Legends of Clal - Master Book 1 - Skyland's Rising - July 2021

The Prophecy:

Look to the East to find the one,

Who only can unlock the sun

The powers of this world await

Who holds the key to open fate

And when is found this one to name

And take his place beside his fame

Remember this, that with his time

Comes danger, mischief, vicious crime

For not too far from this world’s birth

There was one who roamed the earth

Awaiting chance to stake his claim

Upon each heart that has a name

Yet if our one completes his task

The dark one lurking turns to ash

But if our one turns inward spite

All hope with fade without a fight

Prologue: Into the Darkness

Black waves thundered against the jagged rocks at the base of the towering cliffed mountain side.

It was as if an entire mountain range had been cloven in two creating a wall of massive cliffs above the ocean’s depths.

The turbulent waters raged below a silent crescent moon which hung high in the endless sea of stars above. The night was heavy and the darkness thick, yet, the moon’s faint light was still useful to the distant traveler who scaled the cliff’s ridge high above.

Clothed in a dark, worn robe and with a large leather sack on his side he climbed over underbrush and fallen trees, for there was no trail. He wore no cap and and his gray hair whipped back and forth against his weathered face. His pace was steady, but not hurried, though he knew that he was being followed. (Add wore a white horn type with a some kind of creature carved around it…a white dragon.)

Hand over rock, foot over tree root, the figure continued to climb the steep side of the mountainous terrain. When he reached the pinnacle of the summit he moved surprisingly close to the edge of the cliff. The ocean hundreds of feet below could not be heard over the screaming sound of the wind. The man looked down and breathed in for a moment, then he turned and gazed in the direction that he had just come. He stood silent as a statue with the faint moonlight glimmering in his eyes.

It wasn’t long before footsteps were heard and a dark figure emerged from around the face of a large boulder. The figure stopped, and a few moments passed before the silence was broken.

“Felsawn,” the dark figure spoke, his voice deep and harsh. “Your intent is already well known. Why run? Do you think to hide?” He too wore a horn at his side, but it was black. Carvings but could not make them out. Womlon stretched his hand out and retrieved a dead tree branch. He held it in front of him, waved his hand over the staff which instantly burst into brilliant red flames. The man thrust the burning torch toward Felsawn which landed on the dirt halfway between the two figures.

Felsawn and the man were instantly illuminated and there was no hiding their presence now. All who had a view of the cliff could make out two figures in close proximity.

Felsawn’s eyes remained fixed on the man as he remained still. He said nothing.

“My brother,” the man continued as he began to slowly creep towards Felsawn, “There is no power, no wizardry strong enough now that can waylay my efforts to obtain victory over your feeble attempts.” He chuckled, “You are a fool. You always have been, Felsawn.” He paused, then added, “We will find it!”

At that moment Felsawn began to slowly inch backwards keeping distance between him and the man, though closer to the cliff’s edge which was a few feet behind him.

“You are not my brother, Womlon.” Felsawn spoke, his voice calm like the ocean’s waters had been the day before.” And the power that you call great, will abandon you in that very hour when you need it most.” Felsawn was at the edge of the cliff now, heals over the edge, he leaned slightly forward.

Womlon waved both hands from his side up through the air. The flame of the torch grew rapidly and burst high into the sky. Womlon stepped closer.

“Where will you go?” Womlon’s lips curled into a wry smile. “What hope is there?”

Felsawn never let his gaze off of his foe. His blue eyes were glowing. “Farewell.” He spoke. “We will meet again.” Felsawn paused, only for a moment, then leaned backwards. His feet left the edge of the cliff side and his body fell out of sight.

Womlon sprange to the edge of the cliff and yelled. “Your plan will fail in the end.” He watched as Felsawn’s figure shrank rapidly as he fell. Almost out of no where appeared a massive, white figure heading straight for Felsawn. It swerved, flapped it’s wings to slow in speed, paused, then turned in the direction opposite the cliff. This was a rescue, the plan, the great white dragon, Sedrak, from the ancient world summoned for the final exodus. Friend to the keepers of light and foe to the darkness. He carried Felsawn away to safety.

Womlon watched as the white dragon shrank then disappeared in the horizon. He squinted, looked up at the sky for a moment, then looked to his side and pulled a horn to his lips. (not blowing the dragon call, but blowing another type of call) He blew four slow wales. He waited, then far in the distance, four horn calls returned.

He had been laying on the grown strewn over the cliff. He jumped up from the dirt and brushed his black clothing off. The flame of the torch was still burning high. Womlon waved his hands from left to right, and with a deafening crack, the stick exploded and shrouded the surrounding area in flame. The wind quickly carried the fire down the side of the mountain.

Other torches could be seen across the mountain side and on the shores below. More horn calls were heard. The boats were readied hours ago.

Womlon reached the shore and approached one of the men standing near one of the hundreds of boats, “We will leave at once.” He said gruffly.

He looked at the cliff where he knew Felsawn had lept from. Now, it was a blaze in red fire. He squinted and spoke through his clenched teeth, “The plan will fail.”

He turned, then announced in a bellowing voice, “We ride west.”

