This tale was documented by Baylen, a scribe in the service of the Geomancers'
guild.

Let it be known that all figures mentioned gave their permission to be
presented by name and their actions. The ritual itself was first created by
Hallen, the administrator of the Geomancers, who was kind enough to allow me to
write these things down. But like all rituals, the personality of those who
participated and conducted it affected the way things were said and done. No
ritual is like another. Just as no grain of sand is exactly like its brother.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Prologue- All things must have a begining.

"Reyn."

His head was throbbing horribly…and the voices, they would not cease!

"Reyn?."

"What?!" the Viscanti hissed through clenched teeth.

A small whimper escaped the mouth of the short figure that stood at the
entrance; an audible gulping sound resonated through the chamber.

"Speak up you bloody coward, why you do intrude upon my studies?!"

"I brought refreshments, Apprentice. You've been here for four days now
and…". his voice trailed off into quietness.

The young Viscanti blinked, his eyebrows raised in puzzlement. He pulled his
chair away from the desk and rose to his feet, motioning for the figure to
enter the chamber.

The servant took a hesitant step into the chamber. He was younger then Reyn had
thought, fourteen at best.

"I never saw you here before, since when have you served here?".

The boy shuffled his feet in discomfort, lifting his brown eyes to meet with
the icy cold eyes of the Viscanti who regarded him.

"Last week, Sire. I was purchased from the slave market."

"I see." Reyn commented before waving his hand dismissively.

"How long did you say I was in this chamber?"

"Four days sire."

"Nonsense, you must be mistaken…I…"

"He is not mistaken Reyn". A silky, commanding voice echoed through the chamber
as the Arch-mage made his way into the study. He glanced at the young boy and
dismissed him with a quiet nod. The child bowed and made haste to disappear.

"Hail Arch-mage Aiakon, I am honoured by your visit". The young Viscanti
inclined his head politely.

"Cut the formalities Reyn, you worry me". Aiakon responded quickly, his brows
furrowed.

"If I have done anything to offend you sire…"

Aiakon quickly shook his head and replied, "No no, nothing of the sort. But you
have been caged up in here for, yes, four days or so."

"I… I did not notice". Reyn answered slowly.

"Not to mention". Aiakon interrupted, not without a hint of amusement in his
tone "that you scare the young boy to death… Decent help is so hard to
come-by nowadays".

Reyn chuckled softly, it was obvious that his heart was not in it.

Aiakon regarded Reyn for a moment before saying "What's on your mind?"

"I don't know Sire… I have delved into the mysteries of Geomancy… indeed,
Jezebel claims she can no longer teach me."

"That's very admirable Reyn."

"Thank you sire, but…something is still missing".

Aiakon frowned slightly "Missing?"

Reyn paused, his face fixed in concentration "I…don't know…" His tone
conveyed his weariness and confusion.

"I cannot sleep, I have no desire to eat and these maddening whispers…
incoherent but loud enough to push me to the brink of madness…The key is out
there, somewhere."

"Reyn, as much as I do find these words interesting, I will have to blame your
weariness for speaking thus… you have learnt much over the course of a few
days. I suggest you try and sleep."

"Perhaps it is so sire…I will do as you advise."

"I don't 'advise', Reyn, I instruct." The Arch-mage corrected, his mouth
twitching with the slightest hint of a grin.

Reyn grinned and nodded. "Of course sire."

Reyn started to turn and the Arch-mage cleared his throat.

"Before you go, there is another matter at hand. The council and I have
concluded that the time of your trial is nigh."

Aiakon produced a scroll from an inner pocket in his robes and handed it to
Reyn.

"The exact conduct of this rite is explained here and I will be the one to
perform it with you."

Reyn could not help but feel a surge of pride and happiness course through his
veins and a dreamy expression crept to his face.

Aiakon continued "Though your reaction is…understandable, do not forget the
implications of both success and failure. Many have died in the attempt".

Reyn jerked his head with a start "Are you certain I am ready, Sire?"

