Chapter One
The Wizard

A sigh of relief ran through a small, weary body as a gold ring finally slipped from a still sweating palm. As the insignificant looking object tumbled through the air towards the fiery depths far below, a weight of indescribable measure was lifted from the shoulders of one so small. Yet, he is filled with a sadness knowing that he can no longer possess that most desirable of all objects. Though in truth, it was not so much the object. No ! It was the power it gave, the properties it held within it's ordinary shape.

This simple act brought about the end of the War of Terror, for the dark lord could no longer gain possession of the magic ring, and with it's loss , he lost the ability to become invincible. His fate was sealed....

Though many thousands had lost their lives in this pointless war, many more were saved by this unselfish action.

The story continues some one hundred years later.

... Sat high on a hill looking down on the valley below, could be seen the small village of Manap. It was a beautiful, dreamy place where life moved at a very slow pace. This was the place where Teedol lived and had done so since the day he began.

The sun shone through the many delicate, diaphanous leaves and petals which gave way to a light show canopy. A dusting of yellow pollen scattered all around like a sprinkling of gold dust. The air was filled with sweet scents and fragrances which were carried on the gentle but silent breeze.

Teedol turned his gaze from the beautiful peaceful valley below, facing to the north -east and looking beyond the Red Mountains of Erun. A pall of black smoke could be seen writhing and coiling ever upward. Spreading a great inky cloud of darkness over the land below, growing ever darker, as it crept ever nearer in a seemingly unstoppable way. In a fearful way, he thought, the cloud would slowly swamp the beautiful village, which held so many fond memories of a happy childhood.

Slowly, Teedol rose from where he had been sitting with his back against a large, red fruit tree.

He began his retreat home, paying little or no attention to where he was going, deep in thought, brooding over the many questions which now plagued his mind.

Suddenly ! Overcome by dizziness, it was as if his whole world was spinning and turning, turning and spinning. Before his eyes, blinding flashes of light with colours of every hue. Whizzing and whirring, whirring and whizzing.

Teedol thought it would never end. Finally he could stand it no more. " STOP ! " He screamed. With a heavy thump and a bump, everything was still .

Teedol dazed, could see nothing at first, except for the darkness which surrounded him. Slowly, steadily, he began to recover his senses, at first seeing only a faint, white light, which grew more constant and brighter with each passing moment. He could not believe his eyes... In front of him was a well lit chamber of considerable size, in the centre of which stood a strange looking man, who was busying himself with an array of objects set upon a large, oak table. The odd looking fellow appeared to be unaware of his somewhat unwitting visitor.

The cotchit slowly picked himself up. Not knowing which part of himself to tend to first. He rubbed here and there taking no real notice of what he was doing, his gaze firmly fixed upon the strange man.

Cautiously the cotchit moved forward, toward the centre of the large cavern . The man continued with his task.

A sudden movement startled Teedol who stopped dead, in his tracks, cautiously stooping as he did so. He now studied the knowledgeable looking man more intently. The reason Teedol thought the man knowledgeable was due to his appearance, a long white beard hung beneath a rather long bespectacled nose, which turned down at the end resembling the beak of a bird. Teedol thought he looked rather like a wise, old owl. The spectacles magnified his eyes making them appear much larger than they actually were. His piercing green eyes were lightly shaded by a large floppy brim of a very tall, pointed hat. The costume he wore, was of the palest blue, set upon which were many symbols of gold and silver. His feet were covered by an odd pair of boots, which curled into a large spiral at the toes.

At the sight of this, Teedol could not make up his mind if he should laugh or run. He made no conscious decision to stay, though he suddenly realized he was laughing and rather loudly at that.

" Teedol ! Stop that !.. " Said a disgruntled voice. There was a short lived silence, followed by.

" Be patient boy, I will soon be with you. " Again a silence fell.

" Come closer, I won't bite you. " This time the man's voice had a more patient and friendly tone.

Teedol had not noticed he had been called by name, instead, he concentrated his thoughts on what the man was doing. He had never seen such things before.

