The fire cackled in the center of the stone chamber, flickering across the faces of young disciples sitted in a rough circle. Smoke curled towards the arched ceiling. Outside the wind rattles the shutters like distant fingers drumming on stones.
"Come closer," Master Morvain said, his voice gravelly but steady. His pale eyes scanned the circle. "Tonight, I'll tell you a history you must carry. Not a story, for amusement but history older than the kingdom or crown.
Listen, and remember."
Morvain's lips curved faintly, long ago, magic was alive in every stone, every river, every gust of wind. You could feel it, see it and even hear it if you listened closely.
He waved a hand, letting the fire light dance across his face. "Rivers shimmered like molten silver. Forest whispers in tongue long forgotten. Winds carried the current of power that could lift a man- or snap a blade into two. Mountains were not mere stones. They were pulsed with life, home to guardians older than the first stars."
"Guardians?", a girl asked, voice trembling,"like dragons".
Morvain's chuckle was low and resonant. "Yes. Dragons, Wings blotting out the sun, scales shinning like molten jewels. Their roars shook the mountains and hearts alike. But not only dragons. Elementals of air, fire, water and earth walked the lands, shaping reality with every step. Spirits of every kind danced unseen, but their presence undeniable."
A boy laughed , if magic was real... Life would have not end like this, there would have been great riches and no one would have died, there would have been no dangers,right guys. He said mockingly.
Morvain's face darkened, and the fire light caught the sorrow in his eyes. "Ah... there was dangers indeed. You see, not all who inhabit the earth are born of light. From the shadows beyond our realms came demons- creatures of hunger, malice and power. They burned cities, scattered covens of sorcerers and left despair in their wake."
The youngest boy whispered. But... were the people powerless against them?
"Powers alone were never enough", Morvain's voice dropping. "But there were those who stood. God's, The wisest mages, warriors from legendary bloodline and guardians joined forces. Battles raged across realms- flames crashed with shadows, storm met fire and even the earth trembled beneath their might."
Rivers boiled, Mountains cracked. Stars fell from the sky. Yet, amid devastation, miracle bloomed. Sorcerers summon storm to engulf hundreds of demons, dragons burn down their armies with its mighty flame.
Guardians gave their lives to hold the line.
One of the older disciples leaned back. " Did they... win?"
Morvain's gaze softened, distant. Yes, but victory was not so simple.The demons could not be destroyed. Their essence was eternal bound to the hunger of the void. Instead, they were sealed away trapped by runes and wards stronger than steel, beyond mortal reach and beyond the eyes of the gods. But along with it was true magic.
A girl from the back asked hesitantly, "Master... is the seal unbreakable?"
Morvain's eyes met theirs, solemn. "Nothing endures forever, time gnaws at even the strongest wards. Magic remembers and shadows lingers, darkness sleeps but it doesn't forgive. Even now- beyond the gates, demons patient, cunning and hungry- waiting for the day, the gates falter."