The Arch-mage turned his gaze to lock with Reyn's "Do you doubt the decision of
the council?"

"Of course not". Exclaimed the young Viscanti "It's just tha…"

"Than it is settled". With that the Archmage turned and started to move towards
the entrance of the chamber.

"Sleep, the trial shall take place tomorrow at dusk". And with that, he
departed, leaving Reyn to his troubled mind.

When he finally did get to his chambers, sleep crept upon him with
ferociousness. Blessed oblivion took him.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Act I

They gathered under the shadow of the huge gargantuan nexus which bears the
title "The Megalith of Doom". Although it was a common enough place of
gathering, Reyn could not help but feel awe at the vision of the huge stone,
endless tiny fractures coursing through it, eternally oozing black, oily,
substance, like the veins of some huge, black heart.

A circle of hooded figures ringed the Arch-mage and Reyn, both kneeling and
chanting softly as they smeared their faces with the black, cold Earth.

As they rose to their feet, the earth began to shudder and quake, not
violently, but continuously.

The Arch-mage turned to face Reyn, his face frozen, expressionless and ageless.
His eyes were locked with the young Viscanti's. Their gaze intense, as their
lives depended on it. "Blood to mud, mud to blood. Who comes to parley with the
Lords of Rock?"

"Blood to mud, and mud to blood. I come to seek a sign of power". Reyn replied,
his voice steady and cold.

"To the citadel of Rock we are headed, to test thy power and lore. Know that
your life is at stake, but alas, you cannot turn back. Onward then apprentice,
time to prove your worth."

Aiakon then turned to regard the witnesses "You who have come to witness, I
thank you. I assure you that no you will come to no harm, as long as you do not
interfere. Any interference will subject us all to mortal peril. It is Reyn who
is being tested, make sure it stays thus."

With that the Arch-mage pointed to the northeast. Reyn took a deep breath
before starting at the designated direction, the others following him like
shadows.

The mountains of madness always managed to spark Reyn's rage. Logic held no
domain within the shifting tunnels of rock and shadow. Rocks falling to the
ground as sudden tremors shake the very foundation of the mountains, always
missing the travelers… but only barely.

They traveled for a long while; none could estimate for how long nor cared to.
Finally did they come upon the steep ascent which leads to the maw of the
Citadel of Stone.

Reyn felt a hand clasping his shoulder and flinched slightly.

"Well done, onward". Aiakon whispered before removing his hand and following
the young Viscanti as they climbed higher into the spine of the mountains.

The entrance to the chapel resembled a jagged mouth in shape, sharp teeth made
of rock circling a mouth from which a faint red light pulsed in a lazy rhythm.
As Reyn started towards the entrance, a loud booming sound resonated throughout
the caverns. "Who seeks admittance to the Citadel of Stone? None shall enter,
turn back and leave. Only death awaits you."

Reyn narrowed his eyes and examined his surroundings, trying to decipher the
origin of the voice. Upon failing, he turned to regard Aiakon, an expression of
dread and puzzlement avid on his face.

Aiakon shook his head slowly and gestured onwards, his eyes locked on the young
Viscanti, appraising him. Reyn closed his eyes, and knew.

Reyn clenched his fists and turned back to face the entrance. "Death shan't
find me this day, today it does â€"my- bidding. Stand down or fall in my wake!"

"Brave words, mageling."

A flapping sound echoed through the cavern as four winged beings descended from
the ceiling above, their wings flapping lazily and keeping them in a hover above
the ground. Their skin was black and tough, very much resembling rocks. Small
black eyes peered at Reyn with intense loathing as they flexed their hands,
which were adorned with long black talons. "Shall we?"

"Come then, die, if you must". With that the young Viscanti raised his arms and
made an enclosing gesture with his fingers, closing his hands into fists one
finger at a time. Two Gargoyles suddenly froze in mid-air, a coat of stone
creeping up their bodies fast. As their wings came to a halt, they fell and
shattered, leaving nothing but a pile of rubble.

