt the familiar vertigo that came with transitioning to the sight. The world was brighter, more vibrant and peaceful. Lucifer''s mind flew out of the ruins of Askinar and to the edge of the Demon Lands he felt a familiar presence, Lucifer focused on this presence and realised it was Hella''s mind. Hella''s essence her mind instead of a glowing ball like Lucifer she looked as she did in her body, except she glowed a dark fiery red and was flouting.


    Lucifer focused on what he wanted, his essence flared like a star before dying down. Lucifer now had a body. He looked at his hands, they glowed a fierce gold with an undercurrent of pitch black darkness. ''Good now that we are here, think of our father go to him in your mind and you''ll enter a realm of sorts. Although outside the other realms an in between place, if you will. You have entered this place before.'' Hella told Lucifer as he looked around. ''When I died, we entered this purgatory like place outside the realms before we reached Demean Ogg Taran, I could see the other realms as I fell past in flashes.'' Lucifer replied to which Hella nodded. ''You will enter this place when you focus on our father while there try not to dally. Then return, you will rest and tomorrow you leave.'' Hella told him, Lucifer nodded he focused on Purgatory, a crack appeared in the worlds, shining with electric blue energies and pulsing white. Lucifer moved into the portal, all he saw was complete and utter pitch black darkness. Then he saw them the six realms, glowing brightly in the utter darkness. There was no up no down, just emptiness except for the realms. Then it hit him Lucifer could see the entirety of space and time. He could see all the realms he could see what was, what will be and what might be. All inside his head. Lucifer thought of the beginning before his father Nyx awoke and created Aurora from the nothingness. Lucifer closed his eyes and thought of Faeamar his home. He thought of the sun, the sky, forests, oceans, rivers, everything that made him him want to live. Then out of no where there was an enormous flash of light.


    ¡­..Suddenly Lucifer could feel, ground under his feet, a breeze ruffling his obsidian hair and a bright light making his eyelids warm. Lucifer opened his eyes slowly getting accustomed to the bright light. What Lucifer saw made him gasp and stumble, he was on a grassy hill, surrounded by trees, he saw a river and a lake. This world was unnaturally quiet, Lucifer suddenly understood why. There was nothing alive except the trees and plants in the entirety of this new realm. Thinking of bird, animals and fish Lucifer could now see, hear and feel them the the realm full of life. Lucifer had created a world, the realisation shocked him to the core, Lucifer thought of night and suddenly it was the sun dipped under the horizon. In the sky their was six stars, Lucifer willed himself off the ground and into the night sky, he broke through the atmosphere. The six stars were in fact the six realms, he had made a new realm outside of the others. Lucifer''s realm needed a name and Lucifer saw none more fitting then Purgatory. Lucifer could sense the souls of the deceased travel through his realm and into the after world Demean Ogg Taran.


    Lucifer needed someone or something to help guide the souls of the dead to the afterworld for fear they''d get lost and maybe someone else to select the greatest warriors and sorcerers to have died and bring them back to Purgatory. Lucifer thought of Nyx''s demons and Helios''s Angels in order to come up with something both fearsome, kind and caring for the first of his creatures. The beings Lucifer created were similar in nature to Helios''s angels, Lucifer''s creatures were humanoid some male, some female all had brilliant raven coloured wings, piercing eyes that could read and evaluate the souls and hearts of mortals. They were all beautiful and could become invisible, phase through solid objects, read minds, kill with a touch and are able to live for thousands of years at a time. Before returning to the ground Lucifer created two moons as to help illuminate the world at night. Lucifer returned to Purgatory and landed near his newly created creatures.


    ''My name is Lucifer, the Morningstar, I am your lord and creator I give you the name of Angels of death or Reapers for your task, my angels will be to guide and guard the dead and the dying through Purgatory and into the afterworld.'' Lucifer waved his hand and his Angels were clothed in black leather and a silk black robe with a khopesh at each of their sides. ''I must go but I will return.'' Lucifer told them as he lifted of the ground before he left he waved his hand in the sky and a flouting obsidian stoned city appeared in the night sky. The city was guarded by walls, turrets and towers a flouting fortress at its heart a citadel more beautiful than any palace, castle or mansion could ever be. Lucifer made several such cities across the realm before he turned to his Angels. ''This is where you shall live when you are not for filling your duties. There are others across the realm.'' Lucifer looked among them he scanned their minds, seeing their potential he found what he was searching for.


