Filth fit for a Bastard
3148 years 7 months and 10 days before Oliver's Death
My name is Rami and I was once a noble, though I never really had a chance to experience noble life. As I was a bastard, I lived far away with my mother, her being my father's fling.
Though once it was found out my mother was quick to flee. My generous reasoning is she knew she would be executed if she was found, and hoped they would spare the kid.
If that was the case she would be right. I laid down in my cot that I freshly knocked the bugs off.
I can't help but reminisce on the times that I vaguely remember when I had a normal bed.
Since once I was found I was sent to a rundown temple, near the edge of town.
The place where mistakes like me can be forgotten and never seen again.
I woke one morning to banging on the door, me and the ten or so other kids in this cramped room shuffled out.
Luckily I just got cleaning duty today. My personal favorite, as I could stay out of sight of all the overseeing staff.
Keeping hidden while doing your job is the best way to avoid extra work that they often put onto you, either to lower their own burden or for some power trip.
Though I did have to stay busy, if anyone saw me just hiding and not doing anything I would be given restricted rations, which is the biggest fear from the kids here for good reason. As even some of the more clever of us were barely able to scrape by.
So I went about my day cleaning the main rooms scrubbing the stone floors with a rough rag and water. I heard footsteps coming over, so I quickly scurried my way out to avoid being seen, being thought about.
I quickly shuffled into the connected room, an old dusty closet that's just used for storing old symbols and resources used at some of the rituals.
"What are we going to do about the boy?" an old slightly rough voice said with a hint of worry.
I recognized him as the head priest that ran this temple. I don't see him much as he typically stayed near the front where it is cleaner, and nicer. I wondered what in the world dragged him all the way back here.
"The young lord can't have an older sibling even if he is disowned, it would bring too much trouble. We will handle him now." Said a voice that I didn't recognize.
I felt my heart sink, that had to be me, I am the only person that has even been within the same field as a noble in this god forsaken place.
Why did this happen to me now? I imagine my brother, who I didn't even know I had, is preparing to take over the house and he wants to fix my blotch in his family history.
Though all I could do in the moment was hold my breath.
With a slight waiver in his voice, "I will go find him for you now…" said the head priest.
"Good, make it quick, my men aren't going to wait forever."
They soon left the room. I stayed in that closet frozen for a few minutes too scared to come out.
I eventually gathered my courage and opened the door to a luckily empty room. I rush down the halls that I have grown long accustomed to, though I didn't have a destination in mind.
Where could I even go? There was nowhere to go. No path, no plan, nothing but the sound of my heart pounding in my ears.
Even if I did run and they somehow didn't catch up to me I would just starve. I calmed myself down, I had to think, I had to be rational.
I made it to my room that I shared with everyone else, a place I definitely shouldn't be during working hours, but that makes it less likely they check it.
I often hear the priest complain about how long the trip into town is to resupply. They leave for at least three days going down the road in a carriage.
So the best case scenario I could see was it being one day away, but I have no idea how to ride a carriage so I couldn't steal one. And with the road being a straight way they would quickly catch me.
Out the back is the dark woods named due to the thick canopy the older kids often calling it haunted to scare anyone new, people often try to escape that way, as it is the only direction the guards wouldn't follow you, but if it is that dangerous that also explains why you never hear from them again.
I racked my brain for any even somewhat successful escape attempt. The river to the side cut through the mountains, someone was able to hide there for three days, but since it is a dead end they were eventually found and made an example of, the temple couldn't risk disobedience if it wanted to keep its prestige among the other temples. That was not a pleasant day, and I doubt I could climb that cliff's edge.
I can't hide here even now my time is running out. To the other side of the temple is the camp where the guards often hangout between duties. No way could I make it through there.
Is that truly everything, am I stuck, in this suffocating hellhole in my final moments.
I heard the storming of footsteps outside, I knew I was running out of time. If only I knew more, paid more attention, maybe I could come up with something.
Yet here I am stuck in my own ignorance, all options blocked as the issue slowly closes in.
Staying still in this room only makes the situation worse. So I decided I had to do something, anything. If I stayed, I could be caught and killed while I sat here debating what to do. At the very least I would act.