Chapter 1: The Discovery

It was day and the brilliance of the sun was multiplied in the oceans’ endless shifting waves. Clal had been scanning the shore line for sometime and wa about to descend the slope from which he stood. But, there, off behind a cluster of rocks he thought he saw her. He leaned through the two tree trunks he was hiding behind, squinted, then yelled out, “Ha!” Clal left from his covert (hiding place - military context).

Down the mountain he sailed, bounding over rocks and bushes, blond hair flopping every which way. Clal burst through a group of bushes sending several birds to flight. His feet hit the sand and he bolted towards the rocks where he had just spotted his sister, Ansa. When he got there however, there was no Ansa, only the sound of laughing behind him, which signaled that his loosing streak was not over yet.

“I warned you, Clal.” Ansa said between gasps and giggles. She emerged from some bushes Clal had passed by moments before.

“But I saw you, Ansa.” Clal said now walking in her direction along the sandy shore. He was scratching his head with a down turned brow.

“Look closer.” she said.

Clal took a few more steps then stopped. He turned around then slowly approached the rocks. There, between two large boulders was a round rock propped up by two sticks. On top of the rock seaweed was fashioned in the likeness of a young woman’s long hair.

“See,” said Ansa now smiling from ear to ear. “It worked.”

Ansa put her hand to her mouth and attempted to control herself. But it didn’t last long. She burst out in another fit of laughter.

Clal rolled his eyes and marched passed Ansa refusing to look at her. Ansa turned and slowly followed.

They both ascended the west side of the grand Crescent Keep Mountain mostly in silence. Clal’s heavy foot steps matched his heavy heart. His own sister, wiser and keener than he. Almost every time they played a game of ‘finders’ she outsmarted him. He grabbed one of the remained autumn leaves from a passing tree, tore it in half then torn it in half again. They had almost reached the top when Clal noticed that Ansa was no longer following him. He looked down the trail where he spotted her a few feet away. She was gazing off towards the ocean. Clal walked down beside her then looked in the direction she was looking.

“Clal?” Ansa said slowly. “Do you see anything out there?”

“Yeah. Water. Sky. Birds. The sun. Clouds. Well, one cloud.”

Ansa turned toward Clal. “You see a cloud?”

“I see a cloud…isn’t that a cloud?” Clal wasn’t so sure and mostly passed the question to himself.

Clal moved closer through the trees but reaching the edge of the ridge, was unsatisfied with his position. He began to jog up the path until he was at the highest point of the mountain. Ansa followed until they both arrived to the highest point of the mountain. They peered off again searching the horizon.

Clal sat down on the dry, long grass and studied the sky for the cloud he thought he saw a few moments ago. There again, he caught site of a distant oval shape, ever so faint and almost indistinguishable from the sky. It was above the straight line of the horizon. Ansa saw Clal’s eyes widen and she knew he had caught sight of it again.

“I’ve seen it before,” Ansa spoke in a whisper. “It’s always there. I come up here sometimes in the mornings and just sit and look for it.” She took a deep breath then said, “It never moves, Clal.”

“What…” Clal spoke half under his breath, “…is that?” He turned to his sister, “Ansa?”

“I know. It’s something peculiar and maybe even special.” Ansa replied.

Clal turned his gaze from Ansa back out to the horizon. “How long…”

“I first saw it the spring before last.” Ansa began. “I had finished my turn on the fish run and as the afternoon was waning on, I sat down to rest. Before going down the other side of ole’ Crescent Keep I was looking, kind of day dreaming, and I started wondering what was out there beyond the ocean’s horizon. Then, I kind of awoke to it.” She stepped beside Clal and looked with him. “I saw it and kept it in my heart ever since.”

Clal looked at Ansa brow low and lips tight, “Why haven’t you told me about this before?”

Ansa smiled a faint smile, “Because, I just didn’t know what you would say. I was scared you’d, I don’t know, not believe me or worse, make fun of me for it, and I just didn’t want that.” Ansa paused, “Isn’t it beautifully mysterious in a way.”

Clal chucked, “Yeah, it’s beautifully mysterious indeed. But, it’s also real, Ansa. I see it out there. But what could it be?”

“I don’t know, Clal. But I’ve had months to think about it.” Ansa replied.

“And do you think you know?” Clal said, now curious about what his wise and keen sister might say next.

“I know what it isn’t,” Ansa said.

Clal shrugged his shoulders, “Well, I guess that’s a start.” He nodded then rested his chin in his hand. “A cloud that never moves…”

“Right,” Ansa agreed, “except I know it’s not a cloud.”

Clal cocked his head in Ansa’s direction. “Then why did you call it one?”

“Well…because it does look like one, but it can’t be. That’s just impossible.” Ansa said. Then silence set in as they mulled over all of the possibilities of the mysterious cloud’s true identity. The sun occasionally peaked through the trees as the wind danced between them.

The more Clal thought about this strange phenomenon the more obvious it became to him. Suddenly he sat up, “I’ve got it!” He exclaimed. “Ansa, maybe it’s supposed to look like a cloud.” He jumped to his feet and looked once more in the direction of the mysterious cloud on the horizon. Ansa eyed him closely as Clal gazed for a few moments. Then, a sideways smile graced his lips and Clal said, “It can’t be.” Clal spun around to face Ansa and with both hands grabbed Ansa’s shoulders.