If the Gargoyles were even slightly bothered by this, they were good at hiding
it. Each of the two remaining streaked at a different direction, encircling and
closing in on the young Viscanti.

With a sudden plummet, both Gargoyles descended on the mages' form; talons
outstretched and ready to tear him a part. As their arms moved in a deadly
arch, their hands moved through Reyn, his body suddenly dispersing into smoke.
A word of power was uttered from nearby as one of the Gargoyles exploded in a
fiery spark, his entrails falling to the ground, still in flames.

"Tricky, cowardly mage. Enough of these games!"

The remaining Gargoyle launched at Reyn, standing but a few feet from where the
Gargoyles struck his reflection and this time, he was unprepared for the
assault. The Gargoyles' muscular arms wrapped Reyn in a deadly embrace as he
felt himself being squeezed with relentless force. The Gargoyle started to
ascend as he spoke "I told you nothing but death awaits you."

Reyn could feel his life draining out of him, everything started to turn
dimmer, soon… soon this pain shall end he thought. No more pain… all I have
to do is to allow myself to die like… a dog?! No! not like this!

Reyn opened his eyes and fixed them to those black beady eyes, concentrating
all his hatred and rage, forming a deadly psychic dagger in his mind's eye. "I
think it will have to wait". the young Viscanti hissed through clenched teeth
before launching the psychic assault. Blood gushed out the creatures' ears and
nose as his hold weakened and his arms fell limp.

As they began to fall, Reyn bowed his head and began to chant silently.
Immediately his fall began to slow, until his feet touched the earth gently,
without a single sound.

Reyn turned back to regard the Arch-mage, who nodded firmly. "Entrance is now
yours. Shall we?"

And with that, they entered the Citadel of Stone.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Act II

Within the Citadel, encircled by the citizens of Magnagora, stood Reyn and
Aiakon, both facing the Titan of rock which is the Lord of the Soiled Earth.

"Lord of the soiled Earth, Klaymech, Strength incarnate. A new Geomancer hath
stepped forth. Will you not gift him, so he may serve you?. Ashes to ashes,
dust to dust, may he serve the taint and Earth until all is thus."

The Arch-mage turned from titan to regard Reyn before speaking "Blood to mud,
and mud to blood. What is the cure for the Gatekeeper's madness?"

"Blood to mud, and mud to blood. The cure is the purge of Water, and the
expurgation of Liquid". Reyn replied, his voice carrying loudly throughout the
chamber. He then kneeled to bathe his hand within the churning soil that
surrounded Klaymech, withdrawing it coated with black Earth.

They bowed to the Lord of the Soiled Earth and turned to face the Lord of the
Blasted Sand, Bhalegu. His red crystalline eyes drifting socket-less within the
churning whirlpool of sand which is his frame.

"Lord Bhalegu, ever changing, ever shifting. A new Geomancer hath stepped
forth. Will you not gift him, so he may serve you? Ashes to ashes, dust to
dust. May we shift, may we transform and stay unite, until all is thus". The
voice of Aiakon boomed through the chamber as he addressed the titan of sand.

"Reyn" Aiakon turned to face him once more "The second of four, Blood to mud,
and mud to blood. Where does the true might of the Earth Lords rest?"

"Blood to mud, and mud to blood. It lies within dreams, between here and
there". Reyn replied, his face's a mask of grim concentration.

Tendrils of sand began to rise and form a barely visible vortex around the form
of the young Viscanti, encasing him in a whirlpool of sand.

They bowed once again, honoring the might of the Lord of Blasted Sands before
turning to Brom, Lord of the Poked Boulder. His ancient, weathered stone form,
dwarfs them by its sheer size.

Aiakon turned to face the giant and called out "Lord Brom, Ageless titan,
Ancient tower. A new Geomancer hath stepped forth. Will you not gift him, so he
may serve you? Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. May we never falter, may we never
fail, may we never turn thus."

The quaking of the Earth grew stronger as Aiakon turned to face Reyn "Third of
fourth, Blood to mud, and mud to blood. What is the fate, of all made of
stone?"

