The last two stories take place in a world I have created, Otnid. I created this story a little while ago, but I still like it. I hope those of you that happen to read this enjoy it.
The stories of Gods Peak were known by all. An evil ice god was chained to the mountain many Z’sama’s ago when he was denounced as the one who cursed the tainted lands. However, unbeknownst to the people sealing him there, an endless supply of Ysayezi crystals grew on this island.
When the god was trapped to the mountain his powers flowed into the crystals and many claim them to be the most powerful and potent ice Ysayezi crystals known to man. Only the foolishly brave or insanely stupid now set foot on the island, both in hopes of claiming a crystal as their own.
Though these stories often scare people away from the island, it was these very stories that brought Lucine to Gods Peak with a small dwindling spark of hope.
Banished from her tribe for a murder she didn’t commit and had been framed for, she yearned for a way to explain to her parents and siblings that she wasn’t a murderer as well as for a second chance to explain what she had been doing on that fateful night.
In her sorrowful state and an old traveler telling the story of Gods Peak, an idea began to form in her mind. If she was to return with a Ysayezi crystal from Gods Peak they would have to give her another chance.
Though it took many long months, Lucine eventually found herself at the bottom of Gods Peak. The trek through the frightening forest that surrounded it having zapped most of her energy. Though her energy was depleted the memories of the Var’Ixban tribe gave her a burst of hope.
Though the Var’Ixban was a tribe of barbaric nature she had earned their respect through her tales and was thusly granted a boat powerful enough to cross the raging tides and some supplies to aid her on the treacherous journey.
Though having been to Uak Amaram before, Gods Peak surely was the coldest place on Otnid. Even though she was wrapped in the warmest of magically heated cloths the cold still managed to wrap itself around her in a chilling hug.
Looking towards the sky, the sun was high, but Lucine knew that daylight would soon be scarce and she couldn’t bear to think about how cold the nights were.
Wasting no more time she began the climb and although the mountain looked monstrously large, she still managed to make it toward the top with some rays of light to spare. The sun just moments from beginning to set and the sight was one to behold.
Although the cave that she stood before was beautiful, it was the Ysayezi Crystals that stood out. They were larger than any she had seen in any tribes, kingdoms, or countries she had been to. Even Trelesolk who was known for their Ysayezi Crystals paled in comparison to these.
Entranced, Lucine reached out to grab one, however before she could do so a powerful yet slightly raspy voice sounded from behind her.
“I’ve faced many foolish people, but you are by far the most desperate smelling fool I’ve encountered. Tell me, why are you here? If you give me a good reason, I might even spare you.” The voice of a man came from behind her, and he didn’t sound pleased.
With a frightened squeak she turned so quickly she almost fell. It was then that a burst of cold air entered the cave and settled over the environment with the crystals having a thin layer of ice form over them. The cold only seemed to worsen as time moved on.
The cold struck so quickly that Lucine could hardly form a sentence as she sunk to her knees and wrapped her arms around herself in a vain attempt to keep herself warm. It was then that she knew who she was in the presence of.
“I have come here to take a crystal back to my tribe.” Lucine managed to stutter out through chattering teeth, “Please don’t kill me!” She pleaded wretchedly.
The man that stood before her scoffed at her, his pale hand which looked as white as a sheet of paper twitched in anger.
To keep herself from passing out from fear she tilted her head upward, the man’s appearance was odd with spiked dark brown hair and pale skin he looked almost dead, however, it wasn’t these things that stood out the most… it was the Ysayezi Crystals that grew around his eyes and face like a mask.
“Pathetic…” The man sneered, “We both know they would only kill you and pry the crystal from your cold dead hands. It’d be more humane if I just killed you now… unless there was a reason for me to spare you? What can you do for me.?” The Ice god Freezard questioned as he tapped a sharp crystal encased finger against his chin. His tone was rather sadistic.
“I can run an errand!” Lucine blurted out without stuttering as she felt her body becoming less responsive as the cold began to overwhelm her. She knew her suggestion was stupid and would likely be the death of her, but she still clung to that small light of hope.
“I know how the first moon god along with the ice goddess and it’s set in the stars that the two beings would have some form of relationship, yet where is your moon goddess?” Lucine questioned in hopes that she could deliver a letter to the moon goddess, however, she would quickly regret this as spikes shot out from the ground around Freezard in a fit of rage.
“In a place without me! Because you mortals have trapped me here for a curse I did not cast, and yet you portray me as a monster when it is truly you who are monsters!” Freezard shouted in rage.
And then the cold lessened.
“You are mortal… You could find a mage to break this seal!” The powerful god sounded almost maddened with insanity and despite the cold not being as much as a threat, Lucine still feared for her life.
“You will go to the moon or star temple; there you will find the blessed mages. Awaken them from their slumber and once you do, bring them here to me. Once you have accomplished this task, I will free you and allow you to take as many crystals as you can carry.” Freezard stated.
“But where are the temples located? I only know about them through folktales and the kingdoms they speak of are all long gone.” Lucine questioned, feeling finally coming back into her fingers and toes.
“They are most likely off the waters of either Trelesolk or deep in the withered forest,” Freezard explained before producing with a snap of his fingers, a crystal bracelet that encased Lucine’s wrist.
“That is insurance, if you fail to complete this task in a Z’sama’s time or if you fail to report back to me in a Z’sama with information, it will encase your body and kill you. Now leave before I change my mind.” Freezard hissed out his empty threat before walking past her and disappearing into the cave.
Wasting no time, Lucine quickly left, her adventure only just beginning.