“What?” Ansa shouted half startled.

“A floating island.” Clal said as he searched Ansa’s eyes for an answer.

“Exactly.” She said. “It has to be, Clal. There’s no other answer, is there?!” She lept towards Clal and hugged his middle. “I’m so glad someone else knows now. It’s been such a burden keeping it a secret for more than a year.” She let go of Clal and looked up at him. “Isn’t it fascinating?”

“Yes.” Clal nodded. “It’s more than fascinating.” He paused. “When I look at it, I feel something.”

Ansa let out a small gasp. “What do you mean?” She said quietly.

He turned to the trail again and started to step carefully along the path that led down the other side of the mountain.

“Clal?” Ansa said following close behind. “What do you mean, you feel something?”

After a moment of walking, Clal continued, “It’s like…” he hesitated and slowed his pace for a moment, then resumed his previous walking speed, “Ansa, it’s like I didn’t just see something out there, but I heard something…inside of me.” Then Clal added, “But not at first.”

Clal didn’t see her, but at that moment Ansa smiled, who was just a few feet behind him on the trail. Though she couldn’t say that she heard anything when she looked at the floating island, it was now their secret and not just her’s anymore. It was yet one more thing to share as the “venturesome twins”. This one topped any of the previous secrets and bits of stories they shared.

Clal and Ansa talked while they dodged rocks and trees on the way down the mountain. When they finally reached the flat forest ground Ansa ran to Cal and grabbed his arm.

“Clal,” she said as Clal turned toward her. “We can’t tell anyone.”

Clal nodded slowly. “Right,” he said. “But, we must think of a way to find out more.”

“Right,” Ansa agreed. She bit her lip then said, “Shall we tuck this away for a while…”

“…and worry about getting ready to leave instead?” Clal finished his sister’s sentence.

“Yes, but,” her mysterious smile returned, “I’m already packed.” She started to giggle.

Clal just shook his head, “Figures.” Then he smiled. “I bet I can beat you to the house,” and he bolted through the trees out of site.

“Wait, Clal! Wait!” Ansa yelled after him. “I’m not as fast as you.”

The shaking of tree branches and bushes revealed their whereabouts through the forest. Clal soon reached the front door. He paused on the door step when he heard a horse whiny and the creaking of a wagon.

They were here and he wasn’t ready. He jumped through the front door and disappeared into the house.

Chapter 2: The Visitor

Ansa entered the house completely out of breath. Her mother approached her.

“Hello, Ansa. Are you all ready?” She said quietly.

“Hello, Mum.” Ansa replied. “Yes, I’m ready. Where’s Clal?”

“He’s in his room with Turl gathering his things.” Her mother turned away. Ansa caught a glimpse of a tear rolling down her face.

“Mum, wait…” Ansa followed her mother into the kitchen.

In Clal’s room, Turl, Clal’s older brother, was packing Clal’s bag as Clal handed him clothes and other items, worthy of such a trip.

“Turl, what’s it like, the Great city of Eldan Vyum?” Clal asked handing Turl the last of his belongings. Turl carefully placed the clothes in the satchel. He sat on Clal’s bed then Clal sat beside him. Clal began fascening the straps.

“I guess, it’s just about the same as any other city.” Turl said.

“But the capitol of all of Illia...our country?” Clal demanded. “Why did you keep going back year after year.” Turl knew what Clal was searching for, adventure. A story. Maybe even a little bit of danger in the likes of a tall tale. But Turl, Turl wasn’t like Clal. Clal was full of curiosity about everything. He would never settle for a short answer to an important question. The world for Clal was full of wonder and there were days when Clal was just itching to dive into the thick of his explorations. Turl, on the other hand, was content to sit in his hammock chewing on a piece of straw after a hard days’s work.

Instead of filling Clal’s head with stories, which he had plenty of, Turl felt that this was an opportune time to relay to Clal his one bit of advice that he’d thought of before seeing him off.

“Eldan Vyum,” Turl started, “It is a spectacular place, in a way. I’m sure it won’t dissappoint you. But there will be times even during these next few months while you are away when disappointment and maybe even a little self-doubt will creep in among all that wonder.” His brother put his hand on Clal’s shoulder and said. “Don’t ever doubt yourself, Clal.” Turl shook his head, “Just don’t let yourself.”

Clal smiled then started to say something when his Father entered the room.

“Father,” Clal exclaimed as he jumped to his feet and ran to embrace his Father. He hadn’t seen his father for a few days now and he was hoping that they wouldn’t miss each other.

“Clal...,” Dalbus smiled, “How’s my favorite son,” he said, winking at Turl who also smiled. “Turl, do you think Clal’s good and ready?”

Turl stood up from Clal’s bed and put his hands on his hips, “Today, Father, is the day.” Turl nudged Clal’s side. “Clal was born for this adventure.“

Clal looked at his Father, wrapped one arm around his neck then did the same to Turl. “Does this mean I’m finally a man, going to work in the blacksmith’s shop making swords and all?”

Both Dalbus and Turl burst out laughing. “Well, Clal,” his father said, “at thirteen I believe you’ll be there soon enough.” His father looked at Clal and winked.

“In fact, when I was your age I was…” his father started to say.