"Blood to mud, and mud to blood. From granite to boulder, from boulder to sand.
All within earth returns to whence it began."

The Arch-mage nodded with cold satisfaction as small pebbles begin to rise in
small piles, forming a ring around all Stone Lords and the participants.

After bowing they turned to face the fourth and last Stone Mistress, Gravynia,
Lady of the Cracked Stone. Her form only barely resembling that of a female
mortal.

"Lady Gravynia, bearer of scars with wisdom. A new Geomancer hath stepped
forth. Will you not gift him, so he may serve you? Ashes to ashes, Dust to
dust. May we learn from our mistakes and bear our lessons with pride, until all
will be thus."

"Reyn, for the fourth and final time" Aiakon rested his gaze on the young mage,
studying the resolution and determination so avidly etched on his face. "Blood
to mud! Mud to blood! What is the fate, of all things upon the earth?"

"Blood to mud! Mud to blood! All shall be tainted! All shall crumble! The earth
is eternal, and the earth is Taint!"

The ground began to shake violently, cracks are formed at the center of the
ring as a huge boulder, like a pillar of stone, pushed itself in-front of Reyn.

"I count thee come of age, Reyn! Quickly, take up the stone, and embrace the
power you have justly earned!"

With that, Reyn placed his hand upon the pillar and watched in amazement as it
slowly sank inwards… he could feel something and with a determined push he
grasped the object. The stone pillar began to tremble, cracks appeared across
its face before it exploded. Sharp stone spikes flew in all direction, flying
around, yet never through, any of the people present.

Reyn, who closed his eyes to shield them from the dust, opened them to regard
the twisted staff which was now in his grasp.

"Let the enemies of the Taint beware! A Geomancer is born!". The circle roared
in triumph and the ground settled to stillness.

Reyn turned to face the crowed, sweat trickling down his face, a grin adorning
his mouth. "I thank you… I…" He felt sudden dizziness, the voices, who were
silent so far boomed within his mind, threatening to rip it apart. "You are now
ready, the truth is close at hand". Reyn began to shake, foam trickling down
from his mouth.

One of the figures lowered his hood to reveal the face of Torak, the champion
of the Nihilists. He uttered a single, unholy word as his Archdemon began to
materialize beside him.

Reyn wavered slightly before his knees gave-in and he stumbled to the ground,
shaking with searing pain.

Torak regarded his thrall. The Demon flinched, but only slightly under its
masters' gaze before answering "None is attacking, though I cannot decipher the
powers at work now, I can assure you that no mortal hand is involved."

With a grim nod he turned to face the Arch-mage "I cannot heal whatever it is
that plagues him, I will however guarantee your safe passage and return to the
city."

Aiakon nodded curtly before facing another figure, who in turn lowered his hood
to reveal Telrath. "Telrath, take him back to the guildhall, quick."

The last thing Reyn saw was the face of Telrath approaching him before hauling
him unto his back.

And then, it was dark.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Act III

He was drifting, mist surrounded him from all sides and he could see nothing.

"I can feel your doubt Geomancer, it is eating at you, relentlessly, isn't it?"

He was suddenly moving, flying, with alarming speed towards a huge pillar upon
which lay another three. It was hovering in mid-air and all else was grey,
filled with the same smoky mist.

"The Earthe is the foundation upon which all is set. Without Earthe there can
be no water, for without a frame to hold them, they fall useless". A vision of
the inner sea appears and he slowly watches as the waters begin to drain;
leaving behind nothing but void.

"Fire, that which burns exists only within the Earthe. There cannot be wood nor
oil without Earthe". A huge torch materializes before him and slowly the wooden
shaft begins to fade, leaving behind only the flame, which extinguishes
immediately.

"Air, what is air if not the carrier of Earthe, its servant?. Can it hope to
shape boulders? Can it even dream of shaping mountains? Air is weak, and
without Earth, there will be no use of it."

A huge tornado descends down upon a field, and mighty as it is, it does nothing
but move about rocks and plants before dissipating.