I opened the door and started making my way out, slowly moving down the long halls passing other kids, quickly shuffling by keeping my head down.
A few seemed to catch on that something wasn't right, but they either didn't have time to question it, before I had slipped away, or didn't want to in case they would get caught up into whatever mess I was clearly in.
I was almost out with just a few rooms left, but in my rush I failed to account for the challenge of the last few rooms.
With me rarely moving around so close to the entrance of the temple, much less during the day hours, that being that they are public spaces with people who either volunteer or are just passing by.
The temple preferring to keep its workers hidden, makes it seem cleaner giving better separation.
"Hey, what are you doing out here, what is your task?" a young man with nice clean white robes says, his clothing giving him an air of authority that was heavily betrayed by his face which simply showed a plain disgust.
He definitely had no idea how to handle one of the orphans and definitely didn't want to. Simply due to the fact he works up here, where most dissociate from the less fortunate that actually keep the temple running in the back of the temple hidden from most eyes.
"Um I am… I was told by the head priest to do a check up here.." I mumbled trying to think of something, yet my mind failed me.
He quickly grabbed my wrist "uh huh, sure then let's go ask him."
I tugged my arm down and slipped out, now making a break for the entrance of the temple.
I hear him yell out "Hey! What in the gods?!" as his voice strained from the slight confusion, he ran after me for a second before quickly turning around.
I assume he went to inform the guards. I run out and quickly turn to the left, my bare feet slipping in the gravel as I scramble to regain my footing and continue to bolt.
Not even thinking where I am heading, my head is too much on the fritz to do anything but take one stride to another.
Soon I heard galloping behind, I flicked my gaze back to see a guard in the typical thin metal plate armor that the temple allocated.
Quickly followed by two other men also on horseback wearing studded leather, assumedly part of the group of mercenaries sent to make me disappear.
Though of course as with everything at the time, I didn't have the full picture to my frustration.
I quickly divert off the small dirt path to the side of the temple that leads into the woods.
"No point in chasing him in there, just stay back and wait for him to come out." I heard the guard yell in the distance behind me.
As always the temple is wary of this forest, yet again for a reason I didn't know.
Though the mercenaries clearly didn't either as before the guard could protest they abandoned their steeds to properly give chase after me.
To my luck they seemed to only carry short swords as sidearms. If they were fully equipped with bows this chase would already be over.
I suppose my sudden escape did come with some benefits, as it didn't give them time to fully equip.
Though my lack of nutrition along with my general scrawny build was hindering me. As they were quickly closing ground, I stumbled down slopes through the scattered that barely fell through the thick canopy above me. Making it harder to navigate over the roots.
"Stop right there!" one of the mercenaries yelled in vain as they closed the gap between us. I continued running as fast as my adrenaline filled body could carry me.
When the sound of huffing and heavy fast footsteps along with the occasional word of frustration that was muttered, suddenly turned to the sound of screams.
When I turned around nothing in my life could have prepared me for what I saw. Terrifying creatures; something that could not have been created by gods.
Easily as tall as the trees yet thin, too thin to possibly support itself if made with organic tissue. They were lightweight and fast. Standing on three legs with sharpened tips like needles connected to a roughly spherical shape at the top, with glowing symbols carved into it and no clear eyes or mouth.
My previous pursuers were both skewered on their legs. The outer body was covered in a thin layer of dark moss now splattered with red. I could see at least two of these creatures, but considering I didn't notice them until now, there could easily be more.
I fell on my rear with a soft thud. As the beings approached, I started crawling backwards, unable to even stand up.
I trembled as I felt my last bit of hope be crushed and tears rushed to my eyes, "No no no no no, I don't want to die. This isn't fair." My voice raised as tears fully blurred my vision "This isn't fair! I did nothing wrong! Why is everything so awful to me?"
A third creature stepped into view, its movements accompanied by a long, groaning creak like an unoiled door hinge. My hope crumbled. There was no escape.
And in that moment, as the creature raised its leg to pierce me, my thoughts scattered—not to fighting, not to fleeing, but to every wasted moment of my miserable life.