The man placed a flask over a tripod, which was then pushed over a flame. Soon the contents were bubbling merrily away, as a green vapour began to rise from the neck of the vessel. Teedol's host leaned slightly until the vapour went up into his nostrils. "

Ahh ! Almost ready. " He said with a smile of satisfaction. He gave a long sideways look at the cotchit followed by another smile.
Teedol was puzzled. Who was this man ? What was his name and what was he doing ? It had also dawned upon the cotchit, his host had showed no concern at his presence.

No, it was more as if he had been expected.

With curiosity his foremost thought, Teedol moved slowly forward. As he did so he could see the table and it's contents more clearly. The man still taking no notice as he busied himself, picked up a phial that contained an orange liquid and poured it into the still bubbling flask.

WITHOUT WARNING, there was a blinding flash of light. Almost falling over , Teedol was taken completely by surprise. The man merely laughed.

Picking up the flask with a pair of tongs the curious man poured the contents into two separate beakers. Finally he picked up a small jar filled with blue powder and added a pinch to each of the potions. The effect this had was quite amazing. The fluid was transformed into what was described as Ice Cream, which was layered with many colours. Picking up the two beakers , the host gave one to Teedol and beckoned him to follow. The man turned and disappeared behind a tall cabinet. Teedol, now feeling more relaxed, followed. As he did so, he could see a large selection of bottles and jars , with racks of tubes scattered about the shelves. Passing the cabinet for the first time he could see a large fireplace, at either side of which stood two large, ornately carved chairs. By this time the man had reached one of the chairs and was now seated. Teedol reached the other empty chair and also sat down, his mouth agape, he looked totally bewildered. His gaze firmly fixed upon the ice cream in his hand.

The host during this time had been studying the cotchit. Teedol stood at two foot seven. There was nothing special about his clothes, in fact they were rather plain and boring. His shorts, how-ever, did reveal spindly legs which were covered liberally with hair. His overall appearance being sturdy but with a lean build. His facial features were quite average and would be considered quite normal, that is, with the exception of a red birthmark on his forehead, which resembled a star. The top of his head was covered with a shock of red hair which looked as though it had been set in curlers. He wore no shoes, though this was not uncommon for cotchit's.

" You can eat it, it won't hurt you. " Said his host with a friendly smile , while at the same time taking a large spoonful of the dessert.

Teedol dug his spoon deep into the beaker pulling out a large helping. As the spoon entered his mouth his eyes lit up as if to smile. Each of the colours had a different flavour, all of his favourite and more. It was not long before the beaker was completely empty and as the last spoonful disappeared a transformation had begun, though Teedol was unaware of it. The once red birthmark upon his forehead had begun to change. Now in it's place was a star which shone as if it was from the heavens.

The man was in no doubt. He had the right cotchit.

" Teedol, there is no need to fear. I will not harm you, I only wish to help. " Said Teedol's host in a reassuring voice.

" B- But I don't need any help. " Replied Teedol with a puzzled look upon his face. His host continued to speak, ignoring Teedol's remark. " You may well be puzzled and, you may wonder how I know who you are, so I will tell you. I will start at the beginning, listen carefully and perhaps you will begin to understand. " Explained the man.
At the thought of a story, Teedol settled deep into the chair. Cotchit's loved listening to tales of all kinds and rarely passed up the opportunity to hear one.

" My name is Golaf and I am a wizard. " The wizard went on to tell Teedol more about the Ancient Lore, eventually getting to the part he was most interested.

" A soothsayer had foretold of a happening which would be known as the Creeping Darkness. It would be cast over the land by an evil wizard, who would try to take over the whole of Earth by the spread of a black cloud, it would bring death, decay and despair to all. In the process those who did not die would lose their will and would only exist to do the bidding of the evil one. From which time he and he alone would control all of the lands. According to the Ancient Lore only someone like an elf, yet not an elf, could save Earth from this dark fate.

The cotchit, for it could be no other, would be known by the shining of a star upon his forehead. He would become the most powerful of all wizards, but, he could only accomplish this with the help of a magic stone. which was now kept safly within an amulet. THE Amulet of GALANA ! There would be many tasks and dangers to face along the way, so the cotchit would have to be brave and pure of heart. The "Amulet" is protected, so that only The Chosen One could reach it. So..."