    ''You my child shall lead the angels of death, I gift you the name Azrael and the gift of immortality as long as you are worthy!'' Lucifer told the male angel. ''Thank you my lord, we shall not fail you.'' Azrael replied whole heartedly. ''We shall name our first city Myrddion meaning Dark Light.'' Azrael finished he and the rest of Lucifer''s angels dropped to the floor prostrating themselves before him. ''I must leave my children but I will return.'' Lucifer called to them as he flew into the heavens. For Lucifer''s second creatures, these humanoid beings were all female, incredibly strong, fast and beautiful. They had brilliant white wings unlike his angels of death. These powerful winged enchantingly beautiful and heavenly women could evaluate the souls and hearts of mortals choosing only the bravest most courageous of warriors and sorcerers. They could become invisible, read and enchant minds, kill with a touch and are immortal. These women could only give birth to females no matter the who or what the father was. For these wing women Lucifer created several cities like the Angels of Death''s except these cities glowed with golden light made from gold, silver, platinum and filled with jewels. Rubies, diamonds and gems of various descriptions and sizes encrusted the walls and roads. Lucifer landed outside one of the training areas the double the size of the colosseum. His winged women knelt before him waiting for him to speak.


    ''I am Lucifer, your Lord, I gift you the name Valkyries the Battle Maidens. Your duty will be to hunt the battlefield and war zones searching for the dying but only chose the greatest of warriors and sorcerers to have lived. They shall become my immortal warriors the Einherjar.'' Lucifer searched the minds of his Valkyries till he found a woman that suited his purpose.


    ''You my child step forwards,'' Lucifer asked a golden haired Valkyrie. ''I gift you the name Sif.'' Lucifer told her. ''You shall lead the Valkyries. You have brothers and sisters who share and guard this realm be kind and help each other.'' Lucifer told them psychically projecting the last sentence to the Angels of death''s minds.


    ''I must leave you now but I shall return, this city shall be known as Asgard and the hall and battle arena shall be known as Valhalla. I shall create two ravens to watch over my realms and peoples, these ravens like the moons shall be called Huginn and Muninn meaning thought and memory. I shall be able to see and hear through them, Good bye my daughters.'' Lucifer told them flying into the sky faster than a shooting star heading for Faeamar and back into his body. When Lucifer awoke he found himself in a bed with the concerned faces of Odin and Leif hanging above his head. ''You where out for seven days, we fought you had got lost, Hella told us you may be trapped.'' Odin told Lucifer in a shaky cracked voice. ''I''m fine really.'' Lucifer replied getting to his feet and out of the bed. Lucifer followed Leif down stairs and corridors till they reached the throne room with Odin coming up from behind making sure Lucifer didn''t collapse.


    Hella sat atop her throne with an expression of distaste upon her face. ''YOU WHERE NOT MENT TO DALLY!'' Hella roared getting up from her throne. ''You have drawn the notice of both the Ancients and the Gods, you foolish child you created a world, a realm outside of all others and you allow the dead to walk through it into the afterworld. Not to mention you have created two new beings your Angels of Death and your Valkyries.'' Hella said while in a rant. ''You are almost an Ancient you are certainly a god and a powerful one at that.'' Hella yelled now pacing back and forth across the room. ''You must leave at once!'' Hella declared to Lucifer and his companions. ''I know how to enter the realms not how to take someone at least teach me that.'' Lucifer pleaded to his half-sister as she stopped pacing. ''Very well.'' Hella replied as she sent thoughts and images at Lucifer''s mind showing how it is done and how to take someone. She also sent a few hundred spells and enchantment along with the instructions.


    ''Now leave!'' Hella growled to Lucifer as he and his comrades left the throne room and out of the ruins of Askinar. Lucifer and his friends stopped where they had landed a week ago. ''I shall make a gate way here and we shall arrive at the city Myrddion in purgatory.'' Lucifer told them he lifted his hand and muttered an incantation. A swirling vortex of light appeared, Lucifer strode into the portal beckoning his friends

 Chapter Three

    ''It will be most difficult to succeed in this endeavour, but I trust that you will succeed and claim your rightful place.''


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    ''You should take more warriors than just a drakon, no mater how powerful I am.''''It does not matter do you not feel how powerful I am now. I can mould marble with my bare hands, I''m faster then a shooting star, I control the elements and I know magic. I AM A GOD!''''You may be more powerful but there is always someone more skilled and powerful. You are not a god yet you can still die.''