If only I'd been ready. If only I'd paid attention, learned more about the world, I could've chosen a better path. I could've prepared. I could've seen this coming. I was always too tired. Too numb. I let the days slip by, staring at the ceiling, empty. Even my mother saw her own death coming. But I didn't. I didn't want to think. I didn't want to know.
The sharpened leg hovered over my chest. I felt its shadow fall across me.
And in my final, hopeless breath, all I could do was whisper the truth of my regret:
"I wish I knew more."
The leg descended with a soft mechanical whir—
—and the world vanished in a flash of light.
Though perhaps in my first stroke of luck in my entire life up to this point, I wasn't dead, or at least it didn't feel like it.
I opened my eyes, feeling the soft dirt that was below me replaced with hard smooth wood. Pain bloomed in my chest as I sat up, my hand instinctively pressing over the source. I look down to see a small gash leaking blood.
However I ended up here. I did so in just the nick of time. A singular moment later and I would have been skewered.
I try to adjust to the change of surroundings, the wooden paneled floors extended into the far distance. Looking up I saw a high raised ceiling about as high as the temple's main lobby. Bookshelves lined my sides, splitting off into different paths all around me. Everything illuminated with an orange glow seemed to be lanterns above me, though the light never seemed to flicker or fluctuate making it feel fake and dreamlike.
Dreamlike would be an accurate word to describe the whole environment. The shelves of books were just tall enough that they were just out of standing reach. I would have to climb or jump to reach the tops. They split almost acting as corridors for an ever expanding grid. In any direction I could not see the end.
All the books are lined in the same leather, the only thing telling them apart being the text on the spine.
Right in front of me there was a small clearing from the endless halls of shelves. Instead being a wooden pedestal lined with a silvery metal holding a ring. A few paces past the pedestal there was fencing made of silver with a large transparent crystal with a light blue hue that seemed to fade and intensify in a steady pulse, as wide as a building going from floor to ceiling.
As I grabbed onto my chest to try to slow the bleeding I made my way closer to the clearing.
As I got closer I got a better view of the ring. Sitting on a small square pad of leather about the size of my palm there it was. Made of what appeared to be platinum. I looked around, anxiously. With it being dotted around the edges with perfectly shaped blue gemstones exuded luxury.
A luxury that felt taboo to me. Something I would be scolded for being next to. Accused of thieving it.
But as I glanced around nervously there were no signs of life anywhere here.
Since I might bleed out here given my condition there is no harm in taking it right? I reached out, rubbing the ring between my fingers. Feeling the cold metal in my hands.
What harm could it do, if I was already dying?
As I felt the grooves that were so small there were nearly invisible to the naked eye, I wanted, just once, to feel like something in this world was mine. Even if it was only for a moment.
I placed it on my middle finger on my left hand wanting a taste of this foreign luxury. Laughing dryly to myself from the confusion and absurdity of it all.
The small dark blue gemstones that lined the ring lightly glowed, as I felt my pain fade. My wounds mending, scrapes and scabs disappearing.
Evening the aching in my muscles and the hunger in my gut that I have grown long used to fade, making way to an odd peacefulness.
With my mind finally given a moment to clear, the dreamlike wondrous state I was in faded to fear and confusion. Along with a small spark of wonder and curiosity for the place I now found myself in.
I realized now fully that I was alive and just how foreign of a place I found myself in. As I gazed at the ring now on my hand, all that could fill my head was questions.
Where am I? How did I get here? What is with this ring, and crystal, and what healed me?
As I pondered, I heard soft thuds onto the ground in the distance. Something was in here with me.
I ducked into one of the branching paths between the towering shelves. I peaked my head around the corner. Too scared to show myself, but too curious not to look.
I gazed around the corner to see what it could be, I saw a suit of armor. Something you would see a knight wear yet it lacked any detailing—a blank slate of sorts. It marched in a uniform pattern carrying a book in its hands, sliding out one book and putting the one in its hands in its place.
It then turned around and marched back to turn into one of the many unfamiliar halls in this labyrinth of a library.
I gave a sigh of relief for a breath I didn't even realize I was holding. So I am not alone here. It didn't seem to notice the ring missing thank the gods.
