Chapter 1: Rocks Shift, Ground Quakes
Lin jolted awake to a cracking noise and a trembling ground. Without even taking time to think, he put on his hat, grabbed his mage's bag, and raced out of his house into the night. Around him, he could hear the screams of the dragons around him. He took off into the air as the airborne island began to shake even further.
So it was true. The Earthshaker was awakening, and he was reclaiming what was his. The island had always been unnatural. From the moment Lin, in his past life, had hoisted it up above the swirling storm of the Twisting Crescendo, it had filled all who laid eyes on it with a sense of unease, and nothing he could do could break that. Now it's true fate was returning.
If there was one thing Lin had learned in his life as a mage, it was that balance must always be kept.
"To the skies! To the skies!" Lin called, trying to be heard above the cacophony of the clan. The gale around the island was treacherous, but they stood a better chance flying through it than plunging to their deaths with the rocks below their feet.
Some dragons heeded his warning. Others were frozen in shock. Screaming. Something had to be done. With all his might, he tried to hoist the island up. It had been a long time since he had tried to control this much dirt and rock, and he was only able to hold control for a few short seconds.
Exhausted, but refusing to give up, he tried again, this time letting the uninhabited edges of the island fall away while he tried to hold the center. This too proved difficult, but he could manage it slightly better.
"To the skies! To the skies!" He called again. To his relief, more dragons heeded his warning, and he could hear the echo of his words as others shouted his advice.
It wasn't long before Lin was beginning to grow dizzy. His vision swam, and darkness threatened the corners of his vision. He couldn't keep this up for much longer. He could already feel more and more rock slipping away.
"Please... Hurry..." He mumbled, too quietly for his clanmates to hear him. Moments later, he let go, sending the island crumbling away to the ground.
"Help! Help!" A wildclaw called, clinging to a boulder that still hung precariously in the sky. It must have been near the core of the island, where the magic had been the strongest. He had a bow and quiver slung over his shoulder.
"Orkeck! I've got you!" Lin cried, once again casting his magic to hold the boulder in place. Normally, he would have not cast any more magic after expending so much energy, but he couldn't let another dragon die on his watch, not if some had already lost their lives with the fall of the island.
"Can you fly?" Lin called again.
"My wing!" Orkeck called. "I think it's broken! A rock hit it!"
"I've got you!" Lin called again, feeling a rare rush of panic. He couldn't let go, but if he kept this up for much longer, he'd faint and both of them would fall to their dooms.
Suddenly, an airship came into view. It creaked through the sky, like it wasn't used to the open air. In some corner of his mind, Lin recognized it as the airship that had been converted into the clan's library.
"I'm going to try to get you on the ship!" Lin called to Orkeck. The terrified young wildclaw only nodded, pale green eyes wide with fear. Lin took a deep breath, and with the last of his magic, began to manoeuvre the boulder towards the ship. It took deep concentration, but slowly, he was able to get it closer to the ship.
Suddenly, a gust of wind buffeted Lin, and his concentration was lost. Weariness overtook him, and the last thing he saw before losing consciousness was a fiery orange blur burst from the ship towards Orkeck.
Lin blinked open his eyes to see three dragons standing over him. His surroundings were unfamiliar. For one, the breeze outside sounded a lot more calm than the fierce gales of the Twisting Crescendo.
"You're awake." The tundra said, breathing a sigh of relief. "You've expended a lot of energy, Lin. You need to take it easy for the next little while."
"What happened?" Lin asked. His throat felt very dry. "How do you know my name."
"Your clan, the Kingdom of Crescendo Isle, fell. Orkeck tells me we have you to thank for so many lives being saved." The fae responded. Her pale green eyes were soft and nurturing. "He told us everything."
"How did I end up here?"
"Sacredscream and Amberlyn were able to catch you before you fell too far. They brought you with them here, to Windkeep Tower. We are a sanctuary for the traveler, a refuge for the lost, a retreat for the devoted, a crossroads; we have become known for many things." The guardian explained.
"And who are you?"
"I'm Queen Fenn, servant of the Windsinger, brought back with my husband, Elric, to form this clan in the Windsinger's name." The fae explained, exchanging a look with the guardian. "Things are changing in Sornieth, as I am sure you know. The deities are awakening again, and we must be ready. That's why we built this place. You are welcome to stay as long as you wish."
"But first, you must recover." The tundra urged softly. "I won't have you flying off anywhere or making anymore floating islands until you have returned to peak condition."
"We'll leave you in Zolean's care." Elric said, nodding to Lin. "He is a fantastic healer and will take good care of you."
"If you need anything, or have any questions, feel free to find me and ask." Fenn smiled. "I'm here to help, and to serve my clan. Welcome to Windkeep Tower, Lin."
Beacon Suites
Regal Suite
VIP Suites
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Long Term Visitor Suites
Market Suites
Magic Market Suites
Trades Suites
Medical Ward
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Banella's Suite
Novus Theatre Suites
Copper Lotus Suites
Nesting Grounds
Mansion
Garden Huts
Port Hut
Cliff Caves
Circus Caravans
Other Characters
Cameos