It was at this point that Teedol interrupted.

" Ah ! But what has that got to do with me ? I have only a red mark on my forehead, not a shining..." Before Teedol could finish what he was saying the wizard waved his hand and muttered some strange words which Teedol did not understand. A mirror appeared suspended in mid-air in front of the cotchit. Teedol shrieked, for the first time he saw the bright shining star upon his forehead. A myriad of questions began to fill his mind.

All this was too much for the cotchit who slowly began to sink into the darkest corners of his mind.......
Minutes passed. Teedol slowly regained consciousness and a little slower, his composure. Golaf had dismissed the mirror during this time, but had done little else for he knew the cotchit was in no danger. He had fully expected this to happen and so was not surprised. Golaf, now sure Teedol was fully composed again, began to tell the cotchit more tales from the Ancient Lore. This lasted for a further two hours, whilst Teedol sat motionless as if glued to his seat,
making not so much as a murmur.

Teedol's fascination was complete. He had heard only the most popular stories from the Ancient Lore and so, for the first time, he was hearing completely new stories.

Golaf went on to tell of the War of Terror and of the adventures of his kinsmen. He explained that Teedol must do something similar. The Wizard paused before asking the cotchit a question.

" Teedol, do you like the valley where you live ? " Teedol did not hesitate .

" Of course I do. " He replied.

" Well if you wish it to stay the same, you must embark on this quest. Yes , there would be many great dangers and beasts the likes of which a cotchit would not want to dream of. These beasts would do whatever they could to stop you, for you are the only one, who can do anything about the evil now spreading throughout the land. The first thing you must do is to find the amulet. The amulet has the power to teach and guide, it is the AMULET OF GALANA ! The Lady Galana is the beautiful sister of the elfin lord, Eldor. How the lady came to have the amulet is quite interesting. It is believed that the amulet was created a good many years after the War of Terror. The dark lord of the time sought a magical ring which was the master ring of several others. One of your kinsmen had found it quite by accident. Anyway , the dark one became aware of it's existence and sent out evil followers in search of it. Many battles raged in a time of despair. Fortune smiled upon your kinsmen for a good wizard knew and understood what was happening. He also knew that the only way to beat the dark one, was to destroy the one ring. However, fearing that he might succumb to the evilness of the ring, he dared not handle it himself. Therefore he had one of your kinsmen take it to a place of destruction. There was only one place it could be destroyed because of it's magical properties, within the fiery depths of a volcano. Now you know as well as I, there is only one such mountain within our lands. Needless to say the ring eventually reached it's destination and was duly cast within it's depths. I suppose you would think that to be the end of it. Well, it would seem that it was for some time. The ring was destroyed and yet deep within the volcano the magic bubbled away mixed within the lava. The fire had a good affect upon the magical properties, for it cleansed them now making them neutral rather than evil.

Meanwhile, for a good many years the mountain slept a long and peaceful sleep, with not, even the slightest grumble from within. Then one day without warning there was an almighty eruption, as rocks, mud, boulders and lava spewed from deep within. Many lost their lives and for a good many years no-one dared to go near. Finally it came to the time of Eldor's greatest birthday . Elves came from miles and miles, after all he was their lord and master. A band of elves had dared to take the shortest route for fear of being late for the great celebration. It was during this time that one of the elves found a beautiful and unusual stone. He thought it would make a special gift to his lord. Eldor being a wise user of magic soon discovered the secret of the stone. It bore all of the magical properties of the once dreaded and feared ring, but it was no longer evil. Fearing the worst, he had made into an amulet which he gave to his very beautiful and trusted sister. He then charged her to go into hiding with the newly made amulet until the time of a long foretold prophecy.

That is where the amulet is, even to this day. Golaf paused to allow the cotchit time to think, meanwhile, Teedol sat in total silence as if he were alone. There were many thoughts running through his mind. The silence seemed to last for many minutes. Teedol's mind was still as confused as when he began this seemingly long deliberation. " Perhaps now would be a good time to ask some questions ? " Thought Teedol.

