The Stone of Elsira Read online

  Chapter 1

  Zupher

  Zupher Cordak awakened, his eyes sore from sobbing. His grandfather had been murdered last night.

  “But how?!” Zupher screamed in agony.

  Zupher lives in the scarcely populated, innermost district of the city of Adlok. It is the wealthiest and most lavish district where crime had been non-existent, until last night. He was caught up in a cold pool of confusion. No lowlifes capable of murder should be in his district, being the domain of elites and nobles. His grandfather was also a well-respected man, so the fact that he had somehow made enemies was something Zupher would never have anticipated.

  Whenever his grandfather was in town, Zupher had made sure to spend time with him. They would often go and pass by the other districts of Adlok, each one holding its own respective class disposition. Zupher had seen all but the Slum district, where criminals and bankrupt individuals are exiled to. The slums are closed off completely from the other districts; the only exception being a few trade routes from which the people of the slums buy what goods they can and pass on the food, which they harvest from the farmlands. The farmlands surround the outer borders of the city. Once a harvest is reaped it is rationed in small portions to the Slum residents; most of it is then taken to the inner districts. Slum residents are paid nothing for their farming and have no choice but to do it. The Royal Council of Adlok has a high concentration of military officers in the farmlands that enforce the law and punish anyone cruelly who disobeys. The only way the residents of the Slum district can get paid is through deals made from the trade routes.

  Zupher had lost his best friend, his mentor and his role model, at a rather unfortunate time. The final results for Zupher's senior school exams were ready for collection this morning. His family insists that he ought to begin his training to become a Council member, immediately succeeding senior school, although this is completely against his will.

  'What choice do I have. In this tyrannical society it’s either one obeys his family’s wishes or he’s threatened to be exiled to the dreaded slums.'

  Zupher got dressed, headed downstairs, and met with his mother and sister.

  “Zupher, good morning, how pleasant to see my lovely, young future minister! Quickly now, you're just in time, you need to leave in five.” Zupher's mother gave him and his sister, Vesser, a hug and retired to her study upstairs.

  “Aren’t you excited?! We’re now even closer to establishing ourselves as independent powerhouses in this society!” Vesser said with much enthusiasm as they proceeded to exit their home.

  “No way Vesser, this is not what I want at all! I can't see myself enforcing this already corrupt system. I've seen this entire city; all of the pain, suffering and corruption that goes on here is unacceptable. Grandfather said it wasn’t always like this; that things were once better.”

  “Dad says otherwise,” replied Vesser. “He says there was nothing but chaos before the Royal Council was established and I believe him. But now, everything is in perfect order, no one disobeys. If they do they are dealt with in a humane and just manner.”

  “Free will seems to be only a power of the members in the Royal Council. The rest of us have no choice but to have utter obedience to their wills and wishes. They teach us little about history; we are likely the select a few youths who are actually aware that things were once different. This whole idea that Adlok is the last human refuge in the world and that nothing but death awaits us if we were to venture in the Great Forest – I just don't buy it. The history we learn only seems to be completely in favour of the Royal Council and there are no alternative sources on other historical points of view. If one even dares to publicly ask questions like these, scorn and demotion await.”

  Vesser shifted her attention from her phone to Zupher. She didn't seem to be paying much attention to him at all; not like it was anything new to him. She then replied.

  “If you're so sure that the Great Forest is safe, then why don't you go ahead and explore it. Don't mind me though, I'm fine here. I don't want to end up like that group of slum dwellers who were said to have been killed by demons in the forest. Dad is part of the Royal Council and he is a great man. Why hasn't he told us anything bad? I don't think he'll lie to his own children. I intend to live up to the reputation of our elite family. The last thing on my mind is to compromise myself with foolish ideas!”

  Zupher and Vesser arrived at the Royal Council's private executive senior school hall. Vesser hurried to go join her peers in the girls’ section, while Zupher slowly headed towards the boys’ section. The Council's executive school is extremely small in number. Only children from the Council members themselves are eligible to attend. Zupher took his seat, a few chairs away from a couple of his peers. He didn't like them. Most of them thought similarly to his sister, were narrow-minded and indulged in superficial interests. At least this was the final time he'd be seeing most of them, in this setting.

  Zupher noticed that the group adjacent to him seemed to be quite invested in the conversation they were having. He leant over a little to listen in.

  “No way you can't be serious!”

  “They could never pull off such a thing!”

  Tremors of laughter emanated from the group.

  “I don't think they are to be underestimated; their numbers have significantly grown in the last few years.”

  “A rebellion rooted in the slums! An interesting prospect!”

  The voices from the group reduced to whispers as the headmaster proceeded to stand on a podium.

  “Students, it has been a wonderful year. I have learnt much from you. I hope you have also learnt a lot from me! Please, come forth and collect your results. I look forward to our graduation ceremony coming up next week.”

  The students proceeded to collect their report cards one by one. When Zupher finally collected his, he immediately set forth to leave the hall.

  “Zupher, wait up!” cried Vesser.