"The truth- the truth is Earthe, the truth is Taint. There can be no greater
power, and as the foundation was blessed with it, the other pillars cannot hope
to ward it off for long. That is the power you wield, why should you have
doubts?"

The main pillar began to crack, foul oily substance oozed from the new crevices
and the surface of it turned to that of the Megalith of Doom. With that the mist
started to creep back, getting darker and thicker until it encased him in pitch
darkness and he felt himself falling.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Epilogue- for life is a circle.

The darkness seemed to lighten, slowly light began to creep as Reyn opened his
eyes and beheld his chambers within the guildhall. He blinked once, twice,
trying to rid himself of the black patches which swam in front of his eyes.

He shifted slightly, his gaze resting upon Aiakon's form, sitting at his chair
and inspecting a book which suspiciously resembled his journal.

Aiakon turned to look at Reyn when he noticed that his eyes opened for the
first time.

"Excellent, you are awake, and all is well, yes?"

"Yes I… think so…so tired."

The Arch-mage nodded firmly. "Aye I imagine, you've gone through quite a bit."
a hint of concern crept to his tone.

"Not at all, I mean… I remember passing out, but the things I've seen!
Arch-mage, I understand now!"

Aiakon tugged at his chin thoughtfully and said "You passed out, yes… but you
were screaming the whole while, your body was thrashing in pain"

"I… I was?"

Aiakon nodded once, curtly.

"It was worth it, the truths I have seen…I must write them down."

Aiakon cut in sharply "You will in due time. Now you are to rest, and that's an
order. Besides, we have a few matters to resolve."

"Of course, Arch-mage"

Aiakon rose from his seat and made his way towards the bed. "One matter is a
simply a delivery which was granted to me in order to pass on to you. Lord
Torak gave it to me, it is a tarot card… not that I know much of their
practices, but I do not recall ever seeing such a card."

Aiakon produced a card from one of robe's multiple inner pockets and handed it
to Reyn.

The card bore an image of a stone arch, the background was black and the arch
seemed to lead to only more darkness. Stone stairs led to the stand upon which
the arch was set. Runic carvings were etched across the arch and its stairs,
emitting an aura of power. At the bottom of the card, the name of it was
written: 'The Gate'.

Reyn examined it a while longer before facing Aiakon once more. "What of it?"

"He suggested that if that which plagues you returns, you need to consult this
card."

Reyn furrowed his brows and said "That is a vague statement."

Aiakon nodded and smiled "Aye, but I suppose you can always ask him when you
heal up."

Reyn pocketed the card and awaited.

After a short silence, Aiakon spoke once more. "I… hope you do not mind, but
I took the liberty of going over your recollections. The curiosity was gnawing
at my mind and I just wished to see your progress."

Reyn blinked in surprise but gestured for Aiakon to go on when he paused.

Aiakon narrowed his eyes and inhaled deeply before continuing "I have read your
tale; and what came prior to your entry to the portals of fate."

Reyn nodded and lowered his head "Aye… I was an Aquamancer once, but I had no
choi…"

Aiakon quickly interrupted him "No, it was hardly your fault. I was much more
intrigued by the tale of your abduction."

Reyn was puzzled by this statement "Why? What is so unique of it?"

Aiakon "I think it is unique because, I lost my son in such a raid. I knew
Vendel, I noticed he disappeared, but I was not quite sure how he was disposed
and by whom."

Reyn began to speak, opened his mouth but only silence came out before he
closed it.

"Reyn, I have reasons to believe you are my son". Aiakon smiled crookedly, an
expression not adorned frequently by the Arch-mage of the Geomancers.

Reyn closed his eyes and exhaled slowly before replying "Father?, you? Are you
certain? I mean, there is always a chance that it was a different raid and a
different child."

Aiakon nodded firmly and answered "Aye, nothing is positive as of yet, but I
intend to find out. For now just know that you did well in your test"

By the time Aiakon left the chamber, Reyn was already sleeping soundly.

Blessed oblivion took him.