"Fragments - The Broken Bonds" - Chapter 1 - Call of the Carithe'

The night skies fall upon the great city of Asphenaz, foremost among the forces that make the human empires of Asperah the mightiest above all. Tomorrow will be the great festival for the honor of the Golden Dragon Fyrh, the patron lord of progress, honor and war. Every summer on that very same day, everyone in Asperah celebrates the legend of the deity's great sacrifice to save their world. Tonight, the inns and taverns begin to fill with merchants and peddlers converging from different lands in preparation for tomorrow's events. Everyone seemed to be looking forward to something. The fighters especially favor the jousts and contests of prowess where they can show off their skills against many other contenders from all parts of the land. The ladies delight themselves with ornaments, cloths and perfumes never before seen in these parts of the human kingdoms. Even other races arrive to contribute to the growing wonders that this gathering brings every year. The younger elves especially take this opportunity to leave their secluded forests and mingle with man. Draconian wanderers from the southern deserts also arrive to join the celebrations. Wolf men, Taureans, Catfolk, and almost any other race who can communicate in the human tongue have their representatives. Tomorrow will indeed be a joyous day.

Meanwhile, somewhere within the dense forest encircling the city, a group of cloaked figures could be seen gathered over a small fire. An elderly figure presided, raising his hand to gain the attention of the others present. He was clothed in deep blue, with a wide brimmed hat placed upon his long, graying hair. "Children of the Carithe'¦. He began. "Hear my words.

A woman draped in an ebon cloak stood, motioning the others to be still. "Ssilence. Master Giorno speaksss¦ She hissed in a thrilling voice while the others fell silent. "¦and that meanss you too, Nathaniel. She pointed, referring to a young man in crimson robes, a piece of cloth strapped across his head, letting only a few strands of his short hair dangle in front.

"I wish you wouldn't do that so often in public mother Sera¦ Nathaniel complained like a young boy being scolded. He momentarily took his attention off a small contraption he had been busily fixing moments ago.

"I would not, had you the manners to listen to your elders whilst they speak, young man. The woman snapped back. "¦most essspecially master Giorno.

"It is quite all right, Sera. The old man chuckled. "Nathaniel is young, the youngest among us all if I am not mistaken. Not quite a warlock, not quite a witch¦and it seems he has developed a liking for the artifices of man at so early an age. Interesting. You should show that to me later Nathan.

*Faugh!* Sera spat. "The workings of human civilization bear not with it the wisdom of the ages that we carry within our souls. The power of the Carithe' still proves to be the mightiest of all. If only Nathaniel would devote himself to studying the arcane arts, he would have already been to his fifth quest for power by now. Look at him!...still so full of innocence and ignorance of the world which exists around him.

"In time Sera¦ Giorno relaxed as he noticed the others becoming impatient. "I am sure the wisdom of your craft shall dawn upon young Nathaniel. Let him follow his heart for now, be the best of what he truly desires. For now, shall we continue?

"True, true. Another voice came from the shadows. It was a night elf totally covered in gray rags that only his eyes were showing. "I believe a gathering of the items of power is next on the agenda?

Everyone went silent. Giorno took his place near the fire and waited for his signal. "Children of the Carithe' clan of witches and warlocks¦ Giorno began. We have gathered here tonight for the honor of the lord of progress and war, he whose principles we follow and obey¦to move this world and create the changes, to control and bring forth order in the land of Asperah. Each summer we gather, sharing the bounties of our wanderings, the magic gathered from all corners of the land. Now bring them forth, children of the fire.

The night elf and several others came forward, bearing scrolls and baubles that glow with power. "Lord Giorno of the fire, we bring to the Carithe' the wonders of this world.

The night dragged on, magical item after magical item was exhibited before the embers. Fire rings, wands of cold, scrolls of magic, incantations from faraway, and many others that added to the growing power of the clan.

"All is well. Sera snickered at the end. "But all of these pretties pale in comparison to what I shall show all of you. Her hand glided into her cloak, reaching for a beautifully cut amber crystal the size of her fist. "Master Giorno, the Elemental Eye, stolen from deep within the forests of Iluin, the heart of forest magic.

Everyone gave a gasp, more so the night elf who spoke earlier. "Sera! That is high elf property. How did you?-"

"Take it from right under their ancient noses? That is none of your concern, black elf. Sera replied. "I know your race had been after this little beauty for ages, and now, it is in my hands. With it, I can control the forces of Asperah itself, making every bit of soil, root, weed and leaf bend to my will.

"But the risk you took, Sera¦ Giorno murmured while seated. "Upon yourself you bring the wrath of the high elves and nature in itself.

"All true to the teachings of the Carithe' master Giorno. Sera replied as if being tested. "If this world is to be ours, then I am willing to take on the fury of Asperah itself for its power.

Giorno smiled. He really did not get bothered with good or evil. The clan was growing in power, and in time, their plans to control the world shall be put into action. "And what of you, young Nathaniel? What bring you to this small gathering?

Nathan looked up, excited like a young boy being called forth. "Master Giorno I have finally made some progress in controlling the phoenix flame. I had some very good results in combining the phoenix fire with my spirit magic, retaining its properties and strengthening my spells as well as prolonging the life of my artifacts.

"You have been spending too much time in your laboratory at Sparion woods again, haven't you Nathaniel? Sera snorted. "Too busy playing around with play fire whilst there are powers to be had in the outside world! Stop this nonsense boy, I did not take you into my care as an orphan just so you could spend the day tinkering with your experiments.

Giorno stopped himself from laughing. It had always been like this since the young spirit mage began to take interest in the workings of artifice. But Nathaniel was a very talented student, trained by Giorno himself in the craft, he saw Nathaniel's prowess in magic grow straight and true. He too was slightly disappointed that Nathaniel's interests were soon swayed to another path. "Enough of this, perhaps you two can continue the family squabble at home. Giorno chuckled. "The night is late and we need rest for the festivities tomorrow. Go and retire everyone, we shall gather again in the next appointed time.

Everyone got up and one mage uttered an incantation to douse the fire. One after another, the figures seemed to melt into the shadows as they went their separate ways. All but two. "Is there something you want to talk to me about, Nathan? Giorno asked, seeing that Nathaniel made no move to leave.

"I grow tired, master Giorno. Nathaniel spoke. "It is true that I owe mother Sera my life for taking me as her own son, but does it give her the right to decide what I should do with it? She always shames me in front of everyone, as though my spells were weak and worthless.

"And they are not? Giorno teased Nathaniel a bit. He knew him too well and he would never let a challenger defeat him in a contest of reason. Even if it is his own master.

"True, she may be right, in a sense. Nathaniel conceded to Giorno's surprise. "My control over the phoenix flame grows but not fast enough to be considered worthwhile.

"It seems you are losing your inner fire, Nathaniel. Giorno said, trying to cheer the young man's spirit. "I intend to walk into Asphenaz tonight and see the preparations. Will you walk with me?

"I would be honored, master. Nathan smiled. "Just like old times, you and I, storming our heads of questions that would never be answered. Tell me again about the legends of Asperah?

The old mage smiled and began to walk, telling of a story that was told long before Nathaniel was born, passed down from generation to generation by those who witnessed them firsthand¦spirits among the winds.