“...building one boat a week for the Illian navel fleet, living on my own, free as can be.” Turl and Clal both finished his sentence in unison and they all three burst out in a fit of laughter.

Clal’s father shook his head. Clal grabbed his pack and Turl walked behind him slapping him on the back as they all walked through the door and out of Clal’s small room.

When they entered the main living space the room was dimly lit and there was little if any noise. Clal’s mother, Nareete, was leaning to the side against the front door frame. Clal’s father walked ahead of his two sons, approached his wife, and whispered something into her ear. She turned towards him and embraced him burying her head in his chest and started to sob.

Clal looked away. He looked for Ansa and saw through the front window that she was out side already just lifting up her belongings into the wagon. Her expression on her face was firm and her eyebrows were down. Turl was staring at the wooden planks on the floor.

Clal couldn’t move from where he was standing. It felt as if his legs weighted a thousand pounds. Clal’s father walked over to Clal and guided him to his mother.

Clal looked up at Nareete who was looking far into the forest and took both her hands. “Don’t cry mother.” He said, voice wavering. “We’ll be back before you know it Mother. Please don’t worry.”

She turned her head and looked at him. “The world can be so big sometimes. If you’re not careful, Clal, you can get swept away. No telling how things will turn out. Oh…….”

She grabbed Clal and buried his head in her chest. “It’s just a hard thing for a mother...to lose her twins on the very same day.”

By that time Ansa returned. She saw Clal hugging his mother then she embraced her mother. “You’re not losing us, mother.” She said with a smile, “You’ll always be with us and we’ll be well taken care of. You’ll see.”

Nareete reached out and touched Ansa’s round face and combed her fingers through her daughter’s hair. “Ansa, Clal, you look after each other. You both must follow your instincts.” She wiped a few tears from her eyes again the said, “I have something for the both of you.”

The twins looked at each other as their mother pulled out of her dress pocket two rolled up scrolls, one for each.

Dalbus returned to Nareete’s side, they both took each other’s hands and Nareete said, “Now go you two. You mustn’t make this nice traveler wait too long. I hear there’s one other who you’ll be picking up tonight.”

Clal turned to his father, “It seems as though Rythe is coming after all.” His father said. “I suspect you’ll have much to catch up on.”

Ansa and Clal both hugged their parents and held them extra long. Turl darted out of the door, grabbed Ansa and swung her around, then gave her a squeeze. Clal approached Turl and the both embraced each other then broke free, Turl still holding onto his little brother’s shoulder. “Remember what I said, Clal.” He smiled then turned, walked toward Dalbus and Nareete, then took his place beside them as all three stood in front of their two room log home.

Clal approached the cart then tossed his pack inside. He helped Ansa inside then climbed in himself.

(Describe the driver).

(Maybe he is an old friend and is standing talking to parents after the twins get in the cart).

“Till we meet again…” Clal started.

“...a few months from now.” Ansa finished.

“Good-bye.” Clal and Ansa said in unison. They turned to each other and started to laugh.

The three family members they were leaving behind shook their heads and smiled. Memories of the twins and their moments of speaking at the same time flooded back with fondness.

Clal watched his family until the cart turned the corner on the trial and they disappeared out of sight. The breeze started to blow and as he lifted his hand to move his hair from his forehead, he realized that the scroll his mother gave him was still in his hand. He wondered what she could have written. He also thought about the blacksmith’s invitation for him to work for him and learn the trade.

“Clal,” Ansa whispered. Clal jumped, having sunk deep into thought about the next day’s prospects. “Can I sit next to you for a moment?”

Clal nodded.

She moved close to Clal and rested her head on his shoulder. “I’ve been thinking, what if Mrs. Milltree doesn’t like the way I sew? What if I talk too much? And what if…”

“Ansa,” Clal said, “Don’t worry.” He reassured her, “You’ll have her wrapped around your finger in a week. I’m sure of it.” Clal smiled. “Now, perhaps we ought to get some rest.”

“On this bumpy ride?” She sat up slightly.

“Yes. I don’t think we have anything to worry about.” Clal leaned against the side of the cart, adjusted himself for a moment then sat still. Ansa leaned against Clal and before long she was breathing heavily.

Clal looked up into the sky. The sun would soon set and night would cover the forest in a blanket of darkness. Perhaps he could sleep till morning, Clal thought. He closed his eyes and slipped away into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter 3: An Old Friend

Clal awoke at the sounds of the forest singing with birds. For a moment he had forgotten where he was and what led to him being there in the cart. But his memory quickly gathered the facts. Ansa was awake, searching the sky and looking at the trees as they slowly passed by. They were silent for a long time, their bodies moving with the sway of the cart as it moved over uneven ground. The aspen trees waved at them as they traveled through the forest. The breeze carried a scent of autumn leaves and damp rain. They were approaching the edges of where Clal had never ventured to go. He could usually be found atop Cresent-Keep Mountain or traveling to the Crescent Hills below. The furthest he'd ever venture to travel was within a half a day from the sea.

Ansa spoke first, “Do you suppose we’ll be another day on this rickety old cart?” Here voice had been unusually loud and the driver cleared his throat and muttered under his breath for some time.

“I don’t know. I’m not too…” Clal stopped then looked past Ansa. He grabbed the side of the cart, then propped himself up. “Rythe!” he yelled waving. “Driver, I think we have a visitor.”

