The story so far:
In the more recent history of the Geng-Desche it is written in the old texts that for a time there had been several magicians who had become Fifth Scroll Mages. Yet there were those among them that were unable to rise above their nature and succumbed to the corruption that such powers lured them into. Their petty greed and lust for power led to the Mage Wars that nearly ripped the world apart. Continents were reshaped, rivers and oceans now occupy what at one time had been mountains and deserts. Among these, one such Mage caused such havoc and ruin that his name is now used to frighten mischievous children. Ellefel had been an orphan. A Healer-Killer found him and took him in. His ability to learn astounded his mentors. By the time had had become a man his powers had become known in the farthest reaches of the continent. No one could have foreseen the kernel of evil that had slept dormant within him. When it finally manifested itself, Ellefel had become a feared Mage with no pity or remorse for the horrors he unleashed. A Gathering had been called by the ambassadors of the known Guilds. Soon after, Ellefel found himself running from those that would destroy him. Four years he was hunted for his crimes. Using his abilities, he managed to elude the Gaidin-Ashteel and the Healer-Killers. Then it was discovered that he was hiding in the northwest valley near a vast lake that had spanned the central region of the Geng-Desche. It was there that he was cornered. As they gave chase to him he attempted to thwart their pursuit by crossing this lake. It was there that he was destroyed . . .though not entirely.
The pursuing Mages trapped him in their weaves of magic. Legend says the very land heaved with the efforts of the warring minds. In the end all the Mages died.
The lake dried up within a season turning the entire region into an inhospitable desert. Further, Ellefel's evil nature came to manifest itself as a self-contained whirlwind that wandered the desert, contained by the Mages’ spells. Their spells of protection have remained to this day, but over the years, the strength of the containment spells have slowly weakened, allowing the desert to grow. But, if an unsuspecting creature happens to cross beyond the dessert’s borders the Bloodwind senses it and comes to ravage whatever victim it finds. Few have witnessed its fury and lived to tell of their experience, for rarely will anyone or anything escape it. The local folklore describes it as a living entity that flays the flesh right off of the bone. Usually within seconds nothing is left but a skeleton of the would-be victim.
Belac's recollection of Ahneela's teachings brought anguish to his face as he placed his hand on Ahneela's shoulder. She stopped and turned to him. "Ahneela, if you are determined to cross the Bloodwind desert, I would consider it an honor to accompany you on this quest." Then adding in a lighter tone, "Besides, if I have to put up with Gorrell's ranting for more than a fortnight I will surely go mad."
Ahneela stood there for a moment. Then broke into a grin. "I could not think of better company to have on this trip." She then added with a coy taunting voice, "Except Gorrell, perhaps." Upon seeing his face when he heard this she began to laugh. Realizing her joke Belac soon joined her in her mirth. The somber mood had broken for the moment. As they neared the kitchens they soon heard the clanking of pots and the loud voice of the head cook as she barked off instructions to her assistants. They entered the kitchens without attracting attention and quickly availed themselves of the roasted meat on the spits turning slowly over the huge fires. Sneaking out the same way, they went on toward the Hall of Assemblies, eating as they spoke.
“Just how will we travel to the edge of the Bloodwind dessert?” asked Belac as he licked the grease from his fingers.
Chewing thoughtfully, Ahneela swallowed then answered, “After arriving in Saredo, we will acquire a traveling wagon with extra horses. We will also stock our food and water there. This way, we will cross several cities on our way to the northwest before reaching the Bloodwind dessert’s border. I think we will be able to find more clues pointing to the evil power that is assailing us here.”
'Stirrings of Power: A Beginning' statistics: (click to read)