Maybe I should confront one? It's not like I wanted to end up here. It might be my best chance to get answers.
I think I am better off just trying to find my way out of here to be honest, before I am noticed.
I looked around corners before dashing to the ends, and repeated doing my best to remember the path I took, just trying to walk in a straight line.
Looking down the long straight corridors lined with bookshelves I couldn't see the end. I decided I needed to get a better view of what was going on.
I climb one of the bookshelves next to me, being careful to not make too much noise. I haven't seen another one of what I assumed to be guards, but I didn't want to risk it.
I made it to the top with little difficulty. As I looked up I couldn't help but to feel overwhelmed by the sight in front of me. The library extends in all directions from what appeared to be horizon to horizon. All sectioned off into distinct cubes in an ever expanding grid. I think I could see in the far distance empty shelves but it was impossible to make out.
Just where in the world was I?
I saw in the vicinity another of the armored people, though this one was standing still. I waited for it to leave as I doubt it would see me up here. Though as many minutes passed it remained motionless, not even moving to breathe.
So it had to be an empty suit, but it being in the middle of the halls doesn't make much sense, but I wasn't going to let this situation of being able to get more information go to waste. I was tired of constantly not knowing anything.
I slowly disembarked from the book shelf. Placing my feet carefully on the edges of the shelves. I made my way to the empty suit of armor.
Now close enough to make out it was still motionless, I whispered "Hello." It seemed none responsive as one would imagine.
I wave my hand in front of the helmet, before facing it myself. Seeing through the small slit in the helmet. It seemed to be empty.
There was no point in just leaving an empty suit of armor in the halls, assembly would be put up somewhere more dedicated to it like a barracks. Though there was no such place in sight.
Though the sigh of relief I gave was very short lived.
As the armor turned and began marching down the hall. I stumbled back crashing into the shelves behind me. A few books falling to the ground. Though the armor didn't seem to react, it continued its march turning down one of the various turns.
These weren't guards at all. I followed after the moving armor for some answers. I making its way to one of the less full shelves were it grabbed one of the thinner books titled 'A guide to mushrooms'
It then made its way back to the center replacing one of the books with this one. It seemed to be some kind of organization system.
I slowly made my way back to the clearing in what I imagined the center was, one of my questions answered and with quite a few new ones.
Well it's clear that the armor isn't going to give me any answers. As I walked down the halls I would occasionally pear at the titles of the various books. They seemed to be organized by some loose genre system, as all the ones near me seemed to have something to do with medicine or plants, but the exact way the near infinite amount of books was organized was still unknown along with where they come from.
I paced around the center crystal trying to gain my bearings and come to any sort of conclusion I could.
When I came across a small section of the books not covered in leather and uniform with the rest. Instead a much more distinct cloth bound them. Like something quickly hand crafted than a replication. With no titles on the spines.
I grabbed one of the more uniform books flipping through it to find this constant text, where one letter would always look the same to the next of its type, but these cloth bound books seemed to be handwritten. Filled with various diagrams, and quick jotting of ideas.
I opened one, the first page having a diagram of something I recognized. It was a rough sketch of the monsters that almost killed me before I appeared here in this library. Along with detailed diagrams of circles with various symbols I couldn't recognize. I had a tough time reading in general, but this seemed like a completely different writing system to what I was used to.
The next few pages with other diagrams showing a cross section of the beings, now clearly able to be made out to be some kind of construct. With a crystal in the middle, with various lines attaching it to the legs, though what the lines represent was unintelligible to me at the time.
It was clear to me now, whoever wrote these journals made the monsters guarding the forest. If they were capable of that I assumed they made the moving armor and possibly this whole library.
I assume the monsters were made of some kind of guard for the forest, maybe it has some part of how I appeared here in the first place.
I spent the next few hours flipping through the twelve volumes I could find in this odd handwritten style. Most being drawing, or diagrams featuring more circles with the symbols I couldn't recognize but eventually I found a small paragraph written in a style I could recognize. Under a diagram of what seemed to be an earlier version of the walking armor.