In the distance a young lad with dark brown hair and a pack on his side was bobbing up and down through the forest. Rythe was running as fast as he could through a clearing between two thick sections of the forest waving his hands up and down and calling out Clal’s name.

The driver looked at Clal. Clal pointed out into the forest to the driver’s left and the driver looked in that direction. “Whoa!” he said. The cart stopped.

Rythe was there in moments. He tossed his pack inside then Ansa and Clal helped him in the cart.

“Oh,” Rythe said jumping to his feet and thrusting his hand into his pocket. He pulled out a few coins and gave them to the driver.

“Why thank you young lad. Very generous!” The driver said as he started to whistle a happy tune. The cart started again and Clal clapped Rythe on the back.

“So good to see you, Rythe.” Clal said, “It’s been…”

“...too long old friend.” Rythe said with a smile. “What’s the news with you two?” he said settling back against his pack folding his arms.

“We are going to Eldan Vyum to learn a new trade,” Clal started. “I’ve been invited as an apprentice to a blacksmith that my father knew.”

“That’s a high honor Clal.” Rythe said with raised eyebrows.

Clal nodded, “To think, making swords and armor for the finest men who walk this land.”

“Nails and locks and horseshoes too.” Rythe added. “It’s an important job.” Rythe turned to Ansa, “And you, Ansa? What lies in store for you in Eldan Vyum?”

She hesitated, “Well, mending and sewing clothes.” She smiled only slightly. “That’s it. Just a clothes shop.”

“I see,” Rythe said hesitating, “...which...” he leaned forward, “...can mean that you’ll be creating enchanting dresses for royal ladies while Clal is pounding out heroic swords for epic battles.” He smiled almost proud of himself. “Who could ask for a more exciting summer?”

It worked, both Clal and Ansa smiled. It was just what Ansa had needed and his presentation of the future prospects even brightened Clal’s spirits.

“It sounds like you two are off to new adventures.” Rythe concluded.

“Yes,” Ansa agreed. “Perhaps we are after all.”

“And what about you, Rythe? It’s been almost two years since we’ve spoken.” Clal said, “Tell us,” Clal smiled, “where have you been? We used to gallivant all over the countryside together.”

“Right.” Rythe said quietly. “We did.”

Rythe looked down at his hands as he picked at his fingernails for a moment. Then, he breathed in and sighed, “I’ve been, around,” he said, “just staying closer to home.”

“It’s been

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

----

Rythe comes

Fills in broadens culture, information about country

Rythe introduces RISHK

Rythe and Clal talk about past days together, fills in characterization.

Ansa shows interest in Rythe. Shy around him. Is more quiet.

Rythe is going for the examination, first mention of the exam

Clal goes for to work

Ansa goes to work

Talks about myths???

They open their scrolls. (What does the mother say?)

“I want to tell Rythe about the Skyland.” Ansa, “I trust your judgement that you will tell anyone you feel like when you feel it’s right.”

During cart drive they meet someone who provides interesting information..????? Maybe

Or rythe just creates information and things to think about instead

Chapter 4: Into Eldan Vyum

Very early morning

Drop off Ansa, the lady is awake early

Black smith’s shop is vacant, no one there

Rythe will show Clal around a bit in the city, (useful places) plan to return later that day.

Medicine shop???

Other Place

Other Place

They walk toward Castele

Pass statues - Seldonolum?

Rythe tells th story of the statues

Clal started to tell Rythe about the Skyland, couldn’t handle it any longer…

Interupted by some commotion in front of the castle…

What is the commotion

There were Guards coming?

Gruff, Clal was caught up with Rythe and entered the castle and couldn’t get out.

Clal mistaken for an examination boy.

Rythe reassured Clal that they would find a way to get him out.

Why couldn’t they just tell the guards that he didn’t belong there???

Chapter 5: In the examination

(Meets Morgreth)

There are boys from all over Illia, all 15 years of age

The court/castle know who should be there and who should not.

Also, when all the boys listen to announcer, more back story, culture is exposed about the land, the purpose of the exam and why it started, how it started.

One boy is missing, they call three times……then Clal says he that boy and the roll call moves on.

That is worthy of imprisonment since the idea of finding “The One” through the exam process is so important to the future of the country and everyone.

But Clal didn’t know.

Rythe is examined, tells Clal what it was like.

Describes Morgreth and the process, the stone…

Clal sneaks out during the night to look for a way out planning to meet Rythe at the Smith’s shop the next day.

Clal sneaks in the dark…but finds Morgreth.

Morgreth knows his name somehow and performs the test though he’s only 13 years old. Same as Rythe’s description of the examination.

Description of a miraculous display of light, both in Clal’s body and in the room.

He is “The One.”

He recites the prophecy…

Morgreth also tells him that he has many things today and that nothing is by chance.

“Go get your friend. He is coming with you.”

Clal returns to Rythe, wakes him up, and tells him that they need to leave.

They leave the area.

Another boy follows them.

They meet Morgreth, “Did anyone see you Clal?” “We don’t think so.”

The boy that followed returns and tells someone that his real name is Clal and that he was an imposter

Chapter 6: Journey through the castle dark

“What’s going on?” Rythe asks concerned.