  “I'm afraid that unlike you, I have far less interest in spending my time here. I have spent enough time here already,” Zupher said, while focusing at the exit dead ahead of him.

  “Whatever, soon you’ll realise the extent of your privilege and not take it for granted.”

  Zupher and his sister took a cab back home and were greeted by their light-brown eyed, crimson-haired mother.

  “Blessings children. I take it you have both obtained excellent results!”

  “Indeed mom,” Vesser said with pride. “Although Zupher didn't do quite as well as I.”

  Their mother let off a light chuckle and took a look at their report cards.

  “No matter, both of you have done well enough to begin your training as high members of the Council. Pity dad is not here, he would have been delighted.”

  Zupher anxiously headed upstairs to his room. The idea of working in the Council seemed like he was going to literally sell his life away.

  He then lay on his bed and tried to sleep off some of his grief.

  Just as he was getting comfortable, someone started knocking on the door.

  “Zupher, darling, may I come in?”

  “Yes mother.”

  “Your grandfather said that if anything may happen to him, you should receive this.”

  Zupher directed his gaze at a chest that his mother held.

  “Now if you don't mind, I’ll place it here beside your desk; it is a little heavy. Your grandfather was really fond of you, you know. Sorry again that he passed away, so unexpectedly.”

  After Zupher's mother had left the room, he immediately got up to have a look at what was inside the chest. At first glance, there was a large woolly towel, under it was a compass, a hunting knife, a folded sleeping bag, matches, thick leathery pants a
nd a jacket.

  Right at the bottom of the chest Zupher picked up what appeared to be a journal.

  He opened the journal to the first page which read:

  Zupher, my special grandson. If I have not given this to you myself, I know your mother would.

  I trust that you have received this book at the appropriate age, for what you are about to read will be remarkable and life-changing.

  I have been living a double life. The person I am around your family and even with you is not truly the man I am. See, I know the truth, and I am not afraid. That is why I have been secretly funding a revolution; one that will start in the slums, and that is the reason for my absence over these last five years. Slum residents are not only those who commit mundane crimes and go bankrupt, but are also people who oppose the Council in any way or even speak a glimmer of the truth.

  One day I was meditating, near the southern wall of Adlok. I was then suddenly approached by a man wearing the most peculiar clothes I had ever seen.

  ‘I can feel your Aura,’ the mysterious man said to me.’

  I was surprised to hear someone speak of a magical concept; most denizens of Adlok had completely forgotten about anything esoteric.

  ‘May I ask who you are and what your business is?’ I replied.

  ‘A traveller Sir.’

  ‘Is that so, I take it you've explored all the districts in Adlok but eventually got banged up here?’

  ‘No, no, not at all Sir, I'm from Outside.’

  My gaze focused sharply on him now.

  ‘There is life outside these city walls, despite what your rulers say. There are actually two other major cities that I have explored, far beyond the Great Forest. My name is Racer; I am part of the Arcane Society, a group of mages. We are located South, beyond the Great Forest. I know that your Magical senses will guide you to us.’

  Just after he finished his last word he vanished, as if his original appearance was merely an illusion.

  I always knew deep inside that there was life and hope beyond the Great Forest, and meeting Racer that day confirmed my suspicions.

  I had heard a rumour that the mine in the slums has a secret passage that leads out of the city walls. Apparently it was constructed ten years ago by a notorious group of slum dwellers who escaped from Adlok.

  The following day I set forth to explore the mine and confirm the existence of this secret passage.

  I found it and can confidently say to you that there is a safe way out of Adlok.

  Trying to exit from the city gates will be far too risky with all the surveillance and military guards; the mine will be your best shot.

  I am going to wait until you are old enough for us to set forth on this journey together.

  If, for some reason I am not alive by the time you're old enough, I know you will have enough courage and strength invested in yourself to commence the journey alone. If you ever wish to gain access to the slums without me, simply seek a man with the name “Creek”. Creek is an old friend of mine who works as a Tradesman at “Barters folly” by the northern border of the slums. Tell him that you are my grandson and wish to 'complete the mission'. He will help smuggle you into the slums. He will also give you valuable information and advice with regard to the slums and the mine. With the help and knowledge of this Arcane Society, we may be able to overthrow this corrupt system once and for all!

  For the next few pages Zupher's grandfather talked about the skills necessary for one to survive the Great Forest.

  After studying his grandfather's journal for the next few hours, Zupher closed it and started thinking, pensively. The Arcane Society especially struck his interest. The idea of Magic being one-hundred percent real appealed profoundly to him. Adlok had no religions whatsoever. It was a crime to practise anything religious or spiritual. If one was caught doing such a thing, exile to the slums awaited. Adlok propagated their science and logic to be 'almighty' and unquestionable.

  Zupher always had a subconscious interest in the arcane and now, finally, he had a means of cultivating that interest into reality.

