Cygnus

Finally I am ready. After all the years I studied magic rituals and alchemy, the time has come, to complete my greatest project. I lit some candles, placing them carefully in their positions on the rune-covered floor. It was almost finished. I took an ancient spellbook, old and dusty, bound in fuiran hide. With it, I walked to the circle I should be in, much smaller than the summoning circle. I was careful, doing my best not to touch any of the chalk-written runes, or misplace any of the carefully laid bones and gems. Most of the bones were from animals, but this ritual required many genuine dragon bones, including the skull of a skydancer. At my position, I sat down, I placed my pearl between my legs, holding it firmly in place. I opened the book, reading over the verses of an old, long dead language.
I took a deep breath and casted all doubts aside. With my magic, I ignited a pile of sulfur in the middle of the summoning circle, and began reciting the verses. After I was done, there was an awful moment when nothing happened. The skull facing me looked almost mocking in the candlelight's glow. When I already feared that I might have failed, the candles went out. From the burning pile of sulfur, something rose. An amorphous being appeared, struggling against the circle, but couldn't breach.
Why do you call me. The words slipped in my mind, strange and soundless. Not surprising. Many spirits communicate like this.
'You are the one said to hold power. I desire this power.', I responded, now fearlessly.
This is true. I grant ancient, forbidden knowledge, and the ability to use it. You will be powerful, yes indeed. The spirit has stopped shifting, frozen in place. It is awaiting an answer.
'Sounds like this comes at a cost. Tell me what I have to give up for it', I said, trying to hide my excitement.
A clever one, are you? The price is a great one. You will never age, and your death shall be violent. Your soul won't find peace, for it will belong to me. In life, you will never again feel joy or love. Is it worth the trade?
For some minutes, neither of us moved. I haven't come here for nothing. I knew I will have to give up everything. My choice was clear. 'I accept.'
So it shall be. The spirit disappeared and the candles lit up again. Knowledge filled my mind, things no dragon was ever meant to know. It wad an overwhelming feeling. I smiled coldly. I am a god now.



by ddualscars