Morgreth takes them through the castle, a secret underground way so no one can follow or detect.

Rythe recognizes the Wizard as the examiner.

Run into Guards looking for Clal (and maybe Rythe)

Just as they are surrounded, Morgreth says to Clal, “Place your hands here.” Walls open

They rush in and it closes just in time for guards to pass by, they are unoticed.

Room full of stuff

A bird flys in right before the walls close

Ancient things.

Clal is transported in feelings to familiar feelings.

All life wanted to be a hero, clal did, but now, he’s not so sure.

Morgreth explains additional things about Clal and his quest.

Clal is for bidden to open some things, but he sees a book, “The Book of Legends.” Opens it.

“Even I do not dare to claim to know the extent of how the future should unfold.” Says morgreth.

You must retrieve your sister.

And the smithy, borrow some swords & daggers.

Learns of the ancient story of

Opens book of legends and says, hey, I know this, it’s a song, my mother used to sing it to me.

(Could that be a significant family thing marking his heritage as the chosen lineage???)

The song:

Dragon and the seed of stone

Rode out to eat, dark and how he was alone

This was a lullaby…..only one verse was known

But there is another verse.

The second verse if found in the Book of Legends…..

Clal finds the second verse and sings it to the tune he’s always known.

It sings of a forgotten people (which ties into the dragon and the land and lost people???)

And how they were hidden away……

And how “we will come find you and set you free.”

(No hint of 5 here, no hint of 5 crystals)

Hittle is noticed - maybe he sings the tune and that’s the segue to introducing him

They exit chamber another way.

When they are almost out, they are caught and run…Rythe and Clal.

Chapter 7: Gather Ansa and Weapons

Running, still night time.

Must loose the guards….they loose them quickly.

Clal runs into the statue, (though reader thinks it’s a guard => segue to another thought => no longer chased by guards)

Rythe and Clal both marvel that it’s a representation of Clal as the hero in the end. Strange.

They get Ansa first.

They go to Black Smith’s,

If Ansa would not have been there, they would not have been able to get weapons.

They decide that the only hidden people possible are the Skyland people so they head in the direction of home again.

They leave Eldan Vyum just as the morning sun is rising….on foot.

Chapter 8: Back Home

Ridders come on trail they hear

They hide

It’s king’s guards and they assume that they are headed for Clal’s home….or at least the boys do.

Ansa doesn’t know all the details so they tell her.

She’s upset and is worried. Why did you do it Clal???

They watch their family from the bushes and trees.

Memory of Turn “don’t doubt self”

How to deal with family being questioned?

And patronized.

Can they really go on before clearing this up?

Their journey is not there, their family will have to deal with it

But what if they can enlist Morgreth’s help.

Ansa, writes a letter that Clal and Rythe help draft.

When the guards leave, Turl is out there last and Clal throws a rock at him.

Turl turns around, and Ansa pokes through a bush and waves for him to come over…

She motions for him to be quiet and to be secret.

So he understand right away and comes over.

She gives him the note and reassured him that everything is okay and that they are now embarking on a quest.

He trusts them and prays for them to be careful and that he’ll do all he can to support and help them.

He tells his parents that he came across this note….but doesn’t tell them that they talked…

They understand and things are okay for a while.

Turl is quested to seek out Morgreth or something to help die down the guards.

They decide they can’t climb crescent keep, have to lay low and go another way.

Night fall, will camp in a few hours.

Chapter 9: Rythe’s Home

Wake up at camp early.

Rythe stops by his house, leave not, shows love for widowed mother, worried for her that guards will come. Tells her in a note to stay with her sister. “I will be gone for longer than expected.” He is on a good errand.

What do they need for their journey?

Who do they need to visit?

Read Book of Legends. Read about a character, someone who they think can help them.

Before they can go to the Skyland they need a clue of more about it

Amnber - Read about it, ancient place

Hittle starts to make a bunch of noise when that name ‘ Amnbir’ is spoken of…..

He darts off and they follow him.

Chapter 10 - Amnbir Part 1

Amnbir place of ancient images? And things

Chapter 11: Gulnerye Comes

Amnbir - The place of the Great Bird - Gulnerye’s Legend. - The Place of the Bird Taimer.

This man-bird sent Hittle to bRing Clal to him

Hittle keeps getting them to read the Book of Legends…

They get there to Amnbir, the man flys down after they re there for a while.

Tells them the way to get noto Skyland

Tells of the Rishk and Krothwing

Tells why the people started learning how to fly, tame the wind,

He can understand what Hittle says.

Gulnerye gives them a token to further prove to the king and queen of Skyland that they are come for a noble purpose

“I am a Skylander. I come from Skyland. Long ago we were an island and were left alone as elves, sea farers. We leaned of a stone and tried to retrieve it. (Morgreth secretly gave them knowledge of a stone.) The moment we did we went skyward.

OR, THE PEOPLE WERE ASKED TO BE “CRYSTAL KEEPERS” BY MORGRETH.

Big sacrifice, in return, they were given a power or gift beyond any other…

The ability to wield wind

Ability to become invisible - wield sight, vision…

Ability to wield fire

Ability to wield water

Illia - ability to wield earth.