  ‘I know without a doubt that grandfather was keen on rebelling, but I am just not on the same wavelength as he was. I wouldn’t mind at all for the people of Adlok to live a better life, but I just want to leave this place. I want to explore the world and join the Arcane Society. Maybe at a later stage I could return back here and maybe help out. For now though, nothing but freedom and adventure are on my mind.’

  Chapter 2

  The Escape

  Zupher woke up the following day much earlier than usual with elevated vigour and will.

  He put on the survival gear and gathered the survival tools that were in his grandfather's chest into his rucksack. Zupher then set forth to leave the central district. He didn't look back once after leaving his parents’ home.

  Zupher took a flash cab; a swift flying taxi towards the Industrial District. He made sure to take it anonymously and didn't use his regular account for payment. The flash cab dropped Zupher close to the Southern wall of the Industrial District, which separates it from the start of the slums. The six trade route shops are the links between the Industrial District and the Slums.

  'Now I wonder where this Barters Folly shop is, maybe I should ask around and see if anyone knows.'

  It started drizzling and the wind picked up in speed. Most people proceeded to go indoors. Three gentlemen, however, were chatting near a store stand. Zupher approached them.

  “Gentleman, good day. I am Zupher Cordak. I seek a man named ‘Creek’. I am told that his shop is called the Barters Folly. Do any of you know where I can find his shop?”

  The tallest, dark-skinned man looked down at Zupher with what seemed to be a displeased look.

  “Information is not free, rich kid, especially here. Why don't you offer us an incentive?”

  The man next to him dressed in dirty industrial clothing nodded his head. The third man remained silent and appeared to be entirely uninterested.

  “Here guys.”

  Zupher handed the tallest man a reasonably large sum of money for a citizen of the industrial district.

  “Is this enough for your likelihood?” asked Zupher, clearly frustrated.

  “Took you long enough! Follow me, we'll walk to a city map projector and I'll show you.”

  Zupher followed the three men a few blocks to a holographic map of Adlok. They pointed the location out for him.

  Creek's shop was fortunately not too far from Zupher’s current point so he was able to walk there. As Zupher approached the shop, he couldn't help but notice the sheer size of the place. It seemed more like an industrial factory than a Trade shop. Zupher entered the shop and walked through an empty white corridor to the shop's main reception. No one was there. Zupher walked up to the main reception desk and rang the bell.

  A few moments passed, no response.

  Zupher rang the bell again.

  “Who is it! So early! Jeez, this had better be worth my while.”

  A woman, in her mid-fifties with a hunch came up to the reception. She looked at Zupher with indignation, almost like he was the one solely responsible for her hunch.

  “Hello Madam, I am Zupher Cordak. I wish to speak with Creek. My grandfather, Aerin, was a good friend of his.”

  As soon as Zupher had mentioned his grandfather's name, the woman's expression changed entirely.

  “I'll go get him now, please hold on a few moments.”

  The woman retired through a back door. Zupher waited for about 10 minutes, then Creek came.

  “Zupher! Good to meet you. I heard about Aerin's death, my condolences. He was a man of true virtue. He told me much about you. Please, come with me.”

  Zupher got up from his seat in the waiting area and followed Creek further into the building.”

  “I have no doubt that the reason for your appearance is because you wish to enter the slums. There are more surveillance cameras there than anywhere else in Adlok, so you'll need a genuine dis
guise.”

  Creek led Zupher into a large room. Creek turned on the lights and started searching one of the boxes.

  “Now where did I put it?”

  After searching a few more boxes Creek finally found what he was looking for.

  “Ah here you go. Sorry this room has recently been cleaned and reorganised.”

  Creek showed Zupher what looked like a mask.

  “This is the very same mask that Aerin wore whenever he entered the slums. The mask basically firmly assimilates into your facial structure and moulds to form an entirely different face every time you put on the mask. To take it off simply press the release mechanism here at the back of the mask.”

  Creek rotated the mask and indicated it to him.

  “You will definitely need this if you want to walk in the slums undiscovered. Your face will be recognised by a few of the guards since your dad is part of the Royal Council. The surveillance cameras will also likely capture you.”

  Zupher and Creek eventually came to a massive warehouse gate that was big enough for a large truck to pass through.

  “This is the door that bypasses the city wall to the slums; it is from here that you shall enter.”

  “So you have to open such a big warehouse gate in order for me to enter the slums? Isn't that going to attract unwanted attention?”

  Creek laughed and put a reassuring hand on Zupher's shoulder.

  “You'll see it soon; as we get closer, a much smaller door will appear.”

  Creek turned a key bundle for a pretty long time. For a second Zupher felt that maybe Creek wasn't the actual owner of the keys. Eventually he found the appropriate key and unlocked the door. Zupher put on the mask, and for a few moments he felt like the mask was going to suck his face off. He cried out in fear.

  “Relax Zupher, the mask is in the process of moulding, it is completely harmless. It’ll be over and painless in a few seconds.”

  As Creek promised after a few seconds had passed the pain stopped and the mask had assumed a new shape, one that made Zupher completely unrecognisable.