'I found giving this one a more humanoid shape easier to give it complex pathfinding. Soon I will implement them to organize my library. I am tired of coming here and having to spend nearly a day to find a book I want. But I am finding it tough to get it to be efficient at all. As without a consistent power source the magic circles quickly burn out.'
This is the first time I have gotten any kind of answer to how any of this is possible. Magic. Something I would typically quickly dismiss though with the last few hours it would be hard to do so.
A few pages later I found a sketch of a crystal with various armors around it with the word 'solution' scribbled.
I assume that is the reason why this crystal is here, and somewhat confirms that this should be the center. As most of the drawings depict it as such along with some later ones show it syncing up with the lanterns, near the end there is even the first mention of the ring I have seen, with similar looking lines which I can now assume mean some connection of magical power.
The next journal had a proper label as opposed to the last one.
Library, Construction and Functionality
Most were just more circles filled with strange symbols—maybe something to do with magic, but soon I found a couple more written notes.
'I have finished the search and retrieve function now it is just a matter of space. This is closer to creating a true living thing than I am used to. Something that can grow over time. Though with no brain or way to replicate itself, like an ever growing tree. The mana crystal I found should be powerful enough to keep it going for practically forever. I need to find a way to make all the literature more uniform rather than fully copying it. Maybe put it through some filter. Either way I am close to my goal of increasing my research speed by putting all the knowledge I can get in one place.'
It was hard to understand what he was meaning at first, but I slowly pieced together the goals as I flipped through the rest of the journal.
This library seems to make a copy of a book as soon as it is made then it is added to the shelves. I wonder if whoever made this place is still alive.
If so I doubt they would be happy to find an intruder in their precious sanctuary of knowledge.
Near the end, in entries that seemed to be written much later, as it had notes about the library being complete, and adding some kind of lock or security.
'I believe the simplest solution would be to have some constructs defend the sending point between the outside realm and the library, and just have a code phrase that activates the transport. Of course I could just activate it myself, but I rather like the idea of having a code, so if I run out of mana I could have just enough mana supplied in the circle to have it be able to take me through on itself. Could be useful if I need to run for whatever reason. It is always good to have a backup plan.'
A few pages later it has the phrase 'I wish I knew more' written down with a small fold in the page marking it.
Is this how I passed over? I assumed it was some place between life in death. I slumped down. Any hope that I was chosen or special evaporated. I was just some abandoned bastard who got lucky.
Was it really all just dumb luck that I survived, I thought. I sat down leaning my back against the book shelf. Putting my face in my hands.
Now there is only one big question I have left… what in the world was this ring, and how did it heal me.
I jumped from the journal looking for anything on the ring, some shelves slightly emptied like some books were missing, eventually finding a thin journal noting its construction.
Most I couldn't understand at all, either from it being worded too complex or being more vague diagrams. Eventually I found a passage written cleanly enough that I could understand it.
I have finished the first prototype for my newest magic item. With all the extra mana that this crystal generates, I might as well put it to use. It should now channel it to keep me in a stable state. Regenerating any damage, along with correcting any other physical anomalies. I am trying to make a newer version that can optionally work on my own mana, but am having difficulties so for now its efficiency is highly decreased when outside mana rich environments. With it keeping the body in a stable healthy state I have noted some side effects. I have lost my want for sleep, food, or water when wearing it. Along with my hair not growing I imagine it is keeping my body practically frozen in time. This only has some notable downsides, like most likely losing the ability to gain muscle with it on, but I should be able to fix all of the downsides with a second more proper version.
I placed the journal back on the shelf. My brain felt substantially rattled; it was hard to tell what was a disturbing fact or far-off myth. The idea of a simple ring stopping aging was chilling.
If this was a prototype, what exactly could the final version do?
I walked away from the shelves with the journals, wanting to clear my head. As I walked alongside the wall of books, I noticed most of the books next to me had to do with the magic I knew so little about.
I needed a more baseline understanding of what in the world magic was, if I wanted to understand anything about this place I found myself in.
So when my eyes noticed a particular book, I couldn't help but stop.
An Introduction to Making Magic Circles, by Xaiver Collin.