" Perhaps you would like to ask some questions ? I will do my best to answer any you may have, as accurately, and as honestly, as I can. " Said Golaf sincerely.

It seemed to Teedol that every time he thought something, the wizard knew what it was. Teedol pushed these thoughts to one side as he turned his attention to the many questions he wanted to ask.

" Who are you ? " Asked Teedol quizzically.

"I have told you, I am Golaf the wizard, a user of magic. " Replied the wizard, a little annoyed at having to repeat himself. " You do know what a wizard is, don't you ? " Asked the wizard facetiously.

Teedol pondered for a while before he answered.

" Erm... Yes... But the last cotchit wizard died some hundred years ago and as no-one could pass the test, there hasn't been one since. All we have is the healer. Though it is said, one day there would be another cotchit wizard. " Replied Teedol.

" Yes you are right, there will be another cotchit wizard. He is here now ... IT IS YOU TEEDOL ! You have much to learn my friend and when you have discovered enough the shinning star will disappear. In truth, it will go inwards, towards the centre of your being. Then, and only then, will you be a wizard with no equal. "

The look on Golaf's face was austere, which in turn told Teedol, the wizard meant every word he had said. The effect this had on the cotchit may have been somewhat strange, as for the first time in his life he was afraid of what he now had to face. True, he was also excited, but deep in his heart he knew this was no game and could lead to his somewhat early demise.

By this time Teedol's mind was reeling, not being able to begin to count the thoughts now running through his mind.

If all that had been said, came to pass, what would become of the very simple life the cotchit had become so accustomed to ?

Would he have to live a solitary life without his friends ? The prospect of that, and other confusing thoughts, caused what could only be described as pain to the cotchit.

Golaf was aware of the confusion in Teedol's mind, and in an attempt to put his fears to rest said. " Do not concern yourself, for you will have many friends who will trust you and seek you out to give them council through the knowledge you will acquire. I know it seems a daunting task with many problems, but I assure, you, I will help and guide you as much as I can. "

There was another long silence, yet the noise inside Teedol's head was deafening. How did this odd looking man know the answer before the question was asked ? Teedol was sure the wizard knew... He was sure !

" You are quite right. I do know what you are thinking as you know what my thoughts are. This is the reason you have so much confusion in your head. You are hearing my thoughts as well as your own. Try to clear your mind and listen. " Golaf smiled at Teedol. The cotchit listened, but, the more he did, the more confusing it became. The wizard spoke again. " You are trying too hard, relax and just let it happen, listen for the thoughts you know are not your own, then, when there seems to be nothing, you can make your reply. All you have to do is think of sending your thoughts to me. "

The room now seemed to be filled with silence, but in truth the wizard and the cotchit were communicating with each other.
" Yes Teedol I hear you just fine. Now I would like you to pay attention to what I say. You will find with a little practice that you will be able to communicate with me no matter what the distance, but, you must take care to close your mind as well as to open it, as anyone with this ability will be able to read your thoughts. That is to say, none of your plans will be safe. SO BE WARNED ! As I say, with practice you will be able to control your thoughts, and so stop any unwanted intrusion. We will continue to talk in this manner as it is good practice for you. Now listen. You may take a friend with you but, it must be someone you can trust with your life . You must travel to the Red Mountains of Erun, do not fear, for you will find guidance. Once in the Red Mountains, you must find the Amulet of Galana. When you have the Amulet it will help and guide you, it will show you the way and what you must do next. "

Golaf fell into silence with a strange look upon his face, he sat bolt upright, his head cocked to one side as he listened intently. He pulled himself out of the chair and beckoned Teedol to do the same. The wizard now spoke in a quiet, but hurried manner.

" Quickly boy, there is no time to explain. Follow me. " Golaf headed the cotchit to a door in the south wall of the cavern, with a wave of his hand the door swung silently open. At that moment there was a terrible sound like thunder followed by a great crash, the entire north wall of the cavern began to fall... Golaf pushed the cotchit out of the door at the same time shouting.

" RUN BOY... RUN AND REMEMBER WHAT I HAVE TOLD YOU !..

Link to Chapter Two

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