MOrgreth tells all people toabout the crystals and they all disappear.

People are hidden away.

Island in sky

Mountain moved

Invisible sands of illusion

Sea people depths of sea

Illia, center of continent, hidden in the beginning.

Gulnerye says “The people harness the wind and wear wing type things on their arms

Sea farers, needed to travel, learned how to fly

Sacred wind and sacred wings they worship and honor with reverence

Asked Morgreth for learn how to find flight???

“The only way to get up to the Skyland is to summon the great dragon. You do this with the horn to summon…but he doesn’t know where to find it. The only clue is a legend about the Dragon Tail river, but he also does not know where that is.

CRYSTAL KEEPERS - name of the people who keep watch over the Crystal.

He said to find it go to where the river dragon tail river begins.

There is a place there. This is all he knows

He flys away.

They leave with the token.

Chapter 12: figure out where Dragon Tail River Is

Travel to find the Dragon Summoner - Gulnerye Didn’t have

White carved dragon on it, the one Felsawn was wearing.

Figure out dragon tail river, where it is

The figuring out of where the river is…

Chapter 13: Travel to river

Travel to river,

More dialogue that develops characters

Set up story passing Pale Forest???

They get to the beginning of the river. But nothing

Do they see that the river is flowing up stream?

Is Clal the only one that can see that?

Clal’s powers unlock the opening of the Water Falls

Chapter 14: The finding of the dragon summoner

They meet keeper of horn, noble man of the falls

Learn is his daughter

Talk with Leara, her father and mother there.

Illian legends and knowledge

How do they know he is “The Chosen”?

Does the noble man give it to Clal, the horn? Is it time?

men’s voices are heard outside…

Even though they can’t come in, they may have some sort of magic or cause a threat…actually, Clal and his party can’t go out that way.

Leara is assigned to show them through tunnels to lead them away from danger

Chapter 15: journey through the dark tunnels

Through caves, bring out north shores

Learn more about Leara

Learn more about other things From Leara,

Other characters communicate with Leara and reveal more.

Hittle gets excited and darts off down a cavern passage way.

What does he find?

How does this add to the plot?

They follow him

How does the Book of Legends play a part.

Illia glimpse of?

Meet Morgreth?

Set up for Book 2?

Next place, next people?

Of, they find another exit that they use in another book?

They eventually come out of winding caves

The close is more visible, Skyland.

The decision for Leara to join them is made.

Chapter 16: the making of the boat

Have to use both to travel to a rock out in the ocean.

They can’t call the dragon so close to the shore, must be out at sea.

Dragon will only come to one spot. How do they know this?

Always above the water, the little island is.

They don’t have a boat, how to get there.

Clal encouraged by Rythe to use some of the powers he saw him used earlier.

They gather wood, sticks…

Touches, doesn’t work or works a little.

Leara touches and they make the boat together by magic.

They get in the boat and use some kind of oars

They go in the direction of the mini island.

Chapter 17: travel to the mini island

Amazingly beautiful water, so clear like Hawaii.

See the fish swimming, colors…rocks below.

Fear they might capsize and become overturned…

They become overturned and it is scary for a moment…

The book of legends gets wet, fear it’s destroyed

What other things get wet that aren’t good

Book of Legends

The horn

Their scrolls

Other paper

Someone can’t swim - fear of drowning - “I never learned.”

Leara can’t swim

Clal saves her, holds her.

They get back in the boat.

Leara starts crying and Ansa comforts her.

“I’m sorrry. I feared for my life just then. I never learned how to swim. As a the keeper of the Summoned horn, we never swam in the river…..???

Hittle lightens the mood. Humor, funny.

She explains more about how they came there.

More history of dragon summoning

Felsawn’s horn

The horn has white dragon on it

Can also use other calls not just to call Dragon.

The pass under the Skyland which is a cloud like figure high, high, high above them.

They reach the island and it takes a few hours.

They can no longer see the shore but they see Crescent Keep mountain in the far distance.

The island has ancient writing on it, symbols.

Ansa writes down the symbols in the book of legends.

Leara gives the horn to Clal to blow.

He blows. Some water comes out and it makes no sound. They clean it sufficiently

He blows and there is a sound this time. Waits. Nothing.

Chapter 18: the summoned dragon

Clal blows again. Waits. Nothing.

They are getting worried, having traveled all this way to get nothing.

He is just about to blow a third time when someone (Rythe, Ansa, or Rythe and Ansa at the same time spot movement around the Skyland cloud.

The Dragon, he’s really coming.

He comes and rests beside them, big enough island for him to rest and not touch the ocean

“I am Sedrak. I have been waiting for this day for ages. What is your name?”

Clal, Clal Winden.”

They talk with Sedrak.

Warns that things aren’t perfect up in Skyland.

There is a Rishk, an enemy to look out for.

It’s cold, forever frozen lands, snow and ice

Sedrak can only take them to the edges of the land.

They get on the back of Sedrak and travel up.

They leave the boat on the shore as to not leave any trace or allow the boat to float off to sea to be found by someone.

[Clal, Ansa, Rythe, and Leara]

Climb higher in the sky…see the shore where they left again

One just before they enter the cloud of Skyland they see that there are people where they left the shore on the boat.

How did they know where they were???

They also saw the great city of Eldan Vyum maybe???? Maybe too far?

They then move into the cloud, a raging blizzard is going on,

They, can see no land or sea below, entered a different world now it seems.

Chapter 19: Blizzard

Sedrak has to mender differently, scary a bit on his back.

They come to the edge of the island

He tells them to blow the horn again when they are ready to depart from Skyland

He leaves……

They don’t really know where to go,, jus

Next step: find some kind of shelter so they can have some sanity and make a plan, it’s freezing.

Rythe puts his cloak over Ansa.

Clal try the same for Leara but she refuses and says she’s okay

They run, dodge wind,

Someone falls

It is day

It’s bright, blinding some times….

Sun is not visible however

They find a snow/ice canyon to hid in.

During this time of finding shelter Clal notices some fast movement here and there.

He feels like they are being followed

He tells Ansa

So when they get to the Canyon Clal tells the others that he thinks they are being followed

The pace quickens and worry sets in, feeling of danger, “let’s hurry” type of feeling.

They walk through the canyon and at some point Rythe sees that there is ice below them.

At some point right at this moment they think they see some kind of figure of a man or shadow…

Rythe instinctively grabs his sword, thrashes it into the ice ground.

They sink into that ground and enter a chamber below.

Clal then thrashes with his sword the walls or ceiling above to seal off and they are safe from the mysterious threat of that unknown person.

It is all dark, there is a sudden fear that they are trapped in a dark place.

Ansa has been singing the second verse of that song about the people…

The only thing she can do is make her self calm down by singing

So without any prompting she starts singing and something far in the distance begins to glow and make light.

Leara tells her to keep singing…

The light continues and it gets brighter…..then they run to the source

They realize it’s a beautiful ice/glass/stain-glass-ish door. They try to push it open but it won’t budge.

She completes the entire second verse and then Ansa pushes the door open which is swings open easily.

Song about hidden people, we will come find you and bring you home.

They close the door and all is dark again.

Chapter 20: Search for Crystal Keeper

Two individuals, Skyla and Larkin hear the singing.

And shortly after going through the door, they find these two starring at them.

They are older, 20.

They are starring at them…

Clal and his party go They go through a dimly light cave and around the corner they bump into or are startled by these two who were coming to find out who was singing that song.

That song was special, ancient, and it was miraculous that it was even being sung…

They explain who they are and what they are there to do.

The twins believe them and tell them they will bring them to their parents, the King and Queen??

Don’t forget to make the twin elves fly some how

Chapter 21: The Crystal Keepers

Meet king and queen

Show Gulnerye’s token

The twin elves sing the FIRST SONG WITH A MORAL TO IT.

Above the oceans, lands, and clouds

The winds of earth do sing aloud

In constant song of onward light

Of birds that wing a lighter flight

But if the ear finds no such voice

Such things as this require a choice

For though the arts of sound are learned

Its greater part must first be earned

See more of the city and the people

The people are looking at them

There are some flying

meet Krothwing,

Chapter 22: battle with Krothwing, climax scene

Loosing and finding the crystal

Krothwing obtains it

Larking flys after him and gets it back

Chapter 23: leave with Sedrak,

fly over land,

Clal/Characters think about the wonder,

come to dawning of time cave

Dawning of Time, Dawning’s Peak

Sedrak speaks many things

Tells them there is a way to get him inside

He leaves

Call me Clal if you need me

Chapter 24: deposited crystal

Finds out that there are 4 other places

Learn that the purpose is to create a master weapon, they look for the information about this in the Book of Legends and find it.

To defeat the dark lord

They read the prophecy again.

They all agree to be part of the quest, giving for life or death

Those who are now part of the Quest.

Clal

Ansa

Rythe

Leara

Larkin

Skyla

Hittle

(Turl in second book?)

The time has come, the beginning of the end of the world.

Let’s go home.

Chapter 25: journey home

They see a place, a cave, where they know this is the way out…

They know it’s magical some however and they are not afraid.

There is a door though and somehow they can’t figure out how to open it

They eventually figure it out, but how? And why is this important.

To open the door, as singing opened the door on Skyland…… the people of song, the wind people, sky people: Larkin and Skyla, they sing the Prophecy as it is known to them as a song.

The door opens to song.

They all come through, only a few short turns and they are on top of Crescent Keep mountain again.

They all look in the distance, they see Skyland, and they also see a faint figure, Sedrak, return to the “cloud in the sky”

They travel down the mountain, hide in the bushes to make sure the coast is clear. It is.

They approach the house, a group of 6 people and a bird.

Clal and Ansa approach the door as they told the other four to hide and they will summon them.

They knock on the door and their mother answer, hugs, father comes then Turl.

They tell them that they are here…but only for a short time.

They brought some friends with them.

They summon to come out and they do.

Hittle flyes to the mother or Turl or the father or all of them and lands or communicates with them through some funny gestures, shows that he likes them. Twitters.

The father invites them to come in.

“Father,” the twins say at the same time.

“we have so much to tell you all.” Clal says.

“I’m so glad to be back home.” Anasa says

They all go in,

Someone, Turl, Father, or Mother, or Clal looks outside to check to see if there is anyone there.

The door shuts.

The narration finishes the story, but only a short paragraph.